When Rita Ora arrived at Cipriani Wall Street for the DKMS “Big Love” Gala on April 27, 2017, she proved that even the most seasoned style icons can find challenge in high-fashion neon.
Known for her ability to navigate avant-garde silhouettes, the singer’s choice for the New York evening leaned into the high-octane aesthetic of the Emilio Pucci Fall 2017 collection.
Rita Ora showcases the daring open-back design and high neckline of her neon Emilio Pucci gown at the 2017 DKMS Gala in New York City on April 27, 2017 (Credit: Derrick Salters / Dennis Van Tine / Future Image / WENN)
While the dress featured a sophisticated funnel neck and intricate sparkle embellishments, the saturated lime hue and heavy fabric created a silhouette that felt more cumbersome than chic.
The singer anchored the vibrant, high-wattage ensemble with minimalist gold strappy sandals to add a touch of classic red-carpet elegance
However, the styling offered a masterclass in balance; Ora grounded the neon look with metallic gold strappy sandals and flawless makeup.
Rita Ora’s instinct to offset a high-voltage neon gown with pared-back metallic heels echoes a styling formula she’s returned to time and again. From her early red-carpet appearances in Stuart Weitzman sandals and Giuseppe Zanotti heels to statement moments in Prada’s distressed antiqued pumps, Ora consistently uses footwear to ground bold fashion risks.
The approach mirrors other standout neon-and-metallic pairings on the red carpet, including Alesha Dixon’s neon House of Holland dress styled with gold heels, proving that minimalist metallic sandals remain one of the most effective ways to balance saturated color, texture, and drama.
A close-up view highlights the singer’s sophisticated makeup palette and the intricate, all-over crystal embellishments of the lime green fabric
By opting for a minimalist heel, she allowed the vibrant texture of the dress to remain the focal point, illustrating the fine line between runway editorial and red-carpet wearability.
The star’s polished beauty look featured a sleek center-parted ponytail that allowed her multi-colored statement earrings to take center stage
From a side profile, the draped silhouette of the Fall 2017 runway piece is visible, paired with shimmering metallic accessories
Rita Ora’s Bold Red-Carpet Style, Grounded by Smart Shoe Choices
While the neon Emilio Pucci gown divided opinion, Rita Ora’s decision to ground the look with understated metallic heels underscored a recurring theme in her red-carpet style: letting footwear quietly balance even the most high-impact fashion risks.
From minimalist sandals that offset statement gowns to playful pumps and street-style sneakers, Ora’s shoe choices consistently reveal a sharp understanding of proportion, polish, and wearability.
👠 Explore Rita Ora’s Best Shoe & Fashion Moments:
- ✨ Rita Ora’s Red Carpet Style: From Stuart Weitzman to Giuseppe Zanotti — A deep dive into her boldest red carpet footwear moments and evolving shoe choices.
- 🥿 Rita Ora’s Distressed Prada Antiqued Pumps Steal the Show — Her standout Prada pumps from New Year’s Rockin’ Eve rehearsals paired with polished seasonal styling.
- 💖 Rita Ora in Barbie-Pink Russell & Bromley Pumps — A playful pointed-toe pump moment at the Music Industry Trust Awards alongside Emma Bunton.
- 👟 Rita Ora Pairs Pink Nike Air Max DN8 Sneakers With Milan Street Style — A sporty-chic look blending bold color, denim layers, and statement sneakers.
- 👢 Rita Ora Supports Kyle De’Volle x JF London Boots — A throwback fashion-forward appearance spotlighting quirky denim boots.
- 👠 Rita Ora’s Height & Shoe Size Featuring Louboutin, Zanotti, & More — A reference guide to her favorite luxury shoe brands across red carpet and street-style moments.