9 Best 2014 Met Gala Shoes: From Stella McCartney Platforms to Casadei Boots

On May 5, 2014, the Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City once again set the stage for fashion’s most theatrical night—where couture takes risks, silhouettes grow bolder, and styling decisions are scrutinized from head to toe.

Unlike award shows that favor timeless restraint, the Met Gala invites experimentation. That spirit was visible in 2014’s red-carpet lineup, where gowns leaned dramatic and conceptual—but footwear quietly became the defining detail separating strong looks from forgettable ones.

Taylor Swift, Emmy Rossum, Blake Lively, and Karolina Kurkova scored high fashion-wise on the red carpet of the 2014 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 5, 2014 (Credit: Andres Otero / Alberto Reyes / Rob Rich / Michael Carpenter / WENN)

While the overall evening felt more restrained than expected, a select group of attendees stood out by letting their shoes do the talking.

Platform pumps sharpened tailored suiting, metallic sandals grounded vibrant color stories, and thigh-high boots challenged traditional red-carpet norms.

Many outfits concealed their footwear beneath sweeping hems, but those who revealed their heels made deliberate choices—some elevating their outfits, others exposing miscalculations in proportion or balance.

Viewed through today’s lens, these moments offer a clear reminder of an enduring style truth: even at fashion’s most extravagant event, the right shoes can make—or quietly break—the look.

Nicole Richie, Kate Bosworth, and Diane Kruger opted for simplicity and elegance at the 2014 Met Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 5, 2014

Below, we revisit nine celebrities whose footwear choices defined their 2014 Met Gala appearances, highlighting the heels, sandals, and boots that continue to spark conversation years later.

1. Cara Delevingne’s Monochrome Met Moment: Stella McCartney Suit & Platform Pumps

Cara Delevingne turned heads in a sharply tailored black-and-white ensemble, pairing sleek high-waisted trousers with bold cutouts and contrasting platform pumps for a striking twist on red carpet suiting

Cara Delevingne wore a custom Stella McCartney outfit that stood out for its bold, unconventional take on red-carpet fashion.

Her look featured high-waisted white trousers paired with a black, strappy cut-out crop top that bared her midriff, perfectly capturing her signature edgy-meets-glam style.

Cara Delevingne added edge to her monochrome look with black-and-white platform pumps featuring a glossy croc-embossed finish and sharply pointed toes

She completed the daring ensemble with black-and-white platform pumps from Stella McCartney’s Fall 2012 collection, adding a sleek, architectural finish to the modern monochrome look.

Stella McCartney Scott Pumps, Fall 2012

2. Emma Stone’s Fresh Take: Pink Thakoon Two-Piece & Metallic Miu Miu Sandals

Emma Stone brought a pop of color to the red carpet in a custom two-piece ensemble by Thakoon.

The bold look paired a fuchsia crop top with a crisscross back with a vibrant hot-pink wrap skirt featuring a thigh-high slit and a short train—fresh, modern, and unmistakably youthful.

Emma Stone embraced modern elegance in a custom Thakoon look, pairing a fuchsia crop top with a hot-pink wrap skirt and metallic accessories for a fresh, youthful red carpet moment

She styled the outfit with metallic ankle-strap sandals from Miu Miu, a coordinating Tod’s clutch in metallic magenta, and delicate jewelry from Graziela Gems and EF Collection. While the look felt polished, some might argue it played things a little too safe for such a fashion-forward event.

Emma Stone completed her vibrant look with sleek metallic Miu Miu ankle-strap sandals

3. Georgia May Jagger Goes Bold: Mugler Gown & Sergio Rossi Heels

Georgia May Jagger embraced daring elegance in a plunging, strappy Thierry Mugler gown with a thigh-high slit, pairing it with sleek Sergio Rossi ankle-strap pumps and soft, vintage-inspired curls

Georgia May Jagger made a bold statement in a striking black halter-neck gown by Thierry Mugler.

The daring design featured a deep plunging neckline that extended to her navel, connected by five slim horizontal straps. It was lined with pink silk and had a dramatic thigh-high slit that revealed her legs and back.

The look balanced Old Hollywood glamour with a distinctly edgy, risqué twist, perfectly in line with her role as the face of Mugler’s Angel perfume.

Georgia May Jagger’s Sergio Rossi pumps featured a sharp pointed toe and delicate ankle strap, adding a refined edge to her sultry Mugler gown

She styled the gown with sharp, ankle-strap pointy pumps from Sergio Rossi and wore her signature blonde waves in soft curls, keeping the makeup minimal to let the gown do the talking.

4. Kim Kardashian in Midnight Blue: Lanvin Dress & T-Strap Pumps

Kim Kardashian wore a custom midnight-blue Lanvin gown designed by Alber Elbaz. The strapless silk-satin dress featured a plunging neckline, structured bodice, and a dramatic high-low hemline with a sweeping train.

Kim Kardashian balanced her sculptural midnight-blue strapless gown with sleek black ankle-strap heels, letting the minimalist sandals sharpen the look’s modern red-carpet polish

A black sash with gold hardware cinched her waist, adding a touch of contrast and edge. While the gown had bold elements, the overall silhouette didn’t quite flatter her figure—it added volume in ways that felt unbalanced.

Her footwear choice, a pair of black strappy T-strap pumps, was elegant but didn’t fully harmonize with the gown’s modern structure.

A close-up reveals Kim Kardashian’s strappy black heels, their delicate cage-like design grounding the thigh-high slit with structure, height, and refined edge

5. Marion Cotillard’s Retro-Futurism: Dior Couture & Embellished Silver Heels

Marion Cotillard embodied effortless French elegance in a strapless Christian Dior Haute Couture gown. The navy blue dress featured a structured bodice and a voluminous, pleated floor-length skirt with a soft sheen reflecting the theme’s classic couture tribute.

Marion Cotillard turned heads in a navy Christian Dior Haute Couture dress with a geometric cutout overlay, pairing the sculptural silhouette with silver retro-futuristic heels and a sleek chignon

True to Dior’s refined aesthetic, the silhouette was timeless and sophisticated. She kept her accessories minimal with Chopard earrings and styled her hair in a sleek, low chignon.

Her retro-inspired yet undeniably modern standout heels added a gleaming, futuristic twist to the otherwise classic ensemble.

Marion Cotillard’s statement heels combined crystal embellishments, metallic accents, and a bold red detail, blending retro glamour with futuristic edge for a truly standout finish

6. Leighton Meester Channels Old Hollywood: Pucci Gown & Jimmy Choo “Deny” Sandals

Leighton Meester exuded vintage-inspired glamour in a shimmering gold gown by Emilio Pucci.

The floor-length dress featured a plunging V-neckline, three-quarter sleeves, and subtle cut-out details at the waist, striking a balance between classic elegance and modern sophistication.

Leighton Meester let her intricately embellished gold Pucci gown take center stage, finishing the look with understated nude strappy heels that complemented the dress without competing for attention

She paired the look with metallic Jimmy Choo sandals that perfectly echoed the gown’s golden tones.

Keeping the focus on the dress, Meester styled her hair in soft, romantic waves and chose minimal accessories—a small clutch and understated jewelry—while a bold red lip added a touch of old-Hollywood allure.

A close-up highlights Leighton Meester’s nude platform sandals, their crisscross straps and subtle height grounding the shimmering gown while keeping the overall look soft and balanced

Leighton’s strappy heels are called the “Deny” from Jimmy Choo. These sandals feature ruched nude suede straps trimmed with gold at the edges.

Jimmy Choo “Deny” Sandals

7. Lupita Nyong’o’s Flapper Fantasy: Beaded Prada Dress & Jeweled Sandals

Lupita Nyong’o embraced bold fashion in a custom Prada ensemble that ranked among the evening’s most daring looks. Her jade-green outfit featured a beaded, feather-trimmed netted dress layered over a coordinating bikini-style top and shorts, channeling a flapper-inspired aesthetic with a modern twist.

Lupita Nyong’o embraced bold, flapper-inspired fashion in a jade-green Prada ensemble adorned with beads, feathers, and fringe, pairing the daring look with gold accessories and Cartier jewels

The sheer, fringed skirt and 1920s references sparked debate, with some applauding the risk and others questioning its fit for the formal occasion.

She completed the look with gold Prada ankle-strap sandals, a matching box clutch, and Cartier jewelry, including statement earrings and a bracelet. With her hair styled in a sleek updo and fresh, minimal makeup, Lupita let the vibrant, theatrical ensemble take center stage.

Lupita Nyong’o’s gold Prada sandals featured jeweled green embellishments and ankle straps, echoing the vibrant texture and color of her beaded flapper-inspired dress

8. Rita Ora’s Dramatic Edge: Donna Karan Gown & Thigh-High Casadei Boots

Rita Ora made a dramatic entrance in a custom Donna Karan Atelier gown that fused Old Hollywood glamour with fierce, modern edge.

The strapless, champagne-hued dress was crafted from antiqued matte-gold sequined silk tulle and featured a daring low-cut neckline, a thigh-high slit, and an asymmetrical, sculpted train that added movement and boldness.

Rita Ora sharpened her sheer, embellished Donna Karan Atelier gown with pointed gold heels, letting the sleek pumps bring structure and polish to the look’s daring, leg-baring silhouette

She amped up the look with custom over-the-knee Casadei boots embroidered in matching gold sequins, giving the ensemble a striking, gladiator-inspired finish.

Rita accessorized with diamond rings by Lorraine Schwartz and kept her beauty look polished with sleek, side-parted hair and soft, understated makeup.

Rita Ora’s gold thigh-high Casadei boots—laced from ankle to thigh with delicate straps—echoed the embellishment of her gown while adding sharp structure and unapologetic drama to the red-carpet look

Rita’s look definitely pushed boundaries—some may find it over the top, but there’s no denying her commitment to making a statement. At this point, we’ve come to expect bold, theatrical fashion from her, and she consistently delivers red carpet moments that get people talking.

While her thigh-high Casadei boots might not be to everyone’s taste, they were a daring and memorable choice that perfectly matched the gown’s high-impact drama. Love it or not, we admire her fearless approach to fashion.

9. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s Power Look: Balmain Mini & Gladiator Heels

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley closed out the evening’s standout shoe moments in a showstopping custom Balmain dress.

The bronze, form-fitting design featured structured shoulders, a plunging neckline, and intricate detailing that highlighted Balmain’s signature fusion of strength and glamour.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley turned heads in a custom Balmain mini dress featuring bold leopard print, gold embellishments, and structured leather accents, styled with gladiator heels and oversized statement earrings

The shimmering fabric hugged her statuesque frame, and Rosie kept the focus on the dress with minimal accessories—delicate earrings, a sleek, low bun, and softly smudged eye makeup paired with a nude lip.

From head to toe, the look was polished, powerful, and effortlessly on-brand.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley completed her fierce Balmain look with black gladiator-style heels featuring gold hardware and intricate strap detailing for a bold, architectural finish

How Met Gala Shoes Continue to Shape Red-Carpet Style

Revisiting the footwear moments from the 2014 Met Gala makes one thing clear: while themes and silhouettes evolve, shoes remain the quiet constant that defines red-carpet impact. From platform pumps and sculptural sandals to boundary-pushing boots, these choices didn’t just complete the looks—they set the tone for how Met Gala fashion would be remembered and reinterpreted in the years that followed.

To see how that legacy continues today, here’s a look at standout Met Gala shoe moments from recent years—where craftsmanship, scale, and daring design once again take center stage.