Kerry Washington stands 5’4”, but she looked taller than her actual height when she showed up at the Disney Upfront event wearing a Brandon Maxwell drop-waist dress.
Washington, who stars in the Hulu series UnPrisoned, was among the guests at Disney’s annual Upfront event. At the event, the global media and entertainment conglomerate presented its upcoming content and programs across its platforms, including Hulu, ESPN, FX Networks, and Disney+.
Emma Roberts, Kate Upton, Julianne Hough, and Ellen Pompeo also attended the event, but Washington led the glamour in her burgundy leather dress and, well, her new hairdo.
Kerry Washington graces the 2024 Disney Upfront blue carpet in a drop-waist burgundy leather dress (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
Taller in a Drop-Waist Leather Dress
Upon her arrival on the blue carpet, Washington’s slimmer and more elongated appearance instantly caught my attention. It dawned on me then that she was wearing a drop-waist dress, which created the illusion of a longer torso.
There’s a misconception that drop-waist dresses are unflattering. Although that may be true, it also depends on the wearer. I steer clear of them, but the Against the Ropes actress looks good in hers, and I think it has to do with the placement of the drop and the choice of shoes.
The waistband of drop waist dresses typically rests at the bottom of the torso or directly at the hips; Kerry’s Brandon Maxwell dress does just that, giving the impression that her torso is extended. Interestingly, Washington still appears proportioned despite having the waist dipped to the hips; usually, this would give the wearer a shorter appearance.
Kerry Washington’s burgundy leather Brandon Maxwell sleeveless dress has a drop-waist and a softly pleated A-line floor-length skirt (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
Aside from the tricky drop-waist silhouette, what makes the $5,495 “Catarina” dress intriguing are the 210 hand-punched disk leather tags, which showcase the American fashion designer’s exquisite craftsmanship.
Crafted from rich burgundy Nappa lamb leather, I adore how the dress accentuates Kerry’s slender figure. It has a sleeveless bodice, a high jewel neckline, and an A-line maxi skirt, which I think would look more flattering if trimmed a few inches shorter.
Kerry Washington’s burgundy leather drop-waist dress is adorned with 210 hand-punched disk leather tags that add an intriguing touch to the look (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
Gilded Accessories to Match
Iconic styling duo Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haenn put together the Django Unchained star’s ensemble.
I love how they complemented the gold ring accents on her dress with gold sparkles from Mumbai-based jewelry brand Misho. These include stud earrings and several architecturally designed rings, creating a cohesive finish.
On Kerry’s feet were the now sold-out Alexandre Vauthier “Shooting” sandals made in Italy from metallic gold faux leather with genuine leather soles. They are fastened to her ankles with thin buckled ankle straps and have pointed peep toes set atop 2.4-inch platforms and 5.9-inch towering stiletto heels, further elongating her look.
Kerry Washington teams her burgundy leather dress with metallic gold platform sandals by Alexandre Vauthier (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
Debuting a Fresh Bob With Micro Bangs
Kerry looks stunning in her outfit, but her newly chopped, sleek, blunt bob, created by Takisha Sturdivant-Drew, is the true star of the show, in my opinion. It was cut right at her jawline and is finished with “mid-way” micro bangs that add edge to the classic bob cut.
James Kaliardos, meanwhile, enhanced the look with deep brown smokey eyeshadow, black eyeliner, and feathery eyelashes. He finished the glam with a swipe of peach lip gloss and a bronzed glow.
Kerry Washington adds edge to the look by wearing a blunt bob with micro bangs and deep brown smokey eyeshadow (Credit: Janet Mayer / INSTARimages)
Kerry Washington Stuns in Purple Orchid Gown at the 2024 Met Gala
Just last week, Kerry Washington joined many A-list stars at the 2024 Met Gala, leaving a magnificent impression on the museum’s steps in a purple velvet gown by Oscar de la Renta.
It had a classic column silhouette, featuring a sleeveless V-neck bodice with a sternum-deep plunging neckline and a floor-length skirt with a sweeping train.
Flowing from her waist to the spectacular train are over 600 hand-cut satin and velvet orchid embellishments hand-dyed in deep plum and lavender, which I adore. These orchids have ombre-beaded accents around pearl centers. Oscar de la Renta said the dress was “handcrafted by artisans from India to New York City.”
Kerry Washington looks blooming in a purple velvet gown adorned with over 600 hand-cut satin and velvet orchids by Oscar de la Renta at the 2024 Met Gala (Credit: Michael Stewart / INSTARimages)
Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haenn styled the Save the Last Dance actress’s Met Gala look with avant-garde and artistic earrings and rings by Yeprem.
Takisha Sturdivant-Drew fashioned Kerry’s hair into a wet-look pixie with baby bangs resting on her forehead, giving an edge to the classic feminine gown.
Her makeup by Carola Gonzalez complemented her purple outfit perfectly. She applied mauve and antique rose eyeshadow on her lids, pinkish blush on her cheeks, and finished with matte pink lipstick.
Kerry Washington styles her purple gown with diamond jewelry by Yeprem and wears mauve eyeshadow and a wet-look pixie hairstyle with baby bangs (Credit: DNPhotography / Abaca Press / INSTARimages)