Sorry Alaïa, 2025 Has A Brand New Ballet Pump In Its Sights Which Is Already Alexa-Approved

In 2024, Alaïa's crystal-studded ballet pumps became so popular, it was difficult to walk down a street without spotting a pair – either the originals or one of the many, many copies produced by the high street. They were, of course, ripe for copying, given their distinctive shape and embellishment but total lack of logo. They sold out consistently, they were the subject of millions of Google searches and they were named by Lyst as one of the most popular products of the year. It would take a strong opponent to usurp Alaïa's top spot, then, as purveyor of the world's most in-demand ballet pumps. Could Gucci be that opponent?

So far, the odds are in Gucci's favour. First seen in creative director Sabato De Sarno's first Cruise collection for the Italian fashion house, Gucci's Horsebit ballet flats are shaping up to be to 2025 what Alaïa's pumps were to 2024. The evidence can be seen in the form of a handful of influential dressers, all of whom have been wearing their Gucci flats over the last few weeks. And this is despite the fact that we're in the midst of winter, not traditionally the season of the ballet pump.

Daisy Edgar-Jones was the first to wear the pumps to witness De Sarno's spring/summer 2025 offering in Milan back in September. As a Gucci ambassador, it's hardly surprising she chose the shoes to wear with her crochet co-ord, but it appears she has them in every colour, as she was then spotted in the black pair in December which she wore with a tailored jacket and jeans. One stylish actor does not make a trend, however, which is why you'll be eager to know that Alexa Chung, too, has invested in the black Horsebit flats.

Making use of Gucci's famous horsebit detail, these ballet flats have a square toe and are available in a range of finishes, including soft pink satin for those still keen on going full balletcore. Otherwise, you can opt for a pair decorated with Gucci's monogram, featuring a single Mary-Jane strap, or follow in Daisy and Alexa's footsteps with the multi-strap black pair.

Super-stylist Julia Sarr-Jamois also owns a pair, so I'd hazard a guess that, before long, these flats will be as difficult to procure as a ticket to the Met Gala. Or, you know, a pair of Alaïa flats in 2024. I'd also think it a fair assumption that you'll soon see a crop of high street homages to this shoe. So, get in there first. Then you can say you were one of 2025's leading trend-setters.

Shop: Gucci's Horsebit Ballet Flats

Hannah Banks-Walker is Grazia's head of fashion commerce. She has previously written for the likes of Harper's Bazaar, The Financial Times, Glamour, Stylist, The Telegraph, Red, i-D and The Pool on everything from fashion to curly hair (hi!) to the patriarchy. Not necessarily in that order. Find her on Instagram and Twitter. But please don't look for her MySpace profile, which until now was the last time she wrote about herself in the third person.