Monday night, tv personality, style expert and fashion FairygodMuva Bevy Smith ascended the steps of the Metropolitan Museum for Vogue’s 2019 Met Gala, themed ‘Camp: Notes on Fashion’.Not only would she make fashion history in a design by fellow Harlemite, Dapper Dan, but Smith would also bless a crew of burgeoning Black creatives with some major shine on the pink carpet.
“‘Camp’ is hair shows, black gay ballroom scenes, B.A.P.S., LaBelle and Zoot Suits.”
One of several influencers decked out in custom looks by Dapper Dan for Gucci (alongside 21 Savage, Omari Hardwick, Regina Hall and Bethann Hardison), Smith was adamant about sharing the love with lesser known creators of color as well.
“It’s an all Black everything style moment,” she explained. “Many of our talents don’t get these opportunities.” The Bevelations host paired Dap’s dramatic cape with a metallic gown from Project Runway alum Kimberly Goldson; the Brooklynite made headlines last year with her best-selling Nike x Lebron James HFR sneaker. A crystal crown by milliner Anthony Maxwell and Tiannia Barnes’ jeweled platforms completed the look.
Hairstylist Shelli Mosley sculpted Smith’s 5-textured, braided updo. “Being from Harlem, Dapper Dan and Bevy are icons to me. The fact that I’m a part of their story is huge,” she added. Mimi Kamara created bedazzled brows with rhinestone trim–the perfect complement to her jewel-encrusted stiletto tips by The Nail Bar’s Janet Deschamps.
Goldson’s lamé gown with feather cap sleeves and matching pouch was made with fabric from Dapper’s atelier. “Designers are usually very territorial, but he was all about celebrating this night with Black women,” Bevy explained.
“[Dap] was all about celebrating this night with Black women.”
For Bevy, bringing the theme of ‘camp’ to life meant channeling The Wiz and one of her style icons, Mae West.” The Black ‘camp’ experience is uniquely special for [Black folks], Bevy added. “We have a different take on the concept–it’s hair shows, Black gay ballroom scenes, B.A.P.S., LaBelle, Zoot Suits and Pearl Bailey in Hello Dolly.” I wanted to make sure that I delivered the theme in my own way.”
Take a look at our exclusive video above and check out the gallery below for more behind-the-scenes pics.
Photography by JD Barnes.