Cameron Diaz kicked off 2014 in style, proving once again why she’s a Hollywood icon both on and off the red carpet. In January, The Mask actress and fashion-forward star turned heads at the grand opening of Tag Heuer’s first flagship store in New York City.
As the luxury brand’s ambassador, she effortlessly blended sophistication with trendsetting elegance, making a statement in a chic ensemble that had fashion lovers buzzing.
Cameron Diaz wears her hair in a messy bun at the opening of Tag Heuer’s first flagship store in New York City on January 28, 2014 (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / Andres Otero / WENN)
Before taking Hollywood by storm, Cameron Diaz honed her presence as a model with Elite Model Management. She made a dazzling film debut alongside Jim Carrey in the 1994 superhero comedy The Mask, instantly capturing audiences with her charm and screen presence.
The Casting of The Mask: How Cameron Landed Her Breakout Role
According to Variety, she wasn’t the first choice of director Chuck Russell. He planned to cast the late Anna Nicole Smith for the part but changed his mind after meeting the 1993 Playmate of the Year.
Although she was “charming and bubbly”, he didn’t think Anna Nicole Smith had “other qualities needed for the role”.
Casting director Fern Champion met with Diaz based on the recommendation of an agent for Elite. He felt she had “instant likability.”
Once American film director Charles “Chuck” Russell saw Diaz read for the part, he cast her as Tina Carlyle despite her lack of acting experience.
Cameron Diaz shines in a sparkling, sequined mini dress paired with elegant high-heeled shoes, designed by Ha Nguyen, against the dramatic Coco Bongo backdrop from The Mask (Credit: New Line Cinema)
In addition to Anna Nicole Smith, Vanessa Williams, Caprice Bourret, and Kristy Swanson were considered for the role. The studio was convinced to cast Cameron Fiaz following a series of callbacks and improv sessions with Jim Carrey.
“I said to bring her in and let’s see. [Diaz] was the only person for the part as far as I was concerned after her first reading. And then I saw the chemistry with her and Jim [Carrey]. Eight callbacks later, including improvs with Jim, I finally convinced producers,” director Chuck Russell told Variety.
In a tense moment from The Mask, Cameron Diaz as Tina Carlyle captivates in a form-fitting black dress with bold red geometric lines, designed by Ha Nguyen, while Jim Carrey’s Stanley Ipkiss sports a classic white shirt and tie ensemble (Credit: New Line Cinema)
The Mask was released on July 29, 1994, when Cameron Diaz was 21. Born on August 30, 1972, she turned 22 a month later. Her co-star, Jim Carrey, who was 11 years older, had turned 32 earlier that year.
The film was both a critical and commercial success, cementing Diaz’s status as a Hollywood sex symbol. This breakout role led to her being cast in the 1997 romantic comedy My Best Friend’s Wedding.
From Film Icon to Fashion Entrepreneur
20 years after the release of The Mask, the American actress, producer, and former fashion model showed no signs of stress or jetlag as she stepped out on the red carpet in a chic all-black ensemble.
Cameron Diaz shows off her neutral-toned makeup on the red carpet
Her outfit consisted of a polka-dotted jacquard coat from Giambattista Valli’s Pre-Fall 2014 collection, black tights, a box clutch from Hunting Season, and black ankle-wrap pumps from Celine.
Cameron Diaz stuns on the red carpet in a jacquard Giambattista Valli coat, pairing it with sleek black tights and statement ankle-wrap platform pumps that add height and elegance to her look
Rumored to have undergone plastic surgery, Cameron finished her look with neutral-toned makeup and a messy low bun.
Cameron Diaz wears a pair of Celine ankle-wrap pumps over a pair of black tights
To complete her polished look, Cameron opted for Celine ankle-wrap platform pumps, adding height and elegance to her ensemble:
Celine Ankle-Wrap Platform Pumps, $562
From filming her latest comedy flick and making guest appearances to writing and promoting her book, the actress seemed to have a lot on her plate.
But instead of taking a breather, Cameron worked on her designs for Pour la Victoire’s Fall 2014 shoe collection as part of her stint as the brand’s artistic director.
The actress learned the ropes of the business, from industry lingo and the basics of shoe design to the movement of the production pipeline.
She maintained a close working relationship with David Giordano, the executive creative director and co-founder of Pour la Victoire, to develop a collection that could help the brand create its own identity in the competitive shoe industry.
Cameron Diaz’s Vision: Elevating Pour La Victoire with Timeless Elegance
As the label’s artistic director, Cameron aimed to lead the company in a new direction and create beautiful shoes with more refined styles.
The company’s CEO, Chris Nakatani, said the actress brought “an elevated taste level and an elevated perspective to the line and its design process.”
She incorporated many changes into the brand’s recent collection, from clean silhouettes and lower heel heights to a neutral color palette. Her impeccable style and meticulous eye for detail are evident in the shoes, which are as chic and classy as the actress.
Despite her heavy involvement in the creative process, Cameron’s name would not be attached to the collection or featured in any advertising campaigns. She kept her position firmly behind the scenes to let the collection speak for itself.
Cameron commented, “I don’t want girls to aspire to be me. That’s not what this brand is about. It’s not about wearing a shoe I would wear. I want them to see themselves in this shoe.”
The result was a collection of comfortable yet stylish shoes, sophisticated yet edgy, and sexy yet down-to-earth. Check out some of the shoes from Pour La Victoire’s Fall 2014 collection, which Cameron directed, on Amazon!
Pour La Victoire’s Fall 2014 Collection Shoes
What do you think of the above heels? Cameron Diaz isn’t the only celebrity who has embraced Pour La Victoire’s sleek and sophisticated designs. The brand has been spotted on numerous style icons, proving its versatility and timeless appeal.
Stepping Out in Style: Celebrities Who Love Pour La Victoire
Here are some of the most memorable celebrity moments featuring Pour La Victoire footwear:
Blake Lively’s Bold ‘Zimmer’ Pumps on Gossip Girl
- Event: Filming of Gossip Girl Season 6
- Outfit: Portraying Serena van der Woodsen, Blake Lively wore a beaded tank top with a scallop-edged Haute Hippie skirt.
- Footwear: She completed the ensemble with dramatic yellow snakeskin-print Pour La Victoire ‘Zimmer’ pumps, adding a striking element to her look.
- More Details: Blake Lively’s standout Pour La Victoire moment on Gossip Girl
Sienna Miller’s Casual Chic in ‘Nicia’ Oxfords
- Event: Leaving the Theatre Royal Haymarket
- Outfit: Sienna Miller styled a red and white Topshop sweater with cropped skinny jeans for a relaxed look.
- Footwear: She opted for Pour La Victoire ‘Nicia’ patent oxford shoes, blending comfort with style effortlessly.
- More Details: Sienna Miller’s take on oxfords with Pour La Victoire
Emmy Rossum’s Chic Street Style in Striped Heels
- Event: Running errands in Brentwood
- Outfit: Emmy Rossum showcased her effortless elegance in a black-and-white striped Malene Birger dress.
- Footwear: She complemented her look with matching black-and-white striped heels, adding a playful yet sophisticated touch to her ensemble.
- More Details: Emmy Rossum’s coordinated street style with striped heels
Ariana Grande’s Retro Flair with ‘Portia’ Pumps
- Event: Shopping Trip in Chanel
- Outfit: Ariana Grande showcased her signature style with a chic ensemble during her shopping outing.
- Footwear: She wore Pour La Victoire ‘Portia’ black leather platform pumps, adding a retro touch to her outfit.
- More Details: Ariana Grande’s chic look with Pour La Victoire pumps
From red carpet glam to off-duty chic, Pour La Victoire continues to be a go-to brand for fashion-forward celebrities. Just like Cameron Diaz, these stars have embraced the brand’s refined yet modern aesthetic, proving that a great pair of shoes is always a statement piece.