Black Icons to Celebrate: EGOT Winner and Fashion Legend Viola Davis

When we talk about "Black excellence" in today's society, one name comes up time and time again that is synonymous with elegance, class, astounding skills, and advocacy: Viola Davis. The talented actor recently achieved EGOT status, the highest honor in the entertainment industry. Winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony is no small feat, and knowing that she is the first Black woman to historically achieve this makes us incredibly proud.

But Viola Davis is not just a celebrated award-winning actress; she is also a fashion icon who pays homage to her Black American culture and Black excellence through her fashion statements. Her fashion choices are a testament to her love and appreciation for her roots and her community. 

By taking a closer look at some of her most iconic outfits, we’ll share top tips on how to achieve Viola's signature style in your own wardrobe. So if you're ready to take your fashion game to the next level, join us as we explore Viola Davis's stunning fashion moments.

Viola is known to wear every color of the rainbow and we commend her for not shying away from bold and vibrant colors and prints. She also has a deep love for solid color dressing that we applaud. At the Cannes Film Festival in 2022, Viola opted for a captivating bright red Alexander McQueen suit, matching Alexis Bittar shoes, and a classic red lip.

(Photo from Vogue UK)

To achieve this look in your own space, start with a favorite color and incorporate layers or keep it simple with a few clothing pieces and accessories. Make sure each color matches or they are all close in color range. With this approach, you'll be able to create a cohesive and stylish look that you'll love.

Viola Davis always looks spectacular no matter what color or outfit she wears, thanks to the careful consideration of her choices. Her stylist, Elizabeth Stewart, has seemingly mastered the art of selecting the right clothes that accentuate Viola's body type and skin tone. For instance, at the 2017 Golden Globes, Viola wore a timeless, one-shoulder, A-line dress from Michael Kors in a yellow shade with textured fabric that matched her perfectly.

(Photo from Celeb Mafia)

To expand your wardrobe with vibrant choices or make a statement at a future event, it's crucial to select a hue that complements your skin tone. Determine if warm, cool, or neutral tones are best for you. If you're uncertain whether a particular color will suit you, experiment with a slightly lighter or darker shade.

Wearing a daring print is a fashion risk, but Viola has pulled it off every single time with her level of confidence. During her Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon interview at home in March 2021, she wore a jaw-dropping suit from XULY.Bët, a line by Lamian Badian Kouyate, a Malian-born, Paris-based fashion designer. She paired the multi-colored printed suit with solid white Sergio Rossi pumps.

(Photo from Viola Davis' Instagram)

This is a foolproof tip that we absolutely love. If you choose to go bold with print or color, complement the style with accessories that are more understated or lightweight. The timeless white pump by Sergio Rossi and the crisp white shirt that Viola wore was the perfect embodiment of her expert fashion sense.

Viola is a true trailblazer in the fashion industry, and her understanding of the impact fashion can have is incredible. She isn't afraid to bring traditional African prints, fabrics, and designs into her looks, showing her appreciation and respect for her culture. Her outfits not only serve as a way to celebrate her heritage but also to bring positive attention to the beauty and strength of the Black community and the talents of Black designers.

RELATED: 10 Black-Owned Fashion Brands to Shop All Year Long

In 2021, Viola stunned once again in prints and once more, her fashion choices highlighted the creativity of Black fashion designers. For the NAACP Awards, she wore a beautiful peplum dress made by Nigerian-born British designer Duro Olowu. The sleeveless dress featured a mermaid silhouette with a deep blue background with geometric shapes of varying neon shades. As always, she looked amazing.