Held for the first time on Martin Luther King, Jr Day, the 49th NAACP Image Awards Awards is an annual display of multicultural distinction and opulence.
Not only is the award show dedicated to celebrating the year's best achievements and performances of people of color in the arts, the Image Awards also honors those who also dedicate their time and gifts to social justice and their initiatives.
Hosted by NAACP Image Awards winner and black-Ish star Anthony Anderson, no other award show boats this much black excellence. With presenters ranging from Sterling K. Brown, Mary J. Blige, Michael B. Jordan, Daniel Kaluuya, Issa Rae, and Chadwick Boseman, watching the Image Awards feels like an aspirational moment for all of us tuned into TVOne.
Let's get to the FASHION! Blues, burgundies, sheers, and sparkles were all winning tonight. From custom pieces to couture gowns, the attendees brought us all the glam. These women are designer's and stylist's dreams, and when they hit the carpet, heads turn and we bow! Can you say Black girl magic? Check out our faves below.
Yara Shahidi
Yara Shahidi's Vera Wang 2018 black gown with sheer details was tiered to perfection. We especially love the interesting neckline and cute sleeve, which proves that she is a young fashionista to watch.
Marsai Martin
Styled by Apuje Kalu, black-ish star Marsai Martin was the belle of the ball as she sizzled in an emerald green look in a gown by Pantora Mini.
Letoya Luckett
Letoya Luckett wowed in a royalty-ready purple gown accented with that coveted newlywed glow. She and her husband Tommicus Walker made their first red carpet appearance together, and it was nothing short of magical.
June Ambrose
June Ambrose looked like the stylish winged angel that she is while stuntin' on the carpet. The renowned stylist and mom stunned in a Michael Costello capped couture ensemble.
Tamera Mowry-Housley
Tamera Mowry-Housley set off her Michael Costello custom black one-shoulder, sheer-detailed gown with gorgeous blue gem earrings that glittered.
Kerry Washington
Kerry Washington's black Michael Kors gown was classic and structured. One of the many amazing women behind the #TimesUp moment, the Scandal star kept the theme going from the Golden Globes.
Lil Mama
Lil Mama slayed the sheer detail trend in a gown only for the daring and fashion-foward. Accompanied by her billowing natural curls, her look was a show-stopper of the night.
Yvonne Orji
Insecure's Yvonne Orji wore a pale pink piece with embellishments that gave me royalty vibes.
Claudia Jordan
Claudia Jordan flaunted her curves in a rose-gold jumpsuit that told y'all she might be 44, but she is still body goals. Flawless.
Halle Berry
In a sheer detailed Reem Acra Fall 2016 gown, Halle Berry also reminds us that age is nothing but a number. She also empowered us by saying that "tonight is affirmation that we shall never be silent again."
Ava DuVernay
Ava DuVernay donned a Greta Constantine custom burgundy pantsuit that perfectly complemented the red on the Image Awards red carpet. She radiates confidence and intelligence and is the epitome of a Queen, Sugar.
Andra Day
Singer Andra Day embodied her eccentric eclectic style and was an absolute vision in a Giorgio Armani FW17 dress. She accessorized with red satin sandals by Louboutin, a Giuseppe clutch, and hair pins on deck.
Niecy Nash
Niecy Nash showed up to show out! The Claws star was yet another show-stopper of the night as a vision of opulence in a Mac Duggal that gave us thigh and leg for days.
Tracee Ellis Ross
Adorned in a Narcisco Rodriguez Pre-Fall 2018 number, Tracee Ellis Ross glittered in a sequined rose gold tea length and a fishtail braid for the gawds. The black-ish actress ended the night with the award for Oustanding Actress in a Comedy Series, donning a fur coat that reminded us all of why she reigns supreme.
These women have me over here planning my next black tie event just so I can slay like they did! Who were your favorites tonight?
All images via Getty Images
