Here's How Amandla Stenberg and Barbie Ferreira Got Ready for the 2021 Met Gala
MUA Kali Kennedy gives us the lowdown on the actors’ vintage-inspired glam.
In charge of Amandla Stenberg and Barbie Ferreira‘s 2021 Met Gala looks, makeup artist Kali Kennedy took inspiration from vintage glamour for both the actors’ appearances using products from Byredo.
Sticking to the event’s theme, “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” Kennedy gave Stenberg dramatic lashes that reference ’80s New York ballroom culture. Not a stranger to the Met, the young star donned an ensemble by Thom Browne featuring a white corset styled with a button-down shirt and black bottoms. A pair of suspenders, long coat with ruffled piping and platform shoes completed her look.
Attending her first Met Gala, Ferreira channeled the roaring ’20s and old Hollywood burlesque glamour with her cool-toned eye and middle part hairstyle. The Euphoria star stunned in a pearl-encrusted, off-the-shoulder gown designed by Jonathan Simkhai.
Here, Kennedy gives HYPEBAE detailed explanations of Stenberg and Ferreira’s makeup looks, and the products she used on the talents.
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What were Amandla and Barbie’s makeup inspired by? How long did it take for you to conceptualize their looks?
Barbie’s look was inspired by the roaring ’20s and Amandla’s look was inspired by ’80s New York ballroom culture. Their final looks were a process of text message chains involving photo references and lots of brainstorming. I’d say the whole process went on for about two weeks.
Can you walk us through the products you used on Amandla and Barbie?
For Barbie’s look, we really focused on a cool tone eye using the Byredo Colour Stick in “Purple Stinger” with “Electric Love” eyeshadow packed on top from the Byredo Sciomancer Palette.
Amandla wanted a more graphic eye and chunky lash moment. We really took it there by clumping layers of Byredo’s Tears in Rain Mascara on drag lashes with a crispy graphic liner using Byredo’s eyeliner in “Technical Black.”
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images For The Met Museum/Vogue
How did you interpret this year’s theme?
To me, this year’s theme was meant to be an interpretation of different underground movements in America — truly celebrating the underground.
What elements from “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion” were you able to incorporate in each star’s looks?
Amandla nailed her look with the drama and the lashes. The liner really tied the ’80s ballroom look together. With Barbie, I think we executed a soft and romantic eye to help her truly step out into that ’20s era.
How did their makeup complement their outfits?
Their makeup complements their outfits by bringing the camp of each era out.
