How to Style the Gianvito Rossi Portofino: 5 Celebrity Secrets for Effortless Elegance

Since their debut in 2014, Gianvito Rossi’s ‘Portofino’ sandals have served as the architectural gold standard for the minimalist stiletto.

Designed in Italy by the son of legendary shoemaker Sergio Rossi, the Portofino was born from a desire to strip away excess, resulting in a silhouette defined by a slim toe strap, a high-coverage heel counter, and a signature circular buckle.

While fashion trends fluctuate, this design remains a permanent fixture in luxury footwear because it prioritizes the wearer’s proportions—the ankle strap is positioned to lengthen the leg rather than bisect it.

Hand-finished in San Mauro Pascoli, Italy, these sandals transition effortlessly from red-carpet galas to elevated casual wear. They are a staple for Heidi Klum, Kerry Washington, Olivia Culpo, Demi Lovato, and Cobie Smulders.

The Gianvito Rossi Portofino is the “comfort-first” luxury choice, distinguished from the Stuart Weitzman Nudist by its supportive heel counter, padded sole, and signature circular buckle. While the Nudist offers a “nakeder” look with razor-thin straps, it is often criticized for being difficult to wear, whereas the Portofino is engineered for stability. You can find current seasonal colors and classic suedes at Mytheresa, Farfetch, and Nordstrom.

Below, we look back at how the industry’s most notable style icons have utilized the Portofino’s versatility across different eras of fashion.

Camila Cabello Elevates a Navy Oscar de la Renta Gown With Metallic Gianvito Rossi “Portofino” Heels

Camila Cabello in a navy halter gown from the Oscar de la Renta Resort 2019 Collection (Credit: WENN / Lia Toby / Apega / Adriana M. Barraza / Patricia Schlein)

The “Havana” singer hit the carpet at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards in a navy halter gown from the Oscar de la Renta Resort 2019 Collection featuring a square neckline, a fitted gathered bodice, and a full skirt.

Accessorizing with Chopard jewelry, Camila Cabello finished off her outfit with metallic leather ‘Portofino’ heels.

Camila Cabello shows off her feet in metallic leather Portofino heels at the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on August 20, 2018

Margot Robbie Softens a Romantic Floral Dress With Silver Gianvito Rossi “Portofino” Sandals

Margot Robbie was radiant with a bold berry lip and face-framing blonde waves

Margot Robbie opted for silver ‘Portofino’ sandals for her movie ‘Peter Rabbit’ premiere at The Grove in Los Angeles. She was joined by her co-stars Rose Byrne, James Corden, Domhnall Gleeson, Elizabeth Debicki, and director Will Gluck.

The Australian actress stunned in a romantic, floral-printed bodice featuring delicate ruffles from the Brock Collection

The Australian actress and film producer styled her sandals with a white floral dress from the Brock Collection Pre-Fall 2018 collection.

Margot Robbie opted for a white floral Brock Collection dress paired with silver Gianvito Rossi ‘Portofino’ sandals for the movie premiere at The Grove in Los Angeles on February 3, 2018

She completed her romantic ensemble with Ana Khouri earrings and a quirky Judith Leiber Couture hard-shell minaudière clutch in the shape of a bunny.

To complement the movie’s theme, Robbie accessorized with a whimsical, crystal-embellished Judith Leiber Couture bunny clutch

A close-up of Margot Robbie’s feet in metallic silver Gianvito Rossi ‘Portofino’ sandals, showcasing the minimalist two-strap design

Karlie Kloss Commands the Red Carpet in a Vivienne Westwood Gown and Iconic “Portofino” Heels

Wearing a fluid scarlet satin gown with a softly draped bodice, she strikes a confident pose that highlights the dress’s sculptural waist detailing

Just two months before Margot Robbie’s movie premiere, Karlie Kloss hosted the 2017 Fashion Awards, which served a slew of fascinating looks from celebrity attendees such as Zendaya, Kaia Gerber, Rita Ora, Selena Gomez, and Alexa Chung.

The model brought her style A-game at the star-studded event, donning many ensembles as she fulfilled her hosting duties.

Captured mid-stride, the sweeping red skirt reveals elegant movement and a glimpse of metallic heels beneath the hem

As for her red carpet entrance, Karlie turned heads in a red Vivienne Westwood Couture gown that featured a strapless neckline, a corseted design, an elegant drape detail, and a sweeping train. Her beauty look consisted of side-swept waves, a bold red lip, and stunning Lorraine Schwartz jewelry.

A back view showcases the gown’s clean strapless construction, emphasizing its structured bodice and dramatic volume through the skirt

She finished her look with the celebrity-favorite Gianvito Rossi “Portofino” sandals. These shoes feature an open-toe silhouette, two leg-lengthening straps, and circular buckles.

In a close-up moment, diamond jewelry and a bold red lip complement the lustrous fabric and minimalist neckline

Turning slightly to the side, her softly waved blonde hair and polished makeup frame the gown’s romantic draping at the 2017 Fashion Awards at the Royal Albert Hall in London on December 4, 2017.

Joining her on the red carpet, English fashion model Jourdan Dunn stunned in a bright orange Versace dress paired with metallic heels.

The rich red satin contrasts vividly against the green backdrop, underscoring the look’s timeless red-carpet impact

Karlie Kloss and Jourdan Dunn at the 2017 Fashion Awards held at the Royal Albert Hall in London on December 4, 2017

Karlie Kloss highlights the leg-lengthening elegance of Gianvito Rossi’s metallic Portofino sandals as she poses alongside Jourdan Dunn on the red carpet at the 2017 Fashion Awards

Julianne Moore Anchors Couture Elegance With Silver Gianvito Rossi “Portofino” Sandals

Julianne Moore attends the National Board of Review Awards Gala, where she presented Licorice Pizza director Paul Thomas Anderson with the Best Film Award, on March 15, 2022 (Credit: John Nacion / Startraksphoto)

In March 2022, Julianne Moore looked like the definition of grace and elegance as she attended the National Board of Review Awards Gala held at Cipriani 42nd Street.

Before presenting director Paul Thomas Anderson with the Best Film Award for Licorice Pizza, the Hunger Games star opened up about her experience of working with the director on Magnolia and Boogie Nights.

“He loves what you do, and he loves what he does, and working with him just makes you feel totally alive. And that’s really how I felt about watching Licorice Pizza. It just made me feel alive.”

Julianne Moore looks youthful in her ivory white off-the-shoulder midi dress from Valentino’s Anatomy of Couture collection (Credit: Janet Mayer / Startraksphoto)

The iconic actress looked youthful in an ivory white technical wool dress from Valentino’s Spring 2022 Haute Couture ‘Anatomy of Couture’ collection.

It features an off-the-shoulder neckline with a pleated bust, a slim-fitting bodice, and a straight hem that falls just above the ankles.

Julianne Moore styles her red tresses in loose waves and wears smokey eye-makeup with peach-colored lipstick (Credit: JOHN NACION / startraksphoto)

Keeping the look elegant, Julianne accessorized in a minimalist style, wearing a pair of diamond drop earrings and a large, sparkling ring.

As for her beauty look, Bart Freundlich’s wife highlighted her eyes with smoky eyeshadow and let her red tresses cascade over her shoulders in loose waves.

Julianne’s elegant ensemble was anchored by a pair of metallic silver heels from Gianvito Rossi. These iconic ‘Portofino’ sandals—also a favorite of Selena Gomez at the 2022 Critics’ Choice Awards—are hand-finished in Italy, featuring a minimalist two-strap design and a sleek stiletto heel that elongates and creates a graceful silhouette.

Julianne Moore completes her elegant outfit by showing off her feet in silver Gianvito Rossi Portofino sandals (Credit: John Nacion / Startraksphoto)

Julianne Moore Balances Advocacy and Style in Black Gianvito Rossi “Portofino” Sandals

Julianne Moore lights the Empire State Building to honor National Gun Violence Awareness Day in New York on June 1, 2017 (Credit: WENN)

In June 2017, she lit up the Empire State Building in New York City to promote Gun Violence Awareness Day. Her iconic red hair came to life as she paired it with a red-and-white patterned dress by Giambattista Valli.

Julianne Moore balances the movement of her red-and-ivory striped dress with sleek black ankle-strap heels, letting the minimalist sandals ground the look while subtly elongating her legs (Credit: WENN)

Julianne Moore spotlights the timeless appeal of black Gianvito Rossi “Portofino” sandals, their clean ankle strap and minimalist silhouette perfectly framing the foot with red-carpet polish (Credit: WENN)

Julianne chose volume for her look with the Giambattista Valli piece. The dress featured a flowing godet skirt, bell sleeves, and a bow necktie.

The mother-of-two kept things simple with a pair of Gianvito Rossi “Portofino” sandals.

Julianne Moore delivers a poised appearance with softly waved auburn hair, defined eye makeup, and a bow-tied neckline that reinforces the polished elegance of her red-and-white patterned look (Credit: WENN)

Actress Julianne Moore and John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety, light The Empire State Building to honor National Gun Violence Awareness Week at The Empire State Building on June 1, 2017, in New York City (Credit: Dennis Van Tine / Future Image / Ivan Nikolov / WENN)

Why Gianvito Rossi’s “Portofino” Remains the Ultimate Celebrity Go-To Heel

From red-carpet premieres to off-duty airport style, Gianvito Rossi’s “Portofino” sandals have proven their staying power across seasons, silhouettes, and style eras.

Defined by leg-lengthening proportions and a deliberately minimal design, the sandal continues to anchor some of the most memorable celebrity fashion moments—effortlessly adapting to evening gowns, modern tailoring, and elevated casual looks alike.

Below, explore how today’s most influential style icons continue to rely on the Portofino as a timeless footwear essential.