The 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards turned the American Museum of Natural History into a runway of glittering red carpet moments on November 2. While designers such as Ralph Lauren and Rachel Scott received the evening’s honors, the real spectacle unfolded at the feet of the star-studded guest list. From metallic platforms to sculptural sandals, the night proved that footwear can be as headline-making as any couture gown.
Among the most photographed pairings was Keke Palmer’s choice of the Aquazzura Divine 105 in shimmering gold. The 105-mm heel elevated the look with a sleek, pointed toe that caught every flash. Across the carpet, Zoe Kravitz opted for Saint Laurent Jazz Slingback Pumps, a daring mix of purple satin and patent leather topped with a gleaming metallic gold cap-toe. Hailey Bieber complemented her ensemble with matching Saint Laurent gold sandals, reinforcing the brand’s dominance in the evening’s palette.
Other standout shoes that defined the night
Carrie Coon arrived in the understated elegance of Gianvito Rossi Gianvito 105 pumps, rendered in powder-blue suede that contrasted beautifully with her dark attire. Singer Monica chose the Cult Gaia Cassidy Sandal, its sculptural calla-lily vine offering a fresh, botanical twist on the classic sandal silhouette. Demi Moore turned heads in the Giuseppe Zanotti Desire 105—brown suede pumps featuring a towering 105 mm conical heel that blended vintage sensibility with contemporary drama.
Stylist Law Roach made a statement in an ultra-pointed-toe black leather boot, proving that even the most functional pieces can feel avant-garde when paired with the right outfit. Emily Ratajkowski’s black leather knee-high boots, with a curved stiletto heel, added an edge to her look, while Lili Reinhart dazzled in the Aquazzura Tell Me Crystal Sandal 105 in satin gold, a piece that sparkled under the museum’s chandeliers. Nicky Hilton’s Manolo Blahnik Lurum 90mm Gold Mules featured a mesh-and-leather design accented with crystal leaves, highlighting the season’s love for luxe detailing.
Best-dressed moments beyond the shoes
Lupita Nyong’o dominated the fashion conversation with three custom GapStudio ensembles designed by Zac Posen, each showcasing a different silhouette while maintaining a cohesive colour story. Zoe Kravitz repeated her shoe success with a matching Saint Laurent coat, reinforcing the brand’s golden hour aesthetic. Naomi Osaka impressed in a tailored Miss Claire Sullivan look that balanced sporty chic with red-carpet elegance.
Demi Moore’s GapStudio gown combined classic tailoring with modern flair, while Alexa Chung chose a Tory Burch Runway Pump in olive-green, referencing 1920s high-vamp silhouettes and pairing it with a sleek, monochrome outfit. Actress Allison Janney honoured Christian Siriano with a tailored, jewel-embellished dress that proved age-defying style is always on trend. Even the Damon duo—Isabella and Matt—made a sweet appearance, with Isabella’s dress echoing the museum’s natural-history motifs.
These curated looks illustrate how the 2026 CFDA Awards served as a showcase for both daring footwear experiments and timeless sartorial choices. Whether it was a towering Aquazzura heel, a sculptural Cult Gaia sandal, or a minimalist black patent-leather pump, each pair contributed to a night where shoes were not just accessories but the centerpiece of celebrity storytelling.
