She’s always been known for her minimalist approach to the red carpet, usually wearing sleek black silhouettes or understated metallic gowns.
But for the Paris premiere of her upcoming film Coutures (formerly Stitches), Angelina Jolie elevated her signature style, stepping out in a daring yet refined, embellished, sheer Givenchy gown.
She paired the look with classic black pumps—an unexpected choice that added weight to the ensemble, balancing the ethereal dress while maintaining an air of effortless chic.

Coutures follows American filmmaker Maxine (Jolie) as she arrives in Paris during Fashion Week and finds herself on a dangerous, life-changing journey.
Given the film’s fashion-forward setting and emotionally charged premise, Jolie’s premiere look seemed fitting.
Angelina Jolie Debuts Givenchy ‘Spiky’ Satin Glove Pumps in Paris
Jolie slipped into the Givenchy “Spiky” pumps in black satin, and their glossy finish instantly added polish against her sheer, sequin-covered gown. Striking in silhouette, the shoes featured sharp, elongated pointed toes that lengthened her leg, with a glove-like vamp that wrapped around the foot, giving them a slightly vintage feel. I loved how the toes curved just enough at the tips, softening the sharpness and adding a subtle modern edge.
The high cone-shaped heels took the design up a notch, giving the shoes a sleek, tapered profile. Their thicker structure nodded to classic footwear from decades past, when heels were built to look bold and sculptural. While I might have chosen minimalist open-toe sandals to echo the dress’s lightness, I appreciated how the black pumps added contrast and edge.
A mule version of these “Spiky” pumps retails for $990 at Mytheresa.

Sarah Burton’s Givenchy Debut: Jolie’s Sheer Botanical Sequin Gown
Angelina paired her black satin glove pumps with a semi-sheer nude Givenchy gown designed by Sarah Burton. Silver sequins in exquisite botanical patterns covered the transparent fabric, capturing light from all angles and giving her look a soft glow. Beadwork and tassels were scattered throughout, adding movement as she walked.
What really stood out to me, aside from the embellishments, was the fit. The sheer fabric skimmed Jolie’s figure beautifully, highlighting her curves. To balance the transparency, the high round neckline and short sleeves kept the look polished and composed.
The asymmetric hem fell just at her ankles, while the tassels extended the dress’s line, making the silhouette appear longer and leaner. I liked how the details came together, keeping the gown light and fluid rather than weighed down by embellishments. It was feminine and intricate with a quiet sense of drama!

Understated Elegance: 15-Carat Diamonds and Soft Glam Beauty
I loved how Angelina kept her accessories and beauty choices understated, letting the dress remain the focus. A 15-carat green diamond ring and stud earrings added just the right amount of sparkle without competing with the gown’s intricate embellishments.
Her blonde hair was styled in loose, glossy waves with a side part, one section falling softly over her shoulder. Her makeup stayed minimal and fresh, with mascara, subtle smoky eye shadow, and eyeliner defining her icy blue eyes. A touch of pink blush and coral-pink lipstick completed her look, giving her a polished glow.

Why Glove Pumps Remain a Red-Carpet Power Move
As this look shows, glove pumps continue to be a go-to choice for stars seeking structure, elegance, and a quietly modern edge. Whether paired with sheer couture gowns or sharp tailoring, the silhouette offers a refined alternative to delicate sandals—grounding an outfit while elongating the leg. Explore more celebrity moments and trend-driven takes on glove pumps and statement heels below.
- 👢 Apple TV Press Day: 2026’s Power Dressing Masterclass in Designer Heels — Olivia Munn softens all-black style with chic Khaite glove pumps paired with high heels for relaxed yet polished tailoring at a celebrity event.
- 👡 13 Shoe Trends You’ll Actually Wear in 2026 — A trend guide highlighting glove pumps’ quiet comeback and other elevated heel silhouettes shaping the year’s wardrobe staples.
- 👠 The Best Shoes at the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards — A red-carpet roundup featuring off-white glove pumps finished with modern mid-height heels rounding out elegant formal looks.
- 🥿 Naomi Watts Modernizes Jackie O Style in Jude Pumps — A footwear-focused feature showing polished glove pumps and refined heels anchoring elevated city-chic ensembles.
- 👠 Golden Globes 2025: Best Celebrity Shoe Moments — Stars including Angelina Jolie and others grounding their gowns with classic pumps and stiletto heels.