Halle and Chlöe Bailey brought a modern flair to the mermaid-core trend, featuring a dazzling metallic twist at Femme It Forward’s third annual Give Her FlowHers Gala held on Friday evening in Los Angeles. The talented sisters were honored with the prestigious “Sisterly Love Award,” paying tribute to their artistic contributions and the celebration of Black women in music.
Halle captivated the audience in a stunning white Do Long gown that showcased a daring plunging, draped neckline. The intricately designed bodice featured exquisite ruched, rippled details and was elegantly complemented by sheer cutouts accentuating her hips, creating a stunning play of textures. The full-length gown delicately floated above her shoes, exuding an ethereal quality.
Chlöe embraced the office-siren trend with a meticulously structured ensemble crafted by the Zaks. Her chic blazer-style dress mirrored her sister’s elegance, featuring a bold plunging neckline. The light gray blazer dress dazzled with textural elements, showcasing an exquisite scale-like detailing that cascaded from elbow to wrist, reminiscent of gills or feathers, perfectly aligning with the gala’s aquatic theme.
Chlöe completed her striking look with eye-catching knee-high shoes that harmonized with the arm details of her dress. The footwear featured a stunning three-dimensional, shimmering scale effect that fanned out in multiple directions, enhancing her enchanting ensemble. She styled her hair up elegantly and chose a makeup palette that beautifully matched her sister’s, showcasing their harmonious bond.
The mermaid trend experienced a significant surge in popularity, especially following Halle Bailey‘s iconic portrayal of Ariel in the live-action adaptation of “The Little Mermaid” last year. This whimsical fashion movement is characterized by luxurious shimmering fabrics, enchanting scale-like details, and captivating ocean-inspired colors. Styles within this trend range from shimmering bralettes and lace-up tops to iridescent slip dresses and scalloped gowns, making it a versatile choice for fashion-forward individuals.
The trend has seen a resurgence in the fashion world, with renowned designer Zuhair Murad diving into the mermaid-core aesthetic for his highly anticipated spring 2025 collection, signaling that this aquatic-inspired style is here to stay.
**Interview with Fashion Expert, Sarah Mitchell**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Sarah! We just saw Halle and Chlöe Bailey truly shine at the Femme It Forward Gala. What were your impressions of their looks and the overall theme of the event?
**Sarah Mitchell:** Thank you for having me! I was absolutely captivated by both Halle and Chlöe. Their looks not only embodied the mermaid-core trend but also added a contemporary twist that made a strong fashion statement. It’s exciting to see them being recognized with the “Sisterly Love Award” while celebrating their artistic contributions.
**Editor:** Halle’s gown especially caught a lot of attention with its daring neckline and intricate design. What do you think made her outfit stand out?
**Sarah Mitchell:** Halle’s gown by Do Long was a work of art. The plunging neckline and ruched details created a beautiful silhouette that highlighted her figure in such a flattering way. The sheer cutouts added a modern edge, making it feel fresh and ethereal. She really embodied that mermaid aesthetic with the color and flow of the gown.
**Editor:** Chlöe’s look was described as “office-siren” chic. How does that differ from Halle’s mermaid-core aesthetic?
**Sarah Mitchell:** Chlöe’s structured ensemble suggests power and professionalism, which contrasts nicely with Halle’s softer, flowing gown. While Halle leaned into the whimsical, fluid qualities of mermaid-core, Chlöe showcased a more tailored approach, highlighting her confidence and elegance. This juxtaposition between their styles really made a statement about versatility in fashion.
**Editor:** It’s important that their fashion choices reflect their personalities and contributions. What message do you think they sent by embracing these styles at such an influential event?
**Sarah Mitchell:** By choosing bold and unique styles, both sisters communicated that femininity and strength can coexist beautifully. Their presence at the Gala, alongside that artistic flair, emphasizes the celebration of Black women in music and the power of sisterhood. Fashion becomes a platform for expressing their individuality while advocating for representation and empowerment.
**Editor:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Sarah! It’s clear that Halle and Chlöe Bailey are not only setting trends but also making significant cultural impacts through their artistry and style.
**Sarah Mitchell:** My pleasure! I can’t wait to see what they’ll do next in both music and fashion!
