Karlie Kloss has long been a fixture on the fashion circuit—not just for her runway presence, but for her close ties to industry insiders.
While she’s famously connected to designers like Prabal Gurung, the supermodel also shares a stylish camaraderie with Brandon Maxwell.
At the 2016 Whitney Art Party in New York City, Karlie turned heads in a ruffled Brandon Maxwell mini dress paired with classic Giuseppe Zanotti pumps—a combination that blended high-fashion flair with timeless elegance.
Karlie Kloss stuns with a sleek updo that perfectly showcases her bold Swarovski ‘Swan’ earrings at the 2016 Whitney Art Party at The Whitney Museum of American Art on November 15, 2016, in New York City (Credit: Derrick Salters / WENN)
Karlie Kloss Celebrates Rising Star Brandon Maxwell at the Whitney Art Party
Karlie Kloss showed off her close friendship with acclaimed American designer Brandon Maxwell at the 2016 Whitney Art Party at The Whitney Museum of American Art.
👠 Explore Brandon Maxwell Highlights on Your Next Shoes:
- 🌟 Kerry Washington in a Burgundy Leather Brandon Maxwell Dress — Kerry wore a structured “Catarina” drop-waist leather dress by Maxwell at the 2024 Disney Upfront, paired with gold heels for added height and drama.
- 🎬 Tracee Ellis Ross in Brandon Maxwell Cape Top — At the “Candy Cane Lane” premiere (Nov 28, 2023), Tracee stunned in a mustard cape top with a sculptural belt from Maxwell’s SS 2024 collection, paired with sleek black heels.
- 🎭 Katie Holmes in Maxwell LBD and Floral Heels — For the 2024 Roundabout Theatre Gala, Katie selected a refined Brandon Maxwell little black dress, elevated with whimsical floral appliqué mules.
Known for his sharp tailoring and empowering silhouettes, Maxwell had recently launched his namesake luxury label in New York, quickly earning a celebrity following that includes Lady Gaga, Michelle Obama, and Nicole Kidman.
Embracing classic elegance, Karlie Kloss’s Giuseppe Zanotti ‘Hester’ patent pumps gleam on the red carpet, featuring a sharp pointed toe and sophisticated stiletto heel
Red Carpet Glamour: Karlie’s Chic Look in Brandon Maxwell and Giuseppe Zanotti
As expected, Karlie wore a chic take on a Brandon Maxwell salsa dress—a ruffled georgette mini from the designer’s Spring 2017 collection that perfectly balanced drama and refinement.
She completed her look with Swarovski “Swan” earrings, a “Kalix” spiral ring, a Judith Leiber pearl-and-crystal clutch, and a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti “Hester” patent pumps. Known for his bold, sculptural heels and red carpet-ready glamour, Italian designer Giuseppe Zanotti has long been a favorite among celebrities.
👠 Explore Giuseppe Zanotti Highlights on Your Next Shoes:
- 🎤 Jordin Sparks in Giuseppe Zanotti Sandals — Styled for Justin Timberlake’s 20/20 Experience album release party, this look paired gold Zanotti heels with a bright yellow dress for a sleek finish.
- 🌟 Giuseppe Zanotti: Inside the Luxury Shoe Empire Loved by Celebrities — A brand spotlight detailing the designer’s journey from DJ to red carpet staple, and why stars like Lady Gaga and Beyoncé are fans.
- ✨ Hailee Steinfeld in “Harmony” Sandals — At the 2016 Nickelodeon Halo Awards, she elevated her edgy mini dress with Zanotti’s triple-strap stiletto heels.
- 💃 Naomie Harris Rocks Metallic Ankle-Wrap Zanottis — For the Walkabout Foundation gala, she chose silver sculptural sandals from Zanotti that brought polish and poise to her gown.
- 💎 Giuseppe Zanotti’s “Harmony Sparkle” Sandals — Discover the celebrity-loved heel that combines crystal embellishment with minimalist glam, worn by the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian.
Since founding his namesake label in 1994, Zanotti has blended influences from music, film, and art into striking footwear designs that consistently make a statement, just like Karlie’s classic black pumps.
Karlie Kloss captivates at the Whitney Art Party, showcasing a chic Brandon Maxwell mini dress with dramatic ruffled sleeves and a playful tiered skirt, flawlessly paired with classic black Giuseppe Zanotti pumps for an effortlessly elegant look
A Stylish Friendship: From the Met Gala to the Whitney Art Party
Karlie and Brandon’s history traces back to May of the same year. Remember Karlie’s 2016 Met Gala dress that had to be cut in half? That was Brandon rescuing the damsel-in-distress by putting a blade through his creation.
The two co-hosted the event to benefit the Whitney Independent Study Program.
Karlie Kloss playfully shows love to designer Brandon Maxwell with a sweet kiss, capturing their close bond and shared joy (Credit: Karlie Kloss’ Instagram)
Karlie’s classic Giuseppe Zanotti “Hester” pumps are no longer available online.
Karlie Kloss’s Best Shoe Moments on and off the Red Carpet
Over the years, Karlie Kloss has consistently delivered standout fashion moments that celebrate her love for bold, elegant footwear. From red carpet glam to off-duty chic, here’s a look back at some of her most memorable shoe choices featured on Your Next Shoes.
👠 Explore Karlie Kloss’s Iconic Shoe Moments:
- ✨ Karlie Kloss goes flat-feeling elegant in gold Giuseppe Zanotti sandals at the 2015 VMAs — proving flats can be just as glamorous on the red carpet.
- 🔺 Karlie Kloss battles discomfort in Brian Atwood “Patty” pumps at the Swarovski Times Square opening — a real look at beauty-versus-pain on steep stilettos.
- 👔 Karlie Kloss elevates her suit with python‑embossed Casadei pumps — powerful polished style meets perfume‑bottle inspiration.
- 🔑 Karlie Kloss steps out in Tamara Mellon “Scandal” honeycomb cutout sandals on a visit to Taylor Swift’s NYC apartment — laid‑back glam with flair.
- 🏆 Karlie Kloss presents at the CMAs in nude Gianvito Rossi “Carlyle” sandals while honoring Taylor Swift — an elegant nod to red‑carpet sophistication.