Nina Dobrev’s Degrassi Beginnings to Red-Carpet Glamour: How Jerome C. Rousseau’s “Malibu” Heels Defined Her Style

Before becoming one of Hollywood’s most stylish leading ladies, Nina Dobrev got her start at just 17, playing Mia Jones on the Canadian teen drama Degrassi: The Next Generation.

Nina Dobrev’s first significant acting role was as Mia Jones, the girlfriend of Jamie Johnston as Peter Stone, on the teen drama TV show “Degrassi: The Next Generation” (Credit: Epitome Pictures / Bell Media / Alliance Atlantis)

Debuting in the 2006 episode “Can’t Hardly Wait,” Dobrev portrayed a high school student and single mother navigating the challenges of raising her daughter while chasing modeling dreams. Her storyline culminated in 2009, when Mia left for Paris to pursue a career in fashion — a fitting foreshadowing of the real-life glamour Dobrev would later embrace on red carpets worldwide.

Nina Dobrev played Mia Jones, Jamie Johnston played Peter Stone, Annie Clark played Fiona Coyne, and Landon Liboiron played Declan Coyne on the Canadian teen drama television series “Degrassi: The Next Generation” (Credit: Epitome Pictures / Bell Media / Alliance Atlantis)

Her performance made her one of Degrassi’s breakout stars and opened the door to her next significant role as Elena Gilbert on The Vampire Diaries.

From that moment, Dobrev’s rise was unstoppable — both on-screen and in the fashion world. By 2016, she had evolved into a bona fide Hollywood style icon, turning heads at events like the GLSEN Respect Awards in a strapless floral Armani dress and metallic blue heels.

Nina Dobrev Shines at the 2016 GLSEN Respect Awards

In October 2016, Nina Dobrev joined Hollywood’s finest at the 2016 GLSEN Respect Awards in Beverly Hills.

Nina Dobrev presented YouTube star and activist Connor Franta with an award for his dedication to the well-being of young people and LGBTQ rights at the 2016 GLSEN Respect Awards at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills on October 21, 2016 (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

The fashionable actress showcased her signature feminine and sassy style in a cute dress from Giorgio Armani’s Fall 2016 collection.

Her painterly floral silk number featured a strapless bodice and a full skirt that fell above her knees.

Nina Dobrev elevated her glam with a sleek updo, glowing skin, and a bold red lip that perfectly complemented her modern strapless look

Nina opted to go bare-necked. She glammed up the look with statement earrings and a John Hardy ring.

The Bulgarian-Canadian actress teamed her ornate dress with metallic blue sandals. She also accessorized with a Tyler Ellis clutch and finished her look with a neat, side-parted bun and bold red lip shade.

The actress stunned in a painterly floral strapless dress from Giorgio Armani’s Fall 2016 collection, paired with metallic blue heels and a velvet clutch

To complete her look, Nina slipped into metallic blue Jerome C. Rousseau “Malibu” sandals—a sculptural choice that perfectly echoed her playful yet polished aesthetic.

That same year, Paula Patton wore the designer’s silver “Malibu” sandals with an ice-blue dress from Martha Medeiros.

The Quebec-born designer, Jerome C. Rousseau, launched his eponymous line of Italian-made luxury shoes in 2008 after studying footwear at London’s renowned Cordwainers College. Before creating his label, he honed his craft with fashion houses like Matthew Williamson and Peter Pilotto, experiences that shaped his signature modern, art-inspired silhouettes.

Jerome C. Rousseau: The Sculptural Designer Behind Hollywood’s Favorite Heels

Before long, Jerome C. Rousseau’s sculptural designs were gracing red carpets from Los Angeles to London. His bold use of shape, metallic finishes, and architectural silhouettes made him a go-to for stars seeking statement footwear that blends art and allure. Below, explore some of the most memorable celebrity moments in his creations — all featured on Your Next Shoes.

The “Malibu” sandals capture that creative spirit with slender ankle straps, open toes, and 4.25-inch sculpted heels—a bold yet feminine finish that elevated Dobrev’s red-carpet ensemble.

A closer look at Nina’s metallic blue Jerome C. Rousseau “Malibu” sandals, featuring slender ankle straps and sculpted 4.25-inch heels

Explore Nina Dobrev’s Best Shoe Moments

As we wrap, take a quick spin through Nina’s greatest hits on Your Next Shoes—from red-carpet stilettos to off-duty boots—curated below for easy browsing.