Red carpet recap: Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ worldwide premiere

From ocean blues to corals and metallics, Black Hollywood brought its ”Under the Sea” best to see Halle Bailey's debut in "The Little Mermaid."

Kay Wicker

May 9, 2023

Halle Bailey was once again on theme for the worldwide premiere of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.”

The oceanic blue carpet for the debut of Disney’s highly anticipated live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid” took over Hollywood Boulevard Monday night. Following the theme, the star-studded carpet was awash with blues, corals, metallics, and plenty of under-the-sea-inspired styles.

Halle Bailey, Disney's "The Little Mermaid" premiere, red carpet, red carpet style, Black Hollywood, Black celebrities, Black style, Black fashion, theGrio.com — Halle Bailey attends the World Premiere of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” on May 08, 2023, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

Bailey, who stars in the film as mermaid Ariel, arrived giving modern sea princess energy with long red locs and a custom metallic Valdrin Sahiti gown that, according to Page Six, was designed to resemble a splashing wave. Bailey told Deadline the entire evening had her feeling “grateful.”

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“This moment means everything to me,” she said.

Reflecting on the impact of playing such a legendary Disney princess, Bailey told the outlet, “It means the world to me. This moment especially for all the beautiful babies to be able to see a reflection of themselves. I am just honored to be a part of this and be one of the princesses.”

Bailey added that she’s excited to join the legacy of Brandy, who brought Cinderella to life in a live-action rendition of the classic with Whitney Houston, and Anika Rose, who voiced Princess Tiana in Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog.”

“I’m just grateful,” she said.

The cast was joined on the red carpet by a handful of familiar faces in Black Hollywood, including Bailey’s older sister, Chloe, co-star Daveed Diggs, Kelly Rowland, rapper Offset and his daughters, “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Kenya Moore and her daughter, Tia and Tamera Mowry, and more. Alongside the on-theme looks, there were also plenty of emotions.

In an interview with Access Hollywood, Chloe revealed younger sister Halle Bailey had been nervous ahead of the premiere, and the two had spent the day praying together on FaceTime. Chloe became emotional when the interviewer handed her the Ariel Barbie doll modeled in Halle’s likeness, sharing that the doll made her reminisce about the two playing with Barbies as little kids.

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“It’s the physical representation of dreams coming true,” she said, fighting back tears.

“The Little Mermaid” hits theaters May 26; in the meantime, we have rounded up our favorite looks from the premiere in the gallery below.

World Premiere Of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” – Arrivals

Kelly Rowland attends the World Premiere of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” on May 08, 2023 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

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