Kendall Jenner’s Bold Bangs & High Ponytail: A Deep Dive into Her 2019 NBC Upfronts Transformation
Supermodel Kendall Jenner, then 23, made a truly unforgettable entrance at the 2019 NBCUniversal Upfronts in New York City on May 13, captivating onlookers with a dramatic and unexpected hair transformation. Known for her signature long, sleek, and often center-parted locks, Kendall opted for a completely fresh aesthetic that evening. She unveiled a chic new hairstyle featuring blunt front bangs perfectly paired with an impossibly high, sleek ponytail, a look that instantly became a talking point across fashion and beauty circles. This bold choice marked a significant departure from her usual style, demonstrating her fearless approach to fashion and her ability to effortlessly pull off any look.
Her striking new coiffure was complemented by an equally stunning ensemble. Kendall looked absolutely drop-dead-gorgeous in a skintight, strapless tan leather midi dress. This luxurious garment not only highlighted her statuesque figure but also featured a daring plunging slit on the side, artfully revealing her famously long, lean legs. The choice of a neutral-toned leather added a sophisticated yet edgy vibe to her overall appearance. To complete the ensemble, she opted for trendy clear PVC pumps, a footwear choice that provided a modern, almost invisible finish, ensuring all eyes remained on her impeccable dress and, of course, her sensational new hair. While the entire outfit was a masterclass in elegant minimalism, the undeniable star of her look was, without a doubt, her striking new bangs. The blunt cut framed her face impeccably, covering her entire forehead with a modern edge, while the rest of her hair was expertly swept back into a high ponytail, ensuring the bangs took center stage.
Kendall Jenner’s Daring Hair Transformation: A Masterclass in Chic
The decision to debut blunt bangs was a significant style statement for Kendall. Bangs, in their various forms, have always held a powerful place in hair trends, capable of completely altering a face’s shape and accentuating features. Kendall’s chosen style—blunt and full—provided a dramatic, fashion-forward frame for her piercing eyes and strong bone structure. This particular cut exudes confidence and a modern sensibility, perfectly aligning with her supermodel persona. The bangs, crisp and precisely cut, fell just above her eyebrows, creating an immediate focal point. They introduced a playful yet sophisticated element to her usually more reserved hair aesthetic, demonstrating her versatility and willingness to experiment with her image.
Complementing the bold bangs was a super high ponytail, meticulously styled for a sleek and polished finish. A high ponytail is a classic choice, renowned for its ability to create a lifted, elongated silhouette and convey an air of effortless sophistication. When combined with bangs, it achieves a dynamic contrast: the softness and framing effect of the bangs against the sharpness and clean lines of the ponytail. This specific combination drew attention to her elegant neck and shoulders, further emphasizing the refined nature of her strapless dress. The execution of the ponytail was flawless, devoid of flyaways, ensuring a pristine look that lasted throughout the high-profile event. This hair choice wasn’t just about fashion; it was a deliberate statement of chic confidence that elevated her entire presence at the Upfronts.
Her Striking Outfit: A Fusion of Edge and Elegance
Beyond her hair, Kendall’s fashion choice for the NBCUniversal Upfronts was equally impactful. The skintight, strapless tan leather midi dress was a testament to her refined and minimalist style, yet with an undeniable edge. Leather, as a fabric, consistently cycles through fashion trends, but in 2019, it was particularly prominent in sophisticated silhouettes. The midi length, falling elegantly below the knee, offered a touch of classic refinement while the body-hugging cut celebrated her incredible model physique. A strapless neckline is always a daring choice, demanding poise and confidence, which Kendall effortlessly delivered. However, it was the strategic, plunging slit on the side of the dress that injected a dose of provocative allure, allowing for graceful movement and a peek at her endless legs, balancing the dress’s inherent modesty with a hint of unexpected sexiness.
The clear PVC pumps, a highly fashionable accessory at the time, were the perfect choice to complete this already stunning look. These “naked” heels created the illusion of longer legs by visually extending the line from her calves to her toes, without introducing any color or bulk that might detract from the streamlined elegance of the dress. The transparency of the material added a contemporary, almost futuristic touch, while keeping the overall aesthetic clean and uncluttered. This thoughtful pairing of a luxurious leather dress with modern, understated footwear exemplified Kendall’s masterful approach to styling, proving that sometimes, the most impactful statements are made with seemingly simple, yet perfectly executed, choices. Her “neutral, but beautiful look” was anything but ordinary; it was a carefully curated ensemble that showcased her fashion prowess.
A History of Bangs: Kendall’s Evolving Hair Story
While Kendall’s 2019 Upfronts look felt fresh and surprising, it wasn’t actually her first foray into bangs. The model has openly discussed on Keeping Up With The Kardashians that her inner circle of friends and her dedicated fanbase often express their admiration for her appearance with bangs, encouraging her to embrace the style more often. This particular sentiment highlights how well-received her occasional forays into fringed hairstyles have been. Her most recent experimentation prior to the Upfronts came on February 4 of the same year, when she delighted her Instagram followers with a series of selfies showcasing longer, choppier front bangs. That earlier look, while still featuring a fringe, offered a softer, more bohemian vibe compared to the sharp, blunt precision of her Upfronts style.
Indeed, Kendall’s history with bangs stretches back even further, demonstrating a long-standing flirtation with the style. Years before her 2019 appearance, she graced the red carpet at the 2015 American Music Awards, where she sported wispy front bangs paired with a playfully messy bun updo. This earlier iteration of bangs was characterized by its delicate, feathered texture, framing her face with a softer touch and blending seamlessly with the undone elegance of her bun. Comparing these various looks—from the wispy and romantic to the longer and relaxed, and finally to the sharp and blunt—illustrates Kendall’s willingness to adapt and redefine her image. Each time, she proves that bangs, in any form, can perfectly complement her ever-evolving style and personality, consistently surprising and inspiring her audience.
The Complete Beauty Look: Makeup That Made a Statement
Beyond her revolutionary hairstyle, Kendall’s makeup choices for the Upfronts further amplified her dramatic transformation. She opted for a sexier, more intense glam look than her usual preferences, which often lean towards a more natural, “no-makeup” makeup aesthetic. For this occasion, she embraced a dark smokey eye, a classic and universally flattering technique that adds depth and allure to the eyes. This was meticulously crafted with rich, dark shadows blended seamlessly to create a captivating, smoldering effect. The smokey eye was further intensified by a deep, thick black eyeliner, applied with precision to define her lash line and add a dramatic flick, elongating her eyes and giving them an almost cat-like sophistication. This bold eye makeup perfectly balanced the bluntness of her new bangs, drawing attention to her expressive gaze.
Sisterly Style: Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian’s Red Carpet Choices
The 2019 NBCUniversal Upfronts also served as a family affair, with Kendall’s two older sisters, Kourtney, then 40, and Khloe Kardashian, then 34, making equally stunning appearances. While each sister showcased her individual style, their collective presence added another layer of glamour to the event, highlighting their distinct fashion sensibilities. Their attendance underscored the strong ties of the Kardashian-Jenner family to the NBCUniversal network, particularly through their long-running reality show. Each sister brought her A-game, ensuring that the paparazzi and fashion critics had plenty to discuss, from their meticulously chosen outfits to their perfectly styled hair and makeup.
Kourtney Kardashian’s Bold Neon Statement
Kourtney Kardashian arrived radiating confidence in a strapless neon yellow cheetah print tight midi dress. This bold choice perfectly encapsulated her adventurous yet sophisticated style. Neon colors were a major trend in 2019, and Kourtney embraced it with enthusiasm, while the cheetah print added a touch of wild glamour and timeless appeal. The midi length and body-con silhouette mirrored Kendall’s choice, but with a vibrant, eye-catching twist that was distinctly Kourtney. For her hair, Kourtney opted for a sleek and classic look, keeping her dark hair down and parted precisely in the middle. Her hair was styled into a flawlessly straight blowout, expertly executed by celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons, known for his work with the Kardashian family. Her makeup, crafted by acclaimed artist Mario Dedivanovic, featured a sophisticated dark smokey eye, providing dramatic depth, complemented by a rich brown lip liner and a matching brown lipstick, a timeless combination that accentuated her features with understated elegance.
Khloe Kardashian’s Sleek and Sophisticated Ensemble
Meanwhile, Khloe Kardashian presented a picture of modern elegance with her chic and powerful look. She sported a slicked-back, sleek low ponytail, which flowed into an extra-long, wavy pony, adding a touch of drama and femininity to the otherwise sharp hairstyle. This striking hairstyle, also skillfully created by Andrew Fitzsimons, perfectly framed her face and highlighted her bold outfit. Khloe made a daring fashion statement by opting to go completely braless under a plunging cropped blazer, showcasing her confidence and embracing a contemporary power-dressing aesthetic. She paired the edgy blazer with high-waisted, black satin cropped trousers, which provided a luxurious texture contrast and further accentuated her toned physique. Her glam, meticulously applied by makeup artist Wendi Miyake, featured a classic sexy smokey-eye, a signature look for Khloe that always enhances her captivating gaze, balanced with a flattering nude lip, ensuring a harmonious and polished overall appearance.
The Significance of the NBCUniversal Upfronts
The NBCUniversal Upfronts are a pivotal annual event in the television industry, where networks unveil their upcoming programming lineups to advertisers and media buyers. It’s a high-stakes affair where first impressions matter, and networks aim to generate buzz and secure advertising commitments for the new season. For the Kardashian-Jenner family, whose long-running reality show Keeping Up With The Kardashians aired on E!, a channel within the NBCUniversal portfolio, their presence at the Upfronts was a significant show of support and a reaffirmation of their continued influence in entertainment. Attending such an event requires celebrities to be at the top of their style game, making bold yet appropriate fashion and beauty choices that command attention and leave a lasting impression. Kendall, Kourtney, and Khloe masterfully achieved this, each making distinct statements that contributed to the overall glitz and glamour of the star-studded occasion.
Why This Look Continues to Inspire
Kendall Jenner’s debut of blunt bangs and a high ponytail at the 2019 NBCUniversal Upfronts remains a memorable moment in celebrity fashion and beauty. It showcased her innate ability to transform her look dramatically while maintaining an aura of sophisticated elegance. Her willingness to experiment with such a defining hairstyle, combined with an impeccably styled outfit, solidified her status as a true style icon. This particular look resonated deeply because it offered a fresh perspective on a classic combination – the power of bangs, the sleekness of a high ponytail, and the timeless appeal of a leather dress. It continues to inspire individuals looking for a bold yet refined hair change, proving that sometimes, the most impactful statements are made when one dares to step slightly outside their comfort zone, confidently embracing a new, stunning identity. Kendall’s Upfronts transformation wasn’t just a momentary trend; it was a testament to her enduring influence in the world of fashion and beauty.