Most days Gabrielle Union is the epitome of California style. Chic, fun, a little athletic, and often colorful. But for the Met Gala 2022, the Oscars of the East Coast, she of course turned up the couture factor.
Wearing a silver Versace gown, Union walked the red carpet at The Metropolitan Museum of Art with husband Dwyane Wade, who also wore a suit by the Italian design house.
The actor’s plunging neckline was accentuated by a bright red flower sitting on her waist, pinned above a cascading white train with feathers made the dress the star of the show. But it’s the flower, specifically, that was the most symbolic of the “Gilded Glamour” theme. Her sleek bun by stylist Larry Sims using Dyson products and minimal makeup only highlighted Union’s full look.
“When you think about the Gilded Age and Black and brown people in this country, this country is built off of our backs, our blood, sweat, and tears. So we added these red crystals to represent the blood spilled during the accumulation of gross wealth by a few during the Gilded Age, off of the backs of Black people and people of color in this country,” she said during the Vogue. “So this is inspired by Diahann Carroll, a symbol of opulence and, if you will, a gilded glamour.”
In February, Union revealed to us how her jet-setting lifestyle has influenced her beauty style. “Probably the women in Paris [inspire me], Parisian women of all races,” she revealed. “I mean, it’s a different level. We went there this summer, and I just started following a bunch of these women on Instagram. And I go to one account, it leads you to five more, and it leads you to, ‘Well, if you like this, you’ll love these.’ And now I’m just obsessed with these French beauty and fashion influencers. I’m all the way in.”
She also divulged her go-to beauty hack: “Ooh, those magnetic lashes. Full disclosure, I didn’t get how it was going to stay on. I tried it and it worked. And if you’re like me, somebody who has a hard time putting on fake eyelashes, it’s a lot easier. I can’t remember the brand I use, but the ad popped up—and clearly that kind of stuff works, because my ass bought it! I’m also one of those people who doesn’t normally follow directions, but I followed the directions and it actually worked. Fancy that!”
Looks like those lashes did their work tonight!
