At the 92nd Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on February 9, 2020, Kristen Wiig embraced one of the evening’s boldest fashion statements in a custom red Valentino Spring 2020 Haute Couture gown paired with sparkling Christian Louboutin pumps.
While the sculptural couture dress generated most of the headlines, the crystal-embellished shoes provided an equally striking finish that rewarded a closer look.
Designed by Pierpaolo Piccioli, the couture gown featured exaggerated pleated side ruffles, a high neckline, a rectangular cape train, and mesh-covered side cutouts. The architectural silhouette quickly became one of the ceremony’s most talked-about looks, with its vivid red color and dramatic proportions inspiring countless online comparisons—including the nickname “Lasagna Dress” that has followed it ever since.

Styled by Karla Welch, Wiig balanced the dramatic Valentino silhouette with black leather opera gloves, custom gold fringe earrings by Nikos Koulis, and gold Christian Louboutin “Maia Labella” pumps.
The dark gloves echoed the black detailing on the shoes, while the metallic accessories added contrast without competing with the gown’s sculptural design.
The Christian Louboutin “Maia Labella” 100 pumps combined sheer mesh pointed toes with hand-set glass crystals, metallic gold leather trim, wraparound ankle ties, and 100 mm (approximately 4-inch) stiletto heels. Although largely hidden beneath the sweeping Valentino gown, the sparkling pumps reinforced the couture look with the same blend of structure and glamour.

Originally retailing for $1,245, the Christian Louboutin “Maia Labella” 100 pumps have since been discontinued. As part of an earlier Christian Louboutin collection, they are no longer available through official boutiques or luxury retailers.
Collectors can still occasionally find pairs through trusted resale marketplaces including The RealReal, eBay, Poshmark, and VSP Consignment, where prices generally range from about $370 to $950 depending on size, condition, and whether the shoes include their original box and dust bags.
The retro-inspired beauty look complemented the couture styling rather than competing with it. Makeup artist Liz Lash used winged black eyeliner, soft silver eyeshadow, mascara, and a muted nude lip, while hairstylist Pamela Neal and hair colorist Erick Orellana drew inspiration from Sharon Stone’s iconic look in Basic Instinct.
The result was a softly textured blonde pixie cut with a deep side part that echoed classic Hollywood glamour from the late 1960s through the early 1990s.

Although Wiig and Maya Rudolph earned laughs during their presenting segment, Wiig’s Valentino gown quickly took on a life of its own online, inspiring countless memes and pop-culture comparisons within hours of the ceremony.
Some compared her dress to several sea creatures, a cake knife, a lobster, and even bacon. The most notable, however, was the lasagna comparison.

One person tweeted: “Kristen Wiig looks like a fish we have yet to discover.” Another tweet said: “Kristen Wiig’s Oscar dress will henceforth be known as the Lasagna Dress.”
Actress and comedienne Bridget Fitzgerald tweeted: “I love these dresses! Kristen Wiig looks like a piece of lasagna!”



Kristen took to the stage with her The Bridesmaids and SNL co-star Maya Rudolph to present Best Production Design to Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Best Costume Design to Little Women.
As they began presenting the award, Kristen told the audience: “You know what, I can’t do this.” Maya Rudolph then said they are “too upset.” They went back and forth on the stage before Kristen said, “Guys, guys. We’re not mad. That was an act.” “We were acting,” Maya added.

“We just know there are a lot of directors here tonight,” Kristen continued. “We just wanted them to know we do more than comedy,” Maya added.
They later presented Best Costume through a mashup of fashion-related songs, including Sisqo’s The Thong Song, Nancy Sinatra’s These Boots are Made for Walking, and Madonna’s Vogue.
From Kristen Wiig’s “Maia Labella” Pumps to Louboutin’s Most Memorable Crystal Heels
Kristen Wiig’s gold mesh pumps were partly concealed beneath her sculptural Valentino gown, but their crystal-covered toes and metallic finish made them an essential part of the look.
Christian Louboutin has returned to that combination of transparent mesh, sharp silhouettes, and light-catching embellishment in several other memorable red-carpet designs.
✨ Explore More Crystal-Embellished Christian Louboutin Shoe Moments:
- 💎 Joey King and Hikari Mori styled the crystal-framed Christian Louboutin “Chiara” pumps with two very different red-carpet looks, pairing the sheer mesh stilettos with a colorful Attico mini dress and dramatic Ralph Russo Couture.
- ✨ Lily Collins, Eleanor Tomlinson, and Jane Seymour wore the “Twistissima Strass” pumps, a pointed-toe design distinguished by crystal dégradé detailing, transparent mesh panels, and delicate crossover straps.
- 🖤 Adriana Lima and Elisabeth Moss put contrasting spins on Christian Louboutin’s crystal-covered “Antinorina” pumps, taking the sparkling satin heels from Cannes glamour to sharper Balmain styling.
- 🌈 Cheryl and Kelly Clarkson made the multicolored “Raynibo” sandals the focal point of their evening looks, using the crystal-covered cage straps with both rainbow couture and a sleek black sequined gown.
- 👑 Lily James completed her Cinderella-inspired Elie Saab gown with Christian Louboutin “Follies Strass” pumps, allowing the crystal-studded mesh toes to appear beneath the peach ruffled hem.
- 🌊 Jennifer Lopez paired her Alex Perry dress with Christian Louboutin “Top Vague” pumps, whose sheer mesh, laser-cut leather, and Hematite-toned crystals created a sculptural, jewelry-like finish.

