The amfAR Gala New York has long been one of the most glamorous nights on the fashion calendar, serving as the unofficial kick-off to New York Fashion Week.
💫 Jump to a Look:
More than just a red-carpet spectacle, the star-studded fundraiser honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the fight against HIV/AIDS—while offering a first glimpse at the trends and designer moments that will dominate the week ahead.
Several of our favorite celebrities attended this black-tie event that features cocktails, a seated dinner, a live auction of luxury items, and musical performances.
1. Halsey Stuns in Georges Hobeika Gown & Towering Jimmy Choo ‘Max’ Sandals
The American singer-songwriter showed more than she’d bargained for in a strapless black dress from the Georges Hobeika Spring 2018 Collection featuring a slit that exposed her pelvis.
Halsey has two roses tattooed on her left shoulder and a portrait tattoo on her left upper arm with the word “EVERYTHING” written below it
Instead of dwelling on wardrobe mishaps, let’s keep the spotlight where it belongs—on Halsey’s sky-high Jimmy Choo Max platform sandals. A daring statement shoe, the Max is defined by its extreme heel height of around 150mm (six inches), balanced by a substantial platform sole, giving it both height and stability.
Whether on the Met Gala steps, a Marvel premiere, or the latest award-show carpet, the Jimmy Choo Max has consistently proven its status as a red-carpet powerhouse—worn by stars who aren’t afraid to embrace height, glamour, and statement-making style.
👠 Explore Jimmy Choo Max Moments on Your Next Shoes:
- 📋 Vertiginous ‘Max’ Platform Statement Sandals by Jimmy Choo — A detailed breakdown of the design, plus celebrity sightings like Jennifer Lopez and Hailey Baldwin.
- ✨ Zendaya Channels Joan of Arc at 2018 Met Gala in Versace Armor Gown and Jimmy Choo ‘Max’ Heels — Zendaya armored up in a silver Versace gown matched with the dramatic Max heels.
- 🔱 Marvel Stars Dazzle at ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ Premiere — Zoe Saldaña elevated her Givenchy look with black satin Jimmy Choo Max platform sandals at the Hollywood premiere.
- ✨ Stunning Celebrity Shoes at Tiffany & Co. Event — Hailey Baldwin stepped out in metallic silver Jimmy Choo Max sandals at Tiffany’s Paper Flowers event.
- ⭐ Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s Glamorous Venice Red Carpet Comeback — J.Lo’s go-to Max platform heels again made a dramatic statement on the red carpet.
- 🌟 Jenna Ortega Handles Scream VI Wardrobe Malfunction — Jenna Ortega added serious height to her look with towering Jimmy Choo Max platform sandals.
- 🌟 Charli & Dixie D’Amelio Stun at the VMAs — Charli D’Amelio rocked black suede Jimmy Choo Max sandals on the pink carpet at the MTV VMAs.
- ⭐ The 2025 Critics’ Choice Awards Red Carpet — Vanessa Hudgens elevated her look with Jimmy Choo Max platform sandals.
- ⭐ Breakthrough Prize 2025 Shoe Roundup — Kate Hudson struck gold in Elie Saab paired with bold Jimmy Choo Max platforms.
Crafted in Italy from luxe materials such as suede, patent leather, and glitter fabric, the sandal features an open round toe, slender ankle strap with buckle fastening, and a pin-thin stiletto that elongates the legs.
Halsey wears a black Georges Hobeika gown with a high slit and towering Jimmy Choo ‘Max’ sandals at the 2018 amfAR Gala at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City on February 7, 2018 (Credit: WENN / Dennis Van Tine / Future Image / Patricia Schlein)
Halsey accessorized with 18-karat white gold and white diamond bow tie earrings from Lorraine Schwartz and a white diamond dragonfly ring.
With an immaculate pedicure, Halsey shows off the dramatic height of her Jimmy Choo ‘Max’ platform sandals
2. Heidi Klum Glitters in Crystal Zuhair Murad & Chic Neil J. Rodgers ‘Stella’ Sandals
The 44-year-old German-American model, television personality, businesswoman, fashion designer, singer, television producer, author, and actress stepped out in a black asymmetrical strapless gown from the Zuhair Murad Spring 2017 Couture Collection featuring a high slit showered with electric blue crystals.
Models Toni Loba, Heidi Klum, and Barbara Meier attend the 2018 amfAR Gala New York
Heidi Klum completed her look with Lorraine Schwartz sapphire earrings and the Neil J. Rodgers Stella sandals—a minimalist yet elegant design beloved by red-carpet regulars.
Heidi Klum smiles for the camera in a dazzling black Zuhair Murad gown adorned with electric blue crystals at the 2018 amfAR Gala
Handcrafted in Italy from supple nappa leather, the Stella features a sleek single-strap front and a walkable 65-mm (2.5-inch) breasted block heel that blends style with comfort.
Heidi Klum completes her dazzling Zuhair Murad gown with classic Neil J. Rodgers ‘Stella’ sandals at the amfAR Gala
Known for its stability and soft leather that molds to the foot, the sandal has become a go-to for stars like Jenna Dewan and Mila Kunis.
👡 Spotlight on Neil J. Rodgers Stella Moments:
- ✨ Jenna Dewan’s Engagement Announcement Look — Jenna ringed in glamour with Neil J. Rodgers Stella sandals, bringing refined elegance to her red-carpet style.
- 🎤 Mila Kunis’s “Bad Moms” Press Appearance — The actress added a stylish finish to her look with metallic Stella heels.
3. Olivia Culpo Sparkles in Metallic Redemption Dress & Gianvito Rossi ‘Portofino’ Sandals
Olivia Culpo wears a sleek updo to complement her sparkly, one-shouldered Redemption gown
The 25-year-old American actress, model, television presenter, cellist, and beauty queen sparkled in a silver metallic off-shoulder dress from the Redemption Fall 2017 Couture Collection that looked a little dated.
Olivia Culpo in a Redemption Fall 2017 Couture gown at the 2018 amfAR Gala New York at Cipriani Wall Street on February 7, 2018, in New York City (Credit: WENN / Dennis Van Tine / Future Image / Patricia Schlein)
Olivia Culpo accessorized her metallic Redemption gown with a David Yurman Supernova ring and Gianvito Rossi’s iconic Portofino ankle-strap sandals. A modern classic since its 2014 debut, the Portofino is celebrated for its minimalist elegance—defined by a slim strap across the toes, a high back, and a rounded ankle buckle often covered in the same material for a seamless finish.
Olivia Culpo shows off her perfect pedicure in classic Gianvito Rossi ‘Portofino’ sandals
Available at Farfetch in heel heights ranging from 70mm to 105mm, the stiletto’s clean lines and leg-lengthening silhouette have made it a red-carpet staple, spotted on A-listers like Charlize Theron and Eva Longoria.
👡 Celebrity Chic in Gianvito Rossi Portofino Sandals:
- 🎬 Charlize Theron at the “Girlboss” Premiere — Played it classic with a black satin slip dress and Gianvito Rossi Portofino sandals for understated grace.
- ➡️ Demi Lovato at LAX — Spotted in silver satin Portofino sandals while simplifying her airport style with comfort-forward glam.
- 👗 Karlie Kloss Channels Marilyn Monroe — Went glam in silver Portofino sandals that elevated her vintage-inspired white dress.
- 🎵 Demi Lovato at the Summer Spectacular — Matched her red velvet dress with bold red Gianvito Rossi Portofino sandals for high-impact style.
- 🌟 Ciara at Women in Music — Chose classic black Portofino heels with ankle strap and round buckle to complement her statement look.
- ✈️ Eva Longoria Arriving in Cannes — Opted for minimal, red-carpet-friendly Portofino sandals that balanced elegance and ease.
Handcrafted in Italy in supple leather, suede, and metallic finishes, the Portofino remains one of Gianvito Rossi’s most enduring and versatile designs, balancing timeless simplicity with refined glamour.