The Story Behind Lupita Nyong’o’s Denim-Inspired Met Gala 2021 Beauty Look
Given that the springboard for Lupita Nyong’o’s 2021 Met Gala beauty was a Versace dress defined by a confluence of beaded detailing and denim panels, an above-neck approach equal parts pretty and irreverent seems a natural match. Fortunately, longtime conspirators Vernon François (hair) and Nick Barose (makeup) were more than up to the task, each ensuring that, in this case, an “American” moment meant a supremely creative one.
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“Brooklyn-born conceptual artist Lorna Simpson inspired the look,” said François of Nyong’o’s molded mane, its transparent folds designed to echo the delicacy of tulle. “[Simpson’s] take on texture is powerful, and I wanted to imitate the effortless wave and movement that she conveys in her work.”
François relied on hairpieces, ample pins, and a spritz of Redken’s Triple Pure 32 for maximum hold, along with an ardent communication of contrast, artistic freedom, and history. “Lupita is incredibly visionary and adventurous, not only does she have the most versatile kinky, coily, hair but the ability to wear and show the beauty of all hair textures,” he says. “I’ve always wanted to bring this technique to life within the Afro hair experience, and doing it for the Met Gala is mind-blowing.”
Looking forward to a day a Kenyan Designer work will be showcased at #MetGala we will be happy to see Lupita Nyong'o wearing Kenyan designer dress or gown at the event.
Lets challenge ourselves & place a mark on global fashion scene as designer from Kenya
👗@Versace#MetGala2021 pic.twitter.com/0AUr8rhtyN— Nairobi fashion hub (@FashionNairobi) September 14, 2021
And while the striking hair may have matched the sculptural nature of the actor’s Versace dress, Barose’s makeup took its cues from its blue hue. The makeup artist used ten different shades of blue shadows pulled from two separate Lancôme Hypnôse 5-Color Eyeshadow Palettes, Bleu Hypnotique, and the soon-to-release Drama Denim with bright accents here and there for even more dimension. A rim of black eyeliner and brickish lipstick completed the look. The trick is the ’90s one, in step with Barose’s overarching inspiration.
#MetGala2021 The makeup artist used ten different shades of blue shadows pulled from two separate Lancôme Hypnôse 5-Color Eyeshadow Palettes, Bleu Hypnotique and the soon-to-release
And, of course, we can't forget all those diamonds.
Model: @Lupita_Nyongo #MetGala #MetNgara pic.twitter.com/FMSEhVYuSR— Nairobi fashion hub (@FashionNairobi) September 14, 2021
“We’ve been exchanging images of the denim dress, which is kind of my heyday,” explained Barose. “I was so inspired by the supermodels of the ’90s and Versace, so it’s something that’s second nature to me. But we didn’t want to do anything too on the nose. It’s a different spin.” The makeup artist also cites Old Hollywood and Western films as references, the shared characteristic of all genres that of a femme fatale a woman who is strong, powerful, glamorous, and fierce. “Mostly fierce,” said Barose. “That word is thrown around a lot, but a Versace moment is always fierce.”
Content courtesy of Vogue Magazine & Nairobi fashion hub
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