Stylist: Law Roach
Outfit: custom Vera Wang by Vera Wang
Makeup Artist: Ash K Holm
Hairstylist: Alyx Liu assisted by Chantel Gonsalves
Manicurist: Natalie Minerva
Headpiece: Vera Wang
Clutch: Judith Leiber
Digital Textile Print: Dyenamix Inc. NYC
Jewelry: Butani
Today’s article has been on my to-do list for a very long time, and since I have a feeling that this year Ariana Grande could attend the MET Gala, I decided it was the perfect time to bring back the spectacular gown she wore in 2018.
Keep in mind that this was the only time she was a guest and that the theme of the year was “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination“.
According to the brand’s Instagram, Grande donned “a custom Vera Wang strapless ball gown with classic corset construction, featuring hand draped printed silk organza depicting Michelangelo‘s “The Last Judgement” fresco found on the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel, and a hand draped horsehair headpiece based on a modern interpretation of catholic iconography”.
In a video interview for Entertainment Tonight, Wang said that Ariana wanted a reference to religion but without being too literal, while the singer on the red carpet expressed her happiness in bringing to the ground something that is known to be painted on a ceiling.
She also accessorized her look with a white Judith Leiber crystal slide-lock clutch bag and Butani 8-carat stud diamond earrings.
In an interview for WWD, Grande‘s stylist at the time, Law Roach, gave us a clearer picture of what he had in mind for her: “It was just all about romance with her. There is a bit of drama there, there is a silhouette that we are used to seeing her in but, of course, more elevated and more appropriate for the event.”
“Vera to me, is the epitome of femininity and softness, especially with the wedding gowns. Vera knows a woman’s body, Vera knows how to exaggerate a waistline. […] I knew it would be a great match and that they have the capacity to do exactly what Ari and I wanted”.
The intention was clearly to make the entertainer look like art, and well, they did it.
The makeup was courtesy of Ash K Holm, one of Ariana‘s longtime collaborators. The pro opted for Grande‘s signature black thick eyeliner flick, intensified with long false lashes and abundant mascara on the lower lash line.
Ash also applied a glittery silver/blue-ish eyeshadow on the inner corner of the eyes to make them seem bigger, plus a nude gloss to keep things light and ethereal.
The singer’s hairstyle consisted in a very long blonde ponytail, kept together by Alyx Liu with a horsehair headpiece always from Vera Wang. The style mirrored the entertainer’s infamous updo, probably to make her feel at ease since it was the first time for her and the pressure must have been high at that time.
I would also like you to pay close attention to Ariana‘s “Sistine Chapel” nails, executed by Natalie Minerva.
They definitely were the icing on the cake, matching the dress and decorated with gold baroque-like embellishments.
The musician was very grateful to attend and to see her, a person of such caliber, stick to the theme was very much appreciated by her fans and the public at large–her gown is one of the most beloved in MET Gala history.
As we all know, working with Law Roach equals working with a storyteller, the story here was one of grace, beauty and softness, all qualities that are often associated with her music too.
The look was genuine and personal, and to see her walking on the red carpet very proud of telling reporters that a specific vision came to life was a breath of fresh air because sometimes attendees seem even bothered to be asked because they just get dressed and go out the door.
I am eager to see what she has in store for us the next time she’s going to attend, hopefully this year–if not, we’ll just wait.
@glamouruk Alexa, play 'God is a woman' 😍😍😍 Happy 30th birthday #ArianaGrande! #arianagrandeedits #arianagrandeedit #metgala #metgala2018 ♬ som original – gigi ४
