Auli’l Cravalho starred as Moana’s voice in both Moana and Ralph Breaks the Internet. She’s 18 years old Moana was her first film and she has since gone on to the TV series Rise. Beyond that, I don’t know anything about her. Except that her Instagram is adorable and I hope we see a lot more of her. Seventeen interviewed Auli’i (pronounced ow-lee-ee, according to her Instagram bio). The photos are really fun, very youthful and all the dresses are beautiful, if not a bit bland color-wise. My favorite is the strapless polka dot dress below, primarily because of her styling. The interview sought Auli’i’s advice for prom and getting ready for it vs. a red carpet. Beyond clothing and makeup tips, Auli’i suggests taking the pressure off yourself and having your best friend be your date.
On her number one rule for finding the perfect dress: “Even if it looks crazy on the hanger, try it on. You never know!”
On wearing heels—and sneaking in flats (or slippers!): “When I’m standing in heels, I feel like a lady boss. A chunky heel is definitely more comfortable, but I think it’s easier to dance in a skinny one. I’ve actually started taking the bath slippers from hotels because they roll up and fit in your bag. So after I’ve taken all my pictures, I slip off my heels, put them under a table, and bring out the slippers. It’s a look!… You need to be comfortable in what you’re wearing. If heels aren’t your thing, don’t wear them!”
On making memories (hint: ditch your phone): “I believe in leaving your phone in your bag. You can use a Polaroid camera to take pictures—they really capture a moment in time. There’s no editing or instant upload. You can have friends sign one and tack it on your wall.”
On boosting your confidence for prom: “I get nervous before most events—you’re just wondering what everyone is thinking. So I tell myself, ‘This night will be what it’ll be, but it’ll be what I make it as well.’ Even if my heart feels like it’s going to leap out of my throat, I’ll make the best of it. It’ll be a positive experience if I will it to be so.”
On prom dates (besties FTW): “Your date can definitely be your best friend—guy or girl. I went to prom with my best friend Lauren, and we just danced and ate cupcakes all night! If I were tied to a traditional date, I’d be wondering if they wanted to take a break.”
On her dream arm candy: “Tom Holland. He can dance, he’s a gentleman, he dresses well, and he has the cutest British accent.”
I also went to prom with my best friend, although it was a bit more elaborate than what Auli’I suggests. I went as a foursome. My boyfriend at the time was in college and had not gone to my high school. He also did not like to dance and I love to dance. We had a mutual friend who had gone to high school with him and mentioned she wanted to go to another school’s prom. I had a best friend at my school who didn’t want to bother with finding a date but was on student government with me and we were supposed to go. So, my bf and I connected those two and it resulted in my boyfriend having someone to talk to, because our mutual friend didn’t dance either, I got to dance with my buddy all night and nobody got jealous. It sounds complicated but it was actually very smooth and we all had a blast.
Most of her prom advice is really solid. I would add to finding a dress, if you are in a dress shop with qualified staff, ask their opinion and at least try whatever they suggest, they’ve seen these outfits in motion and know what body types they flatter. I don’t understand the Polaroid solution, though. How is a Polaroid a better option than a phone for photos? Isn’t that just something else to lose that night? Although I understand what she’s saying about people who have to edit and post immediately – let that wait, for sure.
And heaven help me, I’d love to have Tom Holland as my arm candy too. I am far too old for him so I have to say this is a maternal thing but he really is so charming.
Photos credit: Eric Ray Davidson for Seventeen, received via Hearst promotional email and Instagram
I like that she just seems like a regular kid and isn’t trying to be older than her years. She seems to be grounded and enjoying her youth. It’s honestly refreshing.
I feel like this generation below millennials is going to stir things up as they become adults. The internet has made them so different! My nieces all resemble this girl in some way— they’re almost professional level makeup artists with the thick brows, body positive and prefer to be a little “thick” (their word, not mine haha), discuss mental health and unplugging and just very aware. It’s all so interesting.
I remember her performing at the Oscar’s – so cute, and poised, and talented. I haven’t seen her lately, but I hope she’s getting a lot on work because she deserves it.
Yay! Thanks for sharing this story! I am excited to watch this wonderful young lady’s career.
I happened to see Auli’i at an event in a Honolulu Park. The little girls there were so thrilled to be speaking with Moana, and she was so lovely with them.
Wow she’s super pretty! She’s giving me a young Vanessa Hudgens circa early HSM era