Gabrielle Union's New York & Company Fashion Line Sends Messages of Inclusivity and Positivity
The campaign features Union's friends, highlighting their diverse voices and stories.
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
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
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 Marie Claire, 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 now the Senior Commerce Editor at House Beautiful, where she owns coverage on deals and sales across home decor and accessories, in-depth product reviews on furniture and appliances, as well as news around new product launches since 2023. With help from leading designers and tastemakers, Marina spotlights quality products while tracking current design trends, a skill she’s mastered over six years in fashion media. Marina holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Stony Brook University, beginning her career in narrative-driven commerce coverage as an editorial assistant at PopSugar.
-
I Tried Biologique Recherche's Two-Hour Scalp Detox Treatment
Is the French-girl favorite worth the hype?
By Hannah Baxter Published
-
Jennifer Lawrence's Maternity Style Era Is Off to a Must-Shop Start
She knows what she likes—and how to wear it.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'The Lincoln Lawyer' Finale Teased A Game-Changing Cliffhanger—Will There Be a Season 4?
We're on the case of whether or not Mickey Haller and co. are coming back to Netflix.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Fashion Girls Are Using Sheer Knee-High Socks to Level Up Their Looks
The perfect balance between not too bare and not too boring.
By Emma Childs Published
-
'80s-Era Leather Bomber Jackets Are Making a Swift Comeback
The trend took off during Fashion Month but has legs to last through winter and spring.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Torishéju Dumi Is the New Name To Know From Paris Fashion Week
She debuted last year with Naomi Campbell and designed Zendaya's 'Dune' red-carpet look—now, the industry darling is gearing up for her second show.
By Emma Childs Published
-
6 Charli XCX Concert Outfit Ideas, According to Bona Fide Brats
There's no rulebook, but Marie Claire editors have a few ideas.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Olivia Rodrigo's 2024 VMAs Look Was Virtually Nonexistent — Because She Wasn't There
...because she wasn't there.
By Kelsey Stiegman Published
-
New Yorkers Are Already Wearing These Classic On-Sale Pieces From COS, Madewell, and J.Crew for Fall
Not to mention, they all cost less than $250.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
Fashion Writer Erika Veurink Shares Her No. 1 Tip for Finding Amazing Vintage Pieces on eBay
The fashion journalist and brand strategist spoke to editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike for the 'Marie Claire' podcast "Nice Talk."
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Fall Essentials Marie Claire Editors Bought for September
From cozy layers to hydrating moisturizers, here are the products that will carry us through fall.
By The Editors at Marie Claire Published