Photo:Ariana Madix/ Instagram
Ariana Madix/ Instagram
Even asAriana Madixshowed remarkable restraint in the weeks afterdiscoveringherthen-boyfriendTom Sandoval’smonths-long affairwith friend andVanderpump RulescastmateRachel “Raquel” Leviss, thedress she chosefor the Bravo show’sseason 10 reunionspoke volumes.
Boldly baring her toned abs in a “firecracker” ensemble (which was actually atwo-piece pairingof a lipstick red crop jacket and cutout pencil skirt from Lebanese womenswear brand MONOT), Madix’s impossibly confident entrance at the reunion promptedLisa Vanderpumpto comment on the spot: “That’s arevenge dressif I ever saw one.”
“I know,” chimed in reunion hostAndy Cohen. “She’s likePrincess Diana.”
That spring, when she wasn’t creating new signature style moments, Madix was rolling up her sleeves to writeSingle AF Cocktails: Drinks for Bad B*tches(out Dec. 5).
The book is a set of sippable stories telling how she has reclaimed her power in the months since the abrupt end of hernine-year relationship, and for the “Revenge Dress” recipe, she reinvents her reunion outfit not once but twice. The striking spread features a photo of Madix in a power pose, donning a sequined riff on her look from March that somehow manages to be even sexier than the first version. Naturally, she complements it with “a fiery red Negroni.”
Kelly Puleio
Chatting with PEOPLE ahead of her book’s release, she says of the viral style moment: “It wasn’t planned. I just wanted to have something that I felt good in, that I felt strong in.”
Whether revenge was the aim or not, the style statement marked an important step on the transformative journey Madix’s breakup kick-started nearly nine months ago.
As someone who has been outspoken about her struggles with mental health, Madix has used the volatility and vulnerability of the past year to shed some of her emotional baggage.
“I’ve been such an anxious person for so long, and it’s gotten me nowhere,” she acknowledges. “So now I just, with less anxiety, just kind of say, ‘F— it.'”
Below, read the inside story of the “Revenge Dress” cocktail — and learn how to infuse the gin libation with an eye-catching pop of color.
Nicole Weingart/Bravo via Getty
REVENGE DRESSBest Served ColdServes 1
1 oz. strawberry-infused Campari (see below)1 oz. gin1 oz. sweet vermouthIce cubesOrange peel, to garnish
Before the taping of theVanderpump Rulesreunion show, I got together with my amazing stylist Emily Men to figure out what to wear for the episode. For most reunion shows, I would wear something simple, like a little black dress, but I knew this time around my outfit needed to make a bold statement. When she pulled out an amazing red top and skirt combo, we were both immediately obsessed. During the taping, Andy Cohen mentioned how it reminded him of Princess Diana’s iconic revenge dress after Prince Charles confessed his infidelity on national television. Turns out the best way to get revenge on an ex is to simply remind them of how you’re a total firecracker, with or without them.
As a tribute to that bold red dress, this cocktail is a fiery red Negroni made with strawberry-infused Campari.
Strawberry-Infused CampariMakes 12 oz.
10 strawberries12 oz. Campari aperitivo
Clarkson Potter
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Single AF Cocktailsis out Dec. 5 everywhere books are sold, andVanderpump Rulescan be streamed in full on Peacock. Madix will compete in theDancing with the Starsfinale Tuesday on ABC.
source: people.com
