Two distinct shoe trends: Gerber wore Repetto ballet flats (co-designed by herself) to the 2026 World Cup after-party on July 19, and switched to backless Herbert Levine mules for her *The Shards* press tour on July 27.
'90s nostalgia: Both looks channel her mother Cindy Crawford's iconic '90s style — the slip dress and ballet flats at the Bieber party, and the satin sleeveless LBD with backless heels during press events.
Designer endorsements: Backless closed-toe heels appeared prominently on Spring/Summer 2026 runways at Dior, Loewe, and Stella McCartney, signaling a shift away from peep-toe pumps.
Why this matters: Gerber's style choices highlight two major footwear trends competing for dominance — the enduring ballet flat revival and the emerging backless heel trend, giving readers clear direction on what to invest in for the upcoming season.
Kaia Gerber arrived at Justin Bieber's Skylark party at The Twenty Two in New York City following the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final wearing a minimalist black slip dress with spaghetti straps and a sheer mesh panel along the bust line. She paired it with her own Repetto Kaia Ballet Flats ($440) — suede block-heel shoes she designed in collaboration with the French footwear label — and a Gucci Jackie 1961 medium shoulder bag ($3,450). The look was a direct homage to her mother Cindy Crawford, who famously wore similar LBDs with effortless ease in the 1990s.
Just days later, Gerber switched gears for her *The Shards* press tour. Styled by Emma Jade Morrison, she wore a sleeveless satin LBD with a boatneck and knee-length hem — again evoking her mother's '90s supermodel aesthetic. Notably, she swapped the ballet flats for backless Herbert Levine mules in black suede, a pointed closed-toe stiletto style that stands in stark contrast to the peep-toe pumps currently dominating summer wardrobes.
According to data compiled by Yanuki, while peep-toe pumps have been the It-shoe of summer 2026 (worn by Katie Holmes, Alexa Chung, and Monica Barbaro), backless closed-toe heels are poised to become the autumnal successor. Designers including Dior, Loewe, and Stella McCartney featured backless mules prominently in their Spring/Summer 2026 collections. Gerber's quick transition from ballet flats to backless mules within the same week underscores a key fashion truth: versatility is everything, and both trends have staying power.
What shoes did Kaia Gerber wear to the World Cup after-party?
She wore the Repetto Kaia Ballet Flats ($440), which she co-designed with Repetto. The suede block-heel flats feature a 2 cm heel and dainty bow ties at the vamp.
What shoes did Kaia Gerber wear for her The Shards press tour?
She wore backless Herbert Levine mules in black suede — pointed closed-toe stilettos that offer an anti-summer alternative to peep-toe pumps.
How much is the Gucci Jackie 1961 bag Kaia Gerber carried?
The Gucci Jackie 1961 medium shoulder bag in black grainy leather retails for $3,450 and features a gold-toned piston closure.
Are backless heels replacing peep-toe pumps?
According to runway data from Spring/Summer 2026 collections at Dior, Loewe, and Stella McCartney, backless closed-toe heels are gaining momentum as the sleek autumnal successor to peep-toe pumps.
Invest in versatile LBDs: Gerber proved the same wardrobe staple works for parties and press tours alike — just change the shoes.
Choose your shoe trend wisely: Ballet flats offer comfort and '90s nostalgia, while backless heels provide a sleek, transitional option from summer to fall.
How to prepare: If peep-toe pumps are your summer go-to, consider adding a pair of backless mules or ballet flats to ease into autumn without sacrificing style.
Who this affects most: Fashion-conscious readers looking to stay ahead of seasonal trends, and anyone building a capsule wardrobe around classic LBDs.
Which shoe trend are you leaning toward this season — ballet flats or backless heels? Let us know in the comments!
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