Katy Perry’s 2013 Style Evolution: Ornate Louboutin ‘So Kate’ vs. Sleek Manolo Blahnik ‘BB’ Pumps

In December 2013 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, Katy Perry delivered two distinctly different red-carpet statements within the same week: a richly embellished Naeem Khan gown at the UNICEF Snowflake Ball and a custom Versus Versace look inspired by her “Roar” era at the Capital FM Jingle Bell Ball.

Both appearances reflected the theatrical approach to fashion that defined Perry’s style during the early 2010s, but they also highlighted two very different footwear strategies—from dramatic evening dressing built around ornate embellishment to sleek pointed-toe pumps that balanced an attention-grabbing print.

Katy Perry Wears Naeem Khan for the UNICEF Snowflake Ball

Katy Perry embraces old-Hollywood glamour at the 9th Annual UNICEF Snowflake Ball on December 3, 2013, wearing Naeem Khan’s Fall 2013 “Pure Witch” velvet gown with an intricately embroidered cape and Christian Louboutin So Kate pumps in Rose Noir (Credit: Alberto Reyes / WENN / FayesVision / Avalon / Radoslaw Nawrocki / Dan Jackman)

For the 9th Annual UNICEF Snowflake Ball, Perry chose a burgundy velvet gown by Naeem Khan featuring a halter neckline and an embroidered sheer cape. Rich velvet, metallic embroidery, and sweeping proportions gave the look a distinctly old-Hollywood sensibility while remaining unmistakably modern.

Her footwear choice reinforced that mood. Perry completed the ensemble with Christian Louboutin’s “So Kate” pumps in Rose Noir, a sleek pointed-toe silhouette whose sharp lines contrasted beautifully with the softness of the velvet gown.

The moody metallic finish complemented the deep ruby tones of the dress without disappearing into the fabric, creating subtle tonal dimension rather than an exact match.

Katy Perry stuns in a luxurious Naeem Khan velvet gown with a gold-embroidered cape at the 9th Annual UNICEF Snowflake Ball (Credit: Alberto Reyes / WENN / FayesVision / Avalon / Radoslaw Nawrocki / Dan Jackman)

The selection also reflected a classic red-carpet styling approach. With its dramatic pitch and elongated pointed toe, the So Kate is favored by stylists for the way it enhances posture and allows floor-length gowns to skim elegantly across the carpet. Even when largely concealed beneath a sweeping hemline, the shoe’s refined silhouette—and the occasional flash of Louboutin’s signature red sole—adds a discreet layer of luxury that suits a formal gala setting.

The cape’s gold embroidery introduced texture and movement, transforming an already formal silhouette into one of Perry’s more memorable charity-gala looks from the period.

Katy Perry’s sexy ruby lipstick color complemented her dress (Credit: Alberto Reyes / WENN / FayesVision / Avalon / Radoslaw Nawrocki / Dan Jackman)

Only a few days later, Perry shifted from ornate evening glamour to the playful, animal-inspired aesthetic associated with her “Roar” promotions, stepping out at the Capital FM Jingle Bell Ball in London wearing a custom Versus Versace design.

Katy Perry Pairs Versus Versace With Manolo Blahnik BB Pumps at the Jingle Bell Ball

Katy Perry made a stunning appearance on the red carpet at London’s O2 Arena as she attended the Capital FM Jingle Bell Ball (Credit: Lia Toby / Daniel Deme / WENN)

Perry embraced the visual language of her “Roar” era in a custom Versus Versace gown featuring a vivid feline-inspired print, a thigh-high slit, and the label’s signature gold safety-pin hardware.

Katy Perry exuded confidence and boldness, fitting with the theme of her hit single “Roar,” wearing a fuchsia feline animal print floor-length dress by Versus Versace (Credit: Lia Toby / Daniel Deme / WENN)

The dress was adapted from an existing Versus design originally produced in black, with Perry’s version reworked in a bold pink-and-animal-print motif that aligned with the promotional imagery for the single.

Katy Perry’s dress, in true Versace fashion, was daringly slashed and accented with the brand’s iconic gold safety pins (Credit: Lia Toby / Daniel Deme / WENN)

She completed the look with a high ponytail, oversized gold hoops, and bright fuchsia lipstick, allowing the vibrant print and metallic accents to remain the ensemble’s focal points.

Katy Perry added to the dramatic effect of her look by sporting a high ponytail, pairing it with bold fuchsia lips and large gold-hooped earrings (Credit: Lia Toby / Daniel Deme / WENN)

Grounding the dramatic Versace look was a pair of Manolo Blahnik BB pumps. The classic pointed-toe silhouette provided contrast to the dress’s vivid print, illustrating why the BB remains a dependable red-carpet choice for balancing highly embellished or statement-making garments.

Katy Perry made a statement on the red carpet, embodying the spirit of her music and fashion choices (Credit: Lia Toby / Daniel Deme / WENN)

Versus incorporated its recognizable gold safety-pin detailing as both a decorative and structural element, securing the dress while drawing attention to the low back and the dramatic front slit.

Katy Perry embraces her “Roar” era aesthetic at the 2013 Capital FM Jingle Bell Ball, wearing a custom Versus Versace leopard-print gown with signature gold safety-pin hardware and classic black Manolo Blahnik BB pumps (Credit: Lia Toby / Daniel Deme / WENN)

From Katy Perry’s sparkling Giuseppe Zanotti Harmony sandals and her Amina Muaddi heels at a later Jingle Bell Ball appearance to her Christian Louboutin Pigalle Follies pumps, Perry has frequently relied on sleek, leg-lengthening silhouettes to balance statement-making clothing.

Katy Perry channeled feline glamour at the 2013 Capital FM Jingle Bell Ball in a custom pink leopard-print Versus Versace gown paired with black Manolo Blahnik BB pumps

Her Manolo Blahnik BB pumps at the 2013 Capital FM Jingle Bell Ball fit neatly within that tradition. Similar styling strategies can also be seen in Kendall Jenner’s Fashion Week BB pumps, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s suede BB pumps, and Reese Witherspoon’s colorful suede iteration, all of which demonstrate why the sharply pointed silhouette remains a favorite for grounding bold prints, embellished gowns, and modern eveningwear.

Katy Perry’s raven locks were styled in a dramatic high ponytail, and she completed her look with oversized gold hoop earrings and hot pink lipstick (Credit: Lia Toby / Daniel Deme / WENN)

Why Celebrities Keep Returning to the Manolo Blahnik BB Pump

Celebrities have long gravitated toward the Manolo Blahnik BB pump because its clean proportions work with almost any red-carpet look.

Named after French screen icon Brigitte Bardot, the design is distinguished by a sharply pointed toe and a low-cut vamp that visually elongates the leg while maintaining a refined, understated feel.

Katy Perry’s appearance was a standout moment at the Jingle Bell Ball, wearing a classic Versus Versace dress in a bold leopard print and neon pink (Credit: Lia Toby / Daniel Deme / WENN)

The BB’s appeal lies in its versatility. Whether paired with embellished gowns, tailored separates, or bold statement dresses, the silhouette delivers polish without competing for attention, which explains why it remains a favorite for premieres, award shows, and fashion events.

Katy Perry completed her ensemble with muted Manolo Blahnik BB pumps, adding a touch of sophistication to the rebellious vibe of her outfit

As of July 2026, the style remains widely available at Nordstrom in numerous materials and finishes, including classic suede pumps, metallic leather versions, lace styles, raffia iterations, and seasonal color updates.

Nordstrom’s assortment also extends to related Manolo Blahnik signatures such as the buckle-accented Maysli slingback and the jewel-embellished Hangisi collection, underscoring the enduring popularity of the brand’s pointed-toe footwear.

Katy Perry arriving at the Capital FM Jingle Bell Ball 2013 held at the O2 Arena in London on December 7, 2013 (Credit: Lia Toby / Daniel Deme / WENN)