Tessa Thompson has never been one to show up halfway. Whether she’s commanding a scene in Creed, bringing quiet depth to Sylvie’s Love, or making her Broadway debut in The Fear of 13, the actress brings a rare sense of purpose to everything she does and the Met Gala red carpet is no exception.
This year, Thompson arrived at fashion’s most celebrated night in a strapless Klein blue dress that felt less like a fashion choice and more like a statement. The richness of that particular shade rooted in the legacy of French artist Yves Klein, who made the color iconic in the art world was the anchor for every creative decision the team made that evening.
The hair look that turned heads
Trusted hairstylist Lacy Redway, who has worked with Thompson on some of her most memorable red carpet moments, brought a painterly approach to the look. Redway crafted a sculpted, wet curly style that felt simultaneously editorial and intimate, describing the process on Instagram as taking a few brush strokes to paint on hair for the night. It was the kind of look that rewards a second glance intricate in its detail but effortless in its effect.
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A makeup look built in layers
Complementing the hair was a sultry, textured makeup look created by artist Michael Anthony using an all Valentino product lineup down to the V Lighter primer used as the base. Anthony, known for his layered, almost painterly technique, built the look using products of varying opacities and placements to create something that evolves as the night goes on. The result was a luminous, skin first finish that felt ethereal without losing its warmth or humanity.
Thompson said the goal was for both the hair and makeup to echo the idea of paint dripping along the body a visual concept that tied every element of the look together in a way that felt considered and cohesive.
Getting ready as a celebration
For Thompson, the hours before a major red carpet appearance aren’t about nerves they’re about atmosphere. Her getting ready ritual leans into warmth and community, involving music, incense, room service, and easy conversation with her team. It’s a deliberately grounding practice, one she says helps her stay present enough to actually enjoy the room once she arrives.
She also described the carpet itself as an extension of the energy built in that getting ready space an opportunity to honor the craftspeople behind every stitch and brushstroke, from the dress to the skin.
What comes next for Thompson
Beyond the Met, Thompson has a full season ahead. She produced the film Is God Is, set for a wide theatrical release on May 15, and she continues her run on Broadway in The Fear of 13 which she noted she was actively writing from backstage during the press cycle for the Met.
Outside of fashion, Thompson remains busy with multiple major projects. The actress recently revealed excitement about her upcoming film Is God Is, which she also produced. The movie is scheduled to arrive in theaters on May 15 and marks another important step in her growing career behind the camera.
At the same time, Thompson continues her Broadway run in The Fear of 13. The actress shared that she spoke about her recent Met Gala experience while sitting inside her dressing room at the theater, balancing the worlds of fashion, film and live performance all at once.
As Thompson continues expanding her creative reach, her Met Gala appearance served as another reminder of the thoughtful artistry and collaboration that define her public image.
It’s the kind of creative overlap that feels very much in line with who Thompson is, always in the middle of something meaningful, always finding a way to bring others along for the ride.
