Taraji P. Henson attended the VH1 Big In 2015 with Entertainment Weekly Awards at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, California, on November 15, 2015, wearing one of the standout runway looks of the evening: a black Alexander Wang Spring 2016 dress paired with striking Alaïa mirror-embellished sandals.
Taraji P. Henson wears her curly hair down at the VH1 Big In 2015 with Entertainment Weekly Awards at Pacific Design Center on November 15, 2015, in West Hollywood, California (Credit: FayesVision / Apega / Brian To / WENN / Nicky Nelson / Adriana M. Barraza)
The appearance captured the confident, body-conscious aesthetic that defined Alexander Wang’s mid-2010s collections, while her accessories kept the attention on the architectural cut of the dress and the statement footwear.
Henson was honored during the ceremony for her acclaimed performance as Cookie Lyon in Empire, making the event one of her most memorable red-carpet appearances from that era.
Taraji P. Henson wears a skin-baring dress from Alexander Wang on the red carpet
Henson’s fitted dress came from Alexander Wang’s Spring 2016 Ready-to-Wear collection, a season defined by sleek knit silhouettes, industrial-inspired hardware, and body-skimming construction.
Taraji P. Henson blows a kiss in a fitted black dress by Alexander Wang, which accentuated her figure and showcased her toned legs
The black design featured dramatic side cutouts connected by crisscross lacing threaded through oversized metal eyelets, creating a bold yet minimalist look that became one of the collection’s signature details.
Taraji P. Henson shows off her body in a black form-fitting Alexander Wang dress
Rather than competing with the dress, her styling remained clean and intentional.
Oversized hoop earrings, softly defined curls, smokey eyeliner, and a muted mauve lip complemented the look, while a pair of mirror-embellished Alaïa sandals introduced texture and shine without distracting from the streamlined silhouette.
Taraji P. Henson shows off a glossy red pedicure in black Alaïa mirror-embellished laser-cut suede sandals featuring circular mirrored discs and slender wraparound straps
Henson had already worn these distinctive Alaïa sandals earlier in 2015 during an Empire live-stream panel event, making them one of her most frequently photographed designer shoes that year.
Crafted from black laser-cut suede, the sandals featured circular mirror embellishments, open toes, double buckled ankle straps, a subtle 0.5-inch platform, and approximately 4.5-inch heels. The reflective discs gave the otherwise monochrome design an unmistakable jewelry-like finish that made the shoes instantly recognizable in photographs.
Taraji P. Henson’s Alaïa mirror-embellished laser-cut suede sandals feature towering 4.5-inch stiletto heels, wraparound straps, and reflective circular discs that create an elegant leg-lengthening effect
Current Availability of Taraji P. Henson’s Alaïa Mirror-Embellished Sandals
Originally retailing for $2,110, Taraji P. Henson’s Alaïa Mirror-Embellished Laser-Cut Suede Sandals have long been discontinued. Produced during Azzedine Alaïa’s tenure at the house, they are no longer available from Alaïa or other primary luxury retailers and have become sought-after collector’s pieces on the resale market.
Depending on the size, condition, colorway (including the rarer red suede version), and whether the original box and dust bag are included, resale prices typically range from about $400 to over $900. Pairs occasionally surface on trusted luxury resale platforms such as The RealReal, Vestiaire Collective, Poshmark, and curated vintage designer boutiques.
Although the mirror-embellished sandals are no longer in production, Alaïa’s footwear collection continues to evolve. As of July 2026, Farfetch carries a broad selection of current Alaïa styles, including Invisible thong sandals and wedge sandals, Drop buckle-fastening heeled sandals, Cube wedge mules, Bloom pumps and mules, Le Cœur pumps and mules, Carmine cone sandals, fishnet espadrilles, fishnet buckle-fastening sandals, mesh buckle ballet flats, and other sculptural designs that showcase the house’s signature blend of architectural silhouettes and meticulous craftsmanship.
Alaïa Mirror-Embellished Laser-Cut Suede Sandals, $2,110
More Celebrity Style Inspiration in Alaïa Sandals
Taraji P. Henson’s mirror-embellished Alaïa sandals remain one of the house’s most recognizable footwear designs, combining intricate laser-cut suede with reflective hardware that instantly catches the eye.
If you love Alaïa’s sculptural approach to shoe design, explore how other celebrities have styled the brand’s signature sandals—from the same mirrored style to equally distinctive cutout and embellished heels.
👠 Explore More Celebrity Looks in Alaïa Statement Sandals:
- 🪞 See Taraji P. Henson style the same Alaïa mirror-embellished laser-cut sandals with a black halter mini dress at an Empire panel, showing how the reflective discs and sculpted straps could transform another streamlined black look.
- ✨ Lindsay Lohan stepped out in mirrored laser-cut Alaïa heels, pairing their intricate suede cutwork with a little black dress and a colorful Moschino robe at a London party.
- ⭕ Jennifer Garner gave Alaïa’s signature circle-cut suede a daytime spin, grounding a floral midi dress with flat black sandals that carried the house’s architectural detailing into an understated off-duty outfit.
- 💎 Sofia Vergara and Lilly Becker styled Alaïa’s studded “Bombe” sandals with soft pink dresses, demonstrating how the house’s bold embellishments can bring definition to romantic, feminine silhouettes.
- 🖤 Naomi Campbell balanced Alaïa cutout sandals with polished separates, wearing the sculptural black heels with jeans, a charity T-shirt, and a Chanel jacket while promoting Fashion for Relief in London.
- 🔩 Jennifer Garner matched an Alaïa dress with studded black suede sandals featuring button-like straps, gunmetal pyramid studs, back zips, and towering 4.5-inch heels.