Kylie Jenner’s Painful Yet Glamorous Met Gala Debut: Dazzling Crystals, Bloody Feet & Aquazzura Heels

Kylie Jenner made a dazzling debut at the 2016 Met Gala, turning heads in glittering crystals—but her first experience at fashion’s biggest night wasn’t without its challenges.

Other stars who impressed on the red carpet included Kendall Jenner in a futuristic Atelier Versace gown with matching satin sandals, Kim Kardashian in a metallic Balmain dress paired with custom silver Tom Ford heels, and Ciara in a crystal-embellished H&M gown complemented by silver-toned sandals.

Kylie Jenner’s 2016 Debut: Aquazzura Sandals & Balmain Dress

Kylie Jenner wowed the crowd with her Met Gala red carpet debut in New York (Credit: Dennis Van Tine / Future Image / WENN)

It’s been said that fashion is worth suffering for, and Kylie’s bleeding leg seemed to attest to that statement. Before the incident, Kylie wowed the crowd with her Met Gala red carpet debut in New York.

Kylie Jenner at the “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology” Costume Institute Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 2, 2016 (Credit: Dennis Van Tine / Future Image / WENN)

Kylie joined the rest of her family (save for Kendall) to form a Balmain army for the night.

The 18-year-old stunned in a fully embellished sheer dress that showcased her signature daring style. To complete her all-silver look, Kylie stepped into a pair of striking Aquazzura “Linda” sandals.

Kylie Jenner displays the intricately made Balmain dress from family friend and head designer Olivier Rousteing (Credit: Dennis Van Tine / Future Image / WENN)

Kylie documented her first Met Gala on Snapchat, revealing battle wounds in the form of a scratched leg and purple feet—proof that fashion sometimes comes at a price.

Her fully embellished Balmain gown had scratched her, and her strappy Aquazzura sandals, while elongating her 5ft 6in (167.6 cm) frame with their sky-high heels, contributed to the discomfort. Still, Kylie insisted it was all worth it.

“When your dress made you bleed and your feet are purple,” she captioned a photo of her scratches and bruises. “It was worth it, though,” Kylie added.

Jenner Sisters’ Iconic Met Gala Moments and Shoe Highlights

Over the years, Kendall and Kylie Jenner have consistently turned heads at the Met Gala, bringing their unique fashion flair to the red carpet. Here’s a look at some of their most memorable appearances and the standout footwear that completed their ensembles:

Kylie Jenner’s 2017 Sheer Versace Gown and Stuart Weitzman Sandals

• Event: 2017 Met Gala – “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between”
• Outfit: Kylie embraced a daring look with a sheer, embellished Versace gown adorned with beads, floral details, and fringe.
• Footwear: She completed her ensemble with gold Stuart Weitzman “Nudist” sandals, adding a touch of elegance to her bold attire.
• Read more: Kylie Jenner Breaks Met Rules in Sheer Versace Gown and Stuart Weitzman ‘Nudist’ Sandals

Kendall Jenner’s 2022 Prada Ensemble with Bleached Eyebrows

• Event: 2022 Met Gala – “In America: An Anthology of Fashion”
• Outfit: Kendall made a bold statement in a custom black Prada ball gown featuring a sheer fishnet tank top and a voluminous skirt, complemented by bleached eyebrows.
• Footwear: While her shoes were mostly concealed, the ensemble was completed with footwear that matched the avant-garde aesthetic.
• Read more: Kendall Jenner’s Boldest Met Gala Look Yet: Sheer, Bra-Free, and Bleached Eyebrows

Kylie Jenner’s 2023 Jean Paul Gaultier Red Gown

• Event: 2023 Met Gala – “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty”
• Outfit: Kylie turned heads in a vibrant red Jean Paul Gaultier gown with an asymmetrical neckline and thigh-high slit.
• Footwear: She paired the dress with chic red d’Orsay pumps, adding a cohesive touch to her fiery look.
• Read more: Kylie Jenner Sizzles in Red Hot Jean Paul Gaultier Dress at 2023 Met Gala

Kendall Jenner’s 2024 Vintage Givenchy Gown

• Event: 2024 Met Gala – “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion”
• Outfit: Kendall made history in a never-before-worn Givenchy couture gown from Alexander McQueen’s 1999 collection, adorned with over 100,000 hand-embroidered beads and sequins.
• Footwear: She paired the look with understated heels that subtly echoed the gown’s sculptural, vintage aesthetic.

Kendall Jenner turned heads at the 2024 Met Gala in a never-before-worn Givenchy couture gown from Alexander McQueen’s 1999 collection, dazzling in over 100,000 hand-embroidered beads and sequins paired with heels that echoed the gown’s sculptural vintage elegance (Credit: Michael Stewart / INSTARimages)

Kylie Jenner’s 2024 Oscar de la Renta Gown

• Event: 2024 Met Gala – “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion”
• Outfit: Kylie showcased elegance in a rosewater-hued Oscar de la Renta gown inspired by garden statues, featuring a cone-style bra and a dramatic trumpet skirt.
• Footwear: She paired the gown with matching satin pumps, enhancing the sculptural silhouette.

Kylie Jenner channels Old Hollywood glamour at the 2024 Met Gala in a custom Oscar de la Renta gown and sleek pointed-toe slingback pumps in a matching cream hue (Credit: Michael Stewart / INSTARimages)

Kylie Jenner’s 2025 Ferragamo Pumps & Sheer-Corseted Gown

• Event: 2025 Met Gala – “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”
• Outfit: Kylie embraced the theme with a sheer-corseted gown that highlighted her figure, exuding modern elegance.
• Footwear: She completed her look with classic Ferragamo pumps, adding a touch of sophistication to her ensemble.
• Read more: Trending Shoes at the 2025 Met Gala: Rihanna, Zoe Saldana, Demi Moore & More Red Carpet Standouts

These appearances highlight the Jenner sisters’ evolving fashion choices and ability to make a statement with their attire and footwear at the Met Gala.

How Celebrities Styled the Aquazzura “Linda” Sandals Kylie Jenner Wore

Editor’s note: The Aquazzura “Linda” Metallic Leather Sandals Kylie wore are now sold out. However, you can explore newer Aquazzura styles at Mytheresa. For more style inspiration, check out how other celebrities have styled the Aquazzura “Linda” sandals:

• Jennifer Lawrence at the ‘Mockingjay Part 1’ premiere
• Eva Longoria’s elegant look
• Sienna Miller at the BFI London Film Festival

Aquazzura “Linda” Metallic Leather Sandals, $675