Elle Fanning’s Ethereal Gucci “Blood Drop” Gown & The Controversial Platforms That Divided Critics

Elle Fanning joined Angelina Jolie, who wore an Atelier Versace black chainmail gown and black-suede pointy-toe double-platform pumps, at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles on September 30, 2019, for the world premiere of Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.

Channelling her character, Aurora, Fanning’s ensemble served as a masterclass in thematic dressing, though the choice of footwear remains a point of contention for fashion critics.

The actress wore a custom olive-green Gucci gown featuring delicate off-the-shoulder sleeves and intricate floral embellishments. While the ethereal silk chiffon perfectly captured the “Sleeping Beauty” aesthetic, the styling took an unexpected turn at the hemline.

Elle Fanning floats down the red carpet at the Maleficent: Mistress of Evil world premiere in a custom olive-green Gucci gown, its ethereal chiffon hem revealing towering nude platform heels beneath the fairy-tale silhouette at the El Capitan Theatre on September 30, 2019 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

The romantic, forest-inspired vibe of the gown was anchored—perhaps too heavily—by a pair of Gucci’s clunky nude-leather t-strap platforms.

These quadruple-stacked pumps created a harsh visual contrast against the gown’s delicate embroidery. While the height was likely necessary to accommodate the dress’s length without last-minute alterations, the sheer bulk of the blocky heels distracted from the “enchantress” silhouette Fanning is known for.

A closer look reveals Elle Fanning’s towering nude Gucci T-strap platform pumps, their chunky stacked sole peeking out from beneath the airy chiffon hem as she walks the Maleficent premiere red carpet

Once the heavy footwear was obscured by the gown’s movement, the finer details of the custom Gucci piece took center stage.

The design cleverly incorporated the “pricked finger” lore of Sleeping Beauty, featuring embroidered red blood drops trickling down the front and onto the sheer lace gloves.

This nod to the spindle continues a tradition of “bloody” footwear and accessories for the franchise; Angelina Jolie famously wore custom Christian Louboutin wedges with blood-dipped spike heels during the original movie’s press tour in 2014.

Elle Fanning’s custom Gucci blood-drop gown, pertaining to how Sleeping Beauty pricks her finger on a spindle

Fanning rounded out the look with an eruption of pale-hued flowers woven into her hair and cascading down her back. Despite the controversial shoe choice, the ensemble remains one of the most memorable examples of character-driven red carpet fashion.

Elle Fanning in a Gucci olive-green off-shoulder gown with flower embellishments and embroidered blood drops on the sheer gloves

Do you agree that Elle should’ve opted for a more delicate sandal, or do the Gucci platforms add a necessary modern edge?Gucci T-Strap Platform Pumps in Beige Leather, $1,100Gucci T-Strap Platform Pumps in Black Leather, $1,100

Elle Fanning’s Most Memorable Shoe Moments, From Ethereal Heels to Statement Platforms

From fairy-tale gowns to fashion-forward platforms, Elle Fanning’s red-carpet choices consistently spark conversation—especially when footwear becomes part of the storytelling.

Whether she’s grounding couture with sky-high heels or leaning into delicate silhouettes, her shoe moments reveal how styling decisions shape a look’s final impact. Explore more of her standout fashion and the Gucci platform trend below.