Before the “So Kate” Era: Zendaya’s Rare Navy Jimmy Choo Moment at the GLAAD Awards

Long before she became a household name for her roles in Euphoria and Dune, Zendaya was already establishing a distinct red carpet identity characterized by vintage-inspired glamour and precise tailoring.

Zendaya Coleman slicks her hair back at the 27th annual GLAAD Media Awards held on April 2, 2016, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles (Credit: WENN / FayesVision)

In April 2016, she attended the 27th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, wearing a monochromatic navy ensemble that remains a standout example of her early style evolution.

The actress chose an elegant midnight blue palette for the evening, coordinating her dress with the event’s signature navy carpet.

Zendaya balances a jewel-embellished David Koma bodice with sleek navy Jimmy Choo ankle-strap sandals, letting the minimalist heel ground the look (Credit: WENN / FayesVision)

She dazzled in a David Koma Spring 2016 midi dress, which featured a bedazzled bodice, a structured waist, and a fitted skirt with zippered double front splits that flaunted her toned legs.

The American actress paired the look with a matching pair of navy Jimmy Choo heels and further glammed up with Harry Kotlar diamond earrings and a Mattia Cielo ring.

The halter neckline and crystal detailing draw the eye upward, while barely-there navy sandals keep the silhouette sharp and uninterrupted (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Apega)

Known for her ever-changing hairstyle, Zendaya went for a retro-glam look, channeling Josephine Baker with her 1920’s finger waves.

Dual front slits reveal flashes of leg, perfectly framing the streamlined Jimmy Choo heels with each step (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Apega)

She highlighted her eyes with smoky eyeshadow and mascara, completing the look with nude lipstick.

From every angle, the sculptural fit of the dress pairs effortlessly with the clean, single-strap sandal design (Credit: WENN / FayesVision / Apega)

While Zendaya is frequently seen in Christian Louboutin’s signature So Kate pumps, this event was a rare occasion when she opted for a different silhouette.

Choosing the Jimmy Choo “Claudette” instead of her usual razor-sharp stilettos allowed the navy satin textures to take center stage, offering a softer, more classic Hollywood finish than her typical high-contrast Louboutin looks.

A closer look at the navy satin sandals shows delicate ankle straps, open toes, and a refined platform that adds subtle lift without bulk

These navy blue satin shoes from the popular shoe designer feature adjustable ankle straps, open toes, half-inch platforms, and new sculptural heels measuring about 4 inches.

The slim heel and minimal straps create a barely-there effect, allowing the deep navy palette to remain cohesive from head to toe

More of Zendaya’s Best Non-Louboutin Shoe Moments

If this GLAAD Media Awards look shows how naturally Zendaya can make a sleek navy sandal feel polished and memorable, it is only one part of a much broader shoe story.

Across red carpets, premieres, and fashion events, she has worn everything from crystal-detailed Giuseppe Zanotti sandals to razor-sharp Casadei pumps and statement Le Silla platforms—proving her style has never depended on a single shoe label to feel distinctive.

For a wider look at the non-Louboutin heels that have helped shape her fashion evolution, explore the curated stories below.