Julianne Hough’s Rare Naeem Khan Runway Wedges: A 2015 AMAs Style Masterclass

Julianne Hough has never been afraid to take fashion risks on the red carpet, and her appearance at the 2015 American Music Awards in Los Angeles remains one of her most memorable style moments.

The AMAs have produced many standout shoe moments over the years—from Ellie Goulding’s sculptural Casadei cutout sandals to Gigi Hadid’s sleek Tamara Mellon “Frontline” PVC heels and Ariana Grande’s Dsquared2 “Queen Mary” sandals.

Hough carved out her own spotlight that evening with an intricately embellished Naeem Khan gown paired with equally statement-making platform wedges.

Julianne Hough showcases her intricately beaded Naeem Khan gown with dramatic double slits and metallic platform wedge sandals on the red carpet at the 2015 American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on November 22, 2015 (Credit: WENN / Brian To / FayesVision)

The Footloose actress donned an intricate Naeem Khan dress featuring double front slits and heavy embellishments. Her fully beaded piece stood out for its unique “art deco meets desert” aesthetic.

Julianne Hough in an embroidered panel dress from Indian-American fashion designer Naeem Khan (Credit: WENN)

She finished the look with a selection of equally bold jewelry pieces. Her sapphire-beaded tassel earrings with green jade by Lorraine Schwartz tied the ensemble’s colors together seamlessly.

To complement the dramatic dress, the professional dancer stepped into metallic Naeem Khan T-strap platform wedge sandals, completing a head-to-toe designer look. While Khan is globally celebrated for his intricate hand-beaded eveningwear and bridal gowns rather than footwear, high-fashion designers often create custom shoes to complete their runway vision.

Hough’s metallic wedges were part of Naeem Khan’s Spring 2016 runway collection, making them a rare “runway-to-red-carpet” moment. The shimmering T-strap silhouette echoed the ornate metallic embellishment of her gown, creating a cohesive total look straight from the designer’s studio.

Because Khan does not produce a permanent shoe line, footwear for his shows is often developed in limited runs or through collaborations with elite shoemakers. Past runway partnerships have included names like Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, and Alexandre Birman, with the shoes designed specifically to ground his elaborate gowns.

That exclusivity makes pairs like Hough’s platform wedges especially rare—often custom pieces crafted to mirror the textures, colors, and beadwork of the collection itself.

Julianne Hough shows off her sapphire beaded tassel Lorraine Schwartz earrings accented with green jade (Credit: WENN)

The choice of a platform wedge provided the necessary height to clear the gown’s dual slits while maintaining the outfit’s edgy, structural theme.

While dramatic jewelry and bold textures can be difficult to pull off, Hough’s execution remains a masterclass in red-carpet accessorizing.

Julianne Hough carries a sleek Rauwolf emerald-cut gemstone clutch, accessorizing her intricately beaded Naeem Khan gown with modern, architectural polish (Credit: WENN)

Naeem Khan’s Red-Carpet Glamour: When Intricate Couture Meets Statement Shoes

Julianne Hough’s richly embellished AMAs ensemble perfectly illustrates why Naeem Khan’s designs remain a red-carpet favorite among celebrities. Known for intricate beadwork, ornate textures, and dramatic silhouettes, Khan’s gowns often demand equally striking footwear—from metallic platform wedges to minimalist stiletto sandals that let the craftsmanship shine.

If you enjoy seeing how stars style Naeem Khan’s elaborate creations with carefully chosen heels and sandals, explore more standout moments below.