This year’s Tony Awards ceremony was special in many ways. In a heartfelt and last-minute decision, Broadway dedicated the entire event to the victims of the Orlando shooting. The tragic incident at Pulse nightclub deeply shook the nation.
💫 Jump to a Look:
- 1. Old-Hollywood Elegance: Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton & Black Sandals
- 2. Sunshine Glamour: Lucy Liu in Zuhair Murad & Charlotte Olympia Heels
- 3. Modern Edge: Lupita Nyong’o in Hugo Boss & Embellished Sandals
- 4. Edgy Contrast: Cate Blanchett in Louis Vuitton & Pointed-Toe Pumps
- 5. Bold Color-Blocking: Danai Gurira in Rosie Assoulin & Paul Andrew Heels
- 6. Minimalist Chic: Claire Danes in Indigo Silk & Open-Toe Heels
- 7. Floral Fantasy: Busy Philipps in Ingie Paris & Olympia Le Tan Accessories
Despite the somber mood, the show maintained a positive and uplifting atmosphere. This can be attributed to the cheerful spirit of the participants and the celebrities who attended. The event was further brightened by the stunning array of gowns worn by the stars. Below are some of our favorites.
1. Old-Hollywood Elegance: Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton & Black Sandals
The 35-year-old instantly commanded attention in her white ruched gown with a cleavage-baring V-neckline, black micro straps, and a front slit.
Michelle Williams channels old-Hollywood elegance in a ruched white Louis Vuitton gown styled with black ankle-strap sandals that add height and contrast on the red carpet at the 2016 Tony Awards at the Beacon Theater on June 12, 2016, in New York City (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN / Joseph Marzullo)
Her pixie haircut accentuated the simplicity of the gown. She accessorized with black sandals and a black box clutch.
2. Sunshine Glamour: Lucy Liu in Zuhair Murad & Charlotte Olympia Heels
The 47-year-old looked like a ray of sunshine in her Zuhair Murad spring 2016 haute couture gown.
Lucy Liu graced the event in a stunning yellow chiffon dress adorned with intricate floral embroidery cascading down the bodice to the navel at the 2016 Tony Awards
The dress was made up of layers of organza and floral embellishments. Lucy capped off the look with a pair of Charlotte Olympia gold sandals and some Lorraine Schwartz jewelry.
3. Modern Edge: Lupita Nyong’o in Hugo Boss & Embellished Sandals

The beadwork on Lupita’s custom Hugo Boss gown was awe-inspiring. We can always count on her to bring something edgy to the table.
4. Edgy Contrast: Cate Blanchett in Louis Vuitton & Pointed-Toe Pumps

Cate’s rather eclectic taste in gowns was again evident in this mixed media creation from Louis Vuitton’s Fall 2016 collection. The gown is glaringly edgy, and only a woman as seemingly confident as Cate could pull it off.
5. Bold Color-Blocking: Danai Gurira in Rosie Assoulin & Paul Andrew Heels
Undoubtedly standing out as a highlight of the evening, the mustard-hued masterpiece by designer Rosie Assoulin emerged as our favorite.
Worn by the talented Danai Gurira from The Walking Dead, the dress not only graced the red carpet but also flawlessly accentuated the actress’s silhouette, earning our admiration for its impeccable fit.

The color suited her complexion, and the minimal detailing — like the shape of the bodice and the cutout on the chest — really stood out.
Danai accessorized with a pair of Rosie Assoulin for Paul Andrew pumps and a Rogier Vivier clutch.
6. Minimalist Chic: Claire Danes in Indigo Silk & Open-Toe Heels

The seamless execution of this gown really stood out despite the lack of adornment and the stark simplicity of the fabric used. The Brokedown Palace actress wore Eva Fehren jewelry to elevate the look.
7. Floral Fantasy: Busy Philipps in Ingie Paris & Olympia Le Tan Accessories

Busy paid homage to spring in this fun, floral-printed ball gown from Ingie Paris. She accessorized with an Olympia Le Tan book purse.
As the curtain closed on the 2016 Tony Awards, these unforgettable red carpet looks reminded us how fashion can capture both artistry and emotion. From bold color statements to refined silhouettes, each ensemble told its own story of theater-worthy glamour.
🌹 Explore More Tony Awards Shoe & Fashion Highlights
👠 More Tony Awards Shoe & Fashion Highlights from YNS:
- 💎 Cynthia Erivo’s 2025 Tony Awards in Schiaparelli & Louboutin heels — full red carpet recap with standout footwear moments.
- 🖤 Rachel McAdams’ Givenchy gown and Santoni heels at the 2024 Tonys — classic elegance meets shoe-savvy styling.
- ✨ Taraji P. Henson in sequined Oscar de la Renta & gold Roger Vivier pumps — shines as a metallic moment on the red carpet.
- 🎨 Cate Blanchett’s mixed-media Louis Vuitton outfit & Eyeline pumps at the 2016 Tonys — edgy fabrics, statement shoes.
- 🩰 Scarlett Johansson’s tailored black look & Saint Laurent “Janis” pumps (2013 Tonys) — power-dressing with standout stilettos.
- 🟡 Brooke Shields’ bold choice: yellow Crocs with a Monique Lhuillier gown (2024 Tonys) — unconventional footwear moment.