Taylor Russell at MET Gala 2024

Taylor Russell at MET Gala 2024

Outfit: bespoke Loewe by Jonathan Anderson
Makeup Artist: Celia Burton
Hairstylist: Joey George
Manicurist: Jin Soon Choi
Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Jewelry: Fred Leighton

There is nothing more worthwhile to me than to dig deep into the clothes that are worn at the MET Gala. I derive pure joy from the research and the attention to detail that every gown requests, which is something that calms my racing mind and my eyes.

That’s why I decided to write about my beloved, talented actress Taylor Russell attending the event for the first time in her life last year.

Let’s start with a premise: Russell said that she had always wanted to be a tree during an interview on the red carpet with Ashley Graham and Gwendoline Christie, in full adherence to the theme of the night.

According to the label, she donned a bespoke Loewe 3D molded bodice, crafted using a hydro-dipping technique originally developed for the Spring Summer 2023 women’s runway show. The printing created a trompe l’oeil effect mimicking wood marquetry. The bodice was contrasted with a silk crêpe marocain skirt that was slit to the thigh.

To accessorize it, she opted for a pair of Fred Leighton stud diamond earrings and Jimmy Choo ankle sandals with a square toe and another ring on her right ring finger.

Taylor‘s graphic makeup was really what caught my eye, because I’ve been wearing eyeliner since I was 13 years old and many people recognize me because of it. I go through different shapes, sizes and colors depending on my mood, so for me it’s so interesting to see how the sketching technique for these kinds of looks evolves.

The earthy one Russell showed off on the red carpet, was beauty melting into my eyes.

In an interview for British Vogue, the actress’ makeup artist Celia Burton described their collaborative creative process and inspirations: “A lot of the moodboard for the Met Gala was photos of Audrey Hepburn – especially for Taylor’s hair. Joey George [Taylor’s hairstylist] is a magician, especially at creating more technical up-dos like that.”

“We stayed in the realm of make-up looks we’ve worked with before, using a very feline, cat-eye shape in tonal wooden colours. We knew the dress was going to be quite ethereal with a wooden flower motif, so we wanted to align with that.”

Through the process, Taylor had a mirror in her hand while the MUA worked on her eyes, creating the shape together.

Here are the products Burton mentioned using:
– Haus Labs – cream brown paint
– Victoria Beckham Beauty – Satin Kajal Liner in brown to set the paint
– Pat McGrath Labs – Skin Fetish Concealer applied around the edges of the brown shape
– Dior Beauty – Brow Styler to create super fine hair strokes to fill any gaps in the brows and to draw freckles
– Fara Homidi Beauty – Smudge & Contour Lip Pencil in ‘Riche‘ to keep the look harmonious

From what I could gather from her hairstylist inspiration photos, Joey George drew inspiration from Audrey Hepburn‘s hairstyle in “War and Peace” (1956) in which she portrayed Natasha Rostova. Sadly I wasn’t able to find more details about the actress’ structured but effective hairdo, that was decorated with–what seemed to be–wooden flowers and leaves.

For her nails, Russell opted for glass-like burnt orange jelly nails and I am very delighted to report to you what the team of her manicurist Jin Soon Choi shared with its Instagram followers:

“In preparation for the Gala, Russell shared the pattern of her dress from Loewe, sparking a collaborative process to find the ideal nail design. Initially considering gold chrome nails, she ultimately sought a look that harmonized with the painted wooden corset of her attire. Our founder Jin Soon Choi presented several options, including a wood pattern, a foundation sponge-inspired design, a skin tone neutral, and transparent jelly nails, each available in glossy and matte finishes.⁠

Anticipating the perfect match, we predicted she would choose a glossy burnt orange look, aligning seamlessly with Russell‘s vision. And indeed, she selected this precise option, affirming that it was meant to be.⁠”

Here is a little tutorial on how you can achieve the same result at home (kind courtesy of the nail artist’s team):

1. Start by applying Aprés Gel-X Short Round Nails and cure them using an LED lamp
2. Coat the nails with Leafgel 520, ensuring even coverage.
3. Seal in the color with Madam Glam No-Wipe Top Coat for a glossy finish
4. Complete the look by applying another layer of Madam Glam No-Wipe Top Coat to enhance shine and longevity.

I think she was styled by Ryan Hastings but I am not sure, so I won’t put it in writing till I can confirm it.

To conclude, I’d like to say that I feel deep affection for Taylor Russell, who I think is an old soul with an incredible talent.

I digested every interview she has participated in and I’ve been in awe of her way of thinking (she literally made me watch “Bones and All“–which I have loved–and I’m not too keen on blood).

Her style choices and the roles she portrays are incredibly interesting to me, they give me the chance to learn and develop perspectives that I would have never imagined, and that’s why you should follow her career too, she’s just so precious and sweet.