Keke Palmer Gets Fired Up in Red Sergio Hudson Body-con Dress to Light the Empire State Building In Honor of Black History Month

Julia Teti

7 February 2025 at 11:15 am·3-min read

Keke Palmer earned the distinguished honor of lighting the Empire State Building to commemorate Black History Month on Thursday in New York City. The actress, author and entrepreneur brought members of her family, including her son Leo, to join her for the special occasion.

For the event, Palmer opted for a body-con fiery red midi dress courtesy of Sergio Hudson. The look featured long sleeves and a formfitting silhouette, along with a high neckline with some subtle fabric ruching for added definition and movement.

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Keke Palmer, Sergio Hudson, Empire State Building, Black History Month — Keke Palmer lights the Empire State Building in honor of Black History Month at The Empire State Building on Feb. 6 in New York City.

Palmer paired the dress with a set of black platform pumps. When it came to accessories, Palmer went with a minimalist approach, choosing instead to keep her red frock as the centerpiece of her sartorial statement.

Her glam, however, elevated the look entirely. Her long auburn hair was styled with a middle part and long, cascading soft waves down to her waist courtesy of Kira Dior. Palmer’s makeup featured bold brows, smoky eyes and a glossy lip thanks to artist Kenya Alexis. The “Nope” star’s look was curated by stylist Zoe Costello, with whom Palmer has worked for the last few months on her promotional book tour and more.

Palmer was recently on the press tour for her latest film “One of Them Days,” in which she costars with SZA. The film was both a critical and box office success, and Palmer reflected on this chapter in her life while speaking with WWD.

“I know for me as an artist, I want to make stuff that makes me laugh and hopefully makes other people laugh because I feel like we already know we’re in hell,” Palmer said. “I feel like life is already difficult enough, and obviously life is always difficult no matter what’s happening, but I think right now especially, that’s kind of the common thing you hear, and it obviously informs your art,” she continued.

“For me, not even just this year, but the last 10 years or so, leaning into my comedy is really an evolution of my response to life and what’s happening around me. I want to lean into satire in all the ways that I used to love growing up, that have a poignance to it but also have this casualty that’s kind of like, ‘Hey, I’m rolling with the punches’ type of vibe.”

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