Gabrielle Union’s Sculptural Updo & Elie Saab Gown Elevate the Strange World London Premiere

Gabrielle Union brought polished, modern glamour to the London premiere of Disney’s Strange World at Cineworld Leicester Square on November 17, 2022—a moment that continues to feel vibrant and relevant today.

The actress lends her voice to Meridian Clade, the skilled pilot and warmhearted matriarch in the animated adventure, joining a cast led by Jake Gyllenhaal and Jaboukie Young-White.

As the film introduces audiences to the legendary Clade family of explorers, Union made her own statement off-screen in a striking black-and-white look that balanced archival elegance with a forward-thinking edge. Her appearance, anchored by a sculptural braided updo and subtle sparkle, offered the kind of red-carpet sophistication that remains timeless well beyond the movie’s initial release.

From there, Union and her co-stars—including the 10 Things I Hate About You actress herself—took the purple carpet with looks that reflected both the film’s adventurous spirit and each star’s signature style.

Gabrielle Union turns heads in an archival black-and-white sequined Elie Saab Fall 2008 gown paired with a sculptural braided “hair crown,” while her heels remain hidden beneath the floor-skimming silhouette on November 17, 2022 (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Union’s Archival Elie Saab Gown Sets a High-Impact Red-Carpet Tone

Union looked sensational in the archival sparkling gown from Elie Saab’s 2008 collection. Held up by spaghetti straps, the body-skimming dress featured striped sequins, a square neckline, a ruffled hem, and a short train that trailed behind her as she walked down the purple carpet.

Emphasizing her look, the Bring It On star kept her accessories simple, with just a pair of blue diamond studs and a couple of chunky diamond bands curated by stylist Thomas Christos.

Gabrielle Union commands attention in an archival black-and-white sequin gown by Elie Saab (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Gabrielle Union’s Sculptural Braided Updo Takes Center Stage

While her gown was already striking, the focal point of her look was her braided hairstyle, created by Tyeesha. It was hard to ignore, given the large circular designs reminiscent of a flower headdress.

Gabrielle paired her quirky hair with soft, warm-toned makeup to balance out the look. Makeup artist Esther Edeme applied Pat McGrath’s Mothership V and VII eyeshadow palettes to create a rosy, bronzed look, using Patrick Ta blush, Doll Beauty Dolled Out lipstick, Melanie Mills Hollywood bronzed glow, and Doll Beauty lashes.

Gabrielle Union commands attention with a sculptural braided updo shaped into dramatic flower-like loops (Credit: Ian West / PA Images / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Co-Stars Jake Gyllenhaal and Jaboukie Young-White Bring Bold, Character-Driven Style

Gabrielle Union’s on-screen partner, Jake Gyllenhaal, on the other hand, opted for a color-blocked look with an oversized navy trench coat with black satin lapels, an orange-and-brown sweatshirt, and black pants.

Jake Gyllenhaal cuts a sharp figure in an oversized navy coat and color-blocked sweater, grounding the look with sleek black dress shoes (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Jaboukie Young-White, who voices their gay son Ethan in the film, was also present at the premiere. The 28-year-old actor wore a rainbow tweed suit, composed of a blazer and matching flared trousers.

He wore a black shirt underneath and finished the look with bold black platform heels, complete with the signature red soles synonymous with Louboutin.

Jaboukie Young-White joins Jake Gyllenhaal and Gabrielle Union in a rainbow tweed suit and towering black platform heels—complete with signature red soles—adding a bold, playful edge to the premiere lineup (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

A Vibrant Loewe Swing Dress for Her Good Morning America Appearance

That same month, the former America’s Got Talent judge visited Good Morning America to discuss Strange World. Arriving at the studios, the 50-year-old actress looked half her age in a swing dress from Loewe’s Resort 2023 collection.

The midi-length dress featured diagonal stripes in orange, white, and blue. It also had a plunging neckline that exposed cleavage, halter straps, and a 3D elevated hemline that resembled large bubbles or basketballs.

Gabrielle Union arrives at Good Morning America in a Loewe striped swing dress and neon green Francesca Bellavita mules on November 21, 2022 (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Neon Peep-Toe Mules and Sleek Beauty Notes Elevate Her Daytime Style

Union kept her accessories minimal, finishing the look with Francesca Bellavita’s lime-green Dea sandals, a “Made in Italy” design from the creative director, celebrated for her colorful, toy-like approach to luxury footwear.

This time, she removed her unique braids and wore her dark tresses straight with a side parting. Her natural-looking makeup, including eyeliner and nude lipstick, became her signature look.

Gabrielle Union wears her chin-length bob straight with natural-looking makeup (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

An All-Black, Floral-Appliqué Moment for the Next Press-Tour Stop

A day later, the 5’6 ¾” (169.5 cm) actress continued with the press tour for Strange World in an all-black ensemble. Stepping out of New York City, the book author was all smiles in a black Batsheva Farley midi dress adorned with floral appliques.

It also featured puff sleeves, a sweetheart neckline, and a billowy skirt.

Gabrielle Union continues with the press tour in a black midi dress and a matching fur-lined leather coat on November 22, 2022 (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Layered Leather and Peep-Toe Slingbacks Add a Chic, Cold-Weather Edge

The Cheaper by the Dozen star then kept warm by layering a fur-lined black leather coat over her dress.

Wearing a side-parted chin-length bob, Union completed her look with black slingback sandals featuring peep toes, buckled straps, and about 4-inch stiletto heels.

Gabrielle Union finishes her all-black ensemble with peep-toe slingback heels (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Gabrielle Union Responds to Criticism of Her Family’s Values

During a chat with ET Canada, Gabrielle Union reflected on how she and Jake Gyllenhaal relate to the idea of a “strange world,” noting that her own household—rooted in openness, respect, and love—might seem unconventional to some but feels entirely natural to them.

It was a fitting sentiment for the night, as Union stepped onto the premiere carpet embodying that same confidence and authenticity in a standout couture look.

Gabrielle Union lights up the Los Angeles premiere of Strange World in a vibrant pink Valentino Fall 2022 Haute Couture gown adorned with 3D floral detailing, finishing the look with barely visible heels peeking out beneath the floor-skimming hem on November 15, 2022 (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Explore More of Gabrielle Union’s Standout Fashion and Footwear Moments

As this premiere look reminds us, Gabrielle Union has a long history of delivering runway-caliber style on and off the red carpet. Below, revisit some of her most memorable fashion and footwear moments featured on Your Next Shoes.