We’ve long admired top model Maria Borges, who made history — and turned heads — at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show with her towering 6-foot (182.9 cm) frame, radiant confidence, and studded body pieces.
Standing tall in a US size 9 shoe, the Angolan beauty has redefined runway elegance with a balance of power and poise that few can match. She also looked stunning in an Alberta Ferretti Limited Edition Fall 2016 Couture gown and strappy heels at the 2017 amfAR Milano gala.
Stepping away from the glittering world of lingerie catwalks, Maria showcased her red-carpet finesse at the 31st Annual Footwear News Achievement Awards in New York City — a look that blended bold color with regal grace. The striking ensemble, reminiscent of Lupita Nyong’o’s fearless approach to vibrant hues, proved that Maria’s fashion influence extends far beyond the runway.
Angolan model Maria Borges attends the 31st FN Achievement Awards at IAC Headquarters on November 28, 2017, in New York City (Credit: Patricia Schlein / WENN)
Color Confidence: Maria Borges Channels Lupita Nyong’o in Bold Pink and Gray Heels
We’ve seen many Black women embrace bold fashion with confidence, but few have mastered vibrant color quite like Lupita Nyong’o—until Angolan model Maria Borges came along.
Known for her radiant skin tone and fearless approach to statement hues, Maria brought a refreshing burst of energy to the red carpet, proving that pink and gray can look every bit as powerful as classic black and gold.
Maria Borges strikes a confident pose in a bright pink Badgley Mischka sheath dress with floral embroidery and gray Malone Souliers “Maureen” heels at the 31st Annual Footwear News Achievement Awards in New York
Maria wore a bright pink dress by Badgley Mischka. Embroidered flowers on a tulle yoke gave the look extra elegance. The Angel surprised us with a pair of edgy Malone Souliers “Maureen” pumps in gray suede.
That same year, Ellie Goulding wore the black version of the same heels with a revealing dress from Philipp Plein’s Pre-Fall 2017 collection at the 2017 Brit Awards.
A closer look at Maria’s gray suede Malone Souliers “Maureen” pumps featuring the brand’s signature curved silhouette and metallic straps
The sculptural stiletto heel of the Malone Souliers “Maureen” pump highlights the label’s craftsmanship and sleek, architectural design
Maria’s look may have leaned toward the daring side, but her natural confidence and charisma turned the bold color clash into a statement of effortless glamour. Few could pull off neon pink and soft gray so seamlessly — yet she managed to make the contrast feel intentional and elevated rather than experimental.
Keeping her beauty look understated, Maria balanced the vibrancy with warm brown shadow, rosy cheeks, and nude lips — a fresh, modern finish that let the dress and shoes take center stage. With her statuesque 6-foot frame and fearless fashion instincts, she remains one of the most exciting models to watch on and off the runway.
Maria keeps her beauty fresh and modern with warm brown eyeshadow, soft pink cheeks, and glossy nude lips that complement her vivid dress
As it turns out, Maria was celebrating Roy Luwolt and Mary Alice Malone — the dynamic duo of Malone Souliers. The brand received the Vivian Infantino Emerging Talent Award for its unique footwear design. The 25-year-old Angolan fashion model posed with one half of the design duo Roy Luwolt on the red carpet.
The statuesque model poses with Malone Souliers co-founder Roy Luwolt as the brand receives the Vivian Infantino Emerging Talent Award
Malone Souliers: Where Modern Craft Meets Timeless Glamour
As we close, it’s worth celebrating the Malone Souliers legacy that continues to shape how celebrities walk, pose, and power through red carpets.
From sculptural stiletto heels to contemporary collaborations, the British brand founded by Mary Alice Malone has become a favorite among stars who appreciate artistry and edge in equal measure. Below are some of our favorite Your Next Shoes features that capture the label’s signature sophistication.
👠 Explore Malone Souliers Highlights on Your Next Shoes:
- 💎 Malone Souliers: Redefining Luxury Footwear With Timeless Design and Unmatched Comfort — an in-depth look at the craftsmanship and the brand’s cult-favorite “Maureen” silhouette loved by editors and stars alike.
- 👗 Malone Souliers × Emanuel Ungaro: A Capsule of Pure Artistry — how this Pre-Fall ’18 collaboration fused sculptural heels with Ungaro’s flamboyant femininity.
- 🎬 Marcia Gay Harden’s Unexpected Twist: The Side-Flap “Imogen” Pump — a daring red-carpet statement that redefined quirky elegance.
- 🎤 Taylor Swift’s Preppy Edge: Chunky Malone Souliers Oxfords on Tour — where off-duty cool meets polished craftsmanship.
- 👠 9 Female Shoe Designers Redefining Luxury — Featuring Mary Alice Malone — a spotlight on visionary women shaping the future of high-end footwear.
Elegant, architectural, and endlessly versatile — Malone Souliers remains a designer’s designer brand: adored by stylists, worn by icons, and cherished by anyone who believes every great outfit begins with the perfect pair of heels.