Why Thandiwe Newton’s Futuristic Silver Sandals Are Still the Ultimate Red Carpet Move

When Thandiwe Newton attended the Westworld Season 3 premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on March 5, 2020, she chose a metallic silver look that perfectly matched the futuristic aesthetic of the HBO series.

Best known for her portrayal of the sentient android Maeve Millay, Newton arrived in a striking Burberry gown paired with equally eye-catching silver heels.

For shoe lovers, the outfit showed how coordinated metallic footwear can complement a statement dress without competing for attention. Her choice of silver Sophia Webster sandals echoed the gown’s reflective finish, creating a cohesive red-carpet look from head to toe.

Thandiwe Newton coordinates her futuristic Burberry gown with metallic silver Sophia Webster sandals, using barely-there ankle-strap heels to echo the dress’s sleek, sci-fi-inspired finish at the Westworld Season 3 premiere in Los Angeles on March 5, 2020 (Credit: Instar / WENN)

Newton wore a metallic silver gown from Burberry’s Pre-Fall 2020 collection, a design that reflected the event’s futuristic mood while allowing her matching accessories and shoes to shine.

Showing just the right amount of flesh, the floor-length gown featured side cutouts, a cutout back, and a geometric neckline for a modern finish. It also had a draped skirt with a thigh-high slit down the front that showed a glimpse of her legs.

The backless design reveals the gown’s dramatic open-back construction, while the trailing draped panel and silver sandals maintain the look’s fluid, architectural lines from every angle

Hairstylist Rio Sreedharan gave Thandiwe an asymmetrical long bob hairstyle with a side parting.

For her face, makeup artist Georgie Eisdell highlighted her features with smoky eye makeup, eyeliner, and Pat McGrath Forbidden Love lipstick.

Newton balances the gown’s sharp geometric silhouette with an asymmetrical, sleek bob, smoky eye makeup, and a bold red lip that adds contrast to the monochromatic silver palette

Styled by Erin Walsh, Newton finished the look with Sylva & Cie. earrings, an Eva Fehren ring, and a pair of Sophia Webster silver sandals.

The delicate metallic heels mirrored the color of the gown, helping tie the entire outfit together while adding a subtle flash of sparkle at her feet.

Her silver Sophia Webster sandals feature slim toe straps and delicate wraparound ankle straps, offering a minimalist footwear choice that complements rather than competes with the statement gown

The choice also fits neatly into Newton’s broader footwear history. Over the years, the actress has gravitated toward elegant statement heels that complement rather than overpower her outfits, from crystal-embellished evening sandals to metallic designs and sculptural platforms.

More than five years later, she embraced another metallic footwear moment at the Los Angeles premiere of Anaconda on December 13, 2025, pairing a custom Wiederhoeft gown with dramatic gold René Caovilla “Cleo” sandals that wrapped around her ankles like jewelry.

Viewed alongside the shoe highlights in our guide to Thandiwe Newton’s most memorable designer heels, the Sophia Webster sandals stand out as among her most effective footwear choices.

Why Silver Metallic Sandals Remain a Red-Carpet Staple

Thandiwe Newton’s Sophia Webster silver sandals are a reminder of why metallic heels continue to work so well on the red carpet. Their reflective finish picked up the cool tone of her Burberry gown without overwhelming it, giving the look a polished, head-to-toe finish.

For more styling inspiration, explore our guide to metallic shoes and the celebrity trends keeping them relevant, from silver sandals and mirrored pumps to high-shine platforms and boots.