The ratings are in, and Eddie Murphy’s return to hosting Saturday Night Live with music from breakout star Lizzo was a massive success, giving the 44-year-old sketch comedy show its best ratings in two years. But show creator and producer Lorne Michaels wasn’t the only one who got a boost on Saturday night; both Lizzo and Eddie wore black designers during their performances (albeit non-exclusively), making their appearances all the more melanated.
Though Eddie opened the show with several other black male comedic legends, without a doubt the biggest, blackest moment of the night was Lizzo’s performance of her hit, “Truth Hurts.” Opening the song with just her voice and guitarist Celisse giving a clear nod to musical legend Sister Rosetta Tharpe, both women wore custom designs by Dapper Dan x Gucci. And while Dap isn’t exactly a designer currently in need of more publicity, the fact that he outfitted Lizzo’s entire all-black, all-female, body-diverse band and dancers is definitely a good look.
But Lizzo wasn’t alone in rocking a black designer for SNL’s audience. Eddie Murphy enlisted Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter (Black Panther, Dolemite Is My Name) to outfit him for his return to the show that gave him his start.
An item of note? The black-on-black “Greensburgh” shearling by leather expert Bogard by Mike B. that Murphy wore for part of his hosting duties—much to the delight of the designer.
While we would’ve loved to say Eddie and Lizzo wore exclusively black designers for their appearances (and are still awaiting the rest of the details on Eddie’s wardrobe), we are nevertheless content with the nods—because when it comes to fashion promotion, an appearance on SNL can go a long way. So, shouts to two of our faves for not only making the still diversity-challenged SNL a little spicier this holiday season but for bringing a few black designers along for the ride.