From Taboo to Trendsetting: How Hailey Bieber is Rewriting Footwear Rules
In a scene that could have been plucked straight from a mid-century fashion almanac, Hailey Bieber has orchestrated a masterful style comeback in Los Angeles, trading her Aspen snow boots and Manhattan power suits for something decidedly more provocative. The Rhode beauty mogul, fresh from her bi-coastal fashion tour, has sparked what might be 2025’s most talked-about footwear revival: the peep-toe heel-and-stockings combo.
Making an appearance at her latest Rhode pop-up—celebrating the launch of her coveted Sugar Cookie Peptide Lip Treatment—Bieber embodied modern sophistication in a Ferragamo spring 2025 creation that had fashion insiders swooning. The espresso-hued leather mini-dress, with its architectural silhouette and curved hem, served as the perfect canvas for what can only be described as a deliberate nod to mid-century glamour.
But it was her choice of footwear that truly commanded attention. Bieber’s strappy, laced sandals with their generous peep-toe detail, worn daringly with sheer chocolate brown stockings, sent a clear message: the ’50s are having more than just a moment. The combination, once considered a fashion faux pas, has been elegantly recontextualized for the modern era.
Post-event, the style maven was spotted at Beverly Hills hotspot Funke, accompanied by husband Justin Bieber—who maintained his signature aesthetic in oversized denim and leather. Hailey elevated her ensemble further with the addition of a sumptuous faux fur coat, creating a striking contrast between vintage allure and contemporary cool.
The renaissance of ladylike footwear has been gaining momentum in Hollywood’s inner circles. BAFTA winner Mikey Madison has been championing Ferragamo’s patent t-bar sandals, while A-listers like Zoe Saldaña and Ariana Grande have been spotted in similar silhouettes from Jimmy Choo and Khaite respectively. This revival of mid-century elegance hasn’t gone unnoticed by luxury houses either—Tory Burch, Magda Butrym, Alaïa, and Dries Van Noten have all presented their modern interpretations of the peep-toe, each adding their distinctive contemporary twist.
As we navigate the transitional weather of early 2025, Bieber’s styling choice offers a masterclass in seasonal dressing. The combination of sheer hosiery with peek-a-boo toe detail creates an alluring interplay of reveal and conceal—a subtle art that’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s often maximalist fashion landscape.
