The Story Behind FKA Twigs's Pre-Raphaelite Punk Beauty at the VMAs

Lauren Valenti

August 26, 2019 at 9:57 PM

After closing Afropunk Festival last night in mic-drop fashion, FKA Twigs arrived at the 2019 VMAS looking nothing short of entrancing.

In a look crafted by her stylist Matthew Josephs, the singer wore a custom waist-cinching Ed Marler dress with crystal chainmail, a blue chiffon sash, and a black silk taffeta train. And her beauty proved to be just as much of a visual mash-up. "It's Pre-Raphaelite with hint of punk," says celebrity hairstylist Jillian Halouska of Twigs's undone updo. After her newly atomic orange lengths were curled into soft ringlets and misted with OGX Locking + Coconut Curls Finishing Mist, her hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail and topped off with a black ribbon at the base. "Her dress has a lot of layers and texture, so we wanted to bring the long ribbons of the dress up for an overall cohesive look," explained Halouska.

<h1 class="title">10372524cp</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Shutterstock</cite> — 10372524cp
Photo: Shutterstock

Furthering the Pre-Raphaelite mood was makeup artist Kabuki. The editorial pro smoked out Twigs's lids using deep bronze shadow Blood Moon 005 from the new Pat McGrath Labs Mothership VI: Midnight Sun palette, creating a dimensional gaze that was all the more impactful against her face-framing neon coils. Then for more "edge," he traced on a '90s-inspired mouth with bold visible lip liner using McGrath's Ultra Lip Pencil in rich red brown Manhattan. "Twigs is so original, we didn't want to try and recreate something retro," explains Kabuki. "We ran with the romantic [vibe], and added a bit of toughness with the 90s lip. It offset all the dreaminess of the outfit." Leave it to Twigs to make a cross-century collision of worlds look effortless.

See All of the Celebrity Looks From the 2019 MTV VMAs Red Carpet:

MTV VMAs 2019: Fashion—Live From the Red Carpet

<h1 class="title">Taylor Swift in Christian Louboutin and Lorraine Schwartz</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Taylor Swift in Christian Louboutin and Lorraine Schwartz
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Megan Thee Stallion</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Megan Thee Stallion
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Rosalía in Burberry</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Rosalía in Burberry
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">FKA twigs in Sophia Webster</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — FKA twigs in Sophia Webster
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Adriana Lima in Christian Louboutin shoes and Chopard jewelry</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Adriana Lima in Christian Louboutin shoes and Chopard jewelry
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Kevin Jonas in David Yurman, Joe Jonas in David Yurman, and Nick Jonas</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Kevin Jonas in David Yurman, Joe Jonas in David Yurman, and Nick Jonas
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Gigi Hadid in Tom Ford, Lorraine Schwartz, and EF Collection jewelry</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Gigi Hadid in Tom Ford, Lorraine Schwartz, and EF Collection jewelry
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Camila Cabello in Balmain and Amwaj and Djula jewelry</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Camila Cabello in Balmain and Amwaj and Djula jewelry
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Lenny Kravitz</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Lenny Kravitz
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">French Montana</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — French Montana
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Halsey in Dundas and Jimmy Choo shoes</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Halsey in Dundas and Jimmy Choo shoes
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Shawn Mendes in Dolce & Gabbana and David Yurman</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Shawn Mendes in Dolce & Gabbana and David Yurman
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Lizzo in Moschino</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Lizzo in Moschino
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Char Defrancesco and Marc Jacobs</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Char Defrancesco and Marc Jacobs
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Heidi Klum</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Heidi Klum
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">DJ Khaled</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — DJ Khaled
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Jamila Mustafa</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Jamila Mustafa
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Tiffany Panhilason</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Tiffany Panhilason
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Sammy Wilk</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Sammy Wilk
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Maya Taylor</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Maya Taylor
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Remy Ma</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Remy Ma
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Gibson Hazard</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Gibson Hazard
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Dr. Drew Pinsky and Susan Pinsky</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Dr. Drew Pinsky and Susan Pinsky
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Billy Ray Cyrus in a Gladys Tamez Millinery hat</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Billy Ray Cyrus in a Gladys Tamez Millinery hat
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Natalie Friedman</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Natalie Friedman
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Reverend Al Sharpton</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Reverend Al Sharpton
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Hailee Steinfeld</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Hailee Steinfeld
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Lil’ Kim</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Lil’ Kim
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Tainy</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Tainy
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Big Sean in Ermenegildo Zegna XXX</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Big Sean in Ermenegildo Zegna XXX
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Shay Johnson</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Shay Johnson
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Wyclef Jean</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Wyclef Jean
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Rick Ross</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Rick Ross
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Christopher Buckner and Deena Nicole Cortese</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Christopher Buckner and Deena Nicole Cortese
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Bella Hadid with a Jimmy Choo clutch and Chrome Hearts jewelry</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Bella Hadid with a Jimmy Choo clutch and Chrome Hearts jewelry
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Safaree Samuels</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Safaree Samuels
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">H.E.R. in Valentino</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — H.E.R. in Valentino
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Alison Brie</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Alison Brie
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Big Sean and 2 Chainz</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Big Sean and 2 Chainz
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">P. K. Subban and Lindsey Vonn</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — P. K. Subban and Lindsey Vonn
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">A$AP Ferg</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — A$AP Ferg
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Ice-T and Coco Austin</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Ice-T and Coco Austin
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Victor Cruz</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Victor Cruz
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Whitney Port</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Whitney Port
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Charm La’Donna</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Charm La’Donna
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Lil Nas X</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Lil Nas X
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Alex Morgan in Jared Lehr jewelry</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Alex Morgan in Jared Lehr jewelry
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Jazzy Amra</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Jazzy Amra
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Hayley Kiyoko in David Yurman</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Hayley Kiyoko in David Yurman
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Peppermint</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Peppermint
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">James Charles</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — James Charles
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Diplo</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Diplo
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Fetty Wap</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Fetty Wap
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Nikita Dragun</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Nikita Dragun
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Vincent Pastore</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Vincent Pastore
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">J Balvin</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — J Balvin
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Normani in Loree Rodkin jewelry</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Normani in Loree Rodkin jewelry
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Redman</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Redman
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Brandon Lee</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Brandon Lee
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Alyson Stoner</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Alyson Stoner
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Jonathan Van Ness</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Jonathan Van Ness
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Queen Latifah</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Queen Latifah
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Skylar Grey in David Yurman</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Skylar Grey in David Yurman
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Sebastian Maniscalco</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Sebastian Maniscalco
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Todrick Hall</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Todrick Hall
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Abby Champion, Anok Yai, Lineisy Montero, Cara Taylor, and Hiandra Martinez</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Abby Champion, Anok Yai, Lineisy Montero, Cara Taylor, and Hiandra Martinez
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Corey Holcomb</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Corey Holcomb
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Jamie N Commons</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Jamie N Commons
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Robert M. Bakish and Bebe Rexha</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Robert M. Bakish and Bebe Rexha
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Justina Valentine</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Justina Valentine
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Bad Bunny</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Bad Bunny
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Prince Derek Doll</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Prince Derek Doll
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Justin Mikita</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Justin Mikita
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Hannah Hart</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Hannah Hart
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Trevor Moran</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Trevor Moran
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Sara Bivens and Calvit Hodge</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Sara Bivens and Calvit Hodge
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">JWoww and Zack Clayton Carpinello</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — JWoww and Zack Clayton Carpinello
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Lauv</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Lauv
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Tana Mongeau</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Tana Mongeau
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Brian “B. Dot” Miller</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Brian “B. Dot” Miller
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Keke Palmer in David Yurman</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Keke Palmer in David Yurman
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Ilfenesh Hadera</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Ilfenesh Hadera
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Jena Frumes</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Jena Frumes
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Kiana Ledé in Jimmy Choo</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Kiana Ledé in Jimmy Choo
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Mariahlynn</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Mariahlynn
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Jamie-Lynn Sigler</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Jamie-Lynn Sigler
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Hugo Gloss</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Hugo Gloss
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Johnny Venus and Doctur Dot of EarthGang</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Johnny Venus and Doctur Dot of EarthGang
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Amara La Negra</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Amara La Negra
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Chanel West Coast</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Chanel West Coast
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Lilliana Vazquez</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Lilliana Vazquez
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Ebonee Davis</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Ebonee Davis
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Brent Qvale</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Brent Qvale
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Afrojack and Elettra Lamborghini</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Afrojack and Elettra Lamborghini
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Jason Lee</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Jason Lee
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Stefan Benz</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Stefan Benz
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Andrea Damante</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Andrea Damante
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">J.I.D</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — J.I.D
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Joey Essex</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Joey Essex
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Juan Betancourt</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Juan Betancourt
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Bregje Heinen</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Bregje Heinen
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Quin and 6lack</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Quin and 6lack
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">CNCO</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — CNCO
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Ava Max</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Ava Max
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">AJ Mitchell</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — AJ Mitchell
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Zara Larsson in Bulgari</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Zara Larsson in Bulgari
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Cirkut</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Cirkut
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Terrence J</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Terrence J
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Lance Bass</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Lance Bass
Photo: Getty Images

<h1 class="title">Jonathan Mazzeo</h1><cite class="credit">Photo: Getty Images</cite> — Jonathan Mazzeo
Photo: Getty Images

Originally Appeared on Vogue

Yahoo Sports
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch calls Jamal Murray's heat-pack toss on court 'inexcusable and dangerous'
Murray made a bad night on the court worse during a moment of frustration on the bench.
Yahoo Sports
Former NBA guard Darius Morris dies at 33
Former NBA guard Darius Morris has died at the age of 33. He played for five teams during his four NBA seasons. Morris played college basketball at Michigan.
Yahoo Finance
The FDIC change that leaves wealthy bank depositors with less protection
Affluent Americans may want to double-check how much of their bank deposits are protected by government-backed insurance. The rules governing trust accounts just changed.
Yahoo Finance
Former House Speaker Paul Ryan says he’s not voting for Trump : 'Character is too important'
Ryan says he would be writing in a Republican candidate instead of voting for Donald Trump.
Yahoo Sports
Ranking the best situations for the rookie quarterbacks: Start with Michael Penix in Atlanta at No. 1
It’s key to note that we’re not saying the “best team” or “best roster.” Instead, we’re talking about the best confluence of factors that can outline a path for survival and then success.
Yahoo Sports
Phil Mickelson on the majors: 'What if none of the LIV players played?'
Phil Mickelson hints that big changes could be coming to LIV Golf's rosters, and the majors will need to pay attention.
Yahoo Sports
Blockbuster May trade by Padres, MVP Ohtani has arrived, Willie Mays’ 93rd birthday & weekend recap
Jake Mintz & Jordan Shusterman discuss the Padres-Marlins trade that sent Luis Arraez to San Diego, as well as recap all the action from this weekend in baseball and send birthday wishes to hall-of-famer Willie Mays.
Yahoo Sports
Heat's Pat Riley unhappy with Jimmy Butler's remarks on Celtics and Knicks, implies he needs to play more
Miami Heat president Pat Riley rebuked comments Jimmy Butler made about the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks, while also implying that his star needs to play more.
Yahoo Sports
NBA playoffs: Officials admit they flubbed critical kick-ball call in controversial final minute of Pacers-Knicks
Tuesday's last-2-minute report should be interesting.
Yahoo Finance
Social Security just passed Medicare as the government's most pressing insolvency risk
An annual government report offered a glimmer of good news for Social Security and a jolt of good news for Medicare even as both programs continue to be on pace to run dry next decade.

New on Yahoo

10372524cp

MTV VMAs 2019: Fashion—Live From the Red Carpet

Taylor Swift in Christian Louboutin and Lorraine Schwartz

Megan Thee Stallion

Rosalía in Burberry

FKA twigs in Sophia Webster

Adriana Lima in Christian Louboutin shoes and Chopard jewelry

Kevin Jonas in David Yurman, Joe Jonas in David Yurman, and Nick Jonas

Gigi Hadid in Tom Ford, Lorraine Schwartz, and EF Collection jewelry

Camila Cabello in Balmain and Amwaj and Djula jewelry

Lenny Kravitz

French Montana

Halsey in Dundas and Jimmy Choo shoes

Shawn Mendes in Dolce & Gabbana and David Yurman

Lizzo in Moschino

Char Defrancesco and Marc Jacobs

Heidi Klum

DJ Khaled

Jamila Mustafa

Tiffany Panhilason

Sammy Wilk

Maya Taylor

Remy Ma

Gibson Hazard

Dr. Drew Pinsky and Susan Pinsky

Billy Ray Cyrus in a Gladys Tamez Millinery hat

Natalie Friedman

Reverend Al Sharpton

Hailee Steinfeld

Lil’ Kim

Tainy

Big Sean in Ermenegildo Zegna XXX

Shay Johnson

Wyclef Jean

Rick Ross

Christopher Buckner and Deena Nicole Cortese

Bella Hadid with a Jimmy Choo clutch and Chrome Hearts jewelry

Safaree Samuels

H.E.R. in Valentino

Alison Brie

Big Sean and 2 Chainz

P. K. Subban and Lindsey Vonn

Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi

A$AP Ferg

Ice-T and Coco Austin

Victor Cruz

Whitney Port

Charm La’Donna

Lil Nas X

Alex Morgan in Jared Lehr jewelry

Jazzy Amra

Hayley Kiyoko in David Yurman

Peppermint

James Charles

Diplo

Fetty Wap

Nikita Dragun

Vincent Pastore

J Balvin

Normani in Loree Rodkin jewelry

Redman

Brandon Lee

Alyson Stoner

Jonathan Van Ness

Queen Latifah

Skylar Grey in David Yurman

Sebastian Maniscalco

Todrick Hall

Abby Champion, Anok Yai, Lineisy Montero, Cara Taylor, and Hiandra Martinez

Corey Holcomb

Jamie N Commons

Robert M. Bakish and Bebe Rexha

Justina Valentine

Bad Bunny

Prince Derek Doll

Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Justin Mikita

Hannah Hart

Trevor Moran

Sara Bivens and Calvit Hodge