At the 2022 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas on May 15, Florence Welch brought her signature romantic stage style to the red carpet in a dramatic layered Gucci look styled by longtime collaborator Aldene Johnson.
Standing 5ft 8½ inches (174 cm) tall and wearing a US shoe size 8.5, the Florence and the Machine singer often gravitates toward elongated silhouettes, flowing fabrics, and elevated platform or heeled styles that complement her statuesque frame.
Florence Welch lets the layered Gucci gown cascade around her tall 5ft 8½-inch frame, pairing the lavender sequined ruffles with black lace gloves and dramatic ginger waves at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)
For the performance of “My Love,” Welch wore a purple Gucci gown covered in sequins and crystal embellishments, combining tiered ruffles, sheer panels, and cold-shoulder detailing with a fitted black lace catsuit underneath.
The contrast between the fluid dress and the structured lace layers gave the outfit its distinctive theatrical edge without overwhelming her naturally tall proportions.
Her accessories and footwear kept the focus on texture and movement. Florence paired the gown with black Gucci satin mules featuring pleated straps, peep-toes, and slim heels, adding height while maintaining the soft, bohemian mood closely associated with her red-carpet wardrobe.
The flowing Gucci design reveals sheer lace panels beneath the ruffled lavender fabric, creating a theatrical silhouette that balances Florence Welch’s bohemian styling with sharp black accessories and platform mules (Credit: ABACA / INSTARimages)
As for her beauty look, the songwriter wore her iconic waist-length ginger hair and bangs and opted for simple makeup. She glammed up with glittery pink eyeshadow, mascara, pink blush, and matching lipstick.
Large gold statement rings emblazoned with her initials “FW,” and a pair of black satin mules from Gucci elevated Florence’s hippie-bohemian style.
These mules feature a wide front strap in pleated satin with a tiny double G logo accent, peep-toes, and about 4-inch heels.
Florence Welch finishes the look with black Gucci satin peep-toe mules and sheer floral lace stockings, subtly elongating her proportions while complementing the romantic texture of the embellished gown (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)
Before Dance Fever, Florence Welch had already established a distinctive red-carpet identity built around dramatic designer footwear, vintage-inspired tailoring, and romantic silhouettes. At The Other Ball in London, for example, Florence paired open-toe Gucci heels with a fringed python Gucci bag, blending folkloric textures with sharply tailored separates in a way that became central to her personal style.
Her affection for retro-inspired platforms and elongated silhouettes also appeared offstage. In New York, Florence embraced 1970s-inspired footwear and layered bohemian styling, combining wide-leg proportions, ankle boots, and oversized accessories that complemented her statuesque 5ft 8½-inch frame.
Even at major awards shows, footwear consistently played a subtle but important role in balancing her dramatic gowns. At the Brit Awards, Florence grounded a flowing Calvin Klein slip dress with satin ankle-strap heels, while her Gucci cape added movement and texture without overwhelming the look.
Following the release of Dance Fever, Florence and the Machine brought the album’s romantic, theatrical aesthetic to stages around the world on the accompanying tour, with Florence Welch continuing to favor flowing silhouettes, dramatic textures, and elevated Gucci footwear throughout the era.
Florence and the Machine will embark on a three-leg tour starting in September (Credit: WENN)
More Peep-Toe Mule Moments With Red-Carpet Impact
Florence Welch’s Gucci satin mules worked because they did not fight the drama of the gown. Instead, the peep-toe shape, pleated satin strap, and slim heel added quiet structure beneath all that lace, sequins, and movement—a styling idea echoed in other celebrity looks where mules sharpened romantic, vintage, or sculptural outfits without stealing the spotlight.
👠 Explore More Peep-Toe Mule Shoe Moments:
- 🎀 Margot Robbie’s Manolo Blahnik Jadarona peep-toe mules gave her vintage Barbie styling a precise 1960s finish, grounding the sculpted black gown with a sleek, doll-like silhouette.
- 🖤 Sophie Turner’s Black Suede Studio “Shania” peep-toe mules softened a shimmering Self-Portrait look with open backs, almond-shaped toes, and slim stiletto heels.
- ✨ Alix Earle’s white Jimmy Choo “Brigitte” mules brought a clean, leg-lengthening finish to her ivory Staud brocade mini dress and matching jacket.
- 🌙 Cate Blanchett’s Lanvin “Midnight Step” peep-toe mules added sculptural drama to her black Lanvin gown with crystal trim, pointed peep toes, and curved heels.
For readers exploring Gucci footwear beyond the red carpet, our Gucci shoe sizing and fit guide breaks down international conversions, fit expectations, and the fashion house’s most recognizable shoe styles.