Between 2012 and 2013, the Giuseppe Zanotti metal-plated sandal emerged as a definitive red-carpet staple, favored by Hollywood’s elite for its architectural edge.
Jennifer Lawrence, Charlize Theron, and Nikki Reed were all spotted in this exact architectural style, proving the Italian designer’s bold aesthetic’s versatility.
From casual beach-side awards in Santa Monica to high-fashion galas in New York City, here is a look back at how three stars styled the iconic gold-and-black sandals to suit their individual aesthetics.
1. Jennifer Lawrence: Minimalist Edging at the 2013 Spirit Awards
Jennifer Lawrence wears her hair up at the 2013 Film Independent Spirit Awards held February 23 at Santa Monica Beach in Los Angeles, California (Credit: FayesVision / WENN / Apega / Nikki Nelson)
The Hunger Games actress paired these gold-and-black sandals with an open-backed halter-necked dress from Lanvin.
Jennifer Lawrence showcases the sculptural lines of her Lanvin halter dress at the Film Independent Spirit Awards, letting the minimalist silhouette spotlight her sleek, architectural heels
She wore her hair up, ditched the accessories, and finished her look with a red pedicure.
A close-up reveals the striking Giuseppe Zanotti sandals, where the glossy black straps and mirrored metal heel cups add sharp contrast against the pink carpet and her deep red pedicure
2. Charlize Theron: Redefining the LBD with Sculptural Gold Accents
Charlize Theron completes her sleek Lanvin look with polished gold drop earrings and understated makeup at the 2012 Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala on January 7, 2012
The Monster actress wore a knee-length black Lanvin dress with a thigh-slit that showed off her toned legs.
Charlize Theron keeps the focus on clean, architectural lines in a black Lanvin dress, letting the sharp silhouette and thigh-high slit frame her minimalist black heels
She pulled her hair back and accessorized with a bracelet and earrings.
A close-up highlights Theron’s delicate ankle-strap sandals, where slim black leather bands contrast with the bold metallic heel cup and reveal her subtle foot tattoo
From the back, the mirrored metal heel detail takes center stage, emphasizing Giuseppe Zanotti’s sculptural design and adding a flash of drama against the red carpet
3. Nikki Reed: Metallic Symmetry at Fashion’s Night Out
Nikki Reed and Kate Upton attend a Fashion’s Night Out event held September 6, 2012, at Michael Kors in New York City
Nikki Reed paired her Giuseppe Zanotti sandals with a gold Michael Kors dress as she attended a Michael Kors event in New York City.
Nikki Reed wears a Michael Kors dress at a Fashion’s Night Out event
She wore her ombre-shaded hair down and accessorized with a ring and a bracelet.
Michael Kors and Nikki Reed play “Kors Karaoke” together while Nikki wears a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti sandals
While the original 2012 metal-plated edition is now a coveted piece of red-carpet history, Giuseppe Zanotti’s commitment to “sculptural glamour” remains a core part of the brand’s DNA.
You can find the latest evolution of these architectural silhouettes—including modern takes on the plated heel and the iconic “Intriigo” stiletto—at Farfetch.
Giuseppe Zanotti Ankle-Strap Heels with Plates in Black, $695
Giuseppe Zanotti Ankle-Strap Heels with Plates in Nude, $750
Expert Analysis: Why Architectural Heels Still Dominate the Red Carpet
More than a fleeting trend, Giuseppe Zanotti’s metal-plated heels helped define an era of architectural glamour—one that continues to influence how celebrities balance statement footwear with modern red-carpet dressing.
For a deeper look at how Zanotti’s designs have evolved across stars and seasons, explore more standout moments below.
👠 Curated Giuseppe Zanotti Editorials on Your Next Shoes:
- 📌 Giuseppe Zanotti: Inside the Luxury Shoe Empire Loved by Celebrities — A definitive guide to Zanotti’s craftsmanship, celebrity appeal, and iconic designs.
- 👢 Anna Kendrick & Halston Sage Shine in Giuseppe Zanotti Boots — Celebrity styling with sculptural Zanotti ankle boots.
- 👠 Vanessa Hudgens Doubles Down on White With Giuseppe Zanotti Sandals — A chic 2013 pairing of white outfits and Zanotti plated sandals.
- ✨ Hailey Baldwin’s Giuseppe Zanotti “Darcie” Sandals at the VMAs — A classic Zanotti silhouette worn by a modern style icon.
- 💎 Why Celebrities Can’t Get Enough of Giuseppe Zanotti’s Harmony Sandals — The story and red carpet moments behind a Zanotti staple.
- 🌟 Lili Reinhart Channels Modern Romance With Giuseppe Zanotti Sandals — A recent red-carpet moment featuring elegant Zanotti heels.
- 🔥 Kylie Jenner’s Giuseppe Zanotti × Balmain “Uma” Boots Era — A historic look at Zanotti collaboration boots defining 2010s glam.