Opinion: Fairmont Crest's Finest Stun at the 2026 Beyond the Gates Cotillion

Kenya B.
May 24, 2026
It's Giving Soap

The hit CBS daytime drama, “Beyond the Gates,” has made waves in the world of fashion in just one year. Every character has their own style, perfectly unique to them, thanks to the talent of Jeresa Featherstone, the costume designer who leads wardrobe for the soap opera.

Featherstone, who previously worked on “The Bold and the Beautiful” for years, is a three-time Daytime Emmy winner for costume design and styling. There’s no doubt that she will need to make more room in her trophy case in the future.

Leading the charge, Featherstone continues to prove why she’s one of the greatest to ever do it, and this year’s cotillion event is a perfect example. Each gown and tuxedo was a statement, representing the pure class, Black excellence and luxury that each citizen of the exclusive gated community, Fairmont Crest, embodies.

Samantha Richardson-Smith (Najah Jackson)

Samantha Richardson-Smith’s (Najah Jackson) cotillion look was a classic, formal white ball gown made for a debutante ball. It combined old-school elegance with modern pearl details, featuring a fitted bodice and a voluminous, box-pleated floor-length skirt, giving it a very grand and princess-like feel.

The floating pearl halter was clever. It added detail near her face without needing a real necklace. Her hair was neatly slicked back, and she wore simple pearl earrings to match the gown. The outfit was paired with traditional opera-length white satin gloves.

Jessica Harris (Camryn Jade)

Jessica Harris (Camryn Jade) was wearing a classic white satin V-neck gown paired with elegant white opera gloves. White satin never goes out of style. The clean V-neck balanced the long, dramatic skirt, and the ultra-long gloves added instant drama and elegance.

The simple necklace and studs allowed the dress and her unique hairstyle to stand out, but fit perfectly for this high-society event.

Francesca Belleclaire (Madison Alsobrook)

Francesca Belleclaire (Madison Alsobrook) stunned in a Cinderella-inspired, strapless white satin ball gown with an ornate silver-beaded corset. The strapless A-line shape was very traditional, not very risky, but the intricate silver crystal embroidery across the chest and down the bodice prevented the all-white gown from looking too plain.

The basque waistline and vertical boning lines looked opulent, elongating her frame and creating a very dramatic silhouette. The warm glow of her skin and the dark red lip color popped wonderfully against the crisp, icy white satin. The look was paired with long opera gloves, bringing a heavy dose of Old Hollywood glamour.

Donnell McBride (Alex Cheeks)

Donnell McBride (Alex Cheeks) donned a tailored suit, paired with a white tie and vest combo. This included a traditional white bow tie and a crisp white tuxedo shirt.

The waistcoat was cut to the exact right length, sitting neatly under the jacket’s front without hanging too low. This white tie ensemble was stunning and perfectly executed.

Tyrell Richardson-Smith (Jaden Lucas Miller)

Tyrell Richardson-Smith (Jaden Lucas Miller) was dressed in a structured, single-breasted black tuxedo jacket with sharp lapels. This look also included a crisp white dress shirt paired with a formal, wide white cravat or ascot-style tie, with a matching white formal waistcoat worn underneath the jacket.

His look was tailored to perfection, with a seamless transition from casual threads to ballroom escort.

Nicole Dupree (Daphnée Duplaix)

Dr. Nicole Dupree (Daphnée Duplaix) looked radiant in the elegant, soft lilac hue, without being overly loud. The asymmetric ruching across the waist created a lovely, fitted silhouette.

The satin material gave off a soft, expensive sheen that looked great under evening lighting, reflecting her soft-girl makeup and pulled-back hair. The strapless sweetheart neckline curved gently across the chest and scrunched across the torso, creating a wrapped effect.

The long gown was draped straight to the floor and included a high slit on the side to show the leg, which pulled the look together.

Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley)

Dani Dupree (Karla Mosley) exuded sexy elegance in a floor-length gown in a vibrant sky blue, cerulean hue, with a dramatic plunging V-neckline. It was styled with structured shoulders and matching long, flowing sleeves that ended in fluffy ostrich feather cuffs.

A matching fabric sash wrapped around the waist, creating a beautifully defined shape. This was a major fashion moment, and it looked beautiful against her skin. Paired with her slight updo and subtle jewelry, this will remain a top choice.

Anita Dupree (Tamara Tunie)

Anita Dupree’s (Tamara Tunie) ensemble was perfect for the elegant family matriarch. The silver sparkle on the shoulders was gorgeous.

The structured cape sleeves gave her a powerful, striking look that commanded attention. The sleeves draped beautifully when standing straight. It created a seamless, long and royal silhouette.

Chelsea Hamilton (RhonniRose Mantilla)

Chelsea Hamilton (RhonniRose Mantilla) looked gorgeous, sculpted perfectly for her baby-pink, criss-crossed neckline and floor-length mermaid silhouette that hugged her hips and flared at the bottom.

The dress gave dramatic, cascading tiered ruffles running down the front and sides of the skirt to create volume and movement. She wore matching over-the-elbow gloves made from a sheer, softer pink fabric and a thick, coordinating headband.

Kat Richardson (Colby Natasha Nixon)

Kat Richardson’s (Colby Natasha Nixon) dress looked gorgeous and sophisticated, with a mix of hand-smocked texture at the neck and finely pleated lace, making it look expensive, unique and highly detailed. The high mock neckline and floor-length silhouette gave it a very regal and classy vibe.

The sheer band around the high waist beautifully broke up the lace and helped elongate her figure. The soft mint color, iridescent makeup and sheer elements created a light, romantic and ethereal aesthetic that perfectly balanced the modest neckline and exuded fairy-princess.

Naomi Hamilton-Hawthorne (Arielle Prepetit)

Naomi Hamilton-Hawthorne (Arielle Prepetit) looked royal in this structured mermaid fit. The peplum waist hugged her petite figure perfectly, creating a classic, queen-like look.

The rich, deep green fabric mixed with the gold floral embroidery glowed on her skin. Her hair and makeup complemented the look so well. Not many could pull off this rich, deep olive shade.

Hamilton-Hawthorne did it flawlessly, paired with the matching shawl that draped around her neck. This added a touch of grace and elegance to the ensemble.

Deanna McBride (Angela Fairley)

Deanna McBride (Angela Fairley) was serving sexy and fierce. Her outfit was a stunning, high-fashion look that perfectly balanced classic elegance with a bold, modern edge.

The black two-piece satin ensemble featured a high-neck, floral-embroidered bodice crop top and a voluminous, high-waisted, taffeta floor-length skirt with a thigh-high side slit. It was paired with long, sheer black opera gloves and minimalist black strap heels.

Adding the gloves was a brilliant choice. It brought a touch of classic Hollywood glamour, tying the whole look together.

June Hughes (Jasmine Burke)

June Hughes’ (Jasmine Burke) royal blue gown was an absolute showstopper. The all-over shimmer gave it a glamorous, red-carpet energy without looking too flashy, thanks to the classic silhouette.

The asymmetrical, off-the-shoulder neckline added a modern twist, drawing the eye upward to the face and collarbone. The side ruching was also a fantastic design choice, because it created a smooth, draped look across the midsection.

The mermaid flare at the bottom added the perfect amount of drama, giving the gown a very elegant, fluid movement. The rich royal blue was incredibly bold and looked gorgeous against Hughes’ skin tone.

Vernon Dupree (Clifton Davis)

Vernon Dupree’s (Clifton Davis) ensemble looked exceptionally sharp, timeless and perfectly tailored for a formal occasion. Very much like the patriarch of the Dupree family.

The rounded shawl collar was an excellent choice for a tuxedo. It looked softer and more elegant than sharp peak lapels, giving off a classic Hollywood vibe, like aged wine or cognac.

The contrast between the matte, textured fabric of the jacket and the shiny satin on the lapel added visual interest without looking flashy. The neat silver-and-black beard and clean hairstyle complemented the tuxedo’s crisp lines beautifully.

Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon)

Congressman Martin Richardson (Brandon Claybon) was giving bold and modern. The monochromatic styling—pairing a dark blue jacket with a black shirt and tie—looked sleek and very modern.

The oversized, sweeping shawl collar added a dramatic, high-fashion flair. The gold and pearl lapel pin was a great touch.

It broke up the dark colors and added a hint of luxury. This was a 10 out of 10 for black-tie dressing. It was sophisticated, age-appropriate and carried an air of quiet confidence and dignity.

Ted Richardson (Keith Robinson)

Dr. Ted Richardson’s (Keith Robinson) look took a timeless style and upgraded it with texture. From afar, it looked like a standard black tuxedo, but up close, the tiny jacquard dot pattern made it unique.

It kept the outfit from looking boring or flat. The large, oversized bow tie balanced the wide lapels perfectly. The crisp white shirt provided an excellent, high-contrast frame for Dr. Richardson’s face.

Andre Richardson (Sean Freeman)

Andre Richardson’s (Sean Freeman) bold, confident choice perfectly matched his reputation for risk-taking in regard to his style. This outfit was a showstopper, mixing the subtle pattern of the charcoal jacket with the deep black velvet lapel. It created an amazing contrast.

It looked rich and expensive. Wearing a black velvet bow tie that matched the lapel’s velvet was a genius move.

It tied the whole top half together amazingly. The jacket hugged the shoulders well, and the bow tie was perfectly sized, not too big and not too small.

The trousers appeared discreet. Andre Richardson looked so incredibly sophisticated and sharp, while still standing out.

Black Elegance on Top!

This cotillion event showcased some of the most stunning fashion pieces for the most stunning cast. Each look was art and curated to fit every single personality in the room.

Hair and makeup by the show’s hairstylist, Wankaya Hinkson, and makeup artist, Stephanie Martin, took each fashion statement over the top.

“Beyond the Gates” airs on CBS at 2 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.

May 30, 2026