The actress and her daughter turned heads at the animated film’s star-studded Los Angeles debut
Gabrielle Union delivered what might be one of 2025’s most memorable red carpet appearances, stepping out with her 7-year-old daughter Kaavia at the Los Angeles premiere of GOAT on Feb. 6. The duo didn’t just attend — they made a statement in perfectly coordinated Proenza Schouler ensembles that showcased their undeniable style chemistry.
A Mother-Daughter Fashion Triumph
The 53-year-old actress chose a short-sleeved, color-blocked Proenza Schouler mini dress featuring an abstract pattern that married bold design with contemporary elegance. Union’s version paired a vibrant orange bodice with a neutral-toned skirt, creating a striking contrast that captured photographers’ attention at AMC Century City 15.
Kaavia, whom Union shares with former NBA champion Dwyane Wade, wore the same designer piece in a different colorway. Her dress featured cooler tones — a sophisticated blend of blue and mint green that perfectly complemented her mother’s warmer palette. The thoughtful coordination demonstrated how twinning doesn’t require identical replication but rather harmonious variation.
Both completed their looks with black footwear, though each chose styles suited to their personalities. Union opted for chunky black sandals that added edge to her ensemble, while Kaavia kept things classic in timeless Mary Jane shoes.
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Wade Joins the Celebration
The retired basketball star, 44, appeared equally invested in the evening’s festivities. Wade arrived wearing a low-cut cardigan paired with gray trousers and teal sneakers, striking a balance between casual and event-appropriate. He didn’t just walk the carpet — he participated fully, posing for couple shots with Union while holding her hand, joining family portraits with their daughter, and even embracing the film’s theme by photographing alongside a live goat.
The animal appearance wasn’t random. GOAT centers on Will, a determined goat voiced by Stranger Things actor Caleb McLaughlin, who harbors dreams of professional roarball success. The animated feature unfolds in a universe where animals communicate and compete, delivering an underdog narrative designed to resonate across generations.
Star-Studded Voice Cast
Beyond Union and McLaughlin, GOAT assembles an impressive roster of vocal talent. Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry lends his voice alongside his wife, Ayesha Curry. The cast expands to include Nick Kroll, Nicola Coughlan, David Harbour, Jenifer Lewis, Patton Oswalt, Jennifer Hudson, Aaron Pierre, Jelly Roll, Andrew Santino, Bobby Lee, Sherry Cola and Eduardo Franco — a mix spanning comedy, drama, sports and music.
Kaavia’s Athletic Pursuits
During a Jan. 19 appearance at Dos Equis’ Sailgate event, Union shared insights into Kaavia’s current interests. The first-grader maintains an exceptionally active lifestyle that encompasses dance, horseback riding, tennis, golf and more, though gymnastics currently claims top priority.
Union described her daughter as particularly enthusiastic about dance and gymnastics while also expressing admiration for WNBA star Angel Reese and the KPop Demon Hunters. The proud mother detailed Kaavia’s expanding athletic repertoire, noting her daughter recently began learning jumping techniques in horseback riding.
Union even consulted Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles about Kaavia’s potential in the sport, particularly given predictions about her daughter’s eventual height. According to Union’s recollection of their conversation, Chiles offered encouraging perspective, suggesting that being taller could simply position Kaavia as the tallest competitor with natural advantages on apparatus like uneven bars. Union humorously pondered whether her daughter might continue gymnastics even if she reaches heights like six feet four inches, a question Chiles apparently addressed with optimism about Kaavia’s physical attributes potentially becoming strengths rather than limitations.
Blended Family Dynamics
Wade’s family extends beyond Kaavia. He shares Zaire and Zaya with ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches, a son named Xavier with Aja Metoyer, and serves as legal guardian to his nephew, Dahveon Morris. Both Wade and Union have spoken candidly about navigating blended family life.
In 2017, a year before Kaavia’s arrival, Union acknowledged a profound shift in her perspective on parenthood. She admitted that children weren’t part of her original life plan, but becoming a stepmother transformed her outlook entirely. Union expressed that after taking on that role, she discovered an unexpected preference for spending time with Wade’s children above other pursuits.
GOAT arrives in theaters nationwide Feb. 13, offering families an animated adventure that Union clearly embraces both professionally and personally, as evidenced by her premiere appearance with Kaavia.
Source: People
