Cara Delevingne’s Avant-Garde Gown Was Stunning, But Her Stuart Weitzman Platforms Saved the Night

On August 21, 2019, Cara Delevingne attended the premiere of Carnival Row at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood wearing one of the most visually striking couture looks of the year: the “Poiesis” cape gown from Iris van Herpen’s Fall 2019 Haute Couture “Hypnosis” collection.

Cara Delevingne strikes a pose on the black carpet with her co-star Orlando Bloom at the premiere of Carnival Row at the Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California, on August 21, 2019 (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

The choice felt especially fitting for the fantasy series, which explores a world shared by humans and mythological creatures.

Rather than relying on traditional red-carpet glamour, Delevingne embraced Iris van Herpen’s signature fusion of art, technology, and nature, stepping onto the black carpet in a look that seemed to shift with every angle.

Graphic purple-and-orange eye makeup mirrored the color palette of Cara Delevingne’s Iris van Herpen couture gown

Featuring layers of sheer organza printed with swirling ochre, purple, pink, orange, and iridescent patterns, the gown created a wing-like effect that echoed both butterflies and kinetic sculpture.

The design was part of van Herpen’s “Hypnosis” collection, inspired by the wind-powered works of American sculptor Anthony Howe and the mesmerizing patterns found throughout the natural world.

The “Poiesis” cape gown from Iris van Herpen’s Fall 2019 Haute Couture collection created a dramatic wing-like silhouette

To keep the focus on the couture, Delevingne paired the dramatic gown with black Stuart Weitzman platform heels, while stylists Mariel Haenn and Rob Zangardi completed the look with graphic purple-and-orange eye makeup, a sleek low ponytail, and understated jewelry from Akillis, Le Vian, and Borgioni.

While Cara Delevingne’s Iris van Herpen couture gown dominated the conversation, the appearance was part of a longer history of wearing Stuart Weitzman on the red carpet. At the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards, she paired a Saint Laurent fringe dress with Stuart Weitzman “Nudist” sandals, using the minimalist heels to balance one of her most embellished looks.

She returned to the brand years later at the 2023 Met Gala, wearing black Stuart Weitzman “Nudist” sandals beneath a dramatic Karl Lagerfeld-inspired ensemble. Together with the Disco Platform sandals she chose for the Carnival Row premiere, the appearances illustrate how Stuart Weitzman designs have repeatedly served as understated foundations for some of her most visually ambitious fashion moments.

Black Stuart Weitzman platform heels anchored the movement and volume of Cara Delevingne’s couture ensemble

Why Stuart Weitzman Platforms Remain a Red-Carpet Staple

Her choice of Stuart Weitzman Disco Platform sandals was a smart styling decision. The dramatic silhouette echoed the theatrical spirit of the look while providing the stability needed to balance the gown’s sweeping layers and movement.

With their towering heel, substantial platform, and sleek ankle-strap design, the sandals delivered the height and presence of a classic disco-era platform without overwhelming the intricate couture.

Cara Delevingne’s Carnival Row appearance illustrates why Stuart Weitzman platforms have remained a red-carpet favorite for years. Whether paired with avant-garde couture, sequined evening gowns, or modern Hollywood glamour, the brand’s elevated silhouettes consistently provide height, balance, and a clean foundation that allows statement fashion to take center stage.