5’3” Halsey Uses Vintage Emanuel Ungaro Platforms to Close the Height Gap With Avan Jogia

Halsey brought her signature rebellious edge to the red carpet at Regal Union Square for the New York premiere of Our Hero, Balthazar, stepping out in a sculptural Meruert Tolegen dress paired with vintage Emanuel Ungaro platform heels.

Standing at 5’3½” (161.3 cm) and typically wearing a US size 7, the singer leaned into height-enhancing footwear to sharpen her proportions—though she still appeared noticeably petite beside her fiancé, Avan Jogia, who stands at 5’10” (177.8 cm).

The couple made a striking entrance, with Halsey also serving as a producer on the film, while Jogia takes on a starring role—adding an extra layer of personal and professional synergy to their red carpet moment.

Halsey offsets her delicate Meruert Tolegen dress and vintage Emanuel Ungaro platform sandals with a rugged magenta leather coat, standing strikingly petite beside Avan Jogia’s sleek all-black tailoring at the Our Hero, Balthazar New York premiere on March 26, 2026 (Credit: Dave Allocca / Starpix / INSTARimages)

The film tells the story of a wealthy teenager, Balthazar (played by Jaeden Martell), who tries to catch his crush’s attention by posting videos advocating stricter gun laws. As an online troll mocks his videos, Balthazar becomes convinced that the troll is a mass shooter and travels to Texas to confront him.

Now, let’s take a closer look at Halsey’s ensemble.

Vintage Emanuel Ungaro Platform Sandals Bring Tassel Drama and Retro Charm

Halsey slipped into a pair of vintage Emanuel Ungaro sandals with a wide crepe-satin strap across the toe and around the ankle, tied into a knot on one side with tassel-fringe ends, adding a fun, playful touch to her outfit.

The sandals were set on floral-detailed block heels—an artful, vintage-inspired flourish that subtly peeked out with every step, adding just a hint of whimsy to the otherwise undone look.

While the intricate detailing was mostly obscured in front-facing shots, the addition of a concealed platform did the heavy lifting, giving Halsey a noticeable lift without sacrificing stability. The result was a thoughtfully balanced silhouette that elongated her frame while preserving the look’s effortless, undone edge.

Halsey slips her pedicured feet into a pair of vintage Emanuel Ungaro sandals with ankle ties and tassel ends (Credit: Dave Allocca / Starpix / INSTARimages)

Halsey’s Meruert Tolegen Dress Balances Raw Edge with Sculptural Minimalism

Halsey’s nude dress from Meruert Tolegen’s collection complemented her complexion beautifully. While the dress had a simple, straight silhouette, it featured a daring plunging scoop neckline that added a touch of sexiness.

The standout detail was definitely the raw red stitching down the front, giving the dress a distressed, undone vibe that contrasted with its clean lines. It also featured layered fabric at the neckline and a ruffled hem, adding movement and fluidity to the overall look.

Though I adored the dress itself, I probably would have skipped the leather coat Halsey wore over it. The heavy coat added a layer of bulk that competed with the dress’s delicate feel. But of course, this is Halsey’s signature, effortlessly blending grunge and elegance.

Halsey pairs her open-toe sandals with a nude Meruert Tolegen Spring/Summer 2026 dress featuring raw red stitching down the front and asymmetrical ruffled hem (Credit: Dave Allocca / Starpix / INSTARimages)

Halsey Finishes the Look with a Fiery Pixie Cut, Crystal Choker, and Grunge Glam Makeup

Halsey’s accessories included a black choker made of rows of crystals that perfectly complemented the grunge-inspired vibe. She also wore earrings and rings that added a bit of sparkle to the look, but her bold hair was what truly stood out.

Her bright orange pixie featured textured, voluminous layers, micro-bangs, and shaved sides, creating an undercut. Her makeup was equally striking, with dramatic, smoky, rosy eyeshadow and blush to highlight her features.

Halsey wears her textured orange pixie hair and styles her look with a crystal choker, earrings, and rings (Credit: Dave Allocca / Starpix / INSTARimages)

Why Emanuel Ungaro Still Resonates on the Red Carpet Decades Later

Halsey’s choice of vintage Emanuel Ungaro wasn’t just a nod to fashion history—it tapped into a design legacy that has long appealed to celebrities who dress to be seen, remembered, and talked about. Trained under Cristóbal Balenciaga, Ungaro built his house on a rare balance of architectural precision and unapologetic sensuality—an approach that continues to feel strikingly modern on today’s red carpets.

Unlike brands that chase minimalism or trend-driven “cool,” Ungaro’s philosophy has always centered on the power of seduction and the joy of dressing up. His designs don’t whisper—they move, they command attention, and they celebrate the body in motion.

At the heart of that appeal is what insiders often call Ungaro’s mastery of “the mix.” He was known for fearlessly combining clashing prints—polka dots with florals, stripes with animal patterns—yet somehow making them feel intentional and elevated. For celebrities, that translates into instant visual impact without tipping into costume.

Equally essential is the house’s signature draping. Ungaro didn’t just design garments; he engineered them. Ruched silks and fluid chiffons were crafted to skim the body and come alive with movement, making every step—from a carpet entrance to a paparazzi pivot—feel cinematic.

Then there’s the unapologetic glamour. At his peak in the ’80s and ’90s, Ungaro defined an era of excess—bold shoulders, cascading ruffles, and silhouettes that embraced being “extra” long before it became a fashion buzzword. That same spirit continues to influence modern designers and keeps the archive endlessly relevant for stylists pulling standout vintage.

It’s no surprise the house has attracted generations of devotees—from icons like Jackie Kennedy and Catherine Deneuve to stage legends like Whitney Houston and contemporary red carpet regulars like Jennifer Lopez. Even its more experimental moments—like Lindsay Lohan’s brief 2009 advisory role—underscore Ungaro’s enduring pull between high fashion and celebrity culture.

In that context, Halsey’s vintage heels feel less like a throwback and more like a continuation—proof that Ungaro’s language of bold femininity and expressive dressing still speaks fluently today.