On May 8, 2012, the Duchess of Cambridge arrived at London’s Claridge’s Hotel for an Advertising World dinner, debuting a look that remains a reference point for formal evening style.
Eschewing her typical conservative silhouettes, she opted for a floor-length Roland Mouret gown with a high leg-baring slit, designed to showcase her footwear.
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton), arrives at Claridge’s Hotel in London on May 8, 2012, wearing a floor-length Roland Mouret gown with a thigh-high slit, revealing her champagne glitter Jimmy Choo “Vamp” platform sandals (Credit: Will Alexander / WENN / Anwar Hussein / FayesVision)
The focal point of the ensemble was a pair of Jimmy Choo’s iconic “Vamp” sandals in champagne glitter—a silhouette that achieved near–cult status in the early 2010s thanks to its frequent red carpet appearances and enduring association with Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge.
Designed to deliver both height and impact, the Vamp is defined by its architectural balance: a towering 5.5-inch (130mm) stiletto heel offset by a 1- to 1.5-inch platform, allowing for a dramatic lift without sacrificing wearability over long evening events.
Wide, crisscross straps anchor the foot and create a bold, sculptural frame, while the secure ankle strap adds both stability and polish.
Kate Middleton’s champagne glitter Jimmy Choo “Vamp” platform sandals—featuring crisscross straps, a subtle front platform, and a high stiletto heel—add sparkle and structure against the fluid ivory gown
What made the style so effective here was its interplay with the gown’s fluidity. The structured, almost “grounded” presence of the sandal contrasts the soft drape of the white jersey, sharpening the overall silhouette while maintaining cohesion through its warm metallic finish.
To maintain a cohesive metallic theme, she paired the sandals with a striped metallic clutch, balancing the sparkle of the glitter finish with the clean lines of the dress.
Jimmy Choo “Vamp” metallic snake-embossed lamé platform sandals, originally retailing at $750, feature crisscross glitter straps, a sculpted 5.5-inch stiletto heel, and a supportive front platform that balances height with wearability
Other celebrities spotted wearing this style include Diane Kruger and Scarlett Johansson.
We also spotted Brittany Snow wearing them to the Teen Choice Awards, paired with a green floral lace dress with nude underlay by Oliver Tolentino and a coral Oroton clutch:
Brittany Snow attends the Teen Choice Awards in a mint green floral lace dress by Oliver Tolentino, pairing the delicate, sheer-overlay silhouette with nude Jimmy Choo “Vamp” platform sandals that add height and structure while keeping the look soft and cohesive at the 2013 Teen Choice Awards at the Gibson Amphitheater in Universal City on August 11, 2013
Originally part of Jimmy Choo’s CHOO 24:7 collection—a curated lineup of the house’s most essential designs—the Vamp quickly transcended seasonal trends to become a legacy piece.
While no longer in active production, it remains highly sought-after on the resale market, with collectors drawn to its distinctive combination of height, support, and visual weight.
Brittany Snow’s nude Jimmy Choo “Vamp” platform sandals feature crisscross straps, a supportive front platform, and a high stiletto heel that elongates the leg while complementing the airy lace texture of her dress
More substantial than the delicate, strap-driven Lance sandal and more architectural than the brand’s later minimalist platform styles, the Vamp occupies a unique place in Jimmy Choo’s design history—one that reflects a moment when red-carpet footwear embraced both drama and practicality in equal measure.
💫 More Jimmy Choo Heel Moments That Defined Red Carpet Glamour
From architectural platform sandals to razor-sharp pointed pumps, Jimmy Choo’s most iconic heels continue to shape how celebrities approach evening dressing.
If you’re drawn to the balance of height, structure, and statement-making design seen here, these standout moments offer an even deeper look at the brand’s enduring red-carpet influence.
👠 Explore More Jimmy Choo High Heel Moments:
- ✨ The Jimmy Choo “Lance” sandal feature is a strong starting point for readers drawn to the brand’s most iconic evening heels, tracing how the barely-there strappy silhouette became a red-carpet staple on stars like Alicia Keys, Chloë Grace Moretz, and Taylor Swift.
- 💙 Rachel McAdams’s Jimmy Choo “Anouk” pumps offer a polished pointed-toe reference, showing how the leg-lengthening stiletto sharpens a high-slit Peter Som look while reinforcing the Anouk’s status as one of Jimmy Choo’s most enduring pump silhouettes.
- 🖤 Priyanka Chopra’s Jimmy Choo “Brigitte” satin pumps at the 2026 Oscars highlight a sleeker, more sculpted take on the classic black heel, with a high-cut vamp and a refined stiletto that feels sharp, formal, and modern.
- 🌸 Dove Cameron’s Jimmy Choo “Liberty” platform sandals are a glamorous option for readers who love bold height, pairing thick platforms and towering block heels with a soft, romantic gown for a dramatic yet cohesive finish.
- ⚡ Jennifer Lawrence’s studded Jimmy Choo “Maya” pumps show the brand’s sharper edge, using a pointed stiletto shape, micro studs, and a feminine bow to balance polish with subtle rock-chic attitude.