The streets of Manhattan have long served as an unofficial runway for the world’s most elite fashion icons, but few have navigated the concrete catwalk with as much ethereal precision as Anya Taylor-Joy. Currently in the midst of a high-profile promotional tour for the highly anticipated "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie," the actress has transformed her press appearances into a masterclass in footwear curation. On Thursday, Taylor-Joy continued her streak of impeccable style choices during an appearance on "Late Night with Seth Meyers," leaning heavily into the "white-hot" footwear trend that has taken the fashion industry by storm this season.
Stepping out in New York City, the "Queen’s Gambit" star proved once again why she is considered a muse for both classic heritage houses and modern avant-garde designers. For her sit-down interview with Meyers, Taylor-Joy opted for a look that was both strikingly minimalist and architecturally complex. The centerpiece of her ensemble—at least for footwear enthusiasts—was a pair of ivory white Giuseppe Zanotti Audrinette 90 sandals. These were not merely shoes, but a testament to the Italian designer’s ability to blend sensual femininity with sharp, modern lines.
The Audrinette 90 is a sophisticated specimen of footwear engineering. Crafted from Elaphe Carinata—a luxurious snake print leather—the sandals feature a delicate play of straps that provide both security and a visual lightness. A slender strap across the toe is complemented by a more robust strap that traverses the front of the foot and wraps elegantly around the heel. What sets the Audrinette apart is the distinctive gold buckle hardware on the upper, providing a flash of metallic warmth against the cool, ivory leather. With a sturdy 90mm (approximately 3.5-inch) stiletto heel, the shoe offers a significant lift without sacrificing the "dainty" aesthetic that has become a signature of Taylor-Joy’s red-carpet identity.
To complement the Zanotti sandals, Taylor-Joy donned a white draped satin halter midi dress from Victoria Beckham’s collection. The dress, characterized by its fluid movement and "quiet luxury" appeal, mirrored the stark, clean palette of her footwear. By pairing a white dress with white shoes, she embraced a monochromatic "blank canvas" look that highlighted her porcelain features and signature platinum blonde hair. This specific styling choice is a bold departure from the traditional rule of using shoes as a "pop of color," instead opting for a tonal consistency that feels incredibly fresh and high-fashion.
This appearance marks a significant "streak" for the actress, who has seemingly pledged her allegiance to Giuseppe Zanotti over the past week. The relationship between a star and a shoe designer is often pivotal during a press tour, and Taylor-Joy’s choice of Zanotti suggests a desire for footwear that is as dramatic as her film roles. Just days prior, she attended the Vanity Fair Oscar Party—the most coveted invitation in Hollywood—wearing Zanotti’s popular Intriigo Strap Sandals in a classic black. She followed that up with an appearance on "The Today Show," where she slipped into the Intriigo Mules, further cementing the brand’s dominance in her current wardrobe rotation.
The "white shoe trend" that Taylor-Joy is currently spearheading is not an isolated fashion moment. For decades, white footwear was often relegated to bridal wear or strictly summer wardrobes, governed by the archaic "no white after Labor Day" rule. However, in the current fashion landscape, those rules have been decisively dismantled. White shoes have reached a "fever pitch" on international runways, appearing in the collections of Valentino, Prada, and Ferragamo as a way to ground vibrant prints or elevate minimalist silhouettes.
Taylor-Joy is joined by a cohort of other A-list trendsetters who have embraced the starkness of white leather. Zendaya, currently the gold standard for red-carpet innovation, has frequently utilized white pumps to provide a graphic contrast to her Method Dressing looks. Dua Lipa was recently spotted in New York wearing Louboutin Miss Z pumps in a similar optic white, while Nicole Scherzinger and others have been photographed leaning into the trend for both casual street style and formal events. The appeal of the white shoe lies in its ability to act as a "neutral" that is simultaneously loud; it draws the eye downward and provides a clean, polished finish that black or nude tones often lack.
For Taylor-Joy, the move toward Giuseppe Zanotti’s strappy silhouettes is a natural evolution of her established style. Historically, she has favored the minimalist designs of Jimmy Choo—specifically the "Minny" sandal, which she has worn to dozens of premieres—and the refined elegance of Aquazzura’s "Olie" sandals. These choices reflect a footwear philosophy centered on "barely-there" aesthetics. By choosing shoes with thin straps and open constructions, she allows the silhouette of her legs to be elongated, creating a statuesque presence that serves her well both on-screen and on the talk-show circuit.
The Giuseppe Zanotti brand itself carries a legacy that aligns perfectly with Taylor-Joy’s chameleonic nature. Since launching his eponymous label in 1994, Zanotti has been the go-to designer for women who want shoes that feel like jewelry for the feet. His background in DJing and his passion for music often translate into designs that have a rhythmic, rock-and-roll edge, yet he remains deeply rooted in the traditions of Italian craftsmanship. The Audrinette sandals, which retail for approximately $995, are a prime example of this duality—they are expensive and refined, yet they possess a "cool factor" that prevents them from feeling stuffy.
Beyond the fashion, Taylor-Joy’s New York appearances serve a strategic purpose: the promotion of her role in the "Super Mario" cinematic universe. As the voice of Princess Peach, she has often incorporated subtle "regal" elements into her press looks. While her Seth Meyers ensemble was modern, the choice of white—a color associated with purity, power, and high status—could be seen as a sophisticated nod to her character’s royal standing. Her stylist, Ryan Hastings, has been instrumental in crafting this narrative, ensuring that every shoe choice and hemline adjustment contributes to her image as one of the most versatile actresses of her generation.
The broader implications of the white shoe trend suggest a shift toward "hyper-clean" aesthetics. In an era dominated by "loud luxury" and maximalist logos, the stark white Giuseppe Zanotti sandal offers a reprieve. It is a choice that demands maintenance and care, signaling a level of luxury that isn’t just about the price tag, but about the lifestyle required to keep such a pristine item looking its best. Taylor-Joy’s ability to navigate the slushy, unpredictable streets of New York in March while keeping her ivory heels immaculate is, in itself, a feat of celebrity magic.
As the press tour continues, fashion critics and fans alike will be watching to see if Taylor-Joy maintains her Zanotti streak or if she will pivot to another designer. Regardless of the brand, her commitment to the "white-hot" trend has already left an indelible mark on the season’s style discourse. She has successfully taken a trend that could easily feel clinical or bridal and made it feel essential, edgy, and entirely modern. In the world of high-fashion footwear, Anya Taylor-Joy isn’t just following the trends; she is walking several steps ahead of them, usually in a very high, very white, and very beautiful pair of stilettos.
