Demi Lovato Channels Retro Futurism in Black Patent Slingbacks

Demi Lovato leaned into retro-futurism on Tuesday in New York, styling a Pierre Cardin archival jumpsuit with black patent slingback stilettos. The pairing nodded to Cardin’s 1960s vision of space-age dressing — sharp, architectural and decades ahead of its time — while also placing Lovato in the middle of fashion’s current slingback revival.

Her footwear featured a razor-sharp pointed toe and cut-down vamp, secured with a thin strap at the heel. The stiletto, appearing to measure approximately four inches, created a steep incline that emphasized the silhouette’s streamlined cut. Similar interpretations are found across luxury houses: Casadei, with its Blade slingbacks; Gianvito Rossi, whose minimalist stilettos have become celebrity staples; and Saint Laurent, which continues to iterate the Dune and Vendome slingback shapes.

Lovato styled the shoes with Cardin’s brown ribbed mock-neck jumpsuit from autumn 1969. The close-fit silhouette, cinched at the waist with a glossy wide belt, epitomizes the designer’s midcentury futurism — a look equal parts space age “Jetsons” and couture modernism. Oversized black sunglasses completed the ensemble, which was curated by stylist Chris Horan.

The black slingback pump has become a favored alternative to closed stilettos this season. Reese Witherspoon paired glossy versions with a navy skirt suit during her “The Morning Show” press run, while Brooks Nader resurfaced Saint Laurent’s rare Casanova slingbacks at the Daily Media Awards. Alix Earle offset a white Tom Ford minidress with a pointed style at the MTV VMAs, and Michelle Williams, Kim Kardashian, Amal Clooney and Barbara Palvin have each turned to patent slingbacks in recent weeks.

For Lovato, the slingback heels follow a series of high-profile footwear choices tied to her new album era. Last month, she was spotted in Gianvito Rossi’s translucent Metropolis sandals for the “Fast” music video. Days later, she wore Saint Laurent’s Babylone Breteuil slingback pumps with a Norma Kamali bodysuit and wide-leg denim. The rotation has also included Acne Studios boots for fan events and stage-ready Y2K denim at MetLife Stadium during a surprise performance with the Jonas Brothers.

Her latest stop, “Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen,” is one of several appearances leading up to the Oct. 24 release of “It’s Not That Deep,” Lovato’s ninth studio album.