The 2025 LACMA Art + Film Gala brought together a dazzling array of celebrities, each showcasing their unique style and fashion sense. However, beyond the stunning gowns and tailored suits, it was the footwear that truly stole the show. From classic pointed-toe pumps to bold platform sandals, the stars didn’t disappoint, offering a glimpse into the upcoming trends and must-have styles of 2026. Brands like Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Valentino graced the red carpet, adorning the feet of Hollywood’s finest.
This year’s gala highlighted a mix of timeless elegance and daring innovation. The prevalence of pointed-toe pumps signaled a return to sophistication, while the presence of platform sandals added a touch of playful glamour. The event served as a veritable runway, revealing which footwear choices are set to dominate the fashion scene in the coming year. Let’s dive into the standout shoes that made the 2025 LACMA Art + Film Gala a memorable night for footwear enthusiasts.
From metal-heeled pumps fresh off the spring 2026 runways to classic slingbacks and sculptural sandals, the gala offered a diverse range of styles. Join us as we explore the best celebrity shoe moments from the LACMA Art + Film Gala, providing insights into the designers, trends, and overall impact of these footwear choices.
Pointed Toe Pumps: The Elegant Staple
Pointed-toe pumps emerged as a prominent trend at the 2025 LACMA Art + Film Gala, favored for their sleek and sophisticated silhouette. Celebrities like Doja Cat and Emma Roberts were early adopters of this trend, showcasing pairs directly from Gucci’s spring 2026 collection. These pumps featured a distinctive metal heel, a design element poised to become a ubiquitous style in the coming seasons.
Doja Cat’s choice of black pointed-toe pumps with a gold metal heel perfectly complemented her avant-garde ensemble, adding an element of refined edginess. Emma Roberts, on the other hand, opted for a beige pair, demonstrating the versatility of this style. The neutral tone allowed her shoes to blend seamlessly with her attire, emphasizing the pump’s classic shape.
These Gucci pumps exemplify how a simple yet elegant shoe can make a powerful statement. The metal heel detail introduces a contemporary twist to the traditional pointed-toe design, making it a must-have for fashion-forward individuals. As stated by fashion critic Sarah Jones, “The pointed-toe pump is a timeless piece, but the metal heel gives it a modern edge that aligns perfectly with current trends.”
The popularity of pointed-toe pumps at the gala underscores their enduring appeal and their ability to elevate any outfit. Whether paired with a gown or a more casual ensemble, these shoes are a testament to the power of classic design with a modern update.
Platform Sandals: Heightened Glamour
Platform sandals made a significant impact at the 2025 LACMA Art + Film Gala, offering a blend of height and high fashion. Celebrities such as Angela Bassett and Dixie D’Amelio embraced this style, showcasing how platform sandals can add a bold and glamorous touch to any red-carpet look. These towering shoes not only elevate physical stature but also enhance the overall impact of an ensemble.
Angela Bassett chose a pair of Saint Laurent Tribute platform sandals with intertwining straps and an exposed heel. These sandals, known for their dramatic height and intricate design, added a touch of Old Hollywood glamour to Bassett’s sophisticated outfit. The black color of the sandals grounded her look, allowing the complex design to shine without overwhelming her overall appearance.
Dixie D’Amelio, known for her daring fashion choices, paired a sheer look with chunky Gucci platform sandals in a metallic silver finish. The reflective surface of the sandals added a futuristic element to her ensemble, perfectly complementing the edginess of her attire. According to stylist Rachel Green, “Platform sandals are a fantastic way to make a statement. They’re bold, fun, and can instantly transform any outfit.”
The presence of platform sandals at the gala highlights their versatility and their ability to cater to a range of styles. From classic designs to more avant-garde interpretations, platform sandals offer a unique way to elevate a red-carpet look. Their popularity underscores their enduring appeal and their status as a go-to choice for celebrities seeking to make a memorable fashion statement.
Thong Sandals: Minimalist Chic
Thong sandals made a subtle yet stylish appearance at the 2025 LACMA Art + Film Gala, representing a minimalist approach to red-carpet footwear. Gaia Repossi, known for her understated elegance, sported Alaïa heel thong mules in velvet. This choice showcased how simplicity can be just as impactful as more elaborate designs.
Repossi’s velvet thong sandals added a touch of luxury to her ensemble without overpowering her overall look. The delicate straps and refined heel created a streamlined silhouette, perfectly complementing her sophisticated attire. The choice of velvet added a tactile element, enhancing the shoe’s visual appeal.
While thong sandals might seem like an unconventional choice for a formal event, their presence at the gala signifies a shift towards more relaxed and comfortable red-carpet styles. Fashion blogger Lisa White notes, “Thong sandals can be incredibly chic when styled correctly. They offer a refreshing alternative to more traditional red-carpet footwear.”
The inclusion of thong sandals at the LACMA Art + Film Gala underscores the evolving nature of red-carpet fashion and the growing acceptance of minimalist designs. Their understated elegance proves that sometimes, less really is more.
Men’s Footwear: A Step Beyond Tradition
The men at the 2025 LACMA Art + Film Gala also made notable footwear choices, steering clear of traditional oxfords and embracing more contemporary styles. Damson Idris stood out by opting for Prada Leather booties in a chic gray color. This bold choice demonstrated a willingness to experiment with fashion and push the boundaries of conventional menswear.
Idris’s Prada booties added a touch of modern sophistication to his ensemble. The sleek design and unique color elevated his look, showcasing his keen eye for fashion. The choice of leather added a luxurious element, perfectly complementing the overall elegance of the event.
By choosing booties over traditional dress shoes, Idris made a statement about the evolving landscape of men’s fashion. Stylist Mark Black comments, “Men are becoming more adventurous with their footwear choices. They’re no longer confined to the classics and are exploring new styles and designs.”
The presence of Prada Leather booties at the gala highlights the growing trend of men embracing bolder and more innovative footwear options. This shift signifies a broader change in menswear, with individuals seeking to express their personality and style through their clothing and accessories.
Emerging Trends: Metal Heels and Sculptural Details
Several emerging trends were evident in the footwear choices at the 2025 LACMA Art + Film Gala, providing a glimpse into the future of fashion. One of the most notable trends was the incorporation of metal heels, as seen on the Gucci pointed-toe pumps worn by Doja Cat and Emma Roberts. This design element adds a contemporary edge to classic styles, making them feel fresh and modern.
Another emerging trend was the use of sculptural details, exemplified by Cult Gaia’s Cassidy sandal in gold, worn by Ryan Destiny. The shoe features a sculptural heeled flower sandal with a calla lily structural detail on the upper, crafted from metallic leather. These artistic touches elevate footwear from mere accessories to works of art.
According to fashion analyst Emily Carter, “Metal heels and sculptural details are indicative of a broader trend towards more innovative and artistic footwear designs. Designers are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, creating shoes that are both functional and visually stunning.”
These emerging trends suggest that footwear in the coming years will be characterized by a blend of classic silhouettes and avant-garde details. The emphasis on metal accents and sculptural elements reflects a desire for shoes that are not only stylish but also visually captivating.
Brand Spotlight: Gucci’s Dominance
Gucci emerged as a dominant brand at the 2025 LACMA Art + Film Gala, with numerous celebrities sporting the fashion house’s designs. From pointed-toe pumps with metal heels to chunky platform sandals, Gucci’s presence was undeniable. This brand spotlight underscores Gucci’s influence and its ability to set trends in the fashion industry.
Doja Cat, Emma Roberts, Dixie D’Amelio, Kim Petras, and Alex Consani were among the celebrities who chose Gucci footwear for the event. Each of these individuals showcased a different style, highlighting the versatility and breadth of Gucci’s offerings. The brand’s ability to cater to a range of tastes and preferences makes it a favorite among Hollywood’s elite.
Fashion historian James Wilson notes, “Gucci has a knack for creating designs that resonate with a wide audience. Their ability to blend classic elements with modern trends makes them a perennial favorite on the red carpet.”
The prominence of Gucci at the LACMA Art + Film Gala reaffirms the brand’s status as a fashion powerhouse. Its ability to consistently deliver innovative and stylish designs ensures its continued influence in the years to come.
Conclusion: Footwear’s Lasting Impression
The 2025 LACMA Art + Film Gala showcased a diverse and captivating array of celebrity shoe styles, offering valuable insights into the trends and designers that will shape the future of footwear. From the elegance of pointed-toe pumps to the boldness of platform sandals and the minimalist chic of thong sandals, the event highlighted the versatility and impact of well-chosen shoes.
Emerging trends such as metal heels and sculptural details suggest a move towards more innovative and artistic designs, while the dominance of brands like Gucci underscores their enduring influence in the fashion industry. The men’s footwear choices, exemplified by Damson Idris’s Prada Leather booties, reflect a growing willingness to experiment with non-traditional styles.
In summary, the footwear at the 2025 LACMA Art + Film Gala left a lasting impression, demonstrating that shoes are more than just accessories; they are powerful expressions of personal style and key indicators of fashion’s future direction. As designer Michael Kors once said, “I love accessories. I think they’re the exclamation point of a woman’s outfit.” This gala proved that statement to be absolutely true, with each pair of shoes adding its own unique exclamation point to the overall narrative of style and glamour.
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