From Vintage Versace to Crystal Le Silla: The Best Shoes at the 2025 Elton John Oscars Party

On March 2, 2025, the 33rd Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party returned to West Hollywood Park, maintaining its long-standing tradition as the premier alternative to the main telecast.

Heidi Klum, Paris Jackson, Elizabeth Hurley, Camila Cabello, Zooey Deschanel, Xochitl Gomez, and Jane Seymour wear statement shoes at the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s 33rd Annual Academy Awards viewing party (Credit: Dave Starbuck / Future Image / Cover Images / imageSPACE / MediaPunch / INSTARimages / Jennifer Bloc)

While the night is centered on fundraising for HIV/AIDS research, the blue carpet often provides a more experimental fashion playground than the formal Academy Awards.

In a departure from the heavy reliance on closed-toe pumps seen at earlier seasonal events, the 2025 guest list leaned into high-exposure footwear.

The prevailing trend favored open-toe sandals and architectural mules, shifting the focus toward pedicure colors and intricate strap work. From vintage archival boots to contemporary crystal-encrusted heels, these were the most notable shoe moments of the evening.

1. Heidi Klum’s Black Open-Toe Crystal Mules with Flirty Marmar Halim Slit Gown

Heidi Klum brought her signature flirty style to the occasion, choosing a pair of open-toe mules that perfectly showcased her pretty pale pink pedicure.

She proudly paraded her toned legs, which, I have to say, are incredibly impressive to this day, in striking mules adorned with microcrystals that offer a subtle yet elegant shimmer.

The mules’ curved strap and backless design add a flirty touch, while their high heels enhance Klum’s already striking 5’9” frame and elongate her legs.

Heidi Klum shows off her pale pink pedicure in glittery crystal-encrusted black open-toe mules (Credit: Dave Starbuck / Future Image / Cover Images)

Heidi Klum’s affinity for Le Silla’s exquisite footwear has been evident numerous times, elevating her ensembles with the brand’s signature elegance. At the 2018 Golden Globe Awards, she graced the event in a black feathered gown from Ashi Studio’s Fall 2017 Couture collection, complemented by Le Silla sandals that added a touch of sophistication to her look.

Similarly, during the 2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards, Heidi showcased her fashion-forward sensibilities by pairing a chocolate-colored animal-print mini dress from Christian Siriano’s Spring 2019 Collection with over-the-knee boots from Le Silla, seamlessly blending edgy and chic elements.

Heidi’s Le Silla mules complemented her equally flirty black dress from Dubai-based couture house Marmar Halim. The brand is known for fusing fashion and art, producing stunning creations that blend Eastern influences with modern Western trends.

Klum’s dress perfectly embodies this fusion. It features a curve-hugging silhouette that highlights her enviable figure in the most flattering way while showcasing the house’s commitment to high-quality fabrics and craftsmanship.

Heidi Klum looks flirty as she pairs her mules with a black Marmar Halim gown featuring an all-over ruching, a daring plunging neckline, and a thigh-high slit (Credit: Dave Starbuck / Future Image / Cover Images)

The dress is cut from ruched fabric, giving it a luxuriously textured look. It has a strapless asymmetrical neckline with a daring diagonal cutout that nearly exposes her navel, adding a touch of sex appeal. It’s matched by a bold thigh-high slit, allowing Klum to display her long legs.

She accessorized the look with jewelry from Lorraine Schwartz, including a few rings and diamond earrings subtly concealed by her flowing blonde tresses.

2. Paris Jackson’s Nude Christian Louboutin Sandals and Ethereal Zuhair Murad Bejeweled Dress

Paris Jackson looked ethereal in her head-to-toe nude ensemble. Despite the lack of defined color contrast between her dress and shoes, I love how it produces a flowing, elegant silhouette.

Her choice of nude sandals creates the illusion of longer, slender legs and a more streamlined look. Though mostly hidden beneath her gown, the iconic red-soled bottoms are a dead giveaway; they are unmistakably Christian Louboutin!

Upon closer look, Jackson appears to be wearing the “Jonatina” sandals. They have a thick toe strap that provides a sturdy, supportive feel, and two plexi straps at the back that create the illusion of a floating ankle strap, enhancing the overall design and lengthening Jackson’s legs.

The 3.3-inch heels finish the sandals off with a touch of subtlety, adding height to Paris Jackson’s naturally tall 5’10” frame. These sandals have been around for years, and many celebrities still sport them.

Paris Jackson goes nude in Christian Louboutin Jonatina sandals with two plexi straps at the back, creating the illusion of a floating ankle strap (Credit: imageSPACE / MediaPunch / INSTARimages)

It was brilliant of Jackson to wear a subtle pair of nude sandals, allowing her dramatic, jewel-embellished nude gown to take center stage. This focused attention on the striking dress and its sparkling embellishments, creating a glamorous and eye-catching look.

Paris Jackson’s unique and eccentric fashion sense was on full display at the event. She wore a gorgeous and intricate dress from Zuhair Murad’s Spring 2024 Couture collection. The dress is cut from delicate, see-through sheer fabric, enabling her to flaunt her figure while maintaining modesty.

The dress is adorned with intricate detailing featuring sequins, crystals, and beaded fringes, creating a dreamy, magical look. Its embellishments and flowing skirt add a sense of movement that perfectly captures Paris’ love for bohemian style.

While the design is strikingly beautiful, I can only imagine how heavy it must have been to wear.

Paris Jackson channels her inner goddess in a sheer nude gown by Zuhair Murad, fully embellished with crystals, sequins, and beaded fringes (Credit: Dave Starbuck / Future Image / Cover Images)

I don’t think the dress needs more accessorizing. Still, as a maximalist dresser, Paris added sparkles with multiple gold-and-diamond earrings, a stack of gold bracelets on one wrist, a beaded bracelet on the other, and a selection of rings on her manicured hands. Her swept-back hair enhanced the ethereal quality of her look.

3. Elizabeth Hurley’s Silver Le Silla Heels and Grecian Pink Bardot Gown

Elizabeth Hurley brought timeless glamour to the red carpet, wearing glittery platform sandals by Le Silla.

The “Lola” sandals in the Argento colorway, crafted from silver-glitter fabric, are a bold and glamorous choice for the event, adding a festive flair to the overall look.

The three thin front straps and an adjustable strap that crosses around the ankle create a retro-chic design that gives the sandals a timeless, elegant feel. Their 1.5-inch platforms and 5.5-inch towering stiletto heels add height and confidence to Hurley’s look, making her seem even more radiant and poised on the red carpet.

Elizabeth Hurley sparkles in Le Silla Lola platform sandals made of silver glitter fabric (Credit: imageSPACE / MediaPunch / INSTARimages)

I love that Elizabeth paired the silver sandals with a pink dress, creating a beautiful combination that perfectly balances femininity and sophistication.

Although I’m not a huge fan of pink dresses, there’s something undeniably striking about Hurley’s soft pink pastel gown. The delicate hue contrasts with the glitz and edge of her silver shoes, adding a hint of sweetness and innocence.

The blush pink creation features all-over ruching that slims it and highlights Elizabeth’s figure. It’s tailored to perfection, with a knot accent at the hips that adds a touch of detail and glam.

Elizabeth Hurley wears a delicate pink ruched bardot gown that contrasts her edgy silver heels (Credit: imageSPACE / MediaPunch / INSTARimages)

It also has a Bardot neckline that dips gently off the shoulders, making the look more feminine and timeless. The hip-high slit adds the right amount of sensuality, while the flowing train beautifully cascades to the floor, adding drama and movement to the look.

I’m glad Elizabeth skipped the necklace, as it could have been too distracting. Instead, she kept the accessories to a minimum, opting for diamond earrings and a crystal-adorned oval clutch, giving the look just the right amount of glitz.

4. Camila Cabello’s Black Aquazzura Sandals and Stunning Miss Sohee Fuchsia Dress

Camila Cabello looked stunning on the white carpet, exuding a glamorous Latina style. Her heels, though mostly hidden beneath her gown, add a touch of glimmer, with their crystal-adorned straps catching the light subtly.

These sandals might look familiar if you’re keeping tabs on red-carpet fashion. Camila wore Aquazzura’s “Tequila” sandals, which have become a favorite among celebrities, and it’s easy to see why. They have a strappy upper adorned with tonal crystals, creating a scalloped design and adding a glimmering touch to the look. They’re a statement piece on their own, with 4-inch heels giving Camila’s 5’2” height a much-needed boost.

In 2021, Nicole Kidman wore the Tequila sandals with a purple sequin dress at the InStyle Awards. Nicky Hilton, who owns the plexi version, also likes them and has worn them at multiple events, including the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards and Stacey Bendet’s 2024 Pride Party. You can get these Aquazzura sandals for $1,450 at Farfetch.

Camila Cabello dons the celebrity-favorite Aquazzura Tequila sandals in black suede with tonal crystal embellishments, creating a scalloped design (Credit: imageSPACE / MediaPunch / INSTARimages)

Camila paired the black heels with a stunning fuchsia dress designed by Miss Sohee, the same London-based designer responsible for Anya Taylor-Joy’s otherworldly bedazzled look at last year’s Oscars Vanity Fair party.

The Couture Spring 2023 gown is a standout piece, intricately adorned with beaded 3D florals that add a pop of color and luxurious texture to the design. It also has a plunging sweetheart neckline, trimmed with black beaded fringes that gracefully sway as Camila moves, creating a mesmerizing effect.

I love every detail in this piece, especially the flattering, body-hugging silhouette that perfectly accentuates every inch of Camila’s curves.

Camila Cabello stands out in a fuchsia Miss Sohee dress featuring colorful 3D florals and a sweetheart neckline with a black beaded fringe accent (Credit: imageSPACE / MediaPunch / INSTARimages)

While the dress on its own is stunning, Camila’s choice of accessories really takes the look to the next level. She wore the Chopard Insofu necklace, featuring what appears to be amethyst and emerald stones, adding a touch of sparkle and color without overpowering the dress.

The matching rings are also a lovely touch. And let’s not forget about Camila’s hair—those waves are gorgeous and perfectly frame her tiny face.

5. Zooey Deschanel’s Vintage Versace Boots and Edgy Minidress

Zooey Deschanel used the Elton John Foundation event as a platform to showcase her edgy yet playful sense of fashion! She chose to wear boots that were anything but ordinary—they were vintage from Versace’s Fall 1994 collection.

These boots are made of luxurious black suede and feature glittering gold overlays, giving the illusion of a T-strap pump with a Versace emblem connecting the straps in the middle. Just above the knees is an embroidered Medusa head logo, adding a touch of glam and luxury. They’re finished with gold piping at the leg opening and a 3-inch stiletto heel for added height.

Combining rock-and-roll and luxury, these boots perfectly capture Zooey’s unique vintage-inspired style.

Zooey Deschanel brings her playful and edgy style to the event, wearing vintage Versace black suede boots with metallic gold overlays, creating the illusion of a T-strap pump (Credit: Jennifer Bloc / Future Image / Cover Images)

Zooey paired the boots with a black Versace ensemble, which included a fitted patent-leather top and a thigh-skimming velvet miniskirt. The combination’s simplicity allowed the boots to take center stage.

The top and skirt add a touch of glamour and sexiness to the outfit, and the combination of materials and textures creates a chic contrast that adds visual interest to the look.

Zooey Deschanel looks put together as she pairs her black-and-gold over-the-knee boots with a black leather top and a belted black velvet mini-skirt (Credit: Jennifer Bloc / Future Image / Cover Images)

She styled it with a thin black leather Versace belt with gold accents to cinch her waist, while black stockings enhanced the look’s rock-and-roll edge. Her jewelry game was also on point; she skipped the necklace in favor of a few rings and a chain bracelet to finish the look.

6. Xochitl Gomez’s Classic Black Platform Pumps and Trendy White Blazer Minidress

Xochitl Gomez was among the few who chose to stick to the classic red-carpet shoe trend at the Elton John Oscars viewing party. She wore pumps in glossy black patent leather, giving the traditional silhouette a modern touch.

They have slim ankle straps that provide a delicate and secure fit while adding a touch of sexiness. The sky-high heels and platforms offer height, a touch of glamour, and sophistication to the overall look.

These shoes perfectly complement Xochitl’s modern take on business dressing. Black stockings create a slimming effect while elongating the legs.

Xochitl Gomez towers in a pair of black patent pointed-toe platform pumps, elongating her look (Credit: Dave Starbuck / Future Image / Cover Images)

Gomez wore them with a white double-breasted blazer dress that skimmed her thighs. I love the timeless white color and the trendy edginess of the crystal accents on the shoulders.

This reflects Xochitl’s bold and unique sense of style, often equal parts girly and edgy, and highlights her confidence and poise on the red carpet.

Xochitl Gomez puts a sexy spin on business dressing, wearing black stockings with a white blazer minidress with crystal buttons and shoulders (Credit: Dave Starbuck / Future Image / Cover Images)

Her jewelry choices were spot on. The dangling diamond earrings and rings gave the outfit an extra touch of sparkle and glamour. They were the ideal finishing touches to her already flawless ensemble.

7. Jane Seymour’s Christian Louboutin Circonvolu Sandals and Springtime Blue Nardos Floral Dress

Unsurprisingly, Jane Seymour’s sandals were the standout shoe of the evening. Like most attendees, she chose an open-toe design, but what sets it apart is its unique caged silhouette. This gives the shoes a sleek, contemporary appearance and highlights their elaborate design.

Seymour grounded her look in a pair of Christian Louboutin “Circonvolu” sandals, sculpted in glossy patent leather into a striking web-like cage. Intricately set with shimmering white strass crystals, the design catches the light with every step, naturally drawing the eye downward.

The open-toe silhouette keeps the look airy, while the towering 3.5-inch stiletto heels add height, glamour, and a refined sense of femininity without overwhelming the dress.

Jane Seymour shines in her Christian Louboutin Circonvolu sandals featuring a strappy caged upper adorned with shimmering crystals (Credit: imageSPACE / MediaPunch / INSTARimages)

The British actress balanced the statement heels with a vivid blue Nardos gown that felt unmistakably spring-ready. Designed with a modern high-low hem and adorned with vibrant floral detailing, the dress added movement and dimension to the look, keeping the intricate sandals in focus. The silhouette reflects the Dallas-based label’s couture sensibility—structured yet romantic—while the bold color palette adds a fresh, seasonal lift.

The dress fits Jane Seymour perfectly. The strapless neckline and tight bodice highlight her shoulders and décolletage while drawing attention to her figure. It then falls into a voluminous A-line high-low skirt, giving it a dash of modernity and freshness.

Jane Seymour teams her sparkly heels with an elaborate blue floral strapless gown by Nardos (Credit: imageSPACE / MediaPunch / INSTARimages)

I prefer going bare-neck with such an elaborate dress, but there’s no denying that Jane’s necklace is gorgeous. The necklace’s sapphires and diamonds provide the right amount of refinement and sparkle, making it the perfect finishing touch for the ensemble.

Memorable Fashion Moments from Past Elton John AIDS Foundation Viewing Parties

The Elton John AIDS Foundation’s Academy Awards Viewing Party has long been a highlight of Oscar night, attracting celebrities who showcase their impeccable style. Here’s a look at some standout fashion moments from previous events:

These fashion moments highlight the diverse and stylish choices celebrities make for the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s Academy Awards Viewing Party, reflecting the event’s reputation as a glamorous and philanthropic celebration.