Gabrielle Union in Archival Versace & Crystal Jimmy Choo Pumps at NAACP Image Awards

When Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade arrived at the 54th NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena, California, on February 25, 2023, the moment served as a definitive intersection of archival fashion and modern advocacy.

Their appearance followed a red carpet that featured notable style choices from Zendaya in vintage Atelier Versace and Kerry Washington in custom Fendi and Jimmy Choo sandals.

For Union, the evening was defined by a rare selection from Gianni Versace’s Fall 1989 Haute Couture collection—a beaded “circus” novelty gown that remains one of her most-discussed fashion choices.

Gabrielle Union turned heads at the 2023 NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena, California, wearing a vintage Atelier Versace gown from the fall 1989 collection (Credit: Koj Sojer / Startraksphoto / Cover Images)

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade Turn Heads in Coordinated Versace Looks at the 2023 NAACP Image Awards

The vintage Gianni Versace gown featured a structured bodice and an ankle-grazing A-line skirt, brought to life with dense, hand-applied beadwork—stars, swirls, and animal motifs—that created a stained-glass effect. True to its couture craftsmanship, the Fall 1989 piece is also notably substantial, reportedly weighing over 15 pounds due to its intricate embellishment.

Union’s long, black bob was parted down the center, drawing attention to her strong bone structure. She complemented the look with matte pink lips, smoky eye shadow, and a warm blush that added radiance to her complexion.

Accessorizing with a sparkling Bulgari choker necklace and a Panthère de Cartier midi ring, she finished the ensemble with pointed-toe heels that subtly elongated her 5ft 6¾ (169.5 cm) frame and balanced the vibrancy of her beaded Versace gown.

Her black pointed-toe Jimmy Choo pumps featured a crystal-encrusted ankle strap that added a hint of sparkle without competing with the vibrant beadwork of her vintage Versace gown. She is a frequent wearer of the British luxury footwear brand, consistently choosing its Thyra sandals and Hesper heels for high-profile red-carpet events and premieres.

Meanwhile, Dwyane Wade sported an Atelier Versace tailored suit with a matching fitted jacket over a black button-down shirt and recognizable gold-tone Medusa accents, looking as dapper as ever.

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade were awarded the President’s Award at the 54th NAACP Image Awards in recognition of their distinguished public service, advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, and support of their daughter, Zaya (Credit: Koj Sojer / Startraksphoto / Cover Images)

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade Honored with President’s Award for Advocacy and Family Empowerment

The professional athlete’s outfit consisted of shiny black dress shoes and black pants, and he accentuated it with a watch from Tank Louis Cartier.

Union and Wade were honored with the prestigious President’s Award, recognizing their advocacy for children, women’s rights, and LGBTQIA youth. Their visibility as advocates has been especially shaped by their public support of their daughter, Zaya, whom they introduced to the world in 2020 in a heartfelt video centered on authenticity and self-expression.

Parents to a blended family that includes Zaire, Zaya, Xavier, and Kaavia, the couple has consistently framed their activism through the lens of parenthood rather than public leadership.

Gabrielle Union, Kaavia James Union Wade, and Dwyane Wade attend Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Sports 2019 at Barker Hangar on July 11, 2019, in Santa Monica, California (Credit: Sara De Boer / Startraksphoto)

In his speech, Dwyane Wade acknowledged their privilege and responsibility to amplify others. “We don’t stand up here alone… it takes a village,” he said, emphasizing their role in using their platform to support families navigating similar experiences.

Addressing Zaya directly, he delivered one of the night’s most moving moments, praising her resilience and growth while reflecting on how she has shaped him as a father. Rather than directing her future, he explained, his role is “to be a facilitator to your wishes, your hopes, and your dreams.”

Gabrielle Union paired her intricately beaded, multicolored Atelier Versace gown with sleek black pointed-toe pumps, the minimalist silhouette grounding the dress’s vivid geometric embroidery while subtly elongating her frame, complemented by a sharp center-parted bob, smoky eye makeup, and sparkling statement jewelry (Credit: Koj Sojer / Startraksphoto / Cover Images)

Gabrielle Union expanded on that message, praising the NAACP’s legacy while calling for a more inclusive future. She highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities—particularly Black trans individuals—and urged a broader, more unified approach to advocacy.

Framing their work as deeply personal, Union underscored that their activism begins at home: protecting, supporting, and affirming their children while pushing for a world that does the same.

During their acceptance speech at the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023, in Pasadena, California, Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade addressed the challenges faced by black trans people and emphasized the importance of fighting for justice for everyone (Credit: Koj Sojer / Startraksphoto / Cover Images)

From Vintage Versace to Sky-High Platforms: Gabrielle Union’s Most Memorable Shoe Moments

From archival couture on the red carpet to bold platform heels at premieres, Gabrielle Union has consistently used footwear to sharpen her fashion narrative—balancing statement silhouettes with polished, elongating lines. Whether she’s stepping out in sculptural sandals or classic pointed-toe pumps, her shoe choices reveal a clear understanding of proportion, occasion, and impact.

For a closer look at how her footwear style has evolved across events, premieres, and standout appearances, revisit some of her most defining shoe and fashion moments below.