From Child Stars to Power Brokers: Dakota and Elle Fanning’s “Quiet Luxury” Shoe Evolution

Dakota and Elle Fanning have officially transitioned from Hollywood’s most famous child stars to influential industry power brokers.

As they expand their production banner, Lewellen Pictures, their red-carpet wardrobes have undergone a parallel evolution—shifting from whimsical Ingenue styles to a sophisticated, “quiet luxury” aesthetic defined by impeccable tailoring and statement footwear.

Dakota and Elle Fanning made a high-impact arrival at the Miu Miu Spring/Summer 2018 show in Paris on October 3, 2017, wearing statement footwear that defined the era’s eclectic aesthetic: Dakota in towering silver studded platforms and Elle in vibrant, jewel-encrusted slides (Credit: INSTARimages)

A definitive example of this polished “girl boss” shift occurred at the 7th Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards. Elle Fanning demonstrated exactly how to anchor a minimalist professional look with a masterclass in shoe selection.

Choosing a monochrome ensemble from Givenchy’s Fall 2023 collection, she paired a black maxi skirt with a silk pussy-bow blouse.

Elle Fanning delivers modern “girl boss” polish in a cream pussy-bow blouse and black Givenchy maxi skirt, anchoring the minimalist red-carpet look with classic heels at Daily Front Row’s 7th Annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards on April 23, 2023 (Credit: Media Punch / INSTARimages)

For shoe devotees, the real statement came from her footwear: Manolo Blahnik’s iconic Hangisi pumps.

Instantly recognizable by their crystal-encrusted buckle and sharp, low-cut silhouette, the Hangisi has long transcended trend cycles—cemented as a fashion cult classic after its unforgettable Sex and the City moment, when Carrie Bradshaw received a royal-blue pair in place of an engagement ring.

Inspired by 19th-century court shoes and handcrafted in Italy, the design blends historical elegance with modern wearability, making Fanning’s choice a subtle yet powerful nod to enduring style over fleeting fashion.

She was assisted by her trusted stylist Samantha McMillen, whose high-profile clients include Brie Larson, Kate Bosworth, and Ana de Armas.

Hairstylist Jenda Alcorn coiffed her platinum tresses in a neat updo. Meanwhile, makeup artist Erin Monroe accentuated her blue eyes with cat-eye makeup, added a sweep of pink blush, and applied bold red lipstick.

Elle Fanning accentuates her blue eyes with cat-eye makeup and wears her platinum blonde hair in a neat updo (Credit: Media Punch / INSTARimages)

The Fanning Sisters’ Enduring Influence on Red-Carpet Footwear

From couture premieres to front-row fashion week appearances, Elle and Dakota Fanning have consistently used footwear to anchor their evolving public images.

Whether it’s sculptural Manolo Blahnik heels, timeless Rupert Sanderson pumps, or polished Gucci staples, their shoe choices reveal a shared appreciation for craftsmanship, proportion, and enduring style. Explore some of the Fanning sisters’ most memorable shoe-centric fashion moments below.

Dakota and Elle Fanning appear together at a red-carpet event, the sisters who later formalized their creative partnership by founding their production company, Lewellen Pictures, in 2021 (Credit: Vince Flores / startraksphoto)