Imagine the flurry of excitement and anticipation that filled the air as Yara Shahidi and her crew prepared for her grand entrance at the 2023 Met Gala. The stage was set to celebrate The Costume Institute’s exhibit, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” and Yara’s team was on a mission to ensure she shone brilliantly in Cartier, like the star that she is. This riveting story first appeared in Elle magazine, and now we’re giving you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how it all unfolded.
Yara’s fourth appearance at the Met Gala was shaping up to be a night to remember. Settling into her home away from home at the Carlyle Hotel, she was eager to collaborate with her Cartier family to select exquisite pieces of jewelry to complement her outfit, feeling like she was wearing art while surrounded by it.
Taking cues from ’90s supermodels like Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Yasmeen Ghauri, Yara and her makeup artist, Nikki Wolff, opted for a classic smoked-out eyeliner, dewy skin, and brown lip—using Dior Beauty products, naturally. To further evoke the spirit of the ’90s, Nikki concealed Yara’s natural brows, creating a thinner, arched brow with a pencil.
Working hand in hand with her hairstylist, Sherri Ann Cole, they crafted a custom, modern hairstyle that paid tribute to the early ’90s, with voluminous curls for an effortlessly tousled texture.
Yara’s stylist, Jason Bolden, and legendary designer Jean-Paul Gaultier were in on the action too. They collaborated to bring Yara’s vision of paying homage to Karl Lagerfeld’s iconic 1993 corsets to life. Drawing inspiration from Lagerfeld’s spring 1993 couture collection, they created a custom skirt and combined it with a JPG corset from spring/summer 2008. The collaboration marked the first time JPG had ever fused the archive with custom, making it an even more memorable experience.
The pièce de résistance? The dazzling Cartier jewelry completed Yara’s look. She wore Reflection de Cartier earrings, an exquisite necklace from the Résonances de Cartier High Jewelry collection, a Panthère de Cartier ring with emeralds, onyx, and diamonds, and a small Trinity de Cartier ring. These sparkling treasures were the perfect finishing touches to Yara’s ensemble.
Feeling inspired and ready to showcase her creativity, Yara took a moment to appreciate the significance of the Met Gala before heading to Bemelmans Bar for a mocktail and photos, ultimately making her way to the red carpet.
As we take you on this journey of Yara Shahidi’s dazzling appearance at the 2023 Met Gala, it’s essential to highlight the intricate details that made this event so special. From the planning stages to the collaboration of her talented team, every aspect of Yara’s ensemble is a testament to the passion and dedication that goes into creating unforgettable fashion moments.
Months before the event, Yara and her team began conceptualizing her Met Gala look. This labor of love involved numerous brainstorming sessions, fittings, and constant communication between her stylist, makeup artist, hairstylist, and designer, Jean-Paul Gaultier. Their goal was to create an outfit that not only paid tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld but also reflected Yara’s own personal style. The result was a stunning blend of homage and individuality that would turn heads on the red carpet.
The custom skirt, crafted by Gaultier, exemplified the collaborative spirit of fashion. Yara’s team worked tirelessly to marry the past and present, producing a one-of-a-kind piece that honored Lagerfeld’s iconic legacy. This fusion of archive and custom design was a first for Gaultier, making Yara’s Met Gala ensemble all the more extraordinary.
Throughout the entire process, the excitement and anticipation leading up to the Met Gala were palpable. Yara and her crew shared their thoughts, emotions, and behind-the-scenes glimpses on social media, inviting fans to be part of the experience. This candid look into the world of high fashion added an extra layer of connection between Yara and her followers, giving them a unique perspective on the work that goes into creating a show-stopping outfit.
Most importantly, Yara’s Met Gala look served as a powerful reminder of the crucial role that teamwork plays in the world of fashion. From her stylist, Jason Bolden, to her makeup artist, Nikki Wolff, and hairstylist, Sherri Ann Cole, every member of her crew contributed their expertise to bring her vision to life. This collaborative effort showcased the beauty and importance of working together to achieve greatness, both on the red carpet and beyond.
Yara Shahidi’s dazzling appearance at the 2023 Met Gala was not only a celebration of fashion and creativity but also a testament to the power of collaboration. The intricate details, passion, and dedication of her talented team transformed Yara into a true icon, ensuring that her ensemble will be remembered for years to come.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 01: Yara Shahidi attends 2023 Met Gala Celebrating “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 01, 2023, in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)
We can’t forget to give credit where credit is due—Elle magazine was the first to share this captivating tale, and we’re thrilled to reveal the exciting details that unfolded behind the scenes.
