Dakota Fanning Illuminates Empire State Building for Save the Children on Day of the Girl

Please subscribe to our newsletter to receive updates from Your Next Shoes. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure for more details.

Dakota Fanning seemingly had it pretty lucky as a kid. It would be safe to say that the actress catapulted into stardom very young and had it pretty good growing up.

Dakota looked stunning in a red sleeveless Alexander McQueen cape back mini dress with delicate pleating at the skirt's frontDakota looked stunning in a red sleeveless Alexander McQueen cape back mini dress with delicate pleating at the skirt’s front (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN)

But, even though Dakota had a fortunate childhood, she seems to recognize that many others don’t have that luxury, which is why she advocates giving kids the childhood they deserve.

The actress was spotted lighting up the Empire State Building in New York in honor of the international “Day of the Girl.”

Dakota also took the opportunity to raise awareness for “Save the Children,” which is an organization that she is an ambassador of.

Dakota Fanning lights the Empire State Building in honor of the "International Day of the Girl"Dakota Fanning lights the Empire State Building in honor of the “International Day of the Girl” in New York on October 11, 2016 (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN)

“This is such an important day for millions of girls around the globe and organizations like Save The Children that work all year around to impact and improve the lives of many children’s lives. I am so honored to join these young girls and Save the Children in celebrating International Day of the Girl,” said Fanning

“I sponsor a girl through Save the Children, and it’s important for me to do my part in helping girls advance in their lives.”

The 22-year-old flaunted her svelte figure in a red sleeveless Alexander McQueen cape-back mini dress that featured soft pleating at the front of the skirt.

Dakota Fanning's feet in Christian Louboutin's "Akenana" mulesDakota Fanning’s feet in Christian Louboutin’s “Akenana” mules (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN)

Dakota finished her look with the gold chain-trimmed Christian Louboutin “Akenana” cutout mules in a light tan color.

Dakota poses with the children from "Save the Children," which is an organization that she championsDakota poses with the children from “Save the Children,” which is an organization that she champions (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN)

Dakota talked about women’s empowerment and pointed out that while the conversations were valid, people needed to recognize that the effects start very early. “Save the Children” emphasizes ensuring children have a healthy start in life.

The actress lit up the Empire State Building with the children from “Save the Children.”

Polished chain trim highlights the mule-inspired profile of an open-toe sandal that makes a bold, elegant statement.Polished chain trim highlights the mule-inspired profile of an open-toe sandal that makes a bold, elegant statement

Christian Louboutin Akenana 100 python and leather mule

Christian Louboutin Akenana 100 python and leather mulesChristian Louboutin Akenana 100 Python and Leather Mule

The signature red-lacquered Louboutin sole flashes with every self-confident stepChristian Louboutin “Akenana” Leather Mules, $1,165