At The Personal History of David Copperfield premiere during the BFI London Film Festival in London on October 2, 2019, Gwendoline Christie wore one of Iris van Herpen’s most visually striking haute couture creations.
Rather than relying on embellishment alone, the gown used layered construction and flowing printed lines to create the illusion of movement across the body, making it appear almost kinetic from every angle.
Just as important to the overall effect, Christie paired the white-to-crimson gown with Christian Louboutin’s red suede ‘Alminetta’ pumps. The pointed-toe heels echoed the dress’s deep red ombré finish, extending the color story to the floor instead of interrupting it with a contrasting shoe.
Gwendoline Christie arrives at the opening night gala of The Personal History of David Copperfield during the 2019 BFI London Film Festival wearing Iris van Herpen Fall 2019 Haute Couture and Christian Louboutin ‘Alminetta’ suede pumps
Designed for Iris van Herpen’s Fall 2019 Haute Couture collection, the dress drew inspiration from Suminagashi, the centuries-old Japanese technique of floating ink on water to create marbled patterns.
Laser-cut gradient silk layered over nude illusion tulle allowed the white lines to appear suspended across Christie’s frame before gradually shifting into a rich crimson near the hem.
From behind, the dress reveals Iris van Herpen’s intricate layered construction, with flowing laser-cut lines cascading into a crimson gradient that mirrors the movement of floating ink
The sculptural pattern rewards a closer look, revealing how Iris van Herpen translated the fluid movement of marbled ink into a wearable silhouette. The result feels architectural yet remarkably light, changing as Christie moved across the red carpet.
The side profile shows how the sculptural silhouette comes alive in motion, while Gwendoline Christie’s red Christian Louboutin ‘Alminetta’ pumps extend the gown’s ombré color story to the carpet at the screening of The Personal History Of David Copperfield held during the 2019 BFI London Film Festival Opening Night Gala at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London, England, on October 2, 2019 (Credit: Mario Mitsis / WENN)
Instead of introducing another color or metallic finish, Christie chose red suede Christian Louboutin pumps that visually continued the gown’s crimson gradient. The subtle styling decision kept the eye moving naturally from the dress to the footwear.
The pointed-toe Christian Louboutin ‘Alminetta’ pumps feature elegant knotted ankle straps and rich red suede, chosen to complement the gown’s crimson hem without distracting from its fluid design
Built on the proportions of Christian Louboutin’s celebrated Pigalle family, the ‘Alminetta’ pump updated the classic pointed-toe silhouette with elegant knotted ankle straps while retaining the brand’s signature red lacquered sole.
Introduced for Fall/Winter 2019 with a retail price of $795, the red suede ‘Alminetta’ has since become an archival Christian Louboutin style found mainly on the luxury resale market.
If you’re considering a pre-owned pair, our guide to spotting authentic Christian Louboutin shoes explains what to look for—from the signature red leather sole and craftsmanship to the box and dust bag—before investing in a discontinued design.
Introduced for Fall/Winter 2019, Christian Louboutin’s ‘Alminetta’ pump reinterpreted the brand’s classic pointed-toe silhouette with delicate looped straps before becoming a sought-after style on the luxury resale market
More Gwendoline Christie Style Moments Worth Revisiting
From avant-garde couture and sculptural eveningwear to sharply tailored suiting, Gwendoline Christie has consistently treated footwear as an integral part of each look rather than an afterthought. Explore more of her standout fashion moments, along with the Christian Louboutin designs and other designer shoes that helped define them.
👠 Explore Gwendoline Christie’s Most Striking Shoe Fashion Moments:
- ✨ Revisit her unforgettable 2019 Emmy Awards appearance, where gold Gucci sandals echoed the metallic embroidery of her dramatic red-and-white “Jesus dress.”
- 🩶 Discover how pointed gray suede pumps sharpened her oversized Dior Men suit, creating a clean tonal line beneath the relaxed tailoring.
- 🌺 See her lighter approach to Cannes dressing in floral Fendi, finished with playful red-and-cream striped leather pumps that could also be worn as mules.
- ⚔️ Explore Christian Louboutin’s sculptural ‘Captain Phasma’ pumps, designed around the polished armor and commanding silhouette of Christie’s Star Wars character.
- 📖 Trace the enduring appeal of Christian Louboutin’s red-soled shoes, from sharply arched pumps and red-carpet stilettos to the design history behind fashion’s most recognizable outsole.