Red Carpet Roundup: The 54th NAACP Image Awards

Another award show, another red carpet! And not just any ole red carpet, a red carpet dedicated to celebrating Black excellence. We’re talking about the NAACP Image Awards. Last night the biggest and brightest across Black culture and media gathered in California looking their absolute best for the 54th annual NAACP Image Awards. From Viola Davis continuing her purple streak wearing an ethereal purple Dior gown and KJ Smith in a Harbison bustle gown to Gabrielle Union-Wade in archival Versace couture and Tracee Ellis Ross in a sleek Brandon Maxwell gown straight off the NYFW F/W 23′ runway. This carpet was full of volume, self-expression, and tons of personal style.

Another red carpet highlight was the return of Zendaya. The red carpet mainstay hasn’t done too many award shows or public appearances as of late, but she showed up and out wearing a glamourous black and green archival Versace gown, channeling every bit of old Hollywood glam. It was a pleasant surprise to see the style superstar, who soon after changed into a custom white Prada number (a recreation of a 90’s Prada look). Serena Williams was also the talk of the night, wearing a custom black gown designed by accessories king Brandon Blackwood. This marks yet another iconic red carpet moment for the designer, following his original design for the ultimate dreamgirl, Sheryl Lee Ralph, at last year’s Emmy Awards.

Ahead, see all the stellar looks from the 2023 NAACP Image Awards.