Draya Michele’s Glamorous Style Evolution: From Basketball Wives to Red-Carpet Fashion Icon

Draya Michele, standing at 5ft 4 in (162.6 cm) and wearing a US shoe size 10, once playfully described herself on Twitter as “5’6 fun size, off the rack size.” The American TV personality, model, and actress first rose to fame on VH1’s Basketball Wives: Los Angeles, where her confident, curve-hugging style and love of sky-high heels made her a standout.

During her run on the show through 2015, Michele quickly evolved from reality-TV newcomer to fashion-world fixture, foreshadowing her later success as an entrepreneur and designer with an unmistakably glamorous edge.

Red-Carpet Radiance: Draya Michele Stuns in Emerald-Green Aliétte Gown and Metallic Heels

Stepping into the spotlight years after her debut on Basketball Wives, Draya Michele has proven her fashion evolution is anything but ordinary. At the Fashion Trust U.S. Awards 2023, she channeled timeless glamour with a modern, sculptural twist.

Draya Michele stunned in an emerald-green satin Aliétte gown with a thigh-high slit, paired with strappy metallic heels and gold jewelry for a sleek, modern take on red-carpet glamour at the Fashion Trust U.S. Awards 2023 at Goya Studios on March 21, 2023, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: DFree / Shutterstock)

Years earlier, Draya had already turned heads with her effortless glow.

Timeless Allure: Draya Michele’s Little Black Yves Saint Laurent Dress and Alaïa Platform Heels

In July 2016, she attended the BeautyCon Los Angeles red carpet event, where she discussed her beauty routine and explained that Omega-3s play a crucial role in keeping her skin glowing and healthy from the inside out.

Draya Michele showcases her radiant glow and signature confidence in a ruffled black Yves Saint Laurent halter dress at the 4th annual BeautyCon Festival on July 9, 2016, in Los Angeles (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

The reality television star wore a little black dress from Yves Saint Laurent, which featured a ruffled collar, a cleavage-baring neckline, and an adjustable bow at the back.

Draya Michele turns heads at BeautyCon Los Angeles 2016 in a halter-neck black dress featuring an open back and flared skirt

Draya paired her ruffled black dress with striking platform heels by Alaïa, a brand celebrated for its sculptural silhouettes and couture-level craftsmanship.

Founded by Azzedine Alaïa, a trained sculptor, the fashion house treats each shoe as a piece of wearable art, emphasizing form, precision, and timeless elegance.

Alaïa’s legacy continues to inspire modern fashion through timeless craftsmanship and architectural design. From red-carpet statements to everyday sophistication, the brand’s footwear remains a favorite among celebrities and style icons alike.

👡 Celebrity Moments Featuring Alaïa Shoes

Today, under the creative direction of Pieter Mulier, Alaïa’s heels have regained cult status for their architectural beauty, intricate laser-cut details, and quiet luxury appeal that resonates with celebrities and fashion insiders alike.

A closer look at Draya Michele’s strappy black platform heels that perfectly complemented her sleek BeautyCon red-carpet look

To wrap up, Draya Michele’s flair for statement footwear doesn’t stop at the red carpet. She also brings that same daring energy to off-duty fashion, as seen in our feature on the rise of fur-trim sandals.

There, she’s highlighted for her bold take on Gianmarco Lorenzi’s plush, high-shine heels—a look that perfectly captures how she blends comfort, confidence, and couture. It’s a masterclass in turning cozy textures into summer-ready glamour.

💫 Petite Power: Celebrities Who Share Draya Michele’s Height

Standing at 5ft 4in (162.6 cm), Draya Michele proves that great style isn’t measured in inches—it’s all about confidence and how you wear your heels. These fellow petite stars around her height show how bold footwear choices can elevate any look, from red-carpet glamour to everyday sophistication.