At the premiere of Little Women at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City on December 7, 2019, Emma Watson delivered one of Balenciaga’s most memorable red-carpet styling experiments of the era.
James Norton, Louis Garrel, Saoirse Ronan, Greta Gerwig, Laura Dern, Emma Watson, Tracy Letts, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Timothée Chalamet, Chris Cooper at the premiere of Little Women held at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City on December 7, 2019 (Credit: Instar / WENN)
Rather than allowing her floor-length black gown to drape naturally over her footwear, Watson intentionally tucked one side of the hem into her thigh-high velvet boots, creating an asymmetrical silhouette that immediately drew attention to the dramatic proportions of the shoes.
The unconventional styling choice divided opinion at the time, but it also offered a fresh way to pair eveningwear with over-the-knee boots.
Emma Watson with a tousled hairstyle to show off her Fred Leighton diamond wing ear cuffs
Her look came directly from the Balenciaga Spring 2020 collection, pairing a softly romantic dress with sharply structured footwear.
The black silk-crepe gown featured delicate ribbon straps and a ruffled lace bodice inspired by Victorian dressing, while the ultra-matte velvet boots extended high above the knee, introducing a darker, more modern contrast beneath the flowing layers of the dress.
Watson reinforced the collection’s romantic mood with a textured chignon, a delicate gold headband, and dramatic Fred Leighton diamond wing ear cuffs that climbed along the ear. A deep crimson lipstick completed the look’s gothic undertones without competing with the statement boots.
Emma Watson redefined red-carpet boot styling by tucking the hem of her Balenciaga Spring 2020 gown into a thigh-high velvet boot, transforming an archival runway look into one of the most debated fashion moments of 2019
Watson carried Balenciaga’s satin Beads Shell clutch, a sculptural minaudière designed in a clamshell silhouette and finished with a strand of pearl-like beads.
Its whimsical shape echoed the romantic details of the dress while providing a softer counterpoint to the substantial velvet boots.
Emma Watson’s Balenciaga velvet boots have become increasingly difficult to track down since their appearance at the Little Women premiere. Because the look was pulled directly from the Balenciaga Spring 2020 runway collection, the thigh-high boots were likely produced as runway samples and loaned for the event before returning to the fashion house’s archives.
Emma Watson complemented her Balenciaga Spring 2020 ensemble with a tousled updo, Fred Leighton diamond wing ear cuffs, and a sculptural shell-inspired clutch that reinforced the look’s dark romantic mood
While Watson’s exact velvet style is no longer in production, Balenciaga continues to offer a wide range of statement boots through luxury retailers.
As of July 2026, Farfetch carries contemporary designs including the Poulaine over-the-knee boots ($1,950), Falcon knee boots ($1,110, reduced from $1,850), Cagole boots, Alaska platform boots, Strike leather Chelsea boots, and patent over-the-knee styles priced at up to $3,215 after discount. However, the ultra-matte velvet thigh-high boots worn by Watson remain an archival piece, surfacing only occasionally on the secondary market and rarely in the same condition as their original runway presentation.
Balenciaga’s satin Beads Shell clutch paired sculptural scalloped curves with a pearl-beaded strap, lending a whimsical, romantic counterpoint to Emma Watson’s darkly gothic evening ensemble
More of Emma Watson’s Most Memorable Shoe Moments
Emma Watson’s Balenciaga velvet boots remain one of her boldest fashion choices, but they represent just one chapter in a wardrobe built around thoughtful footwear.
From futuristic Louis Vuitton ankle boots and elegant Prada slingbacks to classic suede pumps and sustainably sourced sandals, her style evolution reveals a consistent preference for shoes that balance modernity, craftsmanship, and individuality. Explore more of Emma Watson’s standout shoe moments below.
👠 Explore Emma Watson’s Best Shoe Moments:
- 📏 Standing at 5’4¾” (164.5 cm) and wearing a US shoe size 7, Emma Watson frequently gravitates toward sleek pumps, minimalist sandals, and statement boots that complement her polished red-carpet style.
- 🖤 Her Louis Vuitton “Gambit Diva” ankle boots moment in Paris showcased sustainable dressing with a recycled-fabric gown and futuristic leather footwear from the French house’s Spring 2017 collection.
- ✨ Emma Watson’s Prada Fashion Week appearance paired a chain-detailed little black dress with elegant point-toe slingback pumps, proving the enduring appeal of refined evening shoes.
- 👠 Her understated black suede pumps at the Beauty and the Beast afterparty demonstrated how classic pointed-toe heels remain a reliable choice for modern evening dressing.
- 🌿 Emma Watson’s sustainable MTV Movie & TV Awards ensemble highlighted her preference for ethically minded fashion, finished with delicate sandals that balanced simplicity with red-carpet polish.