Tessa Thompson Fuels Saint Laurent’s Slingback Dominance at London Film Festival
Saint Laurent’s coveted slingback silhouette continues its reign on the red carpet, most recently spotted on actress Tessa Thompson at the BFI London Film Festival’s Academy Party. Thompson showcased the brand’s Loulou pumps, a striking $6,600 design, solidifying the style’s position as the accessory of the season.
The Loulou pump, characterized by its elongated point, cabochon steel toe cap, and curved gold-plated heel, exemplifies the current aesthetic direction of Saint Laurent under Anthony Vaccarello. The combination of bordeaux patent leather and gold-plated metal creates a dynamic contrast, mirroring the sharper surfaces featured in the house’s fall 2025 accessories collection.
Thompson expertly styled the statement heels with an oversized paneled leather jacket and a plaid dress, both from Saint Laurent, creating a look that blended modern sophistication with a vintage sensibility. A dark lip and sleek hairstyle completed the ensemble, echoing the shoes’ reflective metallic tones.
[Image of Tessa Thompson wearing Saint Laurent Loulou slingbacks while attending the 69th BFI London Film Festival: The Academy party at The Dorchester on Saturday in London. – GC Images]
The Loulou isn’t a standalone success; it’s part of a broader trend. Saint Laurent slingbacks are rapidly becoming a fixture on both red carpets and front rows globally. Earlier this month, Teyana Taylor debuted the Apolline pumps at Paris Fashion Week, while Madonna and Lourdes Leon opted for matching patent Vendôme pairs. Even Demi Lovato incorporated the shape into a New York look, pairing it with an archival Pierre Cardin jumpsuit, demonstrating the slingback’s versatility alongside mid-century revival styles.
[Image of Saint Laurent Loulou Patent Leather Slingback Pumps in Bordeaux and Ambre, $6,600. – Saint Laurent]
For Thompson, the choice of the gilded Loulou pumps feels particularly deliberate. Her recent appearances have consistently embraced Saint Laurent’s “disciplined glamour,” characterized by pointed toes, high polish, and structural tailoring, in support of her upcoming film “Hedda,” set to open on October 22. Her London outing firmly places her within this aesthetic lineage, showcasing Saint Laurent’s ongoing exploration of form, metal, and movement.
The enduring popularity of the slingback, as evidenced by Thompson’s latest appearance, suggests this trend is far from a fleeting moment, but rather a defining statement for the brand.
