When Lebanese designer Elie Madi debuted his Spring/Summer 2018 collection, one particular long-sleeved gown—defined by its vibrant, beaded multicolor stripes—quickly became a red-carpet standout.
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In 2017, both Paris Hilton and Thalia Sodi chose this shimmering piece for high-profile events, each styling it to match their personal aesthetic.
From custom skirt modifications to distinct footwear choices, here is a look back at how these two stars interpreted the same runway design.
1. Paris Hilton Styles Elie Madi With Sleek Tom Ford Pumps
Paris Hilton completed her sparkling look with a side-swept hairstyle and diamond stud earrings
Paris Hilton wore the gown to the Inaugural Fundraising Gala for The Fred Hollows Foundation, held at The Highlight Room in Los Angeles on November 15, 2017.
Interestingly, Hilton’s version of the YAS Couture by Elie Madi gown lacked the sheer horizontal strips on the skirt seen on the runway, suggesting a custom modification for a more opaque, streamlined silhouette.
Paris Hilton brought high-shine glamour to the Inaugural Fundraising Gala for The Fred Hollows Foundation at The Highlight Room in Hollywood on November 15, 2017, styling her striped Elie Madi gown with sleek black Tom Ford patent pumps and loose side-swept waves (Credit: FayesVision / Joseph Marzullo / Rob Rich / WENN)
She kept the focus on the beadwork by opting for a side-swept hairstyle and diamond studs. For her feet, she chose Tom Ford patent leather point-toe pumps.
Paris Hilton’s Tom Ford patent pointy-toe pumps worn without the padlock ankle straps
While these shoes usually feature a signature padlock-detail ankle strap, Hilton wore them without the hardware for a cleaner finish.
Tom Ford padlock-ankle-strap pointed-toe pumps
2. Thalía Revives Prada’s “Hot Rod” Wedges With Elie Madi Glamour
Ariadna Thalía Sodi Miranda, known mononymously as Thalía, shows off her teardrop earrings
Thalia brought the Elie Madi design to the 71st Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on June 11, 2017. Unlike Hilton, Thalia wore the gown exactly as it was presented on the runway, featuring nude, sheer panels crisscrossing the skirt.
At the 71st Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on June 11, 2017, Thalía paired her multicolored beaded Elie Madi gown with playful green-and-ivory Prada “Hot Rod” wedges, adding a bold, retro twist to the sleek red-carpet silhouette (Credit: FayesVision / Joseph Marzullo / Rob Rich / WENN)
Her accessories were bold: teardrop earrings, a green snakeskin clutch, and a large citrine cocktail ring. However, the most notable part of her ensemble was her choice of footwear.
Thalia’s Prada ‘Hot Rod’ sandals in green and ivory
She revisited a cult-favorite fashion moment by wearing Prada’s Spring 2012 “Hot Rod” wedges. These patent leather shoes, featuring taillight details and flame accents, added a kitschy, playful energy to the sophisticated gown.
Prada Spring 2012 Hot Rod jewel-toe taillight-detail patent wedges
Both women chose the same Elie Madi base, but the final results—defined by Paris’s sleek alterations and Thalia’s archival Prada wedges—offer two very different takes on high-shine evening wear.
From Sleek Tom Ford Pumps to Prada’s Playful “Hot Rod” Heels
Paris Hilton and Thalía may have started with the same Elie Madi gown, but their shoe choices gave the look two completely different personalities.
Hilton kept the styling polished with glossy Tom Ford pumps, while Thalía leaned into fashion nostalgia with Prada’s whimsical car-inspired wedges. For more red-carpet moments built around unforgettable statement shoes, explore these related looks.
👠 Explore Similar Statement Shoe Moments:
- 🚗 Prada’s original Spring 2012 flame sandals captured the same hot-rod fantasy seen in Thalía’s wedges, turning Cadillac curves, jewel toes, and cartoon flames into collectible runway footwear.
- 💚 Fergie’s green Prada flame wedge sandals showed how the “Hot Rod” silhouette could push a monochrome outfit into full pop-fashion territory.
- 🎨 Katy Perry’s Prada flame sandals at Paris Fashion Week leaned into mismatched pastels, bright graphics, and the playful energy of Miuccia Prada’s Spring 2012 car-inspired collection.
- ✨ Elizabeth Banks revived Prada’s legendary “Hot Rod” flame heels with a graphic Fendi dress, proving the archival design still feels sharp years after its runway debut.
- 🖤 Jennifer Lopez’s black Tom Ford padlock pumps offer a sleek counterpoint to Paris Hilton’s styling, with glossy patent leather, pointed toes, and signature gold lock hardware.
- 🤍 Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez in white Tom Ford padlock pumps spotlight the same sharp ankle-lock silhouette in a brighter, high-glamour finish.
- 💗 Khloé Kardashian’s blush Tom Ford padlock pumps softened the hardware-heavy design with suede texture while keeping the gold lock charms as the focal point.