Sparkle, Sculptural Lines & Iconic Heels: Zoe Saldaña’s Most Striking Saint Laurent Moments

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Zoe Saldana may not hold an official ambassador title at Saint Laurent, but she has long been a favorite muse of the company.

At the Los Angeles and Paris premieres of Avatar: Fire and Ash, she leaned into the brand’s signature sophistication, switching between different Saint Laurent heels and making each pair look effortlessly chic.

Zoe Saldaña showcases two striking red-carpet moods—an architectural black Balmain gown paired with Saint Laurent “La Scandale” platforms in Paris, and a daring one-shoulder Saint Laurent dress styled with the brand’s sleek “Chandelle” sandals in Los AngelesZoe Saldaña showcases two striking red-carpet moods—an architectural black Balmain gown paired with Saint Laurent “La Scandale” platforms in Paris, and a daring one-shoulder Saint Laurent dress styled with the brand’s sleek “Chandelle” sandals in Los Angeles (Credit: Sebastien Fremont / Starface Photo / Dave Starbuck / Future Image / Cover Images)

Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third installment in the Avatar film series, follows Neytiri and Jake Sully as they process the loss of their son Neteyam, all while confronting new tensions with the Mangkwan clan, or the Ash People, led by Varang, who has allied with Quaritch, Jake’s enemy.

Throughout the press tour, Zoe has embraced understated luxury, which perfectly aligns with Saint Laurent’s aesthetic. From Paris to Los Angeles, her outfits have been quietly polished, and I’ve loved seeing each one.

Sparkling Balmain Couture Meets the Sharp Edge of Saint Laurent Platforms

Zoe Saldana looked every inch the movie star as she arrived in Boulogne-Billancourt, France, for the European premiere of Avatar: Fire and Ash. She carried that effortless confidence she’s known for, wearing a stunning Balmain gown with Saint Laurent heels, and I genuinely loved every part of the ensemble. There’s something about the way she wears high fashion that always pulls me in, and this look was no exception!

Inspired by a style from Balmain’s Pre-Fall 2025 collection, Zoe’s bespoke gown featured an eye-catching bodice. Up close, the structure was breathtaking. It featured angular edges, a corseted waist, and a sharply flared peplum, creating an almost origami-like silhouette.

The lookbook version originally came in a beige-and-black spotted print, but I loved Zoe’s all-black reinterpretation, which was more refined and dramatic. It still had those velvety dots and clean lines, but Zoe’s version sparkled with shimmering embellishments. It added depth, texture, and just the right amount of glam!

Zoe Saldana steals the spotlight at the Avatar: Fire and Ash Paris premiere, wearing an architectural Balmain gown featuring a sculptural, corseted bodice with glitter accents and a structured peplum and a velvet column skirtZoe Saldana steals the spotlight at the Avatar: Fire and Ash Paris premiere, wearing an architectural Balmain gown featuring a sculptural, corseted bodice with glitter accents and a structured peplum and a velvet column skirt on December 5, 2025, in Boulogne-Billancourt, France (Credit: Sebastien Fremont / Starface Photo / Cover Images)

A Velvet Column Skirt and the Sharp Elegance of Saint Laurent’s “La Scandale” Heels

Below the sculptural top, the dress flowed into a smooth velvet column skirt, making Zoe look even more elongated and elegant. While the back slit was a practical detail, it also offered a clear view of her favorite Saint Laurent “La Scandale” platform sandals. The subtle shimmer of the shoes’ satin-crepe finish matched the gown’s sparkle.

She also wore black satin Saint Laurent La Scandale platform pumps with a romantic lace dress at the 2025 BAFTAs. Another celebrity fan is Emma Corrin, who wore a sultry all-black outfit with glossy patent leather “La Scandale” sandals at a Deadpool & Wolverine fan event in Berlin.

Made in Italy, the sandals featured squared-open toes that lent the pair a sharp, modern edge. Sleek enough to feel minimal yet still eye-catching beneath the gown, the platforms added both height and stability, making the 4.7-inch stiletto heels easier to glide in while elongating her silhouette. Slim ankle-wrap straps finished the design with a delicate touch, a subtle contrast to the otherwise bold architecture of the shoes.

For anyone wanting the exact pair, these Saint Laurent platforms are available for $1,150 at Farfetch.

Zoe Saldana teams her architectural Balmain gown with contemporary Saint Laurent "La Scandale" sandals featuring squared open-toes, platforms, thin ankle straps, and stiletto heelsZoe Saldana teams her architectural Balmain gown with contemporary Saint Laurent “La Scandale” sandals featuring squared open-toes, platforms, thin ankle straps, and stiletto heels (Credit: Sebastien Fremont / Starface Photo / Cover Images)

Her styling, courtesy of Petra Flannery, was kept understated but luxe. She accessorized with onyx and diamond Cartier pieces, including mismatched Cartier Libre Polymorph earrings set with six onyxes and 176 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 6.80 carats and a matching $109,000 Cartier Libre Polymorph transformable ring made of 18k white gold with seven onyxes and 154 6.30-carat brilliant-cut diamonds.

Zoe’s makeup had a warm, bronzy softness. Her skin was glowing, and she highlighted her features with bronzed eyeshadow and a muted pink lip. She pulled her hair back into a simple ponytail tied with a black ribbon, which added an elegant, feminine touch.

A Daring Saint Laurent One-Shoulder Moment With a Cutout Twist

At the Los Angeles premiere of Avatar: Fire and Ash, Zoe Saldana wore a look that balanced simplicity with a bold twist. She wore a deep green Saint Laurent gown from the Resort 2026 collection, and it captured her natural, effortless elegance.

From the front, the gown looked modest, with a one-shoulder neckline, clean draping, and a floor-length skirt. But the dress revealed its real impact once Zoe turned. The gown opened to a bold side cutout that showcased her Persian script tattoo along her left rib, giving the look a surprising, edgy twist. It also had an orange bow trailing at the back of the one-shoulder design, creating a contrasting pop of color that I didn’t expect but instantly loved.

In addition, the dress had a daring slit that ran all the way up to her waist; it’s not something Zoe often wears, but that’s exactly why it stood out to me! The dress may seem simple at first glance, but the combination of the cutout, the bow, and the bold slit made it unforgettable.

Zoe Saldana embraces her daring side in a green Saint Laurent one-shoulder gown featuring an orange bow on one shoulder and a waist-high slit Zoe Saldana embraces her daring side in a green Saint Laurent one-shoulder gown featuring an orange bow on one shoulder and a waist-high slit on December 1, 2025, in Hollywood, California (Credit: Dave Starbuck / Future Image / Cover Images)

Saint Laurent “Chandelle” Sandals Take Center Stage Beneath the Dramatic Slit

The high slit also made it easy for us to see her Saint Laurent “Chandelle” sandals. They were crafted in satin-crepe and featured a timeless silhouette, with almond toes, double crisscrossed straps, an adjustable gold-tone buckle, and sleek 4.3-inch heels. They also had a Saint Laurent–engraved metal plaque on the insole, adding a hint of luxury.

Zoe completed the look with Cartier jewelry, fitting for a global ambassador. She wore the “Pandana” earrings and a matching bracelet from the Beautés du Monde collection, featuring dark green-blue tourmalines, pink tourmalines, citrus garnets, and diamonds.

With her hair worn down and her makeup kept soft and neutral, Zoe let the dress and jewels speak for themselves.

Zoe Saldana keeps her footwear classic, wearing the Saint Laurent "Chandelle" sandals featuring double crisscross straps, an adjustable ankle strap, and stiletto heelsZoe Saldana keeps her footwear classic, wearing the Saint Laurent “Chandelle” sandals featuring double crisscross straps, an adjustable ankle strap, and stiletto heels (Credit: Dave Starbuck / Future Image / Cover Images)

Zoe Saldaña’s Saint Laurent Era: Red-Carpet Shoe Highlights Worth Revisiting

To close out her latest Saint Laurent–studded press tour, it’s worth remembering that Zoe Saldaña has long delivered bold, impeccably curated footwear moments on and off the red carpet. Below, we highlight some of her most memorable shoe pairings—each one reinforcing why she remains one of Hollywood’s most dependable style leaders.

👠 Zoe Saldaña’s Most Chic Shoe and Fashion Moments: