With its theme of “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” an explicit celebration of Black culture’s impact on fashion, it wasn’t lost on celebrated editorial hairstylist Naeemah LaFond that the 2025 Met Gala was different. She tells The Tease, “I think it’s incredibly powerful that Black style is the focus at the Met this year. Our culture has shaped so many trends that are celebrated globally, yet we’re often left out of the credit.” She adds, “So to see Black creativity and self-expression being honored in this way—it’s a beautiful and necessary moment.”
Working with Whitney Peak, a longtime Chanel ambassador, LaFond was faced with an immediate challenge: a hat.
LaFond explains, “once Whitney sent over her final outfit, I knew the hair couldn’t compete with the hat—it had to complement it. I started with references: Maasai warriors, modern-day Black men with intricate cornrows, and some of my own sketches. I also shared separate reference ideas for the back of the hair, since that would be the focal point. Whitney loved the direction and suggested we incorporate pearls. That idea sent me on a deep dive through craft stores, searching for pearls in all sizes to bring that detail to life.”
The result? Our favorite look of the night.
LaFond says, “Cornrows are the hair world’s version of tailoring. They require the same level of precision, stitching, pattern-making, and discipline as couture. Braiders are the tailors of hair artistry.” We couldn’t agree more. Read on to see how LaFond created the look, including the exact OLAPLEX products she used.
Get the Look:
- “I started by applying the OLAPLEX Scalp Serum to prep the scalp, then followed with No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner and No.7 Bonding Oil on damp hair before blow-drying.
- Once dry, I used No.10 Bonding Gel to create super clean, angled partings. Then I braided the hair using added braiding hair to create floor-length cornrows.
- The final touch was weaving in the pearl embellishments for added texture and contrast.”
If you are inspired to reinterpret this look for your clients, or want some version for yourself and search out someone to do it, be sure to tag @readthetease on Instagram or TikTok.
