Lena Dunham Pairs Mary Katrantzou With Cobalt Nicholas Kirkwood “Hutton” Pumps

On April 24, 2015, Lena Dunham arrived at Cipriani 42nd Street for Variety’s Power of Women New York event, where her choice of footwear proved as bold as her advocacy.

The Girls actress used her platform as an honoree to deliver a powerful speech regarding her experience as a survivor of sexual assault, advocating for the removal of stigma and the empowerment of others.

Beyond her message, Dunham’s ensemble stood out for its expert pairing of high-fashion embroidery with structural British footwear.

“When I was raped I felt powerless. I felt my value had been determined by someone else. Someone who sent me the message that my body was not my own, and my choices were meaningless,” she shared on stage.

“It took years to recognize my personal worth was not tied to my assault; the voices telling me I deserved this were phantoms, they were liars. So as a feminist, as a sexual assault survivor, my ultimate goal is to use my experience, my platform, and yes, my privilege, to reverse stigma and give voice to other survivors,” Lena shared.

Reflecting the gravity of the occasion with a poised, polished look, the honoree wore a demure shift dress from the Mary Katrantzou Fall 2014 collection, featuring eclectic embroidered details.

Lena Dunham addresses the audience at Variety’s Power of Women New York, sharing a powerful personal message during the event at Cipriani 42nd Street on April 24, 2015 (Credit: WENN / TNYF / Alberto Reyes)

Her sophisticated sequined frock was paired with a pair of cobalt-blue suede “Hutton” pumps from Nicholas Kirkwood.

Lena Dunham’s cropped pixie haircut and soft pink makeup complemented the ornate detailing of her sequined Mary Katrantzou dress at Variety’s Power of Women New York event

For more celebrity-proof inspiration, revisit how A-listers have worn Nicholas Kirkwood on major red carpets and fashion-forward nights out—Keira Knightley’s sculptural “Carnaby” pumps, Naomi Watts’ towering Kirkwood platform heels at the Venice Film Festival, Cate Blanchett’s studded cutout Nicholas Kirkwood sandals, Rose Byrne and Miranda Kerr’s romantic lace-up Kirkwood heels, and Kerry Washington’s sleek Nicholas Kirkwood “Sabrina” pumps—all standout examples of the brand’s signature architectural glamour.

Lena Dunham styled her embellished Mary Katrantzou shift dress with cobalt blue suede Nicholas Kirkwood “Hutton” multi-strap pumps, using the sharp pointy toe and stiletto heel to balance the dress’s graphic, jewel-toned embroidery

The pointy-toe Nicholas Kirkwood “Hutton” pump features a low-cut vamp, two front straps, and a secure ankle strap with pale gold-tone metal buckles.

The design is finished with architectural cut-away side details, a suede-covered 10.5 cm (4.1-inch) stiletto heel, and a cushioned leather insole.

Nicholas Kirkwood cobalt blue suede “Hutton” pumps featuring a sharp pointy toe, elegant multi-strap detailing, and a slender stiletto heel for a bold yet refined statement finish

Nicholas Kirkwood Hutton Multi-Strap Suede Pumps

More Lena Dunham Shoe Moments Worth Revisiting

From red-carpet pumps to unconventional footwear choices, Lena Dunham’s style evolution continues to reflect her preference for individuality over convention.

For a closer look at how she pairs fashion with footwear across events and eras, explore more of her standout shoe moments below.