How Gabrielle Union—And Her Neon Valentino Gown—Stole the Show at The Fashion Awards

If one person stole the show at Britain’s The Fashion Awards, it was Gabrielle Union. The actress’s neon Valentino Haute Couture look, with its vibrant hue and sweeping chiffon cape, commanded attention. Union has been turning heads at awards shows since the ’90s, but when it came time to plot out her latest ensemble, she and stylist Thomas Christos Kikis kept two concepts in mind. “Unapologetic glamour and joy,” shared Kikis post-event. “We wanted something very celebratory and representative of the designer we were going to wear. When it comes to fashion awards like the Met Gala and the BFAs, the focus is the designer as much as it is Gabrielle.”

Pierpaolo Piccioli’s perspective was never far from the team’s mind. The Valentino creative director’s use of color within the fall 2021 ‘Des Ateliers’ couture collectsion informed their take on the green taffeta pleated gown. Though Union and Kikis enjoyed dinner with Piccioli the night before the ceremony, the stylist wanted the wardrobe selection to be a surprise. “I knew the dress was going to work, but I didn’t tell either of them,” says Kikis. “I didn’t want to jinx it!”

Union with 111 Skin's Dr. Yannis Alexandrides and Eva Alexandrides

Photo: Moeez Ali

Piccioli styled model Michelle Laff with bare skin and minimal adornment on the runway, and Kikis kept with that understated vibe. Still, they couldn’t resist taking things up a notch with statement jewelry and sculptural hair. “I’m such a minimalist, but the event and this dress lent themselves to maximalism,” says Kikis, who added on Messika’s ‘Saguaro’ earrings detailed with Marquise cut diamonds. “I stepped outside of my comfort zone [but] Messika made it very easy because their high jewelry is so glamorous without being heavy—effortless wealth!”

Hairstylist Larry Sims gave Union a “go big or go home” coif, featuring a tower of spherical buns. For Kikis, the high-drama hair elevated the entire look. “Larry always has the most beautiful references and ideas that he brings to us after I share fitting photos,” he says. “It takes it to another level.” The bright pink eyeshadow and radiant blush provided by makeup artist Esther Edeme was equally important. Attending the event as a guest of London cult-beauty destination 111Skin, Union wanted to appear lit from within.

Once the dress was on and the beauty perfected, Kikis had a few moments to take in the breathtaking effect of the team’s hard work. They provided the glam, but he credits Union for bringing the entire look to life. “The styling process—confirming the look, coordinating everything, and so on—can be stressful [but] Gabrielle reminds me why it’s actually an enjoyable and rewarding job,” he says. “She loves to try new things, she trusts me, she gives credit to her team…she gets it.”