'Empire' Fashion Recap: Emperor’s New Clothes

Much of last night’s episode centered around the all-important White Party: who’s going with whom (is Camilla finally going to come out of the shadows?), who will get to perform last (Hakeem or Jamal?) and, of course, what will they wear. Well, here are all the answers!

The Way They Were

Even before fame, money, and 17 years in prison, Cookie was still fly. Actually, besides the blond hair, not much has changed stylistically for Cookie: she still loves white fur and gold hoops. Regardless of the circumstances, everybody’s favorite Lyon stays true to herself.

Hakeem & His New Queen

With his real mom back in the picture—and bisexual cutie Tiana out of it—Hakeem is ready to officially make Camilla his partner. He no longer needs a mama, he wants a queen. And Camilla, dressed in head-to-toe royal purple, definitely fits the part. She just needs Hakeem to catch up. When she gives him that white tuxedo jacket, “if you want people to start taking you seriously you have to start dressing the part,” she’s effectively telling him to step it up and get on her level. No more tank tops and baseball caps.

Anika & Cookie at the White Party

Both of Lucious’ loves made sure to put their goods on display at the white party, in plunging white v-necks, lest he forget what he might be giving up. Though the ultimate effect might be different—in a long-sleeve and understated jewelry, Anika’s pretty minimal to Cookie’s J.Lo—you couldn’t help but noticed the similarities. Maybe there’s more common ground between these two than expected.

Kings of the Empire

Remember how costume designer Rita McGhee told us she was inspired by famous emperors? Yeah, we see it. Before he performs at the white party, Jamal is cast very much in the image of his father—sporting a near identical white and gold dashiki-like jacket. But once he hits that stage, Jamal quickly sheds the jacket and breaks the mold. Performing his own rendition of his father’s famous song, Jamal’s finding fame on his own terms.

Hakeem & Camilla Step Out of the Shadows

For their debut as a couple, Hakeem bucks his brother and father’s matching ensembles by sporting the white tuxedo jacket that Camilla bought him. Aw. Don’t worry though: Hakeem’s still not a total grown-up: his bowtie’s made from gold wire. Camilla, keep working on him.