In a throwback to her reign of red-carpet glamour, Salma Hayek channeled her on-screen royalty from Tale of Tales while attending the film’s London premiere back in June 2016.
Portraying the Queen of Longtrellis in Matteo Garrone’s visually rich fantasy-horror film (released in the U.K. that July), the then-49-year-old actress looked every bit the modern monarch as she graced the red carpet alongside her real-life king—husband and Kering CEO François-Henri Pinault.
Salma Hayek poses with husband François-Henri Pinault at the Tale of Tales London premiere, exuding regal elegance in embroidered Gucci and sky-high platforms at the Curzon Mayfair in London on June 1, 2016 (Credit: WENN)
Instead of wearing her typical cleavage-baring red carpet style, the mother-of-one decided to cover up her curves in a medieval-inspired dress from Gucci’s Fall 2016 collection.
Striking a confident stance on the red carpet, Hayek showcases the medieval-inspired detailing of her Gucci Fall 2016 dress
The frock exuded a vintage charm with its floral jacquard design, pearl embellishments, and pleated trims. At the same time, the quirky crystal insignia and flame-embroidered long sleeves added a fun and whimsical vibe to the look.
Close-up shots reveal the intricate pearl embellishments and flame-embroidered sleeves that elevate her opulent look
I’m not really a fan of the dress, but the “Desperado” star certainly looked positively regal.
Hayek waves to photographers, highlighting her flawless glam and the ornate jeweled accents across her neckline
She kept her accessories simple, with only a pair of diamond earrings and a statement ring. Her black tresses were styled in a half-up, half-down look, while her makeup was gorgeous, featuring subtle smoky eyeshadow and a slick of bright red lipstick.
The actress turns to display the dress’s structure and texture, balanced by her towering Gucci Angel platform heels
Salma Hayek Elevates Her Look With Gucci’s Iconic “Angel” Platform Pumps
While Salma Hayek’s medieval-inspired Gucci gown channeled old-world opulence, her shoes added a dose of bold, modern glamour. She finished the look with a pair of Gucci “Angel” platform pumps, a standout design from Alessandro Michele’s now-iconic era at the Italian fashion house.
The Angels are instantly recognizable for their dramatic proportions — soaring six-inch heels balanced by substantial two-and-a-half-inch stacked platforms. This exaggerated structure gave wearers striking height while maintaining a surprising level of stability. Their retro silhouette, featuring rounded toes, T-straps, and adjustable ankle buckles, drew clear inspiration from the statement platforms of the 1970s and 1990s, reimagined through Michele’s eclectic and romantic lens.
Crafted in glossy black leather, Hayek’s pair was adorned with Gucci’s signature feline head motif across the vamp — a symbol that became central to the brand’s storytelling during Michele’s tenure. The style was also produced in a range of bold variations, from jewel-toned metallics to color-blocked leathers, reflecting the maximalist aesthetic that defined Gucci’s creative resurgence in the mid-2010s.
A detailed look at Hayek’s black leather Gucci Angel pumps, featuring feline head ornaments on the vamps
More than just a pair of shoes, the “Angel” platforms captured a pivotal moment in fashion history. They embodied the audacious, vintage-meets-modern spirit that made Michele’s Gucci era a cultural phenomenon — one that celebrated individuality, romance, and unrestrained creativity.
Beloved by celebrities like Drew Barrymore, Chloë Grace Moretz, Natasha Lyonne, and Hayek herself, the Angels became a true red-carpet and street-style staple, perfectly balancing power, nostalgia, and unapologetic drama.
👠 Explore Gucci “Angel” Platform Moments on Your Next Shoes
Looking to explore how celebrities embraced Alessandro Michele’s maximalist-era heel? Here are confirmed live YNS features showcasing the collectible Gucci “Angel” platform pumps in red carpet, street-style, and editorial moments:
- 🎬 Gucci Revives the Platform Trend With Towering Angel Pumps — a deep dive into the silhouette’s bold design, materials, and enduring fashion influence.
- 🌟 Drew Barrymore’s Premiere Look Featuring Gucci Angel Platforms — how Drew styled her statement heels with a Marni dress for a whimsical red-carpet moment.
- 📺 Natasha Lyonne Stuns at Poker Face Premiere in Gucci Angel Heels — modern proof that the Angels remain a go-to statement shoe for bold stylists.
- 📸 Hilary Duff Steps Out in Gucci Angel Pumps for Younger Promotion — blending retro femininity and contemporary polish.
- ☕ Pink Keeps It Edgy in Gucci Angel Platforms While Out in London — a street-style spin on the dramatic platform trend.
- 🎥 Brie Larson Wears Gucci Angels to the 2016 LACMA Gala — a vintage-glam pairing that highlights the shoe’s versatility across events.
- 🎤 Jennifer Lopez in Gucci Angel Platforms and No. 21 Miniskirt — a 2024 feature showing the Angels’ continued dominance in pop-star fashion.
Even when styled with a busy dress, the heels’ sculptural presence held their own, proving why the “Angel” remains one of Gucci’s most collectible designs — a shoe that doesn’t just complete an outfit, but commands it.
Side view of the same heels shows the dramatic height and sculptural stacked platform that defined Gucci’s maximalist era
Explore More of Salma Hayek’s Standout Shoe and Fashion Moments
From regal Gucci gowns to statement platforms, Salma Hayek has never shied away from bold, theatrical fashion. Explore more of her unforgettable red carpet and street-style appearances featured on Your Next Shoes:
- 🌟 Salma Hayek Stuns in Gucci Dress & Sky-High Heels With Daughter at Eternals Premiere — a radiant mother-daughter moment featuring Gucci and Sergio Rossi platforms.
- 🍿 Inside Salma Hayek’s ‘Sausage Party’ Press Tour: Statement Heels & Wedges — bold footwear choices during a playful animated film campaign.
- 📏 How Salma Hayek Embraces Her 5 ft 1½ Frame With Stunning High Heels — exploring her love of platforms and height-boosting silhouettes.
- 🎥 How Salma Hayek’s ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ Legacy Shapes Her Shoe & Fashion Story — a cinematic retrospective linking her film roles to her evolving shoe game.
- 💖 Metallic Pink Pumps & Gucci Glam: Salma Hayek’s Bold Red Carpet Moment — a standout look featuring a jacquard Gucci dress and statement metallic heels.
- 👢 Salma Hayek Flaunts Sexy Legs in Black Tights & Lucite Heels at ‘Exodus’ Premiere — a daring fashion moment blending vintage edge and modern confidence.
Each of these appearances highlights Salma Hayek’s fearless approach to fashion — a celebration of craftsmanship, confidence, and timeless glamour.