Black excellence was once again on display last night in New York City. And while the cast of Creed II was conspicuously missing its prequel’s writer and director, Ryan Coogler, sequel writer (and Root 100 honoree) Cheo Hodari Coker was on hand, as was sequel director Steven Caple, Jr.
Of course, star Michael “Bae” Jordan, as he’s fondly known in these internet streets, was also in attendance, returning to the role of Adonis Creed and hitting the premiere’s black carpet looking clean in black-on-black Givenchy.
Stylist Ade Samuel, who began working with the Black Panther star during this year’s Met Gala, told The Hollywood Reporter the choice was a strategic one for the sequel.
“We wanted to keep it really clean, and celebrate the movie, and his character’s growth,” she said. “In the movie, his character matures as a man. This was a play off of this is maturity. This look is something to me that screams timeless, and will be memorable for him for years to come.”
Co-star Tessa Thompson was lovely and leggy, styled by duo Wayman + Micah in a 60s-inspired custom lime-green spangled shift by Prada. Celebrity stylist Lacy Redway swept up Thompson’s curls into a sleek chignon, high at the crown and accented with a jeweled hairpiece by luxury hair accessory designer Lelet NY.
And can we talk about these shoes?
Also on hand? Franchise originator and Oscar-winning co-star Sylvester Stallone, as well as returning star Dolph Lundgren and Rocky IV original cast member (and former wife of Stallone), Brigitte Nielsen, Omari Hardwick, Justine Skye, and more. And we daresay that they almost looked as great as we did at last week’s The Root 100, also in New York City.
Almost.