On 'Empire': Naomi's Plunging Dress & Lucious's New Hat

Wow. The drama on Empire keeps getting better and better. While we’re still reeling from last night’s surprise hook up, there was lots to focus on in the wardrobe department, as well. Here, our official fashion recap.

Cookie does executive chic, her way

Animal prints like leopard and snakeskin are one of Cookie’s signature motifs, for obvious reasons: they’re loud, fierce, and luxe—just like Cookie. I love the way costume designer Rita McGhee finds ways to incorporate them into her outfits, even in situations where it wouldn’t normally be appropriate. Not everyone could wear a skintight snakeskin skirt to work; but then, Cookie isn’t everyone. With a blue collared shirt, the look is downright demure on Empire’s favorite badass (her pearls are the icing on the cake). Cookie’s obviously getting more comfortable in her executive role, but she’s not losing any of her signature swag to fit the part. (FYI: the skirt and shirt are from Joseph Altuzarra’s Target collection.)

Andre, chip off the old block

It’s no secret that Andre is desperately—and deviously—trying to fill his father’s shoes. So when he gets the chance to lead an important meeting (while a bedridden Lucious recovers), he makes a point to look sharper than ever in a buttoned-up suit that screams “boss.” He feels so good, he can’t help but preen, buttoning and straightening his suit while he talks. All that changes when Lucious calls him out—via speaker phone—and Andre (and his suit) crumple back into place.

Lucious gets his swag on

Is it just us, or is Lucious starting to take cues from his ex-wife in the wardrobe department (among other departments)? The cocked fedora is something we’ve seen Cookie wear a few times; on Lucious it’s a welcome dose of flavor on his otherwise corporate suit.

The devil wears red

The woman in red is a classic Hollywood trope—the temptress with questionable morals, the femme fatale with false promises—but more than anything she’s a worthy, if conniving, adversary. It was fitting that Anika wore the color for her ultimate act of sabotage; fitting still, when she witnessed the ultimate betrayal. Red is the color of rage and passion; both apply here.

Naomi stakes her claim

Hakeem’s secret lover made it clear last night that she’s no longer content to remain in the shadows. Wearing a sparkly, down-to-there dress will certainly steal the spotlight, especially when you look like Naomi Campbell. But which Lyons’s eye will she catch? Hakeem might have some competition close to home, especially if he continues calling a grown ass woman—a successful designer no less!—”bae.”

Hakeem and Jamal unite

Regardless of who eventually takes the throne, it’s clear that Jamal and Hakeem are the future of Empire, at least when it comes to music. Appropriate, then, that they’d wear head-to-toe white—the color of hope, new beginnings, and a clean slate—to perform at Empire’s investor showcase, the company’s first step in creating a brighter future. It also marked a fresh start in the brothers’ relationship: right before the show, the two (finally!) make up. But color is about where the similarities in their wardrobe end: Jamal wore a pared down ensemble and a scarf (fast becoming one of his signatures; scarves are so artistic) while Hakeem wore an oversize vest, sunglasses and white Michael Jackson gloves. Onstage, the brothers complement instead of compete with one another.