Golden Hour: Rachel Hilson Shines in Rabanne for Duster Premiere

Photo of Rachel Hilson wearing a Rabanne dress comprised of gold and silver metallic discs.

Rachel Hilson is officially stepping into her leading lady era in this month's new Max crime drama Duster. The actress, who you may recognize from beloved roles in Love, Victor and Red White & Royal Blue, shines in the slick series as Nina Hayes, the FBI's first Black woman agent who in 1972 heads to the Southwest and recruits a hotshot getaway driver (Josh Holloway) to help lead the takedown of a growing crime syndicate. Hilson is a force to be reckoned with as the tough-as-nails and tenacious rookie in the action-packed show from J.J. Abrams, out May 15. And did we mention she serves major '70s fashion moments too? Come for the bold, tailored suiting and stay for the thrills.

For the Duster premiere in LA last week, Hilson pulled up in style, arriving on the red carpet alongside Holloway in the show's hero vehicle, a Plymouth Duster 340, wearing a sharp Rabanne mini dress and Sterling Forever jewelry. The artfully crafted look, made of gold and silver metallic discs creating a chainmail effect, felt of the show's '70s era while creating a wow moment for the occasion. With temperature rising, Hilson is a shining example of how to do red carpet dressing for summer.

In an exclusive photo diary for Who What Wear, Hilson documented her getting ready process, from finding the perfect Twiggy-inspired lashes to a proud moment with her parents. Keep reading for all the glamorous details.

Photo of actress Rachel Hilson getting ready for the Duster premiere in LA. She is looking at herself in a makeup mirror.

"Trusting the process."

Photo of Rachel Hilson winking in the mirror of an eyeshadow palette case.

"This was probably after we’d finally figured out the lash level. There was a lot of discussion around them—what was too little, too much. How many bottom lashes? Level of clump? Ya know, the important questions."

Photo of Rachel Hilson in her Rabanne dress made of gold and silver metal discs before the Duster LA premiere.

"Just after I’d changed into THE DRESS! This was the last dress I tried on with my stylist Britt McCamey. It was a no-brainer. Had all the elements we were after: some wow, some retro, some fun. Felt like I was wearing a suit of armor too, which I thought was appropriate homage to the badass character I play in Duster, Agent Nina Hayes. I absolutely loved wearing it. Even if it was a little tricky sitting down tehe."

Rachel Hilson gets final glam touchups before heading to the Duster premiere.

"The response I’ve received to this photo: “scary.” Idk, I think it’s fun. My gorgeous glam team trying their darndest to make me look my best."

Side portrait of Rachel Hilson before the Duster LA premiere wearing a sleeveless Rabanne dress made of gold and silver metal discs.

"Golden hour! Love the way this dress reflects light. You just don’t know what you were gonna get photo to photo. Loved getting these photos back for that reason."

Black and white photo of Rachel Hilson moving in her Rabanne dress comprised of geometric metal discs.

"Paco Rabanne. That’s all."

Rachel Hilson poses for the camera in her complete premiere look for her show Duster.

"A little over the shoulder moment. We finished in time to catch some good light. Not too bright, not too dark. Golden hour one might say?"

Black and white photo of Rachel Hilson making a kiss face to the camera.

"All of my makeup reference photos were Diana Ross. Queen of big piece-y bottom and top lashes and white eyeliner on the water line."

Photo of Rachel Hilson posing against her hotel room wall wearing a Rabanne dress made of gold and silver metal discs.

"This photo alone is the reason we went for it with the lashes. Ha. Twiggy vibes?"

Rachel Hilson poses with her parents in the hotel lobby before heading out to the Duster premiere.

"My beautiful parents. I asked my dad what he was gonna wear. He said, “my suit.” The most dad answer."

Photo of Rachel Hilson walking through her hotel lobby on her way to the Duster premiere. She is wearing a Rabanne dress made of metal discs.

"Love this shot. This was my mom’s face the majority of the day. She’s such a mom. So proud. This acting journey has been a ride for us both. It’s a cool thing when we can share in some success."