What do you get when you put hundreds of well-dressed black folk, a great DJ, an open bar, and boundless black excellence into a trendy event space in New York City ? Well, if you’re me, you likely get a weeklong hangover, but you also get The Root 100 gala, our annual celebration of the year’s 100 most influential black doers, makers, movers and shakers under 45 years old.
Last Thursday, we held our annual gala at Pier 59's Current in Manhattan, with a theme that was equal parts Harlem Renaissance and Wakanda, courtesy of Gizmodo Media Group’s “minister of culture,” Victor Jeffreys II. And because we love a theme, The Root staff showed up and showed out in our finest, channeling the best both black meccas had to offer, and doing our editor-in-chief Danielle Belton proud as she co-hosted the festivities with VSB senior editor Panama Jackson.
Since fashion and beauty are two of our main focuses here at The Glow Up, we of course had to interview our staff on how they got their glow up going for the big event. So, now that we’ve all recuperated, enjoy reading how some of your faves at the site got their most fashionable faces on—it’s almost like being there! (Okay, not quite, but enjoy, anyway.)
Danielle Belton, Editor-in-Chief & The Root 100 Co-Host
In one word, describe your look for the 2018 Root 100 gala: Posh.
What was your inspiration this year? I think I was going for “Audrey Hepburn meets an Egyptian princess.” Not quite sure if that happened, but I tried!
When and how did you start preparing? I start looking for my Root 100 dress in August. I went through four or five different dresses before finally settling on this one.
What did you end up wearing? I was wearing a blue, high-low skirted ballgown by Adrianna Papell with a caged golden low heel by God only knows who—just some shoes from China I ordered off Amazon.
What was your favorite part of your look? My favorite part was probably the back of the gown, which was so long, it dragged on the floor. I loved it—even though everyone kept stepping on the back of it.
What was your biggest challenge in getting your look together this year? I went on a search for this Dress the Population sparkly golden jumpsuit in a XXL, but it was sold out, literally, everywhere. Then I tried a knock-off version from Fashion Nova and that mess didn’t fit, so I went back to the drawing board and went after something a bit more traditional.
What was your day-of Glow Up routine? Victor Amos, who works for GMG, is also a makeup artist. So, he did my makeup, while Jason Lamar of Edris Salon did my hair (Joshua Dieffenbacher, senior colorist at the salon, did my new color a week prior). I also got eyelash extensions the weekend before, a facial and my nails done at Fresh Spa near Union Square. I did all the things, just to still end up looking like me, but I was my best, most adorable me.
Which Root staffer had your favorite look this year, and why? Probably Terrell J. Starr’s custom-made suit. That stood out a lot, tied with Corey Townsend’s colorful zebra ensemble. I also really liked the dress Maiysha made and Anne’s green jumpsuit. But everyone looked great as a whole. We were all pretty gorgeous.
Panama Jackson, Senior Editor, Very Smart Brothas & The Root 100 Co-Host
In one word, describe your look for the 2018 Root 100 gala: Fly.
What was your inspiration this year? I like mostly black silhouettes and have never worn one with a tuxedo, so my inspiration was to wear an all-black tuxedo, but with some color pop to stand out a bit.
When did you start preparing? Probably about a solid three days before The Root 100 gala.
What did you end up wearing? The pants were DKNY, the shirt was Hugo Boss, and believe it or not, the jacket, vest, and bowtie all came from JCPenney. The shoes were Del Toro. I call it a “hood rich but old financial habits die hard” collage of an outfit.
What was your favorite part of your look? I like the jacket more than any other part. The blue color really stood out in pictures and in person.
What was your biggest challenge in getting your look together this year? Honestly, deciding if I my bougie-ness would allow me to wear a jacket from JCPenney.
What was your day-of Glow Up routine? I ironed my flyness. Then I put on my flyness. Then I showed up fly as hell in my flyness.
Which Root staffer had your favorite look this year, and why? I’m always a fan of Corey Townsend’s style because he tends to put several different colors and patterns together that a less confident person might not be able to pull off. So I enjoyed his outfit.
Genetta Adams, Managing Editor & Producer of The Root 100 List
In one word, describe your look for the 2018 Root 100 gala: Covered.
What was your inspiration this year? To not embarrass my mother.
When and how did you start preparing? The Saturday before began with a trip to the hair salon to set up whatever look my stylist, Debra Hare-Bey of Oh My Heavenly Hair (OMHH), decided to come up with. Then a stop at the local mall to buy an outfit. That took, like, an hour.
What did you end up wearing? Off the rack from The Avenue, my go-to.
What was your favorite part of your look? My hair.
What was your biggest challenge in getting your look together this year? Finding something in my size that looked decent.
What was your day-of Glow Up routine? Went back to my hairstylist on Thursday afternoon, where she worked her magic with an updo that was my favorite part of the whole look.
Which Root staffer had your favorite look this year, and why? This is a tough question—I loved everyone’s look. They suited each of our personalities.
Michael Harriot, Staff Writer (and Rat Pack Cosplayer)
In one word, describe your look for the 2018 Root 100 gala: SinatraNegro.
What was your inspiration this year? Danielle Belton’s declaration that “It’s formal.”
When and how did you start preparing? The night before.
What did you end up wearing? I honestly don’t know.
What was your favorite part of your look? I didn’t have to tie the bowtie.
What was your biggest challenge in getting your look together this year? I watched Trump’s press conference in a black barbershop preparing for the event and thought I might choke to death.
What was your day-of Glow Up routine? I watched my date get ready.
Which Root staffer had your favorite look this year? Ashley Velez.
Ashley Velez, Senior Producer of Video (Voted Best Dressed Woman on Staff)
In one word, describe your look for the 2018 Root 100 gala: I’ll give you two: Josephine Baker.
What was your inspiration this year? I knew the decor this year would be art-deco inspired so I wanted to go for a classic, 1920s-meets-2018 look.
When and how did you start preparing? Ever since I got my pixie cut in September, I knew I’d be rocking finger waves at The Root 100. The outfit though? That took a while! I found my jumpsuit five days before the gala. It was waiting for me!!
What did you end up wearing? I got my Jill Stuart jumpsuit on sale at Macy’s (ballin’ on a budget, OK?!) I had tried on at least a dozen dresses in the weeks before the gala but as soon as I saw this jumpsuit (and the price!), I knew it was perfect.
What is your favorite part of your look? The finger waves were a HUGE hit. Everyone loved them. My look wouldn’t have been complete without them! Shoutout to my hairstylist Gabrielle Corney!
What was your biggest challenge in getting your look together this year? My jumpsuit was too long so I had to find someone to tailor it 24 hours before the event! It’s New York City though, so all I had to do was cough up a little extra coin to get it done on time. Once that was handled, it was smooth sailing.
What was your day-of Glow Up routine? I had a hair appointment with the lovely Gabrielle Corney the morning of The Root 100. After she slayed my hair, it was time for makeup. My makeup was done by Aziza Walker. Since my jumpsuit was black and white, we went for a simple face with a red lip to add in a pop of color, and lashes to complete the look.
Which Root staffer had your favorite look this year, and why? Jessica Moulite had my favorite look. Her dress fit like a glove. She looked like a real-life trophy.
Damon Young, Senior Editor, Very Smart Brothas
In one word, describe your look for the 2018 Root 100 gala: Clean.
What was your inspiration this year? Danny Ocean.
When and how did you start preparing? At birth, really.
What did you end up wearing? Suit by Suitsupply, shirt by Hugo Boss, shoes by To Boot New York.
What was your favorite part of your look? Efficiency.
What was your biggest challenge in getting your look together this year? Getting my pants tapered by a tailor in time for my trip to New York.
What was your day-of Glow Up routine? I did all my glowing up in Pittsburgh, before traveling to New York. I went to my barbershop (The Barber’s Inn on Baum Blvd.) and picked up my suit from the tailor at Nordstrom. I also showered.
Which Root staffer had your favorite look this year, and why? Probably Terrell Starr, because he dressed like he was from a future. Not the future. A future.
Terrell J. Starr, Staff Writer (Voted Best Dressed Man on Staff)
In one word, describe your look for the 2018 Root 100 gala: Elegant.
What was your inspiration this year? Basically, I had enough money to get a suit custom made. My tailor, who owns his own shop, is also a designer and gave me a very nice discount because I have been a loyal customer. He is Senegalese and his wife is from the Caribbean.
When and how did you start preparing? In October, I saw my suit’s fabric laying on the table at my tailor’s when I was getting other work done and I asked him to make me a suit out of it and he said sure.
What did you end up wearing? I am wearing a custom made suit from Haby’s Fashion, a private shop in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. Abou is the owner/designer’s name.
What is your favorite part of your look? I like the sleek, tailored look. There is not a piece of cloth that is unnecessary. It was made just for me. No other suit like mine exists.
What was your biggest challenge in getting your look together this year? I really didn’t have any challenges. I ordered the suit a month in advance and my tailor is very skilled. He got the fit right on the first try. The only issue was money, but he gave me a 50 percent discount. That said, this was my first costume suit and the most money I’ve spent on any suit.
What was your day-of Glow Up routine? I purchase my skin and hair products from Yadain Cultural Solutions, LLC. It is a black-owned beauty supply store in Brooklyn, just two blocks from my home in Bed-Stuy. I use a face tightener that I apply after I shower for five minutes. Then I wash it off and apply a face elixir that takes me through the day. I also use a beard cream. For my body, I use a scented butter. All of these products are from the same company and are no more than $15 for each item. I wear an overnight mask from Kiehls. My barber is a guy named Brent who works from Fort Greene. The best thing about him is that you can set a time and do not have to wait in line.
Which Root staffer had your favorite look this year, and why? Unfortunately, I didn’t pay too much attention to anyone’s attire so I can’t say.
Maiysha Kai, Managing Editor of The Glow Up
In one word, describe your look for the 2018 Root 100 gala: Improvised.
What was your inspiration this year? I was totally down with the theme and was excited to execute it. Life had other plans (as usual).
When and how did you start preparing? I was actually early this year. I started scouting during the summer and ordered my chosen dress a month before the gala after seeing a variation of it on the BET Hip Hop Awards red carpet. (Don’t ask. I was shocked, too.)
What did you end up wearing? I ended up wearing a dress of my own design, constructed within 72 hours of the gala.
What is your favorite part of your look? That it fit, mostly, but I also loved the way it caught the light.
What was your biggest challenge in getting your look together this year? Well, despite repeated communications over several weeks with the dress designer (who is UK-based) my chosen dress never arrived—in fact, I’m still awaiting a refund. I held out until pretty much the last minute, until, entirely frustrated with what I was finding (or not finding) in stores in my size, I overnight-ordered several yards of black-on-black sequined Nigerian lace from Amazon Prime. Then I got my Project Runway on thanks to a grandmother who taught me to sew, a costume design elective in college and a post-graduate year at FIT—and my mom, who was a willing and able assistant.
Oh, and after twisting my ankle a few weeks back, my matching beaded booties were a stylish but ultimately ill-advised choice—especially when combined with cocktails. I was in stocking feet by the after party. When I put the booties back on, I fell down—twice!
What was your day-of Glow Up routine? I didn’t really have one! I’d had my hair done earlier in the week, but ended up just sweeping it back into a last-minute low ponytail for the evening. Since I was wearing all black, I felt like I needed a strong pop of color, so I spent my prep time creating a sunset-inspired eye, blending copper, violet and turquoise onto my lids, and adding subtle lashes.
Which Root staffer had your favorite look this year, and why? Honestly? Everybody looked so dope, but I’m going to have to give my vote to myself, just for the immense stress and effort that went into pulling it off. That said, Ashley Velez was the one I most wished I looked like, if that’s an answer.
Jason Johnson, Political Editor
In one word, describe your look for the 2018 Root 100 Gala: Contemporary Olde English 40 Ounce.
What was your inspiration this year? Honestly, I was inspired by Damon Young’s outfit last year and a deep desire to NOT put on a tuxedo again.
When and how did you start preparing? I spent the previous seven days covering the Florida and Georgia elections. I literally flew back home, dumped out seven days’ worth of clothes from my luggage, grabbed a suit from my closet, jumped back in my car, then got on a train to New York for the Root 100. So my preparation was somewhere between 13 and 22 minutes.
What did you end up wearing? It was a houndstooth three-piece suit I got from my stylist in Atlanta, Evonya Easley of Love Easley, Fashion. She’s fantastic and has been putting together my outfits for me for almost two years. She’s incredibly patient with my natural tendency to only wear comic book T-shirts and sneakers—so much so that I was able to pull together my outfit based off our previous conversations instead of begging her for guidance through Facebook Live.
What was your favorite part of your look? The fact that I did NOT wear a tie and that my socks matched.
What was your biggest challenge in getting your look together this year? Figuring out that thin blue line between professional and hella casual and Gala fancy.
What was your day-of Glow Up routine? No routine, unless it’s the pat down at the airport or my daily use of black soap.
Which Root staffer had your favorite look this year, and why? I generally like whatever Terrell J. Starr is wearing because I generally can’t imagine anyone else but him wearing it. That goes for almost any formal event I’ve seen him at.
Monique Judge, Staff Writer
In one word, describe your look for the 2018 Root 100 gala: Classic.
What was your inspiration this year? I wanted to wear something simple and understated, but classic and cute.
When and how did you start preparing? I went online and started looking at different sites for dress ideas.
What did you end up wearing? The dress came from Torrid’s Special Occasion line. The shoes were also from Torrid. The lip (part of the look) was MAC’s Ruby Woo.
What was your favorite part of your look? My hair! It was stunting!
What was your biggest challenge in getting your look together this year? Getting into that dress! Two ladies from the front desk of the hotel had to help me zip it up, and they said that I would never have been able to do it by myself because of the way the fabric in the seam kept getting caught. One held the dress closed while the other slowly zipped it up!
What was your day-of Glow Up routine? A long hot shower, and getting my hair styled with help from a local NYC friend.
Which Root staffer had your favorite look this year, and why? Natalie’s vintage glam look, complete with the gorgeous hair. She looked amazing!
Natalie Degraffinreid, Senior News Editor
In one word, describe your look for the 2018 Root 100 gala: Classic.
What was your inspiration this year? I wanted to be Poison Ivy for Halloween, but the new stylist I tried in Philly didn’t color my situation right, so I was still mistakenly a brunette. I figured I’d make it up at the gala.
When and how did you start preparing? Basically right after I got hired at The Root, a few weeks before my start date—which was the week of the gala! There was a little scrambling involved.
What did you end up wearing? A Jarlo dress via Asos.
What is your favorite part of your look? I think ultimately, it was my hair—a wispy updo with my newly dyed red hair. But my hair and makeup stylists (ARCO Brooklyn and Mac, respectively) did an amazing job pulling the look together based on a few terrible pictures I cobbled together for them to reference.
What was your biggest challenge in getting your look together this year? The above-mentioned stylist (in Philly, not at ARCO) weirdly tinted my hair in addition to not coloring it right, so lifting the color turned out to be a nightmare, resulting in the color process taking, ah, actual hours longer than I thought it would. Kudos to my Brooklyn stylist for figuring it out without damaging my hair!
What was your day-of Glow Up routine? Updo and makeup, neither done by me! That was the key to my look coming together. I, inept at hair and makeup, didn’t have to do anything except put on my dress.
Which Root staffer had your favorite look this year, and why? My green Asos twin Anne Branigin had a great, elegant look with her jumpsuit, and I may or may not have been looking for opportunities to steal Panama’s jacket.
Jessica Moulite, Video Producer
In one word, describe your look for the 2018 Root 100 gala: Glamorous.
What was your inspiration this year? I knew the color scheme for the evening was black and gold, so I wanted my first Root 100 to be spot-on in terms of colors without being too “matchy-matchy.”
When and how did you start preparing? I started that Thursday morning by curling my hair in my apartment, then went across town to get my makeup done in the mid-afternoon. In total, from start to finish, I would say it took around four hours to get ready.
What did you end up wearing? I wore a black and gold mermaid-style gown with a thin halter neckline—and I got it from JCPenney for only $99! I wore beige heels from Asos to match my nails.
What was your favorite part of your look? My dress was my favorite part of my look because it fit like a glove and made me feel exactly like the look I was going for: glamorous.
What was your biggest challenge in getting your look together this year? My biggest challenge was making sure my curls didn’t fall! I think I did a good job by the end of the night keeping some of them intact, but next year if I want curls I’ll need a) lots more bobby pins and b) lots more hair spray.
What was your day-of Glow Up routine? My makeup was done by Mr. Victor Amos and he’s truly the one who pieced the look together with the dress.
Which Root staffer had your favorite look this year, and why? Ashley Velez had my favorite look. Her finger waves fit perfectly with the 1920s theme and her bold red lip really made a statement. Also, did you see her shoes?! 10/10.
Anne Branigin, Staff Writer
In one word, describe your look for the 2018 Root 100 gala: Elegant pajamas. (I know, that’s two words. I’m sorry.)
What was your inspiration this year? I wanted to tap into menswear, but in an unexpected pattern or color. Oh, and being able to eat, drink, squat or kick is a bonus, because, in 2018, you never know what you’ll be in for.
When and how did you start preparing? By Googling madly and sending links to my friends asking them to weigh in on different styles. I wanted to do a full suit this year, but my brokeness caught up with my aspirations and dragged that dream to the ground.
What did you end up wearing? I went with a jumpsuit. I went to ASOS because they’re fast as hell and they have free returns. The green jumpsuit fit me the best out of all the options I ordered, and it was loose and comfortable (a must at dinner functions).
What was your favorite part of your look? The $5 earrings I got at Forever 21. A girl loves her layered “metals” (and her bargains).
What was your biggest challenge in getting your look together this year? The shoes. I always forget about the freaking shoes.
What was your day-of Glow Up routine? Ever since I cut my hair into a blunt bob, it requires miraculously little maintenance. Because my hair texture is thick and bone-straight, all I had to do was brush. Makeup-wise, I begged Jezebel’s managing editor, Megan Reynolds, to do my makeup. She did a beautiful bronzed smoky eye; the rest of the look was really minimal. I’m a fan of a bold lip but don’t love it when I know I’m going to be eating and drinking a fair amount (oh, open bars), so I went with a nude lip, minimal foundation (Clinique) and deep taupe blush with highlighter.
Which Root staffer had your favorite look this year, and why? Natalie came in looking like Poison Ivy and anyone who can channel that much evil botany at a formal event has my vote.
Issac Bailey, Editor-at-large
In one word, describe your look for the 2018 Root 100 gala: Decent.
What was your inspiration this year? I was trying to impress my wife.
When and how did you start preparing? Once I knew I was going to be able to make it, I started preparing about three weeks before the event, and by preparing I only mean thinking about having to spend a few dollars on a new suit.
What did you end up wearing? I was in a classic black suit from Brooks Brothers.
What was your favorite part of your look? I’m a 45-year-old boring ass father of two. I was impressed that my tie matched my wife’s dress. For me, that’s a big step up. Oh, and my haircut, done by Ms. Dolly in Myrtle Beach, S.C., looked fresh, at least according to my wife.
What was your biggest challenge in getting your look together this year? My biggest challenge? I had to constantly remind myself that my usual sneakers and sweatshirt wouldn’t cut it. I did well on that front.
What was your day-of Glow Up routine? My Glow-Up routine consisted of having my wife remind me to iron my shirt well and brushing my hair.
Which Root staffer had your favorite look this year, and why? Terrell stood out the most for me. His suit seemed to be a throw-back and a look-forward rolled into one. It was cool.
Angela Bronner Helm, Contributing Editor
In one word, describe your look for the 2018 Root 100 gala: Modern-chic.
What was your inspiration this year? Covering the pooch.
When and how did you start preparing? Being me, I started looking perhaps two weeks before the event, to no avail. I then reached out to a stylist friend of mine who works at a boutique on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. And voila! We were in there.
What did you end up wearing? Kes NY, who makes thoroughly modern, fluid, and sophisticated pieces that are flattering to all body types. Aja Robinson pulled it all together.
What was your favorite part of your look? The back of my dress, which tied in the back, giving a nice accent to my hips but was still asymmetrical and not too clingy.
What was your biggest challenge in getting your look together this year? Just timing, as per usual. I am not a shopper by nature, so just finding time to pull it all together, which I did in the last few days.
What was your day-of Glow Up routine? I saw my favorite hairstylist, Dana Gibbs of Lofty Chicks’ NYC out of Hair By Joseph Salon near Grand Central. I got a whole-ass weave because my hair is natural and I wanted to go for a different look for the night. I also dyed my white streak purple for a little funk. I went to Express Brows Inc for my lashes because I have none (silk extensions—always natural) and got my eyebrows lovingly done by Urmila). I did my own makeup this year, which was a little blush, eyeshadow and lip.
Which Root staffer had your favorite look this year, and why? I loved DB’s look this year. The royal-blue color was exquisite and flattering, and the gold purse and accent bracelet and necklace set it off beautifully.
PJ Rickards, Video Producer
In one word, describe your look for the 2018 Root 100 gala: ‘20s-Dapper. (I made it one word.)
What was your inspiration this year? Cotton Club meets 2018.
When and how did you start preparing? Mixed and remixed clothes I already had. Was gonna just do suit and tie, then purple pants came to mind, then, last minute, hat and suspenders when I heard the theme. Came together like a day or two before.
What did you end up wearing? Michael Kors jacket from a previous event and hat from Goorin Bros.
What was your favorite part of your look? That hat, my guy! The suspenders were a different style take for me, too.
What was your biggest challenge in getting your look together this year? Had a couple colors going on but I felt like I had to trust myself, be confident and trust the flex.
What was your day-of Glow Up routine? Last-minute cut at the flyest hood barber: Trap Studios in Bushwick.
Which Root staffer had your favorite look this year, and why? Not to be biased, but I think my video team held it down: senior producer Ashley Velez with the impeccable finger waves and producer Jessica Moulite with the black and gold flapper style.
Corey Townsend, Social Media Editor
In one word, describe your look for the 2018 Root 100 gala: Loud. Extra.
What was your inspiration this year? I dress like an extra in the African scenes of Coming to America. I’m basically an exchange student from Wakanda.
When and how did you start preparing? The week of.
What did you end up wearing? I have an insane amount of “pants,” so I knew I had something that would work for the occasion. I just had to find a shirt. We work across the street from a Zara, so I figured some shit would pop off there. So, it was something that was already in my closet and Zara.
What was your favorite part of your look? Taking it all off at the end of the night and getting back in my bed. I hate wearing clothes.
What was your biggest challenge in getting your look together this year? Finding something that matched my loud ass pants. My pants were painted with all the colors of the damned wind.
What was your day-of Glow Up routine? I participated in the ritualistic act of washing my ass and followed that up with the task of applying deodorant. I then moisturized, because I’d be good and damned if I was ashy at my own damn event.
Which Root staffer had your favorite look this year, and why? Myself—and if I can’t choose myself, I’d go with Danielle Belton. I’d also like to throw in Indya Moore from FX’s Pose as an honorary member of The Root.
Speaking of Moore, she was one of several luminaries who graced us with her presence last Thursday night, joining a guest list which included Tarana Burke, Van Lathan, Ryan Michelle Bathe, Cheo Hodari Coker, Darnell Moore, Michael Arceneaux and comedian Michelle Buteau (who also blessed us with an opening set).
Did we outdo ourselves? Absolutely. Will we do it again? In another year, we sure will—in fact, I’m going to start shopping for my dress now.