On May 22, 2016, at the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas, Laverne Cox delivered a red-carpet moment that still stands as a masterclass in modern glamour—defined not just by couture, but by the precision of its styling from head to toe.
Appearing onstage alongside Lindsey Vonn to introduce Rihanna’s performance, Cox chose an elegant black Michael Costello gown whose drama relied on structure, proportion, and movement. A fan of the American fashion designer, she also wore a white long-sleeved Michael Costello gown with classic Stuart Weitzman ‘Nudist’ heels at the 2015 BET Awards.
Just as importantly, the look was grounded by deliberate footwear and accessories that allowed the silhouette to command attention without distraction—underscoring a timeless red-carpet principle: when the gown is bold, every supporting element, especially the shoes, must be exact.
Despite the dramatic floor-length hem and trailing train, concealed heels beneath the gown provided lift and stability, enhancing the line of the fishtail silhouette without interrupting its fluid movement on the pink carpet
This gorgeous Michael Costello gown featured a lacy bodice with a plunging neckline and long sleeves. It was sexy and flattering on the talented star.
Laverne Cox radiates elegance and confidence in a plunging black Michael Costello gown at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards
The gown followed a sculpted fishtail silhouette, cinched through the waist before releasing into a softly flared skirt and trailing train that moved with her as she crossed the stage.
Crisscross detailing through the bodice emphasized balance and proportion, drawing the eye upward while keeping the length and finish of the look—particularly at the hem and footwear—intentional, fluid, and uninterrupted.
Laverne was glamorous and glittery on the pink carpet, accessorizing with a classy Nathalie Trad clutch and sparkling golden jewelry by Lorraine Schwartz and Ofira Jewels. She styled her sleek blonde locks straight and added smoky eye makeup to accentuate the bold, dark design of her gown. Laverne exceeded our expectations with this unforgettable display.
Laverne Cox dazzles with flawless makeup and sleek blonde locks, perfectly complementing her glamorous look at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on May 22, 2016 (Credit: Apega / WENN)
Laverne Cox’s Shoe-Driven Red-Carpet Legacy
From sculptural evening gowns to sharply tailored silhouettes, Laverne Cox’s most memorable fashion moments are consistently anchored by intentional footwear.
Whether visible or concealed beneath sweeping hems, her shoe choices play a decisive role in defining proportion, balance, and movement—proving that great red-carpet style is built from the ground up.
👠 Curated Laverne Cox Shoe & Fashion Moments on YourNextShoes:
- ✨ Laverne Cox’s Style Evolution: ‘Nudist’ Sandals, Red Carpet Glam, and Inventing Anna — Overview of her standout footwear choices, including Stuart Weitzman “Nudist” sandals and other red-carpet heels.
- 💃 Laverne Cox Turns Heads in Madonna-Inspired John Galliano Look & Strappy Michael Kors Pumps — Fashion feature highlighting her strappy pumps paired with a vintage-inspired outfit.
- 👡 Laverne Cox Ruins Look With Way Too Small Nudist Sandals — Classic red-carpet moment focused on her Stuart Weitzman sandals and styling choice.
- 🎤 Laverne Cox & Trace Lysette: Grammys 2017 Fashion Goals — Red-carpet look featuring her pairing of a leather dress with Stuart Weitzman ‘Nudist’ sandals.
- 🖤 Laverne Cox Stuns in Marc Bouwer & Stuart Weitzman at NAACP Awards — Spotlight on her elegant gown and Stuart Weitzman heels.
- 👟 Laverne Cox With Massive Toe Overhang in Stuart Weitzman Sandals — Candid look at her silver Stuart Weitzman sandals from a New York City event.