Keke Palmer was just ten years old when she made her on-screen debut in Barbershop 2: Back in Business, released on February 6, 2004. Born on August 26, 1993, she celebrated her 11th birthday later that year—a milestone that marked the beginning of a career defined by talent, range, and an increasing command of style.
More than a decade after her breakout, Palmer’s evolution was on full display at the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con, where she stepped out in one of her boldest fashion moments yet. The confident, fashion-forward energy she brought to the event showed just how far she’d come from her early Hollywood days, cementing her as both a powerhouse performer and an undeniable style presence.
Keke Palmer delivers an expressive early performance as Jasmine in Barbershop 2: Back in Business, showcasing the talent that would launch her Hollywood career (Credit: MGM Distribution Co.)
Palmer played Jasmine, the niece of Gina (Queen Latifah), in the film.
This small but memorable role helped introduce her to broader audiences and set the stage for future collaborations between the two actresses, including Joyful Noise in 2012.
A young Keke Palmer reacts in character during Barbershop 2, capturing the screen presence that helped propel her into more leading roles (Credit: MGM Distribution Co.)
Keke Palmer’s Rise to Stardom and the Bold Style Evolution That Followed
Barbershop 2: Back in Business marked Palmer’s first significant film role and quickly signaled she was a young talent to watch. The momentum from that performance helped propel her into a rising career that soon included standout projects like Akeelah and the Bee, True Jackson, VP, and Scream Queens.
Keke Palmer sports a single edgy braid in her hair at the Comic-Con International: San Diego event held July 23, 2016 (Credit: Tony Forte / WENN)
As her screen presence grew, so did her confidence in front of the camera—something that would later translate into increasingly bold, expressive fashion choices.
More than a decade after her debut, Palmer’s style evolution was impossible to miss, culminating in her striking, high-fashion appearance at the 2016 San Diego Comic-Con.
Keke Palmer turns heads at San Diego Comic-Con in a metallic Gucci jacket, embroidered bra, and paint-splattered jeans for one of her boldest style moments (Credit: Tony Forte / WENN)
Keke Palmer’s Bold Comic-Con Look: Metallic Gucci, Embroidered Bra, and Paint-Splattered Denim
The American actress flashed some flesh in a black floral-embroidered bra, which she wore underneath a metallic lilac Gucci jacket.
Showing off the back of her look, Keke highlights the sheen of her lilac Gucci bomber and her edgy shaved-side braid at Comic-Con (Credit: Tony Forte / WENN)
Her crackled leather bomber jacket featured floral appliques and the fashion house’s signature web stripes. Keke amped up the style further with a pair of paint-splattered boyfriend jeans and metallic platform heels.
Keke Palmer joins Billie Lourd and John Stamos in a playful pose at San Diego Comic-Con, showcasing their lively Scream Queens camaraderie on the press line (Credit: Tony Forte / WENN)
Keke styled the already bold look with a selection of statement jewelry. She wore a pair of moon-shaped dangling earrings, a velvet choker, a multi-layered necklace, and several rings.
A close-up of Keke’s metallic Bally platform sandals reveals their striking two-tone straps and towering block heels (Credit: Tony Forte / WENN)
The former child actress also carried a gray Proenza Schouler clutch and completed the look with an edgy, high, braided ponytail and neutral makeup.
The Bally “Clarine” Platforms That Elevated Her Look
Lauren Keyana “Keke” Palmer stepped out in Bally’s metallic “Clarine” platforms—a fitting choice from the storied Swiss fashion house, founded in 1851 and celebrated for its exceptional shoemaking craftsmanship and signature red-and-white stripe detailing.
Keke’s shimmering orange and gold Bally “Clarine” sandals add vibrant contrast to her cuffed, paint-splattered jeans (Credit: Tony Forte / WENN)
These sandals have two-tone metallic straps, adjustable ankle straps, about one-inch platforms, and 5.5-inch block heels with metallic trim.
Keke Palmer’s metallic Bally platforms show off her vibrant blue pedicure (Credit: Tony Forte / WENN)
Keke Palmer’s Bold Fashion Evolution: Her Standout Shoe Moments
As Palmer’s career matured, so did her style—shifting from early red-carpet sweetness to the fearless, experimental fashion she’s now known for. Whether she’s commanding attention in metallic knits, towering platforms, or thigh-high boots, her footwear choices have become an essential part of her fashion identity.
To highlight just how diverse and directional her style has become, here’s a curated look at Keke Palmer’s most memorable shoe and fashion moments—spanning red carpets, press tours, and headline-making street style.
✨ Keke Palmer’s Most Iconic Shoe and Fashion Moments on the Red Carpet and Street:
- 👠 Her glamorous winter press tour looks, including archival Dior paired with elegant Gianvito Rossi “Flavia” gold leaf heels.
- 👢 The viral street-style moment featuring bold magenta braids and racy Vetements thigh-high logo sock boots.
- ⭐ Dazzling in a metallic knit set at the 2016 AMAs, accessorized with shimmering Saint Laurent “Jane” ankle-strap sandals.
- 🐆 Turning heads in a latex dress paired with high-impact Stuart Weitzman zebra print “Nudist” sandals.
- 👗 Stunning in an animal print Etro maxi dress, elevated by black platform heels at the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic.
- 🖤 Showcasing a sheer top and green skirt, finished with sleek black suede Sergio Rossi thigh-high boots.
- 💖 The whimsical monochrome look that incorporated feminine Isa Tapia “Gigi” tulle sandals for a BUILD interview.
- 📏 An overview of her height and shoe size, highlighting how she boosts her frame in heels like Giuseppe Zanotti gold-detailed sandals.