Last night, an A-list cast of presenters graced the red carpet at the annual CNN Heroes event, held at the prestigious American Museum of Natural History. They dressed to impress while celebrating everyday heroes making a difference in communities around the world. Rachel Zegler, Amanda Seyfried, Danielle Brooks and more stars embraced high-voltage glamour, shimmering in an array of sequined gowns and sharp heels that commanded attention.
Zegler, golden girl of the moment following her scene-stealing turn in last year’s West Side Story, chose an easy elegance. Her sculptural black sandals revealed smooth toes and a flattering arched silhouette. Coupled with an offbeat animal print dress swirling with tawny sequins, she looked every inch the ingenue, all grown up. Alum crystal drop earrings by designer Fernando Jorge added a subtle dash of sparkle.
Seyfried meanwhile, exuded old world Hollywood allure in a liquid black column dress with a sequined off-the-shoulder bodice in moody green. The show-stopping number was balanced by towering black patent leather platforms tied with slender straps across the instep. Sweeping up at the toe, the vertiginous heels elongated her frame. With retro victory rolls and makeup in shades of emerald and gold, Seyfried was siren personified from head-to-toe.
Brooks embraced high-wattage glamour in a figure-skimming forest green gown lavished with light-reflecting sequins. A drape neckline that tied at the back left shoulders alluringly bare while long sleeves kept an elegant edge. The Color Purple star grounded the shimmering look with open-toed sandals in muted metallic bronze, the delicate straps wrapping sensitively around the ankle. Diamonds clustered brightly at her ears, wrists and décolletage for an extra dose of star power.
While many arrived in gala-ready gowns, others took a more modern approach. Alexa Swinton of And Just Like That… fame looked darling in a ladylike white skirt suit and spotted blouse. Bow-bedecked black pumps lent a tongue-in-cheek playfulness to the otherwise polished ensemble. With pearl accents and gently waved hair, she seemed plucked from the pages of Mademoiselle.
Brooke Shields cut a fine figure in an asymmetrical black gown frosted with swirls of silver sequins. A contrasting ivory overcoat slung rakishly over one shoulder topped off the striking look. Pointed black pumps tied the outfit together, a study in monochrome elegance. Even Shields’s daughter Grier captured the glitzy mood, her strapless bronze gown picking up the warm metallic tones of the red carpet. Like mother, like daughter, their sophisticated hair and makeup enhanced naturally striking features.
On the gentlemen’s side, Sterling K. Brown and Joe Manganiello brought their trademark charm. Brown played it straight in a classic tuxedo while Manganiello went rogue in a shawl collar jacket and black jeans. Despite the relaxed approach, polished black oxfords anchored both looks with a sense of refinement.
If the array of breathtaking ensembles on display was any indication, old Hollywood allure is back with a vengeance. Vintage glamour mixed effortlessly with sleek modernity in celebration of everyday heroes making a meaningful difference. With presenters like these stars on hand, the evening was guaranteed to be unforgettable.
