From Jenna Ortega to Ariel Winter: 5 Footwear Moments That Defined Variety’s Young Hollywood Event

On August 8, 2017, Variety’s Power of Young Hollywood event brought a new generation of rising stars to TAO in Los Angeles—an evening that offered a revealing snapshot of how youthful red-carpet style was being defined from the ground up.

While names like John Boyega, Yara Shahidi, Chloë Grace Moretz, and Zendaya naturally drew attention, it was the footwear that quietly shaped each look’s impact—whether through bold color, height, texture, or proportion.

From thigh-high boots to sculptural pumps and lace-up booties, the black carpet became a case study in how shoes anchor youthful fashion narratives. Below, we break down five standout pairs that didn’t just complete the outfits—they defined them.

Jenna Ortega Anchors a Head-to-Toe Red Look With Tommy Hilfiger Thigh-High Boots

Jenna Ortega of “Jane the Virgin” walked the black carpet in a head-to-toe Tommy Hilfiger look from the FW 17 collection.

Jenna Ortega channeled Ariana Grande with her long ponytail and natural makeup

The ensemble included a red mini skirt, a signature Tommy crop top under a matching red blazer, red fishnet stockings, and a pair of over-the-knee boots.

Jenna Ortega grounds her head-to-toe Tommy Hilfiger red ensemble with pointed thigh-high boots that elongate the leg and sharpen the youthful power-suiting silhouette at the Variety Power of Young Hollywood event at TAO in Downtown Los Angeles on August 8, 2017 (Credit: Brian To / WENN)

The then-14-year-old channeled Ariana Grande with her long ponytail and natural makeup.

Jenna Ortega’s pointed red thigh-high boots sharpen her monochrome look, using stretch fabric and a sleek toe to elongate the leg from every angle

Ariel Winter Grounds a Strapless LBD With Bold Red Triple-Strap Pumps

“Modern Family” star Ariel Winter showed off her famous curves in a short, strapless LBD.

Ariel Winter at the Variety Power of Young Hollywood event at TAO in Downtown Los Angeles on August 8, 2017

She flaunted her legs in red triple-strap pumps that reminded us of two similar pairs on the market: Christian Louboutin’s “Toerless Muse” shoes and Gianvito Rossi’s “Carey” pumps.

Ariel Winter offsets a glossy black strapless mini with bold red triple-strap pumps that inject structure, contrast, and leg-lengthening impact

Ariel Winter’s glossy red triple-strap pumps add structure and sensual contrast, with slim buckles and a stiletto heel that visually lengthen her silhouette

Kaitlyn Dever Softens Prada With Affordable Aldo “Milaa” Block-Heel Sandals

Kaitlyn Dever did a complete 180 from her tomboy character Eve Baxter on “Last Man Standing,” looking sweet and feminine in a sky-blue Prada embossed frock.

Kaitlyn Dever at the Variety Power of Young Hollywood event at TAO in Downtown Los Angeles on August 8, 2017

She paired the designer creation with affordable “Milaa” block-heeled sandals from Aldo, which feature ankle straps and gold floral details that complement the design of her midi.

Kaitlyn Dever softens her sky-blue Prada dress with metallic Aldo “Milaa” block-heel sandals, balancing feminine texture with walkable polish

Kaitlyn Dever’s metallic Aldo “Milaa” sandals bring light and texture beneath her Prada dress, with crystal-embellished straps that catch the flash without overpowering the look

Sleek and reflective, Aldo’s “Milaa” ankle-strap sandals combine a block heel with metallic floral embellishments for a polished yet wearable statement finish

Ashley Tisdale Balances Sweet and Sultry in Schutz “Primm” Tassel Sandals

Ashley Tisdale looked sweet yet sultry in a white Milly Spring 2017 pencil dress featuring a waist cutout and large bows on the torso.

Ashley Tisdale at the Variety Power of Young Hollywood event at TAO in Downtown Los Angeles on August 8, 2017

The American actress, singer, and producer finished her look with the block-heeled Schutz “Primm” tassel sandals, featuring discreet fringe detailing at the toes.

Ashley Tisdale anchors her white Milly cutout dress with Schutz “Primm” tassel sandals, using fringe texture and a block heel to keep the look sultry yet grounded

Ashley Tisdale’s black Schutz “Primm” sandals ground her outfit with a stable block heel and soft fringe ties that add movement at the ankle

Finished with soft fringe trims and wraparound ankle ties, these Schutz “Primm” block-heel sandals balance sultry texture with steady, walkable structure

Madeline Brewer Sharpens Monochrome Dressing With Santoni Lace-Up Booties

The “Orange is the New Black” star switched from jail scrubs to a glamorous David Koma monochrome mini and off-the-shoulder top for the party. She paired the monochrome look with a pair of Santoni lace-up booties.

Madeline Brewer keeps the focus sleek and modern with smoky eye makeup and a polished updo, letting the off-the-shoulder neckline and sculptural sleeves frame her look with quiet confidence

Her ginger locks were tied back in a high bun, and her eyes wore bold, dark eyeliner to bring out her gorgeous green eyes.

Madeline Brewer sharpens her monochrome mini with Santoni lace-up booties, adding a graphic edge and architectural structure to the streamlined silhouette

Madeline Brewer’s Santoni lace-up booties deliver graphic impact through cutout detailing and a sharp heel, reinforcing the architectural edge of her monochrome mini

Where These Young Hollywood Shoe Moments Led Next

While the black-carpet looks from Variety’s Power of Young Hollywood event captured a specific moment in time, the footwear choices made by its rising stars continue to echo across red carpets, premieres, and fashion weeks.

For readers looking to see how those early style instincts evolved—and how shoes remained central to each actress’s fashion narrative—the following curated features offer a broader view.