In April 2013, Swedish retailer H&M celebrated the launch of its Conscious Collection with simultaneous events in Los Angeles and Miami.
The launches featured Victoria Justice and Jessica Lowndes, who both arrived in surprisingly similar looks: minimalist black dresses paired with bright orange-red pedicures.
Victoria Justice keeps things sleek in a strapless black mini, letting her barely-there ankle-strap sandals and bright coral pedicure sharpen the minimalist silhouette (Credit: Apega / WENN)
For footwear enthusiasts, the event offered a look at how high-street brands were interpreting the minimalist sandal trend.
A glossy coral-red lip and softly contoured waves echo the bold pedicure, adding warmth and polish to the all-black look at the H&M Conscious Collection launch party in Los Angeles on April 4, 2013 (Credit: Apega / WENN)
Victoria Justice, who hosted the Los Angeles event, wore the “Sandalettes” from the H&M Conscious line—a budget-friendly ankle-strap heel that retailed for under $50.
Her H&M ankle-strap sandals feature slim matte-black bands and a clean stiletto heel, framing a vivid coral pedicure that becomes the focal point (Credit: Apega / WENN)
In Miami, Jessica Lowndes opted for a nearly identical silhouette.
While Justice’s pair was a confirmed H&M piece, Lowndes’ strappy sandals remained unID’d, though they mirrored the same sleek, open-toe aesthetic.
Jessica Lowndes contrasts sheer lace sleeves with a flowing high-low hem, grounding the romantic texture in simple black ankle-strap sandals (Credit: Eyeworks Production / WENN)
Soft pink lipstick and luminous skin keep the look fresh, balancing the darker lace with a lighter, more natural beauty finish at the launch of H&M Conscious Collection in Miami, April 5, 2013 (Credit: Eyeworks Production / WENN)
Her minimalist sandals pair a single toe strap with a delicate ankle band and slight platform, subtly lifting the silhouette while showcasing a glossy coral pedicure (Credit: Eyeworks Production / WENN)
Why Black Sandals and a Bold Pedicure Still Work Every Time
Minimalist black sandals have long been fashion’s quiet power move—stripping everything back so proportion, polish, and confidence do the talking.
Whether it’s a barely-there ankle strap or a more sculptural silhouette, the real finishing touch often comes down to the pedicure: a flash of color or a glossy neutral that sharpens the entire look without competing for attention.
It’s this balance—restraint in the shoe, intention in the details—that keeps the combination endlessly relevant on red carpets and beyond.
👠 Explore Black Sandals & Pedicure Moments on Your Next Shoes:
- 🖤 Jenna Dewan and Nina Dobrev in Tamara Mellon “Frontline” sandals show how slim black patent straps and clear PVC panels frame a glossy pedicure with a barely-there, leg-lengthening finish.
- 🔥 Rihanna’s Brian Atwood “Isabeli” gladiator sandals sharpen her street style with graphic black straps, while a crisp pedicure adds contrast against the structured silhouette.
- ✨ Lea Michele’s Giuseppe Zanotti ankle-strap sandals pair sleek black satin with a bold pedicure, highlighting how minimalist straps naturally draw attention to the toes.
- 💫 Her pointed-toe Alexandre Birman sandals emphasize a sharper, more sculptural take on black footwear, where exposed toes and clean lines create a striking red-carpet effect.
- 🖤 Cara Delevingne’s lace-up Tabitha Simmons sandal booties bring edge to the category, with peep toes and sheer panels that subtly showcase a dark pedicure within an all-black look.