CELEBRITY STYLE

How Taraji P Henson Spotlighted Black Designers At The BET Awards

2 July 2024

Photo: Dalvin Adams

Last night, actor Taraji P Henson hosted the BET Awards – an annual celebration of Black culture and its artistic accomplishments – for the third time. “I always have the best time hosting the BET Awards,” Henson says. “It’s culture’s biggest night. The energy from the audience and being surrounded by my fellow peers is always such a thrill.”

Being part of such a star-studded event is about far more than mixing-and-mingling. “The opportunity to celebrate and uplift Black excellence in entertainment is truly an honour,” she says of the event, which awards talent across music, film, sports and beyond. “It's a chance to showcase our community's incredible talent and achievements on a global stage.”

Given it wasn’t Henson’s first time leading the night, you could say she’s a pro at nailing her hosting duties – and a veteran at pulling off the evening’s many necessary outfit changes, too. As always, Henson took an intentional approach, working alongside her stylists Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald to spotlight Black designers. “Representation and recognition is vital,” says Henson. “The BET Awards is our night, and talented Black designers deserve the opportunity to have the visibility and platform they deserve. It’s all about celebrating our heritage, our creativity and our unique perspectives through the art of fashion.”

Wearing Balmain.

Photo: Dalvin Adams

Henson, Wayman and Micah landed on 13 different looks, while hair stylist Tym Wallace, make-up artist Saisha Beecham, and nail artist Temeka Jackson helped to bring each one to life. The evening’s stylish ensembles included designs from LaQuan Smith, Sergio Hudson, Off-White, Balmain, Theophilio and Bishme Cromartie – to name but a few. “[Taraji] always has a confidence and playful energy to her that allows us to think outside the box and explore texture and silhouettes,” McDonald says. “She also really pays attention to detail, so each accessory feels meaningful.”

On the red carpet, Henson kicked off the evening in a gold chainlink gown by Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing. “The column gown just felt so sexy and chic,” says McDonald. “We paired it with Tiffany Titan by Pharrell Williams, who is a pioneer for Black culture.” Other highlights included a custom Bishme Cromartie denim suit, complete with a fringed denim opera coat. “The inspiration came from ’90s female hip-hop icons like Lil’ Kim and Foxy Brown.”

Wearing Off-White.

Photo: Dalvin Adams

The star also wore a metallic LaQuan Smith mini dress and a snakeskin-effect dress from Theophilio. “We wanted her to feel sexy and spirited,” Bannerman adds. “So we loved choosing looks that show skin and explored colours and texture.”

The highlight of the evening for Henson was not playing dress-up. It was “the entertainment, hands down,” she says. “The BET Awards always put on such a fun and electrifying show – and there is never a dull moment.”

Below, see all of Henson’s looks at the 2024 BET Awards.