Tracee Ellis Ross usually saves this particular hairstyle for Pattern Beauty shoots. On Tuesday, she gave it a night out at WWD Honors instead.
The actress and beauty entrepreneur attended the event at Cipriani South Street in New York to present Ulta Beauty with the Public Beauty Company of the Year award.
“I am here showing up for my wonderful retail partner, Ulta,” Ross told WWD. “They are our premiere retail partner, so I’m here as a CEO.”
Tracee Ellis Ross and Kecia Steelman at the 2026 WWD Honors held at Cipriani South Street on Oct. 27, 2026 in New York.
Kristina Bumphrey
Ross, who founded Pattern Beauty in 2019, wore her hair in a voluminous, rounded shape with tightly curled texture. The style extended well beyond her shoulders, framing her face, while a bold red lip added a pop of color.
“I usually save it for Pattern shoots,” she said, brushing back her hair.
Ross also had a little something from Celine for the occasion.
“And I’m wearing a little something I bought from Celine, this beautiful outfit,” she said.
The look came from the French fashion house’s fall 2026 ready-to-wear collection, designed by Michael Rider, who was also being honored Tuesday as Menswear Designer of the Year. Ross opted for an ivory satin ensemble featuring a collared jacket and fluid, wide-leg trousers. A coordinating coat was draped over her shoulders for part of the evening.
Kecia Steelman, Diane von Furstenberg and Tracee Ellis Ross at the 2026 WWD Honors.
Kristina Bumphrey
Pattern Beauty has been expanding beyond its original hair care offering, introducing body care products and entering Mexico through Ulta Beauty. At WWD’s Los Angeles Beauty Forum in April, co-CEO Christiane Pendarvis discussed the brand’s next chapter, saying the company was focused on building awareness and introducing more consumers to its products.
Ulta president and CEO Kecia Steelman had her own ideas about getting dressed for the occasion.
“I’m wearing Dolce & Gabbana because even though you’re a CEO, you can still have a little spice I think in your life, and then I’m wearing a Fenty lip, because I think a powerful CEO with a red lip is a statement,” Steelman told WWD.
Ross was quick to point out that the two CEOs had arrived with matching red lips.
“See? We didn’t even plan it,” she said, pointing back and forth between them.
Kecia Steelman and Tracee Ellis Ross.
Kristina Bumphrey
The 2026 WWD Honors was held Tuesday at Cipriani South Street in New York, where LVMH’s Bernard Arnault received the John B. Fairchild Honor. Tom Ford’s Haider Ackermann and Celine’s Michael Rider were recognized for womenswear and menswear design, respectively, while G-III Apparel Group’s Morris Goldfarb received the Creative Leadership Honor and Henry Zankov was named One to Watch. The event coincided with WWD’s Apparel & Retail CEO Summit.
