By: Nyla Ibrahim

The 54th NAACP Image Awards returned with a vengeance in front of a live audience for the first time in three years. The two-hour special aired live on BET February 25, 2023, and was hosted by our highly revered and highly respected Queen, (Latifah). A slew of our favorite style icons in music, television, and entertainment came out to Pasadena, California, ready to pose in their best evening wear and honor and celebrate Black culture and excellence. 

There were too many noteworthy ensembles to dissect, but perhaps the most talked about look came from young fashion icon Zendaya in Atelier Versace’s spring-summer 2022 Couture. Her long-time stylist, Law Roach, immaculately curated the 26-year-old Euphoria star in a jaw-dropping black and lime green number. It may be safe to say that only Zendaya could remain elegant and timeless in a gown with a neckline that nearly plunges to her navel. Propped up in a Marilyn Monroe-esque bustier (basically two circles of fabric) and a higher-than-a-thigh-high slit, Zendaya gave us everything we were expecting and more.

Award-winning actress Gabrielle Union, who won the President’s Award along with her husband, NBA championship winner Dwayne Wade, was another standout amongst the stars. Like Zendaya, she wore vintage Versace, but her piece was a bit older, from their fall 1989 collection. The unique, rainbow-colored geometric dress flaunted embroidered patterns and figurines while remaining wearable and chic due to the sleek silhouette and black base color. 

Another honorable mention when discussing best dressed is P-Valley actress Shannon Thornton, who wore a graceful, free-flowing black and lavender cut-out gown by Tony Ward. Producer and previous six-time NAACP award recipient Marsai Martin donned a bold navy-blue gown by Christian Siriano. The gown showcased dramatic puffed sleeves, a domineering high neck, and a cut-out decolletage. Another P-Valley actress we can’t overlook is Elarica Johnson, who was effortlessly composed in a sequin, emerald, green pantsuit set by Michael Costello. 

While most of the stars on the red carpet did not disappoint, there were a few underwhelming looks. Fatal Affair actress KJ Smith fell a bit short of the assignment with her unconventional pastel patchwork dress. Abbott Elementary’s Lisa Ann Walter also just missed the mark. While she had the potential to look polished in her cream-cropped button-up, unfortunately, the frumpy cyan skirt paired with it did no favors for her figure or the old Hollywood glamour aesthetic that she would have otherwise nailed.