It’s no secret that the best parties feel like a family reunion, a convergence of friends, family, and welcome newcomers all in the house to celebrate the moment and each other. That’s why, in an awards season in which many of this year’s exceptional Black performances and achievements were once again largely overlooked by the establishment, the 54th NAACP Image Awards were a refreshing and timely reminder that the most powerful validation always comes from those close to home.
The pride, joy and reverence at Saturday night’s televised ceremony were only heightened by the sheer star power in the room, not to mention the jaw-dropping glamour brought to the festivities. Ever-stylish and impactful President’s Award winners Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union-Wade power-coupled in Versace, also worn on the red carpet by the stunning Zendaya, who later presented in a daring white two-piece look by Prada. Yara Shahidi gave us grown-ish — actually, now fully grown and Harvard-graduated — glamour in Giambattista Valli Couture, while her onscreen little sister Marsai Martin showed off her growing maturity in an exquisite gown by Christian Siriano. Kerry Washington’s couture column came courtesy of Fendi, while Janelle Monae stepped further out of her once ubiquitous black-and-white comfort zone to paint the Pasadena Civic Auditorium red in a sleek, one-shouldered satin gown by Gong Tri.
All in all, the night was as generous on style as it was memorable and inspiring moments, and making it even better, the 54th NAACP Image Awards were a multi-day affair. Just like the dozens of well-deserved awards handed out over the course of the week, we can’t possibly do all of the fashion statements and unapologetic Black glamour justice in mere words — which is why we’ve compiled an extensive gallery of the weekend’s looks (in no particular order) below, so you can revel in the Image Awards magic for…
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