Models

Why Joan Smalls Went with Simple Makeup at the Met Gala

We hung out with the model and makeup artist Patrick Ta before the big night.

Why Joan Smalls Went with Simple Makeup at the Met Gala

It’s hard not to picture chaos when thinking about getting ready for the Met Gala: hairstylists placing strands just so, makeup artists adding their final touches, stylists fussing over the dress...all at the same time. But the vibe in Joan Smalls’ hotel room was eerily calm. As the model transformed into a bronzed goddess, courtesy of makeup artist Patrick Ta and Esteé Lauder, there was laughter and friendly hellos as someone new entered the room—not panic and pained, stressed-out faces. For most of our conversation, Joan decided to lounge on her hotel bed clad in jeans and a cozy-looking white robe—before, of course, changing into her sexy red Topshop dress, complete with silver chains and a thigh-high slit, and her Anita Ko jewelry.

Even those final moments before heading out the door, which included a bit of quick sewing by stylist Jeff Kim, were more of a rush of *excitement* rather than a rush to beat the clock. See what made Joan so pumped for the night as well as every little detail from her stunning Met Gala look.


23 / 28
A question Joan would love to ask people on the Met Gala red carpet:
“If they trip on the stairs, what would they do? Because there’s a lot of stairs at the Met, what their reaction would be. What’s their recovery? Do you roll down the steps? Do you pose when you’re at the floor? Are you going to make it a moment?” —JS

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