When it comes to making a statement on and off the red carpet, Laverne Cox consistently blends historical significance with high-fashion risks.
In August 2016, the actress arrived at the CBS Summer TCA Party in West Hollywood to discuss two major career milestones: her role as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the Fox musical remake of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and her groundbreaking work on the legal drama Doubt.
While her performance in the cult-classic remake sparked a necessary conversation about evolving terminology within the LGBTQ+ community, her footwear choice for the evening offered a masterclass in modern, edgy elegance. Opting for a sharp departure from her typical palette, Cox proved that an all-white ensemble is the perfect canvas for standout designer accessories.
Laverne Cox wears her blonde hair down at the CBS, CW, and Showtime Summer TCA Party held on August 10, 2016, in West Hollywood (Credit: Nicky Nelson / FayesVision / Michael Boardman / WENN)
Taking on the legendary role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s Do the Time Warp Again, Cox delivered a powerhouse vocal performance. The tall actress, known for her commanding screen presence, tackled iconic numbers including “Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me” and “I’m Going Home.”
However, stepping into the fishnets of such a cult-classic character came with complex internal dialogue. Cox’s primary concern during production involved the use of the term “transvestite,” specifically within the show’s most famous anthem.
Laverne Cox sings the iconic song “Sweet Transvestite” in the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s Do the Time Warp Again (Credit: Fox 21 Television Studios)
Reflecting on the choice at the time, Cox noted that while the word is outdated and inappropriate by modern standards, its inclusion was a matter of historical preservation.
Speaking at Variety’s Power of Women Luncheon, she explained that because the original 1975 film holds such a specific place in cinematic history, altering the lyrics of an iconic song would have stripped the tribute of its authenticity.
Laverne Cox commands the red carpet in a sleek white Christian Siriano dress, finishing the look with pointed-toe, pearl-embellished pumps that add sparkle and elongate her silhouette (Credit: Nicky Nelson / FayesVision / Michael Boardman / WENN)
Laverne strayed from her usual skin-baring blacks and reds to don an all-white ensemble at the CBS TCA press tour held in West Hollywood.
The American actress wore a white shoulder-cutout dress by Christian Siriano, which she daintily accessorized with pieces from Effy Jewelry, Erica Courtney Jewels, and Open Hearts by Jane Seymour Collection. She finished her look with spiked white leather Christian Louboutin “Follies” pumps.
Close-up of Laverne Cox’s feet in white Christian Louboutin spiked pumps, showcasing the brand’s signature pointed-toe silhouette accented with tonal studs and sky-high stiletto heels
Laverne wasn’t the only one looking pristine that night. The actress coordinated effortlessly with her Doubt co-star Katherine Heigl, who marked her television comeback in a Christian Siriano dress paired with Casadei heels, a Lee Savage clutch, and jewelry by EF Collection, EFFY Jewelry, and Plukka.
Standing at 5ft 11 (180.3 cm), Laverne Cox visibly towers over Dreama Walker (5ft 1½ / 156.2 cm) and edges past Katherine Heigl (5ft 8½ / 174 cm), highlighting the striking height contrast among the trio on the red carpet
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More Iconic Christian Louboutin Follies Moments on the Red Carpet
From crystal-encrusted “glass slipper” pumps to spiked statement heels, the Christian Louboutin Follies line has become a red-carpet favorite for celebrities who embrace bold silhouettes and dramatic footwear. Explore more standout moments where the Follies pumps take center stage.
👠 Explore Christian Louboutin Follies & Related Shoe Moments:
- ✨ Zoey Deutch’s gold Christian Louboutin “Follies” pumps — a head-to-toe gilded red-carpet moment with mesh lining and metallic detail.
- 💎 Kristen Wiig’s “glass slipper” moment in Christian Louboutin Follies Strass pumps — crystal-mesh sparkle at The Martian London premiere, blending whimsical style with red-carpet polish.
- 👠 Jennifer Lopez flaunts crystal-embellished Christian Louboutin Follies Strass pumps — a classic red-carpet pairing with a light blue mini dress.
- 🌟 The 11 Best Christian Louboutin Heels — including the Follies Spikes and other iconic silhouettes from the brand.
- 👡 Christian Louboutin Follies Resille suede-trimmed mesh pumps — a sheer, red-sole classic styled on the red carpet.