From Elton John’s Farewell to the French Riviera: Heidi Klum’s Most Iconic Footwear Flashbacks

Heidi Klum’s style thrives on contrast—effortlessly shifting from high-voltage stage energy to timeless red-carpet glamour.

Across different years and continents, she proves that whether the moment calls for rock-and-roll tailoring or Riviera drama, her fashion instincts remain unmistakably bold.

Heidi Klum’s Rock-and-Roll Aesthetic: Sheer Moschino Lace and Pointed Heels

At Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on November 20, 2022, Heidi Klum leaned into the theatrical spirit of Elton John’s final U.S. “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” performance with a look that balanced drama and precision.

Tom Kaulitz, Yannik Zamboni, and Heidi Klum pose together at Elton John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road Dodger Stadium event, with Klum standing out in a sheer black lace Moschino suit paired with sleek pointed heels, flanked by Kaulitz’s tailored camel coat and Zamboni’s avant-garde white ensemble (Credit: Koi Sojer / Startraksphoto / Cover Images)

Joined by Tom Kaulitz and designer Yannik Zamboni, she chose a black lace Moschino suit that felt both celebratory and sharply modern.

The double-breasted jacket, detailed with intricate lurex-look embroidery, structured the silhouette, while the flared trousers added movement and stage-ready flair.

The look subtly echoed Elton John’s call for “fantastic costumes,” translating his flamboyant legacy into a more tailored, contemporary language—proving that Klum can channel maximalism without sacrificing polish.

Heidi Klum sharpens her lace Moschino suit with sleek, pointy black heels, grounding the sheer, flared silhouette while adding a polished, elongating finish to the dramatic ensemble (Credit: Koi Sojer / Startraksphoto / Cover Images)

Heidi Klum’s affinity for Moschino often reveals itself in her willingness to embrace the brand’s more playful, narrative-driven designs—especially during television appearances, where fashion can feel more experimental. During America’s Got Talent auditions, for example, she stepped out in a whimsical diner-print Moschino tracksuit, styled with chunky R13 platform boots to transform casual streetwear into a high-fashion moment.

Her red carpet appearances, however, tend to highlight Moschino’s more theatrical side. At the Kids’ Choice Awards, Klum fully embraced Jeremy Scott’s playful aesthetic in a heart-themed two-piece set, elevated by Moschino’s signature inflatable heart pumps that added a surreal, fashion-forward twist while maintaining a cohesive, polished finish.

She has also explored the house’s retro influences, most notably in a plunging red Moschino jumpsuit worn during an AGT: All-Stars taping, paired with towering gold platform heels that reinforced the 1970s-inspired drama.

“I want to spend time with my family because I´ll be 76 next year,” Elton John said to the crowd of more than 50,000. “I want to bring them out and show you why I’m retiring.”

“Thank you all for dressing up,” John added, “it makes me so happy when you wear the most fantastic costumes.” The popular singer was joined on stage by his husband, David Furnish, and his two sons, 11-year-old Zachary and 9-year-old Elijah.

While her 2022 look captured the energy of a legendary farewell concert, Klum has long mastered the art of commanding attention on the international gala circuit—often with even more daring silhouettes.

Flashback: Heidi Klum Owns the Riviera in a Bold Yellow Versace Gown

At the 23rd annual amfAR Cinema Against AIDS Gala in Cap d’Antibes on May 19, 2016, Heidi Klum delivered a quintessential Cannes moment—bold, glamorous, and unapologetically daring.

Heidi Klum sweeps her hair back at the 23rd annual amFAR Cinema Against AIDS Gala held on May 19, 2016, at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes, France (Credit: WENN)

Wearing a bright yellow Versace gown, she embraced a high-impact silhouette defined by a plunging neckline and a thigh-high slit. The fluid fabric and saturated color captured the Riviera’s sun-soaked elegance while amplifying her signature confidence.

Heidi Klum commands attention in a sunlit yellow Versace gown, the plunging neckline and thigh-high slit showcasing her statuesque legs while maintaining an elegant, red carpet–ready silhouette (Credit: WENN)

She completed the look with strappy silver Giuseppe Zanotti heels and statement Lorraine Schwartz jewelry, the long necklace drawing the eye downward and enhancing the gown’s dramatic neckline.

Klum has long relied on Zanotti’s signature barely-there sandals to complement her most daring silhouettes, often choosing delicate metallic styles that elongate the leg without distracting from the overall look.

That instinct is evident across her red carpet appearances, where she frequently turns to minimalist Zanotti designs to balance bold gowns, including sleek metallic “Harmony” sandals paired with a sheer Peter Dundas dress at the MTV VMAs.

Heidi Klum shows off her cleavage with glittering Lorraine Schwartz jewelry (Credit: WENN)

Beyond one-off moments, Zanotti has become a repeat fixture in her wardrobe. She has worn the brand’s streamlined “Sophie” sandals across multiple appearances, from high-glam evening events to America’s Got Talent tapings, demonstrating how a single, well-designed silhouette can transition effortlessly between contexts.

The styling struck a careful balance between sensuality and sophistication, reinforcing Klum’s ability to own even the most revealing designs with effortless control.

Heidi Klum showcases her pedicure in delicate silver Giuseppe Zanotti strappy sandals, the slim metallic straps and high stiletto heel adding a sleek, barely-there finish to her bold Versace gown (Credit: WENN)

More Heidi Klum Style Moments Worth Revisiting

Whether she’s embracing tailored concert glamour in Moschino or stepping onto the Cannes gala circuit in a plunging Versace gown, Heidi Klum’s fashion choices are rarely forgettable.

Her style works because it is both adaptable and instantly recognizable—bold enough for spectacle, yet polished enough to remain timeless. For more of her standout shoe moments, dramatic red carpet looks, and designer heel pairings, explore the features below.