When Elle Fanning arrived at the Tate Modern in London for the 2019 GQ Men of the Year Awards, she delivered a masterclass in gothic romance.
Joining fellow stars like Nicole Kidman, who showed off her pedicured toes in nude crystal-embellished Adele heels by Giuseppe Zanotti, the actress pivoted away from her usual ethereal pastel palette in favor of a bold, “vampy chic” aesthetic, one of her most memorable red-carpet appearances.

Fanning’s ensemble centered around a strapless Dolce & Gabbana gown featuring intricate floral embroidery. The sheer black fabric and structured bodice created a striking silhouette, balanced by a vibrant rose-lined interior that added a flash of color to the dark lace.
While the absence of a necklace allowed the architectural neckline of the dress to take center stage, she polished the look with a sleek bun, deep pink lipstick, and a curated selection of rings.
For footwear enthusiasts, this look serves as a perennial example of how to pair a heavy, embellished floor-length gown with minimalist styling to keep the focus on the craftsmanship of the garment.

From Gowns to Platforms: Exploring Elle Fanning’s Signature Style
Elle Fanning’s ability to transition from dark, romantic Dolce & Gabbana lace to modern, towering platforms has solidified her place as a premier Hollywood trendsetter.
To dive deeper into her style evolution and her most famous shoe moments, explore our curated features below:
👠 Explore Elle Fanning’s Best Shoe & Fashion Moments on Your Next Shoes:
- ✨ Elle Fanning’s Height, Shoe Size & Best Red-Carpet Heels — A comprehensive profile linking her US shoe size 9 to standout heels from Louboutin, Miu Miu, and more.
- 👡 Elle Fanning’s Monochromatic Comic-Con Look Featuring Rupert Sanderson Elba Pumps — How Fanning paired coral “Elba” pumps with a playful summer dress at a high-profile appearance.
- 👠 Elle Fanning Masters Red Carpet Storytelling in Gucci — A roundup of her Gucci footwear moments from sneakers to ballet flats and more.
- 💫 Elle Fanning Radiates Retro Glamour in Pastel Valentino & Lavender Pumps — A spring style moment blending classic gowns with matching pastel heels.
- 👟 Chic Cream Looks: Tod’s Pumps & Valentino Mules with Fall Fashion — Recent press tour fashion anchored by sculptural pumps and sleek mules.
- 🥂 2026 Astra Film Awards: Aquazzura & Saint Laurent Heels — Elle Fanning alongside other celebrities in minimalist, refined heels on the black carpet.
- 👠 Elle Fanning at Cannes 2023 with Towering Platform Heels — How she styled platforms with couture at one of the industry’s biggest events.