Appreciation, community, and hard work were emphasized by attendees of the 55th NAACP Image Awards Fashion Show.
The green carpet event took place in downtown Los Angeles yesterday afternoon. Black creatives, set artists and designers were celebrated for their work behind the scenes on films such as Netflix’s “Rustin” and “The Color Purple.”
“P-Valley” star and host of the fashion show, Brandee Evans, stunned the carpet in a gray metallic dress and braids built into a stunning tower. Evans is currently wrapping up the last few shows of the play, “Black Cypress Bayou,” and she shared her love for the arts.
“I love theater,” Evans said. “Theater is the foundation for acting and it actually grows you as an actor. I can’t wait to go back to the valley now, baby, because I have some new tools under my tool belt.”
Kelly Rowland made a surprise appearance to present the legendary stylist, June Ambrose, with the Vanguard Award. Ambrose has styled Jay Z, Missy Elliott, Will Smith, Alicia Keys and more.
“I have to honor the original vanguard, my mother,” Ambrose said. “This recognition humbles me beyond measure. It is the validation of sacrifice, struggles, and the triumphs that have marked my path. I’ve been in business for 30 years this year, and from the very beginning of my journey, my ‘AI’ has been my secret weapon—my authentic intelligence. It has been my guiding light through uncharted waters. When there were no footsteps to follow, no blueprint. It was the authentic intelligence that allowed me to pave the way.”
While on the green carpet, Ambrose expressed her gratitude for receiving recognition for this specific chapter in her life. She also emphasized that there is so much more to come.
After a 35-year journey before receiving her nomination and win for Outstanding Makeup for “The Color Purple,” Carol Rasheed gave tips to upcoming make-up artists. “Never look for the accolades; just do the work,” said Rasheed. “Do the work, be excellent [at] the work, put the time in and continue to learn,” said Rasheed.
Spartanburg, SC, native Elizabeth Robinson was nominated for Outstanding Hairstyling for “Creed III,” starring Michael B. Jordan. Robinson reflected on being on set. “It was wonderful... to be a part of Michael B. Jordan’s first directorial debut... It was amazing!”
Beverly Jo Pryor was nominated for Outstanding Make-up for “Rustin,” a film that depicted civil rights activist Bayard Rustin’s journey in preparing for the March on Washington. “[We are] so excited because it was a story that needed to be told but was left out of history...that is a very, very important part of history,” said Pryor. “We worked together a lot; we all did our parts and we had fun every single day!”
The event had a mixture of designs from Black American and International artists including: Kevin Hall (Kevan Hall Designs and former Design and Creative Director of Halston) and Okera Banks (Founder, CEO and Creative Director of OKERA BANKS).
Tonight, the 55th NAACP awards will air live on BET and CBS at 8PM/ET. For more information, visit @naacpimageawards on Instagram.