Heidi Klum’s Masterclass in Elevating Casual Denim With Saint Laurent “Candy” Platforms

When Heidi Klum stepped out in New York City on July 19, 2016, she provided a clear look at how to balance relaxed denim with high-profile footwear.

Heidi Klum looked effortlessly stunning as she stepped out in New York City on July 19, 2016, with her blonde hair gracefully flowing down (Credit: TNYF / WENN)

Opting for an understated aesthetic, the entrepreneur paired a neutral palette with textures that felt appropriate for a humid Manhattan afternoon.

The centerpiece of the ensemble was the juxtaposition between her casual, raw-hemmed denim and the structured height of her sandals.

It is a styling choice that remains a reliable blueprint for off-duty summer dressing, leaning on classic silhouettes rather than passing trends.

The look relied on a beige camisole paired with AMO distressed, cropped jeans, highlighting a sun-kissed, monochromatic top half.

Heidi Klum wears cropped AMO jeans with a beige cami as she steps out in New York City with her children (Credit: TNYF / WENN)

She accessorized with large hoop earrings and layered jewelry, keeping her blonde hair loose to maintain the outfit’s relaxed feel.

To elevate her off-duty denim, Heidi Klum grounded the look in a pair of Saint Laurent “Candy” platform sandals—a choice that instantly sharpened the silhouette.

With their towering five-inch heel, the shoes add dramatic height, but more importantly, they reframe casual staples like raw-hem jeans into something more intentional and polished.

Heidi Klum confidently flaunts her stunning physique in a chic beige cami top paired with edgy ripped jeans (Credit: TNYF / WENN)

Originally introduced during Hedi Slimane’s tenure at Saint Laurent (2012–2016), the “Candy” platform marked a shift away from delicate stilettos toward something bolder and more subversive. Inspired by 1970s disco glamour and vintage Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche aesthetics, the design leans into a chunky, architectural block heel that feels equal parts glam-rock and retro revival.

What makes the “Candy” especially compelling is its engineering. Despite the imposing five-inch (125mm) heel, the nearly two-inch platform reduces the pitch to a far more wearable incline—closer to three inches—while the wide block heel offers stability that stilettos simply can’t match. It’s precisely why the style became a go-to for celebrities navigating long events or uneven city streets.

Signature details give the shoe its cult status: the soft crisscross knot at the vamp offsets the heft of the sole, while the slim ankle strap adds contrast and keeps the silhouette refined.

Though Klum opted for a neutral powder-toned leather, the design also appeared in more expressive finishes—from glitter to leopard-print suede—cementing its place as both a statement piece and a versatile wardrobe anchor.

Heidi Klum steps out in powder-toned Saint Laurent “Candy” platform sandals, featuring a sculptural block heel, bow-detailed vamp, and ankle strap that balances height with stability (Credit: TNYF / WENN)

Now considered part of Saint Laurent’s Slimane-era archive, the original bow-front “Candy” has largely disappeared from retail, with its legacy carried forward in later platform styles like the Bianca and Jodie.

But its appeal remains clear: as Klum demonstrates, pairing a substantial platform with cropped denim creates a deliberate play on proportion—elongating the leg while keeping the overall look effortless rather than overly dressed.

Why the Saint Laurent “Candy” Platform Still Defines Statement Summer Dressing

As Heidi Klum’s look proves, the right shoe doesn’t just complete an outfit—it transforms it.

The Saint Laurent “Candy” platform remains one of those rare designs that can elevate even the most relaxed denim into something deliberate and fashion-forward, balancing height, stability, and bold visual impact.

Whether styled for daytime ease or polished events, its mix of retro glamour and modern structure continues to resonate across celebrity wardrobes.