The 10 Best Shoes at the 12th Breakthrough Prize Ceremony: From Anne Hathaway’s Aquazzura Platforms to Gigi Hadid’s Crystal Mules

On April 18, 2026, the global scientific community gathered at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica for the 12th Breakthrough Prize Ceremony.

Often referred to as the “Oscars of Science,” the event honors significant advancements in mathematics and physics, though the red carpet has increasingly become a notable venue for refined evening fashion.

Celebrities, including Anne Hathaway, Zoe Saldana, Gigi Hadid, Chrissy Teigen, and more, bring star power to the 12th Breakthrough Prize Ceremony held at Barker Hangar, stepping out in striking heels and standout dresses (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

The evening’s style was defined by a shift toward architectural silhouettes and deliberate footwear choices, moving away from conventional red-carpet excess. From the resurgence of 1970s-inspired platforms to the technical precision of 3D-sculpted mesh, the footwear on display reflected a broader trend of combining classic luxury with modern materials.

Below is an analysis of the most notable footwear seen at the ceremony, detailing how these designs complemented the evening’s formal aesthetic.

Anne Hathaway Elevates Black-Tie Minimalism With Aquazzura “Aimée” Platform Heels and Ralph Lauren

Anne Hathaway switched things up from her recent “Mother Mary” aesthetic, opting for something more refined and event-appropriate in a sleek, timeless all-black look.

She slipped into the Aquazzura “Aimée” Plateau sandals, a bold pair with towering 5.1-inch block heels and chunky platform soles that gave off a subtle ’70s vibe. Made from satin, the sandals featured a strappy design that kept her foot in place, with slit cutout details in front, a peep-toe finish, and a slim strap that wrapped around the foot and extended to the back, fastened with a buckle.

You can get these Aquazzura Aimée suede sandals for $1,098 on Farfetch. At the 98th Academy Awards, Kate Hudson wore a shimmering jade-green Armani gown paired with metallic Aquazzura Aimée heels.

Anne Hathaway showcases her pedicured feet in the Aquazzura “Aimée” Plateau sandals featuring a ’70s silhouette with cutout front straps, a slingback strap, double platforms, and block heels (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Hathaway paired the statement heels with a black Ralph Lauren one-shoulder gown, featuring a soft ruffle that cascaded diagonally from the bodice to the asymmetrical skirt.

Elevating the look further were her Bulgari gold-and-diamond jewels, which added just the right amount of brilliance. She wore the Bvlgari Serpenti Snake Ring with diamonds and ruby eyes, complemented by matching earrings in platinum and yellow gold, and a coordinating bracelet that tied everything together seamlessly.

Completing the look, Hathaway carried a black velvet Bulgari Tubogas evening clutch, featuring a gold-plated brass handle adorned with zirconia. I loved how this elegant finishing touch echoed the richness of her accessories.

Anne Hathaway pairs her black sandals with a black Ralph Lauren one-shoulder dress featuring ruffles and an asymmetric skirt (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Zoe Saldaña Sharpens Burnt-Orange Velvet With Sculptural Alaïa Mesh Heels

Zoe Saldaña went for a bold Alaïa look, mixing burnt orange with black, and I loved how that rich pop of color instantly stood out on the carpet.

For footwear, she went with Alaïa mesh pumps from the Summer/Fall 2026 collection. They featured sheer mesh uppers with satin trims and buckled ankle straps that kept everything in place. The silhouette also stood out, especially with its architectural, sculpted heel counter and slightly curved heels, which gave it a more fashion-forward edge.

I especially liked how the mesh added a light, airy contrast to the heavier velvet of her dress.

Zoe Saldaña is wearing a pair of Alaïa black mesh pumps with a sculpted heel counter and slightly curved heels (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

The dress’s vibrant burnt-orange velvet had a smooth, luxe texture that elevated the whole look. The strapless corset bodice hugged Zoe’s frame nicely, giving it that structured shape. It then flowed into an asymmetrical ruffled skirt that fell in a soft V-shape, adding movement and a bit of drama!

For added coverage, she layered it with matching velvet trousers underneath, finished with folded cuffs that peeked out just enough to give the look a modern, styled twist.

To complete the look, Saldaña wore Cartier jewels, including the Géométrie & Contrastes bracelet, ring, and matching earrings, adding a polished finish that tied everything together beautifully.

Zoe Saldaña goes bold, pairing her black mesh pumps with a vibrant burnt-orange velvet strapless dress and matching trousers (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Gigi Hadid Keeps It Sleek in Andrea Wazen “Carole” Mules and a Crystal-Centered David Koma Gown

Gigi Hadid kept things clean and polished in an all-white look, and it instantly stood out for its simplicity. It had that effortless, model-off-duty kind of elegance, with everything looking sleek and pared down, yet still striking in its own quiet way.

Hadid’s $1,330 Andrea Wazen “Carole” mules added just the right amount of glam. They were made in Italy from white satin and featured two slim buckled straps across the upper, giving them a slightly edgy touch while still looking elegant.

I liked how simple they were, understated but still eye-catching! The pointed peep toes gave them a sharper, more structured look, while the 2.9-inch kitten heels added just enough height to Gigi’s model frame.

Gigi Hadid keeps it simple in Andrea Wazen’s “Carole” mules featuring two slim buckled straps, pointed peep toes, and kitten heels (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Gigi paired them with a bridal-white gown from David Koma’s Pre-Fall 2026 collection. The dress looked flattering on her, especially around the shoulders, thanks to the crisscross halter neckline secured with a bold crystal pendant at the center. Up close, the seams really helped define her silhouette, giving the dress that sleek, fitted shape. There was also a subtle slit at the back, offering a glimpse of her legs as she walked.

Hadid finished the look with Anayam London jewelry, including a tennis bracelet, rings, and drop earrings, keeping everything minimal yet elevated.

Gigi Hadid pairs her white mules with a bridal-white David Koma gown featuring a crisscross halter neckline and a bold crystal pendant at the center (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Chrissy Teigen Leans Into the Barely-There Trend With Gianvito Rossi PVC Heels and Cong Tri

Chrissy Teigen looked stunning in a head-to-toe neutral beige ensemble, and honestly, her shoes were the first thing that caught my attention. They almost blended into her skin, creating that barely-there effect that instantly elevated her whole look.

Teigen, who arrived with her husband John Legend, slipped into the Gianvito Rossi “Cher” slingback sandals, crafted in Italy from beige PVC. The minimalist design made her look barefoot. The open-toe silhouette featured clear PVC that wrapped around the sides of her foot and curved around the heel with a slim slingback strap, adding a modern, barely visible structure. They were finished with sleek stiletto heels, giving her just enough lift while keeping everything light and clean.

These sandals are available for $1,095 at Net-a-Porter.

Chrissy Teigen opts for barely there beige PVC slingback sandals by Gianvito Rossi (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Chrissy paired the sandals with a Cong Tri dress in the same soft beige tone, keeping the look cohesive. The dress was designed with delicate organza striped appliqué that subtly defined the silhouette. Up close, the craftsmanship really stood out. It was fitted at the bodice, then gathered into a knot detail at one side that extended into a long fringe train, adding movement as she walked. The floor-skimming hem and thigh-high slit added just the right amount of drama.

Teigen skipped jewelry, letting the dress and heels do all the talking.

Chrissy Teigen, with her husband John Legend, looks stunning in her soft beige Cong Tri dress featuring delicate organza striped appliqué, a knot detail, and a long fringe train (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Michelle Yeoh Brings Sparkle to Sharp Tailoring With Crystal-Toe Armani Pumps

Michelle Yeoh went for elevated suiting in head-to-toe Armani, and it was a masterclass in making classic tailoring feel fresh. Her heels, in particular, really lifted the entire look.

She wore a pair of Giorgio Armani pumps, made in Italy from silk satin. What really made them stand out was the toe detail, covered in tonal rhinestones that added a soft touch of sparkle. I also liked the design’s gentle, curved lines, which gave the pumps a more feminine and refined feel. They came with slim, adjustable ankle straps with buckle fastenings, along with a d’Orsay silhouette that showed off the shape of her feet.

Adding a sleek and polished finish to the overall look were the 3.7-inch stiletto heels, which gave her extra height and a more elongated silhouette.

These Giorgio Armani pumps are on sale for $1,745 (from $1,990) at Farfetch.

Michelle Yeoh elevates a classic suit with a pair of Giorgio Armani d’ORsay pumps featuring crystal-encrusted uppers and ankle straps (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Yeoh paired the pumps with a classic Armani silk suit jacket, featuring satin peaked lapels accented with a strass embellishment that worked like a brooch, adding a subtle touch of shine. It also had a crystal-encrusted single button that gave it a more polished, dressed-up feel, while the slim fit and longer hemline kept the silhouette clean and streamlined.

A navy version of this jacket is available for $8,200 at Neiman Marcus.

Underneath, she wore a black lace top that added a hint of allure, paired with tailored trousers that maintained the look’s sharp and refined finish.

For extra sparkle, Yeoh accessorized with a Mikimoto South Sea Pearl Bracelet with Diamond Pave Ball and a Mikimoto Golden South Sea Cultured Pearl Necklace. She also added the Bee Goddess Queen Bee Mindy Women’s Gold Necklace and a Richard Mille RM 016 Extra Flat Watch, finishing the look on a polished note.

Michelle Yeoh pairs her Armani pumps with an Armani silk suit jacket with a crystal brooch and button, a lace top underneath, and matching trousers (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Olivia Wilde Reframes Red-Carpet Dressing With Classic Oxford Shoes and an Erdem Gown

Olivia Wilde went for a striking contrast, pairing the romantic, high-fashion feel of her Erdem gown with a more modern, unexpected footwear choice.

While I would’ve instinctively paired a gown like hers with heels, Wilde chose sleek black oxford shoes, likely by Erdem as well. The design was clean and classic, with elongated vamps and closed-toe lacing that gave it a sharp, tailored finish. They were set on slight block heels, which added just a bit of height while still keeping things comfy. I loved how these shoes gave her look an edge and made it feel less predictable.

Olivia Wilde slips into a pair of comfy leather oxfords with elongated vamps and closed-toe lacing (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Olivia Wilde paired the shoes with an elaborate Erdem gown that could easily pass as a ball gown. From the brand’s Fall 2026 collection, the dress really showed off Erdem’s signature mix of rich fabrics and detailed craftsmanship. The light gray corset-style bodice featured visible boning that nicely defined her silhouette, along with silver crystal-bead embroidery that added a bit of sparkle and texture. Designed like soft ribbons, the off-the-shoulder sleeves brought in a romantic touch, while the raw edges gave the whole look a slightly undone, modern feel.

Below, the full skirt was voluminous and dramatic, with a painterly mix of green and silver tones layered with black florals. It had a crinkled, sculptural texture that added depth, plus functional side pockets that made it feel more relaxed and wearable.

For accessories, Wilde kept it simple with a Nikos Koulis Oui Collection necklace with black enamel and white diamonds, adding a subtle finishing touch.

Olivia Wilde pairs her leather oxfords with an elaborate Erdem gown featuring a corset bodice with off-the-shoulder ribbon straps, crystal embellishments, and raw edges, and a voluminous crinkled skirt with a painterly mix of green and silver tones layered with black florals (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Miranda Kerr Keeps the Mood Regal in Midnight Blue Pumps and Solace London

Miranda Kerr went for a simple yet really elegant look for the event. Her shoes appeared basic, but they actually made the whole look feel even more refined.

She slipped into a pair of midnight blue satin pumps that added a touch of luxe to her look. The design was clean, with pointed toes and slightly squared vamps that gave them a sharp, modern edge, finished with high heels that added extra height and elongated her silhouette.

Miranda Kerr keeps it regal in a pair of midnight blue satin pumps with squared vamps, pointed toes, and high heels (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Kerr’s Solace London dress was clearly the focal point here. It was simple, but the structure and volume elevated it. The folded strapless neckline framed her shoulders beautifully, while the corseted bodice hugged her figure and defined her shape. It then flowed into a column skirt that fell just above her ankles, keeping the front clean and streamlined, while the attached train at the back added a dramatic touch. I loved how the volume trailed behind her as she moved, giving the whole look a more regal presence.

Miranda kept everything else minimal, skipping a necklace and wearing a Cartier Vintage 3.80-carat European Cut Diamond Ring. Even with fewer accessories, she still looked effortlessly elegant.

Miranda Kerr pairs her pumps with a matching navy blue Solace London column dress with an attached train at the back (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Behati Prinsloo Lengthens the Line in Amina Muaddi Clear Heels and Vintage Plein Sud

Like Miranda Kerr, fellow former Victoria’s Secret model Behati Prinsloo also went for a regal look, keeping things simple yet striking. I liked how well her dress and shoes balanced each other, especially with her choice of barely-there heels.

Prinsloo went for the Amina Muaddi “Alexa” mules, made in Italy from transparent PVC. The design featured a wide, clear strap across the foot with open toes, giving it that light, bare feel. What stood out to me was how the transparency made her legs look longer.

They were finished with 3.7-inch clear PVC heels that added height while still keeping the look clean and minimal. Priced at $840 at Saks Fifth Avenue, these mules were versatile and paired perfectly with her outfit.

Behati Prinsloo wears a pair of clear Amina Muaddi “Alexa” mules made from transparent PVC (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Behati matched them with a fluid, metallic-chocolate-brown dress from Plein Sud’s 1990s archives. The vintage piece had a sophisticated one-shoulder silhouette that draped across the chest, creating soft folds and ruching along the side seams. It cinched at the waist, giving her a more defined shape while still looking relaxed. The fabric then flowed into a bias-cut maxi skirt that skimmed the body and fell to an ankle-grazing length.

Prinsloo kept her accessories simple with a diamond bracelet and a ring, adding just enough shine to complete the look.

Behati Prinsloo teams her clear heels with a vintage chocolate brown satin dress from Plein Sud’s 1990s archives (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Christina Aguilera Adds Edge With Giuseppe Zanotti “Intriigo” Mules and Salih Balta Blackout Glamour

Christina Aguilera brought her signature daring style to the event, stepping out in a bold black look by Salih Balta paired with standout heels by Giuseppe Zanotti. I loved how the whole outfit had that strong, confident energy she’s known for!

Aguilera wore the Giuseppe Zanotti “Intriigo” mules in black patent leather, a minimalist pair with delicate, double-thin straps across the foot. What really made them stand out was the gold metal cap at the pointed toes, encrusted with baguette crystals that added just the right amount of drama.

These mules were set on 4-inch stiletto heels, giving Christina extra height and a more elongated silhouette. The mules stayed simple but not too basic, enough to hold their own while still balancing out her more detailed dress. You can get them for $1,095 at Farfetch.

Christina Aguilera slips into the Giuseppe Zanotti “Intriigo” mules in black patent leather with a crystal-encrusted gold metal cap at the open pointed toes (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Christina paired them with a black dress from Salih Balta’s Spring 2025 Ready-to-Wear collection. The bodice had a structured, leather-like finish and an off-the-shoulder neckline that beautifully framed her shoulders.

It hugged her figure, accentuating every curve. The skirt transitioned into a sheer, ruched design that revealed glimpses of her legs, with fabric wrapping around in a bandage-style effect, creating texture.

Completing her look, Aguilera debuted a sleek bob styled with curled ends and micro bangs, and accessorized with a statement pendant necklace, bracelet, and rings.

Christina Aguilera pairs her mules with a sultry black leather and sheer tulle dress by Salih Balta (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Maria Sharapova Balances Soft Rodarte Florals With Structured Black Slingback Pumps

Maria Sharapova went for a feminine and modest look, nothing too over the top, but she still exuded elegance.

She wore a pair of black suede slingback pumps that kept things simple but still modern. They boasted squared toes and matching squared vamps, giving the shoes a more structured, architectural look that set them apart. They were secured with a slim slingback strap and a gold-tone buckle, keeping everything sleek and in place. The slightly slanted block heels added a contemporary touch, giving the overall design clean lines and a bit of edge.

Maria Sharapova keeps her footwear simple with a pair of black suede slingback pumps with squared toes, squared vamps, and high block heels (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Up top, Sharapova embraced a softer, more classic appearance with a black floral Rodarte dress. Priced at $1,675, the silk charmeuse piece had a smooth, fluid finish that moved beautifully as she walked. The fitted bodice featured a plunging neckline with lace cutouts at the bust and a V-shaped midriff that showed a glimpse of her skin. The tapered puff sleeves balanced the silhouette, while the flared, bias-cut maxi skirt flowed naturally, lending the look easy elegance.

Sharapova added just enough sparkle with drop earrings and a few rings, keeping the overall look polished and refined.

Maria Sharapova pairs her slingback pumps with a modest and feminine Rodarte floral dress with front lace trims (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)