Angelina Jolie Proves Architectural Footwear Is the Foundation of Red Carpet Excellence
Angelina Jolie transformed the Pathé Palace in Paris into her personal runway Monday evening, arriving at the premiere of her forthcoming film “Couture” in a breathtaking display of haute couture that perfectly mirrored the movie’s exploration of fashion’s transformative power. The actress delivered a masterclass in modern glamour, courtesy of Sarah Burton’s visionary direction at Givenchy.
The evening’s sartorial triumph began from the ground up with Jolie’s choice of footwear: Givenchy’s Spiky black satin pumps. These architectural marvels represent Burton’s sophisticated reinterpretation of classic silhouettes, featuring a distinctive high neckline that elevates them beyond conventional pump territory into vintage-inspired territory. The sleek design incorporates an elongated pointed toe and slip-on construction, while the sharp pitch and cone heels—measuring approximately four inches—create a striking geometric profile. The cone heel’s inverted triangular structure, which starts wider at the sole before tapering toward the ground, produces an illusion of elegant slenderness that elongates the leg while providing surprising stability.
For the main event, Jolie embraced fashion’s most daring current trend: naked dressing. Her ankle-length nude mesh Givenchy by Sarah Burton creation transformed sheer fabrication into high art, festooned with silver sequined flowers and delicate beaded fringe that caught the light with every movement. The gown’s plunging back and thigh-high slit added dramatic sensuality, while short sleeves and metallic fringe at the hem introduced subtle movement to the otherwise structured silhouette.
What elevated this ensemble from merely beautiful to deeply personal was how the sheer construction elegantly revealed Jolie’s actual tattoos, transforming body art into an integral component of the overall aesthetic. This transparency created an intimate dialogue between the actress’s personal narrative and the evening’s celebration of cinematic storytelling.
Jolie’s styling choices demonstrated remarkable restraint, allowing the spectacular gown to command attention. Custom jewelry by Garatti Milano—including heart-shaped diamond studs—provided understated sparkle without competing with the dress’s inherent drama. Her honey-blonde hair was styled in soft, voluminous waves with a deep side part, while her makeup channeled Old Hollywood glamour through sharp winged eyeliner, metallic eyeshadow, and a matte nude lip.
The premiere celebrated “Couture,” Alice Winocour’s Chanel-backed film in which Jolie portrays Maxine Walker, a filmmaker diagnosed with breast cancer while covering Paris Fashion Week. The narrative explores the interconnected lives of three women within the fashion industry, examining the untold stories behind the glamour. Following its world premiere in the Special Presentations section at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival last September, the film opens in French theaters February 18.
From shimmering fabric to her radiant presence, Jolie’s appearance served as the perfect tribute to couture’s artistry—a living embodiment of the craft her film seeks to honor.
