From Gap-Toothed Charm to Platform Power: Dakota Johnson’s Venice Style Evolution

Dakota Johnson has long been celebrated for her effortless, retro-inspired aesthetic—a look that often pairs high-fashion couture with her once-signature gap-toothed smile.

While the actress notably closed her dental gap, fashion enthusiasts often look back on her earlier red-carpet appearances as a masterclass in styling vintage silhouettes.

Dakota Johnson flashes a radiant smile, revealing the once-famous gap between her front teeth, which became one of her most recognizable features early in her career

Dakota Johnson demonstrates her once-famous tooth gap by playfully holding a credit card between her front teeth during a Vanity Fair interview

The Fifty Shades star was frequently asked about her unique smile. Appearing on The Tonight Show, she explained to Jimmy Fallon that the change wasn’t intentional, but rather the result of removing a permanent retainer she had worn since age 13.

“My orthodontist decided it would be a good idea to take it off and see if my jaw sort of expanded,” she noted, jokingly asking for “privacy” while she adjusted to her new, closed-gap smile.

One of her most enduring style moments occurred at the 2015 Venice Film Festival in Italy.

Attending the photocall for A Bigger Splash at the Palazzo del Casino, Johnson showcased a look that perfectly balanced her “girl next door” charm with sophisticated Italian craftsmanship.

Dakota Johnson hiding her teeth at the 2015 Venice Film Festival photocall for “A Bigger Splash” held at Palazzo del Casino in Venice, Italy on September 6, 2015 (Credit: WENN / Dave Bedrosian / Future Image / Nicky Nelson)

The American actress came dressed in a strapless frock from Rodarte’s Fall 2015 collection.

Dakota Johnson poses in front of a backdrop at the Venice Film Festival

She styled the retro floral-printed dress with a lovely pair of sky-high suede platform sandals ($845) from US-based footwear and accessory designer Paul Andrew.

Matthias Schoenaerts, Dakota Johnson, Luca Guadagnino, Tilda Swinton, and Ralph Fiennes pose together at the 2015 Venice Film Festival photocall for A Bigger Splash

Dakota’s sandals were selected by Net-A-Porter buyer Ida Petersson as “the perfect platform for Fall-Winter ’15.”

Dakota Johnson shows off the playful retro styling of her Rodarte dress as she poses for photos

They are crafted in Italy from dark-brown suede and feature block heels measuring approximately 130mm/5 inches with 40mm/1.5 inches platforms.

Paul Andrew’s sculptural heels have appeared on numerous red carpets, making the British-born designer a quiet favorite among stylists dressing Hollywood actresses.

At the Cannes Film Festival, for example, Jessica Chastain turned heads in a pair of embroidered Paul Andrew “Shakti Soir” pumps, pairing the vibrant heels with an elegant Alexander McQueen dress. The look demonstrated Andrew’s knack for blending traditional craftsmanship with bold color, a design philosophy that quickly earned his shoes a loyal celebrity following.

Dakota Johnson flashes her white pedicure in a pair of Paul Andrew platform sandals

Platform silhouettes from the brand have also surfaced on other stars. Actress Zosia Mamet once stepped out in burgundy Paul Andrew “Horatio” platform sandals, a chunky design that dramatically boosted height while maintaining balance thanks to its thick platform and block heel. Much like Dakota Johnson’s towering sandals in Venice, the style illustrates how Andrew’s platform designs combine retro inspiration with modern stability.

Strappy evening sandals are another signature within the designer’s catalog. In one red-carpet appearance, Anna Kendrick wore Paul Andrew’s delicate “Laura” sandals, sleek suede heels featuring slender straps and a wraparound ankle tie. The same design was also spotted on Emmy Rossum, highlighting how stylists frequently turn to Andrew’s refined silhouettes when they want a minimalist heel that still delivers high-impact elegance.

Paul Andrew’s polished pumps have also found fans among actresses seeking a strong pop of color. When attending a New York event, Ashley Greene paired a crisp white L’AGENCE dress with vibrant fuchsia Paul Andrew pumps, making the bold footwear the focal point of her outfit. Moments like these underscore why the designer’s shoes—whether towering platforms or sharply pointed pumps—continue to appear across celebrity wardrobes.

Even outside Hollywood, the designer’s refined heels have gained recognition among high-profile style icons. Human rights lawyer Amal Clooney has repeatedly worn Paul Andrew’s elegant “Zenadia” pumps, known for their distinctive scalloped-edge vamp and sleek pointed toe. Her polished styling highlights the versatility of Andrew’s designs, which transition effortlessly from professional settings to glamorous evening events.

Paul Andrew “Stanton” suede platform sandals in dark brown feature chunky block heels, a substantial platform sole, and minimalist ankle-strap detailing for retro-inspired height and stability

Dakota Johnson’s Shoe Style: From Retro Platforms to Modern Red-Carpet Heels

Dakota Johnson’s Venice Film Festival appearance perfectly captured the understated glamour that defines her fashion identity. Whether she’s stepping onto the red carpet in towering designer heels or embracing relaxed off-duty footwear, the actress consistently blends vintage inspiration with modern sophistication.

If you’re fascinated by Dakota’s evolving shoe wardrobe—from statement sandals to effortless street-style sneakers—explore more of her standout fashion and footwear moments below.