Showstopping Heels and Couture Drama at the CFDA 2025 Red Carpet: Dove Cameron, Saweetie, Barbara Palvin & More

It was a night where fashion truly took center stage at the 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards, as A-list stars, visionary designers, and industry creatives gathered to celebrate this year’s most influential names in style.

Ralph Lauren took home the American Womenswear Designer of the Year, while Thom Browne won for menswear. The Olsen twins, Ashley and Mary-Kate, added another accolade to their list, winning Accessory Designer of the Year for The Row. Emerging talent Ashlynn Park, the designer behind Ashlyn, received the Emerging Designer of the Year award, recognizing her refined yet experimental aesthetic.

Among the special honorees, A$AP Rocky was named Fashion Icon of the Year, Donatella Versace was celebrated with the Positive Change Award, and Alaïa’s Pieter Mulier earned International Designer of the Year.

Barbara Palvin, Dove Cameron, Eiza Gonzalez, Kelsea Ballerini, Saweetie, Elsa Hosk, and Amber Valletta wearing stunning heels and gowns at the 2025 CFDA Awards at The American Museum of Natural History on November 3, 2025, in New York City (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)

Of course, the red carpet did not disappoint. I adored how it was dominated by blacks, reds, and metallics, with celebrities accessorizing their designer ensembles with anything from strappy heels to traditional black pumps.

Let’s take a closer look at the standout styles of the night.

Barbara Palvin Turns Up the Heat in Red Cult Gaia and Strappy Black Pumps

While many stars played it safe with classic pumps, Barbara Palvin showed how to make black heels feel fresh. She slipped into the Cult Gaia “Valez” pumps, which were not your ordinary pumps. They were sleek and modern d’Orsay pumps with pointed toes, squared vamps, and slim crisscrossing ankle straps that wrapped delicately around her ankles.

The mid-height pin heels gave her 5ft 7 ½ (171.5 cm) frame a subtle lift, adding just enough edge to make the whole look feel striking from the ground up.

Barbara Palvin wears the sleek Cult Gaia “Valez” pumps featuring slim crisscrossing ankle straps that wrap around the ankles, pointed toes with squared vamps, and mid-height heels (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)

Effortless Seduction: Barbara Palvin’s Custom Red Cult Gaia Gown

Her black pumps contrasted beautifully with her dress, making the entire look even more striking. She wore a custom Cult Gaia gown that featured a deep, luxurious red shade, designed with intricate slashes that began clean at the bodice before gradually loosening into soft, drapey cuts as they extended down the skirt.

The fitted top framed her figure, while the thin, strappy shoulder straps replaced the original halter of the brand’s “Renata” silhouette, making the dress feel lighter and more fluid. It showed glimpses of her legs as she walked.

Her styling kept the focus exactly where it needed to be. She wore her hair in soft, effortless waves over one shoulder, and her makeup stayed minimal, with just enough mascara, a touch of blush, and a natural lip.

Her sculptural Cult Gaia “Caldera” clutch ($1,092 at Farfetch) added another artistic element, and its curved dents echoed the dress’s fluid, sultry movement. She skipped the jewelry, except for her engagement ring, which made her look confident, clean, and alluring.

Barbara Palvin pairs her black pumps with a contrasting red satin shredded dress by Cult Gaia, featuring slashes that drape down her skirt (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)

Exploring Cult Gaia’s Sculptural Elegance on the Red Carpet

Known for its architectural lines and effortlessly feminine aesthetic, Cult Gaia continues to be a go-to brand for celebrities embracing modern glamour. From cut-out gowns to artistic heels, these Your Next Shoes articles spotlight how Hollywood stars interpret the label’s signature balance of structure and sensuality.

Dove Cameron Channels Golden-Age Glamour in Carolina Herrera and Louboutin Heels

Dove Cameron stepped onto the red carpet in a striking pair of Christian Louboutin “Sandaloo” sandals, which added the perfect amount of lift and edge to her look.

Crafted from luxurious black velour suede, the heels featured open toes and open sides that revealed the contours of her feet. The thick platforms and towering 5-inch square heels gave her petite 5’2” frame dramatic height, while the slim ankle straps kept everything secure. They were mostly hidden beneath her skirt, but we caught a glimpse as she made her way up the stairs.

You can get them for $1,245 at Mytheresa.

Dove Cameron shows off her foot tattoos in black suede Christian Louboutin “Sandaloo” sandals with platforms and wide heels (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)

Golden Glamour: Dove Cameron’s Vintage-Inspired Carolina Herrera Ensemble

Her outfit carried that same balance of power and softness. Although it initially looked like a sleek mermaid gown, it was actually a two-piece Carolina Herrera ensemble.

The focal point was a $3,490 gold bustier. A genuine statement piece, it boasted intricate metallic-thread embroidery that rippled across the bodice like classic Greek armor. At the same time, the tulle lace ties at the back softened the structure with a touch of romance.

She paired the top with a $1,990 long velvet skirt that hugged her hips before flaring into a graceful train, giving her silhouette an Old Hollywood flair.

Dove enhanced the vintage-gothic mood with long black velvet gloves and carried her essentials in a black Carolina Herrera Spring 2026 clutch. Her beauty look tied everything together. She wore smoky, winged eyes with hints of bronze shimmer, a touch of blush, nude lips, and a sleek half-up hairstyle with face-framing strands.

Dove Cameron channels Old Hollywood glamour with a gold bustier top, a black velvet maxi skirt, and matching velvet gloves (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)

Signature Style Icons: Carolina Herrera Meets Christian Louboutin

From sleek red carpet gowns to statement red-sole heels, these articles showcase how two luxury houses—Carolina Herrera and Christian Louboutin—dominate both the fashion and footwear conversations with celebrity styling precision.

Eiza González Radiates in Scarlet Carolina Herrera and Gold Stuart Weitzman Sandals

Eiza González kept things sleek, stepping out in a pair of pale-gold Stuart Weitzman “Nudist” sandals. They may be simple, but they’re the kind of barely-there heels that still manage to make a statement, which is precisely why they’re an all-time celebrity favorite.

These sandals featured a timeless silhouette, with a slim ankle strap, a single toe strap, open toes, and high heels that elongate the legs.

While Eiza could have easily leaned into a monochromatic red moment, the pale gold added a soft, timeless elegance that perfectly balanced her bold dress.

Eiza González keeps things classic with pale gold Stuart Weitzman “Nudist” sandals, boasting slim ankle and front straps, platforms, and stiletto heels (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)

Scarlet Sophistication: Eiza González Radiates in Carolina Herrera Red

González wore the $4,490 Carolina Herrera red dress from the Spring 2026 collection, which was impossible to miss with its rich scarlet, fluid crepe material. As striking as the color was, what really caught my eye was the sculpted silhouette. The cross-front bodice created a plunging neckline and daring side cutouts, revealing her décolletage and just a hint of her toned waist. The dramatic puff sleeves added an elegant couture-like volume that played beautifully against the sleek column skirt, which skimmed down to her ankles.

Her styling kept the look sophisticated. She wore her brunette hair straight with a center part, tucking one side behind her ear to showcase her dazzling diamond earrings. I commend her for skipping a necklace, which allowed the neckline to shine on its own.

She added a David Yurman Floating Diamonds ring for extra sparkle and carried a red Carolina Herrera Spring 2026 bag. However, a structured gold clutch would have tied the entire look together even more seamlessly.

Eiza González is hard to ignore in her scarlet Carolina Herrera dress with a cross-front, plunging bodice and puff sleeves, styled with pale gold Stuart Weitzman “Nudist” sandals that subtly lengthen her silhouette (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)

The Enduring Allure of Stuart Weitzman’s “Nudist” Sandals

A symbol of minimal sophistication, Stuart Weitzman’s iconic “Nudist” heels continue to dominate red carpets around the world. Favored for their barely-there straps and leg-lengthening silhouette, these sandals have become a timeless celebrity staple. The following Your Next Shoes features highlight how stars keep reinventing this modern classic across eras and events.

Kelsea Ballerini Goes Boho Chic in Fringed Michael Kors and Jimmy Choo Heels

Kelsea Ballerini leaned into earthy elegance for the occasion, wearing a head-to-toe brown ensemble.

She stepped out in a pair of brown Jimmy Choo “1998 Leo” sandals, delicate and minimalist, the kind of shoe that quietly elevates any outfit. Made in Italy from soft suede, the heels featured slim ankle straps and crisscross front straps that exposed her toes, adding an air of carefree elegance to the look.

The Jimmy Choo “1998 Leo” sandal isn’t just elegant—it’s a slice of fashion history. Originally debuting in 1998, the Leo silhouette quickly became a house signature, embodying Jimmy Choo’s late-’90s confidence and love of sleek, animal-inspired glamour.

Now revived as part of the brand’s limited-edition Archive Collection—also known as The Archive—the reissued design celebrates that golden era with refined updates in supple suede and a lower 65mm heel.

This understated iteration adds just the right lift to flatter her 5’6” frame while maintaining the effortless sophistication that defined the original. You can shop the “1998 Leo” sandal for $850 at Farfetch.

Kelsea Ballerini channels earthy elegance in the reissued Jimmy Choo “1998 Leo” sandals from the brand’s Archive Collection, crafted in rich brown suede with delicate straps that nod to the label’s late-’90s roots (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)

Earthy Elegance: Kelsea Ballerini’s Brown-on-Brown Moment in Michael Kors

Those minimalist heels paired beautifully with her $2,890 espresso-brown Michael Kors dress from the Spring 2026 collection. Crafted in Italy from virgin wool, the dress hugged her figure in all the right places, giving her silhouette a clean, elongated line. The plunging neckline, which fell past her sternum, brought a bold element to the look while staying classy and not tacky.

The sleek fit transitioned into a cascade of long, swaying tassels that brushed the floor with every step. It combined just the right amount of Western flair with a soft, bohemian feel that suited her perfectly.

Kelsea doubled down on the boho vibe with a stone pendant necklace wrapped in leather, matching leather cuffs on each wrist, and a brown leather clutch—all from Michael Kors. Her long, tousled waves and smoky brown makeup tied everything together, giving the look a cohesive, earthy richness that felt effortlessly her.

Kelsea Ballerini matches her shoes with her dress, opting for a brown Michael Kors dress with a plunging neckline and tassel skirt for a boho chic look (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)

Luxury Legacies: Jimmy Choo & Michael Kors Define Modern Red-Carpet Glamour

Whether it’s Jimmy Choo’s signature sparkle or Michael Kors’ timeless American polish, these two fashion powerhouses continue to shape how celebrities approach high-glamour dressing. From front-row moments to major award shows, Your Next Shoes has chronicled their most unforgettable collaborations and style highlights.

Saweetie Steals the Show in Aqua Bad Binch Tongtong and Silver Jimmy Choos

Saweetie stepped onto the red carpet in a pair of metallic silver Jimmy Choo pumps, which were sharp, pointed, and polished. The silhouette itself was timeless, but the sleek metallic finish instantly pushed them into modern, almost futuristic territory.

The silver leather wrapped around Saweetie’s feet like liquid chrome, giving off this clean, sculptural sheen. The slim heel added height without looking heavy, and the sharply pointed toe elongated her legs beautifully, especially when paired with the high slit of her dress.

Saweetie steps into futuristic glamour in metallic silver Jimmy Choo pumps featuring sharp pointed toes and sleek stiletto heels (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)

Futuristic Fantasy: Saweetie Shines in Aqua Bad Binch Tongtong Couture

Saweetie paired those gleaming pumps with a striking aqua-blue dress from Bad Binch Tongtong, the New York label known for its surreal, sculptural designs—and this gown clearly lived up to that reputation.

The structured bodice featured a bold and elegant architectural silhouette, with a high neckline, clean lines, and a fitted waist that flowed into exaggerated hips. But my favorite detail was the skirt, with a thigh-high slit and a dramatic, padded trim that curled into a rounded, almost cloud-like train. It looked as if Saweetie was gliding on a cushion of cloud, and I loved how unexpected and artistic it was.

Her accessories further elevated the theme. The fan-shaped diamond earrings and rows of diamond bracelets echoed the cool-toned shine of her shoes, tying everything together. She then styled her hair in a sleek side-parted updo, and her striking features were highlighted with a dramatic cat eye, smoky shadow with a hint of blue shimmer, and two-toned lips.

Saweetie teams her silver pumps with an avant-garde aqua blue gown by Bad Binch Tongtong featuring a high neck, a fitted silhouette, and a padded trim that curls into a rounded train (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)

Saweetie’s Dazzling Shoe Moments: From Frosty Runway Glam to Red-Carpet Couture

Never one to shy away from statement fashion, Saweetie continues to turn heads with her fearless approach to color, silhouette, and sparkle. Whether she’s embracing futuristic heels on the red carpet or serving icy glam on stage, her footwear choices always reflect her bold, trend-setting persona. These Your Next Shoes features capture some of her most memorable style highlights.

Elsa Hosk Glows in Vintage Elie Saab and Gold Louboutin Sandals

Elsa Hosk arrived at the CFDA Awards, glowing like molten gold! She towered in a pair of Christian Louboutin “Condora” sandals, crafted in Italy from a pale metallic gold leather with an elegant square open toe and slim buckled ankle straps.

The design looked minimal, but what set these sandals apart were the heels. They were finished with a striking, angled, and slanted high heel that looked almost like a geometric cut, giving the classic sandal silhouette a bold, modern attitude.

They added an architectural edge that contrasted perfectly with the softness of her gown.

Elsa Hosk opts for classic pale gold sandals with modern square toes and angled, slanted heels (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)

Golden Goddess: Elsa Hosk Revives Vintage Elie Saab Couture

Elsa Hosk’s Elie Saab gown, pulled from the Lebanese designer’s Spring/Summer 2004 archives, was just as captivating. The fitted bodice featured a daring, plunging neckline that met in a knot at her midsection. The embellishments were laid out vertically, elongating her silhouette while creating a subtle ombré from deeper tones at the hips to lighter, airy sparkles down the skirt. The sheer, flowy panels added movement as they trailed behind her.

The scarf-like detail, draped around her neck and wrapped around her wrist, gave the whole look a regal, almost goddess-like finish.

Her blonde hair was styled in soft curls, swept up into a loose bun, with delicate tendrils framing her face, adding an effortless, romantic touch. It perfectly balanced the drama of her gown, keeping the overall look fresh and youthful. She then accentuated her features with bronzed blush, a subtle smoky eyeshadow, and a glossy nude lip.

For the finishing touches, she accessorized with sparkling diamond earrings that framed her face, a sleek diamond cuff, and a matching ring that enhanced the shine of her look.

Elsa Hosk radiates old-Hollywood glamour in a plunging gold sequined Elie Saab gown with flowing chiffon panels and a goddess-like silhouette (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)

Highlighting the Christian Louboutin “Condora” Moment

From minimalist hues to bold styling statements, Christian Louboutin’s “Condora” pump has become a red-carpet essential. With its sleek silhouette and sculptural heel, this design embodies quiet confidence and timeless allure. These Your Next Shoes features showcase how celebrities across fashion and film elevate their looks with this modern classic.

Amber Valletta Honors Versace’s Jungle Legacy in Gold Heels and Green Print

Amber Valletta wore a pair of shimmering gold shoes that radiated classic elegance as she walked the 2025 CFDA Awards red carpet. The sandals were minimalist yet striking, featuring slender ankle straps and delicate straps across the open toes that perfectly showcased her red pedicure.

With their stiletto heels and clean lines, they embodied that quiet kind of luxury. While I personally would’ve loved to see Amber in wraparound heels to emphasize her gown’s sultry vibe, these classic gold sandals kept the look effortlessly refined.

Amber Valletta highlights her red pedicure in sleek metallic ankle-strap platform sandals featuring open toes and slender stiletto heels (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)

Timeless Tribute: Amber Valletta Revives Versace’s Iconic Jungle Print

Her gown, however, was the real showstopper. Amber wore the iconic green jungle-printed Versace dress that became one of fashion’s most unforgettable moments after J.Lo wore the iconic jungle print dress to the 2000 Grammys.

Many might not know it, but Amber was actually the first to debut this look on the Versace Spring 2000 runway in a shorter version. Seeing her wear it again after all these years felt special, especially since she was there to present the Positive Change Award to Donatella Versace.

The sheer printed gown featured a plunging neckline, long sleeves, and a daring front slit. It was fastened at the waist with just a sparkling green gemstone brooch.

She kept the rest of her accessories simple—gold and diamond earrings and a ring—and styled her hair in softly tousled blonde waves, complemented by bronzed makeup and nude lips.

Amber Valletta wears the iconic green Versace jungle-print gown worn by Jennifer Lopez at the 2000 Grammy Awards (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)

More Celebrity Shoe & Fashion Highlights to Explore

If you’re loving these deep dives into red-carpet style and footwear fashion, explore more of Your Next Shoes’ most talked-about celebrity shoe moments. From timeless pumps to statement heels, these features capture how A-listers keep their style game strong from head to toe.