On October 23, 2015, at the GLSEN Respect Awards in Los Angeles, Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake delivered a red-carpet moment that balanced advocacy, polish, and intentional styling—proof that even purpose-driven appearances can leave a lasting fashion footprint.
Jessica Biel keeps her beauty look soft and polished, wearing her hair in loose waves that balance the dramatic neckline of her black Balmain dress at the 2015 GLSEN Respect Awards on October 23, 2015, at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles (Credit: Apega / Brian To / WENN)
While the couple was honored with GLSEN’s Inspiration Award for their commitment to LGBTQ+ youth, Biel’s look stood out for its precision: a sculptural black Balmain dress from the Resort 2016 collection, sharpened and grounded by statement pumps that quietly carried much of the visual impact.
Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel pose together on the red carpet, coordinating sleek black eveningwear with contrasting textures and silhouettes
In a silhouette defined by dramatic ruffles, cutout detailing, and Gothic-leaning structure, her footwear choice did the essential work of anchoring the look—adding contrast, height, and refinement without competing for attention.
Jessica Biel stands solo on the carpet, letting the ruffled tiers and corset-style detailing of her Balmain dress take center stage
Finished with Anita Ko jewelry and two-tone black-and-purple Balmain pumps, the ensemble remains a strong example of how thoughtful heels can elevate a complex dress, ensuring the look still reads as deliberate and relevant years later.
A closer view highlights the intricate lattice corsetry and flowing ruffles that define the sculptural construction of Biel’s dress
Jessica’s pumps are from Balmain’s Fall 2015 Ready-to-Wear collection, designed by Olivier Rousteing at the height of the house’s high-glam, high-impact era.
Full-length styling reveals how the short hemline and layered sleeves are sharpened by pointed-toe heels and ankle-strap detailing
Crafted in black velvet with rich purple leather trims at the vamps and heel counters, the pointed-toe pumps feature buckled ankle straps with metal hardware and towering 4.5-inch metal heels—details that echo the season’s celebration of 1970s and 80s Parisian glamour, jewel-toned excess, and the unapologetic confidence of the “Balmain Army.”
Grounded in regal fabrics like velvet and defined by bold contrast and structure, the shoes translate the collection’s runway energy into a wearable statement—refined, dramatic, and unmistakably of its moment.
A close-up of the footwear showcases the black velvet pumps with purple leather panels, slim ankle straps, and towering metal heels against the red carpet
More Jessica Biel & Balmain Shoe Moments to Explore
From red-carpet statement pumps to off-duty designer flats, Jessica Biel’s footwear choices consistently show how the right shoes can define an entire look—whether she’s embracing high-glam Balmain or pared-back street style. If you’d like to explore how she (and other style icons) continue to use heels, boots, and flats as the foundation of memorable fashion moments, the curated features below offer a deeper dive.
👠 Curated Shoe & Fashion Features from YourNextShoes.com:
- ⭐ Jessica Biel’s Shoe Evolution: From Chainsaw Boots to Louboutin “So Kate” Pumps — a deep look at how Biel’s footwear has shaped her red-carpet style.
- 📸 Jessica Biel Channels Y2K Power Dressing in Michael Kors Boots — Biel revisits Y2K fashion with statement boots at a recent premiere.
- 📐 Jessica Biel’s Height and Heels: How She Styles 5 ft 6¾″ With Stunning Footwear — an evergreen guide to how Biel uses heels to elevate her wardrobe.
- 👡 Jessica Biel’s Casual Chic with Jimmy Choo Flats — how Biel pairs designer flats with everyday looks.
- 🖤 Pierre Balmain: The French Fashion King Rivalling Chanel — context on Balmain’s fashion and footwear legacy.
- 👢 Kate Hudson Flaunts Casadei Platforms in a Denim Balmain Dress — a classic Balmain-centric fashion moment with standout shoes.