Anne Hathaway Channels Marlene Dietrich in Iconic Roger Vivier ‘Boule’ Heels at the 98th Academy Awards

Anne Hathaway took to the stage at the 98th Academy Awards to present the honors for Best Costume Design and Best Makeup and Hairstyling alongside Anna Wintour.

The actress immediately drew attention in a romantic black floral ensemble, pairing a striking Valentino gown with elegant Roger Vivier heels for a look that balanced polished drama with unmistakable Old Hollywood glamour—one of many memorable fashion moments from the ceremony, alongside standout appearances such as Jessie Buckley’s winning Chanel look and Kate Hudson’s shimmering Armani ensemble with Aquazzura heels.

The duo also shared a playful Devil Wears Prada moment during the presentation. Wintour briefly slipped into Miranda Priestly mode, humorously brushing past Hathaway’s question about her dress before moving straight to the nominees. The quick exchange delighted the audience and served as a knowing nod to the beloved fashion film, which continues to fuel anticipation for a potential sequel.

Anne Hathaway joins Anna Wintour on stage at the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, wearing an Old Hollywood–inspired black floral Valentino gown paired with Roger Vivier heels (Credit: Trae Patton / The Academy)

Anne Hathaway Steps Out in Roger Vivier “Marlene Strass” Boule-Heel Sandals at the 2026 Oscars

Before even getting to the gown, let’s talk about her shoes. Hathaway slipped into the Roger Vivier “Marlene Strass” sandals, made from black satin with thin straps across the toes and around the ankles, finished with a rectangular crystal buckle. The sandals also had open square toes and open sides that revealed the natural contours of her feet, creating a modern yet feminine silhouette.

The real standout detail was the crystal-encrusted sphere placed along the stiletto heel, sparkling like a tiny disco ball.

It added just the right amount of sparkle, though it was barely visible beneath the hem of her gown. The pair is currently on sale for $903 at Net-a-Porter, down from $1,290.

Anne Hathaway slips into a pair of black satin Roger Vivier “Marlene Strass” sandals with an open square toe and a crystal-encrusted sphere on the stiletto heel (Credit: Trae Patton / The Academy)

Anne Hathaway Channels Old Hollywood Glamour in a Black Floral Valentino Gown

As for the dress, Hathaway wore a black velvet Valentino gown scattered with delicate champagne floral embroidery. The strapless bodice hugged her frame, then was cinched at the waist with a wide black leather belt featuring a bold buckle. From there, the silhouette fell into a mermaid skirt that widened at the knees and flowed into a sweeping train behind her.

Anne Hathaway finished the look with sleek opera gloves and a statement ring, then added Bulgari jewelry from the brand’s new Eclettica High Jewelry collection. The choice felt natural, considering she has been a Bulgari ambassador since 2022. Her sparkling necklace and matching earrings framed her face beautifully and pulled the whole outfit together, giving her that effortless Old Hollywood glam vibe on the Oscars stage.

Anne Hathaway stuns in a custom black Valentino floral-embroidered gown with a belted waist, a mermaid skirt, a sweeping train, and black opera gloves (Credit: Etienne Laurent / The Academy)

Roger Vivier’s “Marlene” Boule Heel: The Marlene Dietrich–Inspired Design Behind Hathaway’s Sandals

The sculptural heel on Anne Hathaway’s Roger Vivier “Marlene” sandals carries a remarkable fashion legacy. The crystal sphere—known as the “Boule” heel—was originally created by Roger Vivier for Marlene Dietrich in 1953, before becoming widely popular in the designer’s 1955 Dior collection.

Dietrich famously wore the sparkling heels during her cabaret performances, helping transform the dramatic jewel-like heel into one of Vivier’s most recognizable design signatures.

Today, Creative Director Gherardo Felloni continues to reinterpret the historic silhouette for modern red carpets. While the classic Boule-heel pump remains a symbol of mid-century glamour, the Maison has introduced contemporary versions such as the Vivier Marlene sandal and sporty reinterpretations with platform or rubber soles, giving the archival design a fresh, energetic edge.

Below, explore more celebrity fashion moments featuring Roger Vivier’s distinctive Marlene Boule-heel creations.