Ashley Graham's 2026 style diary has served as a masterclass in footwear-led storytelling. Throughout the year, the model and author has utilized bold heel choices to navigate everything from high-fashion Paris runways to New York's most prestigious tennis finals.
The resurgence of tiger prints and the rise of the black-tie mule
The return of maximalist animal patterns is a clear theme in Graham's recent wardrobe selections. According to a report from FN, she leaned into a black-and-orange color palette during the Variety 2026 Entertainment Marketing Summit at The Beverly Hilton by wearing tiger stripe d’Orsay pumps with a square toe. She later revisited this motif on September 12, 2026, at the US Open Women’s Tennis Final in New York, where she opted for tiger stripe sandals featuring a wide criss-cross strap vamp.
Beyond animal prints, Graham has also been instrumental in proving that the mule is a viable option for formal settings. At the wedding celebrations for chef Mario Carbone and publicist Cait Bailey in New York on September 13, 2026, she paired glossy peep-toe mules with a full-length black halter top gown.. This styling choice suggests that the mule, often seen as a casual silhouette, can successfully transition into black-tie territory.
From Isabel Marant's Paris sequins to Gianvito Rossi's metallics
High-fashion moments in 2026 have seen Graham embrace heavy textures and shimmering finishes. During Paris Fashion Week at the Palais de Tokyo on March 5, 2026, she attended an Isabel Marant show wearing gold Pafya sequin pumps to complement a leather jacket and a skirt with a thigh-high slit. For more intimate settings, such as date nights with her husband, director Justin Ervin, she has opted for a more classic glamour, specifically utilizing Gianvito Rossi’s metallic Manhattan sandals.
These Gianvito Rossi sandals, which feature a thin crossover strap and an adjustable slingback, highlight a shift toward sophisticated, wearable luxury for evening events. This balance between the avant-garde and the timeless seems to be a cornerstone of her 2026 aesthetic.
The mystery of the Chanel-inspired suede slingbacks
While many of Graham's footwear choices are clearly identified, some of her most striking looks leave fashion enthusiasts with questions. As reported by WWD, the model was seen wearing what appeared to be Chanel Suede Lambskin & Lambskin Cap-Toe Slingback pumps. These shoes featured a distinctive brown suede body contrasted by a white cap-toe.
Because the source does not explicitly confirm the brand, it remains an open question whether these were authentic Chanel pieces or a high-end alternative. This ambiguity is common in celebrity fashion, where the line between custtom pieces and recognizable luxury labels often blurs in the eyes of the public.
Why Charles & Keith and Kallmeyer are staples in Graham's rotation
Graham's footwear strategy also includes a mix of accessible luxury and custom-designed elements.. On October 18, 2026, in Los Angeles , she stepped out in satin-pleated slingback court shoes from Charles & Keith in a deep burgundy shade. This choice demonstrates her ability to blend high-street accessibility with high-fashion impact.
She has also leaned into bespoke silhouettes, such as her appearance in a custom black Kallmeyer Official gown. To complete that look, she chose glossy black illusion mules that featured a V-shaped vamp and a discreet, clear slingback strap. By mixing brands like Kallmeyer with more widely available labels, Graham maintains a wardrobe that feels both aspirational and strategically curated.
Comments 0