When Dua Lipa accepted her Breakthrough Artist of the Year award at the 2018 Variety Hitmakers Brunch in West Hollywood, she established a masterclass in balancing “naked dress” lace with heavy-duty footwear.
This appearance at the Sunset Tower Hotel remains one of her most referenced early-career style moments, blending high-end bridal aesthetics with disco-era proportions.
Dua Lipa stuns in a backless, embellished floral lace dress from Alessandra Rich’s Spring/Summer 2019 Collection at the 2018 Variety Hitmakers Brunch in West Hollywood, California, on December 1, 2018 (Credit: WENN / FayesVision)
She leaned into a feminine, vintage-inspired silhouette with an embellished floral lace dress from Alessandra Rich’s Spring/Summer 2019 Collection.
To ground the delicate nature of the sheer fabric and intricate embroidery, the singer opted for high-shine silver accessories and a bold, sleek hair-and-makeup direction that prioritized modern polish over classic glamour.
Dua Lipa dazzles in a sleek, embellished floral lace dress from Alessandra Rich’s Spring/Summer 2019 Collection paired with statement silver platform sandals (Credit: WENN / FayesVision)
The focal point of the ensemble was her choice of footwear. To add significant height and a metallic edge to the floral lace, she wore strappy, sky-high platform sandals from Aquazzura—a silhouette we’ve previously admired on Blac Chyna.
Dua Lipa styled her raven tresses into a sleek, straight style and rocked smoky makeup around her light brown eyes (Credit: WENN / FayesVision)
Known for their dramatic arch and secure ankle fastening, these platforms are a red-carpet staple also favored by Tessa Thompson and Mary J. Blige.
Dua Lipa completed her look with silver platform sandals featuring crisscross straps, adding extra height and a bold statement to her elegant ensemble (Credit: WENN / FayesVision)
The previous evening, she opened up about her plans for the next year while joining Madison Beer at 102.7 KIIS FM’s 2018 Jingle Ball concert. Dua said, “I’ve been working in the studio all the time. I’m waiting for this album, this campaign to finish. Then I’ll take that Christmas break, and then just start preparing all the new music. Come back and make my fans proud.”
Why Aquazzura Platforms Remain a Red-Carpet Power Move
Dua Lipa’s choice of sky-high Aquazzura platform sandals wasn’t just a styling flourish—it was a strategic decision that balanced the delicacy of sheer lace with bold, architectural height. The added platform reduces pitch while extending the leg line, making these designs a go-to for celebrities who want both drama and stability under flashing cameras.
From metallic finishes to retro-inspired silhouettes, Aquazzura’s platform heels have become a recurring red-carpet solution for stars looking to amplify presence without sacrificing wearability. Below, explore more standout moments where celebrities leaned into the same height-boosting, statement-making formula.
👠 Explore Aquazzura Platform Heel Moments on Your Next Shoes:
- ✨ Kate Hudson’s 2026 Oscars look features metallic Aquazzura “Aimée” platform sandals with double platforms and towering block heels that balance glamour with stability.
- 🎤 Selena Gomez at the 2015 VMAs pairs a sleek Calvin Klein gown with black suede Aquazzura “Bel Air” platform sandals for a bold, height-boosting finish.
- 💫 Selena Gomez’s 2020 red-carpet style highlights Aquazzura “La Di Da” metallic platform heels with a 1970s-inspired silhouette and cross-over straps.
- ☀️ Jennifer Lopez’s off-duty platform moment showcases Aquazzura “Issa” suede-and-leather sandals styled with flared denim for effortless height and retro flair.
- 🎬 Amanda Seyfried’s BFI London Film Festival look incorporates Aquazzura “Be Mine” platform sandals crafted in delicate mesh and grosgrain for a refined red-carpet finish.