Last week’s red carpets left Team SPICE with a renewed feeling of ‘love for fashion’ – especially on sight of those who stepped out for the NAACP Image Awards and the Essence Magazine Black Women in Music event, held in Los Angeles on February 6th. Plus, as we gear up for the main event, the Pre-Grammy Gala held on the 7th brought out some of the best outfits we’ve seen, leaving us bickering about who should make our week’s top 10 of red carpet ensembles.
From Kerry Washington in red lace, to Gabriel Union in powder pink and Rita Ora in pure white, we’re officially loving the looks we’ve seen over the past seven days – see them on some of your favourite stars, detailed below in our Red Carpet Roundup;
Kicking off our roundup is actress Kerry Washington, who aimed to outshine the red carpet in her red lace Zuhair Murad gown and glittering Salvatore Ferragamo clutch. We fell for this look as soon as we saw the hue against her skin (a sore topic at the moment, see why here) and on realising the fact that no matter what fit of dress this new mother wears, she always blows us away with her body. #Beautiful!
…But when Kerry posed on the carpet with her actress peer, Gabirel Union, we were seeing a double helping of beauty…
The Being Mary Jane star wore cutouts in baby pink for the event, looking as delicious as a chocolate in the box we’re hoping for this Valentine’s, in her Gauri & Nainika gown . The yummy 46-year-old wowed us immediately with her toned arms and flawless face yet again (see how she stunned us last week, here) and as a result we are so planning to be more like her when we grow up…
…In case you needed further reasoning for why Gabriel Union is a hotty, here’s a backshot of her cutout dress and its glamourous full skirt.
Director Spike Lee, who was awarded with the ‘President’s Award’ on the night turned out to turn heads too, rocking a velvet suit and his signature thick-framed glasses. This guy knows how to dress as well as he shoots movies and for that, he’s now on our style radar…
Also winning in the wardrobe department is actress Niecy Nash, who looked as nice in this pale pink as Gabriel Union did in hers. We love the tulle fishtail feature and her perfectly-matched box clutch and as firm lovers of the pink-with-red look – as exampled here by the star’s clashing lips – we rate this outfit fully. Those pointed, nude heels didn’t go unnoticed either – in fact, they gave Neicy’s classy look a few extra style points.
Also spied at the NAACP Image Awards was Diana Ross’ daughter, Tracee Ellis-Ross, who brought her signature fro ‘do and a deeply-plunged gown. More noticeable though was how this textured dress clung to the actress’ body… She looked stunning and her style remains on point.
…That back shot though…
Clear queen of the night’s gorgeousness was 56-year-old director, Angela Bassett for whom we almost have no words. This deep-V cut dress and its gold embellishment shone from the star’s skin and accentuated the glow from her complexion. And that makeup? Well, Ms Bassett’s face was flawless… We truly weren’t ready.
Over at the 6th ever Essence Black Women in Music Awards, held in LA on the 6th of February, ex-Disney star, 18-year-old Zendaya played with prints in a bright and graphic ensemble we couldn’t help but catch our eye on. The star colour-blocked her way on to our list of one of the 10 best dressed last week and we remain impressed by this young’un’s style.
Star of The Vampire Diaries, Kat Graham also stood out in her printed ensemble for all the right reasons. Looking ridiculously smooth in her two-piece suit, worn with nothing underneath, Ms Graham made sure we realise she’s a force to be reckoned with in the wardrobe stakes, doing masculine chic as best possible. Love the fit and the fact that this looked smart and sexy, while also ticking the upcoming trend for covering your shoes with trousers that fall to the floor, too…
Meanwhile, as we gear up for The 57th annual Grammy Awards and what style will unfold there, Rita Ora attended the Pre-Grammy Gala held on Saturday 7th of February, hosted by Clive Davis at the Beverley Hilton in Hollywood, and looked just ravishing, as usual. The singer wore an all-white look reminiscent of the Versace ensemble Liz Hurly made headlines for back in 1994, with a gown held together by string wound through eyelets, exposing a cutout to the front and the back. We can’t get enough go this fresh and slightly riske look, which went well with Ora’s signature red pout and ice-blonde locks.
And speaking of signatures, Janelle Monae couldn’t resist stepping out in her staple hat and tux combo, this time going bigger and bolder with her hat and making it an extra large-brimmed one. The monochrome suit she wore fitted nicely as ever, but was updated with a pair of strappy silver heels and a clutch, taking this masculine look into ladylike territory, which we kinda like on the star…
But what do you think? Did we include your favourite look from last week in our Red Carpet Roundup? Let us know in the comments box below or on Twitter via @SPICETVAFRICA.
