BTS of Rachel Chinouriri’s ‘stunning fairy princess’ Brits beauty look

Every year at the Brit Awards, hundreds of students from the Brit School fill the front of the O2 Arena’s standing area, with the dream of one day winning an award or performing on the main stage. In 2016, London-born Rachel Chinouriri was among those students. On Saturday night however, she returned to the O2, no longer as a teenager with a big dream, but as an artist nominated for both best new artist and artist of the year.

Styled by Shannon Kelsey Ann, Chinouriri appeared on the red carpet wearing a custom mermaid-style dress by Kate Walker Studio, which she described as ”stunning fairy princess vibes”. Before the awards, she spoke to Dazed Beauty about her look: “[We’ve gone for] long rapunzel, jet black hair, just a classic look but slightly heightened,” she said. “I kind of had no concept because I’ve never really done a carpet like this, in this way. I trust my glam team entirely. I just [told them] I want to be flowy and have my back out.”

Using TRESemmé products, her glam was done by her longtime hairstylist Shamara Roper and make-up artist Georgia Hope. “They’re built this thing together,” she says, speaking on the process of collaboration between her team. “I’ve been working with [them] for about four to five years, they bring the vibes, the giggles and make me feel really calm. They’re low-key therapists at the same time and my glam team are all friends.”

Opting for a more classic look than usual, she went for a long glossy hair to complement the backless dress. “My approach to beauty, I like to keep it simple and clean with my face and styling, but I’ve always been experimental with my hair. Shamara and I have collaborated on so many things together so surprisingly keeping it simple today. I’ve used the TRESemmé’s Lamellar Shine Ultra Gloss Spray and it is amazing. The finish is stunning. I want the hair to just be so shiny and flowy on the carpet, so it is perfect for helping me achieve that look.”

As well as being a night of celebration for her nominations, the Brits marks the first night she will meet American pop princess Sabrina Carpenter, who she is set to open for over the five weeks. “I’m so excited to meet her before the tour. I did not expect to be nominated, so to be nominated and get to meet her, and see her perform,” Chinouriri explains.

Head to the gallery above to see more BTS from Rachel’s glam look for the Brits.