Met Gala Makeup Trends with Celebrity Artist Vincent Oquendo

Met Gala 2024: Black Tie Style Theme

• The 2024 Met Gala theme is "Super Fine Tailoring Black Tie Style," exploring the history of black style and dandism.
• This theme evokes crisp suits and a hip-hop energy, representing a pinnacle of style for many.

Makeup Approach and Inspiration

• Celebrity makeup artist Vincent Oquendo, on his 12th Met Gala, emphasizes collaboration with talent to create a high-energy, low-nerves experience.
• Oquendo creates mood boards a month in advance, drawing inspiration from the Victorian era, Josephine Baker, and the Harlem Renaissance.
• He aims to blend masculine and feminine energies in his makeup looks, tapping into multiple references for each client.

Challenging Beauty Standards

• Expect to see more gender-fluid looks that challenge traditional beauty standards of what is considered masculine or feminine.
• The trend of the "no-makeup look," seen recently with celebrities like Pamela Anderson and Alicia Keys, is highlighted as an exciting direction.

Celebrating Black Designers

• Oquendo expresses excitement for designers like Olivier Rousteing and his friend Christian Siriano, who has been showcasing men on the runway.
• He specifically praises Siriano's look on Billy Porter, combining a tux and ball gown, as an example of bold fashion.

"Backseat Beauties" YouTube Series

• Oquendo discusses his YouTube series, "Backseat Beauties," which offers makeup instruction on the go.
• The series provides a candid look into his clients' lives, exploring their passions and beauty philosophies in an honest, intimate setting.