Fans of The Handmaid’s Tale, this is yours. TestamentThe sequel, based on Margaret Atwood’s novel set after the events of the original story, is coming to Hulu on April 8th, and I can assure you it’s still chilling and intense! New Star Faces Chase Infiniti (One Battle After Anotherand Lucy Halliday, the dystopian drama follows two teenagers, Agnes and Daisy, who—in the halls of a Gilead high school where the focus is on teaching their young girls how to be submissive women—form a bond that will change the course of their lives.
After stops in Paris and London, the show wrapped up its world press tour in Los Angeles with a beautiful purple carpet show with students from Aunt Lydia’s school. Before the party began, series regular Mabel Li—who plays Aunt Vidala, one of the school’s erudite and ruthless principals who train the girls to accept the oppressive Gilead education—invited Who What Wear to get ready to get a glimpse of her beautiful Givenchy look.
First off, what was the vision/feeling you and your stylist Enrique Melendez had for it? testament Los Angeles Premiere?
My mood board was super femme, romantic shapes, and lots of colors. I felt like I’ve done a lot of black lately on the red carpet, but [the] the joke is on me! When we tried on this beautiful, beautiful Givenchy dress and it fit like a glove, we both knew it was the perfect choice for sure. It exudes effortless beauty. I just love wearing black – what can I say?
Tell us about the look you chose in the end. What made it stand out among other options?
We chose this Givenchy dress which had beautiful proportions and clean lines [and] a beautiful silhouette but also a bit flattering with an open back. The silk fabric of the dress and the way the dress is cut is very flattering on the body, and it was easy and comfortable to wear, which is definitely a plus.
How did it make you feel when you first wore it?
The fact that it already fit my body perfectly before I did any sewing was a sure sign that this was the right move! I felt like myself but high.
Any other favorite things to look out for?
I love the fitted top of the dress and the cute, easy to wear bottom half. And now you have an open back that only increases sex. Givenchy perfected timeless classics.
What is your philosophy on red carpet dressing?
I like to have fun and play with femininity and masculinity and androgyny. It really depends on my opinion. I’ve done classy women’s looks, and I’ve also done tailored, punky, feminine looks. I find that I’m really tempted to have a chance to have any look I do for the red carpet, but who knows? One day, I can make a simple, amazing number.
What was the decision for your look? Did you and your team look at specific references?
Rena Calhoun and Pircilla Pae, my hair and makeup artists, are both incredibly talented and very detailed in what they do. I knew I wanted to do the hair down, and I had a vision to play and exaggerate and emphasize the volume and length of my hair to give the overall look of the rest of the hair since my natural hair is straight and silky, like a dress. Rena and I looked at the “’90s supermodel blowout” reference and were like, “Let’s go va-va-voom!” Pircilla and I were really looking at a lot of K-beauty references, which we hold. They just do red glam so well. Skin is fresh, radiant and settled on this sharp yet refined eyeliner.
What’s your red carpet must-have?
Mints! And lip balm.
Tell us about being a part of a show like Testament. What did it mean to you?
I am very proud to be a part of Testament. It is a great honor to join the legacy of amazing storytelling in Margaret Atwood’s universe and to follow the iconic TV show, The Handmaid’s Talewhich I really liked. Our show is another take on Gilead, and it feels really fresh and strong.
What really appeals to you about the character you play, Aunt Vidala?
Aunt Vidala is a very strict, authoritative person at school, second only to Aunt Lydia. I think he does what he has to do to survive in a world like Gilead. But I think what’s amazing about playing him is his versatility and his versatility in balancing all the forces in the world. The writers could have easily written a more one-of-a-kind villain, but there are all these sides and contradictions to him that are revealed throughout the season. Without spoiling anything, I hope we get to understand how he came to be the way he is today.
PELE LA is a gathering of diverse people and workers. Who are you most excited to see/meet tonight?
This is such a dream and employees. Walking to set every day was walking with love and passion. I’m so excited to see Chase and continue the amazing journey of the last six months. I can’t wait to have a little boogie with Zarrin [Darnell-Martin] and Eve [Foote]who also play aunts in the show. I am very happy to see Ann Dowd. That woman has my heart!
How was the end of your night?
Nice, Chase, Brad [Alexander]and I was the last one on the dance floor chatting, which I didn’t expect because I’m definitely the first guy to sleep. I was still in my heels, which was a slay for me. They were actually the most comfortable heels. Thank you, Givenchy. When I went back to the hotel, I had a cake in my hand. A perfect ending.
Testament It will premiere on Hulu on April 8.
Photographer: Andy Jane
Style: Enrique Melendez
Hair Style: Rena Calhoun
Makeup Artist: Pircilla Pae
#Givenchy #KBeautyInspired #Timeless #Glam #ingredients #Mabel #Lis