Inside the Behind the Scenes Beauty Soirée: A Celebration of Culture, Community, and Black Legacy

What unfolded at LAVAN Midtown felt less like a pre–Met Gala event and more like a cultural homecoming.

The Behind the Scenes Beauty Soirée, curated by Derick Monroe, a celebrity hairstylist and creator of the Behind the Scenes Beauty platform, brought together industry leaders, creatives, and visionaries for an evening rooted in recognition, legacy, and community. More than just a gathering, it was a space intentionally designed to center the people behind the work, the artists, stylists, and creatives who shape what the world ultimately sees.

This year’s theme, Black Pioneers, gave the night a deeper sense of purpose. In a time where cultural contributions are often overlooked or erased, the evening served as a reminder of the importance of honoring those who continue to create pathways forward.

“We’re living in a time where they’re trying to erase us, erase our history,” Derick shared. “So I want to make sure we honor the people who are trailblazers… the ones making a way out of no way.”

His intention extended beyond recognition.

“My motivation is for people to feel appreciated… to feel loved on. We have to have community right now.”

That sense of community was evident throughout the evening as honorees including Paul Tazewell, an Oscar winning costume designer known for his work across film, theater, and Broadway; Joy Reid, political commentator, author, and longtime television host; Lisa Price, founder of the pioneering natural haircare brand Carol’s Daughter; Ursula Stephen, celebrity hairstylist to icons like Rihanna; and Derrick Rutledge, renowned makeup artist to figures including Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey, were recognized for their lasting contributions across beauty, media, and culture.

Reflecting on the moment, Joy Reid emphasized the importance of the teams behind the spotlight.

“There is nothing like having the love of my people… and being in the presence of my people,” she shared. “What people don’t see is that we can’t do what we do without our hair, makeup, and our team.”

That sentiment reinforced the very purpose of the evening, shifting attention to those whose work often goes unseen.

For Lisa Price, the moment carried historical weight and a call for reflection.

“In order to create the future where our voices and our work truly matter, we have to understand where we came from,” she shared, emphasizing the importance of honoring both past and present voices in the industry.

For Ursula Stephen, the recognition was deeply personal, rooted in a journey that began with a simple passion.

“When I started, I just wanted to do hair and make people feel good about themselves,” she said, reflecting on a career that has now spanned over three decades.

Meanwhile, Derrick Rutledge spoke to the collective nature of legacy.

“This honor may have my name on it, but it carries the spirit of everyone who poured into me… who reminded me to trust my beauty.”

Among those honored, Paul Tazewell’s recognition stood as a powerful reminder of representation behind the scenes. As a trailblazer in costume design and the first Black man to win an Academy Award in his category, his work continues to shape how stories are visually told across film and stage.

Beyond the honorees, the room itself reflected the cultural significance of the moment. Notable figures including Bevy Smith, media personality and entrepreneur; Claire Sulmers, founder of the influential fashion platform Fashion Bomb Daily; and Derek J, celebrity hairstylist and television personality, were among many who came out in support, further highlighting the sense of unity and respect shared across the industry.

For Derek J., the evolution of the industry remains tied to responsibility.

“The industry is always evolving… and I feel a responsibility to inspire the next generation,” he shared.

What made the evening stand out wasn’t just who was in the room but how the room felt.

It felt like a reunion. A space where creatives, professionals, and pioneers showed up not only to be recognized, but to support one another. Conversations felt genuine. The energy was warm. The intention was clear.

From the thoughtfully curated experience, food, drinks, and atmosphere, to the live performance by Tweet, every detail reflected care and intention.

What Monroe created wasn’t just an event, it was a statement.

A statement about who deserves to be seen.
Who deserves to be honored.
And what it looks like when community is built with intention.

And if this year’s soirée is any indication, the Behind the Scenes Beauty Soirée is not just a celebration, it’s becoming a cultural experience that continues to uplift, connect, and inspire.