Clear Heels, Wild Pumps & Leather Boots: The Standout Shoes of the 2025 amfAR Las Vegas Gala

The amfAR Gala made its grand return to Las Vegas this weekend, bringing back all the energy and spectacle the city is known for.

Held in partnership with the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, the evening had this high-octane glamour you’ll find in Vegas—talk about a mix of sleek engines, bright lights, and some of the biggest names in film, fashion, and music.

The gala was an opportunity for stars to show off their style, with many arriving in standout gowns—but their shoes deserved just as much attention!

Ali Larter lit up the red carpet in clear heels paired with a striking red dress, while Ciara brought full glamour in a jaguar-print gown and classic pumps.

Chanel Iman made a bold entrance in sleek boots and a leather jacket, and Victoria Justice took a daring turn in a lace dress styled with chic mules.

Ali Larter, Ciara, Chanel Iman, and Victoria Justice lead the style pack at the 2025 amfAR Las Vegas Gala, each showcasing standout footwear—from clear heels to classic pumps, edgy ankle boots, and sequined mules—at Wynn Las Vegas on November 21, 2025 (Credit: Jennifer Bloc / Future Image / Cover Images)

But beyond the star power and spectacle, the evening stayed focused on amfAR’s mission to advance HIV/AIDS research. The organization’s inaugural Las Vegas gala last year raised more than $3 million for the cause.

While this year’s total has yet to be disclosed, the night continued its tradition of recognition, honoring actor Jeremy Renner with the Philanthropic Leadership Award and race car designer Gordon Murray with the Award of Innovation.

Ali Larter Embraces Sultry Elegance in Clear Heels & Red Georges Hobeika Leather Dress

Ali Larter delivered a powerful, smoldering look in a red Georges Hobeika dress, and those barely-there heels took the entire ensemble to a new level of seductive sophistication.

Her shoes were the kind you instantly notice but can’t fully define at first glance. They were in nude leather with clear vamp straps and peep toes that showed off her dark pedicure. The PVC created that invisible effect, making her legs appear even longer. They also boasted slim ankle straps that added a delicate balance, while the stiletto heels gave the whole look a sharp, modern finish.

To me, clear-strap heels epitomize subtle glamour. They effortlessly blend into any outfit while subtly enhancing the overall look.

Ali Larter showcases her pedicure in a nude pair of peep-toe sandals with slim ankle straps and clear PVC front straps (Credit: Jennifer Bloc / Future Image / Cover Images)

Ali’s Sculpted Red Leather Hobeika Dress Showcases Exceptional Craftsmanship

Then came the dress. I honestly couldn’t stop admiring the craftsmanship of Ali’s gorgeous, deep red leather sheath dress from Georges Hobeika’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection. From afar, it looked sleek and sculpted, but up close it showed a feminine, intricately embossed filigree design that added a refined texture to the leather.

The dress also featured a deep V-neckline that dipped dramatically near the sternum, while the lace trims softened that bold plunge, drawing further attention to the decolletage. The bodice is tightly paneled and pleated around the waist, cinching Ali’s frame before flowing into a smooth, elongated skirt that skimmed her hips.

At 49, Ali pulled off this silhouette with such confidence and ease. It was the same fearless glamour she’s been showing throughout her Landman promotional run!

Her styling stayed minimal—no necklace, just a few diamond rings adding just a hint of sparkle. Ali’s blonde hair fell in loose, effortless waves, and her makeup was kept soft, with pink lips, blush, and dark liner that brought out her green eyes.

Ali Larter looks striking in her red-hot leather sheath dress by Georges Hobeika, featuring lace-trims at the plunging neckline and embossed filigree designs (Credit: Jennifer Bloc / Future Image / Cover Images)

Ciara Stuns in Black Velvety Pumps & Wild Roberto Cavalli Jaguar Gown

Ciara stepped onto the red carpet in a look that wouldn’t typically be my first pick, but she absolutely made it work. Few stars can commit to a theme with this level of confidence, and she proved it again by pairing her bold, jaguar-print Roberto Cavalli gown with the perfect counterbalance: sleek, understated black pumps that kept the whole look chic and controlled.

Her classic black velvety pumps complemented her outfit beautifully. They were simple, with pointed toes, sleek high heels, and no embellishments, but that’s precisely why they worked. With such a bold dress, anything more dramatic would’ve felt too much and pushed the look into costume territory.

Ciara opts for classic black pumps, but in black velvety suede for a luxurious finish to her bold look (Credit: Jennifer Bloc / Future Image / Cover Images)

A Wild, Second-Skin Cavalli Dress That Blends ’90s Seduction and Vegas Drama

Ciara’s dress, from Roberto Cavalli’s Fall 2025 collection designed by Fausto Puglisi, was pure feline glamour. The silk fabric clung to her body like a second skin, enhancing the gown’s wild energy. It had a plunging cowl neckline that added a sultry drape, held up by delicate spaghetti straps, and a backless design that only heightened the allure. The silhouette skimmed her figure before pooling into a floor-length hem—a little ’90s, a little Vegas, and entirely Ciara!

At one point, she threw on a faux-fur Cavalli coat, doubling down on the boldness that matched the Vegas energy. A serpentine arm cuff wrapped around her upper arm played into the look’s wild vibe.

She also wore her stunning 16-carat engagement ring and kept everything else minimal. Her blonde hair fell in loose, tousled waves, enhancing the sultriness of her look. She paired it with smoky eyes that added a sultry edge and glossy nude lips that kept the makeup from feeling too heavy.

Ciara teams her pointy black pumps with a jaguar-printed Roberto Cavalli maxi dress featuring a cowl neckline and a serpentine cuff on her upper arm (Credit: Jennifer Bloc / Future Image / Cover Images)

Chanel Iman Masters Tough-Chic Glam in Black Leather Boots & L’Agence Blazer Dress

Chanel Iman instantly reminded me why she’s one of the most effortlessly stylish models out there. Her head-to-toe black leather ensemble struck that perfect balance between red-carpet polish and race-track edge, and honestly, it was one of my favorite looks of the night.

Her boots added a cool, edgy touch to the outfit. They looked like a pair from Prada, made from supple calfskin leather with a chunky block heel that gave her already statuesque 5’9” frame an instant boost. I loved the clean ankle-boot silhouette, complete with side zips and subtle gold-tone hardware.

While I loved her boots, the standout piece was her $1,895 L’Agence “Tora” blazer dress. The buttery lambskin leather hugged Chanel’s figure like it was molded to her frame, embodying the LA-based label’s signature mix of relaxed LA cool and understated Parisian refinement.

Chanel Iman brings a modern edge to the red carpet in a pair of black leather ankle boots with inner side zips and chunky, wide heels (Credit: Jennifer Bloc / Future Image / Cover Images)

Sharp Tailoring and Luxe Details Elevate Chanel Iman’s Leather Blazer Dress

The double-breasted design and padded shoulders created that chic, structured shape, while the gold-tone buttons and welt pockets added the right amount of contrast and polish. I particularly loved the seam work, which made the design even more flattering, contouring Iman’s frame and emphasizing her waist. The blazer dress also had notched lapels and a straight hem that hit high on her thighs, giving her plenty of room to show off those long, runway legs.

To complement the hardware on her dress, Chanel layered delicate gold jewelry, including a gold-and-diamond cuff, small hoops, and rings on nearly every finger, adding just enough sparkle to the all-black leather look.

Her raven hair flowed in soft, natural waves, parted to the side with one section pinned back to show her face and the other cascading over her shoulder. She then kept her makeup fresh and glowing, with peachy blush and nude lipstick.

Chanel Iman amps up her tough-chic, race-track-ready vibe with sleek black ankle boots paired flawlessly with her double-breasted leather blazer dress by L’Agence (Credit: Jennifer Bloc / Future Image / Cover Images)

Victoria Justice Shines in Retrofête Sequined Mesh Mules & Cavalli Lace Gown

Victoria Justice really knows how to take a daring red carpet look and make it feel effortless, and I witnessed that again at the amfAR event. She stepped out in one of the night’s most commanding outfits, and I loved that she balanced all that drama with a sleek, coordinated shoe choice.

She wore black open-toe mules, but not the kind you could ignore. These were the $398 Retrofête “Alonia” sandals, made of smooth, glossy cow leather with a sophisticated sheen.

What set them apart was the sheer mesh front strap embellished with tiny black sequins. They sparkled with every movement, complementing her dress. The heels were slim and sky-high, too, giving her look even more power and height.

Victoria Justice shimmers from the ground up with her Retrofete “Alonia” mules with mesh vamp straps covered in glimmering black sequins (Credit: Jennifer Bloc / Future Image / Cover Images)

Sheer Lace, Corset Lacing & Tiger-Stripe Sequins Define Her Cavalli Moment

The dress, hailing from Roberto Cavalli’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection, was a statement on its own. It was made of a sheer lace fabric that showed a glimpse of Justice’s black underwear, with a plunging halter neckline that dipped to her navel, adding a bold, alluring touch.

A corset-style lacing held everything together, giving the dress structure while enhancing its sensual vibe. The dress hugged Victoria’s figure from the bodice down to the hips, then gently flared into a mermaid hem that hit mid-calf.

The vertical tiger-stripe sequin pattern was my favorite element. It felt modern, fierce, and exactly right for a Vegas event!

Victoria styled the ensemble with a few rings by Maison H Jewels and W. Salamoon, and delicate diamond earrings by Simon G. Her smoky eyeshadow and loose waves completed the outfit, giving her a radiant, seductive presence. In contrast, her red nails gave the outfit a splash of color.

Victoria Justice commands attention in a see-through black lace Roberto Cavalli dress featuring a vertical tiger-stripe sequin pattern adorned with sparkling sequins, a plunging neckline with corset lace ties, and a mermaid midi hem (Credit: Jennifer Bloc / Future Image / Cover Images)

More Standout Shoe Moments From Ali Larter, Ciara, Chanel Iman & Victoria Justice

To round out their amfAR red carpet appearances, here’s a curated look at some of the stars’ most memorable footwear moments featured across Your Next Shoes—highlighting the boots, heels, and statement shoes that define their style on and off the carpet.