On January 17, 2026, at a high-profile Saturday Night Live after-party in New York City, music and fashion icons Rihanna and Sabrina Carpenter caught the public’s attention with their bold and striking footwear choices. Both celebrities opted for ultra-high heels, a dramatic departure from the recent trend of low kitten heels, signaling a potential shift in footwear styles for the upcoming year. Their selections not only stood out but also hinted at an emerging trend in the fashion world—one where bold, towering heels could make a significant comeback.
Rihanna, always known for her daring style choices, paired her ensemble with 3.5-inch Loewe boots, giving her outfit an elevated, statement-making edge. Meanwhile, Sabrina Carpenter embraced even more dramatic footwear with towering Christian Louboutin platform heels, showcasing her own unique sense of style and confidence. These elevated shoes, with their sculptural designs and attention-grabbing silhouettes, immediately drew attention on the red carpet and onlookers, suggesting that higher heels—once considered a daring statement—might become the norm in upcoming fashion seasons.
Fashion experts and analysts quickly took note of these footwear choices, interpreting them as early indicators of what could become a dominant trend for 2026. In recent years, low-heeled kitten shoes have dominated the mainstream, offering practicality and comfort, but these bold heel choices from Rihanna and Carpenter suggest a potential shift back to more dramatic footwear options. The message was clear: style in 2026 might embrace elevated heights and expressive designs rather than the understated, minimalist trends that have been prevalent in recent times.
As celebrities continue to influence fashion trends, it’s likely that these statement heels will inspire designers to incorporate more towering and sculptural shoe designs into their upcoming collections. With Rihanna and Carpenter leading the way, we may be witnessing the beginning of a new era in footwear, where high heels reclaim their place as a bold fashion statement, not just a functional accessory. This shift could pave the way for more striking, elevated silhouettes to dominate wardrobes, influencing how the public approaches footwear for the rest of the year.
As the fashion world eagerly anticipates what’s next, it’s clear that 2026 may see a return to more expressive, high-heeled designs that make a statement both on and off the runway. Rihanna and Sabrina Carpenter’s choices at the SNL after-party may well be the first sign of a larger trend shaping the year’s fashion landscape.
