At the 2017 Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, Lea Michele embraced one of the evening’s strongest jewel-toned looks in a shimmering plum Elie Saab gown from the designer’s Fall 2017 collection.
Crafted from silk georgette, the floor-length gown featured delicate pleating, subtle side pockets, and thousands of tonal micro-sequins and beads arranged in elongating vertical lines that enhanced Michele’s petite frame.
Lea Michele defined her waist with a tonal plum belt that blended seamlessly into the embellished gown without visually breaking up her silhouette
Although Lea Michele’s floor-length Elie Saab gown concealed her shoes on the red carpet, reports from the evening confirmed she wore Stuart Weitzman’s black satin “Bebare” platform sandals underneath the sweeping hemline.
For the petite actress, the towering platforms helped preserve the gown’s fluid movement and elongated proportions without sacrificing comfort or balance.
She completed the look with Lorraine Schwartz sapphire-and-emerald earrings, whose vivid green accents created a striking contrast against the rich plum tones of the gown while drawing attention upward to her face.

Michele also carried a Tyler Ellis “Lee Pouchet” clutch in crushed purple velvet, reinforcing the monochromatic palette while adding another layer of texture to the richly embellished look.
Lea Michele’s Height, Shoe Size, and Signature High Heels
Standing at 5ft 2 (157.5 cm) and wearing a US shoe size 8, she often jokes about looking younger than her years, once saying, “I’m five foot three. I don’t look like a lot of other people, you know what I mean? I look like I’m 12.” On and off the red carpet, Michele gravitates toward platform sandals and sky-high pumps that add both height and glamour.
👠 Explore Lea Michele’s Shoe & Style Highlights:
- 👠 Lea Michele’s Stunning Transformation: See Her Style Evolution Over the Years — traces her evolving fashion and luxury shoe choices, from Stuart Weitzman to Giuseppe Zanotti.
- ✨ Lea Michele Dazzles at Hollywood Beauty Awards in J. Mendel and Zanotti Heels — spotlight on her Giuseppe Zanotti ‘Dionne’ sandals at the star-studded event.
- 👡 Lea Michele’s Aquazzura Sandals — showcases her strappy nude suede Aquazzura “Austin” sandals, a chic and versatile style.
- 🥿 Lea Michele Blossoms in Head-to-Toe White at Michael Kors’ NYFW Show — features her monochrome look paired with platform heels for extra polish.

Originally presented as Look 36 in Elie Saab’s Fall 2017 ready-to-wear collection, the gown carried a moodier runway styling.
Michele softened the look for the Emmys with a sleek center-parted ponytail and streamlined accessories that kept the intricate beading and high neckline from overwhelming her frame.

Lea Michele Talks Television, The Mayor, and a Surreal New York Moment
During her red carpet interview with E!, Lea Michele gushed about what she calls “a golden age of television,” praising the strong roles for women.
She also highlighted her new show, The Mayor, noting its young cast and weekly music from producer Daveed Diggs of Hamilton.
In classic Lea fashion, she joked about her TV obsession, making her “a little bit of a loser,” and recalled a surreal New York moment when she spotted a billboard for her show and heard her own song playing in a grocery store.
During the interview, Lea Michele also revealed that she was dating the president of a clothing company, Zandy Reich, whom she later married in 2019. She joked that Ryan Murphy’s approval meant a lot to her because the Glee creator felt “like family.”
Other Standout Fashion Moments From the 2017 Emmys Red Carpet
Lea Michele’s stunning appearance at the 2017 Emmy Awards was among several memorable fashion moments that evening. Thandiwe Newton, for instance, was lauded as best dressed in a custom Jason Wu gown.

Similarly, the cast of “Big Little Lies,” including Nicole Kidman, captivated audiences with their elegant attire. Additionally, Tracee Ellis Ross sparkled in a Chanel ensemble, showcasing her unique style. These instances highlight the diverse and glamorous fashion choices that graced the 2017 Emmys red carpet.