As September sweeps in, bringing with it the relentless whirlwind of Fashion Month, the boundary between summer holidays and the demanding daily rhythm of work, school, and global commitments dissolves completely. For one of the world’s most in-demand supermodels, the transition is a high-speed blur of international travel, fittings, and high-profile events. Navigating this chaotic schedule requires a wardrobe anchored in comfort without sacrificing personal style, making footwear choices critical for surviving long days on the move.
It came as little surprise when supermodel Bella Hadid was recently spotted trading her usual rotation of sophisticated slingbacks and classic loafers for a comfortable pair of trainers. However, what caught the attention of fashion industry observers was her distinct choice of footwear. Rather than opting for the ubiquitous sneakers from major athletic giants like Nike and Adidas that typically dominate off-duty model styling, Hadid bypassed the industry standards entirely. Instead, she stepped out in an unexpected, under-the-radar pair from a sustainable footwear label that many everyday consumers are only just beginning to discover.
Sidestepping the usual sportswear behemoths, Hadid emerged on the streets wearing a pair of dark chocolate-brown and black trainers from the eco-conscious brand Vivaia. Specifically, she chose the Square-Toe Jogger Sneakerina, retailing for £147. To complete her effortlessly chic off-duty look, she paired the unique footwear with knee-grazing black socks, a classic little black dress (LBD), a sharp single-breasted jacket, and a casual baseball cap. The resulting ensemble struck a delicate balance between athletic comfort and polished, downtown tailoring, perfectly capturing her signature off-duty aesthetic.
For a relatively young label competing directly against multi-billion-dollar athletic heavyweights like Nike and Adidas, the endorsement is significant. Vivaia’s growing popularity among high-profile trendsetters—including style icons like Kelly Rutherford and Anne Hathaway alongside Hadid—highlights a broader shift in contemporary street style. While established sportswear brands continue to design trainers with a distinctly athletic, performance-driven edge, Vivaia has carved out a unique niche by blurring the stylistic lines between traditional trainers and delicate ballet flats. Many of the brand’s signature designs feature refined silhouettes, subtle satin finishes, and, in several variants, elegant ribbons replacing conventional athletic laces.
Essentially, these hybrid styles offer consumers a comfortable, supportive alternative to standard ballet flats while maintaining a much more polished finish than an average athletic trainer. The rise of these comfort-forward, hybrid silhouettes reflects an ongoing evolution in everyday footwear, where consumers increasingly demand the ergonomic benefits of activewear without compromising the elegance of traditional dress shoes.
As Fashion Month continues to unfold across the world’s major style capitals, celebrity street style remains a primary driver of micro-trends and brand discovery. By championing a lesser-known label amidst a sea of corporate sportswear sponsorships, Hadid has once again proven her influence in steering public attention toward emerging, sustainable, and design-forward alternatives in the fashion landscape.