Rising star Lexi Underwood, best known for her breakout role as Athena in Will vs. The Future, has made waves in television and fashion.
At the 2020 NAACP Image Awards, the young actress turned heads in a stunning pink J. Mendel dress, paired elegantly with Atelier Swarovski jewelry and Chloe Gosselin sandals—an ensemble that showcased her sophisticated red carpet style well beyond her years.
Lexi Underwood brightens the red carpet in a tiered hot pink J. Mendel dress paired with matching strappy Chloe Gosselin sandals at the 51st NAACP Image Awards on February 22, 2020, in Pasadena, California (Credit: Nicky Nelson / WENN / Instar)
Other stars who impressed on the red carpet included Yara Shahidi in a vibrant embellished Gucci mini dress with gold-tone platform sandals, Kerry Washington in a custom Fendi gown paired with rhinestone Jimmy Choo heels, and Marsai Martin in a feathered white Ermanno Scervino dress with metallic ankle-strap sandals.
At just 16 years old, Lexi Underwood took on the pivotal role of Pearl Warren, the daughter of Kerry Washington’s character Mia Warren, in the Hulu miniseries Little Fires Everywhere.
Kerry Washington as Mia Warren and Lexi Underwood as Pearl Warren wear casual, character-driven looks featuring dark-wash jeans and layered tops in a scene from Little Fires Everywhere (Credit: Hulu)
Based on Celeste Ng’s bestselling 2017 novel, the eight-episode drama premiered on March 18, 2020, and quickly gained critical acclaim for exploring class, race, and motherhood.
Lexi Underwood and Kerry Washington Serve Bold Contrasts at the 2020 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon
Standing next to her onscreen mother, Kerry Washington, who measures approximately 5 feet 4 inches (162.6 cm), Lexi Underwood, listed at 5 feet 1 inch (155 cm), appeared noticeably shorter. This highlighted the petite actress’s youthful presence as they posed on the red carpet.
At the 2020 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon, Kerry Washington turned heads in a bold and artistic ensemble by Lanvin. It featured a stud and mirror-embellished leather top paired with a matching midi skirt. She completed the look with diamond stud earrings by Harry Kotlar and a chic mini bag by By Far, creating a striking balance of edgy glamour and refined elegance.
Lexi Underwood pairs a bold black-and-white gingham short suit with peep-toe platform heels, while Kerry Washington stuns in a statement leather-trimmed dress and tan sandals at the 13th Annual Essence Black Women In Hollywood Awards Luncheon on February 6, 2020, in Beverly Hills (Credit: Nicky Nelson / WENN / Instar)
Before portraying Lexi Underwood’s onscreen mother in Little Fires Everywhere, Kerry Washington had already cemented her status as a red carpet icon.
One standout moment came at the 2015 Primetime Emmy Awards, where she turned heads in a dazzling Marc Jacobs dress paired with custom Casadei heels, showcasing the same bold, fashion-forward spirit that continues to define her style today.
Kerry Washington Turns Heads at the Emmys in Custom Casadei Heels
Who needs a floor-length gown for a major awards ceremony? Not Kerry Washington!
Kerry Washington arrives at the 67th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on September 20, 2015 (Credit: Nicky Nelson / WENN / Instar)
In September 2015, the actress walked the red carpet at the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards in a beautiful midi dress that stood out among the full-length gowns.
Kerry Washington dazzles in a shimmering silver-and-gold Marc Jacobs dress paired with custom metallic Casadei sandals
Other stars who impressed on the red carpet included January Jones in an emerald green Ulyana Sergeenko jumpsuit with gold Stuart Weitzman “Bebare” heels, Lady Gaga in a minimalist Brandon Maxwell gown paired with sky-high heels, and Joanna Newsom in a pink Delpozo strapless gown complemented by Charlotte Olympia “Ursula” sandals.
Kerry Washington wore a three-day-old Marc Jacobs gown that came off the runway from the brand’s latest fashion week show.
Kerry Washington completes her look with custom silver Casadei sandals, though the noticeably loose fit around her heels drew attention on the red carpet
The then-38-year-old styled her dress with a pair of custom-made Casadei sandals in silver and a few pieces of jewelry from Harry Winston.
Kerry Washington strikes a confident pose at the Emmy Awards
The actress worked the red carpet so well that she knew it herself. After her photo call, Kerry grabbed her phone and took a selfie with the paparazzi.
Kerry Washington’s stylist uploads a photo of Kerry’s accessories for Emmy night (Credit: Erin Walsh’s Instagram)
It looks like Casadei combined its trademark slanted heel and its iconic “Tulip” heel cup to create Kerry’s beautiful silver pair of shoes.
We’re hoping this shoe eventually makes its way online so we can order it for ourselves. In the meantime, check out Casadei’s iconic “Tulip” shoe over at Farfetch.
Casadei Women’s Candylux Tulip Ankle Strap Dress Sandal, $175.21 – $421.60