Iconic television and movie wedding gowns worn by African American celebrities have always been a gateway into the current mood in fashion. Subsequently, it’s no surprise that these celebrity wedding dresses that graced our screens have made their iconic mark on cinematic history. Our list is a fun trip down memory lane from Jenifer Lewis in her handmade Kente cloth ensemble to Diahann Carroll’s gown in Julia we are looking through some of our favorite dresses and loving every minute of it.
Be sure to scroll down to see the show-stopping gowns worn by some of our favorite TV and movie characters.
Black-ish
The outfit created by costume designer Michelle Cole for Jenifer Lewis’ character Ruby featured a Kente cloth design with an off-the-shoulder neckline, peplum bodice and, detachable ball gown skirt with a cathedral length train.
Girlfriends
The wedding dress of Monica played by actress Keesha Sharp gave us elegance and sophistication. The minimal A-line silhouette featured a delicate bridal sash and was paired with full-length white opera gloves for a timeless look.
The Jamie Fox Show
Jaimie Foxx and Fancy’s tv wedding officiated by Uncle Phil- James Avery was a long time coming. Fancy’s simple but breathtaking statement-sleeved gown and delicate white floral hair accessories stole the show.
Living Single
From the passionate kiss that these two shared once they said their I do’s, Sinclair and Overton’s relationship always put a smile on our faces at home. Actress Kim Coles wore a full-sleeved lace fitted dress with Queen Anne-styled neckline. The romantic accessories included a three-layered veil and floral tiara with the tiered tulle overskirt gave the gown added flair and pure romantic vibes.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
In this flashback episode, viewers got a chance to see so many of the favorite moments that made this show so iconic and loved worldwide. Aunt Viv’s wedding dress was picture perfect with her yellow pop of color but, can we take a minute to stare at Ashley and Hilary’s white stockings and white kitten heels. It’s okay, we know you wore those too, it was the 90’s.
Actress Nia Long’s mid-90’s dress featured a mid-length veil and subtle floral rosettes gave her bodice and train beautiful added detailing.
Poor Hilary, we got so excited for her and Trevor but she never made it down the aisle. Her gown with a dramatic v- neckline had a multi-strand pearl choker and a vintage-style veil.
Martin
Martin and Gina’s wedding had Kenny “Babyface” Edmunds serenading the couple in a romantic tropical island ceremony. The off the shoulder lace gown was accented with a floral headpiece and a beautiful tropical floral bouquet.
A Different World
In a Different World, nerdy Dwayne Cleophis Wayne and the south’s most bourgeoisie belle had one of the most famous weddings in TV history. Whitley’s luxe dress designed by costume designer Ceci featured a luxuriously embroidered fit and flare gown, huge mutton chop puffed sleeves and a show-stopping train that was to be expected for this southern glamour girl.
Amen
Most of us remember jamming along to this classic show’s theme song every week. Thelma’s late 80’s wedding dress featured a floral lace headpiece with a high low veil and puff sleeves that were perfect for the era.
Coming to America
Director John Landis’ wife Deborah Nadoolman Landis created this magnificent pink gown for Coming to America that’s still making us dream of being a fairy tale princess. The crystal-encrusted nylon tulle gown with a dramatic tulle veil gave us our very own royal wedding dress.
Good Times
Thelma’s pretty 1940’s style sweetheart neckline and Tudor-style French hooded veil was a beautiful reference to different eras of fashion history. The family coordinated in chic shades of pink which still looks gorgeous today.
The Jeffersons
Wearing a soft blue gown and flowing lace jacket with the sweetest bow detail Louise looked beautiful as she renewed her vows to one of TV’s funniest characters George Jefferson.
Juila
THE….Diahann Carroll starred in Julia which premiered on September 17, 1968. Her character’s bridal gown was created by Hollywood costume designer Bob Travilla. The gown featured a gorgeous cathedral length train, high neckline and long medieval trumpet style statement sleeves which were also a feature of Princess Anne’s wedding gown in 1973.
We hope you have enjoyed this look back at these amazing dresses and how women of color have shaped the fashion landscape throughout tv and movie history. Seeing all of these gorgeous dresses come to life from a sketch is what makes fashion so magical. It’s all about telling the story of a period in time stitched and sewn into fabric.
