Back in January 2016, while Tom Hanks was absent from the festivities, “I Really Like You” singer Carly Rae Jepsen stepped onto the red carpet at the 42nd Annual People’s Choice Awards in Los Angeles—joining her Grease: Live co-stars Vanessa Hudgens, Keke Palmer, Julianne Hough, and Kether Donohue—and delivered one of her edgiest looks to date.
Carly Rae Jepsen debuts jet-black hair at the 2016 People’s Choice Awards at Microsoft Theater on January 6, 2016, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: FayesVision / Brian To / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Other Must-See Footwear Moments from the 2016 PCAs
At the People’s Choice Awards, the girls looked fierce in their black and silver ensembles as they took to the stage to present the award for Favorite Album to Meghan Trainor.
While Carly Rae Jepsen stunned in Caovilla, the red carpet showcased a diverse range of footwear. Kaley Cuoco broke all the rules, pairing her shimmering sequined mini dress with highly unexpected Dior “Fusion” sneakers, blending high glam with audacious comfort.
Embracing gothic romance, Lucy Hale complemented her lace-up Self-Portrait gown with edgy black calf hair Brian Atwood “Besame” pumps. Meanwhile, Christina Milian added a touch of decadent luxury to her violet gown with rich velvet Tom Ford heels, proving the power of color and texture in a statement shoe.
The Pink Ladies of “Grease: Live” wear matching black-and-silver ensembles at the People’s Choice Awards
A Vampy Leather Minidress and Cutout Details Define Carly Rae Jepsen’s Red-Carpet Moment
Carly, who plays Francesca “Frenchy” Facciano in the musical special, flashed some flesh in a vampy black leather minidress. She showed off her back, legs, and a glimpse of cleavage in the frock, which featured a keyhole cutout and a halter neck.
Carly Rae Jepsen makes a bold entrance in a black leather halter mini dress paired with sparkling Rene Caovilla pumps at the 2016 People’s Choice Awards
The Viral “I Really Like You” Moment Behind Carly’s Awards-Season Spotlight
Carly Rae Jepsen’s 2015 “I Really Like You” video—made unforgettable by Tom Hanks’ surprise cameo—had sparked fan speculation about whether he might appear with her during the following awards season. While he didn’t attend the 2016 People’s Choice Awards, the video’s viral charm continued to fuel the pop star’s momentum as she hit the red carpet.
Hanks’ cameo, which Jepsen later said he volunteered for after hearing the concept, helped cement the video as a standout of her mid-2010s era—along with the brief finale appearances from Justin Bieber, Rudy Mancuso, and King Bach.
Carly Rae Jepsen Completes the Look With Sleek Black Accessories and Embellished Pumps
The Canadian singer styled the frock with black accessories, including earrings, a dark clutch, and showed off her feet in embellished pumps.
Jepsen shows off the edgy keyhole neckline and sleek backless silhouette of her leather dress while posing playfully on the red carpet
She played up the gothic vibe by wearing her short, jet black hair down with bangs. Her chosen hairstyle framed her face, which featured heavy eye makeup and neutral-colored lipstick.
The singer highlights the glossy, body-hugging finish of her mini dress and her glittering accessories in a series of red-carpet poses
René Caovilla’s Crystal Pumps Bring High-Glam Sparkle to Carly’s Look
Carly added a dose of sparkle to her look with crystal-embellished pumps by René Caovilla, the famed Italian designer celebrated for transforming evening shoes into true works of art.
Known for couture-level craftsmanship and intricate embellishment, Caovilla’s creations—such as the suede pointed-toe pair she wore, set on sleek 4.5-inch heels—reflect a family legacy of luxury shoemaking dating back to the 1920s and perfected through collaborations with houses such as Valentino, Dior, and Chanel.
A close-up look at Jepsen’s Rene Caovilla pumps reveals the crystal-studded pointed toe and velvety black upper
More Diva-Worthy Shoe Moments From Carly & Caovilla
After spotlighting Carly’s gothic-glam leather dress and her dazzling René Caovilla heels, we’re taking you further into the world of high-impact footwear—from her own pop-star shoe archive to Caovilla’s Venetian masterpieces.
✨ Diva Footwear: Carly Rae Jepsen & René Caovilla on Your Next Shoes
- 💃 Carly Rae Jepsen’s Pop-Star Style:
- 🎶 Her 2023 Good Morning America performance featured metallic pink leather platform sandals and a sequined green jumpsuit.
- 🦋 Performing Emotion at JetBlue’s T5 in a bright yellow outfit paired with colorful Zara butterfly-printed pumps.
- 📏 A deep dive into the 5’2″ singer’s height and how she uses high heels from brands like Aldo and Rene Caovilla to boost her petite frame.
- 💋 Promoting “Run Away With Me” in London, where she paired an all-black outfit with standout pink Jerome C. Rousseau pumps.
- 🐍 René Caovilla’s Venetian Glamour:
- 💎 The Epitome of Venetian Luxury: An overview of the brand’s history, its “Made in Venice” ethos, and the iconic Cleo spiral sandal.
- 🎬 Gal Gadot’s Red Carpet Moment in a blue Elie Saab gown, perfectly complemented by the brand’s signature crystal ‘Snake’ sandals.
- 👢 Lucy Hale’s Chic Denim Look is elevated by black René Caovilla boots featuring ornate, jewel-covered heels.
- ✨ Jordana Brewster’s Mid-2010s Glam featuring a sculptural Vionnet jumpsuit and sparkling René Caovilla crystal mesh pumps.
The pumps’ shimmering crystal-coated sides and slim stiletto heel add a dramatic, high-glam finish to Jepsen’s all-black look