Getting in Costume for ‘Hulaween’ With Host Cat Cohen

“Sometimes the dress comes first, right?”

Comedian Cat Cohen was in the early stages of getting in costume to host the annual Hulaween benefit for the New York Restoration Project on Friday night. So far, she had the black dress that was the base of her look for the evening, riffing off this year’s “Hulaween In the Garden of Good and Evil” theme.

More from WWD

“I had this fabulous black dress at my disposal and I thought, what if we go for a raven of death kind of vibe — but make it fashion,” said Cohen. “I can’t wait to see how it comes together. Because I don’t really know, but we’ll make it work,” she added. “It’s gonna be a last-minute slay. I got some black nail polish. Gonna do a fun makeup look. I’m very excited.”

The final look, with the addition of a dramatic headpiece and wings, came together with the help of stylist Aryeh Lappin, makeup artist Rommy Najar, and hair stylist Adam Maclay.

Cohen came onboard to host through longtime friend Sophie von Haselberg, the daughter of NYRP founder and Hulaween host Bette Midler. The evening honored Robert De Niro, Cassandra Clark and Josh Sirefman, with a costume contest judged by Jordan Roth.

“I’ve seen pictures from the event and I’ve heard about it, and I always thought it looked like such a blast,” said Cohen. “So I’m excited to be going. I’m excited to be hosting. I’m going to sing my new Halloween song at some point in the evening.”

Cohen was referencing her new track “can u send me that??” She’d released the Halloween-themed music video for the song earlier in the day, ahead of her debut album “Overdressed,” out Nov. 15.

“It’s a holiday album. So we have the Halloween track, we’re about to drop some Christmas tracks. There’s a New Year’s Eve song about buying a journal and thinking it’s gonna change your whole life,” said Cohen, who previously released her Netflix comedy special “The Twist…? She’s Gorgeous” in 2022. “So yes, all funny songs, but with fun pop production.”

Below, see Cohen’s Hulaween look come to life as she gets ready to host the festive event.

Cat Cohen
“It’s gonna be a last minute slay,” said Cohen a few hours ahead of the annual Hulaween benefit.
Cat Cohen getting ready for Hulaween.
The inspiration for Cohen’s costume was “raven of death,” but “make it fashion,” she said.
Cat Cohen getting ready for Hulaween.
Getting ready for Hulaween.
Cat Cohen getting ready for Hulaween.
Getting ready for Hulaween.
Cat Cohen getting ready for Hulaween.
Cat Cohen getting ready for Hulaween.
Cat Cohen getting ready for Hulaween.
“Sometimes the dress comes first, right?” said Cohen ahead of debuting the final look.
Cat Cohen getting ready for Hulaween.
Cat Cohen, in costume to host Hulaween.

Best of WWD

Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.