These Black Pumps Completed Taraji P. Henson’s Daring Look for Essence Magazine’s Holiday Issue

Taraji P. Henson graced the cover of Essence magazine’s holiday issue. Henson was joined for the shoot by her “The Color Purple” co-stars Fantasia, H.E.R. and Danielle Brooks along with the film’s producer Oprah Winfrey. Images from the shoot were posted to Henson’s Instagram yesterday.

Photographed by Mickalene Thomas, the “Empire” actress was styled in a pair of black pointed-toe pumps. The thespian’s footwear appeared to be comprised of texturally interesting suede uppers that gave way to triangular pointed toes and arched leather soles.

3 to 4-inch stiletto heels rounded out the neutral set, providing Henson with a few extra inches. Black pumps are a closet staple for many stars given their versatility.

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Taking a formal route, Henson was outfitted in a suit. The starlet’s suit was comprised of a tailored and slightly oversized blazer worn alongside a white button-down worn open overtop a black lace bra. On the bottom, Henson donned coordinating black tailored trousers. Rounding out her look, the thespian sported an array of jewelry and wore her hair in a sleek and stylish updo.

The “Hidden Figures” actress has never shied away from a fashion statement, especially on the red carpet. Henson regularly stuns in feathered, pleated and sparkling gowns featuring cutouts, slits and dramatic trains from labels like Alexandre Vauthier, Vera Wang and Giambattista Valli. On the footwear front, she often favors Christian Louboutin for tall platform pumps. However, the star is also known to wear slingback heels, over-the-knee boots and strappy sandals from brands like Valentino, Jimmy Choo and Pedro Garcia.

“The Color Purple” is a 2023 reimagining of the 1985 film directed by Steven Spielberg. The 2023 adaptation is directed by Blitz Bazawule and features a star-studded cast including the likes of Halle Bailey, Fantasia Barrino, Corey Hawkins, Danielle Brooks, Ciara, Taraji P. Henson and H.E.R. among others.

About the Author

Amina Ayoud is an Assistant Digital Editor for Footwear News, where she writes stories about everything from celebrity style to breaking fashion and shoe releases. Ayoud cultivated a love of all things fashion early in life thanks to a deep love of fashion history and the luxury industry. In her free time, Ayoud is a self-proclaimed fashion nerd and thriftaholic.

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