Mastering the Stiletto: How Zendaya Solidified Her "So Kate" Signature at the 2019 People’s Choice Awards

When Zendaya arrived at the 2019 E! People’s Choice Awards at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, she solidified a red-carpet formula that remains a masterclass in modern glamour.

Honored as both Female Movie Star of the Year and Drama TV Star of the Year, the actress paired a sculptural Christopher Esber gown with her most enduring footwear signature: the Christian Louboutin “So Kate” pump.

This appearance stands as a definitive moment in her style evolution, showcasing the seamless blend of architectural high fashion and the classic “So Kate” silhouette she has championed throughout her career.

Zendaya was honored with prestigious awards at the 2019 E! People’s Choice Awards at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, on November 10, 2019 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

“Thank you to everyone who received it with open hearts,” Zendaya told the audience, her voice filled with emotion. “To anyone who’s ever felt seen by our show — on behalf of the cast, crew, and everyone involved — that’s all we’ve ever wanted. Thank you for letting us tell these stories; it truly means the world.”

Zendaya exudes effortless glamour in a crystal-trimmed black Christopher Esber gown, styled with a sleek topknot and bold orange lipstick at the 2019 E! People’s Choice Awards

Modern Elegance: Zendaya Shines in a Crystal-Trimmed Christopher Esber Dress

At 23, Zendaya radiated modern elegance in a black Christopher Esber dress featuring an angled neckline and crystal ties that wrapped artfully around her midriff, then cascaded into a gathered cocoon skirt with a back vent.

The look struck a balance between minimalism and glamour — a refined expression of confidence that has defined her red-carpet evolution.

On the red carpet, Zendaya showcases her statuesque poise in the sculptural Christopher Esber cutout dress paired with her signature black patent Christian Louboutin “So Kate” pumps

Signature Style: Zendaya Elevates Her Look with Christian Louboutin “So Kate” Pumps

Wearing her hair in an effortless topknot, Zendaya completed the look with Nadine Jewellery diamond studs, a matching ring, and her signature black patent Christian Louboutin “So Kate” pumps — a shoe she’s famously “trained” in since her teens under the guidance of longtime stylist Law Roach.

Zendaya’s Enduring Love Affair with Christian Louboutin

Over the years, Zendaya and her stylist, Law Roach, have turned the Christian Louboutin “So Kate” pump into more than just a shoe — it’s become a symbol of her confidence, discipline, and evolution as a style icon. From premieres to galas, the towering stiletto remains a recurring signature in her red-carpet story.

👠 Explore Zendaya’s Christian Louboutin Shoe Moments:

• 🎬 — a closer look at her enduring love for Christian Louboutin’s most iconic pump.
• 📏 — exploring how the star embraces high heels like Louboutin’s So Kate to elevate her polished red-carpet image.
• 📸 — at the Spider-Man: Far From Home premiere, she proved why So Kate remains a timeless red-carpet staple.
• ✨ — one of her early So Kate appearances that foreshadowed her now-signature footwear confidence.
• 🔝 — at the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball, she balanced youthful elegance with her go-to stiletto edge.

Known for its nearly 5-inch stiletto heel, low-cut vamp, and universally flattering silhouette, the So Kate has become a defining part of Zendaya’s red-carpet identity.

Roach has often described the design as “equal parts elegance and rock ’n’ roll,” praising its visual drama, versatility, and timeless allure — and emphasizing that Zendaya’s love for the shoe is genuine, not sponsored, but born out of years of authentic admiration and confidence.

Christopher Esber Crystal Tie Cocoon Dress, $2,385

Explore the Enduring Allure of Christian Louboutin’s “So Kate” Pumps

Since its debut, Christian Louboutin’s So Kate pump has become a global fashion staple — celebrated for its razor-sharp stiletto, sleek silhouette, and powerfully feminine appeal. From Hollywood premieres to off-duty street style, these stars have each reimagined the iconic design in their own way.

👠 Explore Iconic “So Kate” Moments on Your Next Shoes:

• 💃 — showcasing her signature balance of glam and polish.
• 🏆 — proving the timeless pump still reigns on the red carpet.
• 🖤 — elegance under Chanel with a modern twist.
• 🎸 — adding edge to an all-leather look in London.
• 🌿 — beige leather heels meet effortless boho sophistication.
• 👗 — playful proof that even streetwear can sparkle.
• 🕶️ — pairing the power pump with a Chanel cap and everyday confidence.