When Gabrielle Union attended the premiere of HBO’s Confirmation at the Paramount Theatre in Hollywood on March 31, 2016, her wardrobe choice centered on sharp, architectural silhouettes.
Gabrielle Union and Kerry Washington at the premiere of HBO Films’ “Confirmation” at Paramount Theatre in Hollywood on March 31, 2016 (Credit: Apega / WENN)
While Kerry Washington opted for a floral Dolce & Gabbana gown, Union chose a black off-the-shoulder dress from Marc Jacobs. The floor-length piece featured distinct design elements, including mesh straps, satin cup detailing, and a high back slit.
Gabrielle Union arrives in a sculpted black Marc Jacobs gown, the structured bodice and sheer straps framing a sleek, floor-length silhouette that subtly conceals her towering platform heels (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
Union kept her accessories minimal to maintain focus on the gown’s neckline, pairing the look with a simple black clutch and a structured, braided crown hairstyle.
From front to back, the gown’s precision tailoring and high slit reveal how the fitted column shape works in tandem with sky-high heels to elongate her frame (Credit: Apega / WENN)
A softly braided updo and bronzed makeup complement the architectural neckline, keeping the focus on the gown’s sculpted bust and clean lines (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
Her neutral makeup and elaborate braided hairstyle finished off her look.
Against a patterned backdrop, Union’s streamlined black column dress and minimalist styling highlight the dramatic lift created beneath the hemline (Credit: Nicky Nelson / WENN)
Gabrielle grounded the look with Charlotte Olympia’s “Daphne” pumps—one of the label’s signature island-platform silhouettes.
Rendered in satin with sheer PVC insets and a peep-toe front, the pair balanced a towering 5.5-inch heel with a concealed 1.5-inch platform under the ball of the foot, subtly easing the pitch while preserving that dramatic, pin-up-inspired lift.
A rare front glimpse of the Charlotte Olympia “Daphne” pumps shows the peep-toe opening and exaggerated island platform peeking out from under the gown (Credit: WENN)
The rear view captures the pumps’ sharply pitched stiletto heel and signature gold spiderweb sole, a hallmark of Charlotte Olympia’s retro-glam design (Credit: WENN)
At the height of Charlotte Olympia’s mid-2010s influence, styles like the Daphne defined a playful, Old Hollywood glamour—complete with the brand’s hallmark gold spiderweb sole.
Today, after the label’s post-2018 shift away from large-scale retail, these statement platforms have taken on a second life as collectible pieces, with original designs like Union’s now circulating primarily through luxury resale and archive fashion channels.
Suede and metallic leather “Daphne” island-platform pumps by Charlotte Olympia, featuring a sculpted peep toe, signature gold platform base, and sky-high stiletto heel — originally retailing for $795
More Towering Platform Heel Moments Worth Revisiting
Gabrielle Union’s Charlotte Olympia “Daphne” pumps are a reminder of just how powerful a towering platform can be beneath a sleek evening gown.
For more standout examples of sky-high heels that deliver height, drama, and red-carpet polish, explore these memorable platform moments on Your Next Shoes.
👠 Explore Towering Platform Heel Moments on Your Next Shoes:
- ✨ Kylie Minogue’s silver Charlotte Olympia “Vreeland” platform sandals show how towering metallic heels can sharpen a lace mini dress while visually lengthening a petite frame.
- 💜 Rachel McAdams’ Brian Atwood “Tribeca” platforms break down the appeal of a dramatic 6-inch heel balanced by a substantial platform for red-carpet wearability.
- ❤️ Chloë Grace Moretz’s red Gucci “Angel” platform pumps capture the bold, retro glamour of Alessandro Michele-era Gucci with a towering, leg-lengthening silhouette.
- 🖤 Olivia Wilde’s Casadei “Rock” platform boots prove that towering platforms can feel just as powerful with minimalist tailoring as they do with a plunging evening look.
- ✨ Elle Fanning’s silver Giuseppe Zanotti Barbra platform heels show how sculptural platforms can anchor a floor-skimming sequined gown without losing visual lightness.