If we had to describe the 2013 MTV VMA red carpet in general terms, we couldn’t use words such as “elegance,” “sophistication,” “refinement,” or “femininity.” Instead, we could use words such as “kitsch,” “lack of taste,” and so on.
If you haven’t done so already, check out our shoe-stalking reports. Still, we can’t deny the few ensembles that kept a festive, red-carpet-worthy look. Among them was Joan Smalls, the “it” model of the moment.
Joan Smalls flaunts her long legs in Casadei gladiator sandals and a structured Viktor & Rolf mini dress with puff sleeves and a pleated hem at the 2013 MTV VMAs in New York City on August 25, 2013 (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)
The Puerto Rican beauty walked down the MTV Music Awards red carpet looking incredibly cool and stylish. She rocked the gladiator sandals trend with a casual Viktor & Rolf mini dress.
Other stars who impressed on the red carpet included Selena Gomez in a daring navy Atelier Versace gown with matching Versace pumps, Katy Perry in a fierce leopard-print Emanuel Ungaro dress paired with Celine ankle-strap sandals, and Miley Cyrus in a bejeweled Dolce & Gabbana ensemble complemented by Giuseppe Zanotti suede sandals. See more standout looks from the event in our 2013 MTV Video Music Awards coverage.
Joan Smalls beams in a crisp white Viktor & Rolf mini dress with voluminous sleeves and a pleated skirt, styled with a chunky gold chain necklace at the 2013 MTV VMAs
The long-sleeved white leather dress, featuring a drop waist and ruffled hemline, was perfectly styled with Casadei gladiator sandals—both from the 2013 fall collections—featuring black leather straps, gold-tone buckles, mirrored blade stiletto heels, and back zippers that further elongated her statuesque 5 feet 10 ½ inches (179.1 cm) frame.
Joan Smalls shows off her feet in knee-high Casadei gladiator sandals featuring black leather straps, gold-tone buckles, and the brand’s signature blade heels
The model styled her look with a chunky gold chain and deep-berry lips.
Joan Smalls elevates her edgy look with sleek straight hair, a chunky gold chain necklace, and bold deep-berry lipstick
Let’s talk about her shoes. The knee-high black leather woven straps added the perfect touch of glam to Joan’s casual chic outfit and got her on every best-dressed list.
Gladiator sandals gained some ground in recent years, becoming a must-have piece in every fashionista’s wardrobe. They are very feminine, and the thin straps emphasize the sensuality of female legs and bring an ultrachic touch to any outfit.
If you have a huge shoe budget, you can get yourself a pair identical to Joan’s:
Casadei 120mm Belted Calfskin Blade One Boots, $1,900
Joan Smalls’ Most Iconic Shoe Moments
Supermodel Joan Smalls consistently turns heads with her impeccable fashion sense and bold footwear choices. Here are some of her most memorable shoe moments:
Joan Smalls Shines in Giuseppe Zanotti Studded Sandals
- Event: 30th Annual Night of Stars
- Outfit: Joan wore an Alexander Wang tuxedo halter jumpsuit, exuding modern elegance.
- Footwear: She completed her look with Swarovski crystal–embellished lace-up sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti, adding a touch of glamour.
- Read more: Joan Smalls in Stunning Giuseppe Zanotti Studded Sandals
Joan Smalls Turns Heads in Gianvito Rossi Fur Sandals
- Event: W Hotel Dubai Launch Party
- Outfit: The model showcased her toned abs in a white two-piece Misha Collection ensemble.
- Footwear: She paired her outfit with Gianvito Rossi’s playful “Zelda” sandals, featuring luxe fur accents and delicate crisscross ankle straps.
- Read more: Joan Smalls Stuns in Gianvito Rossi’s Fur Sandals at NYC Event
Joan Smalls Dazzles in Gianvito Rossi’s Dragon Sandals
- Event: 2017 MTV Video Music Awards
- Outfit: Joan flaunted her legs in a plunging tuxedo dress from H&M Studio, exuding confidence and style.
- Footwear: She elevated her look with Gianvito Rossi’s “Dragon” high heel sandals, featuring gold embroidered details that added a fierce touch.
- Read more: Tall Joan Smalls Adds Height With Gold Embroidered Dragon High Heels
Joan Smalls Embraces Bold Style in Paul Andrew Booties
- Event: 11th Annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards
- Outfit: Joan kept it simple yet chic with a black ensemble, allowing her footwear to take center stage.
- Footwear: She wore Paul Andrew’s suede tie-up ankle boots, featuring wrap-around ankle ties and peep-toe design, adding a stylish flair to her look.
- Read more: Joan Smalls Supports CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund in Paul Andrew Booties
Joan Smalls Stuns in Karl Lagerfeld’s ‘Caine’ Lace-Up Sandals
- Event: Karl Lagerfeld Paris x ELLE Event
- Outfit: Joan donned a sheer button-up top over a lace bra paired with black crop stretch jeans, showcasing her edgy style.
- Footwear: She completed her look with Karl Lagerfeld’s “Caine” lace-up sandals, adding a sophisticated touch to her ensemble.
- Read more: Hailey Bieber and Joan Smalls Stun in Karl Lagerfeld’s Iconic ‘Caine’ Lace-Up Sandals
These moments highlight Joan Smalls’ ability to effortlessly combine fashion-forward outfits with standout footwear, solidifying her status as a style icon.