In October 2013, Variety’s 5th Annual Power of Women event brought together some of the most influential names in film, television, and philanthropy. The event honored Hollywood’s leading women for their impactful contributions to charitable causes and social change.
From heartfelt speeches to standing ovations, the evening was filled with inspiration, advocacy, and star power. Attendees not only celebrated philanthropy but also showcased impeccable style, turning the red carpet into a runway of sophistication and elegance.
Darby Stanchfield, Kerry Washington, Dan Bucatinsky, and Katie Lowes at Variety’s 5th Annual Power Of Women Event held at Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on October 4, 2013 (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
As always, fashion played a starring role. From timeless silhouettes to trendsetting footwear, the event was a masterclass in red carpet glamour. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most memorable celebrity looks—and, of course, the standout shoes that completed them.
1. Jessica Alba Shines in Jimmy Choo & Dior
Jessica Alba exudes effortless elegance at Variety’s 5th Annual Power of Women Luncheon at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles, California, on October 4, 2013, wearing a strapless Christian Dior houndstooth dress paired with strappy metallic Jimmy Choo sandals and a sleek black Dior clutch (Credit: Visual / WENN / FayesVision / SIPA)
Jessica Alba looked gorgeous in a strapless dress from Christian Dior’s Fall 2013 collection.
Jessica Alba displays her sexy toes in Jimmy Choo heels
Derek Jeter’s rumored ex also carried a black leather clutch from Dior and wore strappy metallic sandals from Jimmy Choo.
Jessica stuck to the metallic theme with silver sandals by Jimmy Choo. Strappy is the only word to describe these shoes. Towering stiletto heels and mirrored platforms can also be found on the “Madison” sandals.
Jessica Alba shows off her feet in metallic high heels
After her appearance at Variety’s Power of Women event, Jessica was spotted heading out for dinner in Los Angeles in casual jeans and a blazer. A black fedora topped off her look and awarded the actress some extra style points.
Jessica Alba keeps it effortlessly chic in a Twenty Tees color-blocked blazer, black skinny jeans, a striped tee, and monochrome flats while heading to dinner in Hollywood on October 4, 2013
Jessica also changed into shoes that were a little more comfortable. Her pointy Roger Vivier monochrome flats gave a ladylike edge to her tomboy look. She seems to love wearing them out and about in LA.
Jessica Alba steps out in chic monochrome Roger Vivier flats featuring a bold geometric design and sleek pointed toes, adding a sophisticated edge to her casual dinner look in Hollywood
2. Charlize Theron Stuns in Stella McCartney & Zanotti Heels
Charlize Theron was honored for her work in an organization she founded, the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project.
Charlize Theron stuns in a chic white Stella McCartney Resort 2014 halter dress, paired with classic black-and-white Giuseppe Zanotti pumps and a patterned clutch for a sleek, minimalist look
She graced the event in a gorgeous Stella McCartney Resort 2014 dress and a pair of black pumps from Giuseppe Zanotti.
Charlize Theron shows off her feet in black Giuseppe Zanotti high heels
This particular style is no longer available, but Giuseppe Zanotti has another style of pumps that is somewhat similar at Amazon:
Giuseppe Zanotti Closed-Toe Slip-Ons, $690
3. Kerry Washington Dazzles in Gold Polka Dots & Louboutin
Kerry Washington’s hairstyle features sleek, straight locks with a center part, giving a polished and modern look that complements her structured dress
Kerry Washington was recognized for her art education advocacy and continuous support of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.
Kerry Washington dazzles in a gold polka-dot Vince Camuto jacquard dress, pairing it with studded Christian Louboutin pumps and minimal accessories for a polished yet playful evening look—perfect for making a statement at formal events
She looked stunning, as always, in a Vince Camuto jacquard dress with gold polka dots and studded pumps from Christian Louboutin.
Kerry Washington displays her feet in studded Christian Louboutin pumps
Christian Louboutin “Malabar Hill” Pumps in Cognac, $1,095
Christian Louboutin “Malabar Hill” Pumps in Acier, $1,095
4. Nicole Kidman Exudes Elegance in L’Wren Scott & Jimmy Choo
Nicole Kidman was honored for her advocacy for women’s rights and work with the United Nations UN Women Campaign.
Nicole Kidman masters refined elegance in a vintage-inspired L’Wren Scott black midi dress with gold accents, pairing it with strappy black sandals, delicate jewelry, and a sleek low bun for a polished, timeless look
The Dead Calm actress looked elegant in a black dress with gold details from the L’Wren Scott Fall 2013 collection and black-and-gold “Rumba” sandals from Jimmy Choo.
Nicole Kidman displays her pretty toes in black-and-gold Jimmy Choo heels
We couldn’t find the ‘Rumba’ sandals online, but here are a few alternatives for strappy sandals from Nordstrom:
Jimmy Choo “Tarot” Black Suede and Antique Mirror Leather Sandals, $747.67
Ann Taylor Light Gold Strappy Crystal Sandals, $198
Zara Black Suede Strappy Sandals, $79.90
5. Elizabeth Banks Turns Heads in Dolce & Gabbana & Louboutin
Elizabeth Banks looked lovely in red at the Power of Women Luncheon, where she was honored for her involvement with the American Heart Association.
Elizabeth Banks commands attention in a bold red Dolce & Gabbana two-piece ensemble, pairing the structured crop top and high-waisted skirt with nude Christian Louboutin pumps and a sleek updo for a modern, sophisticated look
She wore a two-piece number from the Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2013 collection and nude pumps from Christian Louboutin.
Elizabeth Banks reveals toe cleavage in nude high heels
Christian Louboutin “So Kate” Nude Pumps, $625
6. Jennifer Hudson Wins in White & Saint Laurent Heels
Jennifer Hudson stuns in a crisp white Yigal Azrouël peplum dress, pairing the figure-flattering silhouette with classic black Saint Laurent pumps, soft waves, and a bold red lip for a chic and sophisticated statement
Jennifer Hudson’s involvement with the Julian D. King Gift Foundation was recognized at the event and was given the Samsung Galaxy Impact Award.
Jennifer Hudson shows off her feet in black Saint Laurent shoes
She wore a white long-sleeved dress with a peplum detail from the Yigal Azrouël Fall 2013 collection and black pumps from Saint Laurent.
Saint Laurent ‘Janis’ Metal-Trim Cap-Toe Platform Pumps in Black, $825
Saint Laurent ‘Janis’ Two-Tone Cap-Toe Platform Pumps in Poudre, $745
7. Darby Stanchfield Blooms in Valentino & Gold Heels
Darby Stanchfield looked beautiful in a Valentino short-sleeved frock with floral prints. Her hair was styled in a loose bun with soft tendrils at the sides of her gorgeous face.
Darby Stanchfield looks effortlessly chic in a floral-print Valentino mini dress, pairing the romantic silhouette with gold-capped Ruthie Davis pumps, a studded black clutch, and a soft, tousled updo for an elegant yet modern finish
She elevated her look with a sleek black leather clutch and glamorous gold Ruthie Davis “Narcissus” pumps,” adding a touch of sophistication to her ensemble.
Darby Stanchfield shows off her size 9 (US) feet in gold Ruthie Davis shoes
These Narcissus pumps from the Ruthie Davis Spring 2013 collection also come in other scrumptious colors:
Ruthie Davis “Narcissus” Pumps in Light Gold, $209.40
Ruthie Davis “Narcissus” Pumps in Cotton Candy
Ruthie Davis “Narcissus” Pumps in Aqua
8. Hannah Simone Glows in Soft Pink & Stuart Weitzman Pumps
Hannah Simone looked lovely in a pale pink sleeveless frock from Oscar de la Renta.
Hannah Simone radiates effortless elegance in a delicate pale pink Oscar de la Renta dress with intricate embroidery, pairing it with classic nude Stuart Weitzman pumps and soft, cascading waves with full bangs for a romantic, feminine finish
Her hair was swept to one side, and she completed her look with a pair of nude pointy-toe pumps from Stuart Weitzman.
Hannah Simone shows off her size 8.5 (US) feet in Stuart Weitzman shoes
We couldn’t identify the exact style of Hannah’s Stuart Weitzman shoes, but we think they’re the “Poco” pumps:
Stuart Weitzman “Poco” Pumps, $330
Here are other alternatives for nude pointed-toe pumps from Mytheresa:
Miu Miu Nude Leather Pointed-Toe Pumps, $371
Sergio Rossi Nude Pointed-Toe Pumps, $288.65
Diane von Furstenberg Nude “Anette” Patent Pointed-Toe Pumps, $278
9. Katie Lowes Keeps It Chic in Sportmax & L.K. Bennett
Katie Lowes looked chic in her white sleeveless Sportmax dress, and L.K. Bennett pumps.
Katie Lowes keeps it sleek and modern in a structured white Sportmax dress with black trim, pairing it with classic L.K. Bennett pumps, a metallic clutch, and a chic high bun for a polished, monochrome look
Her pink lips added a dash of color to her monochromatic ensemble.
Katie Lowes shows off her size 7 (US) feet in L.K. Bennett shoes
We couldn’t find this exact pair of shoes online, but we did find alternatives for two-tone pumps from Farfetch:
Gianvito Rossi Two-Tone Leather and Suede Pumps, $705
Steve by Steve Madden Black-and-White “Walker” Pumps, $109
10. Amy Poehler Wows in Teal & Stuart Weitzman Pumps
Amy Poehler hushed the crowd with her heartfelt speech at the Power of Women Luncheon, where she was honored for her work with the Worldwide Orphans Foundation.
Amy Poehler stuns in a figure-hugging teal Beckley by Melissa dress, pairing the vibrant look with nude Stuart Weitzman pumps, soft waves, and subtle smoky eye makeup for an effortlessly chic and polished ensemble
She dazzled in a teal Beckley by Melissa body-con dress and nude pumps from Stuart Weitzman.
Amy Poehler shows off her feet in high heel Stuart Weitzman shoes
We couldn’t find Amy’s shoes online, but check out these inexpensive alternatives for nude slingback pumps at Zappos:
Hobbs “Invitation Tina” Slingback Pumps, $173
J. Renee “Kinsley” Pumps, $99.95
Do you agree with our favorite looks at the Power of Women Luncheon? Whose style do you like best?
More Stunning Looks from the Power of Women Luncheon
The Variety’s Power of Women Luncheon has consistently showcased not only the philanthropic endeavors of Hollywood’s leading ladies but also their impeccable fashion sense. For instance, at the 11th Annual event, Mariah Carey graced the occasion in an elegant black gown, while Jennifer Aniston opted for a chic pinstriped dress.
At the 2019 Power of Women event, Natalie Portman embraced sustainability in fashion, stepping out in an elegant ensemble complemented by eco-friendly heels made from recycled materials.
Similarly, Reese Witherspoon opted for timeless sophistication at the 2015 luncheon, pairing her floral dress with a stunning pair of Christian Louboutin sandals. These events prove that style and advocacy can go hand in hand, with each outfit telling a deeper story beyond the fabric and design.