When Fashion Risks Backfire: Keira Knightley’s Controversial Chanel and Jimmy Choo Look

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In January 2015, Keira Knightley hit the red carpet at the 2015 Producers Guild Awards held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles.

Other stars who posed for photos on the red carpet included Jennifer Lawrence in a plunging Prada gown paired with metallic gold Prada sandals, Reese Witherspoon in a sleeveless floral-textured brocade top by Giambattista Valli, Mario BH pants, and black satin Christian Louboutin “Iriza” pumps, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus in a sleek black gown with pointy-toe pumps, joined by husband Brad Hall.

Keira Knightley wears a romantic center-parted updo paired with bright pink lipstick and softly defined eyesKeira Knightley wears a romantic center-parted updo paired with bright pink lipstick and softly defined eyes

The pregnant actress, who was busy promoting The Imitation Game, wore a dress from the Chanel Resort 2015 collection, featuring a floral print skirt and a floral appliqué top. She gave birth to her first child, a daughter named Edie, in May 2015.

Keira Knightley’s Chanel dress features a whimsical white bodice adorned with delicate 3D floral appliqués and structured pleating at the waist for a soft, romantic silhouetteKeira Knightley’s Chanel dress features a whimsical white bodice adorned with delicate 3D floral appliqués and structured pleating at the waist for a soft, romantic silhouette

She completed the ensemble with a pair of black suede “Mimi” point-toe pumps from Jimmy Choo, featuring almond toes and 120mm lacquered heels.

Fashion critics had mixed to negative reactions to Keira Knightley’s Chanel ensemble—do you think the look fell flat? While the whimsical 3D floral appliqués and mosaic-like skirt had runway charm, the shapeless silhouette, uninspired styling, and clunky black pumps failed to flatter her figure or elevate the red carpet moment.

Producers Guild of America's 26th Annual Producers Guild Awards Keira Knightley, posing with her husband James Righton, at the 2015 Producers Guild Awards held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles on January 24, 2015 (Credit: Nicky Nelson / WENN / Brian To / FayesVision)

Unfortunately for Keira, the following day, she was also one of the worst-dressed at the SAG Awards.

Keira Knightley’s decision to pair her Chanel gown with Jimmy Choo heels at the 2015 Producers Guild Awards wasn’t just a nod to red-carpet elegance—it also reflected a subtle synergy between two British icons.

As a London-born actress, Knightley often gravitates toward homegrown brands that align with her refined, understated style, and Jimmy Choo—founded in London and known for blending glamour with practicality—fits the bill perfectly. Let’s take a closer look at her connection to the brand, its history, and how it compares to other beloved British fashion labels.

Keira Knightley’s Most Memorable Jimmy Choo Moments

Keira Knightley has consistently relied on Jimmy Choo to complement her red-carpet ensembles, showcasing the brand’s versatility and elegance. Here are some standout moments:

Anna Karenina Premiere: Sparkling in Jimmy Choo ‘Tema’ Sandals

  • Event: Los Angeles Premiere of Anna Karenina
  • Outfit: Keira dazzled in a mint green satin Erdem gown adorned with blue floral embroidery.
  • Footwear: She completed her look with silver Jimmy Choo ‘Tema’ sandals, adding a touch of sparkle to her ensemble.
  • Read more: Keira Knightley’s Spring-Inspired ‘Anna Karenina’ Look

Tribeca Film Festival: Chic in Jimmy Choo ‘Ari’ Pumps

SeriousFun Gala: Radiant in Jimmy Choo ‘India’ Sandals

  • Event: SeriousFun Children’s Network Gala
  • Outfit: Keira recycled her Chanel Haute Couture wedding dress, modifying it with a sheer overlay and intricate embroidery.
  • Footwear: She complemented the look with gold Jimmy Choo ‘India’ sandals, featuring thin crossover straps and mirrored leather.
  • Discover more: Keira Knightley’s Recycles Chanel Wedding Dress 3 Times

TIFF Press Conference: Elegant in Jimmy Choo ‘Mischa’ Sandals

These moments showcase Keira Knightley’s affinity for Jimmy Choo, seamlessly blending classic silhouettes with contemporary flair to create unforgettable red-carpet appearances. You can find Keira’s “Mimi” pumps in different colors at Farfetch and Mytheresa.

Jimmy Choo Black 'Mimi' PumpsJimmy Choo Black ‘Mimi’ Pumps, $472

Jimmy Choo Brown Mimi Mesh Almond-Toe PumpsJimmy Choo Mimi Mesh Almond-Toe Pumps, $750

Whether or not this particular red carpet look hit the mark, one thing is clear: Keira Knightley and Jimmy Choo are a red carpet match made in fashion heaven.

From the classic elegance of the Romy pumps to the modern allure showcased in Kendall Jenner’s Spring 2023 campaign, Jimmy Choo continues to set the standard for luxury footwear. For a deeper dive into the brand’s iconic styles, explore our feature on Jimmy Choo’s most popular shoes.