A Cuban grandmother unexpectedly became the center of attention in the debate about one of the season's most controversial fashion trends after appearing in a video posted on Instagram by Spanish stylist and presenter Jomari Goyso reacting to the new "barefoot sandals" from Chanel.
The trigger was the appearance of actress Margaret Qualley at the world premiere of The Dog Stars —directed by Ridley Scott— held on Thursday at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London, where she donned a black fringe dress by Chanel paired with these controversial sandals from the brand's Cruise 2027 collection.
The design, created by Matthieu Blazy, features a heel cap secured with thin straps around the ankle, leaving almost the entire foot exposed. The pieces are not yet available for sale and do not have a confirmed official price. Goyso warned that "some Chanel footwear models may come close to $2,000."
Mayra Fajardo, known on social media as @la_exxotica, is a production assistant on the show Despierta América. She quickly shared her opinion upon seeing the images: “Chanel is saving”.
Goyso tried to convince her that Qualley wasn't barefoot, but rather on a red carpet. The grandmother wouldn't budge: "I love the dress, but those shoes designed for the arch of the foot backward, no. She's going to catch germs and at any moment she'll have a fungus."
Fajardo also invoked family wisdom to support his stance: "My grandmother told me that parasites entered through the feet." The host responded with humor: "Your grandmother was mistaken, bless her soul up in heaven, but no, parasites do not enter through the feet."
Grandma went further in her diagnosis: "I see her going to the podiatrist to have her black nails taken care of because she’s going to get a fungus on her nails. Mom, you’ve already caught the parasite, so it’s too late," the Cuban woman told the actress in the video.
The video generated an avalanche of comments, most of which supported Fajardo. "Chanel is saving; nothing could be truer," wrote one follower. Another pointed out, "The Stone Age is back... Chanel revives, sees that, and dies again."
Goyso, whose full name is Josemari González Solana, is a regular figure on Univisión and a contributor to Despierta América, where he won an Emmy in 2023.
Chanel's sandals had already divided the industry since their runway debut in April 2026, with reactions ranging from admiration for their conceptual boldness to outright rejection.
Her arrival at boutiques is expected in November of this year, although Qualley became one of the first public figures to showcase them off the runway this week.
While the luxury fashion world debates whether extreme minimalism is art or absurdity, a Cuban grandmother made her position clear.
Filed under: