Black Hair Reimagined featured the work of Vernon François, Sir John, Cyndia Harvey, and more.
With this year’s Costume Institute exhibit Superfine: Tailoring Black Style being a celebration of Black fashion and culture, the lead up to the Met Gala has been equally as festive. One such event? Friday night’s Black Hair Reimaged: The New Era of Beauty. Created by Jawara Wuchope and Jarrod Lacks of Echelon Noir Production and hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross, it was an evening dedicated to the artists who have shaped and inspired a generation of black hairstyles. Exuberant and flamboyant, the showcase was reminiscent of and honoring the Bronner Brothers hair shows which first took place in 1947 and were put on to inspire and educate.
Featuring a creative team full of heavy hitters, the night drew the likes of hairstylists Jawara Wauchope, Yusef Williams, Vernon François, Cyndia Harvey, and Malcolm Marquez to craft fantastical hair designs. As for the fashion, stylists including Carlos Nazario, Gabriella Karefa Johnson, Patti Wilson, and Jan-Michael Quammie crafted looks to complement the creations. And to round it out makeup artists Sheika Daley and Sir John along with manicurist Dawn Sterling finished off every model. Speaking of the models, among the 25 who walked included Anok Yai, Alton Mason, Jordan Daniels, and Julez Smith.
Photos courtesy of BFA / Madison Voelkel.
The evening began with Williams’ section, Nostalgic Heat, which was inspired by his upbringing in Miami and featured a soundtrack of ‘80s club music. Next was François’ work, Freedom Is Priceless, which was a reflection on the cultural norms imposed on Black hair and a reclamation of beauty standards. The third, Flowers Only Bloom at Night, sees Marquez creating a love letter to Arizona, where he grew up as well as being a bigger statement on resiliency and joy. Neptune Noir, by Harvey imagined otherworldly beings with sculptural designs that utilized extensions and textures to defy gravity. And finally from Wauchope came Nocturnal Opulence, which treats Black hair as couture level works of art.
Black Hair Reimaged: The New Era of Beauty was a manifestation of the brightest talents of the industry showcasing their creativity and vision. It’s no surprise that some of the biggest stars and collaborators of the artist, such as Solange, Justine Skye, Raul Lopez and Kelsey Lu, came to support. WIth so much talent in town, expect to see more Black hair brilliance on the Met Gala red carpet tonight.
