'Hamilton' 's Phillipa Soo Had the Sweetest Emmys Date Night in an Electric Pink, '80s-Style Look

Phillipa Soo
Photo: JJ GEIGER

If you're still catching up on all the glamorous looks from the 2021 Emmys, here's one you definitely don't want to miss: Phillipa Soo's electric pink set from Vassilis Zoulias, which featured an extra-large floral embellishment and sweet peplum detail. The actress — whom you likely recognize as Eliza Hamilton from Hamilton, and can soon catch in the Hulu miniseries Dopesick — no doubt stunned on the red carpet in this '80s inspired look, which was styled by Cristina Ehrlich.

But what, you may wonder, is it like to get ready for a major award show like this?

Soo is shedding some light on the whole process, taking InStyle behind-the-scenes and sharing some stories from her getting ready process. From hydrating pre-show to the finishing touches and hitting the red carpet, he's how it all went down for this star.

01 of 13

Before the Show

Phillipa Soo
JJ GEIGER

"I am a firm believer that beauty starts inside-out. I had about an hour alone in the room before the glam process started. I meditated, drank a lot of water, fueled up with some food, and took some deep breaths. The key to looking your best is feeling your best, and that starts with wellness, physical, and mental."

02 of 13

The Look

Phillipa Soo
JJ GEIGER

"Vassilis Zoulias designed this gorgeous fuchsia dream. Cristina Ehrlich, my stylist, is a joy to work with. We had a lot of conversations about which direction we wanted to go. When I thought about what I wanted to wear, as we are still fighting through this pandemic, I wanted the look to feel like a glorious celebration — of fashion, art, collaboration. I had so much fun with the process of creating this look."

03 of 13

Check the Tag

Phillipa Soo
JJ GEIGER

Vassilis Zoulias in the house.

04 of 13

Getting Glam

Phillipa Soo
JJ GEIGER

"Combined with the vintage-inspired dress, creating this look with Chanel makeup felt like a perfect pairing."

Makeup by Mia Jones.

05 of 13

The Little Extras

Phillipa Soo
JJ GEIGER

"Fred Leighton jewelry and a little black Chanel bag, *chef's kiss!*. I love a geometric shape. Love a colored stone. My own engagement ring is vintage art deco. I love pieces that feel like they have a personality of their own."

06 of 13

A Dream of a Team

Phillipa Soo
JJ GEIGER

"It takes a village. Thankful for these beautiful artists who were a part of it. Mia Jones who did my makeup, Seiji Yamada who did my hair, and Shigeko Taylor who did my nails. Behind the lens: My dear friend and photographer JJ Geiger."

07 of 13

Nailed It

Phillipa Soo

"Me texting Cristina: 'Do you have any specific manicure thoughts?' Cristina: 'For nails…Black!'"

08 of 13

Don't Forget the Back

Phillipa Soo
JJ GEIGER

"The bow and the bun. Watching Seiji, my hair stylist, work is like watching is a sculptor at work. Also he is the best audience because he has an incredible laugh, and he laughs at all of my jokes."

09 of 13

Slipping Into the Shoes

Phillipa Soo
JJ GEIGER

"Rima, from Cristina's team, helping me get into my shoes. We listened to '80s pop on Spotify (thanks to 'DJ' Anthony for creating a playlist). Rima was living for the music. We all were."

10 of 13

Almost Ready

Phillipa Soo
JJ GEIGER

"Finishing touches. Chanel lip, Fred Leighton earrings."

11 of 13

Date Night

Phillipa Soo
JJ GEIGER

"I have to take this moment to acknowledge my amazing husband, Steven Pasquale. My Favorite part of getting ready was when Steve was making jokes about how he felt like Jason Bourne because he stealthily came up to the room by using the stairs from two flights down. The whole room had a good belly laugh. I cannot thank him enough for being an amazing partner and friend. He lifts me up, helps me fly, and loves the heck outta me. I'm so grateful to have you by my side, SP."

12 of 13

Pretty in Pink

Phillipa Soo
JJ GEIGER

"This look. This dress. Is a work of art. I felt like a Goddess-Superhero-LadyJamesBond. Thank you to everyone who made it possible."

13 of 13

Red Carpet Ready

Phillipa Soo
Courtesy Phillipa Soo

"We made it to the red carpet. Vaxxed, tested, glammed. Grateful."

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