Vivica A. Fox Shines in Malachite Louboutins — and Reveals How Will Smith Saved Her Independence Day Audition

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Back in June 2016, Vivica A. Fox brought high-octane glamour to Hollywood, stepping onto the red carpet at the Independence Day: Resurgence premiere in a floor-length black gown with a daring plunging neckline — and later surprising with a striking pair of statement heels that stole the spotlight.

Vivica A. Fox brings old Hollywood glamour to the Independence Day: Resurgence premiere in Hollywood on June 20, 2016, wearing a plunging black Esé Azénabor gown with intricate cutout detailingVivica A. Fox brings old Hollywood glamour to the Independence Day: Resurgence premiere in Hollywood on June 20, 2016, wearing a plunging black Esé Azénabor gown with intricate cutout detailing (Credit: WENN / Adriana M. Barraza / FayesVision)

She reprised her role as Dr. Jasmine Dubrow-Hiller, Dylan’s mother and the widow of Steven Hiller, in the 2016 sequel to the blockbuster Independence Day. The original film had first catapulted her into the spotlight two decades earlier.

Vivica A. Fox as Jasmine Dubrow alongside Margaret Colin’s Constance Spano in the 1996 sci-fi blockbuster Independence Day — a role that helped cement Fox’s Hollywood rise and led to some of her most memorable red-carpet fashion momentsVivica A. Fox as Jasmine Dubrow alongside Margaret Colin’s Constance Spano in the 1996 sci-fi blockbuster Independence Day — a role that helped cement Fox’s Hollywood rise and led to some of her most memorable red-carpet fashion moments (Credit: 20th Century Fox)

In a 2021 interview with ET, Vivica A. Fox revealed that her breakout role as Jasmine Dubrow in Independence Day opened the door to her casting in the 1996 heist drama Set It Off.

She recalled auditioning multiple times before finally landing the part that helped solidify her Hollywood career.

Vivica A. Fox as Jasmine Dubrow, seen protecting her young son Dylan (played by Ross Bagley) in the 1996 sci-fi classic Independence DayVivica A. Fox as Jasmine Dubrow, seen protecting her young son Dylan (played by Ross Bagley) in the 1996 sci-fi classic Independence Day (Credit: 20th Century Fox)

Before her breakout, Fox made a guest appearance on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. She later recalled auditioning in a flashy white jumpsuit and being told to tone it down, with casting advice to study Sandra Bullock’s girl-next-door charm in Speed.

Vivica A. Fox and her Independence Day co-star Jeff Goldblum on the red carpet at the 23rd People’s Choice Awards in Pasadena, California, in January 1997Vivica A. Fox and her Independence Day co-star Jeff Goldblum on the red carpet at the 23rd People’s Choice Awards in Pasadena, California, in January 1997 (Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock)

She returned to her next audition in a simple dress paired with combat boots and ankle socks — a choice that earned her praise for capturing the character’s spirit.

With coaching from Will Smith and encouragement from director F. Gary Gray, she ultimately secured the role that would become a defining moment in her career.

Vivica A. Fox, joined by her godson Christian Kelley, stuns in a custom black embellished Esé Azénabor gown with sheer paneling at the Independence Day: Resurgence premiereVivica A. Fox, joined by her godson Christian Kelley, stuns in a custom black embellished Esé Azénabor gown with sheer paneling at the Independence Day: Resurgence premiere

Vivica A. Fox Wows in Esé Azénabor Gown and Malachite Christian Louboutin “So Kate” Pumps

Vivica’s stunning custom Esé Azénabor dress featured embellishments around the neckline and bust, fishnet sleeves, and a sheer skirt patterned with animal stripes.

The then-51-year-old actress styled the dress with Candy Ice jewelry and a stunning pair of green and black malachite-print patent leather “So Kate” pumps by Christian Louboutin.

Vivica A. Fox turns heads at the Independence Day: Resurgence premiere in Hollywood, showing off the daring sheer paneling of her custom Esé Azénabor gown and finishing the look with striking green malachite-print Christian Louboutin “So Kate” pumpsVivica A. Fox turns heads at the Independence Day: Resurgence premiere in Hollywood, showing off the daring sheer paneling of her custom Esé Azénabor gown and finishing the look with striking green malachite-print Christian Louboutin “So Kate” pumps

Vivica opted for a fresh take on the classic Christian Louboutin “So Kate” design. The actress picked a swirled marble print pattern for the glossy calfskin pointy-toe stiletto pumps.

These unique shoes provide a head-turning look that’s perfect for summer.

Vivica A. Fox adds a bold twist to her red-carpet look with malachite-print Christian Louboutin “So Kate” pumps, featuring a razor-sharp pointed toe and glossy finish peeking out from beneath her gownVivica A. Fox adds a bold twist to her red-carpet look with malachite-print Christian Louboutin “So Kate” pumps, featuring a razor-sharp pointed toe and glossy finish peeking out from beneath her gown

Explore Malachite & Marble Print Shoe Moments

Over the years, Your Next Shoes has featured celebrities who have incorporated the bold swirls of malachite and marble prints into their footwear. Here are some standout looks worth revisiting:

Green Swirled Marble Print Christian Louboutin 'So Kate' Pumps

Green Swirled Marble Print Christian Louboutin 'So Kate' Pumps

Green Swirled Marble Print Christian Louboutin 'So Kate' PumpsGreen Swirled Marble Print Christian Louboutin ‘So Kate’ Pumps, $745

Explore More of Vivica A. Fox’s Shoe Moments

As we wrap up this feature, here are additional Your Next Shoes articles where Vivica A. Fox’s bold fashion sense and standout footwear take center stage: