When Kerry Washington stepped onto the red carpet for the Imperfect Women premiere, she didn’t just wear an outfit—she made a statement. Clad in a Zuhair Murad lace ensemble from the pre-fall 2026 collection, Washington didn’t merely embrace the dark glamour trend; she redefined it. Personally, I think what makes this particularly fascinating is how she managed to blend timeless elegance with a modern edge. The sheer black lace, the ’70s-inspired wide-leg pants, and the intricate floral details all screamed sophistication, but it was the corseted bodice underneath that added a layer of sensuality and boldness. This wasn’t just fashion—it was a narrative, a visual story that mirrored the themes of her show: mystery, depth, and imperfection.
One thing that immediately stands out is the way Washington’s look connected to the broader cultural moment. Dark glamour has been making a comeback, but what many people don’t realize is how it’s being reinterpreted for a new era. Zuhair Murad’s collection, inspired by Paris’ Golden Age, is a perfect example of this. The designer’s use of romantic prints and softer florals feels nostalgic yet fresh, and Washington’s choice to wear this piece highlights her ability to stay ahead of the curve. If you take a step back and think about it, her outfit wasn’t just about looking good—it was about aligning herself with a trend that speaks to both the past and the future.
What this really suggests is that Washington understands the power of fashion as a form of storytelling. Her styling team, Mariel Haenn and Rob Zangardi, clearly get this too. The side-parted hair with soft curls, the smokey eyes, and the glossy lips weren’t just aesthetic choices—they were part of a larger narrative. In my opinion, this is where fashion becomes art. It’s not just about the clothes; it’s about the message they convey. And in this case, the message was clear: Kerry Washington is a woman who embraces complexity, both on-screen and off.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the corseted bodice. Corsets have a long history, often tied to restrictive beauty standards, but here they’re reimagined as a symbol of empowerment. The exposed boning and scalloped neckline added a boudoir-inspired edge, but it didn’t feel exploitative—it felt intentional. This raises a deeper question: How do we reclaim elements of fashion that have historically been problematic? Washington’s look suggests that it’s possible to do so with grace and intention, turning something traditionally restrictive into something liberating.
If we zoom out, this moment also speaks to the evolving relationship between fashion and entertainment. Imperfect Women is a show about uncovering dark secrets, and Washington’s outfit seemed to echo that theme. The sheer fabric, the floral motifs, the interplay of light and shadow—it all felt symbolic. From my perspective, this is what makes red carpet fashion so compelling. It’s not just about who’s wearing what; it’s about the stories those choices tell.
Looking ahead, I can’t help but wonder if this marks a shift in how we perceive dark glamour. Traditionally, it’s been associated with old Hollywood, but Washington’s interpretation feels distinctly contemporary. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it could influence future trends. Will we see more celebrities embracing this blend of vintage and modern? Will designers continue to push the boundaries of what dark glamour can mean? Personally, I think we’re only scratching the surface.
In the end, Kerry Washington’s Zuhair Murad look wasn’t just a fashion moment—it was a cultural one. It challenged us to think about how we define glamour, how we reclaim elements of the past, and how we use fashion to tell stories. What this really suggests is that fashion, at its best, is a conversation. And Kerry Washington, as always, has something important to say.
