Misty Copeland is the embodiment of grace and poise. And not just because of her out-of-this-world dance abilities that have blazed a trail in the world of ballet. This undeniable elegance also follows her wherever she goes—including last night’s Met Gala. With this year’s theme being Fashion Is Art, the artist and muse made the perfect guest. When it came to what excited her most about the evening? “Seeing the fashion,” of course, as she tells ESSENCE exclusively. “It feels like being completely immersed in a feast of art for the eyes. I love how everyone interprets the theme in their own way. It’s really inspiring.”
Her interpretation of the theme called for a brown Michael Kors dress. “It was a dream to work with Michael Kors and Karla Welch,” she says. “It felt light, fun, and really collaborative from start to finish. Everyone was aligned on the vision, which made the whole process feel easy and really enjoyable,” she adds. “There’s a romantic, Degas-inspired softness, juxtaposed with a cool, changemaker, barrier-breaking energy,” she says. “Black girl magic. It also connects to movement and lineage in a way that feels personal to me.”
Meanwhile, Effy Hematian High Jewelry pieces added a sophisticated touch. “I wanted something classic that wouldn’t overpower the look, just complement it in a really effortless way,” Copeland says. “These pieces feel timeless and let everything else breathe.”
When it came to the glam, Copeland tapped hair stylist Miles Jeffries and makeup artist Mali Boykin to create a look rooted in “natural beauty with a sense of elevation,” Copeland says.
Boykin also leaned into “the beauty of brown,” as she tells us. “Warmth, richness, luminosity,” she adds. “I wanted everything to feel intentional and beautifully considered without ever overpowering Misty herself,” Boykin says. “She already has such an incredible presence, so for me, it was about creating skin that felt radiant and alive, with depth and softness that still made a statement.”
Consider the mission accomplished, especially thanks to a little help from products like Merit’s Great Skin Instant Glow Serum. “It’s really about building skin in a way that still feels like her, just elevated,” she says of the beloved product. Additionally, Merit’s Flush Balm in Lusitanio was utilized “for a peachy flush to keep everything soft.”
On the hair front, Edgar Degas’ Tiny Dancer was what anchored Jeffries’ styling choice, “even before I saw the look,” he shares. With that sculpture being the inspiration, and Jeffries wanting to complement the Kors clean aesthetic, naturally, “a low ponytail with a little something extra was the right thing,” he says.
Jeffries reminds us that all great hairstyles begin with preparation. Specifically, in this case, he leaned heavily on Olaplex No. 3, 4, 5, 7 & 9. “It’s really important to know how each product works and allow them time to do their job! Slower is usually faster if you have a plan of action and strategy,” Jeffries notes.
In addition to the glam, the getting ready vibes are of equal importance. Copeland’s process was filled with “joy,” as Boykin puts it. “Great music,” think: Sade, “nonstop laughter, and really good energy. Misty’s playlist is so good, that alone sets the tone,” she says. In Copeland’s words, consistency is truly what keeps her grounded when getting ready for big events. “There’s always music, a relaxed energy, and fun conversation. I try not to feel rushed,” she shares. And leading up to it all, it’s all about “my family and my work,” Copeland adds. “They keep everything in perspective and remind me what really matters. That grounding allows me to fully enjoy moments like this and just be present in it.”
This energy speaks to who she is as a person. “She’s everything you would hope she’d be, kind, funny, grounded,” Boykin says. “We spend so much time laughing, talking about our boys, sharing real life, and that makes the glam process feel so natural. She’s such a dream to work with, not just because she’s stunning, but because of who she is.” Jeffries can relate. “As a former dancer myself, we have a language that adds a fun layer to our banter,” he shares. “There is an unspoken discipline that creates a ‘dance’ between us that serves a smooth flow ending in an exceptional result,” he adds. “She’s honest and considerate. Nothing beats that.”
Above all else, for Jeffries, “moments like these are really rewarding,” he says. “The result is beautiful when the intention is collaborating and being of service to the team’s collective goal.” On Boykins’ end, “the trust” is what keeps her going, she says. “When someone I admire sits in my chair and allows me that creative freedom, that means everything,” Boykin adds. “Getting to make women feel beautiful in moments that matter so deeply. I honestly will never get over that.”
Up next for Copeland? “Continuing to create more opportunities for young dancers,” she says. “Also stepping more into producing and storytelling, which has been really exciting for me.”
Until then, take a look at Copeland’s Met Gala getting ready process below.
