Karen Olivo’s Custom Michael Kors Sandals Transformed into a ‘Moulin Rouge!’ Masterpiece

On July 25, 2019, Karen Olivo attended the opening night celebration for Moulin Rouge! The Musical at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, wearing one of the evening’s most memorable looks—a custom Carolina Herrera suit hand-painted with a jeweled snake motif.

Karen Olivo in a custom red Carolina Herrera suit hand-painted with a snake design and hand-embellished with Swarovski crystals

Best known for originating the role of Satine on Broadway, Olivo reportedly stands 5’8″ (1.73 m) tall and wears a US shoe size 8.5.

The theatrical ensemble paired couture-inspired tailoring with equally elaborate accessories, including a Judith Leiber Serpent bag, custom Larry Vrba earrings, and embellished Michael Kors Paloma platform sandals that echoed the green crystal detailing throughout the outfit.

Costume designer Wilberth Gonzalez said the look was inspired by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s celebrated depictions of can-can dancer Jane Avril. According to Gonzalez, more than 60 hours were spent hand-painting the snake motif and embellishing it with Swarovski crystals, transforming the suit into a wearable extension of the theatrical world of Moulin Rouge!

Karen Olivo and Aaron Tveit at the opening night party for the Broadway musical Moulin Rouge held at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on July 25, 2019 (Credit: Joseph Marzullo / WENN)

Karen matched her suit with a green Judith Leiber ‘Serpent’ snakeskin bag featuring a gold-and-crystal snake on the flap.

Details of Karen Olivo’s Judith Leiber Couture “Serpent” bag, crafted in emerald snakeskin and finished with a crystal-encrusted snake clasp that echoed the hand-painted motif on her custom Carolina Herrera suit

She further complemented the green-and-diamond motif with eye-catching custom emerald-hued Larry Vrba earrings.

Karen Olivo paired bold red lipstick and warm brown eyeshadow with custom emerald-hued Larry Vrba earrings, continuing the green-and-crystal theme of her opening-night ensemble

Karen completed the look with a pair of custom-embellished Michael Kors “Paloma” platform sandals, transformed by costume designer Wilberth Gonzalez to coordinate with the suit’s emerald-and-crystal palette.

Using the original Paloma silhouette as a foundation, Gonzalez hand-painted the sandals and added green and silver stones that echoed the serpent motif winding across the Carolina Herrera suit.

The Michael Kors design features a distinctive fluted heel, a five-inch lift, and a 1.5-inch platform that offers more stability than a traditional stiletto. Olivo later explained that she chose the tailored ensemble and customized sandals over another gown option because she wanted something comfortable to wear after performing in Moulin Rouge!, making the shoes both a visual extension of the costume and a practical choice for opening night celebrations.

Details of Karen Olivo’s custom-painted Michael Kors “Paloma” platform sandals, embellished by Wilberth Gonzalez with green and silver stones to mirror the suit’s jeweled snake motif

As of 2026, no public information has surfaced regarding the whereabouts of the custom sandals or the complete opening-night ensemble.

Because the pieces were created specifically for the July 25, 2019, celebration and were closely tied to Olivo’s tenure as the original Satine on Broadway, they were likely retained as personal keepsakes rather than exhibited, auctioned, or donated to a public collection.

For a current Michael Kors platform alternative, Zappos carries several women’s Michael Kors platform sandals as of June 2026, including the Nora Platform Sandals, Cami Platform, Erin Platform Sandals, Jordyn Platform Sandal, Laci Platform Sandal, Indra Platform Sandals, Alessia Platform Sandals, and Rye Platform Sandal. While none replicates Olivo’s one-of-a-kind custom “Paloma” pair, they reflect the same Michael Kors approach to wearable height: sturdy platforms, polished metallics, block-heel stability, and party-ready finishes.

More Michael Kors Shoe Moments Worth Revisiting

Olivo’s custom Paloma sandals show how Michael Kors footwear can move between Broadway spectacle, red-carpet polish, and wearable glamour. To continue the fashion thread, explore more Your Next Shoes coverage of Michael Kors heels, sandals, and celebrity styling moments below.