Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) — Renowned British artist David Hockney is known for his bold and expressive use of color in his paintings.
Therefore, it was only right that he made a bold statement when he was invited to the Order of Merit luncheon at Buckingham Palace in Britain.
While some guests donned their finest shoes for the annual event hosted by King Charles, the 85-year-old painter and designer defied expectations by donning a pair of bright yellow Crocs.
Hockney, who is known for balancing smart suits with trainers, completed his look with yellow glasses, a patterned suit, and a checkerboard tie.
His choice provided a splash of color in a sea of black looks at the annual event, and he was even welcomed by the King, who raved, “Beautifully chosen.”
Hockney was among the recipients of the prestigious Order of Merit invited by King Charles to an annual luncheon at Buckingham Palace.
Guests also included TV presenter David Attenborough, TV actress and children’s icon Flüella Benjamin, playwright and screenwriter Tom Stoppard and Ghanaian-British architect David Adjaye.
King Edward VII established the Order of Merit on 23 June 1902 to reward those who have rendered “exceptionally meritorious service for the advancement of the arts, learning, letters, and science”.
King Charles chose a formal look for this occasion, with an elegant dark blue suit, a pink tie with diamond patterns, and a pair of “Oxford” shoes.
And with Crocs backed by celebrities like Justin Bieber and Post Malone, the brand once beloved by surgeons and retirees has managed to reinvent itself as an icon of comfort in footwear.