When you’re an emerging name in the realm of fantasy and science-fiction writing and your first novel is being adapted into a series by award-winning premium network HBO, there are few things better than being invited to the Emmys.
That is, of course, unless your escort for the evening is none other than network darling and best-selling author George R.R. Martin, whose Game of Thrones once again nailed the Outstanding Drama Series award (its 47th Emmy) at this year’s ceremony—oh, and did we mention that Martin is executive producing your series, too?
This is exactly the dream writer Nnedi Okorafor was living on Monday night as she attended the Emmys alongside Martin, whom she says brought her with him for all of his red carpet interviews to promote the upcoming Who Fears Death, a post-apocalyptic coming-of-age story of a young North African woman, based on the Chibok, Nigeria schoolgirls who were kidnapped by terrorist group Boko Haram in 2014.
And Okorafor brought a little extra #blackgirlmagic along with her to the Emmys red carpet, wearing a gown designed by Therez Fleetwood and handpainted by V Kottavei Richmond, both black female artistans.
Obviously, we love seeing Okorafor’s rise—and love seeing black designers have a red carpet moment! Here’s hoping Who Fears Death is the next binge-worthy HBO hit!