The Ultimate Icon: Jimmy Choo “Lance”: The History of the World’s Most Famous Red-Carpet Sandal

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Since its debut, the Jimmy Choo “Lance” sandal has come to define the modern red-carpet heel. Widely regarded as the most famous evening sandal in the world, the Lance is a cornerstone of Jimmy Choo’s 24:7 collection—a lineup of iconic styles designed to form the foundation of a woman’s wardrobe.

At the 2009 Oscars, Alicia Keys delivered one of the evening’s most memorable fashion moments, proving how Jimmy Choo’s barely-there Lance sandal can anchor a dramatic couture gown.

Alicia Keys attends the 81st Annual Academy Awards on February 22, 2009, wearing a lilac strapless Giorgio Armani Privé gown with a high slit, styled with vintage Fred Leighton diamonds, a Zufi Alexander clutch, and silver Jimmy Choo “Lance” sandals that subtly steal the spotlightAlicia Keys attends the 81st Annual Academy Awards on February 22, 2009, wearing a lilac strapless Giorgio Armani Privé gown with a high slit, styled with vintage Fred Leighton diamonds, a Zufi Alexander clutch, and silver Jimmy Choo “Lance” sandals that subtly steal the spotlight (Credit: Bryan Crowe / ©A.M.P.A.S.)

Characterized by its sinuous, flame-like straps and signature double-ankle fastening, the silhouette elongates the leg while visually “disappearing” beneath gowns.

From high-profile award ceremonies in Los Angeles to the storied steps of the Cannes Film Festival, the Lance has become a permanent fixture on global red carpets, prized by stylists for its elegance, versatility, and timeless impact.

From red carpets to after-dark dance floors, these shimmering Jimmy Choo “Lance” sandals showcase the brand’s signature wavy straps and enduring appeal as one of fashion’s most iconic evening heelsFrom red carpets to after-dark dance floors, these shimmering Jimmy Choo “Lance” sandals showcase the brand’s signature wavy straps and enduring appeal as one of fashion’s most iconic evening heels

While fashion trends often shift with the seasons, the Lance remains a quintessential example of an evergreen evening shoe—a design that retains its relevance and sophistication across decades of style evolution.

We have previously documented this iconic designer style on Alessandra Ambrosio, Karrueche Tran, Sophia Bush, Stacy Keibler, Jennifer Lawrence, Malin Akerman, Uma Thurman, Brittany Snow, Halle Berry, Selita Ebanks, and Heidi Klum.

The delicate, sculptural straps wrap the foot securely from heel to toe, combining elegant support with the barely-there allure that defines the Jimmy Choo “Lance” sandalThe delicate, sculptural straps wrap the foot securely from heel to toe, combining elegant support with the barely-there allure that defines the Jimmy Choo “Lance” sandal

The versatility of the popular Jimmy Choo style allows it to transition seamlessly from avant-garde editorial looks to classic Hollywood glamour. Below, we explore how various style icons have utilized the Lance to anchor their most memorable outfits.

1. Chloë Grace Moretz Styles Jimmy Choo “Lance” Sandals With a Christopher Kane Dress

Chloë Grace Moretz was photographed outside The Late Show with David Letterman wearing the iconic Jimmy Choo “Lance” sandals, a choice that balanced youthful elegance with red-carpet polish.

Chloë Grace Moretz arrives at The Ed Sullivan Theater for 'The Late Show with David Letterman' in New York City on May 3, 2012Chloë Grace Moretz arrives at The Ed Sullivan Theater for The Late Show with David Letterman in New York City on May 3, 2012 (Credit: WENN)

Born in 1997, the actress grounded the delicate, strappy heels with a Christopher Kane dress from the designer’s Fall 2011 collection, opting for a streamlined silhouette rather than a shorter hemline.

The fitted dress was tailored through the bodice without appearing restrictive, allowing the minimalist Lance sandals to elongate her frame and add a subtle note of glamour. The pairing demonstrated how a refined evening shoe can elevate a look without overpowering it—proof of the Lance’s versatility even on younger style stars.

Chloë Grace Moretz steps out in New York wearing a sleeveless Christopher Kane sheath dress, styled with strappy black Jimmy Choo “Lance” sandals that add sleek red-carpet polish to the daytime lookChloë Grace Moretz steps out in New York wearing a sleeveless Christopher Kane sheath dress, styled with strappy black Jimmy Choo “Lance” sandals that add sleek red-carpet polish to the daytime look

Moretz has returned to the Jimmy Choo staple more than once.

At an awards event in Las Vegas, she styled the same sandals with a Kenzo medallion-print jacquard shirt dress, reinforcing Lance’s ability to transition seamlessly from classic red-carpet dressing to more playful, fashion-forward moments.

At CinemaCon, Chloë Grace Moretz pairs a flared Kenzo medallion-print jacquard dress with classic Jimmy Choo “Lance” sandals for a youthful yet refined event lookAt CinemaCon, Chloë Grace Moretz pairs a flared Kenzo medallion-print jacquard dress with classic Jimmy Choo “Lance” sandals for a youthful yet refined event look in Las Vegas on April 26, 2012 (Credit: WENN)

2. Taylor Swift Brings Red-Carpet Elegance to the Grammys in Jimmy Choo “Lance” Sandals

Taylor Swift wore the Jimmy Choo ‘Lance’ to the 2013 Grammy Awards, paired with a J. Mendel chiffon pleated gown.

Taylor Swift attends the 55th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles wearing a flowing ivory J. Mendel chiffon gown, finished with delicate Jimmy Choo “Lance” sandals that subtly peek through the thigh-high slitTaylor Swift attends the 55th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles wearing a flowing ivory J. Mendel chiffon gown, finished with delicate Jimmy Choo “Lance” sandals that subtly peek through the thigh-high slit on February 10, 2013, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: WENN)

3. Freida Pinto Elevates Cannes Glamour With Jimmy Choo “Lance” Sandals

While Freida Pinto opted for Gucci at the opening ceremony of the Cannes Film Festival, she selected Jimmy Choo’s ‘Lance’ shoes for the premiere of ‘Jeune & Jolie’.

Freida Pinto in a custom-made gown by Indian designer Sanchita featuring a thigh-high slit, a cinched waist, and intricate dragonfly embroidery on the bodiceFreida Pinto in a custom-made gown by Indian designer Sanchita featuring a thigh-high slit, a cinched waist, and intricate dragonfly embroidery on the bodice (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN)

The intricately beaded custom metallic gown was by Sanchita Ajjampur, a fellow Indian.

Freida Pinto attends the premiere of 'Jeune & Jolie' (Young & Beautiful) at the 66th Annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 16, 2013Freida Pinto attends the premiere of ‘Jeune & Jolie’ (Young & Beautiful) at the 66th Annual Cannes Film Festival at Palais des Festivals on May 16, 2013 (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN)

She completed the look with a Swarovski clutch and bejeweled dragonfly hair accessories.

Freida Pinto’s jeweled hair accessories echoed the intricate embellishment of her gown’s bodice, tying the look together with a subtle, couture-level attention to detailFreida Pinto’s jeweled hair accessories echoed the intricate embellishment of her gown’s bodice, tying the look together with a subtle, couture-level attention to detail (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN)

4. Sophia Bush Completes Her Monique Lhuillier Gown With Jimmy Choo “Lance” Sandals

Sophia Bush donned a stunning Monique Lhuillier Spring 2013 gown, accessorized with jewels from Melinda Maria, EF Collection, and Graziela Gems.

The outfit was completed by a croc-embossed clutch by Nancy Gonzalez and, of course, Jimmy Choo’s ‘Lance’ sandals.

Sophia Bush attends the 2013 Do Something Awards in Hollywood wearing a flowing Monique Lhuillier gown, accessorized with a metallic clutch and strappy Jimmy Choo “Lance” sandals that complete the red-carpet look with understated eleganceSophia Bush attends the 2013 Do Something Awards in Hollywood wearing a flowing Monique Lhuillier gown, accessorized with a metallic clutch and strappy Jimmy Choo “Lance” sandals that complete the red-carpet look with understated elegance on July 31, 2013 (Credit: WENN)

5. Selena Gomez Wears Jimmy Choo “Lance” Sandals From Toronto to Venice

Finally, Selena Gomez has also worn the Jimmy Choo ‘Lance’ on a couple of occasions. At a film festival in Canada, she paired them with a black embellished Alberta Ferretti dress:

Selena Gomez attends the Toronto International Film Festival wearing a black embellished mini dress styled with strappy Jimmy Choo “Lance” sandals, adding polish to the playful premiere momentSelena Gomez attends the Toronto International Film Festival wearing a black embellished mini dress styled with strappy Jimmy Choo “Lance” sandals, adding polish to the playful premiere moment on September 8, 2012 (Credit: WENN)

For a photocall in Venice, Selena donned a Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2012 dress featuring black lace sleeves and gold embroidery. The outfit was completed with gold Melinda Maria cluster earrings:

At the Venice Film Festival, Selena Gomez steps onto the red carpet in a fitted Dolce & Gabbana lace dress embroidered with gold detailing, finished with minimalist Jimmy Choo “Lance” heelsAt the Venice Film Festival, Selena Gomez steps onto the red carpet in a fitted Dolce & Gabbana lace dress embroidered with gold detailing, finished with minimalist Jimmy Choo “Lance” heels on September 5, 2012, in Venice, Italy (Credit: WENN)

Why the Jimmy Choo “Lance” Remains a Red-Carpet Classic

From Cannes premieres to major Hollywood award shows, the Jimmy Choo “Lance” has proven its staying power across eras, aesthetics, and generations of style icons.

Below, revisit some of the most memorable celebrity moments that cemented the strappy sandal’s status as one of the most enduring evening shoes in modern fashion.

👠 Celebrity Style Moments Featuring Jimmy Choo “Lance” Sandals: