Rupert Murdoch sparked controversy by challenging traditional fashion norms when he wore sneakers to his wedding.
Following in Joe Biden’s footsteps in slip-proof Hoka trainers, another billionaire elderly man has subverted style convention by wearing surprisingly stylish casual shoes alongside his formalwear – this time against billionaire media mogul and Australia’s most hated export, Rupert Murdoch.
Earlier this week, Murdoch made headlines again when he married his fifth wife, Elena Zhukova, in a lavish ceremony at a Tuscan-style vineyard in Bel Air, Los Angeles, but this time it wasn’t for his controversial media empire or outsized political influence. While the ceremony itself naturally attracted a lot of press, it was Murdoch’s choice of footwear that somehow stole the show.
unconventional
Traditionally, wedding suits are paired with polished leather dress shoes — oxfords or derbys — which naturally symbolize formality and sophistication, but Murdoch’s controversial choice of sneakers sparked a fierce internet debate.
Critics argue that such casual choices undermine the elegance of formalwear, but advocates welcome them as a modern, practical twist. Eugene Rabkin, editor of StyleZeitgeist, said:
“Casualisation has seeped into the formal echelons, and wearing leather shoes is almost punk for him.”
Fashion purists are quick to point out that suits and sneakers are a poor combination and go against traditional expectations of wedding attire. The essential footwear for a formal suit has always been hard-soled leather shoes, which “complete” the look and act as a social signifier that connotes politeness and good manners. GQ creative director Jim Moore highlighted the importance of this traditional choice by pointing to examples of politicians who have faced intense scrutiny for wearing casual shoes in the Oval Office:
Functionality or fashion?
Murdoch’s new wife, Elena Zhukova, a retired molecular biologist, wore a more traditional and elegant ankle-length off-white cocktail dress with matching pumps. Some fashion experts speculate that Murdoch’s choice to start from convention was due to practicality, rather than a desire to make a fashion statement. Esquire magazine creative director Nick Sullivan suggests:
“Maybe it was just common sense to add sneakers to a lawn wedding.”
The controversy over sneakers at Murdoch’s wedding highlights a broader trend in fashion: the blending of casual and formal elements. In recent years, and especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, the line between these two styles has become increasingly blurred, with sneakers now appearing in occasions that were once off-limits.
I can’t help but wonder if Murdoch’s age is a factor in her etou. At 93 years old, the media mogul is getting older and would benefit from more comfortable, supportive shoes while standing for long periods of time. This is especially true for public appearances where he undoubtedly wants to appear strong, healthy and stable. The theory is that he would be a strong match for Biden’s special sneakers mentioned above.
Not everyone is on board with the trend, fearing that the demise of formal dress codes will lead to a broader decline in decorum and respect for once-important occasions, but Murdoch’s workaround suggests that casualization has either reached its full potential or, more likely, that with enough money, you really can do anything.
It remains to be seen whether Murdoch’s footwear choice will become a new trend or remain a passing curiosity, but one thing is certain: Murdoch still knows how to get people talking.
