The fourth annual Fifteen Percent Pledge Gala, hosted by Yvonne Orji and the initiative’s founder, Aurora James, took place this weekend, bringing together stars to support Black-owned businesses at the start of Black History Month. And as with any red carpet, there were some moments that deserved a standing ovation and others that… well, let’s just say they left us with questions.
The Green Goddess
Yvonne Orji knows how to make an entrance, and this time, she did so dressed in rich, velvet drama. Her Vicnate strapless gown in the most sumptuous shade of green was already serving opulence, but then she went ahead and threw a cape on top. Hostess with the mostess? Absolutely. Jessica Rich emerald sandals and Earring Envy jewels completed the look of head-to-toe black designers.
A Style Era We’d Rather Forget
As someone who has adored Ciara’s fashion choices for years, this current “era” is nothing short of tragic. What happened? Who is responsible? And why are they doing this to her? Imagine having a flawless canvas and just… not knowing how to paint. The fall from fashion grace is almost academic—it needs to be studied. My heart actually breaks because she deserves better.
The Satin Seductress
Keke Palmer’s One of Them Days press tour has been a vintage lover’s dream, but the M.O. for this event changes as she wore a Sergio Hudson look from the Spring 2025 collection. Known for his bold tailoring, Hudson switched it up this time with a belted satin shirt and maxi skirt. The fluidity, the richness, the elegance—this was a lesson in how fabric can do the talking.
Terracotta Temptation
Lori Harvey got the memo and blended right into the backdrop in a terracotta Ferragamo asymmetric knit dress from Spring 2025. While the colour was perfection on her, the Ferragamo footwear left me torn. Lori’s shoe game is usually undefeated, but the thong-heeled sandals? I could have done without the ribbon detailing. It’s not a total deal-breaker, but the look could have been sleeker without it.
Finger Waves and Power Moves
Teyana Taylor rarely, if ever, misses. She rocked a structured LaQuan Smith tailored look that would have been strong on its own, but then she took it up a notch with a finger wave hairstyle accented with gold hair clips and accessories. This was a full-on moment, proving yet again that she knows exactly how to serve a complete package.
Hooded and Haute
Kelly Rowland is the latest celeb to confirm what we’ve all been suspecting—hooded dresses are officially back. Between her vibrant yellow Harbison Studio moment, Gracie Abrams’ Grammys look, and Monica Barbaro’s London premiere gown for ‘A Complete Unknown,’ the trend is making its mark in a major way once again. It’s giving mystery, it’s giving sultry sophistication with that keyhole detail
The Electric Effect
Janelle James had me at electric blue. This House of Aama velvet gown is proof that a perfect colour can elevate everything. It’s regal, it’s rich, and it hits that sweet spot between classic and modern. Styled with Alexis Bittar earrings, this was the kind of effortless beauty that doesn’t try too hard but still turns heads.
A Woman in Black
As the founder of this event, Aurora James opted for a simple, yet sophisticated dress from Christopher John Rogers, who was once known as the rainbow king.
The Predictable One
Kim Kardashian showed up in a custom Balmain bodycon gown—of course. The black crocodile-skin-embossed leather and chainmail detailing gave the illusion of something fresh, but at the end of the day, it’s the same silhouette she always wears. This gown is reportedly a sneak peek at Balmain’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection, which is great and all, but I’d love to see her switch things up once in a while. Please note, I will not be holding my breath.
Credit: JB Lacroix/WireImage / Paul Archuleta/Getty Images / Michael Buckner/WWD via Getty Images / Vogue.com
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