At the 2021 BET Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, Saweetie arrived with her father, Johnny Harper, a former San Jose State football player, for a family-centered red-carpet appearance that highlighted both her personal story and evolving fashion identity.
Saweetie and her father, Johnny Harper, attend the BET Awards 2021 at Microsoft Theater—now the Peacock Theater—in Los Angeles on June 27, 2021 (Credit: Nicky Nelson / WENN)
Born Diamonté Quiava Valentin Harper in Santa Clara, California, the rapper and singer is best known for hits including “ICY GRL,” “My Type,” and “Best Friend.” Beyond music, Saweetie has developed a recognizable red-carpet aesthetic built around statement footwear, from crystal-embellished heels and furry boots at Jingle Ball to the dramatic gladiator sandals she wore for the 2021 BET Awards.
Saweetie’s archival Dolce & Gabbana look featured an exceptionally long chiffon train that swept across the BET Awards carpet, creating one of the evening’s most theatrical silhouettes (Credit: Nicky Nelson / WENN)
Standing about 5ft 5½ in (166.4 cm) tall—though some sources list her at 5 ft 7 in (170 cm)—Saweetie is believed to wear a US shoe size 8, and her preference for eye-catching footwear has become a consistent feature of her public style.
She has also appeared in our roundup of fashion-forward female rappers, where her shoe choices are highlighted alongside her music career.
Sparkling wraparound sandals climbed the leg in a jewelry-inspired design, combining slender metallic straps with crystal detailing and a delicate anklet effect (Credit: Mega / WENN)
Nominated for Best Female Hip Hop Artist, Saweetie wore an archival Dolce & Gabbana gown from 2004 styled by Wilford Lenov. The look reflected the renewed interest in early-2000s fashion that has become increasingly visible on modern red carpets.
Crystal-embellished gold gladiator sandals and Bulgari jewelry completed the ensemble, while the gown’s thigh-high slit ensured the wraparound straps remained visible as she posed for photographers.
Saweetie would continue experimenting with equally theatrical footwear in later appearances, including metallic heels showcased in our coverage of the 2025 CFDA Awards red carpet.
Gold accents at the neckline and waist framed the fluid draping of the vintage gown, while the high slit revealed the intricate strappy heels beneath (Credit: Mega / WENN)
Saweetie’s BET Awards Sandals Bring Gladiator Glamour Back to the Red Carpet
Saweetie’s 2021 BET Awards look stands out because the footwear did more than finish the outfit. Her gold wraparound sandals shaped the entire silhouette, turning an archival Dolce & Gabbana gown into a leg-focused red-carpet moment.
For more celebrity takes on crystal straps, gladiator heels, and statement sandals, explore the stories below.
👠 Explore More Statement Sandal Moments:
- ⚔️ The enduring appeal of gladiator sandals traces how cross-strap designs moved from ancient inspiration to warm-weather staples and red-carpet heels.
- ✨ Jessica Chastain’s René Caovilla gladiator sandals turned crystal-wrapped leg straps into the focal point of a sparkling Gucci mini dress.
- 🎤 Ciara’s Giuseppe Zanotti gladiator sandals capture the bold, warrior-inspired side of the 2010s strappy sandal trend.
- 🖤 Joan Smalls’ Casadei gladiator stilettos paired knee-high black leather straps with gold-tone buckles and mirrored blade heels.
- 💫 The 2026 BET Awards shoe report spotlights crystal-wrapped René Caovilla sandals, metallic gladiators, and other statement heels that echoed Saweetie’s high-drama red-carpet approach.