Ever since Elvis hit the big screen last summer, we’ve been revisiting retro ’60s fashion through 2023 eyes. This only intensified when Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla was announced shortly after, and had us rushing to get movie tickets just as fast as it had us rushing to recreate the icon’s signature eyeliner, put on our “Memphis glam” best, and create the tallest beehive hairdo we could.
The last of which has seen the most creative liberties taken—think Ayo Edibiri’s half-up version, Elle Fanning’s princesscore beehive, and Katy Perry’s Pamela Anderson take on the voluminous style. The latest to take the retro hairstyle for a spin was none other than Gabrielle Union, and her take on the baby beehive may be our favorite yet.
While attending the red carpet— or rather silver carpet—for the world premiere of Beyoncé’s new movie, Renaissance: A Film By Beyoncé, Union wore a look fit for the shiny, metallic opulence of the night, down to her Renaissanc-y hairstyle.
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Though her whole look was divine, obviously, we were here for the hair. It was sort of a late-aughts-meets-Pricilla look, with a subtle bump at her crown reminiscent of the “pouf” that was popular circa 2009. She wore a long ponytail that fell down her shoulders, and a long side swept bang that gave the whole look even more indie sleaze flair. Both the side bangs and the pony had the same pin-straight styling.
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Thanks to the ultra-straight texture, the look managed to look a little futuristic, too—kind of what we imagine Priscilla would be wearing in Ex Machina. The vibe was only exaggerated by the silver embellishments on Union’s outfit and the edgy-chicness of the whole look.
The actor layered a plunging, tightfitting black bodysuit under a floor-length furry maxi skirt. The skirt featured what looked like silver coins spaced evenly in lines down the garment. She added to even more silver with bangles and a matching choker, and upped the edge with thick black eyeliner and a soft smoky eye. The finishing touch was some see-through pointed heels, and she was ready to serve “Alien Superstar” on the red carpet.