There is an undeniable elegance to a well-tailored pantsuit, particularly when it steps beyond the boardroom and takes center stage on the red carpet. Shannon Thornton brought that elegance to the 2026 EBONY Power 100 Gala, offering a striking interpretation of evening suiting. The actress stepped out in a black Helmut Lang pantsuit, bringing the confidence of menswear-inspired tailoring into the realm of eveningwear. Finished with a crisp white shirt, the ensemble balanced sharp tailoring with carefully placed accents. The look was a refreshing reminder that a well-curated pantsuit look can command just as much attention as a glamorous evening gown.
Held on November 9 at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, the gala brought together influential figures shaping Black culture across entertainment, music, business, and other creative industries. Guided by the theme “The Stories We Shape,” this year’s gathering also celebrated more than 80 years of EBONY documenting and preserving the Black American experience. It was an occasion rooted in legacy, influence, and the power of representation, making the evening’s fashion an extension of its wider cultural significance.
Against this backdrop, Thornton’s choice of classic suiting carried its own sense of purpose. Rather than leaning on traditional red-carpet extravagance, she embraced a look defined by confidence, precision, and individuality, demonstrating how timeless tailoring can be reinterpreted for a moment that calls for both elegance and presence.
The Outfit Breakdown
Styled by Quinton Jaxon, Thornton wore a black Helmut Lang pantsuit that reworked traditional menswear through a distinctly feminine lens. The longline blazer featured defined shoulders, extended sleeves, and a deep V-neck wrap-style front that revealed the crisp white button-down shirt underneath. Leaving the shirt slightly unbuttoned at the neckline softened the formality of the jacket, giving the outfit a relaxed finish without losing its evening appeal.
The standout detail, however, was the wide black satin cummerbund wrapped around her waist. Traditionally associated with formal menswear, the cummerbund is a broad waistband worn with evening suits, often used to cover the waistline where a shirt meets the trousers. Here, it served a more fashion-forward purpose, drawing attention to Thornton’s waist and creating an hourglass shape over the blazer’s peplum-like hem. This detail gave the otherwise tailored jacket a softer, more feminine outline.
Adding another layer of interest were the oversized silver-toned brooches pinned to the right lapel. Featuring ornate botanical shapes and starburst details, the metallic accents brought sparkle to the dark fabric while drawing the eye toward the neckline. Their placement also gave the white collar and deep V opening a stronger visual presence.
The matching wide-leg trousers completed the outfit, falling in a relaxed line toward the floor. Their generous cut balanced the fitted waist, allowing the pantsuit to maintain its menswear influence while giving Thornton an elegant evening silhouette. The look demonstrated how small changes to classic suiting can make it feel entirely new.
Shop editor’s edit
The Accessories
Thornton continued the outfit’s mix of classic and unexpected details with a pair of retro-inspired sunglasses. Their dark lenses and thin gold-tone frames introduced a playful vintage touch, while wearing them low on the bridge of her nose gave the look an extra dose of attitude.
At her neckline, a crystal-toned choker sat neatly within the open shirt collar, adding sparkle without interrupting the layered lapels. Rings on her fingers completed the jewelry selection, keeping the accessories practical while allowing the brooches to remain the main metallic feature.
Her footwear brought another interesting detail into view. Beneath the full-length trousers were Christian Louboutin Nosy T-bar pumps featuring black toe caps, transparent PVC side panels, and delicate T-straps. The shoes also featured signature red soles, introducing a flash of color that complemented the predominantly black outfit. Their pointed shape helped extend the line of the trousers, while the transparent panels kept the footwear from appearing too heavy.
Shop editor’s selection
The Makeup
Makeup artist Cherish Brooke Hill created a warm bronzed soft-glam look that complemented the dark suit without competing with its details. Thornton’s complexion featured a satin-matte base with natural luminosity across the forehead, nose, and cheekbones. Warm bronze contours defined her cheeks, jawline, and forehead, while muted peach-terracotta blush brought warmth to the upper cheeks and temples.
Her eye makeup combined champagne-rose gold shimmer across the lids with warm taupe and deep espresso tones through the crease and outer corners. A thin line of dark eyeliner defined the upper lash line, while wispy false lashes extended outward to give the eyes a lifted appearance. Her brows were softly filled and brushed upward, maintaining a natural, feathered shape.
On the lips, a cool-toned chocolate liner framed a warm caramel-nude center, with a satin-gloss finish adding dimension. The combination gave the beauty look a classic ’90s influence while keeping the overall effect fresh and luminous.
Shop editor’s selection
The Hairstyle
Hairstylist Ray Christopher completed the look with voluminous curls in a rich espresso-black shade. A deep side part swept most of the hair over one shoulder, creating an asymmetrical frame around her face. The defined corkscrew curls pool around her shoulders, with soft layers helping them retain their rounded shape and natural fullness.
The finish was soft and touchable, allowing each curl to remain distinct without appearing stiff. This hairstyle also brought an important contrast to the precise lines of the suit. Its volume softened the defined shoulders and fitted waist, while the deep side part gave the overall appearance a little extra drama.
Shop editor’s picks
Final Thoughts
Shannon Thornton’s appearance at the 2026 EBONY Power 100 Gala offered a convincing case for making tailoring part of the red-carpet conversation. The Helmut Lang pantsuit drew its appeal from the balance of masculine and feminine details, from the sharp lapels and satin cummerbund to the wide-leg trousers and sparkling brooches. Meanwhile, the retro sunglasses, warm makeup, and full curls gave the outfit personality beyond its classic black-and-white palette.
At an event celebrating the voices and influence shaping Black culture, Thornton arrived in a look that carried confidence without needing a dramatic gown to make its point. Her appearance showed that eveningwear can take many forms, and a well-styled pantsuit remains one of the strongest ways to make a fashion statement.
Featured image: Dalvin Adams
Taraji P. Henson Stunned in Custom Nicolas Jebran Couture at the 2026 Newport Beach Film Festival
