Stars stepped out at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City for the 3rd Gotham TV Awards, and I loved that several took a risk with their footwear. Bold choices like thick platforms, playful polka dots, and strappy heels really caught my eye.
💫 Jump to a Gotham TV Awards Look:
The dresses were just as striking as the shoes. While a few stars stuck with classic black gowns, many went for vibrant colors and unexpected silhouettes, giving the red carpet a fresh, lively energy.

Let’s take a closer look at the standout ensembles.
Chase Infiniti Adds Edge to a Romantic Pink Louis Vuitton Gown With Chunky Black Platform Heels
Chase Infiniti had an unforgettable night at the 3rd Gotham TV Awards, taking home the award for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Drama Series for her role as Agnes in The Testaments. Not only that, but she also secured a spot on our best-dressed list!
Infiniti wore a pair of black platform sandals, likely by Louis Vuitton, as she’s been an ambassador for the house since December 2025. I loved how the shoes added a striking contrast to her ultra-feminine pink ensemble!

Since becoming a Louis Vuitton ambassador, she has showcased everything from custom burgundy Louis Vuitton pumps at the BAFTA Film Awards to sparkling Alaïa jewel wedge heels at the Disney Upfront.
She also proved she can master classic red-carpet dressing in Christian Louboutin “So Kate” pumps while promoting The Testaments, making her latest appearance in dramatic black Louis Vuitton platform sandals another notable addition to an increasingly impressive footwear portfolio.
Though mostly hidden beneath her gown, the sandals featured chunky platforms around 1.5 inches high, open toes, a strap across the foot, and slanted block heels, giving the romantic look a subtle hint of edge and contemporary flair.
Infiniti’s gown was custom-made by Louis Vuitton and was far from the usual sculptural pieces she had previously worn from the house. Crafted from delicate silk tulle, the soft pink dress skimmed her slender frame in a romantic, slip-style silhouette.
The bodice featured a daring plunging scoop neckline with thin spaghetti straps, flowing effortlessly into a layered tulle skirt with a floor-sweeping ruffled hem. Adding drama and texture, a feathered stole was draped over her arms, giving the look volume and a hint of Old Hollywood glamour.

Chase’s curly hair was styled in a voluminous side part, perfectly balancing the gown’s softness, while her makeup was kept soft to enhance her features.
Infiniti’s jewelry came from Canadian fine-jewelry brand Mejuri. These include the brand’s first-ever custom piece, a dazzling necklace with 8-carat lab-grown diamonds and a Brazilian green tourmaline. She accessorized further with a few rings, including the $1,454 bundle, featuring a 14k Yellow Gold Dome Figure Pave Diamond Ring and a Dome Figure Slim Ring, plus the 18k Gold Vermeil Dome Figure Balance Ring with a lab-grown white sapphire, creating a sparkling yet sophisticated finish to her look.
Constance Zimmer Lets Her Larroudé Polka Dot Pumps Steal the Spotlight Beneath a Cobalt Pamella Roland Gown
Constance Zimmer, who received the Ensemble Tribute Award alongside her Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette costars, made a memorable red carpet statement in a cobalt blue gown by Pamella Roland paired with black-and-white dotted Larroude pumps.
She appeared to be wearing the New York-based label’s “Linda” pumps, which perfectly balanced sophistication and whimsy. The pointed-toe shoes featured slightly flared heels and a cord-like bow on the vamp, updated with black polka dots that added an unexpected, fun detail. I loved that the dots weren’t just printed; they had a fuzzy texture, giving the shoes a whimsical feel.

Zimmer’s Pamella Roland dress was pure glamour. It was made of cobalt blue double-faced duchess satin and featured a sculpted off-the-shoulder neckline that framed her shoulders beautifully and added an architectural element. The column-like silhouette hugged her figure, with side seams sculpting her waist and hips. It ended just at her ankles, showcasing the standout polka-dot pumps!
Constance accessorized with shimmering pieces that matched the elegance of her look. She wore a delicate necklace from Grown Brilliance, earrings from GRWN, and rings and a bracelet from Melinda Maria, Effy Jewelry, and Retrouvai.
Her hair was sleek and polished, pairing perfectly with the dress’s clean lines, and her soft makeup highlighted her eyes and lips beautifully.

Constance Zimmer has been on a strong footwear streak throughout 2026, consistently using shoes to add personality to her outfits.
In February, she embraced playful power dressing in Alexandre Birman “Jada” Mary Jane pumps, pairing the velvet heels with an all-black Edeline Lee ensemble while promoting The Lincoln Lawyer. Just days later, she took a walk on the wild side in Le Seul “Amaryllis” gator-embossed ankle boots, using the structured leather footwear to ground a flowing leopard-print maxi dress.
Linda Cardellini Goes Red-Hot in Aquazzura Sundance Platform Sandals and a Sculpted Rami Al Ali Dress
Linda Cardellini, nominated for Outstanding Supporting Performance in a Limited or Anthology Series for her role as Carol Love-Smernitch in DTF St. Louis, was striking on the red carpet in a red Rami Al Ali dress paired with bold red Aquazzura heels.
The petite American actress wore Aquazzura’s “Sundance” sandals, instantly recognizable for their architectural ribbed design. The shoes featured crossover front straps, rounded peep toes, and ankle straps, set on towering platforms and 5.5-inch block heels.
I loved how the deep burgundy-red color of the sandals echoed her dress, while the reflective patent finish added a touch of shine.
At the time of writing, different versions of these heels are on sale at Farfetch and Mytheresa for $812 (down from $1,160).

Linda’s Rami Al Ali Fall 2026 dress perfectly matched the boldness of her shoes. Crafted from shiny red satin, it featured a structured corset bodice with sculpted low-cut bra cups and vertical seams that defined her slender shape. Thin spaghetti straps and back corset lacing held the dress in place, while a scalloped peplum hem flared gently at the hips, adding a soft, feminine touch.
Below, a column skirt fell to her ankles, balancing the dramatic detailing of the corset and peplum with clean, elegant lines.
Linda styled her hair in soft waves with full face-framing bangs. She then opted for minimal jewelry, wearing only rings, letting the dress’s sculptural lines and the heels’ bold design take center stage.

Over the years, Aquazzura “Sundance” sandals have been spotted on stars ranging from Tessa Thompson, who wore metallic silver Sundance platforms with a futuristic Rodarte gown at the Men in Black: International premiere, to Angelina Jolie, who chose pale-gold Sundance heels for her Old Hollywood-inspired Tamara Ralph look at the Venice Film Festival.
Earlier awards-season coverage also featured Anne Hathaway in the “Sundance Plateau” version of the design, proving the towering platform remains one of Aquazzura’s most recognizable red-carpet creations.
Rhea Seehorn Toughens Up Soft Pink Valentino With Black Rockstud Pumps
Rhea Seehorn, nominated for Outstanding Lead Performance in a Drama Series for her role as Carol Sturka in Pluribus, balanced femininity and edge perfectly in head-to-toe Valentino.
On her feet, she wore the Valentino Garavani “Rockstud” pumps in black kidskin leather. The iconic caged design featured a T-strap running up the center and three straps across the foot, all adorned with gold-tone pyramid studs, giving the shoes a bold, rock-chic finish.
A rectangular window cutout at the vamp added an unexpected modern detail, while the pointed square toes with gold-tone caps and 4-inch stiletto heels elevated the design. These pumps are available for $1,190 at Farfetch.

Seehorn’s blush-pink fluid sable Valentino Spring 2026 dress paired beautifully with her edgy pumps, balancing soft femininity with modern edge. It had puffy short sleeves that added a delicate, modest touch, while a bust cutout revealed a daring hint of skin. It then flared into a graceful A-line skirt that fell to her ankles, moving beautifully with her every step.
What I loved most was how the soft, feminine color contrasted with the vibrant yellow-green satin panel cascading from a black silk bow at the side, adding a playful, eye-catching pop of color that made the dress feel modern. You can find this dress at Mytheresa, where it retails for $5,300.
Seehorn kept her accessories minimal, letting the outfit speak for itself, opting for delicate drop earrings and bracelets. Her blonde bob was styled in soft waves, while her makeup was kept understated with soft pink tones.

Why Valentino Rockstud Pumps Continue to Dominate Red Carpets and Celebrity Style
More than a decade after their debut, Rockstud shoes remain among the most recognizable luxury footwear designs in the world, thanks to their distinctive pyramid studs, versatile silhouettes, and ability to complement everything from dramatic evening gowns to casual daytime outfits.
That enduring appeal has made the Rockstud a favorite among celebrities across generations. From red-carpet premieres and awards shows to fashion weeks and everyday street style, the iconic Valentino design continues to prove its status as one of the most influential shoe collections of the modern era.
👠 Explore Valentino Rockstud Shoe & Fashion Moments:
- ✨ Tyla, Lily Allen, and other fashion insiders embraced updated Rockstud heels at Valentino’s Fall 2026 show in Rome, proving the iconic studded silhouette continues to evolve while remaining instantly recognizable.
- 👖 Emma Stone demonstrated the versatility of Valentino Rockstud pumps by pairing them with effortlessly chic separates, highlighting why the design has remained a celebrity favorite for more than a decade.
- 🌸 Miranda Kerr balanced romance and edge with rose-pink Valentino Rockstud sandals, using the pyramid-studded heels to toughen up a delicate Erdem floral dress in Japan.
- ☀️ Reese Witherspoon styled white-and-beige Valentino Rockstud pumps with her signature Draper James aesthetic, showcasing the shoe’s ability to elevate polished daytime dressing.
- 🖤 Sofia Carson added contrast to an ethereal white David Koma dress with classic black Valentino Rockstud pumps, letting the iconic studded design anchor the entire look.
- 💎 Brit Marling wore crystal-embellished Valentino Rockstud pumps featuring clear PVC details and studded acrylic heels, showcasing one of the line’s most distinctive red-carpet interpretations.
- ❤️ Rebecca Romijn paired Valentino Rockstud pumps with red leather skinnies, demonstrating how the signature studs can add sophistication and edge to an off-duty outfit.
- 🥿 Katherine Heigl proved Rockstud flats are a modern classic, styling the studded silhouette with casual wardrobe staples while retaining a polished finish.
- 📖 The story behind Valentino’s iconic Rockstud collection traces how a single studded slingback evolved into one of luxury fashion’s most enduring footwear franchises.