When The X Factor kicked off its third season in 2013, all eyes were on the red carpet at Cecconi’s in West Hollywood—not just for the star power, but for the standout footwear. Judges Simon Cowell and Demi Lovato were joined by newcomers Kelly Rowland and Paulina Rubio, who brought a serious fashion game to the premiere party.
💫 Step Into the Spotlight: X Factor 2013 Shoe Moments
A decade later, the event remains a fun snapshot of early 2010s red carpet style. From Kelly’s bold Saint Laurent sandals to Paulina’s crystal-studded Charlotte Olympia pumps, the ladies didn’t hold back when it came to statement heels. Keep scrolling to revisit their looks and decide which pair is the most memorable.
Kelly Rowland Stuns in Saint Laurent “Paloma” Sandals and Glenn Martens Set
32-year-old recording artist Kelly Rowland showed some skin in a revealing V-neck crop top and a matching skirt, both from the Glenn Martens Fall 2013 collection. We love that her long skirt had a center thigh-high slit as it showed off not just her legs but also her heels.
Singer Kelly Rowland arrives at The X Factor Season 3 premiere party at Cecconi’s West Hollywood on September 5, 2013, wearing a V-neck crop top and matching skirt, subtly showcasing her Saint Laurent “Paloma” sandals (Credit: FayesVision / Brian To / WENN)
Her sandals aren’t hard to identify. We’ve already seen them on various celebrities, including Heidi Klum, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Miley Cyrus, on multiple occasions. Kelly Rowland also wore them at BET’s Rip the Runway 2013.
These popular striped suede and lamé leather sandals are now sold out, but you can still shop more recent styles from the same designer at Farfetch.
A closer look at Kelly Rowland’s feet, featuring her striking striped suede and lamé leather Saint Laurent “Paloma” sandals
👠 Explore Kelly Rowland’s Best Shoe & Fashion Moments:
- 📏 Kelly Rowland’s height (5’7″) and shoe size (US 9) guide—spotlighting heels from designers like Gianvito Rossi, Christian Louboutin, Aquazzura, and more.
- 🎤 Kelly’s edgy combat‑boot look at a 2013 NYC concert—leather vest, shredded denim, and statement boots.
- 👗 Her top 4 shoes at BET’s Rip the Runway 2013, including Saint Laurent “Paloma” sandals and Christian Louboutin Zoulou booties with buy links.
- ✨ Strappy DSquared2 “Riri” sandals she wore to the 2016 StyleMakers Awards—an elegant red carpet moment.
Detail shot of Kelly Rowland’s Saint Laurent “Paloma” sandals, highlighting their distinctive striped suede and lamé leather design and high heel
Paulina Rubio Elevates Her Look with Crystal-Covered Charlotte Olympia “Paparazzi” Pumps
Paulina Rubio looked glamorous in a white long-sleeved dress featuring sparkling embellishments that dangle around the hem and cuffs. She styled the dress with a pair of matching sparkling pumps!
Paulina Rubio poses at The X Factor Season 3 premiere party on September 5, 2013, wearing an embellished white long-sleeved dress and sparkling Charlotte Olympia “Paparazzi” pumps
Her nude Paparazzi heels from Charlotte Olympia didn’t just sparkle with panels of Swarovski crystals—they also worked visual magic.
Thanks to the seamless match with her skin tone, the 1.5-inch island platforms and soaring 6-inch heels created the illusion of longer, leaner legs. Nude heels are known for their elongating effect, as they visually extend the leg by blending in rather than breaking up the line, especially when paired with a low-cut vamp and a round toe, like these.
Paulina Rubio’s stunning nude Charlotte Olympia “Paparazzi” pumps, featuring sparkling Swarovski crystal panels and a hidden platform
👠 Explore Charlotte Olympia Highlights:
- ✨ Kate Mara in bold yellow Charlotte Olympia “Montana” pumps at CinemaCon—freshly.
- 🏆 Charlotte Olympia Dellal’s brand files for bankruptcy (later revived) with a curated list of her best-selling heels from the label.
- 🌹 Lily Collins in red satin Charlotte Olympia platform pumps at the Love, Rosie premiere.
- 😺 Emma Roberts loves the Superstar velvet Kitty slippers by Charlotte Olympia, spotted in Manhattan.
- 🎬 Elizabeth Banks in Zuhair Murad jumpsuit and Charlotte Olympia “Paloma” pumps at the Power Rangers premiere.
- 🏅 Meet the iconic Charlotte Olympia: Designer of the Year & her most iconic shoes—features standout pumps like “Love Me,” “Luna,” and “Dolly.”
Paulina Rubio showcases the leg-lengthening effect of her nude Charlotte Olympia “Paparazzi” pumps, featuring a classic round toe, hidden platform, and sparkling crystal embellishments
Demi Lovato Keeps It Classic in Black Saint Laurent “Janis” Pumps
Returning judge Demi Lovato arrives at The X Factor Season 3 premiere party on September 5, 2013, in a sleek black ensemble, complemented by her classic Saint Laurent “Janis” pumps
Returning judge Demi Lovato wore her usual rocking style. Her all-black ensemble consisted of cropped pants, a black jacket, and a bustier-like top. Her plain black “Janis” pumps from Saint Laurent complemented her getup.
A detailed shot of Demi Lovato’s classic black Saint Laurent “Janis” pumps, showcasing their understated elegance and sturdy platform
👠 Explore Demi Lovato’s Best Shoe & Fashion Moments:
- 📏 Demi Lovato’s height (5’2½”) and shoe size (US 7), with favorite heels from Saint Laurent, Zanotti, Louboutin, and more.
- 👢 All-black leather ensemble featuring Christian Louboutin’s ‘Ambertina’ heels at a 2013 industry event.
- ✨ Red-hot at the 2014 VMAs: Demi stuns in a Lanvin gown and Giuseppe Zanotti gold “Coline” sandals.
- 🎤 Camp Rock fashion evolution, featuring her early red carpet looks in Burberry and Balenciaga heels.
- 🌹 Houndstooth mini & velvet platforms: Burgundy Giamba heels that stole the spotlight at BBC Radio 1 Teen Awards.
- 💼 Corporate-chic at LAX: Crystal-embellished ankle-strap sandals paired with Chanel accents.
Demi Lovato’s plain black Saint Laurent ‘Janis’ pumps, a versatile choice that completed her edgy X Factor premiere look, are clearly visible alongside her prominent ‘Let Go & Let God’ foot tattoo
👠 Explore X Factor Shoe & Style Highlights:
- 🎤 Nicole Scherzinger’s chic point‑toe Kurt Geiger “Britton” pumps at X Factor UK auditions—sleek patent leather and sky‑high stiletto heels.
- 🦋 Fantasy meets fashion: Nicole stuns in Sophia Webster butterfly‑wing heels during X Factor Boot Camp.
- ✨ ’90s throwback: Chunky Aquazzura “Kaya” platform sandals completed her bold look at X Factor UK auditions, London.
- 👠 Kelly Rowland’s Anthony Vaccarello sandals and Gianvito Rossi pumps at The X Factor Season 3 Finale—statement styles with Balmain and leather accents.
- 🔵 Demi Lovato’s press‑conference look as X Factor USA Season 3 judge—electric blue dress with Saint Laurent shoes.