When Gabrielle Union arrived at the 2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, she chose a monochromatic Gucci ensemble that balanced sharp tailoring with high-shine textures.
The look centered on a purple sequined double-breasted blazer with wide, contrasting black lapels, paired with a matching asymmetric skirt.
Gabrielle Union dazzles in a bold head-to-toe Gucci ensemble featuring a sequined purple blazer and matching asymmetrical skirt with a thigh-high slit, paired with towering black platform heels, at the 2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California, on March 4, 2023 (Credit: Axelle Woussen / BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)
While the sequins provided visual weight, the silhouette was defined by a deep thigh-high slit that highlighted her choice of footwear.
By keeping her styling restrained—opting for a sleek center part and jewelry by Mouawad—the focus remained entirely on the interplay between the shimmering fabric and the architectural height of her shoes.
The 10 Things I Hate About You star added even more sparkle with jewelry from Mouawad, including an eye-catching diamond-studded necklace.
With a flawless beauty look, Gabrielle Union stole the spotlight at the 2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
Wearing six-inch platform heels, the already tall actress added a chic boost to her look. These sandals, a nod to the 1970s, feature thick platform soles, crossed-toe bands, delicate ankle straps, and elegant spool heels.
Gucci’s studded platform sandals elevate Gabrielle Union’s look with bold cross-strap uppers, an ankle buckle, and towering sculptural heels, blending retro-inspired height with modern edge (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)
Gabrielle wore the black leather version, but these shoes are also available in three other variations: pink leather, white leather, and natural python print.
This open-toed design also has buckle closures, interlocking G studs, and silver metal-studded embellishments
The best-selling author was accompanied by her husband and forever plus-one, Dwyane Wade.
He looked suave in his Gucci charcoal pinstriped double-breasted suit jacket over a white turtleneck. The former professional basketball player completed his ensemble with dark grey slacks and leather loafers.
Both decked out in Gucci, Dwyane Wade looked suave next to his beautiful wife, Gabrielle Union, at the 2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards (Credit: Axelle Woussen / BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)
Back in February, the stylish couple received the President’s Award at the 54th NAACP Image Awards ceremony. Gabrielle and Dwyane were honored for their dedication to public service and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
This time, Gabrielle Union was nominated for Best Supporting Performance for her work in The Inspection. While the Bring It On star definitely looked like a winner, the award ultimately went to Ke Huy Quan for his performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once.
Gabrielle Union has garnered critical acclaim for her performance as a homophobic mom in the drama film The Inspection (Credit: A24)
The 38th Film Independent Spirit Awards was among the major award bodies to introduce gender-neutral acting categories for film and television.
“We’re thrilled to join the other festivals and award shows that are already moving to celebrate great acting without reference to gender,” Josh Welsh, the president of Film Independent, said.
He continued, “We’re also happy to welcome non-binary performers into the Spirit Awards without forcing them to choose to identify as male or female.”
View this post on Instagram
This is a big deal for the performing artists, who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as they don’t have to compromise their chosen identities in order to fit into binary categories.
It’s also a big deal for Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade, who are parents of a transgender daughter and proud allies of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union cozying up to each other at the 2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards (Credit: Axelle Woussen / BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)
Gabrielle Union may not have won an award for her acting performance, but the latest crop of gender-neutral award ceremonies are definitely a win for her, her family, and the community.
View this post on Instagram
Gucci Platform Heels: Why the House’s Sky-High Silhouettes Still Dominate Red Carpet Style
From Gabrielle Union’s sculptural platform sandals to countless celebrity moments across premieres, fashion weeks, and award shows, Gucci’s towering heels continue to define bold, statement-making footwear. Rooted in 1970s glamour yet reimagined with modern proportions, these designs balance dramatic height with architectural detailing—making them a go-to choice for stars who want their shoes to command as much attention as their outfits.
Whether styled with sequined tailoring, romantic dresses, or vintage-inspired ensembles, Gucci platform heels consistently deliver both presence and polish. Explore more standout moments and essential guides below.
👠 Explore Gucci Platform Shoe & Fashion Moments:
- 💛 Sienna Miller’s pastel Rebecca Vallance moment shows how metallic Gucci platform sandals can ground a soft midi dress with just the right amount of structure and height.
- 🌆 Pink’s London street-style look in Gucci “Angel” pumps highlights the house’s retro, sky-high platform aesthetic with a more off-duty but still fashion-forward feel.
- 👑 Salma Hayek’s Gucci “Angel” platform pump moment leans into the label’s maximalist glamour, matching a richly detailed Gucci gown with dramatic black platform heels.
- 🌸 Chloë Grace Moretz’s vintage-inspired Gucci outfit uses bold red “Angel” platform pumps to sharpen the sweetness of her pink lace-and-floral ensemble.
- 📏 Gucci shoe size chart guide breaks down European-to-US conversions and fit insights to help you find the perfect size in the brand’s iconic platform styles.