Anyone who’s seen Empire knows that the real drama in the show are the jaw-dropping looks seen on the Fox hit drama’s cast. Whether it’s Cookie’s hip-hugging leopard-print frocks and fur coats (worn by Taraji P. Henson) or Andre Lyon’s sleek suits (on Trai Byers), Empire serves up the ultimate style moments on the small screen.
So it’s only fitting that the hit TV series, returning for its second season on Sept. 23, has partnered with Saks Fifth Avenue on a curated collection inspired by TV’s most badass onscreen family. The limited-edition looks will include women’s ready-to-wear from Cushnie et Ochs (a label favored by the ladies of Empire), men’s and women’s footwear from Jimmy Choo, fine jewelry from Alexis Bittar, and handbags and accessories from MCM, available at Saks Fifth Avenue stores nationwide and saks.com this fall.
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To celebrate its new fashion collaboration, Saks and Fox hosted a private party for the cast and crew, along with invited guests and reporters, at the department store’s New York flagship over the weekend, where screaming fans crowded nearby for a quick snap of their favorite stars.
Since the outfits on the show scream total badass, we couldn’t help but wonder what the stars wear to continue their confident attitude off set.
From a bold lip to American Eagle jeans, the cast (save for Henson who was running late from a flight delay) spills to Pret-a-Reporter on what they wear to feel extra confident.
Read more Front Row Report, Cushnie et Ochs: The ‘Empire’ Cast Can’t Get Enough of the Label
Terrence Howard (who plays Lucious Lyon): “I like to peacock, I like John Varvatos a lot — love the flair of what he does. I love Jimmy Choo and Prada shoes.”
Trai Byers (Andre Lyon): “I’m changing! I used to be a T-shirt and jeans kind of guy. I’ve got some sweaters now, some really thinly knit but colorful… I’m a bold guy — I like black, grey, white and blue. [Now] I’m wearing green and burgundy more. It’s really looking good on me, it’s great. I think it’s absolutely [the influence of Empire] — I think playing Andre Lyon has made me dress a certain way. I like the way that he looks.”
Kaitlin Doubleday (Rhonda Lyon): “Oooh you know what, I’m a shoe and bag whore. I can throw anything on and if I have a Saint Laurent bag on me, I’m like, ‘I’m chic! [Laughs.]’ But I also love my vintage custom-made Levi’s. I kind of live in them.”
Read more Taraji P. Henson Rocks Moschino for ‘Empire’s’ Second Season
Grace Gealey (Anika Calhoun): “I’m really easygoing. I like really comfortable, really easy fashion and a lot of times that translate to tomboy-ish kind of look. And I have really short hair so I love to play that androgynous feel. When I’m on the red carpet, I like to glam it up but a lot of times I’ll thrown on a really great hat, some boyfriend jeans, some Adidas sneakers — the black ones, not the sneaky sneak ones — and a ripped up T-shirt. I love that. You know what, I really love American Eagle ripped jeans. They’re super comfortable and not super expensive.”
