Why the Jimmy Choo ‘Pearl’ Platform Ruled the Late 2010s Red Carpet

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The Jimmy Choo “Pearl” platform sandal became one of the brand’s most recognizable red-carpet shoes of the late 2010s.

Two of its standout celebrity outings came just over a year apart, with Jennifer Lawrence and Hailey Baldwin each styling the statement heel with a light-colored dress.

Jennifer opted for understated Old Hollywood glamour in London in May 2016, while Hailey brought a more playful, fashion-forward approach to Hollywood in June 2017. Together, the two appearances show why the “Pearl” became one of Jimmy Choo’s defining evening sandals.

Hailey Baldwin Styles Jimmy Choo “Pearl” Sandals With a White Alexandre Vauthier Mini Dress

Hailey Baldwin showcases a chic, half-up hairstyle paired with bronzed, dewy makeup and dramatic eye accents at the 2017 Maxim Hot 100 partyHailey Baldwin showcases a chic, half-up hairstyle paired with bronzed, dewy makeup and dramatic eye accents at the 2017 Maxim Hot 100 party in Hollywood on June 24, 2017 (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

The restrained front of the Alexandre Vauthier dress allowed the open back to deliver the impact.

By keeping the silhouette clean and architectural, Vauthier created a natural showcase for statement accessories and towering platform heels without overwhelming the look.

Hailey shows off her gorgeously toned back in her Alexandre Vauthier creationHailey shows off her gorgeously toned back in her Alexandre Vauthier creation

The pairing worked because it balanced minimalism with embellishment. The dress relied on sharp lines and fluid draping for visual interest, allowing the crystal-studded Jimmy Choo sandals to provide the glamour.

Had both pieces competed for attention, the look could have felt overstyled. Hailey finished her look with jewelry from H. Stern.

The sculptural Jimmy Choo "Pearl" platform sandals provide visual balance to Hailey Baldwin's abbreviated Alexandre Vauthier dress, adding glamour and structure without disrupting the monochromatic paletteThe sculptural Jimmy Choo “Pearl” platform sandals provide visual balance to Hailey Baldwin’s abbreviated Alexandre Vauthier dress, adding glamour and structure without disrupting the monochromatic palette

The “Pearl” sandals quickly became one of Jimmy Choo’s signature red-carpet styles. At a time when minimalist barely-there sandals dominated evening dressing, the design stood apart with crystal embellishment and pearl-inspired detailing that reflected one of the house’s enduring design signatures.

What distinguished the “Pearl” sandal from many contemporary evening shoes was its ability to soften a look without making it feel overtly romantic. The pearl-inspired details referenced classic glamour, while the chunky platform and metallic finish kept the design firmly rooted in modern red-carpet dressing.

Hailey Baldwin pairs her black pedicure with sparkly Jimmy Choo "Pearl" platform sandals, subtly revealing a small scar on her footHailey Baldwin pairs her black pedicure with sparkly Jimmy Choo “Pearl” platform sandals, subtly revealing a small scar on her foot

We’ve also spotted Reese Witherspoon, Camila Cabello, and Amy Adams in Jimmy Choo’s spectacular ‘Pearl’ sandals.

Hailey Baldwin showcases the sculptural pearl-inspired heel and crystal-dusted finish of Jimmy Choo's iconic "Pearl" platform sandalsHailey Baldwin showcases the sculptural pearl-inspired heel and crystal-dusted finish of Jimmy Choo’s iconic “Pearl” platform sandals

The Maxim Hot 100 honor marked a breakout moment in Hailey Baldwin’s modeling career, and she dressed accordingly for the Hollywood celebration.

Hailey Baldwin was named the world's sexiest woman by Maxim magazine in 2017 and topped Maxim's annual Hot 100 listHailey Baldwin was named the world’s sexiest woman by Maxim magazine in 2017 and topped Maxim’s annual Hot 100 list

Her love for Jimmy Choo ‘Pearl’ platform sandals didn’t end with the Maxim Hot 100 party. Hailey Baldwin showcased her fashion versatility at the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards by pairing the Jimmy Choo ‘Pearl’ platform sandals with a sheer, embellished silver Zuhair Murad jumpsuit.

The jumpsuit’s plunging neckline and intricate detailing complemented the sandals’ metallic finish, creating a cohesive and glamorous ensemble. This look highlighted Hailey’s ability to blend high-fashion pieces with statement footwear, reinforcing her status as a style icon.

Jennifer Lawrence Pairs a Silver Christian Dior Gown With Jimmy Choo “Pearl” Sandals

Jennifer Lawrence stuns in a pale silver satin gown with a keyhole neckline, standing between co-stars Óscar Isaac and James McAvoy at the X-Men: Apocalypse fan screening eventJennifer Lawrence stuns in a pale silver satin gown with a keyhole neckline, standing between co-stars Óscar Isaac and James McAvoy at the X-Men: Apocalypse fan screening event (Credit: WENN)

At the X-Men: Apocalypse fan screening at the BFI IMAX in London on May 9, 2016, Jennifer Lawrence paired a sleek Christian Dior gown with Jimmy Choo’s crystal-embellished “Pearl” sandals.

Lawrence’s Dior gown flowed almost like liquid metal, so the substantial platform heel helped anchor the look visually. The crystal embellishments echoed the gown’s subtle sheen without introducing another competing color or texture.

Lawrence attended the event alongside co-stars Óscar Isaac and James McAvoy while promoting her return as Mystique in the long-running superhero franchise.

Jennifer Lawrence pairs her platinum blonde bob with classic red lipstick and sparkling diamond earringsJennifer Lawrence pairs her platinum blonde bob with classic red lipstick and sparkling diamond earrings (Credit: WENN)

Dior’s strategic cutouts prevented the floor-length gown from feeling overly formal.

That modern tension between coverage and exposure mirrored the design philosophy behind the Jimmy Choo sandals, making the pairing feel intentional rather than simply glamorous.

Jennifer Lawrence styled the Marilyn Monroe-esque gown with Pomellato jewelryJennifer Lawrence styled the Marilyn Monroe-esque gown with Pomellato jewelry (Credit: WENN)

She styled the Marilyn Monroe-esque gown with Pomellato jewelry and a pair of ‘Pearl’ sandals by Jimmy Choo.

Jennifer Lawrence stuns with her platinum blonde bob, bold red lips, and soft, natural makeupJennifer Lawrence stuns with her platinum blonde bob, bold red lips, and soft, natural makeup (Credit: WENN)

Jennifer Lawrence dazzles in a sleek, pale silver satin gown with a keyhole neckline at the X-Men: Apocalypse fan screeningJennifer Lawrence dazzles in a sleek, pale silver satin gown with a keyhole neckline at the X-Men: Apocalypse fan screening

Jennifer Lawrence in a daring Christian Dior cut-out dress at the 'X-Men: Apocalypse' fan screeningJennifer Lawrence in a daring Christian Dior cut-out dress at the ‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ fan screening event at the BFI IMAX in London on May 9, 2016 (Credit: WENN / Zibi / Mario Mitsis / Lia Toby)

Part of the Jimmy Choo “Pearl” sandal’s appeal was its versatility. The pearl-inspired detailing gave the shoe a sense of timeless elegance associated with classic eveningwear, while the platform silhouette and crystal embellishments kept it firmly rooted in contemporary fashion.

Jennifer Lawrence showcases Jimmy Choo's crystal-embellished 'Pearl' platform sandals beneath her pale silver Christian Dior gownJennifer Lawrence showcases Jimmy Choo’s crystal-embellished ‘Pearl’ platform sandals beneath her pale silver Christian Dior gown

That versatility helped make the “Pearl” sandal one of Jimmy Choo’s defining red-carpet shoes of the late 2010s. Jennifer Lawrence paired it with a fluid Christian Dior gown, while Hailey Baldwin used it to ground a modern Alexandre Vauthier mini dress.

We also spotted the style with Victoria Justice’s sequined Versus by Versace cocktail dress, Jenna Coleman’s romantic Erdem ensemble, and Ashley Graham’s Time 100 Gala look.

While the original “Pearl” platform sandals are now largely confined to the resale market, Jimmy Choo’s signature pearl-inspired aesthetic remains a key part of the brand. Farfetch currently offers pearl-embellished Jimmy Choo styles, including the Sacora and Sacaria sandals, Aurelie pumps, Amita slingbacks, Siva sandals, Fayence designs, and Sana mules.

The details may change from season to season, but the appeal remains the same: feminine embellishment, evening-ready glamour, and statement shoes that have become one of Jimmy Choo’s most recognizable signatures.