On January 26, 2020, Alessandra Ambrosio arrived at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center in Los Angeles wearing one of Olivier Rousteing’s most theatrical looks for Balmain Spring 2020.
The sharply divided black-and-white design paired architectural tailoring with dramatic movement, while her Gianvito Rossi ‘Adore’ crystal mesh cuff sandals added another layer of sparkle without competing with the statement outfit.
The look remains a standout example of how a bold runway concept can be translated to the red carpet. Rather than relying on embellishment from head to toe, Ambrosio balanced Balmain’s sculptural silhouette with refined accessories, allowing the crystal ankle cuffs and clean stiletto sandals to frame the outfit instead of overwhelming it.
Alessandra Ambrosio at the 2020 Grammy Awards held at Los Angeles Staples Center on January 26, 2020 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Rousteing’s design blurred the line between evening gown and tailored romper. One side featured a sweeping black cape with a high neckline and fluid draping, while the opposite side revealed a structured white strapless romper with a defined belt and sharply tailored silhouette.
The asymmetrical composition drew attention to Ambrosio’s legs without sacrificing the drama of the full-length cape, illustrating Balmain’s signature mix of precision tailoring and high-fashion spectacle.
Alessandra Ambrosio showcases Balmain’s dramatic black-and-white Spring 2020 design, revealing the sculptural cape and crystal-cuffed Gianvito Rossi ‘Adore’ sandals from the back
Hairstylist Giannandrea kept Ambrosio’s hair sleek, straight, and center-parted, while makeup artist Beau Nelson paired softly bronzed skin with winged eyeliner and a neutral pink lip.
The restrained beauty styling complemented the strong geometry of the Balmain look rather than competing with it.
A sleek center-part hairstyle, graphic winged eyeliner, and geometric Tasaki Atelier diamond earrings sharpen the architectural lines of Alessandra Ambrosio’s Balmain look
Stylist Monica Rose finished the ensemble with Tasaki Atelier white gold and diamond earrings, alongside diamond rings from Marli New York and Kallati.
The restrained jewelry echoed the sparkle of the crystal ankle cuffs while maintaining the clean, modern lines of the outfit.
The crystal-encrusted ankle cuffs of Gianvito Rossi’s ‘Adore’ sandals transform a minimalist black suede stiletto into the focal point of Alessandra Ambrosio’s Grammy Awards footwear
Her footwear was just as considered as the rest of the styling. Ambrosio wore Gianvito Rossi ‘Adore’ crystal mesh cuff sandals, crafted in suede with rear zippers, crystal-encrusted ankle cuffs, and approximately 105 mm (4.1-inch) stiletto heels.
Rather than disappearing beneath the dramatic Balmain silhouette, the glittering cuffs created a visual bridge between her diamond jewelry and the monochrome outfit.
Gianvito Rossi’s ‘Adore’ sandals combine slender black suede straps with shimmering crystal mesh ankle cuffs for a striking contrast between minimalism and glamour
Where to Find Gianvito Rossi ‘Adore’ Crystal Mesh Cuff Sandals Today
Originally introduced with a retail price of about $1,295, Gianvito Rossi’s ‘Adore’ crystal mesh cuff sandals have remained sought after well beyond their original release.
Although they are frequently sold out in Gianvito Rossi boutiques, suede and satin versions occasionally reappear through luxury retailers, including Farfetch and Mytheresa, as well as authorized boutique inventory. They are also regularly available on trusted luxury resale platforms, making them one of the designer’s most enduring crystal evening sandal designs.
The rear zipper and flexible crystal mesh cuff highlight the innovative construction that made Gianvito Rossi’s ‘Adore’ sandals one of the standout evening shoe designs of the era
Why Crystal Ankle Cuff Heels Remain a Red Carpet Favorite
Alessandra Ambrosio’s Gianvito Rossi sandals illustrate why crystal ankle cuff heels continue to hold their place in evening fashion. By combining the function of a supportive ankle strap with the brilliance of jewelry, they add sparkle without overwhelming an outfit.
The crystal cuffs catch the light with every step, making them a natural choice for galas, premieres, weddings, and other formal occasions, while the secure fit offers greater stability than many traditional barely-there stilettos.
Whether paired with a dramatic couture look like Balmain’s or a minimalist dress, crystal ankle cuff heels bring together elegance, comfort, and statement-making glamour.
✨ Explore More Crystal Ankle-Strap and Jeweled Sandal Moments:
- 💎 Candice Swanepoel and Lily Collins wore Giuseppe Zanotti’s crystal-strapped “Tricia” sandals, a sculptural stiletto distinguished by its wide, jewel-encrusted ankle band.
- 🐍 René Caovilla’s iconic “Cleo” sandals wrap the ankle in a crystal-covered coil, with Alessandra Ambrosio, Bella Hadid, Halsey, and Victoria Justice among the stars drawn to the jewelry-inspired design.
- 🌸 Rita Ora’s gold Sophia Webster “Aaliyah” sandals offered a more delicate interpretation of the jeweled ankle strap, with crystals arranged into floral motifs across the suede upper.
- 🖤 Sara Foster displayed Jimmy Choo’s black “Saeda” sandals at the 2026 Golden Globes, pairing a crystal-encrusted ankle strap and dangling chain with slim, crystal-trimmed heels.
- 🌙 Kim Kardashian’s Versace Knot heels lead into a wider edit of crystal-strap sandals, including René Caovilla ankle wraps, Swarovski-studded Giuseppe Zanotti stilettos, and embellished Versace platforms.