The 2021 CFDA Awards—the event’s first in-person staging since 2019—featured a bevy of fashion’s finest figures and honored a slew of rising and established creatives. The night’s winners included a who’s who of American fashion, with Emily Adams Bode, Telfar Clemens, Christopher John Rogers, and Edvin Thompson all coming home victorious. Also honored at the event were industry icons like Dapper Dan and Nina Garcia along with a host of awards and recognitions being handed out to celebrate the American and international fashion industries.

Maisie Schloss, of Maisie Wilen, was amongst the night’s nominees and attended the event with dancer Violetta Komyshan. Wearing the buzzy American brand, Komyshan gave V an inside look at the moments before the main event.

“I came from ballet class and rehearsal right before this. I love having a long day of work and then some sort of event after because it brings my confidence level up and I just have this feeling of relaxation. Dance is the best for bringing together your mind, body and spirit.”

“We decided to have fun with color. I can’t remember the last time I did hot pink. We added MW for Maisie’s initials.”

“Admiring Noris’ nails.”

“Custom “Maisie Wilen” Nails by Nori using Chanel nailpolish.”

“Makeup by Georgi Sandev.”

“We ended up wearing Roger Vivier accessories. A favorite brand of mine for years. Their pieces are so dreamy and ethereal.”

“Some quick alterations and touch-ups before we were off. No detail was forgotten, everything from singular eyelashes applied to making sure there was not one tear in my Wolford tights.”

“A favorite designer of mine, Patricia Von Muslin. My stylist and I love pulling her stuff, it’s very fierce.”

“Yael (stylist) noticed how I started to look like Barbie Tyra Banks in Life-Size so we began channeling that.”

“Nails by Nori and Rings by Bea Bongiasca.”

“CFDA Awards this year brought a very talented and diverse group of people in the fashion world together. I was so honored to be there amongst some really incredible artists. Fashion employs so many people in this world. From the stores, to the factories, to the delivery people, to the models, to the hair and makeup artists, to the stylists, to the photographers, and even reaches us dancers.”

“My amazing stylist Yael Quint and I have the best time picking out accessories and playing dress up. She always brings a Polaroid camera too, so we get all these fun getting ready shots.”

“Mark Elzey had been asking to shoot some ballet shots with me for a while but we couldn’t get into a studio. He stopped by and caught all of this for the article. Can’t wait to get into a studio with him!”

“I love to do my own glam for everything I usually go to but sometimes it’s fun to sit back, relax, enjoy the ride, and let someone else bring their visions to life.”

“Maisie is such a goddess. She’s powerful and ethereal and a true visionary. Her clothing is so fun to look at and even more fun to wear.”