Stylist: Jason Bolden assisted by John Mumblo
Outfit: custom Prada
Makeup Artist: Paul Blanch using Maybelline in collaboration with Sir John
Hairstylist and Colorist: Greg Gilmore
Manicurist: Mei Kawajiri
Shoes: Prada
Bag: Prada
Jewelry: Prada
How dreamy was Storm Reid‘s ensemble for the MET Gala 2021? For her first time attending the renowned event, she made a mark into the collective consciousness.
For the gala, the beautiful Storm donned an incredible custom Prada duchesse inlaid crop top and all-over black crystal embroidered shorts paired with a burgundy duchesse couture apron with candy pink marabou feathers.
The ensemble was accessorized with black satin pumps, an alabaster pink Prada Cleo brushed leather mini shoulder bag, black Prada Symbole earrings, and a combination of Swarovski crystal and resin rose’s necklaces from the Spring 2012 Ready-to-Wear collection.
Regarding her interpretation of the theme, the actress said in an interview for Extra: “I really wanted to connect with an American fashion icon and I channeled Miss Lola Falana. She is a queen, we all know that, but she wore a particular pink feathered dress that blew my mind when I saw it and I was like, we have to recreate it, and Prada did this whole thing and I am just so happy to be here.”
Lola Falana is an American singer, dancer, model and actress. By the late 1970s, Falana was considered the “Queen of Las Vegas“. She played to sold-out crowds at The Sands, The Riviera, and the MGM Grand Hotels. She was the highest paid female performer in Las Vegas. Her show ran twenty weeks a year and became a major tourist attraction.
In 1987, Falana had a severe relapse of multiple sclerosis. Her left side was paralyzed, she became partially blind, and her voice and hearing were impaired. Her recovery lasted a year and a half, during which she spent most of her time praying. She had another bout with multiple sclerosis in 1996. Falana‘s practice of religion and faith is now the center of her life.
Storm is a Maybelline brand ambassador, so it was pretty obvious that her makeup artist Paul Blanch used their products to get her ready, here are some of them:
– Maybelline – Colossal Curl Bounce mascara;
– Maybelline – FIT me! concealer (no shade specified);
– Maybelline – Super Stay – Full Coverage foundation, shade 310 ‘Sun Beige‘;
– Maybelline – Cheek Heat Gel-Cream blush in 20 ‘Rose Flush‘;
– Maybelline – Super Stay Ink Crayon (no shade specified);
– Maybelline – Lifter Gloss (no shade specified);
– Maybelline – Nudes Of New York Palette 01;
– Maybelline – Tattoo Studio 36Hr Long Wear Brow Pencil (no shade specified);
– Maybelline – Glass Skin Spray.
To offset the ultra-feminine look, Blanch also applied little pearls along her lids.
In an interview for Essence, the MUA revealed: “After Jason, her stylist, showed me the dress sketch I just thought that she looked like an ‘It Girl’. Still soft, feminine but a bit edgy too—so I just wanted to relay that into the makeup. Once I saw what was going to be locked in, then I rolled with this micro-pearl eyeliner in like graphic shape and then kept the skin really beautiful and glowy and youthful.”
Reid‘s short pixie cut was a creation of Greg Gilmore, who also colored her hair prior to the event. A true testament to the trust the actress put in him, and also a desire to change she had for some time. The hairstylist impeccably delivered, even though he was under the highest pressure due to the lack of time and the nature of the event per se.
Nail artist Mei Kawajiri created pink press on nails to match the dress for the Black beauty.
Here are several videos and behind-the-scenes excerpts proving the amount of preparation that an event such as the MET Gala can require.
