They made heartbreak look effortlessly cool.
Before the headlines and heartbreak, Avril Lavigne and Mod Sun (real name Derek Smith) were the definition of pop-punk synergy. This couple blurred the lines between music, rebellion, and romantic intensity.
The two first crossed paths in January 2021 while collaborating on their single “Flames.” What began as creative chemistry quickly sparked into a full-blown romance. By April 2022, Mod Sun had proposed in Paris with a custom heart-shaped ring, marking the start of a whirlwind engagement that would last nearly 10 months before the pair called it quits in February 2023.
Standing 5ft 1 (154.9 cm) tall and wearing a U.S. shoe size 8, Avril embodied the punk-princess aesthetic that defined an era — pairing platform combat boots, spiked pumps, and tartan heels with everything from plaid minis to latex corsets. Beside her, Mod Sun — 5ft 5 ½ (166.4 cm), shoe size 10 — mirrored that energy in vibrant sneakers, studded boots, and the kind of statement footwear that belonged on a stage as much as in a love story.
Their relationship may have been short-lived, but their style moments remain among their most iconic — proof that even when love fades, fashion leaves a footprint. Below, a look back at Avril and Mod Sun’s most memorable shoe-forward appearances together.
Pop-Punk Perfection: Avril Lavigne and Mod Sun’s Coordinated 2022 MTV VMAs Looks
The newly engaged couple made a striking appearance at the MTV Video Music Awards, walking the red carpet in coordinated punk-rock looks that perfectly captured their chemistry.
Avril Lavigne stunned in a sleek, all-black Versace ensemble featuring a long-sleeve corset top and wide-leg trousers, which visually obscured most of her footwear. Still, she finished the punk look with chunky, hidden-platform black boots (some sources suggest platform combat boots). Mod Sun complemented her with a denim outfit designed by Maison Margiela and opted for classic black combat boots, reinforcing the punk-rock footwear aesthetic.
Avril Lavigne and Mod Sun turned the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet into a pop-punk power moment, coordinating in edgy black and denim looks that perfectly reflected their shared rock aesthetic (Credit: Doug Peters/PA Images / INSTARimages / Cover Images)
Both completed their outfits with silver belt chains — a subtle nod to their shared aesthetic. Lavigne also took the stage that night as a presenter and earned a nomination for Best Alternative Video, reinforcing her staying power as both a musician and a style icon.
Their downtown outing proved that the duo’s chemistry extended far beyond music — together, they revived the early-2000s punk aesthetic with designer precision and rock-star confidence.
Punk Revival: Avril Lavigne and Mod Sun’s Downtown Date Night in New York
Avril Lavigne and Mod Sun channeled peak pop-punk energy while out in New York City, with Avril rocking towering lace-up Dr. Martens over-the-knee boots and Mod Sun pairing camo pants with plaid and punk accessories (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)
Avril Lavigne’s Lifelong Obsession With Dr. Martens
Avril Lavigne once said, “I will always love Dr. Martens and combat boots because I find them really comfortable. I basically live in them.”
That statement sums up her 25-year devotion to Docs — a mix of comfort, rebellion, and authenticity that’s defined both her music and her wardrobe. For readers exploring how these iconic boots continue to inspire celebrity fashion, the following live features from Your Next Shoes trace their enduring cultural impact.
👢 Explore Doc Martens Style & Culture Features:
- 🔍 The 6 Most Iconic Dr. Martens Boots That Define Timeless Style — a definitive guide to the brand’s most beloved designs, including the 1460, Jadon, and Sinclair, and why they remain fashion staples decades later.
- 📏 Dr. Martens Boots Size Chart: Do They Run Big or Small? — a fit-focused breakdown helping fans choose the perfect size and learn the best ways to break in new pairs.
- 🎙 Celebrities Who Made Dr. Martens Iconic Again — exploring how stars from Avril Lavigne to Gigi Hadid helped revive Docs as the go-to symbol of edgy, individualistic style.
- 🧵 Ultimate Guide to Lacing Doc Martens: From Classic to Celebrity-Inspired Styles — a creative how-to on lacing techniques seen on runways and street style, from traditional eight-eye looks to bold fashion twists.
- 🤝 Dr. Martens and Lazy Oaf Launch Hot Heart Shoes for Summer — a playful collaboration that merges punk heritage with Gen Z streetwear flair.
- 📣 Hailey Baldwin Flashes Backside in On-Trend White Dr. Martens Boots — a celebrity street-style moment proving that Docs can look as striking on the sidewalk as they do onstage.
The couple perfectly embodied 2000s rebellion-meets-romance — Avril’s black harness mini and Mod Sun’s layered streetwear gave nostalgic Avril-era vibes with a grown-up edge (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)
The ceremony wasn’t just a career milestone — it was a full-circle fashion moment that paid tribute to Avril’s pop-punk beginnings while celebrating her two decades of trailblazing influence in music and style.
Full-Circle Fashion: Avril Lavigne and Mod Sun at Her Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony
Avril Lavigne and Mod Sun shared a proud moment at her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, with Avril wearing a nostalgic plaid Vivienne Westwood ensemble that perfectly balanced her punk roots and polished confidence (Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock)
For her milestone moment, Avril recreated her teenage photo on the Walk of Fame in a “Skateboarding Is Not a Crime” hoodie, plaid pants, and chunky Lanvin Curb sneakers, while Mod Sun kept it effortlessly cool in a floral lace shirt and platform boots (Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock)
As we wrap up this deep dive into their shared moments in fashion and footwear, here’s a curated selection of standout articles from Your Next Shoes that highlight Avril Lavigne’s evolving style narrative — from her signature boots to high-end heels and full-length fashion transformations.
👠 Dive Into Avril Lavigne’s Signature Shoe & Style Features
👠 Explore Avril Lavigne’s Best Shoe & Fashion Moments:
- 📚 “Avril Lavigne’s Shoe & Fashion Evolution” — a comprehensive look at her style timeline and footwear milestones.
- 📏 “Abbey Dawn Shoes by Avril Lavigne: 5 Best Boots and Heels” — focused on her own shoe line and standout boot moments.
- 👗 “Glam Rock Princess Avril Lavigne’s Spiked Madame Pumps” — highlights a key red-carpet footwear moment.
- ✨ “Avril Lavigne Channels Barbie in Pink Dress and Nude Louboutin Pumps” — showing her crossover into high-fashion shoe territory.
- 🖤 “Avril Lavigne’s Sophisticated Look at Album Launch: A Style Transformation” — explores her footwear and fashion for a major career moment.