Teyana Taylor Trades in Platform Boots for Dainty Bow Slingbacks at the Critics’ Choice Association’s 2025 Celebration of Black Cinema & Television
Teyana Taylor was dressed to the nines at The Critics’ Choice Association’s 8th Annual Celebration of Black Cinema & Television held at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel on Tuesday in Los Angeles. The actress left her usual towering platforms for a pair of dainty Alexandre Birman slingbacks, a heel style that has been trending on the red carpet in 2025.
Earl Gibson III
Taylor opted for the Alexandre Birman Clarita Bell slingbacks in rich black satin. The classic slingback pump features a tailored pointy toe and the brand’s signature DNA knotted bow on the vamp. The slingback design adds a feminine softness and flirty touch to the shoe and to her eye-grabbing look.
The slingbacks flaunt a sculpted self-covered heel that’s slightly flared, adding character to the shoes. The heels measure around 85mm, a much shorter height than Taylor’s usual footwear choices, which include platform boots by designers like Marc Jacobs and Thom Solo.
A close-up of the shoes.
The Clarita Bell slingbacks retail for $795. The shoes are available in a wide range of colors, such as serene blue and white, with shorter-heel options, as well as in leather and velour styles. The brand also offers the Clarita style in a sandal version. Taylor paired the delicate heels with a design by Nicholas Oakwell Couture.
She was styled in a black silk asymmetric gown with a lace corset and embroidered fringe. The asymmetric hemline gave the dress a high-low skirt silhouette, which allowed her shoes to be on full display. The dress featured a one-shoulder design, which allowed the “One Battle After Another” star’s trademark pixie cut to take center stage.
Earl Gibson III
Taylor and her “One Battle After Another” Regina Hall and Chase Infiniti received the Ensemble Award from their director, Paul Thomas Anderson, at the Critics’ Choice Celebration of Black Cinema & Television. The event was hosted by Jay Pharoah and honored stars like Michael B. Jordan, Ryan Coogler and Ryan Destiny.
Spike Lee received the Career Achievement Award, while David Alan Grier was awarded the Vanguard honor. Other honorees included “Abbott Elementary” star Janelle James, Sterling K. Brown, Jurnee Smollett, Tessa Thompson, Damson Idris, and more.
