Kerry Washington attended the 5th American Black Film Festival Honors: A Celebration of Excellence in Hollywood on Sunday night, and she looked flawless – as always – in a red velvet halter gown teamed with matching pumps.
Is It Giving You Déjà Vu?
Now, if the 46-year-old Scandal actress’ red carpet look is giving you a strong case of déjà vu, that’s because it’s no ordinary dress and you’ve seen it on another superstar before.
Whitney Houston Wore It First
Back in 1996, Whitney Houston wore that same dress to perform at the BET Walk of Fame Awards gala.
Both Looked Chic!
The iconic singer looked phenomenal in the figure-hugging gown during her time. And Washington did an excellent job of channeling her inner Whitney Houston, too, when she chose to wear it.
Channeling Whitney
Before she headed to the event, the Unprisoned star took a video of herself in the outfit, lip-synching and dancing to Houston’s song, I Have Nothing .
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Nothing’s Cooler Than Wearing It
The clip began with a voice-over saying, “What’s cooler than wearing Whitney Houston’s dress?” before Washington broke into song.
“Nothing, nothing, nothing.”
‘Sooooooo Incredibly Special’
She shared it with her seven million followers on Instagram with the caption, “No lies told. Whitney Houston’s ACTUAL @marcbouwer dress she wore in 1996 . Sooooooo incredibly special. #ABFFAwards here I come! ❤️❤️❤️”
More Angles
Later, she posted a two-photo carousel – including a closeup and a full shot – showing off the look again, as well as her hair and makeup.
Hair And Makeup
Her hairstylist, Larry Sims, opted for a bouncy shoulder-length bob, while makeup artist, Carola Gonzalez, gave her a smoky eye and a subtle red lip.
Designed By Marc Bouwer
The dress was designed by Marc Bouwer, who called it “incredibly special” because of the person who originally wore it.
Styled By Law Roach
Law Roach, the self-proclaimed “Image Architect” who’s also responsible for many of Zendaya’s fabulous looks throughout the years, styled the Django Unchained actress for the red carpet event.
He Borrowed The Dress From Bouwer
Roach shared a couple of photos on Instagram , which he captioned, “And then THIS happened…Thank you @marcbouwer for letting me go into your archives and borrow Whitney’s dress for @kerrywashington. #fLAWless”
Swipe to see Houston wearing it in 1996.
It Got Lots Of Admiring Comments
His comments section went crazy with love for the stunning look.
Bouwer’s Comment
Bouwer himself, who was close to Houston and had also created her wedding gown, left a comment saying, “MAJOR. Thank you Law! @kerrywashington ♥️♥️”
He Was Houston’s ‘Favorite Designer’
Scrolling through his Instagram feed, it’s obvious he and the music icon shared a special bond. She once said that although she didn’t “have a favorite dress,” he was her “favorite designer.”
Washington Was Given An Award That Evening
Washington attended the American Black Film Festival to receive the Excellence in the Arts Award (Female). She was honored alongside Courtney B. Vance, Charles D. King, and Janelle Monáe.
The Swanky Event On Sunday
The event took place on March 5 at 1 Hotel in West Hollywood.
‘Unquestionably Amongst The Best’
Jeff Friday, ABFF Ventures founder and CEO, previously said in a statement that the honorees were “unquestionably amongst the best in our industry.”
‘Stellar Careers’
“[I]t brings us a great deal of pleasure to illuminate their stellar careers,” the CEO continued.
Other Stylish Attendees
Monae came fabulously dressed in a gold, Gaurav Gupta, mini with a single shoulder strap and a sexy midriff cutout.
Other stylish attendees included Meagan Good wearing a slinky purple cutout gown, Tiffany Haddish in a high-slit red number, and Yvonne Orji in a monochrome corset dress.
