Black Magic: How Ashley Graham Turned Simplicity Into the Ultimate Power Move
In an era where red carpet excess often trumps elegance, Ashley Graham reminded us why less truly is more. At Sunday’s 7th Daytime Beauty Awards in Los Angeles, the supermodel delivered a masterclass in refined sophistication, proving that the most powerful statements are often whispered, not shouted.
Graham’s approach was refreshingly architectural—a sleeveless black dress that hugged her silhouette like a second skin before dramatically parting at the thigh. The genius lay not in the slit itself, but in how she controlled its narrative. A wide belt cinched at the waist transformed what could have been gratuitous into something graceful, adding structure that spoke to utilitarian chic without sacrificing femininity.
But it was her choice in footwear that elevated the entire ensemble from simply chic to utterly covetable. Graham selected Giuseppe Zanotti’s Audrinette sandals—a $795 testament to the power of precise design. Crafted from glossy black patent leather, these aren’t merely shoes; they’re sculptures for the feet. The barely-there straps create diagonal poetry across the foot, fastening with a delicate buckle that whispers rather than screams luxury. The 105mm stiletto heel provided the perfect counterpoint—lifting Graham’s frame while maintaining an air of effortless sophistication.
The styling choices revealed Graham’s evolved fashion sensibility. Her hair fell in loose waves that caught the light without competing for attention, while silver earrings provided the only metallic accent in an otherwise monochromatic palette. The absence of heavy jewelry was perhaps the boldest choice of all—a deliberate editing that kept the focus squarely on silhouette over sparkle.
Zanotti’s Audrinette style has become something of a red carpet darling in recent months. Regina King chose the label’s metallic Intriigo Claire iteration for the “Caught Stealing” premiere in New York, while Tyla opted for a more ornate, turquoise-studded version at Pandora’s recent Talisman launch. The common denominator? An obsession with fine straps and high shine—a formula that continues to captivate Hollywood’s most discerning dressers.
Graham’s appearance comes at a particularly significant moment in her career trajectory. Just weeks prior, she was announced as one of Stuart Weitzman’s new global ambassadors, joining Emma Chamberlain and Ilana Glazer in the brand’s fall 2025 “Stuart Weitzman New York” campaign. Shot across Manhattan’s most iconic locations, the campaign spotlights the brand’s new Vinnie Sculptural collection and marks a transformative moment for the label following its acquisition by Caleres in August.
This appointment underscores Graham’s evolution from curve-pioneering model to bonafide fashion authority—someone whose choices carry weight beyond the moment. At the Daytime Beauty Awards, she demonstrated exactly why brands are eager to align with her vision: she understands that true luxury lies not in obvious displays of wealth, but in the confidence to let quality speak for itself.
In Graham’s hands, minimalism becomes maximally impactful—a reminder that in fashion, as in life, restraint is often the most radical choice of all.
