Why Ariana DeBose’s Second Tony’s Look Was Especially Meaningful

As the host of the 2022 Tony Awards in New York City last night, Ariana DeBose needed several stellar outfit options. And that she had: While hitting the red carpet and nailing her hosting duties, the West Side Story star partnered with Boss on six special looks for the ceremony. She first kicked things off when she hit the step and repeat in a glitzy black sequin dress. But it was her look for the five-minute-long opening performance that was embedded with special meaning: It was designed by her girlfriend, costume designer Sue Makkoo.

Proving she’s a true triple threat, DeBose acted, sang, and danced her way through an original number in a white and silver ensemble that included a bodysuit, glitzy vest, and satiny coat. “The inspiration behind the opening number looks came from a series of icons,” Makkoo tells Vogue. “Ariana is an enormous fan of Ann Reinking. I wanted to nod to the history of her work, as well as that of Chita Rivera in Kiss of the Spider Woman.” The bodysuit-and-hat pairing was straight out of Broadway star Reinking’s playbook, though the tailoring recalled Rivera. Knowing her partner well, Makkoo knew which aspects of DeBose’s personality and aesthetic would be best to play up. “I have had the pleasure of working with Ariana several times and know what looks right on her,” says Makkoo. “Naturally, given her youthfulness, I also wanted to channel a little bit of Prince.”

The designer’s very favorite part about the showy look, however? It included a smaller detail you may have missed while watching the performer seamlessly navigate her dance routine (Makkoo designed all the dancers’ outfits, too). “The back of her opening number vest is an embattled dove carrying the broken symbol of a woman,” says Makkoo. “It is a way for the humanitarian Ariana to acknowledge that, even in these sparkly moments, we know, see, and feel what is happening in the world around us.” Fashion-forward and thoughtful—always a winning combo.