Final weekend New York received large—traditionally large—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 total. New York celebrated with an enormous parade on Thursday, and the Liberty’s energy ahead, Breanna Stewart, had the perfect seat on the town (except for Ellie, perhaps). Under, she recollects her expertise of the parade with ITG. When you thought at the present time wouldn’t embody a number of Pumas, mimosas, and a four-step lip look, what had been you pondering?
Expensive ITG,
I’ve been feeling superb—nearly euphoric—because the New York Liberty received our first ever WNBA championship. It’s laborious to check, however the Seattle Storm had already received twice earlier than after I received a championship with them, so to be part of the group that introduced New York its first basketball championship in 51 years is insane. Everyone wished it so badly—and that’s why I got here to New York, to assist carry this franchise one thing it had by no means had. It’s been all the things I might have imagined. The win, the parade, the celebration, all the things has been wild.
Actually, we’ve partied daily since we received 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 Alternate 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 carried out for the parade. Antoinette Hill did my hair. I wished it to be a bit of bit wavy so I might have it down. I did a center half, which I don’t usually do however I believe I like now. And Tenelle Veira did my make-up. We didn’t do something loopy—the objective was to look well-rested—however I did have large lashes. She prepped my pores and skin with Glossier’s Priming Moisturizer after which used their basis in Mild 1 and Very Mild 4 throughout my face, utilizing these magnetic brushes. Blush was a mixture of Uncommon Magnificence’s Mushy 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 Vivid Crystal was my scent for the day. Oh, and I at all times 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 had been Rick Owens. We had a mimosa brunch beforehand, after which my household—my spouse, my youngsters, my grandparents, and my aunt—had been on the float with me. I used to be so pleased to have them there as a result of I wished them to see how particular this second was. It actually felt like a film. Followers had 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 folks. There have been development employees there, and I obtained to signal their laborious hats. I’m glad I obtained to try this as a result of I wished our followers to really feel how a lot I admire them.
I wished to play the entire New York songs on the float. Jay-Z and Alicia Keys had been on the playlist, however I blended in a little bit of Meek Mill as a result of I really like him. There was a number of ingesting, smoking, excessive fives, screaming, chanting, and attempting to work together with as many individuals as I might. At one level, we had been even throwing sweet to the gang.
We saved the celebration going at Barclays Heart that night time. It was like a membership. The stadium was packed and there was no basketball being performed! Folks 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 wished this championship so badly as a group, however we additionally wished 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 dwelling.
Love,
Breanna Stewart
Photographs by Em Johnson through Breanna Stewart