In June 2022, Lea Michele returned to the New York City spotlight for a series of high-profile appearances, including the 75th Annual Tony Awards and the Alice + Olivia 20th-anniversary celebration.
Her wardrobe for the week balanced two distinct aesthetics: structured red-carpet elegance and a modern, high-shine take on “prom” attire.
Lea Michele sharpens her chainmail mini with towering black platform sandals, using the exaggerated heel height to elongate her legs against the vibrant floral backdrop at Alice + Olivia’s prom-themed 20th-anniversary party in New York City on June 15, 2022 (Credit: Janet Mayer / Startraksphoto)
For Stacey Bendet’s anniversary party, Michele skipped the traditional gown in favor of an Alice + Olivia chainmail set that leaned into textural contrast.
Her look centered on the $330 “Frenchie” black chainmail cropped top, featuring a halter neck and a triangular front panel, which she paired with the matching “Elana” mini skirt.
A sleek side profile reveals the halter-tie back and sculptural silhouette, balanced by minimalist ankle-strap heels that keep the focus on clean lines and height (Credit: Christian Lora / Image Press Agency / ABACA / INSTARimages)
Continuing the theme of the look, Lea Michele carried a matching black Prada purse. It features dangling beaded fringes, a kiss lock closure, a logo plaque, and a silver-tone chain shoulder strap.
The petite actress elevated her height with a pair of Stuart Weitzman stiletto heels. The Nudist Hollywood sandals feature delicate suede straps, 1.5-inch platforms, and 5.7-inch towering heels.
Close-up: the Stuart Weitzman platform sandals combine a slim toe strap with a dramatic stiletto and thick front platform, delivering both lift and stability in a classic “naked” silhouette (Credit: Christian Lora / Image Press Agency / ABACA / INSTARimages)
Wearing her dark tresses in a neat, center-parted low bun, the Glee star accessorized her look with a pair of diamond earrings, rings, and an ear cuff.
She then kept her makeup simple, with mascara to accentuate her eyes and a swipe of pink lip color.
Lea Michele brings a modern edge to party dressing in Alice + Olivia’s black chainmail halter set, with the fluid metallic texture and open-back silhouette striking a balance between high-shine glamour and effortless ease against the vibrant floral backdrop (Credit: Janet Mayer / Startraksphoto)
Earlier that month, Lea Michele stepped onto the red carpet in a moment that quietly set the tone for what was to come.
Lea Michele Returns to the Spotlight in Cong Tri on the Tony Awards Red Carpet
Wearing an elegant black gown by Vietnamese designer Cong Tri, she delivered a refined, understated look ahead of the Spring Awakening cast reunion—15 years after their Best Musical win at the 2007 Tony Awards, where they would later perform a soulful rendition of “Touch Me.”
Lea Michele delivers understated drama in Cong Tri, the sculpted black gown defined by sharp geometric cutouts and voluminous off-the-shoulder sleeves that frame her silhouette with precision at the 75th Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on June 12, 2022, in New York City (Credit: John Nacion / Startraksphoto)
The $3,980 silky dress featured a floor-length column skirt, off-the-shoulder puff sleeves, and a bodice with daring diamond-shaped slits on the midsection that gave a glimpse of the actress’s midriff.
Her shoes weren’t visible underneath her gown, but Lea Michele wore the same Stuart Weitzman Nudist Hollywood sandals with 5.7-inch heels.
A side angle highlights the gown’s architectural construction, where clean lines and strategic cutouts contour the body while the satin finish keeps the look polished and refined (Credit: John Nacion / Startraksphoto)
Styled by Brian Meller, the Scream Queens star kept the look classy by accessorizing with a white gold Katkim “Charlie” ear pin, a stud earring, and a ring.
Makeup artist Allan Aponte helped the actress glam up with heavy smoky eyeshadow, mascara, darker eyebrows, and pink lipstick.
Meanwhile, hairstylist Seiji styled her brunette tresses in voluminous curls and pulled them back into a low center-parted ponytail.
Close-up: the interplay of structure and skin takes center stage, with diamond-shaped cutouts and a smooth satin bodice creating a modern, sculptural take on classic black eveningwear (Credit: John Nacion / Startraksphoto)
The Ultimate Red Carpet Staple
Lea Michele’s 2022 Tony Awards appearance was more than just a fashion win; it was a masterclass in using structured silhouettes and sky-high platforms to command the spotlight.
By pairing her avant-garde Cong Tri gown with the architectural height of Stuart Weitzman, she solidified her status as a red carpet heavyweight. Whether it’s the classic minimalist strap or the revamped “Hollywood” platform, these shoes remain the industry’s secret weapon for effortless glamour.
👠 Explore Stuart Weitzman’s “Nudist Hollywood” & Iconic Red Carpet Moments:
- ✨ Amanda Seyfried’s liquid metallic moment at the Critics’ Choice Awards, where she wore the Nudistcurve Hollywood—a skyscraper version of the icon featuring a curved back and a staggering platform.
- 📐 The engineering of the Nudist II: A deep dive into how Stuart Weitzman updated the minimalist silhouette for modern comfort, as seen on Mia Goth at the Oscars.
- 🏆 Hollywood’s “Little Black Dress” of shoes: An evergreen guide to the Nudist family, including Lea Michele’s history with the brand and how the style became a staple for everyone from Jennifer Lawrence to Jessica Biel.
- 💫 Julianne Hough’s shimmering silver pair at the CFDA Awards—a classic example of the Nudist’s leg-lengthening power (and a reminder to always remove the price tags!).
- 🌟 The ultimate Oscar shoe showdown: See how Jennifer Aniston and Chrissy Teigen styled their Weitzman sandals with dramatic couture gowns for the Academy Awards.