The 24th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards, held on January 21, 2018, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, became an unexpected case study in the politics of red-carpet dressing.
While the event is typically a showcase of couture, actress Taryn Manning’s appearance sparked a lasting conversation about transparency between stylists and their clients regarding brand prestige and retail value.
Taryn Manning styles her shoulder-length blonde waves into soft vintage curls and accessorizes with elegant drop earrings for a timeless red-carpet look
The Orange Is the New Black star arrived in a black Adrianna Papell “Arcadia” gown that retailed for roughly $200—a price point rarely seen at major Hollywood ceremonies.
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
The contrast between the accessible dress and the high-stakes environment created a viral moment that explored whether a garment’s value is defined by its craftsmanship or its price tag.
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
However, the ensemble wasn’t entirely budget-focused. Manning grounded the look with luxury footwear, choosing white “Dolce Vita” pumps by Aquazzura.
This pairing highlighted a common industry practice: using high-end accessories to elevate a ready-to-wear garment on camera.
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 later 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.
The actress 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)
Before diving into more standout Aquazzura moments on the red carpet, take a closer look at the Adrianna Papell “Arcadia” gown that sparked the conversation.
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 remains a go-to choice for stars seeking 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