Jessica Alba Rocks Saint Laurent ‘Candy’ Heels: A Look Back at Her Idle Hands Breakthrough

Jessica Alba was just 18 when she appeared in Idle Hands, the black comedy horror film released on April 30, 1999.

Playing Molly Hatchet, the love interest of Devon Sawa’s character, Alba showcased her early acting talents and began developing the effortless style and red carpet presence that would later make her a fashion icon.

Idle Hands’ Journey From Box Office Flop to Cult Classic

Although Idle Hands was a critical and commercial disappointment upon release, it has since gained cult classic status. Filmed in South Pasadena, California—the same neighborhood used for the original Halloween—the movie’s horror-comedy blend has attracted a loyal following over the years. Interestingly, the animatronic hand featured in Idle Hands was also used to portray ‘Thing’ in The Addams Family (1991).

Devon Sawa as Anton Tobias and Jessica Alba as Molly Hatchet share a scene in Idle Hands (1999), with Alba wearing her memorable angel costume (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing) (Credit: WENN)

While Idle Hands helped launch Jessica Alba’s Hollywood career, she soon became equally known for her fashion, high heels, business ventures, and devotion to family.

Hamilton Night: Jessica Alba’s Saint Laurent ‘Candy’ Sandals Steal the Spotlight

If you’re looking for a real-life Wonder Woman, Jessica Alba has long fit the description. In 2017, while balancing a growing business, acting projects, two young daughters, and a pregnancy, she still made time for her then-husband, Cash Warren.

Jessica Alba steps out after the closing night of Hamilton at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood on August 17, 2017, wearing a bright floral yellow kimono layered over a black dress

The couple was spotted enjoying a rare date night at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood to see Hamilton. Since then, Jessica and Cash have gone their separate ways, but she continues to juggle her career and family life.

Jessica Alba pairs a bold yellow floral Topshop kimono with a black dress and Saint Laurent “Candy” platform sandals while attending Hamilton in Hollywood

The actress continued to wow us with her maternity fashion as she emerged from the theater in a yellow Topshop floral kimono layered over a plain black dress.

Jessica upped her accessory game by swapping her usual hoop earrings for chandelier ones. The actress grounded the look with a small bag made from woven material.

A pair of Saint Laurent “Candy” bow sandals, with their towering platform heels, added extra height to boost Jessica’s 5 feet 6¼ inches (168.3 cm) frame, elongating her silhouette

Jessica shows off her dark red pedicure in Saint Laurent “Candy” platform sandals, featuring sky-high block heels and delicate ankle straps

Jessica Alba leaves the Pantages Theatre arm-in-arm with her then-husband, Cash Warren

The floral kimono’s vibrant yellow hue and draped silhouette stand out as Jessica Alba walks hand-in-hand with Cash Warren, her Saint Laurent platform heels peeking beneath the hem

Jessica looked relaxed and happy as she and Cash attended the final “Hamilton” show in Los Angeles. While greeting a friend outside the theater, she smiled and paused to sign autographs for waiting fans.

On Instagram, the actress and Honest Company CEO shared, “W my baby daddy @cash_warren #hamilton last night in LA! It was as moving and powerful as ever. Thank you, #LinManuelMiranda 🙏🏽 for breaking through all the barriers.”

While Jessica’s exact Saint Laurent “Candy” sandals are now sold out, you can explore the brand’s latest platform styles at Nordstrom.

This wasn’t the only time Jessica reached for her Saint Laurent “Candy” sandals — she also wore the towering platforms during a family outing that offered a glimpse into her personal life away from the red carpet.

Family Moments: Jessica Alba Repeats Her Saint Laurent ‘Candy’ Sandals Off the Red Carpet

Jessica Alba, dressed in a soft neutral ensemble, was photographed trying to stifle a smile while out in Beverly Hills on June 19, 2016 (Credit: WENN)

Jessica Alba has a huge heart for her family… even if that love doesn’t extend to the paparazzi.

Even though street-snapped photos depict Jessica looking completely upset, her family celebration photos on Snapchat paint an entirely different picture of the actress.

Jessica Alba pairs a white blazer and lace-accented skirt with her Saint Laurent “Candy” platform sandals in soft poudre satin, adding height and elegance to her neutral look (Credit: WENN)

Jessica wore a white top and blazer with a midi lace cutout skirt by Dorothee Schumacher.

The successful movie actress accessorized her look with drop earrings, a saddle shoulder bag by Cuyana, and her favorite Saint Laurent’s “Candy” platform sandals in Poudre.

A closer look at Jessica Alba’s Saint Laurent “Candy” platform sandals in poudre satin, featuring towering block heels, ankle straps, and signature bow accents (Credit: WENN)

Jessica’s snaps showed some intimate family moments, including an upload of her husband, Cash, checking her daughter’s mouth for cavities.

Jessica Alba, her husband, Cash Warren, and their two daughters, Honor and Haven, go out for Father’s Day brunch at the Four Seasons Hotel (Credit: WENN)

The family capped off their Father’s Day by spending a relaxing afternoon by the swimming pool.

Beyond Alba’s rising stardom, Idle Hands featured a talented cast of young actors who brought the film’s quirky horror-comedy vibe to life.

Idle Hands Cast: Jessica Alba, Devon Sawa, Seth Green, and Rising Stars

The film featured a cast of rising stars. Devon Sawa (20), Seth Green (25), Elden Henson (21), and Jessica Alba (18) brought youthful energy to the project, while Vivica A. Fox (34) added a veteran presence. For Alba, Idle Hands was one of her earliest major film roles, showcasing her on-screen charisma even at a young age.

The young cast of Idle Hands (1999), featuring Elden Henson, Seth Green, Vivica A. Fox, Devon Sawa, and Jessica Alba, who was just 18 during filming (Credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)

Behind the Scenes: The Chaotic Production of Idle Hands

Years later, Seth Green revealed that creative differences shaped the film’s unpredictable tone. While the cast aimed to make a dark comedy with genuine friendships at its core, the director drew inspiration from Italian horror, and the writers leaned toward Heathers-style satire. Studio test screenings pushed for more slapstick humor, additional marijuana references, and even controversial scenes featuring Alba, ultimately influencing the film’s reshot ending.

The best thing about that movie was that everybody working on it had a different mission statement… The studio was listening to the test marketing and saying they really wanted the zombies to be cuter, have more wacky antics, and apparently all the kids thought there should be more pot-smoking, and somewhere, somehow, Jessica Alba needed to get her top ripped off.

Jessica Alba, wearing a ’90s floral mini dress with black buckle ankle boots, poses alongside Devon Sawa and the young cast of Idle Hands, capturing the film’s grungy late-’90s teen fashion vibe