Did The Oscars Really Just Make Gold Crocs A Thing?

There's no doubt that the past year has been a triumph for casual fashion. I'm not just talking about rises in sales of leggings and comfortable clothes – even vice president Kamala Harris was photographed for the cover ofVoguein Converse. And with most awards ceremonies happening virtually, there's been a distinct lack of red carpet glamour. While this year's Academy Awards was bound to be a bit different, at least the Oscars brought back the joy of dressing up, then, with the likes of Zendaya, Carey Mulligan, Regina King and Andra Day leading the charge. But wait, what's this? Crocs? At the Oscars?

Oh yes, the internet is ablaze with talk of Questlove's choice of shoes. As the musical director of the Oscars this year, Questlove had a very important job to do. And was he going to let uncomfortable footwear stand in his way? No, he was certainly not.

Instead, the musician chose a pair of – brace yourself – gold. Crocs. Gold. Crocs! Like Naomi Campbell, I have never been a fan of these porous shoes but there's just something about Questlove's choice that feels so... right?

Having spent the past year in our slippers, trainers and just about anything that has allowed us to maintain maximum comfort as we worry our way through a global pandemic, can any of us really face heels, after all? Even smart, more restrictive shoes feel alien at this point, heel or not.

Questlove isn't the first to don divisive shoes for the Oscars, either. Frances McDormand wore a pair of bright yellow Birkenstocks to 2019's ceremony, part of the brand's collaboration with Valentino. And even this year, Chloé Zhao, the second woman ever to win Best Director, teamed her Hermes dress with white trainers.

So, let's be honest, among the full list of Oscar winners for 2021, there was really one triumphant party at the event: Questlove's feet.