Ciara Proves Why the Stuart Weitzman ‘Nudist’ Is the Ultimate Couture Power Shoe

Ciara flashed her incredible legs on the blue carpet at the 2019 BET Awards that honored Mary J. Blige with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The American Grammy-winning singer embraced the theatrical glamour of Jean Paul Gaultier’s Spring 2019 Haute Couture collection in a vivid orange-red draped dress defined by the designer’s sculptural “shark shoulders,” a runway motif inspired by sharp fin-like silhouettes and the structured lines of traditional Japanese dress.

Ciara commanded the 2019 BET Awards blue carpet in a vivid Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture dress with sculptural “shark shoulder” detailing and matching red Stuart Weitzman “Nudist” sandals in Los Angeles on June 23, 2019 (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

Styled by Maeve Reilly, the look balanced couture drama with modern polish, as Ciara softened the avant-garde design through sleek straight hair, neutral makeup, and matching red Stuart Weitzman “Nudist” sandals that elongated her legs without competing with the architecture of the gown.

The striking tangerine shade also worked perfectly against the BET Awards’ signature blue carpet, creating one of the night’s boldest color contrasts. While the original couture runway styling leaned heavily into exaggerated beauty references and theatrical presentation, Ciara’s streamlined approach made the look feel wearable, contemporary, and unmistakably red-carpet ready.

Ciara framed the dramatic “shark shoulder” silhouette of her Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture gown with sleek side-parted hair, glowing neutral makeup, and diamond drop earrings

The couture appearance also reinforced her growing fashion credibility at the time, as Jean Paul Gaultier’s haute couture pieces are rarely worn outside elite fashion events and major gala appearances.

She finished the monochromatic look with red Stuart Weitzman “Nudist” sandals, whose barely-there straps and slim stiletto heels kept the focus on the dramatic proportions of the couture dress while further emphasizing her long legs.

Ciara paired her barely-there red Stuart Weitzman “Nudist” sandals with the fiery orange-red couture gown for a sleek monochromatic finish

Why Ciara’s Stuart Weitzman “Nudist” Sandals Still Define Red-Carpet Minimalism

Ciara’s fiery Jean Paul Gaultier couture dress delivered the drama, but her Stuart Weitzman “Nudist” sandals did exactly what the celebrity-loved style was designed to do: disappear just enough to lengthen the leg and let the outfit lead.

With only a slim toe strap, delicate ankle strap, and stiletto heel, the barely-there sandal became a red-carpet staple because it works with nearly everything—from high-slit couture gowns to sleek cocktail dresses—without interrupting the silhouette.

That balance of restraint and impact is why the “Nudist” has remained one of Stuart Weitzman’s most recognizable evening shoes, inspiring lower-heel and comfort-focused variations while keeping the same clean, leg-lengthening effect. Ciara’s monochromatic red pair shows the sandal at its best: simple, sharp, and polished enough to support a major couture moment without competing for attention.