Zoe Saldaña’s Mesh Aquazzura Pumps & Nicole Kidman’s Barely-There Sandals Steal the Lioness Season 3 Screening

Zoe Saldaña and Nicole Kidman led the style pack at the season 3 screening of their hit spy thriller, Lioness, held at New York City’s SVA Theatre, hosted by Vanity Fair. While the series is known for its high-stakes action and espionage, the duo brought plenty of glamour to the red carpet with two very different fashion moments.

Saldaña stayed true to her signature understated style in a sleek black Balmain dress with Aquazzura heels. Kidman took a more daring approach in a metallic sheer Fendi top and cream pants, finished with minimalist beige sandals.

Zoe Saldaña and Nicole Kidman bring contrasting red carpet style to the Lioness Season 3 premiere at New York City’s SVA Theater on July 29, 2026, with Saldaña wearing a ruched black Balmain dress and Aquazzura Love Affair mesh pumps while Kidman pairs a shimmering sheer Fendi tunic with cream trousers and minimalist beige sandals (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)

Zoe Saldaña Pairs Aquazzura Love Affair Mesh Pumps With a Black Balmain Dress

Zoe Saldaña embraced understated glamour in an all-black ensemble, finishing the look with Aquazzura’s “Love Affair” pumps. Crafted in Italy from black mesh with soft goat suede trim, the heels echoed the sleek sophistication of her Balmain dress while adding subtle texture instead of competing with it.

I especially loved the pumps’ sculpted side panels, which follow the natural curves of the foot and give the classic pointed-toe silhouette an even sleeker, more feminine profile. The sheer mesh keeps the design feeling light despite its sharp lines, while slim ankle straps with delicate buckle fastenings provide a secure fit. Set on elegant 105mm (about 4-inch) stiletto heels, the pumps added graceful height and beautifully lengthened Zoe’s silhouette.

The Love Affair has quietly become one of Aquazzura’s signature evening styles because it works with everything from cocktail dresses to couture gowns. We’ve previously seen Emma Roberts style black patent Love Affair pumps with a rose-print Blumarine mini at Disney’s 2026 Upfront, while Teyana Taylor paired the same silhouette with an architectural Ashi Studio couture creation, proving how effortlessly the design adapts to dramatically different aesthetics.

If you’re interested in Zoe’s exact style, Farfetch currently stocks several versions of the Love Affair pumps. The 85mm style is available from $435 (down from $1,008), while another 85mm pointed ankle-strap version is priced from $629 after discounts, with multiple sizes available at the time of writing.

Zoe Saldaña gives her moody, high-fashion all-black look a sultry finish with the Aquazzura “Love Affair” pumps in black mesh with suede trims (Credit: Darla Khazei / INSTARimages)

Saldaña paired her heels with a black Balmain Fall 2026 dress defined by intricate ruching and pleating that gave the fabric depth and dimension. While the striking texture kept the monochromatic look visually interesting, the silhouette made the dress even more captivating.

It had a daring plunging V-neckline that extended to the sternum, balanced by softly padded shoulders that added an ‘80s-inspired edge. Long sleeves enhanced the sleek look, while a wrapped, cinched waist beautifully sculpted Zoe’s figure before flowing into a knee-length skirt with a front slit.

Sheer black tights added another layer of sophistication, enhancing the outfit’s dark, polished aesthetic.

Saldaña wore her hair in loose, tousled waves cascading over her shoulders, finishing the look with a Cartier Clash de Cartier gold-and-onyx necklace and a few delicate rings.

Zoe Saldaña paired her black mesh pumps with a textured LBD by Balmain, featuring a plunging neckline, padded shoulders, and a wrap-style skirt (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)

Nicole Kidman Styles a Sheer Fendi Top and Cream Trousers With Minimalist Beige Sandals

Nicole Kidman took a completely different approach from her co-star, embracing soft, ethereal glamour. While her outfit featured plenty of intricate detail, she kept her footwear understated with minimalist beige leather sandals.

Though mostly hidden beneath her trousers, the barely-there heels featured slim straps across the toes and softly rounded, wide-open toes. The sandals also seemed to feature delicate ankle straps and slightly flared stiletto heels that subtly elevated the look.

Nicole Kidman keeps her footwear simple, wearing minimalist beige open-toe sandals with slim straps and wide open toes (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)

Kidman paired the sandals with a metallic champagne tunic-style top from Fendi’s Fall 2026 collection and flowing cream trousers. I actually liked her decision to keep the shoes simple because the tunic was more than enough to command attention.

Crafted from delicate sheer lace, the top revealed just a hint of skin underneath its shimmering silver beadwork. I especially loved the layered scalloped embroidery that draped across the neckline and bodice like strands of vintage jewelry. The design then flowed into an ornate scalloped fan hem that extended over the hips, adding movement and a subtle Art Deco-inspired finish.

Balancing the elaborate top were relaxed, high-waisted cream tuxedo trousers that flowed effortlessly to the floor. Their clean, wide-leg silhouette softened the more detailed top, making the overall look polished yet easy to wear.

Kidman completed the ensemble with long, shaggy blonde layers and curtain bangs that gave the look a hint of ’70s influence. A gold watch and a delicate hand chain provided just the right amount of finishing detail.

Nicole Kidman embraces ethereal glamour with her see-through sheer champagne tunic-style top featuring a layered scalloped embroidery across the front, intricate silver beadwork, and an ornate scalloped fan hem (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)

From Aquazzura Mesh Pumps to Barely There Sandals: Two Distinct Takes on Red Carpet Footwear

Saldaña used sharp black pumps to reinforce the structure and drama of her Balmain dress, while Kidman let understated beige sandals recede beneath her intricate Fendi look. Their contrasting choices show how footwear can either define an outfit or quietly support it.