The Best Shoes at the 2026 Royal Academy Summer Exhibition: From Sculptural Pumps to Crystal Miu Mius

Stylish stars, including Daisy Lowe, Lily Allen, Jenna Coleman, and more, gathered at Burlington House in London for the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition preview party.

Alongside the variety of art on display inside, the red-carpet fashion brought its own artistic flair. Guests embraced everything from classic, refined silhouettes to more expressive, artsy looks that echoed the exhibition’s spirit.

The shoes were just as exciting. Cream-and-black pairs added a timeless touch, while metallic heels and architectural designs added a bolder, more modern edge.

Daisy Lowe, Lily Allen, Jenna Coleman, Catriona Chandler, Pixie Geldof, and Jackie St Clair showcase minimalist yet stunning dresses and heels at the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition in London on June 10, 2026 (Credit: Jonathan Brady / Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Let’s take a closer look at the pairs that stood out.

Daisy Lowe Glows in Gold Florrie “Matilda” Sandals and Di Petsa’s “Birthing Venus” Knit Dress

Daisy Lowe showcased her growing baby bump in a nude knitted dress, styled with gold sandals for a warm, cohesive finish.

She wore the Florrie “Matilda” sandals, which had a delicate, barely-there design with crisscrossing front straps that wrapped across the foot, then extended to the sides and around the heel.

A buckled slingback kept the fit secure, while the overall silhouette stayed light and minimal. Despite its simplicity, the design still felt intricate up close, especially in the way the straps framed the foot.

The sandals were crafted from vintage gold-laminated calf leather, giving them a soft, burnished shine. The warm gold finish complemented her nude dress beautifully, while the slim 2.9-inch heels gave her enough height, making them a chic yet practical choice during her pregnancy.

Daisy Lowe wears gold Florrie “Matilda” sandals featuring criss-cross front straps that extend toward the sides and wrap into a slingback strap for a secure, elegant fit (Credit: Jonathan Brady / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Lowe paired the gold sandals with a nude Di Petsa “Birthing Venus” dress featuring a sculpted, body-skimming knit with sheer fishnet-inspired panels and tonal patterns.

The fabric featured dense and looser knit sections, subtly revealing and concealing her skin while following the natural curves of her body. A corset-style tie back allowed her to adjust the fit, helping the dress sit beautifully over her growing baby bump.

To complete the look, Lowe accessorized with gold bangles, rings, small hoop earrings, and a delicate pendant necklace. A black clutch added contrast, breaking up the soft palette just enough.

Daisy Lowe cradles her growing baby bump in Di Petsa’s “Birthing Venus” knit dress, pairing the body-skimming nude design with delicate gold sandals, layered jewelry, and a sleek black clutch (Credit: Jonathan Brady / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Lily Allen Adds Boudoir Drama in Giuseppe Zanotti “Sharon” Pumps and a Sheer 16Arlington Slip Dress

Lily Allen delivered a striking mix of boudoir-inspired elegance and high-fashion drama in a 16Arlington gown paired with Giuseppe Zanotti heels.

Her shoes were mostly hidden beneath the long, sheer dress, but glimpses revealed cream-toned, crocodile-embossed leather with a peep-toe design and subtle platform. From what could be seen, she appeared to be wearing Giuseppe Zanotti’s “Sharon” pumps, a platform peep-toe style that became a celebrity favorite in the early 2010s. We’ve previously spotted the same design on Kerry Washington, Allison Williams, and Kate Hudson, highlighting the model’s enduring red-carpet appeal.

You can get these Giuseppe Zanotti “Sharon” pumps for $249 (from $795) at Farfetch.

Lily Allen offers a rare glimpse of her Giuseppe Zanotti “Sharon” pumps, showcasing the style’s cream croc-embossed leather, peep-toe silhouette, hidden platforms, and sky-high heels beneath her sweeping gown (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Allen paired the pumps with a gown from 16Arlington, featuring a smoky, sheer mesh layered over a nude lining. A modern update on a vintage slip dress, it featured a plunging sweetheart neckline trimmed with delicate lace and held in place by thin black spaghetti straps.

The dress also had horizontal bands around the torso and skirt, giving the silhouette a corset-like structure that emphasized its long, column shape.

Adding a dramatic touch, Allen wore a plush ostrich feather boa in a dusty rose shade, draped over her left shoulder and trailing down her back to the floor.

She kept her jewelry minimal, choosing only statement gemstone rings, which added a subtle sparkle.

Lily Allen embraces boudoir-inspired glamour in a sheer 16Arlington slip dress trimmed with dark lace and structured sheer bands, finishing the look with a dramatic dusty-rose ostrich feather boa draped across one shoulder (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Jenna Coleman Goes Sculptural in Cream Cutout Pumps and a Mixed-Media Lanvin Dress

Jenna Coleman looked perfectly suited to the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition preview in an artistic, avant-garde look.

She wore a pair of sophisticated cream matte pumps with a rectangular side cutout that exposed the arch of her foot, giving the design a modern, sculptural edge.

Tonally finished cap toes in a shinier leather and a metal detail at the back of the heel added a subtle contrast in texture, giving the pumps a more polished look. They were set on sculpted cone-shaped heels, which added an unexpected touch of artistic flair to the design.

Jenna Coleman steps out in cream leather pumps featuring glossy tonal cap toes, dramatic side cutouts, and sculptural cone heels that lend an architectural finish to her look (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Coleman paired the shoes with a Lanvin Fall 2026 mixed-media midi dress, featuring a pale cream textured bodice and a fluid dove-gray silk skirt.

The sleeveless bodice draped softly across the neckline and dropped to the waist before transitioning into an asymmetrical skirt with soft ruffles.

She completed the look with a blue Longchamp Le Roseau bag and Cartier Grain de Café earrings and rings for a polished finish.

Jenna Coleman pairs her cream pumps with a mixed-media Lanvin dress featuring a pale cream textured bodice and a fluid dove-gray silk skirt (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Catriona Chandler Elevates an Art-Inspired Look With Casadei “Michelle” Platform Slingback Pumps

Catriona Chandler made a playful, art-driven statement at the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition preview, mixing everyday staples with a bold, graphic skirt that gave the whole look a fresh, creative edge.

She wore a pair of cream-colored Casadei “Michelle” pointed pumps with a sleek, structured silhouette that instantly elevated the outfit.

The design showed a contrast between smooth cream calf leather and glossy black patent trim that outlined the topline, extending to the vamp and slingback strap fastened with a small buckle.

I liked how the front strap formed a soft, bow-like shape, adding a feminine touch. Set on a thick platform and high heel, the shoes still kept a sharp, modern profile.

Catriona Chandler opts for the sophisticated Casadei “Michelle” pointed pumps in cream leather with glossy black patent trims (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Catriona Chandler paired them with the Hades “Greetings from…” skirt in bright azure blue, cut in an A-line silhouette that sat above her knees.

The skirt featured vintage postcard prints and handwritten-style text reading “Summer passes, Spring passes,” arranged in a diamond pattern that gave it a lively, artistic feel.

A simple white long-sleeve crewneck top was tucked cleanly into the waistband, balancing the more expressive pieces while keeping everything wearable but still interesting. Her short, softly curled hair and minimal jewelry tied everything together flawlessly.

Catriona Chandler embraces an artsy look with her Hades “Greetings from…” skirt in bright azure blue with vintage postcard prints and handwritten-style texts, “Summer passes, Spring passes” (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Pixie Geldof Pairs Miu Miu Crystal-Strap Slingback Pumps With a Romantic Dôen Polka Dot Dress

Pixie Geldof channels an effortless romantic-boho mood with a modern edge at the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition preview, pairing a cream polka-dot dress with sleek black heels. I loved how the soft, nostalgic print balanced with sharper accessories!

She wore a pair of Miu Miu pumps in glossy black patent leather, featuring a classic pointed toe and a slim elasticated slingback strap.

A crystal-embellished Mary Jane strap added a subtle touch of sparkle, a detail that has become increasingly associated with Miu Miu’s evening footwear in recent years.

The brand has repeatedly revisited crystal-trimmed pumps and slingbacks, including styles similar to those worn by Emily Blunt at the WWD Style Awards, where jeweled straps played a similarly prominent role.

Set on 3.3-inch stiletto heels, they also gave Pixie a boost in height while keeping the overall feel refined and wearable.

Pixie Geldof adds a touch of sparkle with glossy black Miu Miu slingback pumps, featuring crystal-embellished Mary Jane straps that contrast beautifully against her romantic polka-dot dress (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Geldof paired the heels with the Dôen “Emerence” dress, crafted from a cream silk-blend fabric covered in the brand’s nostalgic “Portia Dot” burgundy polka dot print.

It also had a lovely bateau neckline framed by a soft ruffle detail, while short puffed sleeves added a romantic, vintage-inspired touch. The bodice also featured angled seams and subtle shirring, adding structure before falling into a fluid midi-length hem. You can get this dress for $450 at Net-a-Porter.

Pixie completed her look with a slouchy black leather bag and a few stacked rings for a hint of shine.

Pixie Geldof embraces vintage-inspired charm in Dôen’s cream polka-dot dress, pairing the ruffle-trimmed silhouette with crystal-embellished Miu Miu slingbacks and a structured black handbag for a modern contrast (Credit: Jonathan Brady / PA Images / INSTARimages)

Jackie St Clair Brings Garden-Fairy Romance in Sole Bliss “Remy” Metallic Platform Sandals

Jackie St Clair embodied ethereal midsummer romance at the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition preview in London, stepping out in a dove-gray tulle midi dress paired with metallic silver sandals for a soft, cohesive finish. I loved how the delicate tones of the outfit worked together, giving the whole look a dreamy, artistic feel.

She wore the $399 Sole Bliss “Remy” sandals made in Spain, featuring thick straps in metallic snake-print leather and soft silver suede. The front straps crossed neatly over the foot, while an adjustable ankle strap in matching suede secured the fit with a bold square buckle.

The mix of textures gave the sandals depth, bringing extra dimension and sophistication to the design. Although Sole Bliss is best known for prioritizing comfort, the Remy demonstrates the brand’s ability to create genuinely red-carpet-worthy footwear, which helps explain why women such as Helen Mirren have chosen the same style for major international events. Set on a 1.25-inch platform and a 5-inch block heel, they added height while still looking stable and wearable.

Beyond their striking silhouette, the sandals also featured Sole Bliss’ Innovative Bunion Bed and three layers of soft, supportive underfoot cushioning, making them easy to wear for long periods.

Jackie St Clair shines in her Sole Bliss “Remy” sandals featuring silver suede and metallic snake-print leather straps, platforms, and block heels (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)

St Clair paired them with a dove-gray tulle midi dress that delivered an enchanted, garden-fairy mood. The dress was covered in intricate 3D floral appliqués in soft pink, rose, and lavender tones, cascading from the bodice down to the layered, flounced skirt.

To finish the look, St Clair carried a bird-shaped clutch and wore a laurel-leaf headpiece, enhancing the romantic, whimsical theme of her outfit.

Jackie St Clair pairs metallic silver platform sandals with a dove-gray tulle dress adorned with cascading floral appliqués, completing the whimsical look with a sparkling bird-shaped clutch and a crystal laurel headpiece (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)

How 2026’s Most Stylish Women Are Turning Shoes Into Wearable Art

From Daisy Lowe’s barely-there gold sandals to Jenna Coleman’s sculptural pumps and Pixie Geldof’s crystal-trimmed Miu Miu heels, the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition preview showed how footwear is increasingly becoming an extension of the outfit rather than an afterthought. Across red carpets, fashion weeks, and major cultural events, 2026 has been defined by artistic details, architectural silhouettes, and statement-making finishes that blur the line between fashion and art.