(Photo : Getty Images/Leon Bennett)Halle Bailey attends the World Premiere of Warner Bros.' "The Color Purple" at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on December 06, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
Feels like a princess!
During the Los Angeles premiere of "The Color Purple" Wednesday, Halle Bailey captured hearts on the red carpet in a custom Off-White maroon gown.
The "Little Mermaid" star's attire was complemented by statement earrings and a striking, dark red lip.
In a heartfelt Instagram post shared the following day, the 23-year-old songstress expressed her gratitude and joy over her new film and stunning red carpet ensemble.
“Last night was a dream at ['The Color Purple'] premiere [sparkles and smiling face with hearts emoji]. I am truly so grateful to be a part of such a moving film... can't wait for you all to see it on Christmas day," Bailey wrote alongside several snaps of herself in the exquisite multi-layered gown.
Bailey also showed her appreciation to the fashion house founded by the late Virgil Abloh for crafting the breathtaking dress that made her feel like royalty.
“Also thank you so much to [Off-White] for making this beautiful dress for me. I truly felt like a princess!! [crown, heart, and sparkles emoji],” she added.
"The Color Purple" is based on the stage musical of the same name, which in turn was inspired by the 1982 novel of the same name by Alice Walker.
Bailey's role as Nettie in the upcoming film was announced back in February last year.
Speaking to Vanity Fair, Oprah Winfrey, the movie's producer, shared her appreciation for Bailey's portrayal of Nettie, emphasizing the profound impact of her performance.
"She's somebody whose presence you can feel in her absence," Winfrey said. "The memory of her, the feeling of her, the strength of her comes through, even when you're only hearing her voice from her letters."
Winfrey, who made her film debut in the 1985 movie version directed by Steven Spielberg, was present at the L.A. premiere alongside the filmmaker.
Joining the luminaries at the event were other notable figures, including Fantasia Barrino and Danielle Brooks. Barrino steps into the role of Celie in her feature film debut, while Brooks plays Sofia in "The Color Purple."
The upcoming film also stars Taraji P. Henson, Corey Hawkins, David Alan Grier, Colman Domingo, H.E.R., Ciara, and Deon Cole.
The film's significance resonated deeply with Winfrey, who expressed its cultural and artistic importance in an exclusive clip shared with People in September.
The movie is poised to be a powerful narrative representing the unseen and undervalued, showcasing the resolute strength of those whose stories often go untold.
Director Blitz Bazawule, known for his work on Beyoncé's "Black Is King," lauded the original 1985 movie as a cornerstone of cultural expression, especially within the Black community.
"The Color Purple" promises a fresh perspective on the beloved classic, delving into "the extraordinary sisterhood of three women who share one unbreakable bond," as described in the official synopsis.
The much-anticipated film is scheduled for a theatrical release on Dec. 25.
