Katy Perry’s highly anticipated “Dark Horse” music video debuted on February 20, 2014, blending over-the-top visuals with bold fashion choices that quickly captured the internet’s attention.
Packed with ancient Egyptian-inspired looks, high-glam styling, and some truly unforgettable footwear, the video is a treasure trove for fashion lovers and pop culture fans alike. In this style breakdown, we spotlight the standout shoes worn by Katy and her dancers—featuring luxe labels like Manolo Blahnik, Giuseppe Zanotti, and Diadora.
Katy-Patra’s Regal Entrance: Atelier Versace and Manolo Blahnik Glam
It takes you on an acid trip through ancient Egypt, “a crazy long time ago,” where a Cheetos-eating, pole-dancing, merciless Katy-Patra rules over the land. Her sexy female minions wear cat-head masks, while the males are bare-chested with Pharaoh-emblazoned boxers peeking over their gold wrap skirts.
Everything invokes creative license in the video, and that goes for the fashion, too, starting with this billowy white Atelier Versace dress Katy Perry opens the video with:
Katy Perry dazzles in an ancient Egyptian-inspired Atelier Versace outfit in the ‘Dark Horse’ music video
Katy amped it up with a blue-stenciled white wig, blue nails, a gold anklet, and what appears to be the Manolo Blahnik “Pacha” PVC pumps with studded silver toe caps on her feet.
Manolo Blahnik “Pacha” Crystal-Toe PVC Pumps, $925
Backup Dancers and Gladiator Sandal Elegance
We know we said that this post is all about the shoes Katy Perry wore, but we can’t ignore the cool knee-high gladiator sandals on the female backup dancers.
Never mind that gladiator sandals are more Roman/Greek than Egyptian; it’s not like we expect the video to be factual or historically true anyway.
A backup dancer stuns in knee-high gladiator sandals and a gold ensemble while escorting a vibrant blue-skinned figure
The sandals closely resemble the tall gladiators Altuzarra released during the early days of the knee-high trend. We were pleasantly surprised to find a nearly identical lookalike available for just $50:
Breckelle’s “DIVA-22” Tall Gladiator Sandals, $50
Gilded Divinity: Katy Perry’s Statue Moment
Returning to Katy, she was soon out of her clothes and in Egyptian god statue form. Gold accents, including Katy’s gold mirror pumps, were highlighted to contrast against all the gray stones. This has got to be our favorite scene from the video, and we wish it lasted a little longer.
Katy Perry, transformed into a silver Egyptian goddess, pairs gold mirror pumps with stunning statues of deities
The shape of Katy’s shoes is more similar to the Brian Atwood “Maniac” pumps, but the color is a lot closer to these Giuseppe Zanotti mirror leather pumps:
Giuseppe Zanotti Gold Mirror Pumps
Pole Dancing in Diadora Sneakers
Katy then starts her pole-dancing routine. As the queen, she wears a cheerleader skirt, and her fringe bangs get studded.
Katy Perry showcases her flexibility in golden Diadora high-top sneakers during a pole-dancing scene
Katy does high kicks and splits in a pair of green-gold-and-blue high-top sneakers by Diadora.
A close-up of Katy Perry’s green, gold, and blue Diadora high-top sneakers
Diadora “Kim W Lurex” Sneakers, €192.50
The zoomed-in shots and the fact that all the men in the video are wearing Diadora point to Katy having some x-deal with the Italian sportswear brand.
Katy-Patra’s blue-skinned male minions wore the blue color of the Diadora “MI Basket II” sneakers, while the visiting red-skinned clan wore the respective red color.
Katy Perry reigns as ‘Katy-Patra,’ surrounded by minions in metallic gladiator sandals and Diadora sneakers
Diadora “MI Basket II” Sneakers, €85
Throne-Worthy Gold Sandals and Hidden Details
The best shoes in the video are the sandals Katy is wearing in the scenes where she’s sitting on her throne; unfortunately, they are mostly covered by the dress.
Katy Perry sits regally on her throne in a dazzling Nicolas Jebran gown
It isn’t easy to get a screencap, but the glints of gold from Katy’s ankles gave us a hint that they’re these Giuseppe Zanotti gold-studded-cuff sandals:
Giuseppe Zanotti Gold-Stud-Cuff Sandals, $1,482.04
Katy-Patra’s Final Look: Nicolas Jebran and Blinged-Out Grillz
Maybe it’s a good thing we couldn’t see the shoes because otherwise, we wouldn’t be able to appreciate the rest of Katy-Patra’s costume, from the gorgeous Nicolas Jebran Fall 2013 printed long-sleeved gown down to the gaudy blinged-out grillz.
Katy Perry stuns with bold Egyptian-inspired makeup and a blinged-out grill
Katy Perry commands the stage in a vibrant Nicolas Jebran gown, surrounded by dancers in metallic gladiator sandals and bold Egyptian-inspired costumes
Watch Katy Perry’s “Dark Horse” Music Video
Get ready for all the craziness when you watch Katy Perry’s “Dark Horse” video in its entirety below. Please don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Katy Perry’s eclectic shoe choices have consistently made headlines. At the 2013 MTV Europe Music Awards, she opted for a refined look, pairing her ensemble with Charlotte Olympia’s ‘Pomeline’ sandals, showcasing her ability to blend elegance with her signature style.
In another instance, during the 55th Grammy Awards, she turned heads in a pale jade Gucci dress, complemented by a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti heels, highlighting her penchant for high-fashion footwear.
More Katy Perry Fashion Moments to Explore
Katy Perry’s bold and eclectic style continues to captivate fans worldwide. Here are some of her standout fashion appearances:
Katy Perry Dazzles in Disco-Ball Dress and Amina Muaddi Heels at Jingle Bell Ball
- Event: Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball 2024
- Outfit: Katy shimmered in a silver Aniye Records dress with daring side cutouts, resembling a disco ball.
- Footwear: She paired the dress with clear Amina Muaddi Holli Glass Sling pumps, featuring pyramid-shaped heels.
- Read more: Katy Perry’s sparkling look at the Jingle Bell Ball
Katy Perry’s Post-Apocalyptic Ensembles at the 2024 MTV VMAs
- Event: MTV Video Music Awards 2024
- Outfit: Katy rocked two daring looks: a shredded cream-colored two-piece by Who Decides War and a metallic silver fringe dress by Area.
- Footwear: She completed her fringe dress ensemble with metallic silver Jimmy Choo Azia sandals.
- Discover more: Katy Perry’s bold fashion statements at the 2024 MTV VMAs
Katy Perry’s Topless Balenciaga Look at Paris Fashion Week
- Event: Balenciaga Haute Couture Show, Paris Fashion Week 2024
- Outfit: Katy made headlines in a long black fur coat by Balenciaga, worn without a top underneath, paired with sheer ripped tights.
- Footwear: She donned ultra-pointed Balenciaga Knife heels, adding to the edgy ensemble.
- See her look: Katy Perry’s daring Balenciaga outfit at Paris Fashion Week
Katy Perry’s Futuristic Ensemble at the 2025 Invictus Games
- Event: Invictus Games 2025 Opening Ceremony
- Outfit: Katy performed in a sporty white, black, and gray ensemble by Salomon, featuring color-changing shorts and a structured corset.
- Footwear: She completed the look with white Vetements x New Rock biker boots, featuring quilted shins and upturned toes.
- Explore her style: Katy Perry’s futuristic fashion at the Invictus Games
Katy Perry’s Elegant Oscar de la Renta Look at the Colleagues Luncheon
- Event: 35th Annual Colleagues Spring Luncheon 2024
- Outfit: Katy exuded elegance in a white floral lace cut-out dress by Oscar de la Renta, featuring a halter top and tie-back design.
- Footwear: She paired the dress with classic white pointed-toe pumps, completing the sophisticated look.
- See more: Katy Perry’s refined style at the Colleagues Luncheon
These fashion moments highlight Katy Perry’s versatility and fearless approach to style, from glamorous red carpet appearances to edgy performance outfits.