Power of Women: 10 Iconic Shoes That Defined the Variety Gala (Jimmy Choo to Louboutin)

Red carpet fashion often mirrors the strength of the women wearing it.

At Variety’s 5th Annual Power of Women event, held at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on October 4, 2013, Hollywood’s most influential philanthropists proved that high-impact advocacy and high-fashion footwear are a perfect pair.

While the evening focused on social change, the footwear choices—ranging from architectural Jimmy Choo sandals to classic Christian Louboutin pumps—remain a blueprint for sophisticated event styling.

Darby Stanchfield, Kerry Washington, Dan Bucatinsky, and Katie Lowes at Variety’s 5th Annual Power Of Women Event held at Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on October 4, 2013 (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

Below, we break down the most iconic looks from the gala and the designer heels that carried these powerful women across the stage.

1. Jessica Alba Sparkles in Metallic Jimmy Choo “Madison” Sandals With Dior Houndstooth

Jessica Alba exudes effortless elegance at Variety’s 5th Annual Power of Women Luncheon at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles, California, on October 4, 2013, wearing a strapless Christian Dior houndstooth dress paired with strappy metallic Jimmy Choo sandals and a sleek black Dior clutch (Credit: Visual / WENN / FayesVision / SIPA)

Jessica Alba looked gorgeous in a strapless dress from Christian Dior’s Fall 2013 collection.

Jessica Alba showcases her metallic Jimmy Choo “Madison” sandals, featuring delicate crisscross straps and a gleaming gold footbed

The American actress also carried a black Dior leather clutch and wore strappy metallic sandals from Jimmy Choo.

Jessica stuck to the metallic theme with silver sandals by Jimmy Choo. Strappy is the only word to describe these shoes. Towering stiletto heels and mirrored platforms can also be found on the “Madison” sandals.

Jessica Alba steps out in strappy metallic Jimmy Choo “Madison” sandals with slender ankle ties and a polished gold sole

After her appearance at Variety’s Power of Women event, Jessica was spotted heading out for dinner in Los Angeles in casual jeans and a blazer. A black fedora topped off her look and awarded the actress some extra style points.

Jessica Alba keeps it effortlessly chic in a Twenty Tees color-blocked blazer, black skinny jeans, a striped tee, and monochrome flats while heading to dinner in Hollywood on October 4, 2013

Jessica also changed into a little more comfortable shoes. Her pointy Roger Vivier monochrome flats gave a ladylike edge to her tomboy look. She seems to love wearing them out and about in LA.

Jessica Alba steps out in chic monochrome Roger Vivier flats featuring a bold geometric design and sleek pointed toes, adding a sophisticated edge to her casual dinner look in Hollywood

2. Charlize Theron Keeps It Minimal in Giuseppe Zanotti Pumps and Stella McCartney White Halter Dress

Charlize Theron was honored for her work in an organization she founded, the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project.

Charlize Theron stuns in a chic white Stella McCartney Resort 2014 halter dress, paired with classic black-and-white Giuseppe Zanotti pumps and a patterned clutch for a sleek, minimalist look

She graced the event in a gorgeous Stella McCartney Resort 2014 dress and a pair of black pumps from Giuseppe Zanotti.

Charlize Theron shows off her feet in black Giuseppe Zanotti high heels

3. Kerry Washington Makes a Statement in Studded Christian Louboutin “Malabar Hill” Pumps

Kerry Washington’s hairstyle features sleek, straight locks with a center part, giving a polished and modern look that complements her structured dress

Kerry Washington was recognized for her advocacy for art education and her continued support of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities.

Kerry Washington dazzles in a gold polka-dot Vince Camuto jacquard dress, pairing it with studded Christian Louboutin pumps and minimal accessories for a polished yet playful evening look—perfect for making a statement at formal events

She looked stunning, as always, in a Vince Camuto jacquard dress with gold polka dots and studded pumps from Christian Louboutin.

Kerry Washington showcases her studded Christian Louboutin “Malabar Hill” pumps, featuring metallic toe caps and the brand’s signature red soles

Christian Louboutin “Malabar Hill” Pumps in Cognac, $1,095

Christian Louboutin “Malabar Hill” Pumps in Acier, $1,095

4. Nicole Kidman Embraces Vintage Glamour in Jimmy Choo “Rumba” Sandals and L’Wren Scott

Nicole Kidman was honored for her advocacy for women’s rights and work with the United Nations UN Women Campaign.

Nicole Kidman masters refined elegance in a vintage-inspired L’Wren Scott black midi dress with gold accents, pairing it with strappy black sandals, delicate jewelry, and a sleek low bun for a polished, timeless look

The Dead Calm actress looked elegant in a black dress with gold details from the L’Wren Scott Fall 2013 collection and black-and-gold “Rumba” sandals from Jimmy Choo.

Nicole Kidman highlights the sleek design of her black-and-gold Jimmy Choo “Rumba” sandals, featuring delicate straps and a metallic insole

5. Elizabeth Banks Turns Heads in Nude Christian Louboutin Pumps and Dolce & Gabbana Red Two-Piece

Elizabeth Banks looked lovely in red at the Power of Women Luncheon, where she was honored for her involvement with the American Heart Association.

Elizabeth Banks commands attention in a bold red Dolce & Gabbana two-piece ensemble, pairing the structured crop top and high-waisted skirt with nude Christian Louboutin pumps and a sleek updo for a modern, sophisticated look

She wore a two-piece number from the Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2013 collection and nude pumps from Christian Louboutin.

Elizabeth Banks steps out in nude Christian Louboutin pumps, their sleek, pointed silhouette and signature red soles adding timeless polish

Christian Louboutin “So Kate” Nude Pumps, $625

6. Jennifer Hudson Elevates a White Yigal Azrouël Dress With Saint Laurent “Janis” Pumps

Jennifer Hudson stuns in a crisp white Yigal Azrouël peplum dress, pairing the figure-flattering silhouette with classic black Saint Laurent pumps, soft waves, and a bold red lip for a chic and sophisticated statement

Jennifer Hudson’s involvement with the Julian D. King Gift Foundation was recognized at the event, and she was given the Samsung Galaxy Impact Award.

Jennifer Hudson completes her look with black Saint Laurent “Janis” pumps featuring sleek platform soles and gold cap-toe accents

She wore a white long-sleeved dress with a peplum detail from the Yigal Azrouël Fall 2013 collection and black pumps from Saint Laurent.

7. Darby Stanchfield Blooms in Gold Ruthie Davis “Narcissus” Pumps and Valentino Florals

Darby Stanchfield looked beautiful in a Valentino short-sleeved frock with floral prints. Her hair was styled in a loose bun with soft tendrils at the sides of her gorgeous face.

Darby Stanchfield looks effortlessly chic in a floral-print Valentino mini dress, pairing the romantic silhouette with gold-capped Ruthie Davis pumps, a studded black clutch, and a soft, tousled updo for an elegant yet modern finish

She elevated the look with a sleek black leather clutch and glamorous gold Ruthie Davis “Narcissus” pumps. Standing about 5ft 7 (170.2 cm) with a US shoe size 9, Darby Stanchfield carried the pointed-toe stilettos effortlessly, adding polished sophistication to her ensemble.

Darby Stanchfield steps out in gold Ruthie Davis “Narcissus” pumps featuring sleek, pointed toes and striking metallic finishes

These Narcissus pumps from the Ruthie Davis Spring 2013 collection also come in other scrumptious colors:

Ruthie Davis “Narcissus” Pumps in Light Gold, $209.40

Ruthie Davis “Narcissus” Pumps in Cotton Candy

Ruthie Davis “Narcissus” Pumps in Aqua

8. Hannah Simone Keeps It Romantic in Stuart Weitzman Nude Pumps and Oscar de la Renta

Hannah Simone looked lovely in a pale pink sleeveless frock from Oscar de la Renta.

Hannah Simone radiates effortless elegance in a delicate pale pink Oscar de la Renta dress with intricate embroidery, pairing it with classic nude Stuart Weitzman pumps and soft, cascading waves with full bangs for a romantic, feminine finish

Her hair was swept to one side, and she completed her look with a pair of nude pointy-toe pumps from Stuart Weitzman.

Hannah Simone shows off her size 8.5 (US) feet in Stuart Weitzman shoes

We couldn’t identify the exact style of Hannah’s Stuart Weitzman shoes, but we think they’re the “Poco” pumps:

Stuart Weitzman “Poco” Pumps, $330

9. Katie Lowes Goes Monochrome in L.K. Bennett Pumps and Sportmax

Katie Lowes looked chic in her white sleeveless Sportmax dress and L.K. Bennett pumps.

Katie Lowes keeps it sleek and modern in a structured white Sportmax dress with black trim, pairing it with classic L.K. Bennett pumps, a metallic clutch, and a chic high bun for a polished, monochrome look

Her pink lips added a dash of color to her monochromatic ensemble.

Katie Lowes shows off her size 7 (US) feet in L.K. Bennett shoes

10. Amy Poehler Brightens the Luncheon in Stuart Weitzman Nude Pumps and Teal Beckley by Melissa

Amy Poehler hushed the crowd with her heartfelt speech at the Power of Women Luncheon, where she was honored for her work with the Worldwide Orphans Foundation.

Amy Poehler stuns in a figure-hugging teal Beckley by Melissa dress, pairing the vibrant look with nude Stuart Weitzman pumps, soft waves, and subtle smoky eye makeup for an effortlessly chic and polished ensemble

She dazzled in a teal Beckley by Melissa body-con dress and nude pumps from Stuart Weitzman.

Amy Poehler steps out in classic nude Stuart Weitzman pumps, their sleek platform silhouette adding subtle height and polish to her teal dress

From 2013 Red-Carpet Glamour to Today’s Shoe Trends

While the 2013 Variety Power of Women Luncheon showcased timeless red-carpet elegance—from Jimmy Choo sandals and Christian Louboutin pumps to sleek Saint Laurent platforms—the influence of these classic silhouettes continues to shape modern footwear trends.

If you’re curious how celebrity footwear has evolved since then, explore some of the latest runway highlights, red-carpet moments, and emerging silhouettes defining today’s fashion landscape.