Christian Louboutin’s Jonatina Sandals: The History of a Red-Carpet Legend

Few red-carpet shoes from the late 2010s became as instantly recognizable as Christian Louboutin’s “Jonatina” sandals.

Defined by their transparent PVC straps, slim stiletto heels, and floating ankle-strap illusion, the design appeared everywhere, from film premieres in Los Angeles to the Cannes red carpet, between 2016 and 2019.

Kristen Stewart, Blake Lively, Jennifer Lawrence, and countless other celebrities embraced the barely-there silhouette because it elongated the leg without competing with dramatic gowns or bold styling.

Below, revisit some of the shoe’s standout celebrity moments — from metallic Chanel minis to sculptural couture dresses — and see how the Jonatina became one of Christian Louboutin’s defining evening sandals of the era.

1. Carey Mulligan Brings Old Hollywood Glamour to Chanel’s Gold Mini Dress and Jonatina Sandals

The Collateral actress looked amazing at the 2019 Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California. For her role in Wildlife, she was nominated for Best Female Lead.

Carey Mulligan dazzled in a gold Chanel mini dress paired with matching Christian Louboutin Jonatina sandals at the 2019 Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California, on February 23, 2019 (Credit: WENN)

Carey Mulligan donned a sparkling gold mini dress from Chanel’s Pre-Fall 2018 collection paired with matching Jonatina sandals from Christian Louboutin.

Carey Mulligan’s feet in gold Christian Louboutin Jonatina sandals featuring a transparent PVC strap and the iconic red sole

2. Alison Brie Pairs Metallic Jonatina Heels With a Sparkling Pink Markarian Dress

The ‘GLOW’ actress showed off her popular feet at the 2018 Patron of the Artists Awards held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California.

Alison Brie dazzles in a sparkling pink Markarian dress paired with metallic Christian Louboutin Jonatina sandals at the 2018 Patron of the Artists Awards in Beverly Hills, California, on November 8, 2018 (Credit: WENN)

Alison Brie paired her metallic Jonatina heels with a summery Markarian Spring 2019 Collection dress.

Alison Brie opted for soft waves and a natural makeup look, with subtle rosy lips and a fresh complexion

Alison Brie’s metallic Christian Louboutin Jonatina sandals showcase a slight toe overhang, with her big toes prominently visible at the front

3. Danai Gurira Balances Sculptural Iris van Herpen Couture With Minimal Jonatina Sandals

The American actress and playwright flaunted her sexy legs in a bold dress from the Iris van Herpen Fall 2017 Couture Collection.

Danai Gurira stuns in a bold, sculptural Iris van Herpen dress paired with sleek black Christian Louboutin Jonatina sandals at The Walking Dead season nine premiere in Los Angeles on September 27, 2018 (Credit: WENN)

Allowing her statement dress to be the focal point of her outfit, which Thomas Carter Phillips styled, Danai Gurira showed off her sexy feet in black ‘Jonatina’ sandals.

Danai Gurira confidently strikes a pose, showcasing the intricate pleating and voluminous design of her Iris van Herpen dress

Danai Gurira shows off her feet in transparent Jonatina PVC clear heel strap sandals

4. Nina Dobrev Styles Black Jonatina Sandals With Valentino’s Dramatic Polka Dots

The Canadian actress joined Vanessa Hudgens at the premiere of their new movie ‘Dog Days’ at the Westfield Century City Theater in Century City, California.

Nina Dobrev dressed like a cow at the premiere of her new movie Dog Days at the Westfield Century City Theater in Century City, California, on August 5, 2018 (Credit: WENN)

Nina Dobrev donned a Valentino Pre-Fall 2018 dress crafted from a virgin wool blend with a touch of silk. It has an exaggerated polka-dot print and is cut to an elegant ruffled high neck. The skirt is knife-pleated for a voluminous silhouette.

Nina Dobrev’s chic geometric manicure adds a modern touch to her black clutch

She finished her look with a black clutch and matching “Jonatina” sandals.

Nina Dobrev’s dress has an exaggerated polka-dot print and is cut to an elegant ruffled high-neck

5. Brie Larson Keeps the Focus on Carolina Herrera’s Flamingo Pink Gown With Barely-There Jonatinas

The American actress, filmmaker, and musician looked like an adorable watermelon in a pink strapless Carolina Herrera Resort 2019 flamingo tulle dress.

Brie Larson paired her soft pink lips and delicate Fred Leighton jewelry with sleek, shoulder-length waves, complementing her vibrant pink Carolina Herrera strapless dress at the Women in Film Crystal + Lucy Awards in Beverly Hills on June 13, 2018 (Credit: WENN)

Brie Larson accessorized with Fred Leighton jewelry. Don’t you think the pink shade worked perfectly on her?

Brie Larson in a pink strapless Carolina Herrera Resort 2019 flamingo tulle dress and transparent “Jonatina” PVC clear heel strap sandals

6. Hailee Steinfeld Adds Edge to a Romantic Jason Wu Dress With PVC-Strapped Jonatina Heels

Sometimes, it’s easy to forget how young some celebrities actually are. The rise of social media’s fashion posts and makeup tutorials makes it easy for teenagers to dress much older than their age, and celebrities aren’t immune to the phenomenon either.

Hailee Steinfeld stuns with sleek, side-parted hair and a bold red lip, perfectly complementing her strapless floral gown at the 2016 Critics’ Choice Awards in Santa Monica, California, on December 11, 2016 (Credit: WENN)

Hailee Steinfeld impressed with a sweet and modest look at the 2016 Critics’ Choice Awards, proving that a youthful glow can be just as stunning. She completed her outfit by showcasing her pedicured feet in black strap “Jonatina” sandals.

Hailee Steinfeld’s feet in Christian Louboutin “Jonatina” sandals

The pop star looked like she was arriving to celebrate her sweet sixteen in a floral high-low dress from Jason Wu. The actress finished her look with jewelry from Forevermark USA and inserted a bit of edge with the PVC-strapped Christian Louboutin “Jonatina” sandals.

To add to her demure look, Hailee wore a rosy lipstick shade and wore her hair back in a side-parted half ponytail.

Hailee Steinfeld dazzles in a vibrant, strapless floral gown paired with black strap heels, radiating elegance at the 2016 Critics’ Choice Awards

As if her look wasn’t giving us enough throwback vibes, Hailee reunited with her 2010 “True Grit” co-star Jeff Bridges. The then-15-year-old actress posted a photo of herself giving Jeff Bridges a tight hug on the blue carpet at the Critics’ Choice Awards.

The actress earned an Oscar nomination for her work on “True Grit” but lost it to Melissa Leo.

7. Yara Shahidi Elevates Her Soft Peach Chanel Dress With Gold Jonatina Sandals

Just over a year later, Yara Shahidi showed off her feet in the same sandals at the “A Wrinkle In Time” premiere in Hollywood. The “Grown-ish” star styled her heels with a Chanel Spring 2018 dress and simple jewelry.

Yara Shahidi radiates in a soft peach Chanel dress, styled with a sleek braided updo and glowing makeup, at the A Wrinkle in Time premiere in Hollywood on February 26, 2018 (Credit: WENN)

Yara Shahidi looks radiant in a soft peach Chanel dress paired with strappy sandals

Yara Shahidi boosts her height in gold Christian Louboutin Jonatina sandals, showcasing her chic pedicure on the blue carpet

8. Lili Reinhart Contrasts a Voluminous Rasario Tulle Gown With Sleek Black Jonatina Heels

The Riverdale actress squished her boobs in a Rasario tulle gown with off-the-shoulder detailing and a ball-gown silhouette.

Lili Reinhart stuns in a daring black tulle gown that accentuates her figure and squishes her boobs, while her fresh makeup and sleek hairstyle complete the look at the Art of Elysium event

She accessorized with Jennifer Meyer petite hoop earrings, a Jaeger-LeCoultre watch, an 18k gold baguette diamond bracelet by Anito Ko, and black Jonatina sandals by Christian Louboutin.

Lili Reinhart exudes elegance in a voluminous black tulle gown with sheer detailing at the Art of Elysium event in Los Angeles on January 5, 2019 (Credit: WENN)

9. Martha Hunt Turns to Jonatina Sandals for a Gold Monique Lhuillier Cannes Glam Moment

The American fashion model did not disappoint at the amfAR Gala during the 2019 Cannes Film Festival in a sparkly gold Monique Lhuillier Fall 2019 ankle-length dress styled with a cape.

Martha Hunt dazzles in a shimmering gold Monique Lhuillier gown with a matching cape, exuding timeless glamour at the amfAR Gala during the 2019 Cannes Film Festival at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes, France, on May 23, 2019 (Credit: WENN)

Martha Hunt showed off her feet and toes in Christian Louboutin “Jonatina” sandals

10. Why Christian Louboutin’s Jonatina Sandals Became a Red-Carpet Staple

They are constructed of black leather and clear PVC and feature a leg-lengthening stiletto heel. The transparent heel sling creates the appearance of a floating ankle strap.

Black Christian Louboutin “Jonatina” Leather PVC Sandals, $795

These blue leather sandals are crafted with clear PVC panels to create the striking impression of floating ankle straps.

Blue Christian Louboutin “Jonatina” Leather PVC Sandals, $795

These yellow Jonatina sandals feature clear PVC straps that offer leg-lengthening possibilities.

Yellow Christian Louboutin “Jonatina” Leather PVC Sandals, $795

Christian Louboutin’s Fall ’18 collection was presented in a dollhouse with ‘60s and’ 70s-inspired décor. Echoing the theme, these ‘Jonatina’ sandals are made in Italy from coral patent leather and have clear PVC trims that create the illusion of a floating ankle strap.

Coral Patent Christian Louboutin “Jonatina” PVC-Trimmed Patent-Leather Sandals, $795

These hot sandals are made from silver lizard-effect leather and trimmed with clear PVC to create the illusion of floating ankle straps.

Christian Louboutin “Jonatina” PVC-Trimmed Metallic Lizard-Effect Leather Sandals, $795

These statement heels are made from a bright combination of lilac, black, and pastel-orange patent leather, alongside the striking signature red sole.

Black, Lilac and Pastel-Orange Christian Louboutin Patent-Leather ‘Jonatina’ Sandals, $795

Why Christian Louboutin’s Jonatina Sandals Still Feel Instantly Recognizable Today

Long after the PVC heel trend faded from peak red-carpet dominance, Christian Louboutin’s “Jonatina” sandals remain one of the clearest examples of how a minimalist shoe can still make a dramatic visual impact.

From Carey Mulligan’s metallic Chanel mini dress to Danai Gurira’s sculptural couture moment and Yara Shahidi’s soft Chanel styling, the barely-there silhouette adapted effortlessly to wildly different aesthetics while always keeping the focus on elongation, balance, and the signature flash of Louboutin red.

The sandal’s floating ankle-strap illusion also helped define a broader era of late-2010s evening footwear, when transparent PVC details and leg-lengthening silhouettes dominated Hollywood premieres, Cannes appearances, and fashion campaigns alike.