Kerry Washington’s Ferragamo Patchwork Sandals Bring Graphic Edge to Couture Lace at PaleyFest

At PaleyFest Los Angeles on March 15, 2016, Kerry Washington paired an intricate baby blue Ulyana Sergeenko Couture dress with gray-and-black Salvatore Ferragamo patchwork sandals. The geometric heels were a striking choice for an actress whose designer shoe wardrobe ranges from classic pumps to statement sandals and platforms.

Kerry Washington’s textured braided topknot and soft nude-pink makeup keep the focus on the intricate craftsmanship of her pale blue couture dress at the 33rd annual PaleyFest Los Angeles at the Dolby Theatre (Credit: Brian To / WENN)

Kerry Washington Wears Ulyana Sergeenko Couture at PaleyFest

Washington’s dress came from Ulyana Sergeenko’s Spring 2016 Couture collection. Rather than relying on conventional laser-cut detailing, the design incorporated traditional Yelets lace, a Russian lace-making technique associated with the Yelets region.

Ulyana Sergeenko’s Spring 2016 Couture gown layers contrasting Yelets lace patterns across a fitted bustier and tiered, scalloped skirt

The ankle-length dress featured a fitted bustier, delicate spaghetti straps, and a tiered skirt constructed from contrasting lace patterns. Subtle scalloped edges along the neckline and hemline defined each layer while keeping the textural differences visible.

Washington kept the rest of the styling relatively restrained. She carried an M2Malletier clutch with the label’s recognizable linear metal bar handle and added stacked rings and drop earrings from Shay Jewelry.

Her hair, styled by Takisha Sturdivant-Drew, was swept into a textured high topknot, while soft nude-pink makeup kept the focus on the detailed dress and accessories.

A Closer Look at Kerry Washington’s Salvatore Ferragamo Patchwork Sandals

The strongest contrast came from Washington’s Salvatore Ferragamo sandals. Instead of matching the pale dress with an equally delicate shoe, she chose a gray-and-black pair with a graphic crossover construction. Washington has experimented with statement sandals elsewhere, including the Christian Louboutin “Just On” sandals she wore to a Paley Center event the previous year.

Kerry Washington’s Salvatore Ferragamo sandals mix gray leather with graphic black straps, finished with slim ankle straps and high stiletto heels

The open-toe sandals blended matte gray leather with contrasting black straps that crossed over the foot and continued into a slim ankle strap. A small gold-tone buckle secured the shoe, while a covered high stiletto heel kept the silhouette sleek.

The geometric patchwork gave the shoes enough visual weight to balance the dress’s intricate lace without competing with it. Compared with the sleeker Christian Louboutin “Dictata” pumps Washington wore to the ABC Upfronts, the Ferragamo sandals brought more contrast and structure to the foot.

At PaleyFest, Washington also spoke about Scandal and her mother’s reaction to watching the show’s intimate scenes. Style-wise, the appearance is a study in contrasts: Sergeenko’s traditional lace craftsmanship above and Ferragamo’s sharply geometric sandals below.

Why Salvatore Ferragamo Shoes Have Been a Hollywood Favorite for Generations

Kerry Washington’s patchwork sandals belong to a much longer relationship between Salvatore Ferragamo and Hollywood. After arriving in California in the 1920s, Ferragamo became known for making shoes for movie stars and even studied anatomy at the University of Southern California, applying what he learned about the foot to footwear that balanced appearance with comfort.

That technical approach never stopped him from experimenting. Ferragamo patented designs including the cork wedge and created some of fashion’s most recognizable shoes, from Judy Garland’s multicolored “Rainbow” platform sandal to the transparent nylon-thread “Invisible Sandal.” His willingness to work with unexpected materials and constructions helped establish footwear as a design statement rather than simply the finishing touch to an outfit.

Hollywood helped build that reputation. Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Greta Garbo, and Sophia Loren were among the stars associated with Ferragamo, while later generations of celebrities continued wearing the house’s heels, platforms, and sandals on red carpets. Washington’s geometric pair is one example of how that legacy translates into a modern evening look: distinctive enough to hold its own against an intricate couture dress without overwhelming it.

And she is far from the only celebrity to make Ferragamo footwear an important part of the outfit. From sculptural wedges and gladiator heels to towering platforms, these looks show just how differently the house’s sandals have been worn.