Last year’s Best Actress winner, Mikey Madison, returned to the stage at the Dolby Theatre as a presenter at the 98th Academy Awards, handing the trophy to Jessie Buckley.
For the occasion, Madison embraced rich Old Hollywood drama in a custom burgundy Dior gown paired with black Giuseppe Zanotti heels, creating a look that felt both romantic and commanding under the Oscars spotlight.
Her appearance added another memorable moment to a red carpet filled with standout footwear—from Priyanka Chopra’s feathered Dior gown styled with Jimmy Choo “Brigitte” pumps to Kate Hudson’s shimmering Armani ensemble paired with Aquazzura platforms, Anne Hathaway’s Valentino look finished with Roger Vivier heels, and Mia Goth’s romantic Dior moment with Stuart Weitzman sandals.
Together, these looks showcased how the Oscars red carpet continues to serve as one of fashion’s most influential stages for statement heels and couture styling.
Mikey Madison attends the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 15, 2026, wearing a burgundy velvet Dior gown with floral appliqués, styled with black Giuseppe Zanotti “Lilibeth” heels (Credit: Mark Von Holden / The Academy)
Mikey Madison Styles Burgundy Dior Gown with Black Giuseppe Zanotti “Lilibeth” Velvet Sandals
Mikey chose the Giuseppe Zanotti “Lilibeth” slingback sandals in black velvet. The silhouette is strikingly minimal, but the plush velvet finish gives the heels an unmistakably luxurious feel. The elegant style has also proven popular beyond the red carpet, with several versions of the “Lilibeth” sandal currently available at Farfetch.
They featured a peep-toe front and open sides that revealed the contours of her feet, giving the design a slightly sultry touch. A delicate slingback strap wrapped around the heel to keep the fit secure while maintaining that minimal, elegant silhouette.
Instead of matching the burgundy tone of her gown, Madison opted for black velvet heels—a choice that added depth and contrast to the look. The dark, plush texture grounded the richness of the burgundy Dior dress, creating a more dimensional and sophisticated palette than a monochrome pairing would have offered.
Mikey Madison slips into the black velvet Giuseppe Zanotti “Lilibeth” slingback sandals with open toes and high heels (Credit: Jennifer Bloc / Future Image / Cover Images)
Mikey Madison’s Burgundy Velvet Dior Gown Brings Old Hollywood Drama to the Oscars
Her dress was custom-made by Dior’s creative director Jonathan Anderson, and it fit her perfectly. As a Dior ambassador, it made sense that Mikey Madison chose the fashion house for such a big moment.
The gown was crafted from plush burgundy velvet and featured a sculpted bodice with a concave neckline, jutted sides, and delicate, embellished straps that fell off her shoulders. I especially loved the draping throughout the design.
The fitted bodice cinched at the waist before flowing into a wrap-style skirt gathered at one side, creating a dramatic slit that enhanced the fluid silhouette.
What really stood out were the delicate floral embroideries in tonal hues scattered across the gown. They added a subtle romantic detail that made the look feel even more special.
Mikey finished her outfit with Tiffany & Co. jewelry, including a diamond necklace, drop earrings, and a ring that added just the right amount of sparkle.
Mikey Madison looks stunning, pairing her black heels with a custom red velvet Dior gown featuring off-the-shoulder straps, draped skirt, and 3D flower appliques (Credit: Etienne Laurent / The Academy)
Mikey Madison Proves the Versatility of Giuseppe Zanotti “Lilibeth” Sandals at the Vanity Fair Party
For the Vanity Fair Oscar Party later that night, Mikey Madison switched things up with a much edgier custom look by Dilara Findikoglu, but she kept the same Giuseppe Zanotti sandals she wore earlier on the Oscars red carpet.
This just proved how versatile those heels are! Even with a completely different outfit, the sleek black sandals still worked perfectly, tying the whole look together.
Mikey Madison rewears her black Giuseppe Zanotti “Lilibeth” slingback sandals at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)
Mikey Madison Changes into a Dilara Findikoglu Corset and Champagne Skirt for the Vanity Fair Party
Dilara Findikoglu is known for her anarchic, feminist, and gothic-tinged designs, and Madison’s after-party outfit fully embraced that aesthetic.
The London-based designer has become a favorite among celebrities drawn to dramatic, corseted silhouettes—from Margot Robbie’s romantic gothic gown at the Wuthering Heights premiere to Cardi B’s avant-garde metallic creation at the MTV VMAs.
Madison’s look followed that same rebellious spirit. The top featured a sheer black lace corset with a strapless sweetheart neckline that sculpted the bodice, while stud accents along the waistline introduced a subtle punk edge—hallmarks of Findikoglu’s signature blend of gothic romance and subversive femininity.
Below, she wore a champagne-toned skirt that contrasted sharply with the dark corset. The fabric had a ruched texture throughout, but one detail that caught my attention was the open zipper at the waist, intentionally left slightly undone to create that gathered effect.
There was also a tonal bow with ribbon detailing near the hips, adding a playful twist to the deconstructed design. The skirt tapered at the knees, then flared into a soft mermaid shape, finishing with a short, sweeping train.
Madison kept her styling simple, with her hair down and soft, peachy makeup that balanced the bold outfit. She finished the look with a Tiffany & Co. Archives Art Deco diamond necklace in platinum, dating from 1925 to 1945, adding a final hint of vintage sparkle.
Mikey Madison opts for an edgy, feminine look in a custom Dilara Findikoglu gown featuring a black corset bodice and a deconstructed champagne mermaid skirt (Credit: PA Images / INSTARimages)
Why Giuseppe Zanotti “Lilibeth” Sandals Remain a Red-Carpet Favorite
Mikey Madison’s Oscars look was just one more reminder of the enduring appeal of Giuseppe Zanotti’s “Lilibeth” sandals.
With their streamlined silhouette and luxe finish, the heels strike that rare balance between understated and statement-making—making them a natural fit for everything from romantic velvet gowns to modern, body-conscious eveningwear. Below, revisit more celebrity style moments built around this polished red-carpet favorite.
👠 Explore Giuseppe Zanotti “Lilibeth” Shoe & Fashion Stories:
- ✨ Addison Rae’s amfAR Gala look pairs a glittering Versace cutout gown with black Giuseppe Zanotti “Lilibeth” slingback stilettos, showing how the sleek sandal adds polish to a high-impact evening look.
- 🎤 Taylor Swift’s MTV EMAs appearance spotlights the black velvet Giuseppe Zanotti “Lilibeth” sandals styled with a crystal-linked David Koma dress for a sharp, leg-lengthening red-carpet finish.
- 🎬 America Ferrera’s Barbie press tour fashion includes a standout London premiere moment in a Roland Mouret gown finished with black Giuseppe Zanotti “Lilibeth” sandals and opera gloves.
- 🌟 Skai Jackson’s Variety Power of Young Hollywood look features black suede Giuseppe Zanotti “Lilibeth” slingback sandals that give her minimal black dress a clean, elevated edge.