One of the most significant LGBTQ awards, the GLAAD Media Awards has recognized the outstanding, inclusive, and fair representations of LGBTQ people in entertainment, movies, and other media for over three decades. Each event is memorable for its poignant moments, inspirational speeches, and powerful messages, and this year was no different.
Aside from the impactful speeches delivered by this year’s honorees, the GLAAD Media Awards red carpet was also in the spotlight, with celebrities like Doechii, Cynthia Erivo, and Victoria Justice putting their best fashion foot forward. From edgy cuts to charming adornments, each outfit was anything but boring. And let’s not forget those killer shoes that made the red carpet a fashion hub for bold fashion trends.
Cynthia Erivo, Doechii, and Victoria Justice arrive at the GLAAD Media Awards 2025 red carpet in stunning heels and dresses (Credit: Abaca Press / Dave Starbuck / Future Image / Cover Images / INSTARimages)
Without further ado, let’s check out the stand-out looks at the 36th Annual GLAAD Media Awards.
Cynthia Erivo Embraces Minimalist Elegance in Christian Louboutin Follies Strass Pumps and Black Dior Dress
Cynthia Erivo received the Stephen F. Kolzak Award in appreciation of her contributions to the LGBT community and her fearless representation in the entertainment industry.
When she took the stage to accept the award, the Wicked star dazzled in Christian Louboutin Follies Strass pumps.
Combining elegance and glamour, this iconic statement pair of shoes is beautifully adorned with hand-placed strass crystals, bringing sparkle to Cynthia’s look. Beneath the glimmering embellishments is a black mesh fabric, a nod to Louboutin’s love of transparency and minimalist design aesthetic.
Cynthia Erivo shines in Christian Louboutin Follies Strass pumps featuring mesh uppers encrusted with sparkling black crystals (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
Popular among celebrities, her pumps have leather piping trims, giving them a durable finish. The classic stiletto design has a 4-inch towering heel, adding confidence and height to Erivo’s look.
Cynthia Erivo isn’t the only A-lister enchanted by the dazzling allure of Christian Louboutin’s Follies Strass pumps. These glamorous heels have long been a red carpet favorite, seen on stars like Blake Lively at the 2024 CFDA Awards, where she wore them with a chic white ensemble, and Jennifer Lopez at the 2017 Grammy Awards, where she styled them with a dreamy orchid Ralph & Russo gown.
Florence Pugh brought them to the 2024 Oscars in a romantic white column dress, while Alessandra Ambrosio wore them to Elton John’s Oscar Viewing Party with a glittering silver chain-metal dress. With their timeless silhouette and hand-applied crystal embellishments, the Follies Strass pumps remain a go-to choice for celebrities seeking red carpet glamour.
Where to Buy: The Christian Louboutin Follies Strass pumps are available at luxury retailers such as Mytheresa and Nordstrom.
Cynthia Erivo Redefines Red Carpet Glamour in a Sculptural Dior Ensemble
In an unexpected shift from her usual theatrical red carpet looks, Cynthia stunned in a minimalist but chic black dress from Dior’s Spring 2025 collection. The shimmering black shoes complemented the dress’s carefree design, creating a sense of understated elegance.
Capturing the house’s distinctive luxury and feminine allure, the one-shoulder dress has a chic and modern vibe. It features a strapless neckline with a thick shoulder strap on the right shoulder and a fold-over collar on the left side. It’s fitted around the torso and cinched at the waist with a long, dangling black leather belt, further accentuating her slim frame while adding style to the rather minimalist yet sleek and modern dress design.
The dress transitions into a figure-flattering A-line skirt that falls to the ankles, giving off a chic yet contemporary style that is gorgeous and relatable.
Cynthia Erivo embraces simplicity in a chic black dress by Dior featuring a one-shoulder strap, a folded collar at the neckline, front buttons, and a dangling belt (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
Cynthia Elevates Her Look With Tiffany & Co. Jewels and a One-of-a-Kind Dior Bag
Cynthia always finds a way to incorporate glitz and glam into her look, and the GLAAD Media Awards are no exception. In addition to her sparkling shoes, she wore several Tiffany & Co. diamonds. Inspired by the fire and radiance of the brand’s exceptional diamonds, she wore the $26,800 Tiffany Victoria Mixed Cluster Earrings and the $9,800 Tiffany Victoria Earrings.
Around her neck rests the $80,000 Tiffany Victoria Graduated Line Necklace, 16.25 inches long. It features round brilliant diamonds weighing 10.18 carats and marquise diamonds weighing 0.21 carats.
She also accessorized her hands with a few statement rings, such as the $28,400 Diamond Vine Band Ring, the $22,800 Alternating Ring, and her signature bejeweled nails.
Her evening dress and accessories were already quite glitzy. Still, the centerpiece of her look appeared to be her Dior Lady Art bag, a reinterpretation of the iconic Lady Dior bag. Dior commissioned some of the most influential artists to put their spin on the classic favorite.
African-American artist Mickalene Thomas designed Cynthia’s purse. It featured Thomas’ signature abstract face encrusted with shiny rhinestones, sequins, beads, and glitters, all adding texture to the already stunning bag.
Cynthia Erivo adds a whimsical touch to her all-black look by carrying a Lady Dior bag designed by African-American artist Mickalene Thomas (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
Doechii Is Edgy and Chic in Maison Margiela Tabi Bourgeoise Spectator Pumps and Deconstructed Outfit
Doechii, honored with the Outstanding Music Artist award at the 2025 GLAAD Media Awards, made a statement on the red carpet with the Maison Margiela Tabi Bourgeoise Spectator pumps, which are anything but ordinary. While I’m not a fan of Margiela’s Tabi toes, these pumps have an undeniable retro feel, evoking the details of a brogue but with a modern touch.
These color-blocked pumps are made from smooth white leather with contrasting black-pinked trims and perforations, adding a touch of edge and texture to the design—the wingtip accent at the vamp brings a touch of vintage glamour to the shoes.
These pumps are secured to the foot with a lace-up fastening with tassel ends, making the shoes look playful yet elegant. But they also have an ankle strap with a button closure for easy wear. The design is finished with Margiela’s Tabi split toes, 4-inch flared heels, and cutouts at the sides and uppers, injecting a hint of feminine flair into the classic brogues style.
I don’t particularly like the white socks Doechii wore with these Maison Margiela pumps. While the socks add a whimsical touch, the classic design of these shoes stands out more without them.
Doechii embraces her quirkiness in Maison Margiela’s black-and-white Tabi Bourgeoise Spectator pumps featuring perforated pinked trims, lace-up ties with tassel ends, Margiela’s Tabi split toes, and high heels (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
Doechii Embraces Deconstruction With a Bold Maison Margiela Look
The deconstruction technique used by unconventional designers today has always been met with mixed feelings. While I’m not really a fan of unfinished designs, there’s no denying the impact Doechii made in this deconstructed ensemble from Maison Margiela’s Spring 2024 Co-Ed collection.
It features a shiny apricot viscose and taffeta decortiqué corset top with an asymmetrical neckline and a shoulder strap that hangs playfully off Doechii’s right shoulder. White tape cinches her waist and creates a peplum effect. At the same time, the exposed seams and raw hems add to the overall deconstructed look—a style loved by many celebrities who aren’t afraid to challenge the norms of traditional red-carpet fashion.
Doechii paired her apricot corset top with a black silk Mikado skirt featuring exposed white seams and artfully draped fabric that cascaded around her waist.
Continuing with the rawness of her look, Doechii wrapped a white tape measure around her neck. She also wore a corsage with ribbons and a large safety pin on her wrist. For a dash of glitz, she further accessorized with silver earrings and a selection of diamond rings.
Doechii teams her brogue x pump hybrid shoes with a deconstructed outfit from Maison Margiela featuring an apricot viscose and taffeta decortiqué corset top and a black A-line midi skirt with exposed seams and loose fabric around the waist (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
Victoria Justice Is Feminine in Rene Caovilla Cleo Sandals and Rachel Gilbert Floral Embellished Dress
Victoria Justice brought feminine glamour to the red carpet with her soft pink Rene Caovilla heels. She wore the Italian footwear label’s iconic “Cleo” sandals, with thick straps of smooth satin elegantly wrapping her foot.
These statement shoes have a strap across the toes, an asymmetrical strap across the foot, and an ankle strap delicately encircles the leg with snakehead tips, creating the illusion of a snake clinging around her ankles.
I love the open square toes, which add a modern feel to the design. The flared heels and the label’s signature stardust outsoles dazzle with every stride.
The Cleo, inspired by a Roman snake bracelet, is one of Rene Caovilla’s hallmark styles. Since its inception in 1968, it has evolved into different variations, including crystal-embellished iterations.
Victoria Justice opts for a feminine yet sultry look with the rose satin Rene Caovilla Cleo sandals featuring wraparound ankle straps, flared heels, and glittery soles (Credit: Jeffrey Mayer / MediaPunch / INSTARimages)
I commend Justice for bringing justice to the sandals, pairing them well with a gorgeous pink dress by Rachel Gilbert.
The outfit hugs her figure in all the right places, perfectly accentuating her slender frame. It has a fitted bodice secured by delicate spaghetti straps and a column skirt cascading gracefully down to her ankles.
The dress’s embellishments are impressive, with beads, rhinestones, and sequins intricately applied by hand. The soft pink hue prevents the embellishments from feeling over-the-top, keeping the look feminine and chic.
Victoria Justice teams her sultry sandals with a sparkling dress by Rachel Gilbert, heavily embellished with crystals, beads, and sequins (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
To complete her look, Victoria adorned herself with dazzling Effy jewelry. She completed her look with elegant earrings, the Nature 14K Gold Diamond Flower Ring, and the Blush 14K Gold Morganite and Diamond Ring.
The GLAAD Media Awards red carpet has long showcased bold fashion and standout footwear. While this year’s stars delivered unforgettable looks, let’s take a quick stroll down memory lane with some of the most iconic shoe moments from past GLAAD events.
Memorable Shoe Moments from Past GLAAD Media Awards
Jennifer Lawrence Shines in Black Alaïa Gown and Elegant Heels
- Event: 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards
- Outfit: Jennifer Lawrence exuded sophistication in a black plunging Alaïa gown, seamlessly blending contemporary flair with timeless style.
- Footwear: She completed her ensemble with elegant black heels, enhancing her understated yet luxurious look.
- More Details: Jennifer Lawrence’s captivating appearance at the 35th GLAAD Media Awards
Sydney Sweeney Embraces Old Hollywood Glamour in Miu Miu
- Event: 35th Annual GLAAD Media Awards
- Outfit: Sydney Sweeney captivated attendees in a custom-made Miu Miu silver silk gown featuring a plunging neckline and crystal-embellished bra.
- Footwear: She paired her stunning dress with matching silver heels, embodying timeless Hollywood elegance.
- More Details: Sydney Sweeney’s glamorous look at the 35th GLAAD Media Awards
Zoe Saldana Dazzles in Red Cushnie et Ochs Dress and Kurt Geiger Pumps
- Event: 2015 GLAAD Media Awards
- Outfit: Zoe Saldana turned heads in a two-tone red Cushnie et Ochs dress featuring a pleated skirt and layered design.
- Footwear: She complemented her vibrant dress with matching red Kurt Geiger “Britton” pumps, known for their patent leather finish and 4.5-inch metal cigarette heels.
- More Details: Zoe Saldana’s stunning red ensemble at the 2015 GLAAD Media Awards
Gabrielle Union and Zaya Wade Showcase Chic Footwear Choices
- Event: 34th Annual GLAAD Media Awards
- Outfit: Gabrielle Union dazzled in a Moschino hooded column dress adorned with vibrant sequins, while her daughter, Zaya Wade, opted for a tailored black Miu Miu ensemble.
- Footwear: Zaya completed her look with Miu Miu’s sandal-style boots, which were seen on the brand’s spring/summer runway. These boots added a chic touch to her outfit.
- More Details: Gabrielle Union and Zaya Wade’s fashionable appearances at the 34th GLAAD Media Awards
Diane Kruger Radiates in Yellow Prabal Gurung Ensemble
- Event: 27th Annual GLAAD Media Awards
- Outfit: Diane Kruger brightened the blue carpet in a yellow-on-yellow Prabal Gurung ensemble, featuring a tiered halter top and a sheer, floaty skirt with a train.
- Footwear: She paired her vibrant outfit with complementary heels, enhancing the summery vibes of her look.
- More Details: Diane Kruger’s radiant yellow ensemble at the 27th GLAAD Media Awards
Chrishell Stause Stuns in LaQuan Smith Minidress and Maroon Sandals
- Event: 34th Annual GLAAD Media Awards
- Outfit: Chrishell Stause made a daring statement in a deep red satin LaQuan Smith off-the-shoulder minidress with puff sleeves and a corset bodice.
- Footwear: She completed her ensemble with maroon velvet sandals featuring an almond-shaped toe, ankle strap, and 3-inch stiletto heel.
- More Details: Chrishell Stause’s bold fashion choice at the 34th GLAAD Media Awards