Bridal-inspired ensembles seemed to be a defining aesthetic on the red carpet at the 2026 LACMA Art+Film Gala in Los Angeles, but actress Jessica Williams decided to put a subtle, high-fashion spin on the trend by opting for bridal-esque footwear instead. Known for her standout style and sharp comedic and dramatic chops in projects like “Shrinking” and “Road House,” Williams turned heads at the star-studded annual museum event by leaning into one of footwear’s most alluring and sophisticated seasonal movements: sheer, textured pumps.
The actress’s chosen shoes for the evening were white and sheer, perfectly capturing an on-trend look for the fall season. The meticulously crafted footwear style featured sharp capped toes accented with an opaque lace motif. This intricate detail transitioned seamlessly into sheer white mesh uppers that provided a striking visual contrast against the toe box. The delicate lace served as a refined accent that naturally drew the eye downward, anchoring the entire lower half of her ensemble.
Adding to the complexity of the design, thin white straps wrapped delicately around Williams’ ankles, threading through sleek buckle closures that kept the shoes securely in place. Towering stiletto heels rounded out the set, giving the footwear a statuesque profile fit for a major red carpet appearance. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the shoes featured sheer paneling that created a modern peekaboo effect, a structural choice that likely also added a degree of breathability to the closed-toe silhouette during a bustling, high-energy evening.
Sheer and clear footwear has long been a favorite style for celebrities, who frequently gravitate toward translucent materials for red carpet appearances, premieres, and gala events. However, Williams’ footwear cleverly deviated from the ubiquitous polyvinyl chloride (PVC) construction that has seemingly dominated red carpet footwear over the past few years. Instead of high-gloss plastic, her lace and mesh construction evoked the romantic, heritage-driven shoe styles often seen from luxury houses like Jimmy Choo and Gianvito Rossi—silhouettes traditionally reserved for bridal couture.
On the red carpet, sheer footwear is inherently daring and alluring. It is frequently partnered with sensual, textured ensembles that play on creating shape, revealing glimpses of skin, and emphasizing complex silhouettes. Williams is far from the only high-profile figure to champion the sheer footwear trend recently. Other notable celebrities who have embraced translucent or mesh shoe styles throughout the year include pop superstar Dua Lipa, fashion model Elsa Hosk, and legendary actress Catherine Zeta-Jones. While sheer mesh styles are predominantly found in versatile neutral tones such as black, white, or brown, bolder colorful options in red and pink have also cropped up across designer collections over the last few seasons, signaling the trend’s staying power in contemporary luxury fashion.
To complement her statement footwear, the “Road House” and “Shrinking” star paired her sheer shoes with a striking couture gown from the Phan Huy fall 2026 collection. Rendered in a sophisticated, muted blue-gray hue, the strapless dress immediately captured attention with its complex fishnet-esque construction and delicate mesh overlay. The fabric was brought to life with intricate silver beaded accents scattered throughout the design, alongside large, luminous pearl adornments that added texture and dimension. Subtle lace lined the hem of her gown, mirroring the exact dainty detailing found on her sheer footwear and tying the entire look together with cohesive precision.
Williams’ striking ensemble was expertly pulled together by stylist Sarah Slutsky, a trusted creative partner whom the actress has worked with on numerous occasions for major red carpet events, award shows, and high-profile industry galas. Slutsky’s styling approach consistently favors thoughtful details and independent or avant-garde designers, a philosophy clearly demonstrated by the pairing of the Phan Huy couture gown with architectural mesh pumps.
The fashion moments unfolded against the backdrop of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s 15th annual Art+Film Gala, an event that once again successfully bridged the worlds of Hollywood cinema and the international contemporary art scene on Saturday night. This year’s prestigious gala paid tribute to pioneering artist Vija Celmins and acclaimed “Dune” director Denis Villeneuve, celebrating their monumental contributions to visual culture and filmmaking.
As has become tradition for the landmark museum benefit, actor Leonardo DiCaprio and LACMA trustee Eva Chow returned as the evening’s co-chairs, guiding an ambitious night of philanthropy and celebration. Meanwhile, Italian luxury house Gucci continued its unwavering commitment to the institution, maintaining its role as the presenting sponsor of the gala—a partnership the brand has proudly held since the event’s inception during its 2011 debut. Adding a dynamic musical element to the high-society evening, Blackpink member Rosé was tapped to deliver a special performance for the assembled crowd of artists, filmmakers, actors, and philanthropists.
Proceeds raised from the star-studded annual gala directly benefit the museum’s ongoing film programming, ambitious special exhibitions, and comprehensive educational initiatives, ensuring that LACMA can continue to serve both the local Los Angeles community and the broader cultural landscape.
