Bridal-inspired ensembles seemed to dominate the red carpet at the 2026 LACMA Gala in Los Angeles, but actress Jessica Williams decided to offer a clever twist on the theme by opting for bridal-esque footwear instead.
The “Shrinking” and “Road House” actress turned heads at the high-profile annual museum event with a look that expertly blended seasonal trends with high-fashion couture. While many attendees leaned into traditional white gowns and sweeping veils to interpret the bridal aesthetic, Williams anchored her look with footwear that brought a delicate, romantic, and sheer element down to ground level. Her choice of shoes proved to be one of the evening’s most talked-about accessories, aligning with a broader footwear movement that has been steadily gaining traction across major red carpets.
The striking shoes chosen by Williams were white and sheer, capturing a major trend for the fall fashion season. The intricate style featured sharp capped toes detailed with an opaque lace motif that gracefully transitioned into sheer white mesh uppers, creating a compelling visual contrast. The delicate lace served as an exquisite accent, instantly drawing the eye downward to appreciate the craftsmanship of the footwear. To keep the shoe securely and elegantly in place, thin white straps wrapped around Williams’ ankles, threaded delicately through fine buckle closures. Classic stiletto heels rounded out the set, adding height and an undeniable red-carpet sharpness to the ensemble. Furthermore, the shoe’s sheer paneling created a modern peekaboo effect that likely offered enhanced breathability throughout a long evening of mingling and celebrating.
Sheer or clear footwear is a style that celebrities have grown increasingly fond of, frequently integrating translucent designs into their red-carpet wardrobes. However, Williams’ footwear thoughtfully deviated from the ubiquitous PVC construction that has seemingly dominated red carpets over the past few seasons. Instead of heavy plastic, her lace and mesh construction evoked the romantic, heirloom-quality styles more commonly associated with bridal collections from luxury houses like Jimmy Choo and Gianvito Rossi.
On the red carpet, sheer footwear is inherently daring and alluring. It is frequently partnered with sensual ensembles that play on creating shape, defining lines, or emphasizing complex silhouettes. Williams is hardly alone in championing this transparent footwear wave. Other prominent celebrities who have embraced the sheer footwear trend over the course of the year include superstar Dua Lipa, model Elsa Hosk, and legendary actress Catherine Zeta-Jones. While sheer mesh styles are predominantly manufactured in versatile neutral tones—such as classic black, crisp white, or earthy brown—designers have also begun experimenting with vibrant red and pink options that have steadily cropped up at high-profile gatherings over the last few years.
To complement her statement-making shoes, Williams paired her footwear with a stunning couture gown from Phan Huy’s fall 2026 collection, rendered in a sophisticated blue-gray hue. The strapless dress featured an intricate, fishnet-esque construction overlaid with delicate mesh. Shimmering silver beaded accents were meticulously scattered throughout the design, paired alongside large, luminous pearl adornments that caught the ambient lighting of the gala. Delicate lace lined the hem of her gown, mirroring the exact same dainty detailing found on her sheer footwear, thereby tying the entire look together with cohesive precision. Williams’ striking appearance for the evening was curated by stylist Sarah Slutsky, a trusted collaborator whom the actress has turned to on numerous occasions for major red-carpet appearances and high-profile industry events.
The fashion moments unfolded against the backdrop of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s 15th annual Art+Film Gala, a glittering event that once again successfully bridged the worlds of Hollywood cinema and contemporary fine art. Held on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, the gala served to honor artist Vija Celmins and acclaimed “Dune” director Denis Villeneuve for their monumental contributions to their respective creative fields.
As has become tradition for the prestigious institution, actor Leonardo DiCaprio and LACMA trustee Eva Chow returned as co-chairs of the evening, lending their star power and cultural influence to the benefit. Meanwhile, luxury Italian fashion house Gucci continued its unwavering support of the museum as the event’s presenting sponsor—a role the brand has proudly maintained since the gala’s inaugural debut back in 2011. Adding to the star-studded entertainment of the night, Blackpink member Rosé was specially tapped to perform for the gathered crowd of artists, filmmakers, actors, and patrons.
Proceeds raised from the high-profile annual gala directly support the museum’s ongoing film programming, ambitious special exhibitions, and comprehensive educational initiatives, ensuring that LACMA can continue its cultural mission long after the red carpet has been rolled up and the designer gowns and sheer shoes have been safely packed away.
