Since rising to global prominence as Daenerys Targaryen on Game of Thrones, Emilia Clarke has established a red-carpet identity defined by sophisticated, tactile silhouettes.
A prime example of her style evolution occurred on April 10, 2016, at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles for the show’s Season 6 premiere.
Moving away from the ethereal costumes of her onscreen persona, Clarke opted for a structured, dark romanticism that complemented the Hollywood setting.
Emilia Clarke wears her hair up at the “Game of Thrones” season 6 premiere on April 10, 2016, at TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles (Credit: Apega / Nicky Nelson / FayesVision / WENN)
The actress wore a form-fitting strapless dress from Erdem’s Fall 2016 collection.
Crafted from black velvet, the floor-length piece featured intricate white orchid embroidery, a sweetheart neckline, and a thigh-high split that added movement to the heavy fabric.
Emilia Clarke attends the Game of Thrones Season 6 premiere on April 10, 2016, in Los Angeles, pairing an embroidered black Erdem dress with minimalist ankle-strap Christian Louboutin heels that elongate her silhouette
Clarke balanced the detailed embroidery with minimal accessories, choosing chunky gold statement earrings and a matching bracelet.
Her beauty look leaned into the dramatic, featuring a bold red lip and a sleek, center-parted ponytail that kept the focus on the gown’s neckline.
Turning to reveal the structured velvet bodice and sleek ponytail, Emilia Clarke’s look is grounded by delicate black Louboutin sandals that keep the focus on the dress’s bold floral embroidery
The highlight of the ensemble was Clarke’s choice of footwear: a pair of black sandals from the Christian Louboutin x Jonathan Saunders collaboration.
From every angle, Emilia Clarke’s thigh-slit Erdem gown is balanced by barely-there Louboutin heels, whose slim straps and stiletto lift subtly lengthen her legs on the red carpet
These architectural heels, characterized by their bold strap placement and signature red soles, have proven to be a recurring favorite among the fashion set.
A close-up highlights Emilia Clarke’s Christian Louboutin sandals, featuring a slim front strap, ankle buckle, and signature red soles that add sharp contrast to the understated black design
Why Christian Louboutin x Jonathan Saunders Still Feels Ahead of Its Time
More than just a designer collaboration, the partnership between Christian Louboutin and Scottish designer Jonathan Saunders defined a distinct era of high-fashion footwear—one where bold print, experimental materials, and architectural precision converged.
Peaking between 2009 and 2016, their work fused Saunders’ signature color-clashing and graphic sensibility with Louboutin’s sculptural silhouettes and iconic red soles, resulting in shoes that felt both directional and instantly recognizable.
Rather than traditional retail releases, many designs debuted as custom runway pieces before entering limited circulation, giving them an insider, almost archival allure. From the towering, color-blocked “Calypso” heels to later PVC-paneled sandals that created optical illusions on the feet, the collaboration consistently pushed beyond conventional red-carpet dressing.
It’s this balance—avant-garde London design meeting Parisian luxury craftsmanship—that explains why these styles continue to surface on celebrities seeking something sharper, rarer, and more intentional than standard evening heels.
👠 Explore Christian Louboutin x Jonathan Saunders Shoe & Fashion Moments:
- ✨ Anne Hathaway’s “Alice Through the Looking Glass” premiere look pairs a sculptural Christopher Kane dress with PVC-paneled Louboutin x Saunders heels that mirror the collection’s experimental edge.
- 🔥 Miranda Kerr’s Vanity Fair Oscar Party moment shows how metallic Louboutin x Saunders sandals amplify a sleek red gown with high-shine contrast and leg-lengthening lines.
- 🌸 Miranda Kerr’s Tokyo Fashion Week appearance highlights the collaboration’s lighter side, with gold PVC-detailed sandals adding polish to a minimalist white dress.
- 💫 Brie Larson’s Oscars nominee luncheon outfit features custom PVC-and-suede Louboutin x Saunders sandals styled with Emilia Wickstead for a clean, modern finish.
- 🎤 Gemma Arterton’s BRIT Awards look captures the runway-to-red-carpet transition, pairing a Jonathan Saunders ensemble with coordinating Louboutin heels.