Heidi Klum made the case for a barely-there stiletto at the amfAR Gala Cannes 2025 in Cap d’Antibes on May 22, letting a single flash of satin footwear break through a sea of black tulle and feathers. Attending with husband Tom Kaulitz, Klum walked the red-and-gold carpet at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc in one of the evening’s more daring sheer looks.

For the occasion, Klum wore a strapless gown by Yara Shoemaker, the Sarasota-based couture designer known for her structured, sustainably made silhouettes. The custom piece featured a corseted bodice and sheer tulle skirt with black appliqués, flanked by a voluminous feather-trimmed train that fanned out behind her.

But it was the shoes — revealed through a precise thigh-high slit — that broke the all-black texture play. Klum’s stilettos featured an open-toe design and slim ankle straps that were fastened with tonal hardware. The sharply curved heel added height without distracting from the gown’s architectural drama.

The “America’s Got Talent” judge’s shoe silhouette fit neatly within Klum’s Cannes 2025 wardrobe, which has leaned heavily on sculptural accessories and leg-baring cuts. At the “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning” premiere earlier in the week, she wore Dior’s “Oblique” pumps beneath a high-shine sequin column dress.

This is far from the first time the “Project Runway” host has paired a sheer dress with sandal heels. Back in April, Klum made her way through New York City in a sheer tan dress from The Attico, pairing the textural frock with Christian Louboutin’s Loubi Queen Alta sandal, which featured a strap across the toe and a slingback-style strap connecting to the ankle for support.

Earlier this year, in March, Klum put a sensual spin on power dressing by pairing a black blazer with a plunging neckline with a sheer, full-length skirt featuring a side slit. She finished the look with black pointed-toe heels accented by sheer fabric elements, extending the sleek black color palette.

The 2025 amfAR Gala Cannes, presented by Chopard, raised funds for AIDS research and featured performances by Ciara, Adam Lambert and Duran Duran. The live auction included works by George Condo and Chris Levine.