“I always look forward to the Independent Spirit Awards because it’s a chance to celebrate all of my peers’ incredible work and their amazing performances,” Regina Hall tells ELLE.com. “It’s a day to honor independent film and independent filmmakers.” And, it turns out, emerging designers, too. For the big event last night, where Hall was nominated for her role in Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul., the actress wore an ethereal white silk charmeuse and lace dress by Korean-American designer Andrew Kwon, marking the first time someone has ever worn one of his designs to an awards show.
For Kwon, it was more significant than just a red carpet moment. “I am a huge believer in fate, serendipity, learning, and creating beauty out of feeling broken; years ago, after reading an interview with Regina Hall, it seems she shares my sentiment. We both lost our father and channeled creativity to help heal. I felt a real kinship with her,” he says. “I started to push myself as a designer, because I wanted to create beautiful things and help bring the dreams of other women out there into a reality. I wanted to do something special. For me, it’s not just about creating a pretty dress. It’s about telling a story. Making others feel something when they see it, when they wear it. The inspiration may have stemmed from a place of loss and brokennesses, but I wanted to highlight that sometimes the most opulent things come from these hardships in life.”
Hall agrees. “I loved this dress the minute I laid eyes on it,” she says, from her hotel room at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel, a quick drive from the ceremony at the Santa Monica Pier. “I knew it was just right for the event. I also love supporting new designers, and Andrew is so talented. I got so many compliments wearing it!” Hall finished the look with Irene Neuwirth jewelry, a sparkling Tyler Ellis clutch, and Alexandre Birman heels.
Scroll through to see Hall get ready for the 2023 Independent Spirit Awards below.
I had my amazing team on board: Sabine Jean on hair, Lewina David on makeup...
And Alison Edmond on styling. We always have the most fun dressing up!
Dress details.
Tyler Ellis is always my go-to for the chicest clutches. She always has exactly what I need and love.
Irene [Neuwirth]’s jewelry was the perfect match for the romance of the dress. Her designs are always stunning.
A closer look at the jewelry.
And another angle.
I couldn’t decide which shoes to wear, but these white silk Alexandre Birman sandals with diamante straps were just the perfect amount of delicacy.
I loved this dress the minute I laid eyes on it. It’s not like anything Alison and I have chosen before, and I knew it was just right for the event. I also love supporting new designers, and Andrew is so talented. I got so many compliments wearing it!
Last looks...
And away we go!
Photographer: Nicola Buck; stylist: Alison Edmond; hair: Sabine Jean; makeup: Lewina David; special thanks to the Santa Monica Proper Hotel
Claire Stern is the Deputy Editor of ELLE.com. Previously, she served as Editor at Bergdorf Goodman. Her interests include fashion, food, travel, music, Peloton, and The Hills—not necessarily in that order. She used to have a Harriet the Spy notebook and isn’t ashamed to admit it.
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