Nearly a decade later, Amy Adams’ collaboration with Tom Ford on Nocturnal Animals still stands as one of Hollywood’s most stylish film-fashion moments. The Oscar-nominated actress may have struggled to channel Ford’s precise, emotionally restrained character on screen, but she walked away with lessons in authenticity — and one unforgettable red-carpet look.
At the 2016 New York premiere of Nocturnal Animals, Amy turned heads in a siren-red Tom Ford gown and custom satin sandals, proving that her partnership with the designer extended beyond the camera into pure fashion magic.
Amy Adams diverged from her typical black Tom Ford premiere dresses, opting for a stunning siren red gown (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN)
Amy Adams played an emotionally guarded, fiercely intelligent woman in Tom Ford’s Nocturnal Animals, to critical acclaim.
The film is based on Austin Wright’s novel Tony and Susan (available on Amazon) and tells the story of Susan, an unhappily married art dealer (Adams), who is traumatized when reading a violent novel written by her ex-husband (Jake Gyllenhaal).
Adams found little resemblance between herself and the “poised” and “aloof” Susan in the novel, so she modeled the character’s personality on Ford himself.
After starring in “Nocturnal Animals,” Amy Adams reflects on the valuable life lessons she learned from director Tom Ford, emphasizing the importance of holding onto loved ones, avoiding disposable relationships, and staying true to her authenticity (Credit: Focus Features / Universal Pictures)
Stephanie Zacharek of Time magazine found the film visually arresting but thematically weak. She credited Adams and Gyllenhaal for making their characters’ pain seem genuine.
“Adams and Gyllenhaal do some real acting here: Their characters’ pain feels genuine, even in the midst of all the careful art direction,” Zacharek wrote.
Tom Ford is a talented and creative individual who has excelled in both the fashion and film industries. He is known for his meticulous attention to detail and his luxurious aesthetic.
However, when directing his second film, Nocturnal Animals, Ford consciously decided to leave the costuming to costume designer Arianne Phillips. He did not want the movie to feel like an advertisement for his eponymous fashion brand.
At the premiere of “Nocturnal Animals” at The Paris Theater in New York on November 18, 2016, Amy Adams stunned in a form-fitting dress adorned with intricate twist embellishments at the neckline and cuffs, elegantly complemented by strategically placed front and back cutouts (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN)
Amy took a break from her usual black Tom Ford premiere dresses, choosing a siren red one instead for the New York leg of film promotions.
Amy Adams contrasted the black carpet with her red custom Tom Ford satin sandals (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN)
The figure-hugging dress had a gorgeous twist detail at the neck and wrists, complemented by front and back cutouts. The Enchanted actress finished her red-hot look with David Webb jewelry and custom Tom Ford satin sandals.
Amy Adams’ Enduring Tom Ford Connection
Even years after her unforgettable Nocturnal Animals premiere, Amy’s collaboration with Tom Ford continues to inspire countless red-carpet looks. The designer’s sculptural sandals and refined silhouettes remain celebrity favorites for their bold yet timeless allure.
👠 Explore Celebrities Wearing Tom Ford Sandals:
- 💃 Rihanna Stuns in Tom Ford Sandals — The Fenty mogul turned heads in sleek Tom Ford heels during a chic date-night look in Los Angeles.
- 🎬 Taraji P. Henson’s Fierce Lace-Up Tom Ford Sandals — The “Empire” star commanded attention in black velvet lace-up sandals that embodied Ford’s signature bold glamour.
- 👗 Gwyneth Paltrow’s Tom Ford Gladiator Sandals — Paltrow paired statement-making gladiator sandals with a Prabal Gurung dress, merging minimalist fashion with an edge.
- ✨ Rihanna in Tom Ford Velvet Knot Sandals — A luxe off-duty moment featuring the brand’s iconic knotted sandal silhouette.
- 🌟 Kim Kardashian’s Gold Tom Ford Chain Heels — At Cannes, Kim elevated her metallic gown with chain-embellished Tom Ford sandals.
- 🤍 Kim Kardashian in Nude Tom Ford Strappy Sandals — A minimalist yet sensual ensemble that highlights Ford’s sleek, sculptural footwear design.
Amy Adams trades loving looks with her husband Darren Le Gallo (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN)
Amy spoke briefly about what she learned during the filming process. The Arrival actress said she now emphasizes holding on to her loved ones, avoiding disposable relationships, and remembering “to not veer off the road of (her) authenticity.”
Shop similar Tom Ford sandals at Farfetch and Net-a-Porter:
Tom Ford Suede Sandals, $890
Amy Adams’ Timeless Red-Carpet Legacy
From Tom Ford’s sculptural gowns to her love of sky-high designer heels, Amy Adams continues to embody sophistication with every appearance. Her red-carpet choices—always elegant, occasionally daring—reflect a confident sense of style that has evolved yet remained unmistakably her own. Explore some of her most memorable fashion and footwear moments below.
👠 Explore Amy Adams’ Red Carpet & Shoe Highlights:
- ✨ Amy Adams Stuns in Couture Looks and Elegant Heels During Her Arrival Press Tour — Covers her appearances in Jimmy Choo satin sandals and classic platform heels that defined her sci-fi press style.
- 👡 Amy Adams’ Courageous Fashion Moment: Flaunting Her Bunions in Designer Heels — The actress embraced comfort and confidence while wearing daring Tom Ford padlock sandals and Calvin Klein pumps.
- 🏆 Amy Adams Awarded in Marchesa Dress and Jimmy Choo Sandals — A striking gala appearance that paired romantic Marchesa with sleek black Jimmy Choo sandals.
- 🔄 Amy Adams Switches Between Christian Louboutin Uptown & Jimmy Choo Pearl Heels — Showcasing her versatile taste in luxury footwear at the Venice Film Festival.
- 📏 Amy Adams on Embracing Her 5’3” Height with Stunning High Heels — A breakdown of her height, shoe size, and love for statement heels from Tom Ford to Louboutin.