13 Celebrities Who Stunned in Designer Heels at Variety & Women in Film’s 2017 Pre-Emmy Party

Variety and Women in Film’s 69th annual Pre-Emmy Awards party in 2017 was more than just a star-studded soirée — it was a masterclass in red carpet style. From Kiernan Shipka’s whimsical Delpozo florals to Tracee Ellis Ross’ fierce leopard-print Michael Kors, the night delivered look after look that still feels fresh today.

Fast-forward to now, and these fashion moments remain just as inspiring. Velvet platforms? Still a statement shoe staple. Sharp, sequined power suits? They’ve only gained momentum on the red carpet.

As we revisit these unforgettable ensembles, it’s clear that the style risks these stars took back then continue to shape the way Hollywood dresses for Pre-Emmy parties today.

1. Kiernan Shipka: Delpozo Florals & Velvet Jimmy Choo Platforms

Kiernan Shipka wearing a Delpozo cotton poplin flower top and a double linen A-line skirt at Variety and Women in Film’s 69th Pre-Emmy Awards party held at Gracias Madre in West Hollywood, California, on September 15, 2017 (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Apega)

The pint-sized Mad Men actress and style star oozed feminine charm in a fashion-forward Spring 2016 look from Delpozo comprised of a white bandeau floral top and a color-block A-line skirt.

Kiernan Shipka finished off her playful Delpozo ensemble with a touch of retro‑glam: the velvet “Holly” platform sandals by Jimmy Choo.

The perfect finishing touch: Kiernan Shipka’s feet in plush velvet Jimmy Choo platform sandals

Founded in 1996 by Malaysian‑born designer Jimmy Choo and British Vogue alum Tamara Mellon, the brand quickly became synonymous with red‑carpet elegance. Choo, who began making shoes at just 11 years old and trained at London’s famed Cordwainers College, first rose to prominence crafting bespoke footwear for the world’s elite — including Diana, Princess of Wales.

Today, under the creative direction of Sandra Choi, Jimmy Choo remains a powerhouse in luxury fashion, celebrated for marrying timeless craftsmanship with modern glamour.

2. Shay Mitchell: Sequined Rachel Zoe Suit & Zanotti Heels

It was all about sultry elegance for Shay Mitchell, who stepped out in an embellished suit from Rachel Zoe.

This Fall 2017 look was all about sultry ease — a plunging neckline, sequin‑studded tailoring, and a slouchy, relaxed silhouette that shimmered under the lights. Shay kept her styling sleek with a slicked‑back hairstyle and Norman Silverman jewelry, but it was her footwear that truly elevated the look: Giuseppe Zanotti’s “Georgina” sandals.

Shay Mitchell in a Rachel Zoe sequin suit at Variety and Women in Film’s 69th Pre-Emmy Awards party held at Gracias Madre in West Hollywood, California, on September 15, 2017 (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Apega)

A go‑to name on the red carpet, Zanotti — the Italian designer who’s been redefining glamour since founding his eponymous label in 1994 — is celebrated for his sculptural, jeweled heels and unapologetically fashion‑forward designs.

It’s no wonder his creations remain a favorite of A‑listers who want their shoes to be as statement‑making as their outfits.

3. Nina Dobrev: Burgundy Altuzarra Dress & Pearl-Embellished Pumps

Nina looked a little edgy in a burgundy Altuzarra Fall 2017 dress and matching pointed-toe pumps.

Nina Dobrev in a burgundy button-front dress at Variety and Women in Film’s 69th Pre-Emmy Awards party held at Gracias Madre in West Hollywood, California, on September 15, 2017 (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Apega)

Her long-sleeved dress featured contrasting white buttons and chain-trimmed pockets, and she accessorized with a Jimmy Choo clutch. Nina Dobrev wore her hair slicked back.

Close-up on Nina Dobrev’s feet reveals her red, pearl-embellished pointy-toe pumps

4. Abigail Spencer: Pink Solace London Dress & Kurt Geiger Pumps

The 36-year-old actress looked pretty in pink with her Solace London dress and matching Kurt Geiger pumps.

Abigail Spencer in a long-sleeve pink maxi dress at Variety and Women in Film’s 69th Pre-Emmy Awards party held at Gracias Madre in West Hollywood, California, on September 15, 2017 (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Apega)

Her Fall 2017 dress had cape sleeves and an asymmetric ruffle hem, while her shoes featured two-tone patent leather and a pointy-toe silhouette.

Abigail Spencer completed her ensemble with side-swept waves, Irene Neuwirth jewelry, and a white Edie Parker clutch.

A close-up reveals Abigail Spencer’s feet in stylish Kurt Geiger two-tone pointy-toe pumps

5. Tracee Ellis Ross: Leopard Michael Kors & Louboutin Pumps

The 44-year-old Golden Globe winner displayed her bold sartorial style in a Michael Kors Collection dress with long sleeves, a V-shaped neckline, a belted waist, fringe trim, and an eye-catching leopard print.

Tracee Ellis Ross in a leopard print Michael Kors dress at Variety and Women in Film’s 69th Pre-Emmy Awards party held at Gracias Madre in West Hollywood, California, on September 15, 2017 (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Apega)

She styled it with a sleek bun, a bold red lip, Neil Lane jewelry, an Edie Parker clutch, and Christian Louboutin pointed-toe pumps.

Tracee Ellis Ross shows off her feet in Christian Louboutin pointy-toe pumps in black patent leather

6. Sarah Hyland: Sparkling Thai Nguyen & Casadei “Candylux” Heels

Sarah Hyland opted for a vampy look in a burgundy dress from Thai Nguyen’s Fall 2017 collection, which featured a high neck, long sleeves, and sequin embellishments.

Sarah Hyland flaunts her legs in a dress by Vietnamese-American fashion designer Thai Nguyen at Variety and Women in Film’s 69th Pre-Emmy Awards party held at Gracias Madre in West Hollywood, California, on September 15, 2017 (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Apega)

She upped the drama with matching accessories, including a burgundy box clutch, Narcisa Pheres jewelry, and Casadei “Candylux” pumps.

The “Modern Family” star finished off her look with sleek straight hair, shimmery eye makeup, and oxblood lips.

Sarah Hyland highlights her feet in Casadei “Candylux” pointy-toe pumps

7. Julianne Hough: Escada Suit & Louboutin Slingbacks

Also in attendance was Julianne Hough, who turned up in an Escada Spring 2018 ensemble in a lovely seafoam color.

Julianne Hough in a baby-blue pantsuit at Variety and Women in Film’s 69th Pre-Emmy Awards party held at Gracias Madre in West Hollywood, California, on September 15, 2017 (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Apega)

She wore a two-piece suit with a sheer lace tie-neck blouse over a white tank top, opting to complete her look with Jennifer Meyer jewelry, a box clutch, and Christian Louboutin slingback sandals.

Julianne Hough shows off her feet in Christian Louboutin slingback sandals

8. Gabrielle Union: Berardi LBD & Neil J. Rodgers Sandals

The 44-year-old actress gave the cold-shoulder treatment in a black Antonio Berardi body-con dress with sparkly floral embellishments.

Gabrielle Union in a sexy figure-hugging LBD with a shoulder cutout at Variety and Women in Film’s 69th Pre-Emmy Awards party held at Gracias Madre in West Hollywood, California, on September 15, 2017 (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Apega)

Gabrielle Union finished off her look with a curly ponytail, John Hardy jewelry, and Neil J. Rodgers ankle-strap sandals.

Gabrielle Union shows off her feet in Neil J. Rodgers ankle-strap sandals

9. Claire Foy: Romantic Gucci Dress & Ankle-Strap Sandals

Aiming for a darkly romantic look, Claire Foy wore a black Gucci dress with a ruffled neckline, sheer long sleeves, and an embellished butterfly on the bodice.

Claire Foy in a little black Gucci dress at Variety and Women in Film’s 69th Pre-Emmy Awards party held at Gracias Madre in West Hollywood, California, on September 15, 2017 (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Apega)

She styled it with a center-parted ponytail, oxblood lips, and a pair of black ankle-strap sandals.

Claire Foy’s perfectly polished pedicure peeks out from her sleek ankle-strap sandals, adding a chic touch to her red carpet look

10. Viola Davis: Floral Alice + Olivia & Metallic Sandals

The 52-year-old Academy Award winner donned a black ruffle-sleeve top and a sequined floral skirt from Alice + Olivia’s Fall 2017 line.

Viola Davis in an Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet Kenia ruffle sleeve sweater and Ella embellished skirt at Variety and Women in Film’s 69th Pre-Emmy Awards party held at Gracias Madre in West Hollywood, California, on September 15, 2017 (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Apega)

She completed her ensemble with a tousled bob, red lips, and strappy metallic heels.

A closer look at Viola Davis’s impeccable metallic sandals reveals a chic dark pedicure, adding a touch of sophisticated glamour to her ensemble

11. Lake Bell: Sleek Armani LBD & Stella Luna Heels

Dressed in all-black, Lake Bell kept things sexy in a one-shoulder dress from Giorgio Armani paired with pointed-toe pumps from Stella Luna.

Lake Bell flaunts her legs in a fitted one-shoulder LBD at Variety and Women in Film’s 69th Pre-Emmy Awards party held at Gracias Madre in West Hollywood, California, on September 15, 2017 (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Apega)

She kept her styling simple, opting for tousled waves and a bold red lip.

Lake Bell shows off her feet in black Stella Luna pointy-toe ankle-strap pumps

12. Lea Michele: White Cushnie et Ochs Suit & Blush Casadei Pumps

The 31-year-old singer and actress also took on the power suit trend, wearing a sultry white two-piece ensemble from Cushnie et Ochs, which featured a plunging neckline and tight trousers with flared hems.

Lea Michele styled it with a chic ponytail and Casadei pointed-toe pumps in a blush pink shade.

Lea Michele in a white two-piece suit at Variety and Women in Film’s 69th Pre-Emmy Awards party held at Gracias Madre in West Hollywood, California, on September 15, 2017 (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Apega)

13. Annabelle Wallis: Embroidered Armani Gown & Metallic Pumps

Annabelle Wallis stepped out in a pink, strapless dress from Giorgio Armani, featuring floral embroidery on the bodice, a ruffle panel, and a floor-length skirt.

She finished off her look with a chic updo, minimal makeup, and metallic pointed-toe pumps.

Annabelle Wallis in a strapless pink ruffle dress at Variety and Women in Film’s 69th Pre-Emmy Awards party held at Gracias Madre in West Hollywood, California, on September 15, 2017 (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Apega)

Whose look was your favorite at Variety and Women in Film’s 2017 Pre-Emmy Awards party?

As this star-studded celebration proves, Variety and Women in Film events consistently deliver some of the most memorable red carpet shoe moments. For even more standout looks from past years, check out these fashion highlights: