The stars came out for one final awards show red carpet before the Oscars as looks were served at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards. Let’s see who dazzled and who didn’t.
Chase Infiniti in Schiaparelli
We probably wouldn’t like those ruffles on anyone else but she has a history of working odd and difficult silhouettes, so we’ll give her this one. If she’s making some sort of statement with the chain, fine, but as an accessory, it’s kind of dumb.
Chloe Bailey in Harris Reed
We don’t like either of the prints and we think they look extremely harsh together. That bust design is basically boob sconces.
Danielle Brooks in Issey Miyake
Yes, Miss Lady Detective! Tell us whodunnit! This looks great on her and we love the hair, but that belt’s kind of odd.
Garcelle Beauvais
The top is an interesting design, but we don’t love the mock turtleneck or the long sleeve. They take away from the drape and length. Love the bangles but that top doesn’t allow for holding anything in your right hand.
Halle Bailey in Cult Gaia
That color is gorgeous on her. This has a lovely and dramatic drape to it, but the arm situations — we can’t bring ourselves to call them sleeves — look too fussy to bother with. The gold sandal was the perfect choice. We’d have liked some gold statement pieces here. The hair is gorgeous.
Jurnee Smollett in Diotima
She looks gorgeous but the dress is a big nothing.
Kerry Washington in Brandon Maxwell
Putting a moto over a gown is a classic look at this point, but this is a pretty clear instance of trying to make a bland dress more photogenic. Hate that squared-off bustline and horizontal seam.
Kiersey Clemons in Loewe
The skirt is boho-gorgeous but we’re not convinced the shirt works with it.
Laverne Cox in Mugler
We may be tired of sheer skirts, but this is a Mugler and she’s working it to perfection.
Michael B. Jordan
He’s taking the night off and he’s earned it.
Niecy Nash
This is cute and unexpected but we don’t love the color of the lining.
Sheryl Lee Ralph in Sergio Hudson
She looks great in these colors and this style but we don’t like the way the sweater is tucked and we don’t think the platforms look right with the skirt.
Teyana Taylor (in Sabina Bilenko) and Chase Infiniti
Mother and daughter, serving equally. To be fair, while her skills at WERQing it are elevating it considerably, Teyana’s dress is loaded with stale cliches, from the sheerness to the corset. It’s just that she looks amazing in almost everything.
Tyriq Withers
He is very pretty and this is a nice enough suit, but we burst out laughing at those dainty doll feet.
Wunmi Mosaku in Hertunba
She looks gorgeous and we love the hair. The dress is fun but that furry peplum is probably our least favorite of the various masterful ways she’s opted to dress her pregnant belly.
[Photo Credit: Paras Griffin/Getty Images for ESSENCE, Leon Bennett//Getty Images for ESSENCE, Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for ESSENCE]
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