Gabrielle Union plays the role of a silent rape victim in Nate Parker’s 2016 American period drama film The Birth of a Nation.
But on Wednesday, she made her presence felt as she attended the premiere of the period drama film at Cinerama Dome in Los Angeles.
Gabrielle looked stunning in a white lace gown, a juxtaposition of grace and strength against her radiant complexion (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Gabrielle Union played Esther, a slave in the Antebellum South who is raped by a white man, in the film The Birth of a Nation.
In an op-ed for The Los Angeles Times, Union wrote that she took the role because she herself is a rape victim.
Twenty-four years ago I was raped at gunpoint in the cold, dark backroom of the Payless shoe store where I was then working. Two years ago I signed on to a brilliant script called “The Birth of a Nation,” to play a woman who was raped.
One month ago I was sent a story about Nate Parker, the very talented writer, director and star of this film. Seventeen years ago Nate Parker was accused and acquitted of sexual assault. Four years ago the woman who accused him committed suicide.
Drawing all the attention to herself, the 43-year-old actress donned a white lace Rodarte Fall 2016 gown, which looked incredible against her complexion. She oozed effortless glamour in the elegant number featuring classic lace ruffles, a high neckline, and a floor-sweeping hem.
Gabrielle Union at the premiere of “The Birth of a Nation” held at Cinerama Dome in Los Angeles on September 21, 2016 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
The dress also had a sheer décolletage and a thigh-high split, which allowed her to show a glimpse of cleavage and parade her toned leg. It struck the perfect balance between classy and sultry.
A vintage 1940s-inspired updo and neutral makeup palette enhanced Gabrielle Union’s retro look (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Dwyane Wade’s wife let her dress take center stage. She wore minimal accessories, including earrings, several rings, and a pair of bronze heels.
To play up the retro vibe of the look, she styled her tresses into a vintage ‘40s-inspired updo and sported neutral makeup.
With lace ruffles, a high neckline, and a floor-length hem, Gabrielle Union’s Rodarte gown was the embodiment of classic elegance (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Gabrielle wore a pair of two-tone sandals in red velvet and gold leather materials to add a pop of color to her ensemble. They have strappy, knotted vamps, adjustable ankle straps, and four-inch heels.
Can you help us identify her sandals?
Gabrielle Union displays her feet in red and gold sandals (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)