Celebrity Style
Here are the best looks from the red carpet.
Some of the biggest names in entertainment were in attendance at the virtual 2021 NAACP Image Awards on Saturday. The event celebrates Black excellence across industries, acknowledging exceptional performances in film, television, music, literature, and even on social media. Several winners, from TikTok legend Tabitha Brown to Bridgerton’s Regé-Jean Page, shared that awards feel even more special when given on behalf of your own community.
While 2021 felt different than previous years — with a “red carpet” that consisted mostly of stars posting to their own social media pages — it was just as memorable. In fact, it felt like celebrities were more experimental and purposeful with their looks than ever, perhaps because they avoided the physical challenges of transporting heavy gowns in their cars, or shuffling from stage to seat.
Stars who appeared at the digital event included Issa Rae in resplendent white Prada, Tracee Ellis Ross sporting a Schiaparelli gold bird headpiece as an accessory, and the aforementioned Page whose blazer had an inspiring meaning that will make your heart melt.
There were a few dramatic Christian Siriano confections (worn by Janelle Monae and Marsai Martin) and one breathtaking ODLR moment by way of Regina King in a custom one-shoulder dress with a flowing train.
Ahead, find the best red carpet looks of the night at the 2021 NAACP Image Awards.
Regé-Jean Page in A. Sauvage
The Bridgerton heartthrob won outstanding actor in a drama series, and remarked that it is the “highest honor to represent us in the fullness of our humanity, of our beauty, of our joy, of our glamour, of our splendor, of our royalty, of our romance, of our love,” in his speech.
As powerful as his words were, his blazer also made a lasting impression. Styled by Jeanne Yang, he wore an A. Sauvage jacket created by Adrien Sauvage, a London-born designer of Ghanaian and Nigerian descent.
The jacket’s print was a nod to Akan culture and their traditional warrior group Asafo, who defended the state against European colonizers. The illustrations honored their storied tradition of visual art as storytelling, depicting historical events and proverbs with their designs.
In that way, Page managed to celebrate Black history and diasporic unity through his outfit alone.
Issa Rae in Prada
Issa Rae struck a regal pose in a pristine white Prada gown and Forevermark diamonds.
Tabitha Brown in Farm Rio
The big winner in the Outstanding Social Media Personality category, social media influencer Tabitha Brown chose a colorful printed floor-length dress from Farm Rio.
Viola Davis in Duro Olowu
Viola Davis also went for vibrant hues in a peplum, mermaid-hem gown by Duro Olowu with splashes of bright pink, yellow, and blue color.
Jurnee Smollett in Alexandre Vauthier
A bold, billowing skirt was in the cards for Jurnee Smollett, who finished her look with a razor-sharp bob, bright pink floral sandals, as well as Cathy Waterman and John Hardy jewelry.
Marsai Martin in Christian Siriano
In one of her most eye-catching looks yet, Marsai chose a Christian Siriano black dress with dramatic feather detail along both sleeves and Forevermark jewelry.
Regina King in Oscar de la Renta
Landing on the top of everyone’s best-dressed list, Regina King made an appearance in a metallic one-shoulder dress by ODLR with a sweeping train draped elegantly behind her.
Andra Day in Dundas
Andra Day went the chic route in a blue-and-white knit dress with a slightly flared hem from Dundas.
Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama looked like the first day of Spring in a pastel striped suit and gold hoop earrings, as she presented the Social Justice Impact Award to Stacey Abrams.
Jazmine Sullivan
The “On It” singer was the picture of glamour in a textured blue ensemble accented by a Briony Raymond necklace.
