Keke Palmer’s Time 100 Next Gala Look: Cong Tri Mini Dress & Rene Caovilla ‘Cleo’ Sandals Steal the Spotlight

Time Magazine expanded its flagship Time 100 franchise in 2019 with the debut of the Time 100 Next list—a forward-looking roster spotlighting rising talents shaping culture, entertainment, technology, and beyond.

To celebrate the inaugural issue, the publication hosted a star-studded gala at Pier 17 in New York City, where this new generation of honorees gathered for the first time.

Among them was actress Keke Palmer, who, like Camila Cabello—featured on one of the issue’s six collectible covers—earned a well-deserved place on the list. Her appearance at the gala now reads as an early style milestone in her ongoing evolution as a fashion risk-taker and red-carpet standout.

Keke Palmer flaunts her legs at the Time 100 Next Gala held at Pier 17 in New York City on November 14, 2019 (Credit: WENN / Instar)

Keke Palmer Stuns in Cong Tri’s Scribble-Print Mini Dress at the Time 100 Next Gala

For the gala, the Hustlers star slipped into a cream-colored mini dress with a black and white scribble pattern from Vietnamese designer Cong Tri’s Spring 2020 collection.

The printed strapless number features a thigh-grazing straight hem and a draped back train, adding a touch of drama to the sexy frock.

Keke Palmer turns heads at the Time 100 Next Gala in a sculptural Cong Tri scribble-print mini dress paired with strappy black stilettos

Soft Glam Beauty: Romantic Waves and a Sultry Makeup Moment

The 26-year-old actress amped up the sultry vibe of the look with nude lip gloss, dark eyeliner, and shimmering eyeshadow. She wore her long black tresses down in soft romantic waves with a center parting.

Keke Palmer wears her long black hair in soft waves with nude lip gloss and shimmering eyeshadow

Minimal Jewelry, Maximum Impact: Keke’s Sparkling Rene Caovilla ‘Cleo’ Heels

Keeping her neck bare, Keke accessorized with just a couple of statement rings and earrings.

She drew more attention to her legs and feet as she slipped into a pair of Rene Caovilla ‘Cleo’ sandals. They feature coiled spiral ankle straps that snake up the legs, rhinestone crystal embellishments, open toes, and 4-inch heels.

Her look was anchored by sleek black coil-strap stilettos that highlighted her legs and added a sharp, high-fashion edge to the ensemble

Keke Palmer isn’t the only star lighting up red carpets in Rene Caovilla’s signature coil-strap heels — the “Cleo” (and its snake-wrap kin) remains a favorite among A-listers.

Over the years, celebs like Naomie Harris and Victoria Justice have rocked the iconic snake-strap design on major red carpets.

Even red-carpet regulars such as Jessica Chastain have opted for Rene Caovilla’s coiled heels when they want their footwear to steal the show. If you love statement heels that snake up the leg and elevate any outfit, these looks prove the “Cleo” remains eternally on-trend.

Earlier in the Month: A Chic Chanel Moment With Louboutin Pumps

Earlier that month, she wore head-to-toe Chanel for the Through Her Lens: The Tribeca CHANEL Women’s Filmmaker Program Luncheon held at Locanda Verde in New York City.

“Growing Up Hip Hop” star Angela Simmons also wore Chanel with black patent Christian Louboutin pumps.

Keke Palmer and Angela Simmons arrive in chic head-to-toe Chanel looks—complete with metallic heels and classic Louboutin pumps—at the Tribeca CHANEL Women’s Filmmaker Program Luncheon in New York City on November 4, 2019

Keke Palmer’s Enduring Fashion Legacy: More Iconic Shoe Moments

As Keke Palmer’s career has evolved, so has her fashion footprint—marked by bold silhouettes, inventive styling, and a consistent love of standout heels.

For readers looking to explore more of her most memorable shoe and red-carpet moments, here are additional highlights from our archives: