J.Lo’s 2018 AMAs Look Proves Why the Jimmy Choo ‘Max’ Is Her Ultimate Red Carpet Platform

At the 2018 American Music Awards, held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on October 9, 2018, Jennifer Lopez chose one of the towering platform sandals that became a defining part of her red-carpet wardrobe that year.

Paired with a vibrant Georges Chakra Fall 2018 Couture gown, the Jimmy Choo ‘Max’ sandals added height and balanced the dramatic proportions of the dress, making the shoes as much a part of the look as the couture itself.

Jennifer Lopez on the red carpet at the 2018 American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on October 9, 2018 (Credit: WENN / Brian To)

The bright fuchsia gown featured geometric side cut-outs, a high neckline trimmed with black velvet, a matching velvet belt, and a thigh-high slit that allowed the oversized platform sandals to remain visible throughout the evening.

Jennifer Lopez looks over her shoulder in a vibrant pink Georges Chakra couture gown, revealing the dramatic open-back design and black velvet accents at the 2018 American Music Awards

Toting a black rectangular clutch, she accessorized with Brumani ombre pink sapphire earrings, a Borgioni ruby ear cuff, a Marli New York diamond cuff, and pink sapphire rings by Anabela Chan and Le Vian.

Jennifer Lopez showcases the flowing train and thigh-high slit of her Georges Chakra couture gown, with black Jimmy Choo ‘Max’ platform sandals grounding the vibrant pink look

She completed the look with Jimmy Choo’s ‘Max’ platform sandals, a style she returned to repeatedly throughout 2018 in multiple finishes.

Featuring an open toe, a slim ankle strap, an approximately 150mm stiletto heel, and a substantial front platform, the design became one of her most recognizable red-carpet shoes during that period.

Jennifer Lopez pairs her fuchsia Georges Chakra couture gown with a sleek black clutch and towering Jimmy Choo ‘Max’ platform sandals at the 2018 American Music Awards

Originally introduced during Jimmy Choo’s late-2010s platform era, the original ‘Max’ sandal became one of Jennifer Lopez’s signature red-carpet shoes.

She wore the towering style repeatedly throughout 2018—including the World of Dance press day and the Time 100 Gala—before returning to updated versions for the This Is Me… Now premiere and the Office Romance press tour.

While the original late-2010s ‘Max’ has since been discontinued, authentic pairs still surface on the luxury resale market, and Jimmy Choo continues to reinterpret the dramatic platform silhouette with newer evening styles inspired by the same sky-high proportions.

A closer look at Jennifer Lopez’s black Jimmy Choo ‘Max’ platform sandals reveals the towering stiletto heel, chunky front platform, and delicate ankle strap that defined one of her signature red-carpet shoes of 2018

Jennifer Lopez embraced bold color and sky-high platforms for the red carpet, while Mariah Carey opted for a more classic evening palette during the same event.

Arriving in a custom Yousef Al-Jasmi gown embellished with sequins, sheer paneling, and a feathered mermaid hem, she paired the dramatic silhouette with black platform peep-toe pumps that echoed her longtime preference for elevated stage footwear.

Mariah Carey wearing a curve-hugging dress at the 2018 American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on October 9, 2018

During the ceremony, Mariah Carey performed “With You,” wearing the same custom gown she had brought to the press room.

While Jennifer Lopez relied on statement platform sandals to complement her couture look, Mariah stayed with the black platform pumps that had become a signature part of both her stage and red-carpet wardrobe.

Mariah Carey sparkles in a custom black Yousef Al-Jasmi gown with sheer sequined panels and a dramatic feathered mermaid hem at the 2018 American Music Awards

Jennifer Lopez and Mariah Carey Make Platforms Part of the Look

Jennifer Lopez used Jimmy Choo’s towering “Max” sandals to sharpen the proportions of her fuchsia couture gown, while Mariah Carey stayed close to the platform footwear that has long defined her stage and red-carpet style. Their contrasting looks show how both singers use height, silhouette, and dramatic heels to shape an outfit from the ground up.