Cynthia Erivo Stuns in 6-Inch Christian Louboutin Cassia Platform Pumps and Chocolate Balenciaga Gown at 2026 Critics’ Circle Film Awards

Cynthia Erivo is clearly moving beyond her Elphaba-inspired fashion era and into a more refined direction.

At the Critics’ Circle Film Awards in London, Erivo received the Derek Malcolm Award for Innovation, which recognizes artists whose work consistently pushes boundaries and reflects bold, career-defining choices across a wide range of roles. Previous recipients include Zoe Saldaña and Colman Domingo.

For the evening, Erivo wore a custom brown gown by Balenciaga, designed by creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli, who took over the role in May 2025 after Demna Gvasalia. Piccioli’s first collection for the house debuted in October 2025, introducing a softer, more elegant direction for Balenciaga—something Erivo’s look naturally reflected. Let’s take a closer look at her outfit.

Cynthia Erivo is honored with the Derek Malcolm Award for Innovation at the Critics’ Circle Film Awards at the May Fair Hotel in London on February 1, 2026 (Credit: Ian West / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Cynthia Erivo Looks Graceful in Ballet-Inspired Christian Louboutin Cassia Pumps

Erivo slipped into the Christian Louboutin “Cassia” pumps, inspired by the delicate lines and quiet elegance of ballet shoes. Made in Italy from crepe satin, the pumps had a soft sheen that looked polished without being flashy.

The squared toes gave the shoes that ballet feel, with ruched satin tucked neatly into the thick, squared platforms. Grosgrain trim ran along the topline, adding structure, while a small bow at the vamp added a graceful dancer-inspired finish.

These pumps were set on dramatic 6.3-inch stiletto heels, which gave her extra height, but the platform balanced them out, keeping the silhouette sleek. I loved how the brown tone of the shoes complemented Erivo’s gown, creating a head-to-toe seamless look. The height of the heels gave her just enough lift, so the hem fell neatly to the floor, preventing the gown from overwhelming her frame.

These pumps are available in black at Mytheresa, retailing for $1,395.

Cynthia Erivo slips into the ballet-inspired Christian Louboutin “Cassia” pumps in brown satin featuring squared toes, platforms, and a dainty bow at the vamp (Credit: Ian West / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Cynthia Erivo Delivers Drama in a Sculpted Brown Balenciaga Gown

I loved how sleek and statuesque Cynthia Erivo looked in this strapless chocolate-brown Balenciaga gown. The dress hugged her slim frame beautifully, with soft ruching running through the bodice that gently shaped her waist. It stayed fitted through the hips and legs, then loosened slightly as it draped to the floor, effortlessly showing off her enviable proportions. From there, the skirt extended into a long, sweeping train, adding drama to the look.

The dress’s clean, streamlined front highlighted the details at the back. Subtle feather embellishments placed just below the hips broke up the smooth fabric, adding an unexpected layer of texture and movement that kept the gown from feeling plain.

The deep brown shade looked especially striking against Erivo’s skin, rich and warm without washing her out.

Cynthia Erivo pairs her brown satin ballet platform pumps with a strapless chocolate-brown Balenciaga gown featuring an all-over ruching, a dramatic train, and feather embellishments at the back (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Turning Up the Drama with Marli Diamonds

No Cynthia Erivo look is complete without excessive jewelry, and she went all in with white gold and diamond pieces from Marli.

I loved the way she stacked her earrings instead of choosing just one statement pair. She wore the $2,800 Cleo huggie earrings, inspired by Cleopatra, then added the $5,900 Cleo Rev Mini full-diamond earrings, featuring crisp, graphic lines and radiant diamonds. The longest pair, the $13,900 Cleo Rev Full Diamond Long Drop earrings, created the most impact, with elongated drops that framed her face and added movement with every turn. The design featured graphic lines and radiating diamonds inspired by New York City’s architecture. She also added tiny diamond studs to her helix, tying the ear stack together.

Cynthia kept her signature tiny nose ring in, which always adds a little edge, even with a formal gown. On her hands, she wore several rings, including two Tip-Top full-diamond rings, the $4,500 Avenues ring, and the $8,500 Fifth Avenue Diamond ring.

Her makeup remained simple and clean, with a bronzed glow, fluttery lashes, and a matte brown lip that beautifully complemented the dress’s warm tones.

Cynthia Erivo adds sparkles to her all-brown look with white gold and diamond jewelry from Marli (Credit: Ian West / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Cynthia Erivo’s Red-Carpet Style Is Defined by Fearless Footwear Choices

From ballet-inspired platform pumps to sky-high red-soled boots, Cynthia Erivo consistently uses footwear to anchor her bold fashion moments.

Whether she’s embracing sculptural couture or pared-back silhouettes, her Christian Louboutin choices play a defining role—adding height, drama, and intention to every look.

As she continues to evolve her style beyond a single era or role, her shoe moments remain some of the most compelling on the red carpet.