Laverne Cox Goes Punk Chic for ACE Awards 2025 With Betsey Johnson

Laverne Cox joined designer Betsey Johnson on the red carpet for the ACE Awards on Tuesday in New York City. Johnson received the Iconoclast honor from the annual Accessories Council Excellence Awards.

For the occasion, Cox honored Johnson with her own take on punk chic styling with feminine touches. The “Clean Slate” actress wore a black minidress with a cinched waist and a bevy of tulle fabric ruching on the skirt.

Cox paired the dress with a jacket inspired by newspaper prints in black and white with a short train in the back for added shape and volume. The actress accessorized with sheer black fishnet stockings and wore a pair of over-the-knee, pointed-toe, black heeled boots.

As for her accessories, Cox carried the Betsey Johnson Kitsch Butterfly Phone Bag in silver with multicolor elements. The bag, described by Johnson’s eponymous label as the “ultimate in wearable tech,” featured a retro phone atop the bag that actually works. “The phone handle detaches, so you can make and receive calls wirelessly with connectivity to your cell,” the description from Johnson’s label reads.

For her look, Johnson styled a gold coat with puffy sleeves atop a voluminous midi dress with tiered lace detailing evocative of an extravagant petticoat. Johnson sported a crown in her blond hairdo and accessorized her look with colorful kitten heels, a black and white geometric bag, a fan with floral elements and bold jewelry pieces.

The Accessories Council announced the 2025 honorees and award recipients for the latest edition of the ACE Awards last March. Patricia Nash and Rebecca Minkoff were also among the 2025 awardees.

“In recognizing these brands and individuals throughout varying stages of their careers, the ACE Awards celebrate their contributions to the industry, their ability to inspire others and their dedication to shaping the future of retail,” said Accessories Council president and chief executive officer Karen Giberson. 

“The council could not be more excited to celebrate the 2025 class of honorees and legacy players who have not only endured the test of time, but have excelled in today’s dynamic and demanding retail landscape.”