Timeless Givenchy and K-Beauty-inspired glamour are the elements that contributed to Mabel Li's A+ premiere look.
Attention fans of The Handmaid's Tale! The Testaments, the sequel inspired by Margaret Atwood's novel set after the original story's events, is set to debut on Hulu on April 8. I can promise you it’s equally unsettling and impactful! Featuring newcomers Chase Infiniti (a rising star from One Battle After Another) and Lucy Halliday, this dystopian drama revolves around two teenagers, Agnes and Daisy, who forge a transformative connection at Gilead's elite preparatory school, where young girls are taught to be compliant wives. After stops in Paris and London, the show wrapped its global press tour with an extravagant premiere in Los Angeles, complete with a purple carpet and students from Aunt Lydia's school. Before the festivities began, series regular Mabel Li, who portrays Aunt Vidala—a literate and ruthless authority figure at the school training girls to accept Gilead’s oppressive rules—opened her getting-ready suite to Who What Wear for an exclusive glimpse at her stunning Givenchy ensemble.
What was the vision or vibe you and your stylist Enrique Melendez had for The Testaments' Los Angeles premiere? My mood board was very high femme, filled with romantic shapes and vibrant colors. I felt I had worn a lot of black recently on the red carpet, but I was pleasantly surprised! When we tried on this beautiful Givenchy dress and it fit perfectly, we both knew it was the right decision. It radiates effortless glamour. I just love black—what can I say?
Share the details of the look you ultimately chose. What set it apart from other options? We selected this Givenchy gown that perfectly balanced clean lines and an elegant silhouette with a touch of sexiness from the open back. The silky material and the dress's cut really flatter the body, plus it was light and comfortable, which is definitely a bonus. How did it feel when you first wore it? The fact that it already fit so well without any alterations was a strong indication that I had made the right choice! I felt like myself, just elevated.
Are there any favorite details you’d like to highlight? I adore the fitted top of the dress and the beautiful, simple draping on the bottom. The open back adds a hint of allure. Givenchy nailed timeless elegance perfectly. What's your philosophy on red carpet dressing? I love to experiment and blend femininity, masculinity, and androgyny, depending on my mood. I’ve worn high-femme styles as well as punky, suited, androgynous looks. I tend to gravitate towards a bit of edge in my red carpet outfits, but who knows? I might go for a soft, whimsical look someday.
What was the approach for your glam look? Did you and your team reference anything specific? My hair and makeup artists, Rena Calhoun and Pircilla Pae, are incredibly talented and detail-oriented. I wanted to wear my hair down and envisioned enhancing its volume and length to add texture to the overall look, since my natural straight, silky hair aligns with the dress. Rena and I explored "'90s supermodel blowout" references and said, "Let's go va-va-voom!" Pircilla and I drew inspiration from K-beauty, which we love for its fresh, luminous skin and edgy yet refined eyeliner. What's your must-have product for red carpet beauty? Mints and lip balm!
What does it mean to be part of a show like The Testaments? I am incredibly proud to be part of The Testaments. It’s an honor to contribute to the remarkable storytelling in the Margaret Atwood universe and to follow the outstanding TV series, The Handmaid's Tale, which I am a huge fan of. Our show offers a new perspective on Gilead and feels both fresh and powerful. What particularly struck you about your character, Aunt Vidala? Aunt Vidala is a hardline authority figure at the school, second to Aunt Lydia. She is doing what she must to survive in Gilead, but her complexity and adaptability in navigating the power dynamics of the world are extraordinary. The writers avoided creating a one-dimensional villain character; instead, they revealed layers and contradictions throughout the season. Without giving too much away, I hope we get to explore her background and what shaped her into who she is today.
The L.A. premiere feels like a cast and crew reunion. Who are you most looking forward to seeing tonight? This cast and crew are a dream team. Walking onto set every day felt like stepping into a world filled with love and passion. I'm really excited to reconnect with Chase and hear all about her amazing journey over the past six months. I can't wait to dance with Zarrin [Darnell-Martin] and Eva [Foote], who also portray aunts on the show. I'm thrilled to see Ann Dowd—she has my heart! How did your night wrap up? Interestingly, Chase, Brad [Alexander],
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Timeless Givenchy and K-Beauty-inspired glamour are the elements that contributed to Mabel Li's A+ premiere look.
Take a look at our exclusive interview with actress Mabel Li as she prepares for the premiere of The Testaments in Los Angeles.
