Sarah Rafferty’s René Caovilla Sandals: The Story Behind Her Statement Heels & Iconic Craftsmanship

Sarah Rafferty became closely associated with Donna Paulsen’s polished wardrobe during her years on Suits, but her own red-carpet style has often taken a similarly streamlined approach: tailored silhouettes, classic colors, and statement shoes.

Sarah Rafferty, Gina Torres Meghan Markle Contrast Cocktail Dresses and Classic Heels

That contrast can be seen in a 2012 appearance with her Suits co-stars. At USA Network and The Moth’s A More Perfect Union: Stories of Prejudice and Power event at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood on February 15, 2012, Rafferty wore a deep plum asymmetric dress with a draped overlay and nude peep-toe platform pumps.

At about 5 feet 10 ¼ inches (178.4 cm), Gina Torres was the tallest of the trio, wearing a fitted black knee-length dress with black peep-toe ankle-strap heels. Sarah Rafferty, at 5 feet 8 ¾ inches (174.6 cm), was only about 1½ inches shorter.

At around 5 feet 5 inches (165.1 cm), Meghan Markle appeared noticeably more petite beside her taller Suits co-stars. She wore Diane von Furstenberg’s navy Zarita dress, distinguished by its allover lace and scalloped hem, with nude platform pumps.

Sarah Rafferty, Gina Torres, and Meghan Markle step out in contrasting cocktail looks and heels at USA Network and The Moth’s “A More Perfect Union” event in Los Angeles on February 15, 2012 (Credit: Guillermo Proeno / WENN / Daniel Tanner)

Sarah Rafferty Lets Jeweled René Caovilla Sandals Elevate Her Sleek Black Jumpsuit

Four years later, Rafferty took a much sharper approach for the Suits Season 5 premiere, wearing a tailored black jumpsuit to the January 22, 2016 event at the Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel. The minimalist look put the focus on her shoes: black René Caovilla sandals covered in crystal embellishments.

Sarah Rafferty wears her signature red hair in polished waves at the “Suits” Season 5 premiere at the Sheraton Los Angeles Downtown Hotel on January 22, 2016

Speaking at the premiere, Rafferty also discussed how different she was from Donna Paulsen, the quick-witted character she played on the series.

Sarah Rafferty gives a playful sideways glance while discussing how her real-life personality differs from Donna Paulsen at the “Suits” Season 5 premiere

Rafferty kept the clothing understated in a sleek black jumpsuit with a fitted bodice and straight-leg trousers. Rather than adding prominent jewelry, she let her René Caovilla heels provide the embellishment.

Sarah Rafferty keeps her premiere look streamlined in a sleeveless black jumpsuit, leaving her ornate René Caovilla sandals to provide the statement detail

The black sandals featured crystal-covered straps and a dramatic embellished ankle cuff, bringing texture and sparkle to an otherwise minimalist outfit. The open design also offered a clear look at Rafferty’s reported US size 8 feet.

A close-up reveals the crystal-and-gold embellished ankle cuffs and minimalist black toe straps of Sarah Rafferty’s René Caovilla sandals

Sarah Rafferty’s exact René Caovilla Embellished Ankle Cuff Sandals, which originally retailed for $1,800, are no longer widely available through primary luxury retailers. However, collectors can still find pre-owned René Caovilla shoes at Farfetch.

As of August 2026, Farfetch’s pre-owned selection includes several crystal-heavy styles that capture a similar look, from Cleo crystal-embellished sandals and spiral-strap heels to crystal-covered ankle-strap and T-strap designs. Inventory, sizing, and prices vary because these are resale pieces, but the selection offers a useful place to look for older René Caovilla designs as well as alternatives to Rafferty’s discontinued pair.

René Caovilla’s black Embellished Ankle Cuff Sandal features an elaborate jeweled cuff, slim stiletto heel, and understated single front strap; the style originally retailed for $1,800

Why René Caovilla’s Jeweled Cuffs and Spiral Heels Are So Distinctive

Sarah Rafferty’s ornate ankle-cuff sandals are a particularly elaborate example of the jewelry-like approach that has defined René Caovilla’s craftsmanship. Rather than treating the ankle strap as purely functional, the Venetian shoemaker turns it into a focal point through sculptural forms, crystals, metallic embroidery, and hand-finished embellishment.

That idea is most recognizable in the house’s Cleo sandal. Its signature spiral was inspired by an ancient Roman coiled bracelet, translating the shape of serpent jewelry into a flexible strap that winds around the ankle or lower leg. The construction is as important as the visual effect: René Caovilla shoes are handmade by specialized artisans near Venice, and the Cleo alone requires at least 20 production steps and roughly two days of work.

Rafferty’s sandals take a different approach to the ankle. Instead of the Cleo’s slender ascending coil, her black heels use a broad, densely embellished cuff covered with crystal and gold-toned botanical detailing. Yet the underlying idea is closely related: the shoe becomes jewelry, with much of the craftsmanship concentrated around the ankle while a minimal front strap and slim stiletto keep the rest of the silhouette comparatively restrained.

That combination of ancient jewelry references and Venetian handwork helps explain why Caovilla’s ankle treatments are so recognizable. The house has repeatedly reworked the concept, from crystal-encrusted Cleo coils and satin snakehead straps to the ridged leather serpent wrap of the Juniper, while maintaining an emphasis on hand-applied decoration and sculptural construction.