Katy Perry’s Controversial Shoe Designs: Inside the Face-Heel Collection That Sparked a Fashion Reckoning

Since its 2017 debut in partnership with Global Brands Group, Katy Perry’s footwear line has been known for its whimsical and surrealist aesthetic.

However, the brand faced a significant turning point in February 2019 when two specific designs—the Ora Face block-heel sandal and the Rue Face slip-on loafer—sparked intense public debate.

Critics and social media users identified the designs as featuring imagery reminiscent of blackface, leading to the immediate removal of the styles from major retailers.

Roar hitmaker Katy Perry partnered with Global Brands Group to launch an exclusive shoe collection, which includes sandals, trainers, stilettos, and pumps (Credit: WENN)

As of early 2026, Katy Perry Collections is entering a more self-defined chapter. After nearly a decade in fashion, the footwear label has emerged as a fully independent brand, now owned and operated by Perry herself following the 2021 bankruptcy of former partner Global Brands Group.

Available through its official site, Amazon, and select global retailers, the brand’s current footing reflects a more established identity than at launch, while the 2019 controversy remains a frequently cited reminder of the delicate balance between avant-garde design and cultural awareness in fashion.

The black version of the Rue Face loafer displays the Katy Perry brand logo on the insole alongside the face-inspired design elements

This black Rue Face loafer profile highlights the high-contrast surrealist facial features that led to public controversy

The profile of the nude Rue Face slip-on showcases the three-dimensional protruding nose and lip elements against the light leather

A top-down view of the Rue Face loafer in nude features a structured design with stylized gold-toned eyes and prominent red lips

Both shoes include the same protruding eyes, nose, and full red lips. They were “envisioned as a nod to modern art and surrealism,” according to the joint statement.

The black iterations of these designs drew comparisons to blackface, a form of theatrical make-up used predominantly by non-black performers to represent a caricature of a black person.

Gaining popularity during the 19th century, the practice contributed to the spread of racial stereotypes such as the “happy-go-lucky darky on the plantation” or the “dandified coon”.

The gold Ora Face block-heel sandal incorporates the collection’s signature facial features across its metallic T-strap design

These black Ora Face sandals feature a block heel and the controversial facial motifs positioned over the open-toe straps

Katy Perry swiftly issued an apology, saying, “The Rue and the Ora were part of a collection that was released last summer in nine different colorways (black, blue, gold, graphite, lead, nude, pink, red, silver), and I envisioned [them] as a nod to modern art and surrealism. I was saddened when it was brought to my attention that it was being compared to painful images reminiscent of blackface. Our intention was never to inflict any pain.”

Of course, Katy Perry’s footwear brand isn’t the only label accused of producing offensive products. Just weeks earlier, Gucci pulled a “Balaclava knit top” that some considered to be racist.

Prada apologized for monkey-like figures with black faces and large red lips. The Italian luxury fashion house also pledged to withdraw some of its products.

More Katy Perry Shoe Moments Worth Exploring

From avant-garde design experiments to bold red-carpet heels and off-duty boots, Katy Perry’s footwear choices have consistently pushed the boundaries of pop-star style.

For a broader look at how she continues to use shoes as an extension of her fashion identity, explore more of her most memorable footwear moments below.