Gabrielle Union Channels Strength and Old Hollywood Glamour in White Lace Rodarte at The Birth of a Nation Premiere

At the 2016 Los Angeles premiere of The Birth of a Nation, Gabrielle Union radiated strength and poise, turning a deeply personal role into a moment of empowerment on the red carpet.

Portraying Esther—a woman silenced by trauma in Nate Parker’s historical drama—Union chose a look that balanced grace and quiet power: a breathtaking white lace Rodarte gown that reflected resilience as much as style.

Gabrielle Union exuded Old Hollywood glamour at the Los Angeles premiere of The Birth of a Nation in a white lace Rodarte gown with a thigh-high slit, revealing her striking red velvet and gold sandals

Channeling Personal Strength Through a Painful Story

Gabrielle Union played Esther, a slave in the Antebellum South who is raped by a white man, in the film The Birth of a Nation.

In an op-ed for The Los Angeles Times, Union wrote that she took the role because she herself is a rape victim.

Twenty-four years ago I was raped at gunpoint in the cold, dark backroom of the Payless shoe store where I was then working. Two years ago I signed on to a brilliant script called “The Birth of a Nation,” to play a woman who was raped.

One month ago I was sent a story about Nate Parker, the very talented writer, director and star of this film. Seventeen years ago Nate Parker was accused and acquitted of sexual assault. Four years ago the woman who accused him committed suicide.

Radiant in White: Gabrielle Union Stuns in a Lace Rodarte Fall 2016 Gown

Drawing all the attention to herself, the 43-year-old actress donned a white lace Rodarte Fall 2016 gown, which looked incredible against her complexion.

She oozed effortless glamour in the elegant number featuring classic lace ruffles, a high neckline, and a floor-sweeping hem.

Gabrielle Union at the premiere of “The Birth of a Nation” held at Cinerama Dome in Los Angeles on September 21, 2016 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

The dress also featured a sheer décolletage and a thigh-high split, allowing her to show a glimpse of cleavage and parade her toned legs. It struck the perfect balance between classy and sultry.

A vintage 1940s-inspired updo and neutral makeup palette enhanced Gabrielle Union’s retro look

Vintage Glamour Revival: Gabrielle Union Embraces ’40s Elegance with a Modern Twist

Dwyane Wade’s wife let her Rodarte gown take center stage, keeping her accessories minimal with delicate earrings, stacked rings, and metallic bronze heels that caught the light with every step.

To complement the gown’s timeless lace, she channeled a retro mood with a sculpted ’40s-inspired updo and a soft, neutral makeup palette that highlighted her natural glow and confident poise.

With lace ruffles, a high neckline, and a floor-length hem, Gabrielle Union’s Rodarte gown was the embodiment of classic elegance

Red-and-Gold Statement Sandals Add a Striking Pop of Color to Her Look

Gabrielle elevated her white Rodarte gown with a daring footwear choice — a pair of two-tone sandals crafted from red velvet and gold leather. The strappy design, featuring knotted vamps, slim ankle straps, and four-inch heels, delivered a subtle yet powerful contrast that tied the entire look together with polished sophistication.

She completed her look with red velvet and gold leather sandals that added a bold pop of color and perfectly highlighted her glowing skin tone

👠 Gabrielle Union’s Standout Footwear Moments

Below are hand-picked articles from Your Next Shoes that illustrate how Gabrielle Union consistently elevates her red-carpet style through thoughtful shoe choices — from towering platforms to crystal-embellished sandals.