Joaquina Kalukango’s Tony Awards night was one for the books. The Broadway star not only moved the audience with an emotional performance of ballad “Let It Burn” from Civil War–era musical Paradise Square, but earned a second standing ovation when she took home the Tony for best performance by an actress in a leading role in a musical.
On her big night, Kalukango looked every bit the gilded star wearing a gold beaded gown designed by her sister, Rachel Kalukango Harris, accessorized with matching metallic Valentino platforms and Swarovski jewels. “My sister lives for all things African due to our culture, so we chose this fabric because it highlights true power, femininity, and a sense of royalty,” explains Kalukango Harris of the inspiration behind the handmade dress, the Ophir nude tulle taking over 1000 hours to embroider in citrine yellow and gold crystals. “It’s a representation of the queen that exudes within and through Joaquina Kalukango.”
Kalukango wore an equally regal beauty look with gleaming skin and copper-smoked lids courtesy of makeup artist Michael D. Patterson, and a sculptural braided hair look rich in symbolism. “We wanted to maintain Joaquina’s artistic African aesthetic and because braids hugely represent culture for African women, I started there,” says hairstylist Tish Celestine, who braided Kalukango’s hair into cornrows before crafting a tall updo with spiraled shapes that held a deeper meaning. “The circles represent this full circle moment,” explains Celestine, who has been a friend and collaborator of Kalukango for eight years and is reveling in this moment for her. On top of being both beautiful and emblematic, the style, which was comprised of different plaited pieces, was one that Celestine could take down for Kalukango’s performance and reassemble in a matter of minutes. A inspiring feat of artistry, indeed.
Here, Kalukango takes Vogue inside her getting-ready session for the Tony Awards 2022.
Photo: Trevon James1/11“Shine already, it’s time already.”
Photo: Trevon James2/11“Getting ready to celebrate good times. Thank you, family, for this gift.”
Photo: Trevon James3/11“Creating the perfect eyebrows for the night because the eyes say it all.”
Photo: Trevon James4/11“Glam squad. It takes two to make things go right.”
Photo: Trevon James5/11“A crown built for a Queen. This style is pure art, and the art is arting. And just when you think there are enough jewels, there is always room for more. I wore Swarovski rings and earrings.”
Photo: Trevon James6/11“The perfect shoe for the perfect night. We chose this gold Valentino with its pyramid tip as it connects to the overall feel and theme of the motherland.”
Photo: Trevon James7/11“This dress means so much to me. Not only is she gorgeous, but she is designed by my big sister who has been styling me all my life. What a full-circle moment.”
Photo: Trevon James8/11“With my mother, Florentina, preparing to leave for the Tony Awards. There is nothing like a mother’s love.”
Photo: Trevon James9/11“Standing in the strength that is this amazing dress.”
Photo: Trevon James10/11“Finally heading to the red carpet to make a scene at the Tonys.”
Photo: Trevon James11/11“It’s all smiles as the road to the Tony Awards closes in.”
