Alesha Dixon’s Metallic Gianvito Rossi “Gitana” Sandals Proven That Chain Heels Never Die

At the Britain’s Got Talent auditions held at the Hippodrome in Birmingham on February 4, 2016, Alesha Dixon embraced the bold aesthetic that defined much of mid-2010s red-carpet fashion.

Alesha Dixon layers a black faux leather trench over a pink Fausto Puglisi mini dress, allowing her chain-draped Gianvito Rossi “Gitana” sandals to anchor the look at the 2016 Britain’s Got Talent auditions in Birmingham on February 4, 2016 (Credit: Anthony Stanley / WENN)

Her look paired a cutout Fausto Puglisi mini dress with chain-embellished Gianvito Rossi sandals, creating a gladiator-inspired ensemble that balanced statement detailing with sleek accessories.

Dixon’s outfit centered on texture and hardware, with metallic accents appearing throughout the dress, jewelry, and footwear. The coordinating sandals became a natural extension of the look, reinforcing the outfit’s strong, architectural lines.

The pink satin Fausto Puglisi dress featured the designer’s signature sun motifs, a plunging neckline, side cutouts, and a short hemline. Inspired by gladiator styling, its structured silhouette complemented the metallic hardware seen elsewhere in the outfit.

Alesha Dixon balances soft satin and metallic hardware in a Fausto Puglisi dress paired with Gianvito Rossi’s striking “Gitana” chain-embellished sandals

Outside the venue, Dixon layered a black faux leather Missguided trench coat over the dress, adding contrast to the vivid pink satin.

A plum lip, dramatic lashes, and diamond earrings complement Alesha Dixon’s gladiator-inspired ensemble

Alesha played up the gladiator vibe of her look by accessorizing with oversized bangles, statement rings, ear cuffs, and chain-embellished sandals.

She pulled her long locks back into a center-parted ponytail and sported heavy eyeliner, dramatic eyelashes, and a slick of plum lipstick.

Alesha Dixon’s Fausto Puglisi dress combines signature sun motifs, strategic cutouts, and metallic accents with statement Gianvito Rossi sandals for a quintessential mid-2010s red-carpet look

Alesha completed her sexy yet tough look with a sultry pair of sandals by Gianvito Rossi.

Gianvito Rossi’s “Gitana” sandals feature cascading silver-tone chains, double ankle straps, and open toes, creating a jewelry-like effect across the foot

Gianvito Rossi’s “Gitana” sandals embodied the hardware-heavy aesthetic that was popular in mid-2010s eveningwear. Crafted in black leather, the design featured silver-tone chain embellishments across the vamp, harness-inspired double ankle straps, open toes, and approximately four-inch heels.

The architectural silhouette echoed the metallic detailing and sun motifs of Alesha Dixon’s Fausto Puglisi dress, helping unify the look from head to toe.

The chain-draped construction of Gianvito Rossi’s “Gitana” sandals transforms a minimalist black sandal silhouette into a dramatic statement piece

Introduced in 2016, the Gitana was one of Gianvito Rossi’s more statement-driven sandal designs, departing from the label’s typically minimalist aesthetic in favor of decorative hardware and gladiator-inspired detailing. The style is now discontinued and no longer appears in the brand’s current collections, making surviving pairs increasingly difficult to find on the resale market.

Originally priced at $1,695, the Gianvito Rossi “Gitana” sandals occasionally appeared at markdown prices during their initial retail run.

A close-up of the Gianvito Rossi “Gitana” sandals reveals their harness-inspired straps, intricate silver-tone chains, and approximately four-inch stiletto heels

Although the exact “Gitana” sandals are no longer in production, Gianvito Rossi continues to incorporate jewelry-inspired details and metallic finishes into its collections. As of June 2026, styles such as the Shanti embellished leather sandals ($1,295), Crystal Ettie sandals ($1,450), Flavia 105 embellished mirrored leather sandals ($1,795), and Gwyneth metallic leather sandals ($895) offer a similarly decorative aesthetic, while the Malé, Ascent, and Sue 85 sandals provide a more understated take on the brand’s signature strappy silhouettes.

As of June 2026, Mytheresa also stocked embellished and metallic Gianvito Rossi styles, including the Ettie 105, Adore 105, and Hellen 105 sandals. While they differ from the Gitana’s harness-inspired construction, they reflect the same statement-making approach to evening footwear that defined much of mid-2010s dressing.

Why Chain Sandals Remain a Celebrity Favorite

Chain sandals have remained a red-carpet staple because they combine the ease of minimalist footwear with the visual impact of statement jewelry. Replacing simple straps with metallic chains, crystal embellishments, or sculptural hardware instantly elevates an outfit, whether paired with an evening gown, a tailored suit, or an off-duty ensemble.

Part of their appeal lies in their versatility. Chain detailing acts as built-in jewelry, adding shine without requiring heavy accessorizing, while designers continue to reinterpret the look through flat slides, strappy heels, and low-profile sandals. Fashion houses such as Gianvito Rossi, Bottega Veneta, JW Anderson, and Stuart Weitzman have all embraced hardware-inspired designs, proving that chain sandals can feel equally at home on the red carpet, at fashion week, or during everyday city outings.