Dakota Johnson Stuns on the Red Carpet in Sky-High Saint Laurent Boots at the 2025 Zurich Film Festival

When glamour meets edge, the result is irresistible. This week, Dakota Johnson delivered exactly that energy in a pair of soaring platform boots that turned heads in Zurich. Her look felt refined yet rebellious — the kind of statement that lingers. For those of us who love a sleek silhouette with a little altitude, consider this your mood board moment.

Dakota Johnson’s Elevated Moment in Zurich

At the 21st Zurich Film Festival, Johnson stepped out in Saint Laurent’s knee-high Nico boots, a dramatic pair anchored by a six-inch block heel and a softly sculpted almond toe. A gold, logo-stamped buckle at the ankle added a quiet flash of polish — the kind of detail that makes a towering boot feel undeniably luxe.

Dakota Johnson brings sleek height to the Zurich stage in signature Saint Laurent platforms. Photo: Getty Images

Retailing at $2,600, the bold style is also offered in a deep red-wine hue and in ankle-length variations for a more understated take. It’s already a red-carpet favorite — Zoe Saldana wore the same boots earlier this year, signaling the silhouette’s staying power among fashion insiders.

How She Styled the Statement

Known for her minimalist footwear, Johnson took a chic detour here. Working with trusted stylist Kate Young (and balancing her role as a Gucci ambassador), she paired the boots with a charcoal-and-black Ferragamo top and a clean black miniskirt — a streamlined canvas that let the boots hold the spotlight.

Close-up of Dakota Johnson's Saint Laurent Nico platform boots at the Zurich Film Festival. — A closer look at the Saint Laurent Nico silhouette — glossy, sculpted, and unapologetically tall. Photo: Getty Images

The Celebrity Pulse: Platform Boots Everywhere

Call it the season’s power play: platform boots are dominating city sidewalks and spotlights alike. A few standout sightings:

Cardi B in custom python-print platforms by Thom Solo — pure drama with a couture twist.
Lady Gaga arriving to The Late Show in knee-high black leather by Enfants Riches Déprimés, complete with square toes and carved wooden block heels.
Jessica Simpson elevating a look with pointy-toed Versace platforms.
FKA Twigs in avant-garde thigh-highs by Windowsen at a VMAs after-party.
Teyana Taylor at the Nike x Skims launch, stepping out in buckled Marc Jacobs “Kiki” boots.

Why Platform Boots Are Having a Moment

Born in the 1970s disco era and endlessly reinterpreted, platform boots blend height with confidence — and yes, surprising stability. Today’s designs sharpen the silhouette: taller shafts, sculptural heels, and luxe finishes that work from day to night.

They also photograph beautifully, which explains their ubiquity on carpets and runways. Think leg-lengthening lines, clean proportions, and a decisive point of view with every step.

How to Wear Them Now

Keep it streamlined: pair knee-high platforms with a miniskirt or tailored shorts to spotlight the boot’s shape.
Go tailored: wide-leg trousers that graze the top of the platform create a long, lean line with quiet drama.
Try monochrome: all-black or deep jewel tones feel luxurious and let texture do the talking.

Whether you lean toward minimalist polish or full-throttle glamour, a well-chosen platform boot is a power move for fall and beyond. The key is balance — clean lines up top, sculptural height below.

Make It Your Own

Ready to claim a few extra inches of confidence? Start with a silhouette that feels true to your style — then let the boots do the rest. Share how you’d style your perfect pair with us at Malibu Elixir. We’re here for the bold, the refined, and everything in between.