The “high-low” fashion mix—pairing accessible labels with luxury accessories—has become a staple of modern red-carpet style.
However, few red-carpet moments illustrate the tension between budget finds and couture expectations better than petite actress Taryn Manning—who stands 5’1½” (156.2 cm) and wears a US shoe size 7.5—at the 2018 Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles.
Taryn Manning styles her shoulder-length blonde waves into soft vintage curls and accessorizes with elegant drop earrings for a timeless red-carpet look
While the Orange Is the New Black star arrived at the Shrine Auditorium in a sophisticated black Adrianna Papell “Arcadia” gown, the ensemble became a viral talking point for its $200 price tag.
Taryn Manning chose white Aquazzura pumps to pair with her black dress, creating a stylish and versatile contrast that added a modern, eye-catching twist to her classic red carpet ensemble
While fashion critics celebrated the gown’s accessibility, Manning later expressed frustration, sparking a conversation about stylist transparency and the value of red-carpet branding.
Taryn Manning pairs her black Adrianna Papell high-low gown with striking white Aquazzura “Dolce Vita” ankle-strap pumps on the 2018 SAG Awards red carpet
Despite the controversy surrounding the dress, the footwear was pure luxury.
Manning anchored her look with $750 “Dolce Vita” pumps by Aquazzura—a choice that perfectly demonstrated how the right pair of designer heels can elevate an affordable garment into a high-fashion moment.
Close-up of Aquazzura “Dolce Vita” white leather ankle-strap pumps on Taryn Manning, showcasing the sleek pointed toe and slender stiletto heel on the 2018 SAG Awards red carpet
She wasn’t the only one showcasing notable footwear that evening. Other standout shoe moments from the 2018 SAG Awards included Alison Brie in purple Jimmy Choo platform sandals, Sarah Silverman in architectural Nicholas Kirkwood ‘Zaha’ sandals, and Nicole Kidman in classic Jimmy Choo ‘Minny’ sandals.
The Viral Reaction: When “Budget” Becomes a Bold Statement
In an interview with TMZ following the event, Manning was candid about her surprise regarding the dress’s retail value. “It’s whack that the stylist didn’t tell me that,” she remarked, noting that while she felt the designer benefited from the press, she personally hoped for a “superstar gown.”
Taryn Manning has since apologized on her Instagram account for ranting to the paparazzi about her SAG Awards dress. She said she was caught off guard when she was bombarded with press questions about the cost of her dress, and the situation made her feel used.
She also said that while she loved her look and felt beautiful that night, “every artist dreams of wearing couture on a red carpet if given the opportunity.”
Taryn Manning at the 2018 Screen Actors Guild Awards at The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, on January 21, 2018 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / FayesVision / WENN)
Her Look Wasn’t All Budget—Luxury Shoes Included
Was Taryn Manning’s reaction justified—or did her luxury heels balance it out?
Even though her dress was only $200, her stylist still outfitted her with a $1,000 fine-jewelry piece and $750 “Dolce Vita” white-leather ankle-strap pumps from Aquazzura.
While Taryn’s Adrianna Papell dress may have been surprisingly affordable, her Aquazzura heels told a different story — proving that even on a budget, you can elevate your look with the right designer shoes.
She’s not alone in turning to Aquazzura for red carpet glam. Let’s take a look at other celebrities who’ve stepped out in style wearing the coveted brand. Below is the exact Adrianna Papell “Arcadia” dress:
The Adrianna Papell “Arcadia” high-low ball gown originally retailed for $199, featuring a sleek bateau neckline, sculpted bodice, and dramatic cascading hem
Why Aquazzura Heels Remain a Red-Carpet Favorite
Taryn Manning’s white Aquazzura “Dolce Vita” pumps proved that even when a red-carpet outfit sparks debate, the right pair of designer heels can instantly elevate the entire look.
Known for their elegant silhouettes, precise Italian craftsmanship, and celebrity following, Aquazzura shoes regularly appear on film festival carpets, fashion weeks, and award-show stages around the world.
From sleek ankle-strap pumps to sculptural statement heels, the brand continues to be a go-to choice for stars looking to add polish and luxury to their outfits. Explore more celebrity fashion moments featuring Aquazzura below.
👠 Explore Aquazzura Shoe & Fashion Stories on Your Next Shoes:
- 🏛️ How Aquazzura became a luxury footwear favorite traces Edgardo Osorio’s rise and explains how the brand built its reputation for Italian craftsmanship, comfort, and celebrity appeal.
- 🎬 Amanda Seyfried’s BFI London Film Festival look pairs Richard Quinn’s dramatic black-and-white glamour with elegant Aquazzura heels for a sharply polished premiere moment.
- 👜 Olivia Palermo’s Milan Fashion Week outfits spotlight Aquazzura loafers alongside sleek pumps and tailored separates, showing how the brand works beyond the red carpet.
- 🎥 Gigi Hadid’s Cannes appearance features nude Aquazzura “Sexy Thing” heels styled with a daring white Tom Ford gown for a classic high-impact festival look.
- 🌺 Julianne Moore’s National Board of Review Awards ensemble combines a Dolce & Gabbana brocade dress with Aquazzura “Electric” pumps for a refined, romantic red-carpet pairing.
- 🖤 Teyana Taylor’s The Rip premiere look uses black patent Aquazzura “Love Affair” pumps to ground an architectural Ashi Studio couture dress with clean, sharp lines.
Aquazzura “Dolce Vita” white leather ankle-strap pumps with a sleek pointed toe and slender stiletto heel, originally retailing for $750