Katy Perry’s 2013 EMA Fashion Transformation: From Demure Zac Posen Elegance to Bold Giuseppe Zanotti Heels

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Back in 2013, Katy Perry wasn’t just the most-followed person on Twitter—she was also cementing her status as a red-carpet style chameleon. At the MTV Europe Music Awards on November 10 at Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome, Perry proved that her influence extended far beyond social media.

Among the sea of celebrities in revealing outfits (the most notable being Rita Ora and Miley Cyrus), Katy Perry stood out in a much more demure ensemble.

That night, she took home the Best Female award, but it was her fashion choices that truly stole the show. Striking a balance between demure elegance and pop-star glamour, Perry delivered one of her most memorable EMA style moments. This look still feels refreshingly modern more than a decade later.

Katy Perry Radiates Elegance in Sculpted Zac Posen Resort Dress & Charlotte Olympia Sandals

Katy Perry exuded an air of elegance in her minty Zac Posen Resort 2014 dress as she gracefully posed for the photographers at the Ziggo DomeKaty Perry exuded an air of elegance in her minty Zac Posen Resort 2014 dress as she gracefully posed for the photographers at the Ziggo Dome

She was refreshingly stylish in a mint green dress from Zac Posen’s Resort 2014 collection—an American designer celebrated for his glamorous, intricately tailored eveningwear.

Katy Perry looked radiant in a mint-green Zac Posen dress, finishing the look with a jeweled headband that highlighted her classic waves and bright smileKaty Perry looked radiant in a mint-green Zac Posen dress, finishing the look with a jeweled headband that highlighted her classic waves and bright smile

Known for dressing Hollywood’s elite, Posen brought his signature sculptural elegance to Katy’s look as she posed for photographers at Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome.

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The singer looked spot on in her fitted dress, featuring sculpted shoulders and a flared back hem. She accessorized with a bejeweled headpiece that made her look all the more flawless!

Katy Perry's choice of attire was both refined and refreshing at the Ziggo Dome for the 20th MTV Europe Music AwardsKaty Perry’s choice of attire was both refined and refreshing at the Ziggo Dome for the 20th MTV Europe Music Awards in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on November 10, 2013

Katy Perry Elevates Her Look With Charlotte Olympia “Pomeline” Sandals

To further the modesty of this look, the “Roar” singer finished her dress with a pair of Charlotte Olympia “Pomeline” sandals in a rosy champagne shade.

Katy Perry is a fan of the British luxury shoe and accessories brand founded by Charlotte Olympia Dellal in 2008. She also wore shoes from the brand when celebrating Red Nose Day in 2011 and attending the 2013 American Music Awards.

👠 Explore Charlotte Olympia Highlights on the Red Carpet:

Katy Perry paired her dress with Charlotte Olympia "Pomeline" sandals in a delicate rosy champagne hueKaty Perry paired her dress with Charlotte Olympia “Pomeline” sandals in a delicate, rosy champagne hue

Katy’s shoes feature sheer mesh panels for a feminine touch, open toes to reveal her classic red nails, and thin ankle straps. The heels and platforms measure 5 inches and 1 inch, adding height to her elegant look.

Katy Perry's rosy champagne Charlotte Olympia "Pomeline" sandals elegantly frame her vibrant red pedicure, with their sheer mesh panels adding a delicate touchKaty Perry’s rosy champagne Charlotte Olympia “Pomeline” sandals elegantly frame her vibrant red pedicure, with their sheer mesh panels adding a delicate touch

After captivating the red carpet in her refined Zac Posen and Charlotte Olympia pairing, Katy Perry later surprised fans with a striking wardrobe change that showcased a completely different side of her style.

Katy Perry’s Bold Transformation: María Escoté Fishnet Dress, Chanel Accessories & Giuseppe Zanotti Sandals

Although she looked very reserved when she arrived, Katy Perry changed into a more provocative ensemble when she accepted her award.

Katy Perry's hairstyle shifted to a high ponytail, and she opted for a bolder shade of red lipstick, embracing a more provocative imageKaty Perry’s hairstyle shifted to a high ponytail, and she opted for a bolder shade of red lipstick, embracing a more provocative image

Katy Perry turned up the heat in a daring long-sleeved fishnet dress by Spanish designer María Escoté, known for her bold, unapologetic aesthetic.

A detailed look at Katy Perry's Vintage Chanel Massive 3-Row Chain BeltA detailed look at Katy Perry’s Vintage Chanel Massive 3-Row Chain Belt

Close-up of the Chanel No. 5 long necklace worn by Katy PerryClose-up of the Chanel No. 5 long necklace worn by Katy Perry

She elevated the edgy look with eye-catching gold Chanel accessories, including a vintage chain belt and a statement necklace featuring a signature perfume bottle pendant.

Katy Perry won the Best Female award at the 2013 MTV Europe Music AwardsKaty Perry won the Best Female award at the 2013 MTV Europe Music Awards

She also changed her hairstyle to a high ponytail and her lipstick to a more daring shade of red.

Katy Perry donned a long-sleeved fishnet dress by María Escoté, complemented by gold Chanel accessories, including a vintage belt and a necklace with a perfume bottle pendantKaty Perry donned a long-sleeved fishnet dress by María Escoté, complemented by gold Chanel accessories, including a vintage belt and a necklace with a perfume bottle pendant

Katy picked a pair of black Giuseppe Zanotti Spring 2014 sandals to complement her sexy pop star look. Giuseppe Zanotti is an Italian luxury footwear and fashion designer renowned for his bold, glamorous, and intricately crafted shoes.

Born in San Mauro Pascoli—a region steeped in shoemaking tradition—he launched his career in the 1980s, designing for labels such as Dior, Thierry Mugler, and Roberto Cavalli. Today, his latest statement-making designs are available at high-end retailers, including Farfetch.

👠 Explore Giuseppe Zanotti’s Show‑Stopping Shoe Moments:

Katy Perry chose black Giuseppe Zanotti Spring 2014 sandals that perfectly complemented her sexy pop star persona at the 20th MTV Europe Music AwardsKaty Perry chose black Giuseppe Zanotti Spring 2014 sandals that perfectly complemented her sexy pop star persona at the 20th MTV Europe Music Awards held at Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on November 10, 2013

Her sandals are made of glossy patent leather and feature adjustable ankle straps and fiery cagelike straps at the high back.

Katy Perry's glossy patent leather sandals feature adjustable ankle straps and fiery cagelike straps at the high back, with heels measuring about 4.5 inches, adding a touch of rock-and-roll glamourKaty Perry’s glossy patent leather sandals feature adjustable ankle straps and fiery cagelike straps at the high back, with heels measuring about 4.5 inches, adding a touch of rock-and-roll glamour

This pair features heels that measure approximately 4.5 inches in height. While we love her shoes, they’re not as breathtaking as the Giuseppe Zanotti ‘Denny’ bow-strap sandals she wore in 2012.

Katy Perry's vibrant red pedicure pops against her glossy black Giuseppe Zanotti Spring 2014 sandals, featuring a classic open-toe and sleek ankle strap designKaty Perry’s vibrant red pedicure pops against her glossy black Giuseppe Zanotti Spring 2014 sandals, featuring a classic open-toe and sleek ankle strap design

Here’s the orange version of the sandals:

Giuseppe Zanotti Patent Leather Cage-Back Sandals in OrangeGiuseppe Zanotti Patent Leather Cage-Back Sandals in Orange, $845

A Show-Stopping Performance: Katy Perry Mesmerizes with “Unconditionally”

Katy Perry’s performance quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the night, as she captivated the audience with a theatrical rendition of her hit single “Unconditionally.”

Katy Perry performs "Unconditionally" at the 20th MTV Europe Music AwardsKaty Perry performs “Unconditionally” at the 20th MTV Europe Music Awards held at Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on November 10, 2013 (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN)

The singer flew onto the stage, wrapped in rows of huge, colorful fabrics as she started singing. As the performance continued, the ribbons were unraveled, wowing the crowd with a mirrored bodysuit!

Katy Perry commanded the stage, suspended amidst a spectacular light show and a flurry of dancers, creating an unforgettable visual spectacleKaty Perry commanded the stage, suspended amidst a spectacular light show and a flurry of dancers, creating an unforgettable visual spectacle (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN)

From her red carpet elegance to her bold on-stage transformation, Katy Perry’s 2013 EMAs appearances remain some of her most memorable style moments. Over the years, she has continued to deliver equally show-stopping fashion and footwear statements.

More of Katy Perry’s Iconic Shoe & Fashion Highlights

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