One Classic Shoe, Two Ways: How Eva Longoria and Lea Michele Styled Aquazzura’s Iconic “Linda” Sandals

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Aquazzura’s “Linda” sandals were one of the defining red-carpet shoes of the 2010s, beloved for their barely-there straps, leg-lengthening silhouette, and ability to work with everything from dramatic evening gowns to effortless daytime dresses.

Just weeks apart in 2016, two stars styled the same Aquazzura design in completely different ways. While Eva Longoria leaned into old-Hollywood glamour at a Paris charity gala, Lea Michele proved the versatile sandals could feel just as polished at a daytime fashion event in Los Angeles.

Eva Longoria Elevated a White David Koma Gown With Silver Aquazzura “Linda” Sandals

Eva Longoria attended the Global Gift Gala on May 9, 2016, at the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, opting for a structured monochromatic look.

Eva Longoria wears her dark hair down at the Global Gift Gala held May 9, 2016 at the Four Seasons Hotel George V in ParisEva Longoria wears her dark hair down at the Global Gift Gala held on May 9, 2016, at the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris (Credit: WENN)

The actress selected a white floor-length gown from David Koma’s Resort 2016 collection, a piece defined by its clean lines and subtle geometric detailing.

Eva Longoria balanced sharp structure and fluid movement in a white David Koma gown, pairing the geometric cutout detailing with mirrored Aquazzura “Linda” sandals that elongated her petite frame on the Paris red carpetEva Longoria balanced sharp structure and fluid movement in a white David Koma gown, pairing the geometric cutout detailing with mirrored Aquazzura “Linda” sandals that elongated her petite frame on the Paris red carpet

The dress featured a high thigh-slit and sequin embellishments across the bodice and hip, providing a high-contrast texture against the smooth white fabric.

The “Telenovela” star glammed up the look further with Messika jewelry and a pair of silver strappy sandals. She also put her engagement ring back on after mentioning that she had left it in Mexico.

Eva wore her hair center-parted and down, completing her look with sultry makeup, including smoky eyeshadow, dark eyeliner, and nude lipstick.

On her feet, the producer wore Aquazzura’s “Linda” sandals, one of Edgardo Osorio’s signature evening designs and a longtime red-carpet favorite for their clean, barely-there elegance.

Instead of a traditional ankle strap, the silhouette is built around delicate crisscross straps that sweep across the instep, then wrap low around the ankle and tie softly at the back, creating a leg-lengthening effect that works especially well with high-slit gowns like Eva Longoria’s David Koma dress.

Eva Longoria’s silver Aquazzura “Linda” heels featured delicate wraparound straps, mirrored metallic leather, and a slim stiletto heel that perfectly complemented the sleek, minimalist lines of her gownEva Longoria’s silver Aquazzura “Linda” heels featured delicate wraparound straps, mirrored metallic leather, and a slim stiletto heel that perfectly complemented the sleek, minimalist lines of her gown

Rendered in mirrored silver leather, the sandals echoed the sequined embellishments on her gown without competing for attention.

The style sat atop Aquazzura’s signature 105 mm stiletto heel — just over four inches — adding height and sharpness while maintaining the sleek, minimal lines that made the “Linda” a lasting staple in the brand’s evening collection rather than a one-season trend.

Aquazzura's 'Linda' sandals have been crafted in Italy from glossy silver leatherAquazzura’s ‘Linda’ sandals have been crafted in Italy from glossy silver leather

Designed with flattering crossover straps, this crystal-embellished style is set on a thin heel and has delicate ties that fasten at the ankleDesigned with flattering crossover straps, this crystal-embellished style is set on a thin heel and has delicate ties that fasten at the ankle

Gold-tone metallic leather Aquazzura Linda sandals with crossover straps at ankles, covered heels, and tie closures at anklesGold-tone metallic leather Aquazzura Linda sandals with crossover straps at ankles, covered heels, and tie closures at ankles

While Longoria’s David Koma gown delivered the drama, her footwear demonstrated why Aquazzura’s “Linda” sandals became a favorite among stylists and celebrities throughout the decade.

Longoria wore the “Linda” sandals in mirrored silver to complement an embellished evening gown, but the style’s appeal extended far beyond formal red carpets.

Just a few weeks earlier in Los Angeles, Lea Michele showed how the same Aquazzura silhouette could bring effortless polish to a breezy daytime outfit.

Lea Michele Styled the Same Aquazzura “Linda” Sandals With a Printed A.L.C. Dress

In April 2016, Lea Michele was all smiles as she waved to the paparazzi outside Jessica Biel’s Au Fudge restaurant.

Lea Michele accessorized her breezy A.L.C. dress with oversized cat-eye sunglasses, layered gold jewelry, and softly tousled wavesLea Michele accessorized her breezy A.L.C. dress with oversized cat-eye sunglasses, layered gold jewelry, and softly tousled waves for Glamour’s Game Changers Lunch at Au Fudge in West Hollywood on April 20, 2016 (Credit: Michael Wright / WENN)

The actress joined fellow celebrities Emily Ratajkowski and Zendaya for Glamour’s Game Changers Lunch, which “celebrates women who are using their voices to bring about positive change around the world.”

Lea Michele arrived at Glamour’s Game Changers Lunch in a breezy monochrome A.L.C. dress, balancing the feminine print with oversized sunglasses and delicate nude Aquazzura sandalsLea Michele arrived at Glamour’s Game Changers Lunch in a breezy monochrome A.L.C. dress, balancing the feminine print with oversized sunglasses and delicate nude Aquazzura sandals (Credit: Michael Wright / WENN)

The then-29-year-old actress looked summer-ready in a black-and-white A.L.C. printed dress that showed off only her toned legs. It had a floaty silhouette, long sleeves, and a pleated skirt with a slightly dipped hemline.

Soft waves, layered gold jewelry, and a flowing black-and-white dress gave Lea Michele’s daytime ensemble an effortless California polishSoft waves, layered gold jewelry, and a flowing black-and-white dress gave Lea Michele’s daytime ensemble an effortless California polish (Credit: Michael Wright / WENN)

The “Scream Queens” star glammed up the summery number with a pair of earrings, a gold layered necklace, and a couple of gold bracelets.

She hid her eyes behind a pair of oversized Thierry Lasry sunglasses and carried a black mini bag with a gold handle by M2Malletier.

Carrying a structured M2Malletier mini bag, Lea Michele embraced relaxed sophistication as she made her way into the West Hollywood eventCarrying a structured M2Malletier mini bag, Lea Michele embraced relaxed sophistication as she made her way into the West Hollywood event (Credit: Michael Wright / WENN)

She wore her hair in waves with a center part and kept her makeup simple, with a touch of pink lipstick. Rather than relying on statement accessories, Michele let her shoes quietly anchor the look.

She slipped into a pair of nude leather Aquazzura “Linda” sandals, choosing the same silhouette that Eva Longoria had recently worn on the Paris red carpet.

Lea Michele’s nude leather Aquazzura “Linda” sandals featured slender wraparound ankle ties and a minimalist silhouette that elongated her legsLea Michele’s nude leather Aquazzura “Linda” sandals featured slender wraparound ankle ties and a minimalist silhouette that elongated her legs (Credit: Michael Wright / WENN)

Finished with a slim stiletto heel and delicate lace-up detailing, the Aquazzura “Linda” sandals exemplified the understated glamour that made the style a celebrity favoriteFinished with a slim stiletto heel and delicate lace-up detailing, the Aquazzura “Linda” sandals exemplified the understated glamour that made the style a celebrity favorite (Credit: Michael Wright / WENN)

Favored by celebrities including Meghan Markle, Jennifer Lawrence, and Gigi Hadid, the “Linda 105” became known for balancing glamour with versatility, pairing just as easily with cocktail dresses and tailoring as with formal red-carpet gowns.

How Eva Longoria and Lea Michele Proved the Versatility of Aquazzura’s “Linda” Sandals

One of the reasons Aquazzura’s “Linda” sandals became such a celebrity favorite was their remarkable versatility. Eva Longoria used the mirrored silver version to amplify the glamour of a sequined David Koma gown at a Paris gala, while Lea Michele opted for a nude pair that seamlessly complemented a relaxed A.L.C. daytime dress.

Despite their minimalist design, the wraparound straps, slim stiletto heel, and barely-there silhouette gave the sandals enough presence to work across a wide range of occasions. Whether paired with a high-slit evening gown or a floaty daytime mini dress, the “Linda” delivered the same elegant effect: longer-looking legs and understated sophistication.

That adaptability helped transform the style from a seasonal trend into one of Aquazzura’s most enduring celebrity-loved sandals.

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