In August 2014, Heidi Klum arrived at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles wearing a design that originated from a high-stakes challenge on Project Runway.
Heidi Klum strikes a poised front-facing stance in Sean Kelly’s cobalt fringe gown, the barely visible black Jimmy Choo platform sandals quietly anchoring the dramatic, floor-grazing silhouette at the 2014 Creative Arts Emmy Awards at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on August 16, 2014 (Credit: WENN / Apega / Adriana M. Barraza)
Created by designer Sean Kelly, the cobalt blue gown was famously produced on a $200 budget and within a 12-hour turnaround.
The dress features layers of ombré fringe that create significant movement, a nod to both 1920s flapper silhouettes and 1970s disco aesthetics.
To balance the gown’s heavy texture, Klum opted for a monochromatic palette, accessorizing with sapphire Lorraine Schwartz jewelry and a pair of Jimmy Choo “Mariah” sandals.
Klum lifts the hem in motion, revealing how the layered ombré fringe comes alive—while the streamlined platform sandals provide essential height and stability beneath the kinetic design
The choice of footwear is particularly notable; the “Mariah” is a minimalist platform sandal that provides the necessary height to clear the floor-length fringe without competing with the dress’s intricate layers.
By leaning into the kinetic nature of the fringe, Klum used the red carpet to demonstrate how the garment moves in real time.
A mid-spin moment showcases the gown’s fluid architecture from the back, with the low-cut silhouette and sweeping fringe emphasizing movement against the structured lift of her heels
Heidi just couldn’t stop moving and sashaying on the red carpet, and we would have done the same thing!
Turning over her shoulder on the red carpet, Klum lets the fringe ripple outward, the monochrome styling—from sapphire jewelry to black platforms—keeping the focus on texture and motion
Why Platform Sandals Were the Only Choice for This High-Movement Fringe Moment
Klum’s cobalt fringe dress wasn’t just designed to be seen—it was designed to move. Every step, turn, and red carpet pause set the layers into motion, creating a constant sense of energy that demanded equally considered footwear. By choosing streamlined platform sandals, she gained the height needed to clear the sweeping hem while keeping the focus firmly on texture, movement, and silhouette.
It’s a styling formula she returns to again and again: bold statement fashion anchored by precise, leg-lengthening heels. For more moments where Heidi Klum’s shoe choices elevate her most memorable looks, explore the curated features below.
👠 Explore Heidi Klum’s Best Shoe & Fashion Moments:
- 📏 Standing at 5’9″ (175.3 cm) with a US shoe size 11, Heidi Klum consistently uses sky-high designer heels—from Le Silla to Jimmy Choo—to enhance her already statuesque proportions.
- ✨ Her sleek Balmain column dress moment sharpened by mirrored gold Paris Texas “Lidia” mules shows how minimalist heels can elevate structured, body-contouring silhouettes.
- 👢 Heidi’s bold Halloween look in Le Silla thigh-high boots highlights her signature mix of high-gloss textures, sculpted silhouettes, and statement footwear.
- 💎 From Jimmy Choo to Louboutin and Olgana Paris, this multi-look feature breaks down how Klum pairs couture gowns with crystal sandals and classic pumps across red carpet events.
- 🔥 Her red satin Giuseppe Zanotti mules moment proves the power of a bold color pop, using towering heels to balance proportions and command attention.
- 🖤 The Givenchy “Clara” shark-lock sandals on AGT demonstrate how architectural heels can anchor sleek, modern red carpet tailoring.
- 🌟 Her off-duty Saint Laurent “Candy” platform look shows how chunky retro-inspired heels can transform casual denim into a polished, fashion-forward statement.