Whitney Peak arrived at the 2025 Met Gala in a braid-forward look, created by celebrity hairstylist Naeemah LaFond (@naeemahlafond).
Naeemah wanted Whitney’s look to symbolize freedom of expression and challenge Western beauty ideals. “The cornrows are a modern, regal form of self-presentation, and a reminder that refinement shows up in many forms across our culture,” she says.
The angles and direction of the cornrows were designed to complement Whitney’s hat and overall silhouette. “I love creating subtle visual pathways that guide the eye and enhance both the client and the fashion,” Naeemah says. “I brought in a sense of contrast—sharp, edgy partings paired with the softness and elegance of pearls."
See how Naeemah built this pearl-studded braid look from the first parting to the final detail—then scroll for the how-to:
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Here's more of Whitney's look:
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