Beauty in Black was the fashion memo of last week, and the stars certainly embraced it. With awards season in full swing, there is ample opportunity to celebrate the stunning on- and off-stage ensembles. As the women received their well-deserved accolades for screen performances, the red carpets lived up to their sartorial reputation. Notably, the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards and the 2025 Academy Awards not only kept the stars shining but also kept us buzzing with non-stop excitement across timelines.
The style mavens’ approach to fashion this season has undoubtedly earned a spot on any best-dressed list. Moreover, with the standout looks, last week’s fashion roundup was no easy feat. The meticulous thought behind each garment’s construction, the collaboration of the muses bringing life to every creation, and the collective effort in styling all came together to make for an unforgettable fashion week. This past week marked a fashion plateau for awards season. Although the best days of awards season might now be behind us, there’s always room for delightful surprises to keep us on our toes.
The Looks
Let’s talk about the variety showcased at the 2025 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards. Black women will always represent, and this night was no exception. The suits, in particular, were a striking display on stars like Crystal Renee—a bold spin on power dressing. Meanwhile, Marsai Martin’s team opted for a sassy cutout theme, with fabrics clinging to her frame, perfectly complementing her actor’s poise and presence.
Cynthia Erivo is the moment. No cap. Week after week, she continues to carry the essence of her Wicked style, and it’s truly unethical not to appreciate the effort. At the 2025 Oscars, Erivo arrived ready to claim what was hers in an off-shoulder Louis Vuitton velvet dress. What’s Cynthia Erivo without a touch of drama? She fully embraced her inner Elphaba with this gown, particularly with the dramatic standing flared collar and voluminous ball skirt. Her over-the-top golden nails—taking a staggering five hours to construct—were inspired by the Oscars statue itself, making her the perfect muse.
Pulling heartstrings in all the right ways, Halle Berry glimmered at the Oscars in a heavily sequined Christian Siriano gown. Beyond recreating her iconic 2003 Oscars kiss with Adrien Brody, her dress radiated its own captivating aura, cementing her place among the night’s best-dressed. The look paid tribute to old Hollywood, from her chic flip-up hairstyle to the gleaming frock, which unlocked an entirely new level of iconic. Berry’s dress was a masterpiece, featuring slivers of sequins, mirror crystals, and other intricate embellishments, all harmoniously uniting to beautifully hug her silhouette. It was, without a doubt, the best mosaic-inspired ensemble the carpet had witnessed.
Check out chic celebrity serves at the 2025 Essence Black Women In Hollywood awards and other events…
Halle Berry
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Kelly Rowland
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Tyra Banks
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Cynthia Erivo
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Gabrielle Union
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Doja Cat
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Marsai Martin
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Whoopi Goldberg
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Victoria Monét
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Crystal Renee
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Brandee
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