Why Celebrities Love René Caovilla’s Iconic Cleo Sandals: Bella Hadid, Winnie Harlow, Gal Gadot & More

Stylish celebrities like Winnie Harlow, Miley Cyrus, Bella Hadid, and Gal Gadot have gravitated toward the iconic ‘Cleo’ sandal from Italian luxury shoe brand René Caovilla—a jeweled, hand-crafted masterpiece first created in the late 1960s and inspired by ancient Roman coiled bracelets.

Recognized for its sinuous, crystal-encrusted “serpent” strap that elegantly wraps around the ankle, the Cleo has become a modern symbol of femininity and one of the maison’s most celebrated designs, even earning a place in New York’s MoMA as a contemporary fashion icon.

Beyond its iconic spiral strap, the René Caovilla Cleo comes in a wide range of colors, heel heights, and crystal finishes—many of which are available at luxury retailers like Mytheresa and Farfetch—making the style endlessly versatile for both red-carpet moments and everyday glam.

René Caovilla’s iconic Cleo sandals feature the brand’s instantly recognizable serpentine ankle wrap, shown here in sleek nude and black variations

Halsey also slipped into the sparkling Cleo sandals with a draped Redemption gown at the 2018 American Music Awards, joining her then-boyfriend G-Eazy and Taylor Swift on the red carpet.

Just two months later, Victoria Justice chose the same iconic heel for the after-party following the 2018 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show—a reminder of how often this serpentine stiletto appears at major celebrity events.

Below, we take a closer look at how today’s biggest names are styling the René Caovilla Cleo.

1. Tinashe Shines in a Christian Cowan Mini Dress René Caovilla Cleo Platform Sandals

The American singer paraded her hot legs in a sparkling silver dress while joining Skai Jackson and Heidi Klum at the Christian Cowan x Powerpuff Girls fashion show at City Market Social House in Los Angeles.

Tinashe paraded her legs at the Christian Cowan x The Powerpuff Girls fashion show held at City Market Social House in Los Angeles on March 8, 2019 (Credit: WENN)

Tinashe Jorgensen Kachingwe, known mononymously as Tinashe, styled her sexy Christian Cowan Fall 2019 RTW dress with Jennifer Fisher Karla hoops and showed off her feet in Rene Caovilla’s Cleo platform sandals.

Tinashe shows off her sexy feet in sparkling silver René Caovilla Cleo sandals, complete with the brand’s iconic crystal-wrapped serpentine straps

2. Mabel McVey Elevates Alexandre Vauthier Couture with Maxi Strass Cleo Sandals

The daughter of Swedish singer Neneh Cherry and Massive Attack record producer Cameron McVey, Mabel joined Dua Lipa at the 2019 BRIT Awards held at The O2 Arena in London, England.

Mabel McVey turned heads at the 2019 BRIT Awards in a dramatic black Alexandre Vauthier Couture high-low gown paired with sparkling René Caovilla Cleo Maxi Strass sandals in London, England, on February 20, 2019

The 22-year-old Spanish-born British singer paraded her legs in a black Alexandre Vauthier Spring 2017 Couture dress paired with René Caovilla Cleo Maxi Strass sandals and Messika jewelry.

Mabel McVey’s feet dazzled in René Caovilla’s Cleo Maxi Strass sandals, featuring the label’s signature crystal-encrusted serpentine ankle coils

3. Victoria Justice Goes High-Glam in Dundas Silk Dress Crystal Cleo Heels

The American actress and singer donned a revealing silk dress from the Dundas Spring 2019 Collection and accessorized with multicolor APM Monaco earrings with pearl Sterling silver.

Victoria Justice wearing a revealing silk dress from the Dundas Spring 2019 Collection and colorful APM Monaco earrings

Victoria Justice lit up the pink carpet at the Victoria’s Secret event in a plunging printed Dundas mini dress paired with crystal-embellished René Caovilla Cleo sandals in New York City on November 8, 2018

Victoria Justice’s feet dazzled in René Caovilla’s iconic Cleo sandals, featuring shimmering spiral straps that wrapped elegantly around her ankles

4. Halsey Sizzles in a Draped Redemption Gown Sparkling Cleo Sandals at the AMAs

Halsey and G-Eazy made a stylish couple on the red carpet together at the 2018 American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on October 9, 2018

During the show, the 24-year-old singer performed “Eastside” with Benny Blanco and Khalid.

Halsey paired her crystal-embellished René Caovilla Cleo sandals with a romantic layered Redemption gown on the AMAs red carpet

5. Alessandra Ambrosio Brings Cannes Drama in Ralph Russo Couture Cleo Stilettos

The supermodel flashed her legs in a Ralph Russo Spring 2019 Couture gown on the red carpet at the opening ceremony of the 2019 Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France.

Alessandra Ambrosio wearing a Ralph Russo dress, Rene Caovilla shoes, and Boucheron jewelry at the opening ceremony of the 2019 Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, on May 14, 2019 (Credit: Joe Alvarez)

More Celebrities Who Love the René Caovilla Cleo Sandal

Over the years, the René Caovilla Cleo has become far more than a glamorous red-carpet accessory—it’s a modern fashion icon embraced by singers, actresses, and style stars across every major award show and gala. Its crystal-encrusted serpentine strap, artisan craftsmanship, and timeless femininity have made it a go-to heel for celebrities who want a dramatic yet elegant finishing touch.

If you’re inspired by how Tinashe, Mabel McVey, Victoria Justice, Halsey, and Alessandra Ambrosio styled their Cleo heels, you can explore even more standout moments below. From bold rose-satin variations to shimmering coil-strap stilettos captured across the world’s most photographed carpets.