Inside Ella Mai’s Glam Session for the Grammys
Ella Mai caused heads to swivel with her lady in red look at last night’s 2020 Grammy Awards. “I was really excited about this dress!” says the British singer of the custom Emporio Armani gown that helped her earn a spot on Vogue’s Best Dressed list. “Collaborating with Armani to create such a beautiful piece is a dream come true.” Working closely with her stylist Dianne Garcia, Mai envisioned a gown with a scoop neckline and sculptural silhouette. "Every single detail was customized by Armani at their atelier in Milan, then flown to Los Angeles to fit Ella," explains Garcia. "With its corseted bodice, accentuated by a satin belt, and fluting along the legs, it s a timeless dress."
Ahead of the ceremony, Mai and makeup artist Emily Cheng felt inspired by the crimson shade of Mai’s gown and decided a striking scarlet smoky eye—achieved with washes of Shiseido Kajal InkArtist Shadow Liner in Azuki Red and Rose Pagoda, and flicks of jet-black MicroLiner Ink—was only fitting. Paired with natural full lashes, a dusty rose lip, and Mai s natural glow, the Best R&B album nominee exuded glamour with her monochromatic color statement.
The finishing touch was her super sleek updo, which was coiffed to perfection by hairstylist Kahh Spence, who added a duo of face-framing tendrils, misted with OGX Dry Texture Finishing Spray for an air of elegant ease. Here, the star provides a behind-the-scenes look at her glam session, from an energetic jumping-on-the-bed session to stepping onto the red carpet.
Photo: Courtesy of Isha Shah1/9“Here’s the final sketch that we worked from! It’s amazing to see exactly what I envisioned come to life.”
Photo: Courtesy of Isha Shah2/9“This was the calm before the storm. My team is prepping for the day and I am enjoying this really bouncy bed.”
Photo: Courtesy of Isha Shah3/9“My glam squad is amazing! So many people make this all come together.”
Photo: Courtesy of Isha Shah4/9“Working with Armani tailors was such an enjoyable experience. Here they are making sure I am perfectly secured into the dress.”
Photo: Courtesy of Isha Shah5/9"My Stylist, Dianne Garcia, putting on the Harry Kotlar earrings we selected."
