Erica Ford

Photo: Lorenzo Agius

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Her Beauty Treatment
The Clothes: Erica wears at least one orange item every day—it's the signature color of peace. Her uniform is a T-shirt and jeans or a sweat suit (accessorized with Nike sneakers). This dramatic, mermaid-style Misha Nonoo gown in Erica's favorite shade shows off her knockout figure and would ensure that she'd stand out in a sea of black at corporate functions.

The Hair and Makeup: Erica began going gray at 19, when she started helping troubled young people. "I've named each one of these gray hairs after a kid I've worked with," she says. Ken loved Erica's color and brightened it with a low-peroxide toner that reduced yellowing and added shine. After her hair air-dried, he smoothed the curls around her face with a small-barreled curling iron. Erica's makeup is polished yet low-key: metallic gold eyeshadow, almost imperceptibly shimmery pink lip gloss, and a sheer berry-red blush.

Her Reaction: "As a child, I was teased constantly about my looks; no one ever told me I was pretty. When I saw myself in the mirror today, I couldn't help but cry. For the first time in my life, I thought, "I am somebody." I have never, ever, in my entire life, felt so special."

Dress, Nonoo. Necklace, Anton Heunis. On her right wrist: Gold and crystal bracelet, House of Lavande. Brass bracelet, Anton Heunis. On her left wrist: Brass and crystal bracelet, Anton Heunis. Charm bracelet, Lulu Frost.