Parading Round With The New York Liberty’s Breanna Stewart

Final weekend New York gained huge—traditionally huge—when The New York Liberty clinched the WNBA championship title towards 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 an enormous parade on Thursday, and the Liberty’s energy ahead, Breanna Stewart, had the most effective seat on the town (other than Ellie, perhaps). Beneath, she recollects her expertise of the parade with ITG. In case you thought today wouldn’t embody a number of Pumas, mimosas, and a four-step lip look, what have been you pondering?

Expensive ITG,

I’ve been feeling wonderful—nearly euphoric—for the reason that New York Liberty gained our first ever WNBA championship. It’s exhausting 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 crew that introduced New York its first basketball championship in 51 years is insane. All people 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 every little thing I may have imagined. The win, the parade, the celebration, every little thing has been wild.

Truthfully, we’ve partied day by day 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 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 awoke at 6AM to get my hair and make-up achieved for the parade. Antoinette Hill did my hair. I needed it to be somewhat bit wavy so I may 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 objective was to look well-rested—however I did have huge 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 Delicate 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 youngsters, my grandparents, and my aunt—have been on the float with me. I used to be so completely satisfied 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 and so they had all kinds of merch, even classic stuff. I used to be capable of get off the float and excessive 5 folks. There have been development staff there, and I obtained to signal their exhausting hats. I’m glad I obtained to try this as a result of I needed our followers to really feel how a lot I recognize 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 numerous consuming, smoking, excessive fives, screaming, chanting, and making an attempt to work together with as many individuals as I may. At one level, we have been even throwing sweet to the gang.

We stored the celebration going at Barclays Middle that night time. 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 crew, however we additionally needed it for our followers. New York simply retains displaying up for us it doesn’t matter what borough we’re in, it doesn’t matter what time it’s. This metropolis is in contrast to another—and we introduced it dwelling.

Love,
Breanna Stewart

Images by Em Johnson through Breanna Stewart