Lucy Liu Wins Lifetime Achievement Award in Paolo Sebastian and Naeem Khan Couture With Aldo & Sam Edelman Heels at Locarno Film Festival

Lucy Liu had a night to remember as she made a stunning appearance at the 78th Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland. She not only attended the photocall and premiere of her new drama Rosemead but was also honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her exceptional contributions to cinema throughout her three-decade career.

For such a special occasion, Lucy Liu naturally dressed the part in two stunning embroidered dresses, one by Paolo Sebastian and another by Naeem Khan. Both fashion houses are known for their exquisite craftsmanship, and Liu pulled each look with regal elegance. She paired the stunning dresses with sophisticated yet straightforward heels by Aldo and Sam Edelman, balancing glamour with simplicity and ease.

Lucy Liu embraces regal elegance in Paolo Sebastian and Naeem Khan gowns at the 78th Locarno International Film Festival Rosemead photocall on August 14, 2025 (Credit: Nick Zonna / IPA / INSTARimages)

Rosemead, directed by Eric Lin, is inspired by actual events. It follows Irene, a Chinese-American immigrant mother facing terminal cancer while dealing with her son’s mental health issues and his disturbing obsession with mass shootings. In her final days, she is pushed to go to great lengths to protect him.

Radiant in White: Lucy Liu Stuns in Paolo Sebastian Dress and Aldo Heels

Wearing a white embroidered dress from Paolo Sebastian’s Spring 2024 Couture collection, Lucy Liu radiated classic elegance at the photocall for Rosemead held during the 78th Locarno Film Festival. Her ensemble was the epitome of the Australian brand’s dreamy, fairytale-inspired style, which frequently combines exquisite embroideries, romantic silhouettes, and delicate fabrics.

The dress, crafted in lustrous white silk mikado, shimmered under the light, giving it a touch of luxury while still looking light and perfect for summer. It glowed against Lucy’s warm complexion, giving her a radiant, luminous appearance.

The stunning dress featured sheer lace net panels that added dimension and texture, while delicate cutout embroideries gave it a soft, regal, and feminine charm. These exquisite details weren’t just for decoration; they were inspired by the linen and pillowcases hand-embroidered by designer Paul Vasileff’s grandmother, Domenica.

The dress’s thick shoulder straps and sculpted square neck beautifully framed Lucy’s shoulders and décolletage, and its tight waist accentuated her figure before flowing into a maxi skirt.

Lucy Liu stuns in a white embroidered Paolo Sebastian dress made of white silk mikado with net panels, cutout embroideries, thick shoulder straps, and a sculpted square neck (Credit: Nick Zonna / IPA / INSTARimages)

While the dress was a bit too long for an afternoon photo call, it nonetheless looked elegant and fit the mood of the festival. A shorter cut would have made it look fresher and more youthful. Still, it stayed age-appropriate without being boring.

Lucy kept her accessories understated, allowing the dress’s craftsmanship to take center stage. She skipped elaborate jewelry and instead chose a pair of silver bauble drop earrings that added subtle sparkle to her summery white ensemble. Her dark tresses were styled in soft waves with a neat center part, injecting the look with laid-back charm. I love how the combination of her minimal styling and effortless glam kept the look fresh!

A pair of nude patent leather Aldo sandals rounded out Lucy Liu’s ensemble. They were the perfect finishing touch as they complemented her white dress and blended nicely with her skin tone, making her legs appear longer while allowing the dress to remain the main focus. The combination felt clean and effortlessly sophisticated!

Celebrities often gravitate toward Aldo heels not just for their affordability but also for the perfect mix of fashion and function they deliver. From trendy yet timeless designs like the Cassedy pump to practical block-heel boots, Aldo pieces seamlessly complement couture gowns or casual looks. Their accessible price point—typically $45 to $90 at Zappos and Nordstrom—makes them a stylist’s dream, allowing experimentation without sacrificing glamour.

With comfort features like Pillow Walk technology and memory foam soles, Aldo ensures stars such as Julianne Hough, Millie Bobby Brown, Lupita Nyong’o, and Kaitlyn Dever can shine on the red carpet while staying comfortable. This balance of style, accessibility, and wearability explains why Aldo continues to be a go-to choice for celebrity stylists worldwide.

Lucy Liu’s sandals featured open toes and a strap across the foot, enhancing the ensemble’s laid-back summertime look. The delicate platform and high heels gave her just the right amount of lift to improve her posture, and the slim straps kept the style fresh and feminine!

Lucy Liu pairs her white dress with nude patent Aldo sandals featuring platforms, heels, and open toes that showcase her red pedicure (Credit: Nick Zonna / IPA / INSTARimages)

Regal Glamour: Lucy Liu Embraces Naeem Khan Couture With Sam Edelman Heels

Lucy Liu made a breathtaking entrance at the Locarno Film Festival premiere of Rosemead, wearing an elaborate Naeem Khan jacquard gown from the Indian-American designer’s Spring 2024 collection. The look was nothing short of majestic, ideally suited for a major red-carpet moment.

The gown, designed initially as a hooded gown, exuded a sense of bridal grandeur. But rather than wearing the hood up, Lucy let it fall behind her, turning it into a regal wraparound cape that draped gracefully over her arms and shoulders. I would have loved to see her wear the hood up for that extra dose of drama, but I also admired how the cape created this sculptural effect that exuded elegance and poise.

It was crafted from nylon and lined with soft georgette, but what stood out was the intricate shimmering metallic embroidery that caught the light from all angles. From the fitted bodice to the mermaid skirt, the craftsmanship was so detailed and refined that the patterns almost looked like pieces of jewelry woven into the fabric—no wonder it’s priced at $8,495.

Lucy Liu looks regal in an elaborate Naeem Khan jacquard gown featuring a hooded cape detail and shimmering metallic embroideries (Credit: Nick Zonna / IPA / INSTARimages)

I commend Lucy and her stylist, Lee Harris, for their elegant styling, which kept everything else understated to let the gown shine. Lucy wore just a pair of silver drop earrings and carried a metallic Judith Leiber clutch to complement the gown’s embroidery.

Her raven hair was worn sleek and straight, cascading behind her back, while her makeup was soft with pink tones, which kept the look balanced and fresh.

We didn’t get a full view of Lucy’s shoes, but she credited Sam Edelman for them — a brand founded by the American designer renowned for creating stylish yet accessible footwear since the 1970s.

Lucy Liu is honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 78th Locarno International Film Festival (Credit: Nick Zonna / IPA / INSTARimages)

Much like Aldo, which offers trend-driven and affordable options as a Canadian brand, Sam Edelman embodies the blend of glamour and wearability that makes such labels a smart red-carpet choice. For Lucy’s opulent Naeem Khan gown, her heels were likely silver or gold, echoing the gown’s shimmering metallic embroidery.

Lucy Liu’s Most Memorable Shoe Moments Through the Years

From couture gowns to affordable Aldo sandals, Lucy Liu’s style proves that she can effortlessly move between high fashion and accessible glamour. To explore more of her standout footwear choices across red carpets and public appearances, check out some of her most iconic moments below.