A red lipstick match becomes a fashion statement at a gala
Celebrities and executives arrive on the red carpet with matching lip colors, highlighting the performative nature of fashion events.
The story
At the 2026 WWD Honors Gala, Tracee Ellis Ross and Ulta CEO Kecia Steelman coordinated their red lipstick, while guests like Michelle Monaghan and Chloe Fineman discussed New York weather and Halloween plans.
Source: wwd.com
Our reading
Tracee Ellis Ross and Ulta CEO Kecia Steelman arrived on the red carpet with matching red lipstick, a gesture that feels less like a fashion statement and more like a secret handshake between brand and celebrity. It’s the kind of detail that makes you wonder if they’ve been practicing their coordination in a mirror, or if it’s just another part of the ritual where everyone’s supposed to look like they belong.
they’re both showing up for each other, as if the act of mutual admiration is more important than the actual award being presented. It’s not just a gala—it’s a performance, and everyone’s in on it, even if they don’t know the script.
By the time the night ends, they’ll all have a story about the ‘perfect’ red lipstick match, even if it was just a coincidence. But in fashion, coincidences are just unspoken contracts waiting to be signed.
