Vanessa Hudgens Proves the Power of Heels: Her Met Gala Platforms & Iconic 2013 Lilac Sandals

From the Met steps of 2023 to the Madrid press circuit of 2013, Vanessa Hudgens has spent the last decade proving she understands the power of a great heel.

Whether she’s sweeping into the Met Gala in a sculptural black-and-white Michael Kors gown and sky-high platform sandals or promoting Spring Breakers in an all-white lace ensemble finished with lilac Jerome C. Rousseau heels, Vanessa consistently uses footwear to sharpen her silhouette, amplify her 5’1″ frame, and elevate her red-carpet presence.

These two standout moments—ten years apart—capture the same truth: no matter the theme, city, or dress code, Vanessa Hudgens knows exactly how to make an entrance.

Vanessa Hudgens Elevates the Met Steps in Sculptural Michael Kors & Glossy Platform Sandals

Rest assured, Vanessa Hudgens made a grand entrance at the 2023 Met Gala, delivering one of her most memorable red-carpet moments to date. The former High School Musical star stunned in a sculptural black-and-white Michael Kors gown, its two hand-finished floral appliqués—each requiring 24 hours of meticulous sequin work—adding couture-level dimension and artistry.

She completed the look with a pair of Michael Kors platform satin black sandals, the glossy, sky-high heels giving her monochrome ensemble an extra hit of drama as she made her way up the Met steps.

Vanessa Hudgens made a striking entrance at the 2023 Costume Institute Benefit celebrating Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty, commanding the Met steps in her black-and-white Michael Kors gown—its dramatic slit perfectly showcasing her glossy black platform sandals that added height, power, and a sculptural finish to the look on May 1, 2023, in New York City (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

As she gracefully ascended the iconic staircase of the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 1, Vanessa fully owned the red carpet, striking the perfect balance between modern glamour and Lagerfeld-inspired elegance.

As we look back at Vanessa’s own platform-heel moments, it’s clear she isn’t the only star turning to Michael Kors for height, polish, and runway-ready glamour.

Explore More Michael Kors Platform Sandal Style Moments

The Camellia Bun and Diamonds That Elevated Her Monochrome Ensemble

In a graceful nod to the late fashion icon, Vanessa swept her hair into a sleek, sculpted bun—crafted with SexyHair products and Great Lengths extensions—that subtly echoed the shape of Chanel’s signature camellia, adding an elegant layer of storytelling to her look.

She elevated her ensemble further with exquisite diamond jewelry, including her engagement ring from her fiancé, Cole Tucker.

Vanessa Hudgens flaunted her massive engagement ring from her fiancé Cole Tucker (Credit: Jennifer Graylock / INSTARimages)

In February, Vanessa confirmed her engagement to Cole Tucker by sharing a close-up of her diamond ring on Instagram, captioned simply with “YES.” The post marked the couple’s announcement after more than two years of dating.

Vanessa Hudgens donned an elegant black and white dress featuring alluring cutouts and a daring thigh-high slit (Credit: Jennifer Graylock / INSTARimages)

The previous year, she embraced the “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” theme, also known as “Gilded Glamor,” wearing a mesmerizing see-through black gown by Moschino.

The ensemble featured intricate lace detailing and transparent fabric, with grand puffy sleeves adding a touch of drama. Completing her look with exquisite jewelry by Messika, Vanessa’s appearance was truly remarkable.

As dazzling as Vanessa’s recent Met Gala appearances have been, her style story stretches back through a decade of equally memorable fashion moments. Long before the camellia-inspired gowns and couture-level glam, she was already carving out her signature blend of playful, polished, and unexpectedly bold red-carpet style.

All-White Lace & Lilac Sandals: Vanessa Hudgens’ Chic Madrid Press Tour Moment

Vanessa Hudgens wears her hair up for an appearance on “El Hormiguero” on February 21, 2013, in Madrid, Spain (Credit: Sean Thorton / WENN)

In early 2013, Vanessa Hudgens devoted significant effort to promoting the American comedy crime film Spring Breakers.

During the promotional campaign, the talented actress, known for her roles in Disney productions, made a notable appearance on the popular Spanish TV show El Hormiguero. Joining her on the show was her co-star from the movie, Selena Gomez.

Vanessa Hudgens and Selena Gomez stay pretty in neutrals for the filming of a Spanish TV show (Credit: Sean Thorton / WENN)

Vanessa had spent the rest of her day at a Madrid photo call and didn’t change before heading to the set of “El Hormiguero.”

The Bad Boys actress wore an all-white outfit that showed off her midriff.

Vanessa Hudgens and Selena Gomez play with smoke and fire during an appearance on “El Hormiguero” (Credit: Sean Thorton / WENN)

The American actress wore a long-sleeved, lace button-accented crop top with a matching high-waisted knee-length skirt.

Vanessa Hudgens brightened the Madrid set in a white lace two-piece, elevated by her lilac Jerome C. Rousseau sandals that added a fresh, feminine contrast to the monochrome look (Credit: Sean Thorton / WENN)

She finished the look with strappy lilac sandals by Jerome C. Rousseau, the Canadian-born designer celebrated for his modern, sculptural footwear crafted in Italy—an elegant, softly tinted contrast to her all-white lace ensemble.

Vanessa Hudgens steps out in strappy lilac Jerome C. Rousseau sandals, their soft suede finish and slim stiletto heel adding a playful pop of color to her all-white ensemble

The star’s Jerome C. Rousseau heels are the designer’s “Popp” sandals from the Spring 2013 collection.

Jerome C. Rousseau ‘Popp’ Sandals in Lilac Suede

Explore More of Vanessa Hudgens’ Style Evolution

Even beyond these standout moments, Vanessa’s fashion journey is filled with head-turning heels, red-carpet statements, and effortless off-duty looks that showcase her signature blend of polish and playfulness.