In February 2023, Gabrielle Union and her husband, Dwyane Wade, made a fashion statement and advocated for LGBTQ rights at the 54th NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena, California.
Other stars who impressed on the red carpet included Zendaya in a vintage Atelier Versace gown with Bulgari jewelry and Kerry Washington in a custom Fendi dress paired with Jimmy Choo sandals.
Gabrielle Union turned heads at the 2023 NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena, California, wearing a vintage Atelier Versace gown from the fall 1989 collection (Credit: Koj Sojer / Startraksphoto / Cover Images)
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade Turn Heads in Coordinated Versace Looks at the 2023 NAACP Image Awards
Gabrielle Union shone elegantly in a vintage Gianni Versace Haute Couture beaded circus novelty gown. The tight bodice flowed into an A-line skirt that ended at her ankles.
The vibrant dress had a variety of quirky designs, such as stars, swirls, and even horses covered in beautiful beading that reminded one of stained glass art.
Union’s long, black bob was parted down the center, drawing attention to her strong bone structure. She complemented the look with matte pink lips, smoky eye shadow, and a warm blush that added radiance to her complexion. Accessorizing with a sparkling Bulgari choker necklace and a Panthère de Cartier midi ring, she finished the ensemble with pointed-toe heels that subtly elongated her 5ft 6¾ (169.5 cm) frame and balanced the vibrancy of her beaded Versace gown.
Meanwhile, Dwyane Wade sported an Atelier Versace tailored suit with a matching fitted jacket over a black button-down shirt and recognizable gold-tone Medusa accents, looking as dapper as ever.
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade were awarded the President’s Award at the 54th NAACP Image Awards in recognition of their distinguished public service, advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, and support of their daughter, Zaya (Credit: Koj Sojer / Startraksphoto / Cover Images)
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade Honored with President’s Award for Advocacy and Family Empowerment
The then-41-year-old professional athlete’s bottoms were made up of shiny black dress shoes and black pants, and he accentuated his outfit with a watch from Tank Louis Cartier.
Union and Wade received the prestigious President’s Award at the ceremony for their work supporting children, women’s rights, and LGBTQIA youth—the President’s Award honors individuals for their exceptional achievement and public service.
The couple became well-known personalities as advocates for the LGBTQ+ community when they presented their daughter, Zaya Wade, to the world in February 2020 with a moving video starring Wade and then-12-year-old Zaya on a golf cart together, speaking about being true to oneself.
Along with Wade’s 20-year-old son, Zaire, 15-year-old daughter, Zaya, and 8-year-old son, Xavier, Union and Wade are parents to Kaavia, a 4-year-old daughter.
In their acceptance speech, Dwyane Wade highlighted how the couple has been privileged regarding access to resources and opportunities. He recognized that it is their job to uplift the voices of others and share their access and resources.
Wade said, “We don’t stand up here alone. As we know, it takes a village; it takes community. We stand up here today as two people who have worked tirelessly to have resources and access. As two people willing to use our microphones for what we believe and what other families are going through.”
Gabrielle Union, Kaavia James Union Wade, and Dwyane Wade attend Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Sports 2019 at Barker Hangar on July 11, 2019, in Santa Monica, California (Credit: Sara De Boer / Startraksphoto)
Dwyane Wade Delivers Emotional Tribute to Daughter Zaya at NAACP Image Awards
He spoke to Zaya personally, expressing his admiration for how she handled the public scrutiny with grace and dignity. Wade said, “I want to take this moment to publicly speak to our daughter Zaya. Zaya, as your father, all I’ve wanted to do is get it right. I have sat back and watched how gracefully you’ve taken on the public scrutiny. And even though it’s not easy, I’ve watched you walk out of the house every morning as yourself.”
The proud dad continued, “I admire how you’ve handled the ignorance in our world. To say that your village is proud of you is an understatement. Thank you for showing me that there is more than just one way to communicate. You’ve taught me that communicating with my mouth isn’t enough. I have to communicate with my ears and my two eyes.”
Wade elaborated, “As your father, my job isn’t to create a version of myself or direct your future. My role is to be a facilitator to your wishes, your hopes, and your dreams. Zaya, you’ve made me a better human by simply being who you were born to be: our baby girl, Zaya Wade. Thank you for showing the world what courage looks like. I am proud that I was chosen to stand in place as your father.”
Gabrielle Union’s dress featured bold colors and intricate geometric embroidery and was complemented by her black bob hairstyle, smokey eye makeup, and statement accessories (Credit: Koj Sojer / Startraksphoto / Cover Images)
Gabrielle Union Calls for Inclusive Activism in Powerful NAACP Image Awards Speech
Gabrielle Union praised the NAACP for leading black people “through over a century of relentless challenge, pain, triumph, and change.”
She praised the organization that “now stands with us again at the foot of a very new era of activism. A new era that demands a collective answer to one simple question. Will we fight for some, or will we fight for all of our people?”
The then-50-year-old “10 Things I Hate About You” actress also highlighted “the intersection of black rights and the rights of LGBTQIA, trans, and gender non-conforming people,” which “continues to be rough.”
She continued, “Even as we demand equality at the top of our lungs, we consistently fail to extend our advocacy to some of the most vulnerable among us. And second, black trans people are being terrorized, targeted, and hunted in this country every day. And there’s rarely a whisper about it.”
During their acceptance speech at the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 25, 2023, in Pasadena, California, Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade addressed the challenges faced by black trans people and emphasized the importance of fighting for justice for everyone (Credit: Koj Sojer / Startraksphoto / Cover Images)
Union passionately expressed, “We honestly don’t approach this work as activists or leaders as much as we do the work as parents. Parents who love our children and will do whatever the hell we can to keep them seen, secure, and safe.”
She added, “This is a conversation worth having in ways that can actually build bridges. That don’t fan the flames of hatred or division. That don’t enable lawmakers or justice systems to look the other way when black trans people are under attack. That don’t drive more young people to hate themselves or harm themselves. That don’t cost people their lives.”
The tall actress concluded, “So. we are humbled, and we are hopeful for the future. We are hopeful that we will witness a real shift in the fight for justice the moment the movement makes room for everyone. Everyone. Thank you.”
Gabrielle Union’s Most Iconic Shoe Moments
Gabrielle Union consistently captivates on the red carpet with her impeccable fashion sense and standout footwear choices. Here are some of her most memorable shoe moments:
Gabrielle Union in Giuseppe Zanotti Silver Pumps at the BET Honors
- Event: BET Honors 2013 Pre-Dinner
- Outfit: Gabrielle dazzled in a strapless white Christian Siriano dress adorned with silver accents.
- Footwear: She complemented the ensemble with mirrored silver patent leather pointy-toe pumps by Giuseppe Zanotti, adding a glamorous touch.
- Read more: Gabrielle Union’s stylish heels at the BET Honors
Gabrielle Union’s Gucci Platform Sandals at the 2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards
- Event: 2023 Film Independent Spirit Awards
- Outfit: She wore a sequined purple blazer and matching asymmetrical skirt with a thigh-high slit, both by Gucci.
- Footwear: Gabrielle elevated her look with black leather Gucci platform sandals, featuring thick soles and delicate ankle straps, adding a chic boost to her stature.
- See more: Gabrielle Union’s head-to-toe Gucci ensemble
Gabrielle Union’s Crystal Sandals at the 2025 Fashion Trust U.S. Awards
- Event: 2025 Fashion Trust U.S. Awards
- Outfit: She stunned in a beaded white gown from Celia Kritharioti’s Spring 2025 Couture collection.
- Footwear: Gabrielle chose $1,195 Betzábe crystal sandals, featuring a transparent PVC toe strap, metallic silver slingback, and graduated crystals outlining the soles, adding elegance to her ensemble.
- Discover more: Gabrielle Union’s dazzling look at the Fashion Trust Awards
Gabrielle Union’s Stuart Weitzman Sandals at the 2024 Oscars
- Event: 2024 Academy Awards
- Outfit: She sparkled in a crystal-embellished ensemble by Carolina Herrera.
- Footwear: Gabrielle completed her look with black satin Stuart Weitzman Nudist Hollywood platform sandals, featuring slim front straps and a 5.7-inch heel, enhancing her 5’6¾” frame.
- See her look: Gabrielle Union’s stunning appearance at the 2024 Oscars
These moments showcase Gabrielle Union’s exceptional ability to pair designer footwear with her outfits, solidifying her status as a fashion icon.