Kate Hudson Grabs Arlington Artist Award in Gold Platforms & Pink Louis Vuitton with Gwyneth Paltrow in Prada Louboutins

Kate Hudson was honored with the Arlington Artist of the Year Award at the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival for her role in the biographical musical drama Song Sung Blue. The award, named after the historic and iconic Arlington Theatre, was presented to her by her longtime friend Gwyneth Paltrow.

For the occasion, the two showed up in matching pink. Against the deep blue festival backdrop, their soft blush tones really stood out, with Hudson shimmering in a custom Louis Vuitton gown and Paltrow opting for a sheer Prada look.

Improved shoe-focused caption (one sentence): Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Hudson coordinate in blush pink at the 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival, with Paltrow finishing her Prada look in sleek pink Christian Louboutin pumps and Hudson grounding her embroidered Louis Vuitton gown with gold platform heels at the Arlington Artist of the Year Award honoring Hudson on February 13, 2026 (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Kate Hudson Pairs Custom Louis Vuitton With Sky-High Gold Platforms for Arlington Artist Award

Kate, as the honoree of the evening, went with a custom Louis Vuitton gown in a delicate blush shade. The fabric was covered in tonal embroidery, and across the bodice and skirt, rows of gold-beaded scalloped patterns added texture and a bit of sparkle. I liked how they subtly shimmered with every step!

The neckline dipped slightly and was held up by thin spaghetti straps, which kept the look a light, feminine feel. I loved how fluid the fabric appeared as Kate walked, skimming her frame before flowing to a sweeping hem. There was also a slight sheerness to the dress, offering glimpses of her legs beneath and adding just enough interest without detracting from its overall elegance.

What I appreciated most was how this still felt very “Kate.” The soft pink, the embroidery, and the gold details all aligned perfectly with her bohemian style, but in a polished way that worked for a formal event. She didn’t overload on accessories either. She kept it simple with drop earrings and a few rings by Sabyasachi, adding sparkle without competing with the intricate dress.

Kate Hudson channels her bohemian spirit in a pink embroidered dress with rows of gold beads across the bodice and skirt, custom designed by Louis Vuitton (Credit: Carla Van Wagoner / Future Image / Cover Images)

Bohemian Glamour: Kate Hudson’s Soft Pink Beauty Look and Gold Double-Platform Heels

Her beauty look was just as soft. Hudson wore pink-toned makeup, a dusting of shimmer on her eyes, and glossy pink lips that complemented her dress. Her hair was worn down in loose waves that fell over her shoulders, giving the whole look a relaxed, natural feel.

Her shoes were mostly hidden under the gown on the carpet, but inside the event, you could see she was wearing gold heels. With double platforms, thick crisscross straps, and high heels, they were bold yet cohesive, echoing the gold accents throughout her look.

I thought they were a smart choice because the extra height helped the gown fall to the floor perfectly.

Kate Hudson pairs her pink dress with gold sandals featuring double platforms, thick high heels, and crisscrossing thick straps (Credit: Jasmine Aissaoui / INSTARimages)

Gwyneth Paltrow Masterminds Monochromatic Minimalism in Sheer Prada and Pink Louboutin Pumps

Next to Hudson, Gwyneth Paltrow also chose pink, but in a completely different way. Rather than flow and embellishments, her Prada mini dress leaned into sleek layering and sharp structure.

Paltrow layered a pink satin bandeau top under a sheer overlay with satin trims and thin shoulder straps. The transparency added some interest while the clean lines kept everything polished.

Her outfit also included a mini skirt that sat high on her waist and featured a slight A-line shape. It showed off her legs and kept the look modern. But what really made it stand out, at least for me, was the long train that extended from her back. It looked like a sleek panel of fabric trailing behind her on the red carpet. It’s unexpected and transformed what could have been a simple mini into something architectural and red-carpet-worthy.

Gwyneth Paltrow embraces modern minimalism in a pink Prada outfit featuring a bandeau top, a sheer overlay, a mini skirt, and a sleek panel of fabric trailing behind her (Credit: Carla Van Wagoner / Future Image / Cover Images)

Modern Minimalism: Gwyneth Paltrow Pairs a Sheer Prada Mini With Pink Satin Christian Louboutin Pumps

Gwyneth kept her accessories simple with the delicate, eye-catching Hearts on Fire “Vela” diamond earrings, which had a minimalist, curvy shape. She then added a few rings for extra shine. Allowing her earrings to shine, she pulled her hair back into a slick, center-parted ponytail. Her makeup remained soft and pink, matching her outfit.

To finish everything off, she wore pink satin Christian Louboutin pumps with low-cut vamps, pointed toes, and high heels. They were classic and simple, perfect with the streamlined vibe of her dress.

Gwyneth Paltrow completes her chic and feminine monochromatic look with pink Christian Louboutin pointy pumps (Credit: Carla Van Wagoner / Future Image / Cover Images)

Red Carpet Analysis: How Hudson and Paltrow’s Footwear Defines 2026’s Biggest Shoe Trends

From sculptural platforms to sleek pointed pumps, the shoes worn on today’s red carpets often preview the silhouettes, heel shapes, and styling directions that will dominate the year ahead.

Whether it’s metallic finishes, refined minimalism, or statement proportions designed to balance dramatic gowns, these moments offer a clear snapshot of where fashion-forward footwear is headed next.