1/7Before Henson even gets in the hair and makeup chair, she sets the scene. “Meditation is always a big part of my day, especially before a red carpet,” reveals Henson. “I cleanse the space with crystals and sage first then move onto sound healing vibrations to soothe any anxiety.” Then, for the next two hours, it’s all about glam. “When it comes to my hair and makeup, I’m always up for trying out new looks,” says Henson. “It’s so much fun to play with my team [stylist Jason Bolden, makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff, and hairstylist Tym Wallace] [that has] been with me forever. They are my family—and have seen it all!”
2/7The star has never been afraid of color, and the gown’s fuchsia and scarlet hues look especially vibrant against her skin tone. “The dress is pretty vibrant, so I wanted my makeup and hair to be pretty relaxed and easy,” she says, amid a lighthearted moment with makeup artist Ashunta, as she tends to her décolletage, and Bolden, as he perfects the final fit.
3/7With a dress so daring, everything needs to be just right. Here, the actor uses a miniature fan to set Ashunta’s body-perfecting makeup application.
4/7The Empire star’s chin-length bob worked especially well with the gown’s ultra deep V-neck—not competing with the gown’s décolletage-revealing cut. “This dress is the perfect mix of [romantic] and sexy,” Henson declares. (No wonder she’ll also be wearing a Vera Wang gown for her upcoming nuptials.)
5/7While the dress is the main event, the star carefully considers her accessories. “I love wearing things that I own on the carpet,” she says. For the Emmys, she paired the Vera Wang gown with Roberto Coin yellow-gold earrings. It was the perfect accompaniment, adding just enough sparkle, but allowing the gown its well-earned moment in the spotlight.
6/7As perfect as her hair is, it didn’t come without effort. “One of the problems I have is dealing with my hair and scalp and trying to keep them healthy after hours and hours of being under the heat on a weekly basis,” confides the actor while awaiting her car to the Emmys. “I’m actually working on something to address that issue that is going launch very soon at TPH by Taraji! It will help all women feel as good as I do.”
7/7Wang envisioned this gown as “a gentle translation of color-blocking, with a play on skin and coverage as well as volumes that float.” It’s perfection on Henson, who trusts her stylist implicitly. “What’s really important about styling my look is my secret weapon Jason,” she says. As the results demonstrate, she and Bolden—and a Vera Wang dress—are a match made in heaven.
