Final weekend New York gained massive—traditionally massive—when The New York Liberty clinched the WNBA championship title in opposition to the Minnesota Lynx. It marked the Liberty’s first ever championship win, and ended a decades-long basketball top-spot drought for town general. New York celebrated with a large parade on Thursday, and the Liberty’s energy ahead, Breanna Stewart, had one of the best seat on the town (except for Ellie, perhaps). Beneath, she recollects her expertise of the parade with ITG. For those who thought today wouldn’t embrace a number of Pumas, mimosas, and a four-step lip look, what have been you considering?
Pricey ITG,
I’ve been feeling superb—nearly euphoric—because the New York Liberty gained our first ever WNBA championship. It’s arduous to check, however the Seattle Storm had already gained twice earlier than once I gained a championship with them, so to be part of the staff that introduced New York its first basketball championship in 51 years is insane. Everyone needed it so badly—and that’s why I got here to New York, to assist deliver this franchise one thing it had by no means had. It’s been all the pieces I might have imagined. The win, the parade, the celebration, all the pieces has been wild.
Actually, we’ve partied daily since we gained on Sunday—no sleep over right here. Then the day earlier than we celebrated with a parade, we rang the opening bell on the New York Inventory Change and went on The Tonight Present Starring Jimmy Fallon. I had an look with Puma, too. We completed out the day at Pergola and a membership after, and I didn’t get to mattress till 3AM.
I wakened at 6AM to get my hair and make-up completed for the parade. Antoinette Hill did my hair. I needed it to be somewhat bit wavy so I might have it down. I did a center half, which I don’t usually do however I feel I like now. And Tenelle Veira did my make-up. We didn’t do something loopy—the purpose was to look well-rested—however I did have massive lashes. She prepped my pores and skin with Glossier’s Priming Moisturizer after which used their basis in Gentle 1 and Very Gentle 4 throughout my face, utilizing these magnetic brushes. Blush was a mixture of Uncommon Magnificence’s Tender Pinch in Hope and Glossier’s Cloud Paint in Beam and Puff. She set all of it with powder from Laura Mercier and placed on a coat of mascara from Ami Colé. For my brows, Tenelle crammed them in and gave them form with Boy Forehead Arch in Cool Darkish Brown and Boy Forehead in Clear. She used a bunch of stuff on my lips: Saie’s lip liner in Wink, a mixture of Glossier’s Ultralip in Villa and Beam, and Ami Colé’s lip gloss in Reflection. Versace’s Brilliant Crystal was my scent for the day. Oh, and I all the time use Dove’s deodorant and physique wash.
The parade was a lot enjoyable. I wore these Prada sun shades the entire time and a customized Puma bomber jacket and Speedcats. Pants have been Rick Owens. We had a mimosa brunch beforehand, after which my household—my spouse, my children, my grandparents, and my aunt—have been on the float with me. I used to be so blissful to have them there as a result of I needed them to see how particular this second was. It actually felt like a film. Followers have been lined up block to dam they usually had all types of merch, even classic stuff. I used to be in a position to get off the float and excessive 5 individuals. There have been building staff there, and I obtained to signal their arduous hats. I’m glad I obtained to do this as a result of I needed our followers to really feel how a lot I respect them.
I needed to play all the New York songs on the float. Jay-Z and Alicia Keys have been on the playlist, however I blended in a little bit of Meek Mill as a result of I like him. There was a lot of consuming, smoking, excessive fives, screaming, chanting, and attempting to work together with as many individuals as I might. At one level, we have been even throwing sweet to the gang.
We stored the celebration going at Barclays Middle that evening. It was like a membership. The stadium was packed and there was no basketball being performed! Individuals would die for that attendance. Fats Joe and Remy Ma carried out. My glam managed to carry up the entire day, even after a post-parade bathe, however I did change up my outfit for the night. I wore an all-black look from RTA—with my championship hat—nearly becoming for a live performance.
We needed this championship so badly as a staff, however we additionally needed it for our followers. New York simply retains exhibiting up for us it doesn’t matter what borough we’re in, it doesn’t matter what time it’s. This metropolis is not like some other—and we introduced it residence.
Love,
Breanna Stewart
Photographs by Em Johnson by way of Breanna Stewart