The WACO Theatre Center brought Harlem to Hollywood with the return of the Wearable Art Gala. The Wearable Art Gala is an annual event held at the WACO Theater Center in Santa Monica by Where Art Can Occur (WACO). With a dinner, cocktails, and an art auction, this year’s themed event, “Harlem Nights,” celebrated the 1920s-50s fashion and the legacies of artists such as Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, and Ella Fitzgerald while bringing notable names together for a worthy cause. Angela Bassett and Mark Bradford were among those honored, with special musical performances by Andra Day, Chloe, and Halle Bailey. The event was notably chaired by Beyoncé and Solange Knowles, as well as Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, and Bianca Lawson.
Comedian and media personalities Kalen Allen and Keke Palmer were the hosts of this year’s Gala. Kalen was hosting the red carpet and interviewing guests while Keke Palmer, known for getting people going with her fierceness, took care of the crowd. In her opening act, Palmer emerged from a cloud of feathers to kick off the evening with flapper dancers dressed in 1920s attire. With celebrities all adorned in their most artistic garments, we take a look at some of the evening’s best looks.
ANGELA BASSETT
Angela Bassett arrived on the red carpet in a lime green flapper-style dress that paid homage to the 1920s. The actress, who was honored with the Film & TV Icon Award, selected a bright green bejeweled dress with fringe detailing throughout the skirt by Georges Hobeika. She complemented the ensemble with a matching feather-trim robe and a pair of bedazzled gloves, both pieces custom-made by her stylist, Jennifer Austin.
CINDY BRUNA
Cindy Bruna looks glam in this gorgeous white feather gown and strappy sandals. The feathers on the gown complete this look and make her look like a real-life swan.
KELLY ROWLAND
Kelly Rowland wore a sweeping Monsoori gown styled by Elly Karamoh. The eye-catching sleeveless number featured a flared ballgown skirt with two large rounded tiers and had a flattering sweetheart neckline. Rowland’s ensemble was complete with black velvet elbow-length gloves, as well as a diamond lariat necklace, rings, and floral drop earrings for added glamour.
LORI HARVEY
The gorgeous Lori Harvey always takes her styling to the top. She wore an artistic Ebraheema Gueye gown (made with Up Next Designer’s Albert Ayal) and Christian Louboutin pumps. The look is completed by her short pixie and silver stack rings and earrings.
CHLOE BAILEY
Chloe looked pretty in pink. She adorned a pink Aje gown and Mach & Mach pumps. The singer completed the look by adding silver-diamond earrings and a slit pendant.
ANDRA DAY
Award-winning Andra Day gave classic glamour a sleek makeover at the 2022 Wearable Art Gala. The star posed on the red carpet in a sweeping black Georges Hobeika gown styled by Wouri Vice. The floor-length piece featured a tulle base with a layered train and a deep neckline. Giving the piece a modern edge and following a current evening wear trend were draped tulle sleeves, mimicking a cape silhouette; the pair hung off of straps to create a cold-shoulder appearance. However, adding to Day’s ensemble’s drama was a cascade of all-over embroidered crystals, trailing outwards to give her the appearance of being sprinkled with gemstones. Round sparkling diamond hoop earrings finished her ensemble.
BORIS KODJOE
In a black vintage suit, Real Husbands of Hollywood star Kodjoe looks as dapper as ever. He completed the look with a black fedora hat and black formal shoes for the 50s style.
COURTNEY B VANCE
Mr. Courtney B. Vance looked sharp in a black velvet jacket and pants suit. He also wore a white shirt and black shoes. He finished off his ensemble with a black fedora hat and black cufflinks.
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