Angelina Jolie’s Gravity-Defying Saint Laurent ‘Janis’ Pumps Steal the Show

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We had seen the Saint Laurent “Janis” pumps on Angelina Jolie and numerous other celebrities before. Still, something about the way Angie wore them at the ‘Maleficent’ Japan premiere made their heels look much, much higher.

Maybe it was due to her new heavy-up-top padded proportions? Maybe it was because of her figure-hugging Atelier Versace dress? Maybe it was just the way she was standing, but whatever it was, if someone told us that the pumps were 7+ inches high, we’d totally believe it.

Check out how they look on the actress, and tell us if you don’t get vertigo just by looking at the following pictures:

Angelina Jolie pairs a sleek strapless velvet Atelier Versace dress with towering Saint Laurent 'Janis' pumps, showcasing how to nail gothic glamour with eleganceAngelina Jolie pairs a sleek strapless velvet Atelier Versace dress with towering Saint Laurent ‘Janis’ pumps, showcasing how to nail gothic glamour with elegance

Angelina Jolie's Saint Laurent 'Janis' pumps feature a glossy black patent finish, a sleek platform, and a towering 5-inch stiletto heel for dramatic eleganceAngelina Jolie’s Saint Laurent ‘Janis’ pumps feature a glossy black patent finish, a sleek platform, and a towering 5-inch stiletto heel for dramatic elegance

The Saint Laurent “Janis” pumps have graced numerous red carpets, becoming a favorite among celebrities. For instance, Heidi Klum showcased these heels during her appearances on “America’s Got Talent,” pairing them with both leopard-print Versace dresses and blue sequin mini dresses, demonstrating their versatility.

Similarly, Lily Collins charmed audiences at the Cannes Film Festival by complementing her ensemble with the classic glossy patent leather “Janis” pumps, highlighting their timeless appeal. These instances underscore the “Janis” pumps’ status as a staple in celebrity fashion, seamlessly blending elegance with a touch of edge.

Angelina Jolie in an Atelier Versace velvet strapless dress and Saint Laurent "Janis" patent platform pumps at the 'Maleficent' premiere at Ebisu Garden Place in TokyoAngelina Jolie in an Atelier Versace velvet strapless dress and Saint Laurent “Janis” patent platform pumps at the ‘Maleficent’ premiere at Ebisu Garden Place in Tokyo, Japan, on June 23, 2014 (Credit: Kento Nara / Future Image / WENN)

The Height Illusion: Are the ‘Janis’ Pumps Really That High?

Don’t these stilettos look sky-high? In reality, the Saint Laurent ‘Janis’ pumps stand at a more manageable 5 inches, effectively reduced to 4 inches thanks to their 1-inch platform.

Saint Laurent Janis patent pumpsSaint Laurent “Janis” Patent Pumps, $795

For those inspired by Angelina Jolie’s chic platform pumps, exploring the versatility of platform heels can elevate your style. Our comprehensive guide on the different types of platform shoes offers insights into incorporating these bold footwear choices into various outfits.

Additionally, discover the timeless appeal of classic pumps and how they can seamlessly transition from day to night, adding a touch of elegance to any ensemble. Our ultimate guide provides an engaging read for a deeper dive into the history and resurgence of platform shoes in modern fashion.

Contrasting Styles: Angelina Jolie’s Gothic Look vs. Elle Fanning’s Ethereal Ensemble

Perhaps the impression that the shoes’ heels are higher could’ve been due to the dark, gothic styling Angie has adapted for the ‘Maleficent’ promotions. Standing next to Elle Fanning in her ethereal Edwardian-style Alexander McQueen Fall 2014 ivory gown, Angie’s witchy look was sharpened even more.

Elle Fanning’s dress featured intricate moon-and-star embroidery on silk tulle with a feathered hem. She styled the look with wavy tresses and minimal accessories, opting for a tonal bodysuit beneath to highlight the exquisite embroidery and preserve the delicate essence of the gown.

Elle Fanning stuns in an ethereal Alexander McQueen gown with intricate embroidery, while Angelina Jolie exudes elegance in a sleek Atelier Versace dress paired with Saint Laurent 'Janis' pumpsElle Fanning stuns in an ethereal Alexander McQueen gown with intricate embroidery, while Angelina Jolie exudes elegance in a sleek Atelier Versace dress paired with Saint Laurent ‘Janis’ pumps

Maleficent Photo Call: A Softer Take on Angelina’s Style

Angelina wore the pumps again at a photo call the next day. This time, she opted for a draped LBD, making her Maleficent-inspired style and the Janis pumps look much softer.

Are you a fan of Angelina Jolie’s ‘Maleficent’ style, or do you think she needs to take a break from wearing black?

Elle Fanning keeps it youthful in a blush-pink Lanvin dress with a floral belt, while Angelina Jolie opts for understated elegance in a draped black LBD paired with towering Saint Laurent 'Janis' pumpsElle Fanning keeps it youthful in a blush-pink Lanvin dress with a floral belt, while Angelina Jolie opts for understated elegance in a draped black LBD paired with towering Saint Laurent ‘Janis’ pumps at the ‘Maleficent’ photo call at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo in Japan on June 24, 2014

At the ‘Maleficent’ photo call, Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning stood side by side, appearing almost the same height despite their actual height difference. Elle Fanning stands at 5ft 8½ (174 cm), while Angelina Jolie measures 5ft 6½ (168.9 cm).

Angelina’s choice of the Saint Laurent ‘Janis’ pumps likely contributed to the illusion of similar stature. Meanwhile, Elle wore a blush-pink Lanvin Resort 2015 sleeveless V-neck dress featuring a floral appliqué belt accented with a black ribbon. While her outfit was youthful and charming, the choice of black open-toe mules felt slightly out of sync with the rest of the look.

Angelina Jolie demonstrates how to elevate a simple black dress by pairing it with asymmetric draping and bold patent platform pumps for a sleek, polished lookAngelina Jolie demonstrates how to elevate a simple black dress by pairing it with asymmetric draping and bold patent platform pumps for a sleek, polished look

Saint Laurent: A Favorite in Angelina Jolie’s Fashion Repertoire

Angelina Jolie’s affinity for Saint Laurent has been evident in numerous standout moments. At the 2014 BAFTAs, she redefined red carpet norms by donning a tailored black Saint Laurent tuxedo, seamlessly blending elegance with a touch of androgyny.

Similarly, during the ‘Maleficent’ promotions, Jolie captivated audiences in a black Versace leather gown paired with Saint Laurent ‘Janis’ Mary-Jane pumps, epitomizing her signature blend of sophistication and edge. These instances underscore her impeccable style and the timeless allure of Saint Laurent’s designs.