Oprah Winfrey Honors Misty Copeland in a Chic Brunello Cucinelli Gown and Royal-Approved Heels
There are few women who embody timeless grace and power quite like Oprah Winfrey. And at the American Ballet Theatre’s 2025 Fall Gala in New York City, the media titan reminded us all why she remains one of fashion’s most quietly commanding presences. Serving as an honorary grand chair at the evening’s celebration—held at Lincoln Center’s David Geffen Hall—Winfrey struck a perfect balance between sophistication and comfort, stepping out in a pristine white robe-style gown from Brunello Cucinelli and a pair of surprisingly practical yet polished Sole Bliss heels.
Winfrey’s floor-length look, drawn from Brunello Cucinelli’s Fall 2019 ready-to-wear collection, exuded effortless opulence. The white silk dress featured tailored lapels, long sleeves, and a gently plunging neckline, cinched neatly at the waist with a black ribbon belt. The ensemble was a study in contrast—crisp ivory softened by black accents—creating an image of confident restraint that echoed her legendary poise. A subtle front slit allowed a glimpse of her black suede Carmen pumps from Sole Bliss, footwear favored by none other than Queen Camilla herself.
The $349 pumps, designed with luxury comfort in mind, are a triumph of thoughtful engineering. Crafted in fine suede with a 2.5-inch heel, they feature Sole Bliss’s award-winning “juanete” technology—triple-layer cushioning, anti-pronating arch support, and a wider toe box to relieve pressure from bunions. It’s a testament to how fashion and function no longer live in opposition; they can, as Oprah proved, dance together in harmony under the shimmer of stage lights.
Winfrey’s refined palette continued through her accessories, which whispered quiet luxury rather than shouted excess—though the carat count told another story entirely. On one hand, she wore a 3.06-carat round brilliant-cut diamond ring encircled by a black enamel halo; on the other, a dazzling 29.74-carat D-flawless emerald-cut diamond in platinum, each designed by Stephen Silver Fine Jewelry. Completing the look were delicate silver drop earrings, circular wire-frame glasses, and her signature caramel-highlighted curls, softly tumbling past her shoulders.
Her beauty look was the definition of understated glamour: a mauve-toned lip, smoky brown eye, and radiant, dewy skin that glowed under the soft lights of the gala. The result was an aura that felt at once serene and magnetic—a woman utterly at ease in her own skin, celebrating art, legacy, and the power of elegance that transcends age and trend.
The evening held special meaning, as Winfrey joined the dance community in honoring Misty Copeland’s final performance with the American Ballet Theatre. Copeland, who made history as the company’s first Black female principal dancer, represents the same pioneering spirit that Oprah has long embodied in media and beyond. Together, their presence at the gala signaled not only excellence, but endurance—a shared understanding of what it means to break boundaries with grace.
At 71, Oprah continues to redefine red-carpet dressing: smart, soulful, and always authentic. In her Brunello Cucinelli gown and comfort-conscious Sole Bliss heels, she reminded us that true style isn’t about discomfort—it’s about confidence, craftsmanship, and the art of knowing exactly who you are.
