Angelina Jolie: A Sartorial Symphony of Vintage Elegance and Architectural Heels
In a breathtaking display of timeless sophistication, Angelina Jolie graced the Gotham Awards on December 2nd, transforming Cipriani Wall Street into her personal runway. The evening was more than a celebration of cinematic excellence—it was a masterclass in understated glamour, punctuated by her meticulously curated ensemble that spoke volumes about her unparalleled style sensibility.
Draped in an archival Balmain gown that whispered tales of vintage allure, Jolie commanded attention with a silhouette that defied contemporary trends. The black silk creation, adorned with sumptuous velvet trim, cascaded around her like liquid midnight, its high neckline and loose architectural shape creating a geometric poetry that few could orchestrate with such sublime precision.
But the true star of the evening? Her Aquazzura La Nuit Sandal Plateau 140—a $1,695 architectural marvel that elevated her look, quite literally. These stratospheric platforms are not merely shoes; they are a statement of intent. Crafted from luminescent satin, the sandals feature three delicate straps that interweave across the foot like a couture lattice, revealing just enough skin to tantalize.
The heel itself is a work of art: a 140 mm block adorned with light-catching beads arranged in a geometric pattern that transforms with every movement. Ankle straps secured by elegant buckles ensure not just style, but structural integrity—a metaphor, perhaps, for Jolie’s own commanding presence.
This is not an isolated fashion moment but a continuation of Jolie’s ongoing love affair with Aquazzura’s Plateau line. From the red velvet Romance Sandals at the New York Film Festival to the ethereal gold Sundance Plateau at Venice, she has consistently demonstrated a nuanced understanding of footwear as an extension of personal narrative.
Her selection for the Gotham Awards—where she was honored with the Performer Tribute for her transformative portrayal of Maria Callas—was particularly poignant. A gold cuff adorning her left forearm added a minimalist punctuation to the ensemble, a subtle metallic whisper against the noir backdrop of her gown.
Versatility defines Jolie’s approach to fashion. While these platforms commanded attention, she’s equally comfortable in flat velvet shoes, as evidenced by her recent appearance at the Torino Film Festival. It’s this chameleon-like ability to navigate different style terrains that cements her status as a true fashion iconoclast.