The GQ Men of the Year Awards are as much about fierce fashion as they are about honoring talent.
In September 2019, stars turned heads with daring dresses, sparkling heels, and red carpet poses that put their footwear front and center. From Rita Ora’s jaw-dropping lingerie-inspired look to Vick Hope’s gem-studded sandals, here are the most unforgettable style—and shoe—moments from the night.
Rita Ora Turns Heads in Lingerie-Inspired Look and Satin Heels
The Kosovo-born singer tried to pass off articles of underwear as her red carpet ensemble.
She styled a black Agent Provocateur bra as a top, paired it with cheeky black panties, and layered a sheer black-lace flamenco skirt from Maticevski’s Resort 2019 collection over her lower half in an attempt to transform the look into a red carpet-ready dress.
Rita Ora’s underwear dress composed of a black bra, cheeky bottoms, a sheer black-lace flamenco skirt, garter-belted fishnet stockings, and Rupert Sanderson ‘Balance’ pumps
In case Rita and her outfit of choice didn’t remind us enough of lingerie, she also wore a black-lace garter belt that held up thigh-high fishnet stockings.
Are we sure Rita didn’t just forget the real gown she was supposed to wear to this event?
Rita Ora passing off underwear as a dress on the red carpet at the 2019 GQ Men of the Year Awards held at the Tate Modern in London, England, on September 3, 2019 (Credit: Lia Toby / WENN)
Get a Closer Look at Rita Ora’s Rupert Sanderson Pumps
Rita completed her underwear dress look with Rupert Sanderson ‘Balance’ pumps in black satin.
Rita Ora showing the loop details formed by the crisscrossing ankle straps at the back of the Rupert Sanderson ‘Balance’ pumps
We previously spotted these exact same pumps on Maya Hawke, who wore them with much more clothes than Rita to the Once Upon A Time in Hollywood premiere.
Rupert Sanderson ‘Balance’ Pumps in Green Suede, $735
Maya Jama Dazzles in Glittering Rene Caovilla Heels
Thankfully, the butt-baring pose was a go-to modeling stance on the 2019 GQ Men of the Year Awards red carpet. We say “thankfully” because the pose also gave us great three-quarter views of the shoes on the attendees’ feet.
British TV and radio presenter Maya Jama dazzles in a sparkly nude LaBourjoisie dress and glitter-soled Rene Caovilla heels at the 2019 GQ Men of the Year Awards
For instance, because British TV and Radio presenter Maya Jama was keen on flaunting her ass-ets in her LaBourjoisie sparkly nude dress, we got to see the dazzling, glittering soles of her heels.
Maya Jama shows off a glossy white pedicure in sparkling rose gold Rene Caovilla ‘Ellabrita’ sandals featuring glitter-covered soles and slender ankle straps
Maya’s crystal-studded heels belong on our list of shoes that look hot from behind, wouldn’t you agree?
Rene Caovilla ‘Ellabrita’ Crystallized Glitter-Sole Sandals in Rose Gold, $1,150
Ella Eyre’s Crystal-Heeled Rosalind Sandals
Singer Ella Eyre tweeted that her LEO & LIN ruffle-front halter mini dress had her “walking backwards all night” at the GQ Men of the Year Awards.
Singer Ella Eyre in a short black dress and Sophia Webster ‘Rosalind’ sandals at the 2019 GQ Men of the Year Awards
That’s perfectly fine with us—we instantly recognized her shoes as Sophia Webster’s Rosalind sandals, thanks to their signature crystal-bead heels.
Sophia Webster ‘Rosalind’ Crystal-Bead-Heel Sandals in Black Satin, $495
Vick Hope Shines in Sophia Webster’s Rosalind Gem Heels
Another radio and TV presenter and over-the-shoulder poser was Vick Hope in a Zeynep Kartal icy-blue one-sleeved silk gown.
British radio and TV presenter Vick Hope in an icy blue gown and Sophia Webster ‘Rosalind Gem’ sandals at the 2019 GQ Men of the Year Awards
She also opted for Sophia Webster’s Rosalind heels but chose the gem-embellished, clear-strapped version.
Vick Hope flaunts a glossy black pedicure in the turquoise Sophia Webster ‘Rosalind Gem’ sandals, featuring clear straps embellished with colorful gems
From red carpet premieres to glamorous galas, the Sophia Webster ‘Rosalind Gem’ sandals have become a celebrity favorite.
Halsey rocked them with a daring Jean Paul Gaultier illusion gown at the Latin Grammy Awards, Gina Rodriguez styled them with velvet at the Eva Longoria Foundation Gala, and Mackenzie Foy paired them with a chic ensemble for the premiere of The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.
Sophia Webster ‘Rosalind Gem’ Clear-Strap Sandals in Turquoise, $550
The GQ Men of the Year Awards have long been a hotspot for show-stopping shoes. Beyond 2019, here are some of the most iconic footwear moments spotted on the red carpet.
Stepping Out in Style: Memorable Footwear Moments from GQ Men of the Year Awards
The GQ Men of the Year Awards have consistently been a platform where celebrities showcase their impeccable fashion sense, particularly in footwear. Here are some standout shoe moments from the event:
Zendaya’s Elegant Christian Louboutin Pumps
- Event: 2018 GQ Men of the Year Awards
- Outfit: Zendaya dazzled in a color-blocked Ralph & Russo Fall 2018 Couture dress highlighting her sensational legs.
- Footwear: She complemented her ensemble with black pointy-toe Christian Louboutin ‘Pigalle Follies’ pumps, adding a classic touch to her modern look.
- More Details: Zendaya Flaunts Sensational Legs at GQ Men of the Year Awards
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s Tribute to Gianni Versace
- Event: 2018 GQ Men of the Year Awards
- Outfit: Rosie paid homage to the late Gianni Versace in a custom black gown with cut-out panels.
- Footwear: She wore sandals from the ‘Versace Tribute’ collection, adorned with gold Medusa heads, symbolizing the brand’s iconic design elements.
- More Details: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley Honors Gianni Versace at GQ Awards
Kylie Minogue’s Timeless Dolce & Gabbana Sandals
- Event: 2019 GQ Men of the Year Awards
- Outfit: Kylie graced the event in a Ralph & Russo draped one-shoulder gown.
- Footwear: She chose her trusty silver Dolce & Gabbana ankle-strap sandals, a pair she has favored for various occasions, showcasing their versatility and timeless appeal.
- More Details: Kylie Minogue Wins GQ’s Icon Award in Her Trusty Silver Dolce & Gabbana Sandals
Daisy Edgar-Jones’ Bold Gucci Ensemble
- Event: 2023 GQ Men of the Year Awards
- Outfit: Daisy made a statement in a plunging white Gucci blouse and black shorts, defying traditional fashion norms.
- Footwear: She completed her look with black leather heels featuring crystal-embellished slingback straps, adding a touch of glamour to her daring outfit.
- More Details: Daisy Edgar-Jones Defies Legs or Cleavage Rule in Plunging Gucci Top and Shorts at the 2023 GQ Men of the Year Awards