Flau’jae Johnson, an expected first-round WNBA draft pick, attended the WNBA Draft in New York City. Johnson chose a mermaid silhouette cutout gown for the occasion. She accessorised with a fuzzy black shawl and a sparkly Judith Lieber clutch.
Johnson kept her glam soft with a pop of purple eye shadow, and her hair down and straightened. She is a soon-to-be-graduated 22-year-old guard out of Louisiana State University (LSU).
Elevated Elegance for Draft Night
Johnson envisioned a The-Met-Gala-meets-the-WNBA-Draft look, telling her stylist, Elly Karamoh, that “Elevated elegance” was the goal. She stated that “You really only get drafted one time. Your draft fit is very important”. Shafon Moore was tapped for makeup, and Karjah Carter for hair.
Beyond the Basketball Court
Johnson isn’t just a star on the court. She was named the 2023 SEC Freshman of the Year, a two-time First Team All-SEC selection, and a national championship winner. Johnson is also a recording artist and rapper, with her new song “Woah” coming soon. She is a philanthropist, and a fashion and beauty lover, known for her long, black, curly hair and natural glam on and off the court.
Confidence and Staying Grounded
Johnson credits her mom and longtime manager, Kia Brooks, with her unwavering self-belief. Johnson said, “My mom was the first person to really instill that confidence in me, tell me I was beautiful, tell me that I could do anything that I wanted to do, and so I believed it”. She added that finding herself was what she loved most about her time at LSU. “I think just the growth of my confidence has become something that’s unshakeable,” she added.
That confidence has paid out: She has almost 4 million followers across Instagram and TikTok, and more recently, an E.L.F. Beauty contract to show for it.
To stay grounded through it all, Johnson says she started journaling. “I’m always jotting down notes because my mind is spinning,” she says, adding that she starts by reflecting on her plans for the day, then lets everything flow from there. “Every page is different.” She also practices meditation and uses the 6-1-7 breathing exercise (which involves breathing in for six seconds, holding it for one, and breathing out for seven) to help calm her nerves.
Draft Outfit and Beauty Philosophy
When she spoke, Johnson hadn’t finalised the night’s outfit, but had some guidelines: It had to be neutral and have a silhouette that complemented her shoulders. She also wanted minimal jewelry.
She did, however, have a very clear plan for her makeup. “The glam is always soft and natural,” she said, emphasising that she wants to let her features—especially her eyes—shine. It’s a beauty philosophy that extends perfectly to her partnership with E.L.F. as one of the brand’s “empowered legendary females,” as well as her gameday ritu