Golden Hour Glamour: Winnie Harlow Makes the Case for Metallics in Manhattan
In the unforgiving heat of a Manhattan summer morning, where lesser mortals might retreat to the safety of breathable cotton and sensible flats, Winnie Harlow emerged as a vision of sartorial audacity. The supermodel’s appearance at NBC’s “Today” show studios on Wednesday wasn’t merely a television appearance—it was a masterclass in how to command attention while championing a cause close to her heart.
Harlow’s ensemble spoke the language of a woman who understands that fashion is both armor and art. Her choice to wear Monse’s 2025 resort collection demonstrated an intuitive grasp of the season’s most compelling narrative: the marriage of structure and fluidity, tradition and rebellion. The structured leather bustier in rich saddle brown, punctuated by dual buckle closures, created a foundation both fierce and feminine. But it was the accompanying skirt that truly elevated the look from merely stylish to utterly mesmerizing.
The asymmetric organza creation, draped with the insouciance of a Renaissance master’s fabric study, featured Monse’s signature Tuscan Villa print—a dreamy collision of ombré yellows, olive greens, and sepia-toned surrealist imagery. The designers’ inspiration drew from 1970s equestrian posters filtered through the lens of digital distortion, creating an effect that was simultaneously nostalgic and futuristic. Against the backdrop of New York’s urban landscape, Harlow appeared as if she had stepped directly from an Italian villa’s sun-drenched terrace.
Yet it was her choice of footwear that truly anchored this summer fantasy in contemporary reality. The glossy gold stilettos—with their mirror-like finish and knife-thin 105mm heel—transformed what could have been a merely pretty look into something approaching the sublime. The pointed-toe silhouette, reminiscent of Giuseppe Zanotti’s most coveted designs, offered high-impact simplicity that allowed the complexities of her outfit to breathe while maintaining an undeniable edge.
This metallic moment arrives at a particularly prescient time in the fashion calendar. The summer of 2025 has seen a decisive shift toward reflective surfaces and liquid metals, a trend that Harlow has been quietly pioneering for months. Her appearance echoes recent sightings of Keke Palmer in mirrored gold platform stilettos just days prior, creating a compelling dialogue between two of fashion’s most fearless voices. Both women understand that metallics in summer aren’t about following trends—they’re about creating them.
The timing of Harlow’s appearance carries additional significance, coinciding with World Vitiligo Day on June 25th. Her long-standing advocacy for vitiligo awareness has consistently merged with her fashion choices, creating a powerful platform that extends far beyond the superficial. In choosing to wear such a commanding look while discussing this important cause, Harlow demonstrates how style can amplify substance rather than diminish it.
The influence of her metallic philosophy extends beyond single appearances. At the 2024 CFDA Awards, silver heels complemented her Kate Barton ensemble, while her eBay collaboration during May’s Miami Grand Prix featured statement footwear that showcased her signature blend of style and velocity. This consistency suggests not a passing fancy but a deliberate aesthetic philosophy—one that embraces shine as both literal and metaphorical illumination.
As we move deeper into summer, Harlow’s golden moment serves as both inspiration and instruction. In a world that often demands we make ourselves smaller, she reminds us that sometimes the most radical act is simply to shine—literally and figuratively—with uncompromising brilliance.
