The 10 Best Dressed at the 2023 Guap Gala

This time last week the much talked about 2023 GUAP Gala happened in the Natural History Museum. Like most formal events there was a dress code, but with this gala there’s something more than bragging rights up for grabs. Whoever wins Best Dressed will win a £1000 prize. GUAP have done the hard work for you and shortlisted it to just 10 out of the 450 attendees, but you still get to have your say, by voting for your favourite over on Instagram. £1000. Let’s take a closer look at who the top 10 are…

1. Lake Sanu

Celebrity makeup artist Lake Sanu is known for her ability to perfectly execute a wide variety of makeup looks, from edgy and high detailed to red carpet worthy soft glam. So it was no surprise that her GUAP Gala makeup would be flawless. The real standout however, was her gown. Teaming up with stylist and regular collaborator Gelmira Manico, Sanu turned heads in a full length iridescent gown. The Fantasia dress from House of Alvin’s SS23 collection ticked every box on this year’s theme Cosmic Dreams. The Hong Kong based duo used plated organza to create ethereal fin like motifs reminiscent of an underwater Princess from another world. The trichrome colour, semi sheer feature of the organza and hidden petticoat made it appear that Sanu was floating through the crowd. Paired with a few silver rings, a perfect black mullet and simple makeup, the dress was allowed to shine. Truly stunning.

2. Dami Hope

Ready for battle in red, influencer and former Love Islander Dami Hope turned heads in a red shirt dress paired with matching wide leg trousers complete with a cathedral length train. Fashioned over a gold breast plate emulating an alien with gold skin, the look was a show stopper. Created by Nigerian based brand Fruché and styled by Irish based Emmanuel Agbons, the look was completed by gold gems to accessorise his hands. If the outfit wasn’t enough to wow attendees and social media fans alike, the grooming was the cherry on top. Makeup artist Myla adorned his face with what she describes as a nose corset: a selection of small gold rings and chains affixed to his nose in a criss-crossed pattern. Dami’s fingers were also dotted with gold gems. Effective, experimental and on theme.

3. Lily Rebekah

Creative project manager and interior designer Lily Rebekah wore a dress by knitwear designer Zivia Wang. The gown, fashioned out of knitting fibre optic into a semi sheer, weblike design was the perfect choice for the otherworldly theme of the evening. Completed with a circular, doubled over hemline finished with feather and embellishments on the arm; the dress felt like a living breathing organism all on its own. The sheer gown was layered over a mauve playsuit and completed with icy blue eye makeup; this whole look made an impression on the evening. Styled by  Bethan Dadson (who happens to also be Rebekah’s twin sister) the look was perfectly balanced and on theme.

4. Martin Akinola

Another ex-Love Islander and fashion lover, Martin Akinola also caught our attention with his collaboration with designer M-Sew. Akinola wore a galaxy inspired three-piece suit, featuring a blazer and knee length pleated skirt, layered over loose-fitting straight leg trousers. The look was paired with a silver watch, crisp white shirt and prada bolo tie. The royal blue galaxy mural was completed with a splattering of white stars, varying in size and shape on each of the three pieces. The look was finished with Akinola’s hair in bantu knots, with diamontes in each puff, and makeup artist Myla lightly dusting of silver on the high points of his cheekbones and cupid’s bow.

5. Brazy 

Expectations were high for musician Brazy, especially as she calls herself “afro-future-afro-crazy” and the Cosmic Dreams theme easily lends itself to afro-futurism. The “Attends” lyricist relied solely on shape to wow the crowd with her Hubris dress, styled by Zena. The dress was made up of ultra black tubes, covering Brazy’s body in a criss cross pattern, mimicking planets’ rings perhaps. The skirt of the dress featured the same tubes, pooled at the hem of the garment in a spiral with a pointed end so it looked like she was in a black hole. To accessorise, she kept it simple with some silver arm cuffs. Brazy finished the look with cool blonde hair and bantu knots by Ono My Hair and a sultry red makeup look by Ayopo Abiri. 

6. Deela

Artist Deela chose to interpret the theme with a punk aspect. Opting for a custom gown by Kate Walker, Deela embodied the spirit of the rebellious princess of a faraway land. The look was a show stopper; a full length backless gown complete with a bust revealing cut out, asymmetrically draped across the body meeting a thigh high slit on the hip. The myriad of metallic gold, bronze and aquamarine sheer fabric was lined with equally sheer black chiffon creating a floating effect when caught in a gust of wind. The soft, sexy energy of the gown was perfectly juxtaposed with the grungy, spiky and dystopian feel of the Poppy Whitehorn custom jewellery that was paired with the gown. From the chain made of canned drink ring pulls that adorned the slit of the dress to the complementing body chain and earring featuring silver and gold safety pins; to the chunky chain featuring beads, wires, gems and more safety pins to name but a few of the materials used. The jewellery was a stand out part of the look. Finished with a lightly curled mullet styled by Sewa Awobadejo and strappy silver shoes, this look inspired by Yoruba deities Yeoja and Oshun, stylist Tio perfectly pushed the boat in an innovative, fun and ultimately beautiful way.

7. Zakiyah Shani

Pro makeup artist Zakiyah Shani opted for an iridescent custom Maximiliian Raynor gown. Fashioned out of Raynor’s signature fencing tape fabrication, the dress featured twisted off the shoulder details that turned into a hood and an asymmetric tentacle looking hemline. The plunge neckline bodice was fashioned to swirl around the body creating movement with even a single move. Paired with shimmery strappy purple heels and a metal silver bag that evoked memories/images of an alien egg; the look emulated elegance. The outfit styled by image consultant Adama was finished with a silver wire necklace embellished with two large gems and matching earring. Hairstylist Haus of Shee complimented the look with Shani’s hair pulled back from the face with a wavy side fringe that matched the wavey nature of the gown.

8. Kyron Hamilton

Content creator Kyron Hamilton‘s look can only be described as sunshine hairy chic. Styled by Josh Arimoro, the base of the outfit, a flowy white buttoned shirt and wide leg trousers, was quite simple and allowed the main piece to shine. The main piece was breathtaking; a three dimensional, multi ring structure wrapped in straight blonde hair that flowed as Hamilton walked. With glowy skin and bleach blonde brows by Freya Paxton, Hamilton was luminescent like the sun. A was wrapped in s.  Hamilton’s look was definitely out of this world.

9. Priscilla Anyabu

“Out of this world, but so down to earth” is how stylist Sheldon Da Cr8tor describes his latest look with influencer and model Priscilla Anyabu. The pair often collaborate pulling from lesser known, foreign designers and this time was no different. With exaggerated shoulders and a print similar to both a cloudy blue sky and a far away galaxy, this Le Thanh Hoa mini dress was a perfect choice. The Vietnamese brand chose a silver mesh to layer over the gown, creating a shimmery effect on the gown. The look was completed with special effects makeup by Paige Cole, who gave Anyabu implanted gems in her forehead, and simple glittery silver heels.

10. Cherise Hewitt

Visual artist Cherise Hewitt opted for a floor length black dress by Sylvester Eulalee Mair. The gown was fully embellished in a broken cobweb-esque design which continued onto a single sleeve. Complete with a slit and thin halter neck straps the dress also featured a three dimensional silver piece affixed to the plunge neckline. Featuring twisted metal in varying widths, lengths and shapes, this was the star of the look. Hewitt chose a high ponytail cut in a blunt style and embellished black heeled sandals to complete the outfit.

Which look is your favourite? Vote now on Instagram @guapmag