Michelle Yeoh Stuns in Sky-High Bottega Veneta Croc-Embossed Platforms at Milan Fashion Week
There’s a new gloss stealing the spotlight in Milan, and it’s anything but subtle. At Milan Fashion Week, Michelle Yeoh leaned into the season’s obsession with high-shine texture, stepping out in Bottega Veneta’s towering Madame platform pumps. The effect was sleek, sculptural, and impossibly polished. Consider it your cue: glossy, croc-embossed finishes are the fastest way to turn minimal into magnetic.
The Look: Elevated Croc at Milan Fashion Week
Yeoh’s pumps arrived in inky black calfskin, pressed with a bold croc-embossed texture that caught the light from every angle. A squared toe and stacked sole delivered architectural presence, while the curved block heel kept the silhouette refined rather than heavy.
At the vamp, a streamlined gold-toned bar sliced through the shine—just enough hardware to underscore the shoe’s precision without competing with it. Think quiet luxury with a decisive exclamation point.
Michelle Yeoh in Bottega Veneta’s Madame Platform Pumps during Milan Fashion Week.
Styling Notes: Quiet Neutrals, High Impact
True to Bottega’s language, Yeoh built her look on rich textures and clean lines. A ribbed cotton tank and black denim shirt layered under a supple leather kimono blouson created depth without fuss.
She carried the white Campana tote for contrast, finishing with warm brown sunglasses and oversized fin earrings. The palette stayed dark and neutral, letting the shoe’s glossy profile do the talking.
Why Croc-Embossed Is the Season’s Shortcut to Drama
Yeoh’s recent shoe wardrobe reads like a masterclass in material play. In Los Angeles, she dialed up whimsy with crystal-and-pearl embellished Siren clogs from the Crocs x Simone Rocha collaboration—proof that a single texture can shift a look from pared-back to head-turning.
She’s not the only one embracing the effect. Regina King stepped out in Giuseppe Zanotti’s Intriigo mule in beige croc embossing, while Lila Moss debuted one of Demna’s first Gucci boots in the same high-gloss finish at the house’s spring 2026 show. From minimal mules to knee-high statements, croc texture is doing the heavy lifting.
A closer look at the croc-embossed texture and sculptural shape.
How to Wear the Glossy Croc Trend
- Anchor a neutral outfit with a croc-embossed platform for instant depth and shine.
- Swap a classic pump for a minimal croc mule to elevate day-to-night tailoring.
- Try a knee-high boot in dark croc for a sleek, elongating line—no extra styling needed.
- Keep hardware clean and minimal so the texture stays center stage.
Craft, Amplified: Inside Bottega’s New Era
Yeoh’s footwear choice echoed the collection she came to see: Bottega Veneta spring 2026, the debut of creative director Louise Trotter. The runway championed tactile luxury—textures you can almost feel from across the room—and a deep respect for heritage techniques.
The Madame pump captures that ethos perfectly. Exaggerated proportions, richly textured leather, and modern volume come together in a design that feels both of-the-moment and unmistakably Bottega.
The Takeaway
When your wardrobe leans refined, a single high-shine, croc-embossed piece can shift the entire mood. Follow Yeoh’s lead: let the silhouette speak, keep the palette grounded, and embrace texture as your quiet power move.
Ready to elevate your look with a little sheen and a lot of confidence? Join the Malibu Elixir community for more curated fashion-and-beauty inspiration, editor favorites, and effortless ways to glow—inside and out.
