Gabrielle Union was the star of the show at the 2024 Met Gala, but it was her daughter, Kaavia, who stole the spotlight in her heart.
The 51-year-old actress and advocate revealed that her 5-year-old daughter was the inspiration behind the stunning mermaid-like gown she wore to the event.
Speaking to PEOPLE on the red carpet in New York City on Monday, May 6, Union shared that Kaavia is a “water baby” who loves the water. According to Union, Kaavia told her, “Mommy, you look like a mermaid!” This prompted Union to channel her daughter’s love for the water into her outfit for the evening.
Accompanied by her husband, Dwyane Wade, Union dazzled in a high-neck Michael Kors dress with a cascading ombré scale pattern of lilac, green, and teal. Her hair was styled in a beehive fashion, adorned with a silver star and drop earrings, completing her glamorous look for the night.
Kaavia, who was also born under the water sign of Scorpio, has shown her affinity for the water from a young age. In a video shared by her dad, Kaavia could be seen confidently swimming with her head underwater at just 8 months old. With the encouragement of her instructor, the young girl propelled herself through the water with ease, showcasing her natural swimming abilities.
Aside from her aquatic talents, Kaavia might also have a future in fashion. Union shared that she has been archiving some of her clothing pieces for her daughter, including her first Met Gala outfit. By preserving these pieces in a temperature-controlled space, Union hopes to pass down not just the clothes but the stories and memories attached to them to Kaavia.
With her fearless spirit in the water and a potential interest in fashion, Kaavia seems to have inherited her parents’ best qualities and is poised to make a splash in whatever she chooses to pursue in the future.
