Butterfly Heels, Gem Details, and Platform Boots: The Standout Shoes at the Cirque du Soleil OVO VIP Premiere

Many stars gathered at the Cirque du Soleil OVO VIP premiere for a night bursting with color, movement, and theatrical energy.

True to its name—ovo meaning “egg” in Portuguese—the production celebrates the cycle of life, unfolding within a secret, hyper-vibrant world inspired by insects.

From gravity-defying acrobatics to moments of unexpected tenderness, the show follows the arrival of a mysterious egg and a whimsical love story between a ladybug and an outsider insect. It was immersive, imaginative, and impossible to look away—setting the perfect stage for an equally expressive display of fashion off-stage.

While the performances were undeniably magical, it was hard not to notice what was happening off-stage as well. Celebrities wore chic looks, but what stood out to me most was their footwear.

A lineup of statement heels—from jeweled sandals and classic pumps to platform boots—complements bold mini dresses and sequined skirts at the Cirque du Soleil “OVO” VIP premiere at Royal Albert Hall in London on January 14, 2026 (Credit: Steve Vas / Future Image / Cover Images)

Many guests chose shoes with playful details, such as statement heels, interesting textures, and small, unexpected touches that immediately caught my eye.

As much as the insect-themed circus show impressed on stage, the shoes off-stage had a moment of their own. Let’s take a closer look at the pairs that stood out most.

Laura Tobin Adds Playful Height With Sophia Webster “Chiara” Butterfly Heels

Petite at 5ft 3¾ (161.9 cm), English weather presenter Laura Tobin—who wears a US shoe size 7.5—smartly added height and personality to her look with Sophia Webster’s playful yet polished “Chiara” sandals, proving statement heels can elevate both proportions and style.

From the front, they looked classic and understated, with slim toe and ankle straps in soft black suede. But the back part completely changed the mood. It featured a butterfly appliqué, finished in a neon, multicolored print with crystal details that added sparkle and personality. The 3.3-inch heels gave Tobin just enough lift without looking uncomfortable. I liked how these sandals looked fun without being overwhelming!

Laura Tobin draws attention to her feet with the Sophia Webster “Chiara” sandals featuring a neon butterfly appliqué covered in crystals (Credit: Cover Images)

Laura paired the shoes with a $195 pink Ted Baker jumper dress that balanced structure and softness beautifully. The ribbed knit bodice hugged her frame, while the ruffled stand collar and fluted cuffs added a sense of movement. I liked the tonal grosgrain waistband, which defined her waist before the design flowed into a satin midi skirt with a subtle sheen finish.

Her accessories stayed in the same playful direction. Long, whimsical earrings framed her face, and her soft pink makeup tied everything together, making the entire look feel cohesive and feminine.

Laura Tobin perfectly echoes the whimsical spirit of OVO, pairing her crystal-embellished butterfly heels with a rich pink Ted Baker dress that feels both polished and playfully romantic (Credit: Cover Images)

Amanda Davies Embraces Circus Glamour in Gold Public Desire “Fitzgerald” Heels

Amanda Davies embraced the night’s festive spirit, wearing the “Fitzgerald” heels by Public Desire, a footwear brand known for its bold, trend-driven designs.

The sandals came in metallic gold, snake-embossed faux leather, which made them impossible to miss. They featured a strappy asymmetrical upper adorned with a mix of crystal studs and chunky, multicolored gemstones, adding a fun, nearly costumey touch that felt perfect for a circus night.

Finished with buckled ankle straps and high heels, the shoes brought drama without overpowering the outfit.

Amanda Davies sparkles in her metallic gold Public Desire sandals featuring open square toes and straps with crystals and multicolored gemstones (Credit: Steve Vas / Future Image / Cover Images)

Amanda paired her already striking shoes with an equally captivating green mini dress covered in beads and sequins that shimmered beautifully with every movement. I loved how the padded shoulders and long sleeves gave the dress a strong silhouette, while the slightly flared A-line hem kept it fun and flirty. Ending well above the thighs, the dress looked lively and perfectly in tune with the night’s colorful atmosphere.

It was interesting how the pairing worked together to create a bold, festive moment I couldn’t ignore.

Amanda Davies leans fully into the night’s circus glamour, letting her gold crystal-embellished heels shine against a vivid green sequined mini dress that sparkles with every step (Credit: Steve Vas / Future Image / Cover Images)

Nadiya Bychkova Channels Modern Whimsy in Aruna Seth Lace Butterfly Pumps

Standing tall at 5ft 6½ (168.9 cm), Slovenian professional dancer and Strictly Come Dancing star Nadiya Bychkova—who wears a US shoe size 8.5—leaned into modern whimsy with a crisp black-and-white look that felt sleek, graphic, and perfectly playful for a circus-themed night.

She wore the delicate yet striking black Chantilly lace “Emilia” pumps by Aruna Seth, featuring pointed toes finished with a butterfly appliqué set with clear crystals, adding just the right amount of sparkle. I loved how the lace and crystal details worked together without feeling overdone. Set on a 2.75-inch heel, the pumps looked practical yet elegant, making them even more appealing.

Nadiya Bychkova slips into the black chantilly lace “Emilia” pumps by Aruna Seth, featuring a 3D butterfly set with clear crystals (Credit: Steve Vas / Future Image / Cover Images)

Her dress by The Atelier London was simple up top, with a black sleeveless bodice and a square neckline that gave it a clean, structured feel. The silhouette was straight and relaxed, but the hem changed the dress’s feel.

A white panel of thin, rounded shapes wrapped around the hem like a decorative trim. It resembled soft pleats, which gave the black fabric a lively contrast and added movement and texture. I liked how this detail added depth and kept the dress visually interesting from every angle.

Nadiya finished the look with minimal jewelry, opting for delicate bracelets, rings, and earrings for a hint of sparkle.

Nadiya Bychkova looks chic and modern in a black The Atelier London mini dress featuring a straight, shapeless silhouette and a white panel of thin, rounded shapes wrapped around the hem (Credit: Steve Vas / Future Image / Cover Images)

Genevieve Chenneour Goes Bold in Crystal-Strap Kurt Geiger London Heels

At 5ft 7½ (171.5 cm), English actress and Bridgerton star Genevieve Chenneour struck a confident balance between bold and polished, elevating her look with sleek black patent-leather Kurt Geiger London heels featuring open toes, slim ankle straps, and a sharp 3.5-inch stiletto.

The silhouette was classic, but the details gave the shoes a completely different feel. A rhinestone-encrusted strap crossed the foot and caught the light with every step, while a crystal buckle added an extra layer of shine!

Styled with sheer black tights, the heels took on a sultry edge, making the outfit feel evening-ready.

Genevieve Chenneour keeps her footwear simple but luxe, wearing black Kurt Geiger sandals with a crystal-encrusted strap across the foot and an ankle strap with a crystal buckle (Credit: Steve Vas / Future Image / Cover Images)

Genevieve paired the heels with a statement two-piece set from Reformation. The $148 zebra-print “Carla” low-waist mini skirt and matching $298 “Tessa” jacket were made from deadstock knit fabric, giving the wild pattern a soft structure. The matching print made it look like a one-piece dress, while its short length naturally flaunted her legs.

Chenneour finished her look with Vanchi Jewellery earrings for a hint of sparkle. She then wore her hair in retro side-parted waves and highlighted her features with smoky eyes and a nude lip.

Genevieve Chenneour pairs her simple heels with a zebra-printed jacket and a matching mini skirt by Reformation (Credit: Steve Vas / Future Image / Cover Images)

Alice Eve Glows in Rose-Gold Platform Pumps and a Sequined Max Mara Midi

Alice Eve chose a bright and glamorous ensemble. Though her rose gold satin platform pumps were simple, their smooth satin and soft shine made them look polished and elegant. I liked how the platforms balanced the height, giving the shoes presence without making them look bulky.

Alice Eve wears classic pumps, but with upturned platforms and toes, high heels, and a shiny rose gold finish (Credit: Steve Vas / Future Image / Cover Images)

Alice paired them with a yellow cashmere cardigan, which appeared to be from Zara. The cardigan had a slightly loose fit with a classic round neckline, long sleeves, and delicate front buttons, giving it a relaxed feel.

She left a few buttons undone at the top for a casual, subtly sensual touch, and a few at the bottom so she could tuck one side into her skirt. I liked how that small detail made the entire outfit feel effortless and natural!

Her skirt was the Weekend Max Mara “Docchio” sequin midi in beige jersey, covered in rose gold sequins that shimmered beautifully under the lights. The pencil silhouette hugged her hips and fell just below the knee, finished with a grosgrain ribbon waistband and a back slit for movement. You can get it for $365 at Nordstrom.

Alice Eve strikes a luminous balance, grounding her rose-gold heels and sequined Max Mara midi skirt with a sunshine-yellow cardigan that softens the sparkle with effortless elegance (Credit: Steve Vas / Future Image / Cover Images)

Sophie Lloyd Brings Rock Energy in Naked Wolfe “Spice” Platform Boots

Sophie Lloyd brought rock-and-roll energy to the Cirque du Soleil show! She wore the “Spice” boots by Naked Wolfe, made from smooth black leather with a chunky platform sole and a bold 5.5-inch block heel that gave them serious attitude. I liked how the stretch, sock-style shaft hugged her legs closely, creating a sleek line despite the heavy sole.

Subtle silver-tone logo plaques, one at the side and a larger one at the back of the heel, added a branded touch. They also featured visible seams that only enhanced that tough, edgy feel I associate with Naked Wolfe. You can find the ankle boot version of these boots at Farfetch, on sale for $488 (down from $870).

Sophie Lloyd toughens up the pink carpet with Naked Wolfe’s towering “Spice” platform boots, delivering unapologetic attitude through chunky soles and a sky-high block heel (Credit: Steve Vas / Future Image / Cover Images)

Sophie built the rest of her outfit around that same rock aesthetic. She paired the boots with a brown leather mini skirt from Bershka (now: $19.90, was: $49.90), trimmed with studs along the waist and finished with a daring front slit. The leather’s texture added depth, making the look feel strong yet stylish.

She kept things simple up top with a fitted black tee, letting the skirt and boots do most of the talking. A fur jacket draped casually over her arms added drama, while layered chain necklaces with spiked details and a few rings completed the look.

Sophie Lloyd completes her tough-chic ensemble with a brown textured leather mini skirt by Bershka, a black top, and a fur jacket (Credit: Steve Vas / Future Image / Cover Images)

From the Circus to the Red Carpet: The Shoe Moments Defining 2026

The Cirque du Soleil OVO VIP premiere proved that even the most theatrical settings can spark wearable, trend-forward footwear moments—from butterfly-embellished heels to sleek stilettos and bold platforms.

If you’re looking to see how these styles translate across awards season and beyond, the standout shoe moments of 2026 continue to unfold on red carpets around the world.