Leva Bonaparte Explains How She Revealed a Whole New Side of Herself at the Reunion

Leva Bonaparte’s first season as a cast member on Southern Charm is coming to a close, but that doesn’t mean she’s finished introducing herself just yet. Heading into the Season 7 reunion, the Charleston beauty saw the sit-down event as an opportunity to show viewers a whole other side of herself, and used her fabulous ensemble to do so. Bravo Insider caught up with Leva and her glam team to learn all about her look. 

Dressed in an unforgettable long-sleeved, red, tiered KikiRiki gown she had shipped from Turkey, Leva explained backstage at the reunion that she was “totally going for a sort of whimsical, fun” vibe in her look after a serious season. “I thought my outfit would inspire that, since you guys mostly got to see a more serious Leva,” she noted, adding "Maybe you'll get to see a fun Leva tonight," after a season in which viewers "didn't get to see any fun Leva." 

Taking the frock to the next level, Leva stepped into a gorgeous pair of Guiseppe Zanotti shoes and accessorized with pieces from Oscar de la Renta, Gwynns of Mount Pleasant, and ZarianasJewels.

The glamorous restauranteur worked with creative director Mac McAbee and makeup artist Jami Messuri to perfect her look, which featured glowing makeup and a new, chic haircut. While Leva’s glam team clearly nailed her look, she explained that they also achieved something even deeper.

“Beyond the look, it was Mac and Jami that helped create a kind and safe space for me. I think people forget that your glam team is not just there to make you look beautiful, the right glam team makes you FEEL beautiful and comfortable in your own skin,” she said. “I think the happy and safe energy welcomes the look I say I want to go for. It’s not just fashion. It’s so much love.”

Messuri opened up about the creative process behind constructing Leva’s reunion beauty vibe, which began with weeks of sharing “inspirational pictures of makeup” with each other. 

“She really wanted to find the perfect metallic shadow. After endless research and makeup swatching, I found the Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow showcased the perfect metallic shimmer we both wanted to see on camera,” said Messuri. Also on hand: NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Ginger and Macadamia, KKW Beauty Nude Créme Lipstick in Honey Nude and Cool Nude, and KKW Beauty Nude 2 Lip Liner were a few of the goodies that helped make Leva’s face even more radiant. 

Typically one to rock long, luscious curls, Leva made a major change and cut a few inches off of her locks back in December. At the time, Leva revealed that those close to her know she’s prone to chopping her hair when she’s “feeling out of sorts.” Messuri explained how the shorter ‘do worked with the other elements of Leva’s look as a sort of reset. 

“The haircut was therapeutic at the end of the season. Leva’s reunion look helped her so much mentally, making her feel confident and strong with her new look,” said Messuri. “Leva’s reunion dress was girly and whimsical, which spoke to her fun side, especially after knowing how heavy the reunion would be emotionally. It really helped her feel her true self.” 

Want more Southern Charm? New episodes air Thursdays at 9/8c or catch up on the latest season through the Bravo app.