Heidi Klum’s Disastrous Versace Gown: A 2015 Emmy Fashion Moment to Remember

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Heidi Klum’s bold yellow Versace gown at the 2015 Emmy Awards drew mixed reactions from fashion critics. Around the same time, the supermodel clarified in an interview that she had no plans to marry her then-boyfriend, art dealer Vito Schnabel, whom she had been dating since 2014. They split in September 2017 after dating for about three and a half years.

Heidi Klum keeps it effortlessly chic in a black blouse, blazer, and aviators while out in London with then-boyfriend Vito SchnabelHeidi Klum keeps it effortlessly chic in a black blouse, blazer, and aviators while out in London with then-boyfriend Vito Schnabel

Vito Schnabel, the son of acclaimed artist and filmmaker Julian Schnabel, has carved out his own name in the art world.

With a reported net worth of $10 million as of 2025, the American curator oversees the Vito Schnabel Gallery, launched in Switzerland in 2015, and Vito Schnabel Projects, established in New York in 2013.

Heidi Klum keeps it casual in a slouchy turtleneck, distressed jeans, and navy sneakers while sharing a sweet moment with Vito Schnabel during her kids’ soccer practice in Los AngelesHeidi Klum keeps it casual in a slouchy turtleneck, distressed jeans, and navy sneakers while sharing a sweet moment with Vito Schnabel during her kids’ soccer practice in Los Angeles on February 21, 2015 (Credit: WENN / Derrick Salters / Brian To)

Before making headlines with her later runway and TV looks, Heidi Klum drew major attention on the red carpet at one of television’s biggest nights.

Heidi Klum’s Bold Yellow Versace Look Turns Heads at the 2015 Emmys

In September 2015, the model stepped out at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles event in a yellow Versace dress and matching sandals.

Other stars who impressed on the red carpet included Amanda Peet in a sleek Michael Kors cut-out dress paired with Salvatore Ferragamo accessories, Lady Gaga in a minimalist Brandon Maxwell gown complemented by sky-high heels, and Sofia Vergara in a shimmering St. John gown with Giuseppe Zanotti heels and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry.

Heidi Klum attends the 2015 Emmy AwardsHeidi Klum attends the 2015 Emmy Awards held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on September 20, 2015

She was nominated for an award for Outstanding Reality Host. On the red carpet, she revealed that her boyfriend, Vito Schnabel, was not about to become her husband.

“I won’t get married again,” Klum told Entertainment Tonight. “People always write all these crazy things, but it’s not all true. Don’t always believe what you read in the paper!”

Despite her statement, she married Tom Kaulitz, a German musician and guitarist for the band Tokio Hotel, in 2019.

The supermodel looked like a battered version of Big Bird in a disastrous yellow gown from the Atelier Versace Fall 2015 collection.

Heidi Klum struts the red carpet at the Emmys in a polarizing yellow Versace gown and matching gold sandals that drew comparisons to Big BirdHeidi Klum struts the red carpet at the Emmys in a polarizing yellow Versace gown and matching gold sandals that drew comparisons to Big Bird

Her one-shouldered creation featured a see-through skirt, floral appliques, unhemmed ruffles, and a miniskirt.

Heidi Klum rests a hand on her hip and poses as she shows off her Emmys ensembleHeidi Klum rests a hand on her hip and poses as she shows off her Emmys ensemble

Heidi styled the asymmetrical number with matching strappy Versace sandals and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry, with the high heels further elongating her already statuesque 5ft 9 (175.3 cm) frame.

Heidi Klum's gold Versace sandals almost get caught in the netting of her matching Versace gownHeidi Klum’s gold Versace sandals almost get caught in the netting of her matching Versace gown

Heidi Redeems Herself in Sleek Red Heels at Macy’s Fashion Front Row

To give her some credit, Heidi wore a much hotter pair of shoes later that week to Macy’s Presents Fashion’s Front Row event held at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Heidi Klum and Jason Derulo pose together backstage at Macy’s Presents Fashion’s Front Row eventHeidi Klum and Jason Derulo pose together backstage at Macy’s Presents Fashion’s Front Row event held at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City on September 17, 2015

Can you help us identify her outfit?

Heidi Klum slipped into a striking pair of red satin open-toe mules featuring a sleek crisscross design and stiletto heels that added instant glamour to her lookHeidi Klum slipped into a striking pair of red satin open-toe mules featuring a sleek crisscross design and stiletto heels that added instant glamour to her look

Heidi Klum matches a pair of red satin shoes to the red carpetHeidi Klum matches a pair of red satin shoes to the red carpet

Heidi Klum’s Recent Fashion Highlights: A Style Icon’s Latest Looks

Heidi Klum continues to captivate fashion enthusiasts with her impeccable style choices. Here are some of her most recent standout appearances:

Monochrome Magic on Project Runway Season 21

Crystal Pantaboots on Germany’s Next Top Model

  • Event: Germany’s Next Top Model Season 20 Filming
  • Outfit: Heidi dazzled in a head-to-toe crystal ensemble, featuring a blazer dress adorned with rhinestones.
  • Footwear: She completed the look with matching crystal-encrusted pantaboots, blending boots and leggings seamlessly.
  • See more: Heidi Klum’s Crystal Pantaboots on Germany’s Next Top Model

Gilded Glamour at America’s Got Talent Season 19

  • Event: America’s Got Talent Season 19 Quarterfinals
  • Outfit: Heidi turned heads in a laminated metallic gold lace mini dress by Christian Siriano.
  • Footwear: She paired the dress with matching gold heels, embodying the show’s Golden Buzzer theme.
  • Explore her style: Heidi Klum’s Gold Christian Siriano Mini Dress and Heels on AGT

Mother-Daughter Chic at the 2024 amfAR Cannes Gala

  • Event: 2024 amfAR Cannes Gala
  • Outfit: Heidi embraced extravagance in a peach Lever Couture ruffled tulle gown, while her daughter Leni opted for a contrasting black mesh gown.
  • Footwear: Both complemented their gowns with elegant heels, showcasing their individual styles.
  • Discover more: Heidi and Leni Klum’s Stunning Gowns at the 2024 amfAR Cannes Gala

Neon Vibes at the 2024 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards

  • Event: 2024 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards
  • Outfit: Heidi embraced vibrant fashion in a neon dress by Dawid Tomaszewski, perfectly capturing the event’s playful spirit.
  • Footwear: She completed the look with matching neon heels, adding a fun twist to her ensemble.
  • See her look: Heidi Klum’s Neon Dress at the 2024 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards

These recent appearances reaffirm Heidi Klum’s status as a fashion icon, consistently delivering memorable and trendsetting looks.