Gabrielle Union boasts an impressive resume as an actress, activist, and author. Her memoir, titled We're Going to Need More Wine, is a collection of powerful essays exploring race (particularly about Union's childhood in primarily-white California suburbia), relationships, sex, beauty standards, and, of course, fame. Union also has an unrelated white wine called Vanilla Puddin'. Like many Hollywood celebrities, the multi-hyphenate star didn't stop at just one (or two) entrepreneurial project(s), Union also has a one-year-old fashion line in collaboration with New York & Company.
Her August collection, offers a variety of everyday essentials, from cozy knit dresses to party jumpsuits to, even, a piece inspired by her husband Dwyane Wade. Union reveals that she sometimes "steals" clothes from her husband's closet; one time it was "this kimono-type thing," which she happened to love and wanted to recreate for her fashion collection.
The fall campaign, called #AllTogetherNow, celebrates body diversity, friendship, and the intricate lives of women. It's deeply personal for Union, who shot the new collection with her BFFs Essence Atkins, Ajiona Alexus, and Valarie Pettiford. "I wanted to show how inspiring and empowering friendship can be between women and how far-reaching friendships can be," Union says in a phone interview—her voice confident and strong.
During our chat, I could feel the warmth and seriousness of her message on female friendships and size inclusivity in fashion.
"We want inclusion in fashion, but what we deliver sometimes isn’t inclusive at all. I’d like to change that and let women see themselves more in campaigns to better serve our consumers. When you send a narrow scope of what a woman is supposed to look like in these clothes down the runways—for example, a size double zero—you’re telling women in a loud and clear voice 'not you, not ever you.' To me, that’s socially irresponsible and mean."
Union's line offers sizes ranging from XS to XXL, including petite and tall, to make sure the pieces are suitable for women of all sizes and shapes. If something is missing, whether it be a certain style or size, the star assures me that she will rework the next season's collection with customer suggestions.
If you're looking for a specific piece to buy from the August collection, Union made it easy for you by sharing her favorite item: a cropped sweatshirt that reads "Rule the World," in bold white letters. "I love that the phrase runs the length of the back and encourages you to spread out your arms wide. It says 'I’m open to succeed, I’m open to include, I’m open to dreaming things I never knew possible,'" Union says.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Shop her treasured choice, below, as well as a few pieces MarieClaire.com editors particularly love.
Gabrielle Union "rule the world," sweater, $60 SHOP IT
Gabrielle Union jumpsuit, $130 SHOP IT
Gabrielle Union graphic tee, $35 SHOP IT
Gabrielle Union blouse, $60 SHOP IT
Gabrielle Union duster shirt, $70 SHOP IT
Gabrielle Union wide-leg pants, $80 SHOP IT
RELATED STORIES
Marina Liao is the former fashion news editor at MarieClaire.com, where she covered celebrity style (from Meghan Markle to Katie Holmes), fashion trends, and shopping advice, plus conducted original interviews with industry insiders. She's also had many opportunities to write content in other areas such as beauty, food, tech, and even home. Her previous fashion stints include POPSUGAR and Cosmopolitan.
-
18 Pretty Summer Finds I Can’t Believe I Found on Sale
So many dresses, so little time.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
How to Elevate a Basic White Tank, According to Bella Hadid
She styled her closet staple in a 'Cowboy Carter' direction.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Moonheads, Assemble: Here's Everything to Know About August Moon from 'The Idea of You'
The fictional boy band from the new rom-com was inspired by BTS, *NSYNC, and One Direction.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
The Next Phase in the Mary Janes Trend? Doll-Like Slippers
The Mary Janes trend is evolving in a whimsical direction.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
The Best Yoga Pants Endorsed by Three Fitness Experts
Whether you're advanced, a flow newbie, or want something easy to throw on for the gym, these several qualities are deal-breakers when it comes to workout wear.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The J.Crew Sale Is Full of Fashion Editors’ Favorite Summer Essentials
From airy linen button-downs to nautical stripes, these are the closet basics of every style maven.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Tankinis Are Fashion's Most Practical Swimwear Trend
With the days inching closer to beach and pool season, it's still unclear if the '90s swimsuit style will resurface as the It style of the season.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The J.Crew Sale Has Everything on My Spring Outfit Mood Board
The perfect fashion destination to shop for warm-weather looks.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
20 Trending Shoe Styles From Sam Edelman’s Major Spring Sale
From sandals to pumps to sneakers, the footwear brand now has over 500 markdowns to shop.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Fashion Editors' Full-Proof Formula for Elevated Going-Out Outfits
Part of growing up is realizing that style and comfort can coexist.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Stylists on Why Leather Jackets Are a Great Investment
Fashion insiders weigh in on their favorite styles.
By Lauren Tappan Published