The Aquazzura Effect: Inside Amanda Seyfried’s Italian Footwear Love Affair at the 2026 Palm Springs Awards
There are fashion moments that whisper, and then there are those that announce themselves with the quiet confidence of a woman who knows exactly what she’s doing. Amanda Seyfried’s appearance at the Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards 2026 on Saturday night belonged firmly to the latter category.
The actress, who has cultivated an unmistakable allegiance to Aquazzura’s exquisite Italian craftsmanship, unveiled yet another stunning addition to her ever-expanding footwear archive: the brand’s coveted Mon Amour pumps. Retailing at $1,150, these aren’t merely shoes—they’re wearable poetry. Constructed from delicate floral-embroidered mesh with an ethereal see-through finish, they offered tantalizing glimpses of Seyfried’s feet while maintaining an air of sophisticated mystique. The slip-on silhouette rises on a commanding 105mm stiletto heel, punctuated by a razor-sharp pointed toe that means business. True to Aquazzura’s DNA, the sole bears the house’s signature golden pineapple motif—a small but significant declaration of luxury.
This latest acquisition joins Seyfried’s impressive rotation of Aquazzura favorites, including the Nina platform sandals and Artiste pumps, though her shoe wardrobe extends to include treasures from Jimmy Choo, Miu Miu, and Christian Louboutin. The woman knows her heels.
But footwear was merely the foundation. Seyfried countered those show-stopping pumps with a dramatic Balenciaga gown plucked directly from the house’s Spring 2026 collection—so fresh it practically still had runway dust on its hemline. The black creation featured a striking feather trim that added textural intrigue to its clean halter neckline and elegant A-line silhouette. This wasn’t costume; it was composition. The dress commanded attention while the styling exercised restraint, a delicate balance few manage to strike.
Diamond Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Apollo ear clips and a matching Vigne ring provided the requisite sparkle, while makeup artist Genevieve Herr delivered a bright berry lip that injected an unexpected pop of color into the monochromatic palette. Hairstylist Renato Campora completed the vision with loose, lustrous curls that caught the light with every turn.
The occasion warranted such sartorial excellence: Seyfried was honored with the Desert Palm Achievement Award for her transformative performance in “The Testament of Ann Lee,” a musical drama in which she embodied the founding leader of the Shaker Movement. Earlier that day, she had appeared at the Kering-presented Talking Pictures program alongside director Mona Fastvold and writer Angelique Jackson, opting for a graphic black-and-white collared Saint Laurent minidress paired with—naturally—those faithful Aquazzura Artiste heels in black.
Standing against the carpet, gown meeting light, jewelry catching flash, Seyfried embodied something increasingly rare: composed elegance without the performative excess. This was fashion as punctuation, not exclamation.
