Kerry Washington Wears Whitney Houston’s Iconic Red Gown For the ABFF Awards

Sometimes it’s better to wear something borrowed. On March 5, Kerry Washington attended the American Black Film Festival Honors in a velvet gown previously worn by Whitney Houston. Styled by Law Roach, the red body-con dress featured delicate ruching and a halter neckline.

Roach pulled the garment directly from the archives of fashion designer Marc Bouwer. “No lies told. Whitney Houston’s ACTUAL @marcbouwer dress she wore in 1996,” Washington wrote alongside an Instagram video showing off the dress. “Sooooooo incredibly special.” In the clip, she asked, “What’s cooler than wearing Whitney Houston’s dress?” before lip syncing to Houston’s “I Have Nothing.”

The “Scandal” actor put her own spin on the legendary look with pointed red heels, minimal accessories, and a matching red manicure, letting the gown speak for itself. Houston originally debuted the red gown in 1996 at the BET Walk of Fame Awards gala. Taking the stage for performances of “I Will Always Love You,” “Greatest Love of All,” and “I’m Every Woman,” the renowned singer accessorized her version with sparkling diamond jewelry and a curly updo.

“And then THIS happened . . .” Roach wrote on Instagram next to photos of Washington’s all-red look juxtaposed with Houston’s. “Thank you @marcbouwer for letting me go into your archives and borrow Whitney’s dress.” Bouwer himself also commented on the historic fashion moment, writing that the dress is still “incredibly special” to him 27 years later. Read on to see how Washington and Roach brought one of Houston’s most iconic styles into the 21st century.

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