J Balvin at MET Gala 2022

Photographer: Gaby Deimeke

Stylist: Sita Abellán
Outfit: custom Ralph Lauren
Makeup Artist: Tatiana Nader
Barber: Christian Restrepo
Shoes: Ralph Lauren
Watch: Ralph Lauren
Pins: vintage Ralph Lauren
Jewelry: Maison Raksha

These days I’m leaning into deep research works, that’s why I chose to write about the MET Gala. Last year I was genuinely surprised by J Balvin attending it, wearing an unusual ensemble for his nature, so I decided to find out why.

For the event, Balvin donned a Ralph Lauren Purple Label handmade tailcoat tuxedo and wingtip-collar piqué bib poplin tuxedo shirt, white piqué bow tie and a white linen pocket square.

The outfit was also styled with a RL867 steel timepiece, Maison Raksha color-coordinated jewelry and a pair of black Ralph Lauren patent leather shoes.

I also would like to focus your attention on his Antique Starburst pin, Antique Cabochon Moonstone pin, Antique Watch Fob, vintage White Gold and Onyx Stud Set and Cufflinks, and black Cane.

The cane was part of some of the looks from the Ralph Lauren Fall 2012 Ready-to-Wear collection, a wise touch of class.

In an interview for The New York Times, Balvin explained how he challenged the idea of him wearing something over the top like he usually does, by wearing something that would make him look in a way he had never looked before, more serious and elegant. He welcomed the opportunity to show his versatility.

Of course he stayed true to himself with a new colorful green hairstyle that was more in his DNA.

Some little tidbits regarding his makeup were provided by MUA Tatiana Nader, I ‘stalked’ her profile and I was able to determine some of the products she used on José (his real name):

– Airbrush Temptu ‘Air‘ to evenly apply his foundation (no shade specified);
– Make Up For Ever – Ultra HD Concealer;
– Nars – Radiant Creamy Concealer (no shade specified), left to set for about a minute and then blended out with a wet sponge.

Funny thing: Christian Restrepo, his barber, had to help Nader with a telephone’s flashlight because it was dark in the hotel room and it would have surely messed up the final result (you can see him in the photos above).

Restrepo cut his air in a mosaic like motif, giving us all the Cubism vibes.

I find it interesting when artists try to find every way to channel their creativity and I liked the fact that his coif grounded his appearance at the event, almost implying: “I may be dressed in a different way but it doesn’t define me, it is always the same me”. More or less a parallel to his living in Medellín unlike his famous peers.

He always strives to go back to his roots and I think it’s beautiful since we can see how much fame can change someone’s behavior in the blink of an eye.

Can we also talk about the fact that Balvin usually collaborates with a Spanish stylist such as Sita Abellán? I think we should commend him for his commitment to work with Latinx and Hispanic professionals, in an effort to highlight their work and to put them on the map when needed.

Abellán has an eclectic style, I also happened to see her on the streets of Milan and she is exactly how you would imagine: a catalyst for attention, never afraid to live her life to the beat of her own drum.

They probably found common ground in their quest for creativity–and the result is remarkable.