On July 22, 2019, Vanessa Hudgens joined Austin Butler in Hollywood for the premiere of Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
For the event, Butler—who appears in the film as Tex Watson—leaned into a slim, retro-leaning silhouette that would later define his Elvis press tour style.
His black Brioni “Essential” tuxedo, cut in a wool-silk blend with narrow trousers and elongated lapels, felt precise without reading overly formal. Instead of a traditional bow tie, he left a black shirt open at the collar, softening the look and adding a slightly undone, late-’60s edge.
Vanessa Hudgens and Austin Butler coordinate in sleek black, with her sheer-panel Armani gown contrasted by his slim tuxedo and patent Chelsea boots that nod to retro Hollywood polish at the premiere of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood in Hollywood, California, on July 22, 2019 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
The shift away from standard patent oxfords to sleek black patent Chelsea boots grounded the outfit in rock-and-roll territory, subtly echoing the film’s era while elongating the line of the suit.
Minimal David Yurman jewelry—a discreet ring and a barely-there chain—kept the focus on the silhouette, reinforcing the clean, controlled aesthetic that would soon become his signature.
The actress wore a Giorgio Armani velvet gown featuring embroidered patch pockets and semi-sheer tulle insets, creating a subtle two-piece illusion.
Vanessa Hudgens sharpens her look with a sheer tulle bodice layered over a structured black bandeau, balancing softness and structure with clean, sculpted lines
She balanced the floor-length dress with Norman Silverman jewelry and a pair of platform Giuseppe Zanotti shoes, a choice that added necessary height to the heavy velvet silhouette.
Her floor-length Armani velvet gown elongates the silhouette, with sheer insets and subtle pocket detailing adding texture and modern edge to an otherwise classic column shape
More Vanessa Hudgens Looks That Prove the Power of a Statement Heel
Hudgens’ Armani gown showed how the right platform can balance a heavier red-carpet silhouette without overpowering it.
Across her Giuseppe Zanotti moments, she has often used sculptural sandals, metallic finishes, and sky-high heels to add polish, height, and a sharper finish to everything from resort whites to embellished eveningwear.
👠 Explore Vanessa Hudgens’ Giuseppe Zanotti Shoe Moments:
- 🤍 Vanessa Hudgens’ all-white London look turned crisp Catherine Malandrino separates into a polished summer statement, finished with tan Giuseppe Zanotti plated-heel sandals.
- ✨ Her Ischia Global Fest repeat showed how the same sculptural Zanotti sandals could move from tailored London whites to a sleeker resort-ready Catherine Malandrino set.
- 🍊 Her orange Catherine Malandrino jumpsuit leaned into bold color and high-shine Giuseppe Zanotti ankle-strap sandals for a playful, early-2010s statement.
- 💫 At the 2017 Teen Choice Awards, Hudgens paired a shimmering Reem Acra ensemble with Giuseppe Zanotti “Harmony” sandals and a metallic Zanotti tube clutch.
- 🖤 For Giuseppe Zanotti’s Michael Jackson tribute launch, she gave a sparkling Galia Lahav romper extra lift with black patent “G Heel” sculpted sandals.
- 📏 Standing 5’1″ with a US shoe size 7, Hudgens often uses platforms, sculptural sandals, and leg-lengthening heels to bring red-carpet impact to her petite frame.
Giorgio Armani Velvet Cap-Sleeve Gown, $5,995