Behind every show-stopping Met Gala look are legendary hair and make-up artists that help to bring the vision alive. Next to the jaw-dropping fashion looks, A-list celebrities and fashionistas pull out all the proverbial beauty stops when it comes to seeing a concept through. Yet ahead of the big day, half the fun is anticipating the creativity on show. And with that, Vogue Singapore hears from celebrity make-up artists on their Met Gala 2023 beauty predictions to look out for.
From Lily Collin‘s winged-eye ode to the ’60s at the Camp-themed 2019 Met Gala to Kaia Gerber‘s long Venus-esque locks at last year’s gala, glam teams have the power to make or break looks. Just ask repeat best-dressed hall of famer, Rihanna, whose make-up artist, Hector Espinal, opts for pampering the skin before laying down directional beauty looks.
The 2023 Met Gala theme, Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty, is set to honour the life and genius of the former Chanel creative director. Will fashion’s biggest night out see a sea of pony tails? Or perhaps the ever classic black and white hues that the late designer was always so fond of? If you’re the betting kind, here are the top Met Gala 2023 beauty predictions to look out for, according to leading make-up experts.
Gilbert Soliz, hair and make-up artist for Kim Petras
“This year I will be working with Kim Petras. This is our second Met Gala together,” Gilbert Soliz, represented by Forward Artists, shares with Vogue Singapore.
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“I anticipate seeing looks inspired by many of the houses Karl Lagerfeld designed for from Chloe, Valentino and most notably Chanel. Karl had a love for black and white, so my thoughts immediately go to looks that contrast in tone of course with impeccable design.
Soliz’s inspirations for Petras’ look this year? “Marc Jacobs is a creative genius. Both Kim and Marc decided that the glam should complement the dress while still paying homage to Karl. We decided to work with a simplistic yet striking approach so that the look still defines and sculpts the face while showcasing the amazing dress.”
Soliz’s Met Gala beauty essential: “Lighting! The Makeup Light is my go-to lighting source when traveling and I can always count on it to be a great tool when working special events.”
Sabrina Bedrani, make-up artist for Daisy Edgar Jones
Bedrani is no stranger to red carpet make-up, being responsible for creating the beauty looks of Hollywood A-listers, Michelle Yeoh and Gal Gadot.
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“This year’s theme for the Met Gala being “Karl Lagerfeld, A Line of Beauty”, I’m expecting to see fresh, chic, timeless beauty,” says the make-up artist and Dior make-up ambassador. “There will be of course some that always love to push the envelope but for the most part I believe this year statement will be no statement. Maybe a classic cat eye or graphic liner but definitely skin like looks like skin, radiant, youthful, with a barely there kind of blush.”
To slay the red carpet, Bedrani reaches for Dior Prestige La Crème & Prestige Micro Huile de Rose, Dior Forever Skin Veil Primer, Forever Foundation and Forever Skin Correct Concealer and Rouge Dior Lipstick.
Kenneth Chia, make-up artist
“Lagerfeld has always balanced reinvention with a respect for classics: Bold lines, clean silhouettes and a love for embellishment,” says Singaporean make-up artist, Kenneth Chia who has worked with the likes of Mae Tan, Irene Kim, Epik High, Sorn, and Thai actress, Thanaerng.
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“We’ll likely see fresh, delicate skin, paired with either iconic eyes or red lips—the devil will be in the details. Also, I’m calling it now: lots of obvious references to Karl himself.”
Chia lists M.A.C. Cosmetics’ Prep + Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base as his red carpet glam essential.
