Stylist: Micaela Erlanger assisted by Britt Theodora,
Eliza Yerry and Laura Sophie Cox
Outfit: custom Atelier Versace
Makeup Artist: Nick Barose using Lancôme
Hairstylist: Vernon François
Manicurist: Deborah Lippmann
Clutch: Versace
Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti
Jewelry: Beladora
Lupita Nyong’o was a Black goddess while attending the premiere of Black Panther at the Dolby Theatre on January 29, 2018 in Hollywood, California.
She wore a custom Atelier Versace deep purple chiffon gown with plunging neckline, gold metal hardware harness detail accented with multi-color three dimensional accents, and flowing train. In different interviews she said the dress was inspired by vibranium which in the movie is depicted as a purple fictional metal.
She accessorized her look with Giuseppe Zanotti gold platform sandals and vintage Beladora jewelry to match her bodice.
During a phone chat with the The Hollywood Reporter, Lupita‘s longtime fashion stylist Micaela Erlanger expressed her surprise while discovering that the red carpet was actually purple: “We found out there was a purple carpet after we had chosen the dress, but it was kind of a perfect reason to go with the gown; I think it’s a new addition to the Lupitarainbow!”
Erlanger also explained her inspiration for such an outfit: “There’s definitely a nod to her warrior character Nakia here, without being costume-y. It’s a really glamorous take on our vision and it’s very fierce, certainly.”
“Lupita is so collaborative. She is involved from inception to sketches to the final product, and she is such a dream to work with. It’s really a team effort, and that’s why I think it’s so successful.”
In an exclusive interview for People.com, both makeup artist Nick Barose and hairstylist Vernon François explained their respective creative choices: “I wanted Lupita’s makeup to feel glamorous and fierce to compliment her opulent, custom Atelier Versace gown. With a high neckline and a lot of face-framing embellishments, it’s important to draw attention to the eyes and lips. For such a strong dress, I live by Gianni Versace‘s words: ‘Less is a Snore!’”
“The fun part about collaborating with Lupita is that we know each other so well so there’s a lot of trust and she’s not afraid to try and push it with makeup. It’s fun and not formulaic.”
Click here for the whole breakdown–for his lip options click here.
François‘ inspiration for her updo were “images from Nigerian photographer J.D. ‘Okhai Ojeikere, who was known for his beautiful pictures of West African women.”
Always according to that same article: “To create her look, François prepped Lupita’s hair with his Nourishing Water(editor’s note: he has his own brand), and then blow-dried using a medium size round brush. Then for sleekness, he used the Aveda‘s Anti-Humectant Pomade and Göt2b‘s Ultra Glued Styling Gel. Next, he attached loc extensions towards the center of Lupita’s scalp and wrapped them upward to create his desired height before tucking in the ends using U-pins. Lastly, he added a very fine gold string “for a touch of opulence” and applied his serum for a natural shine.”
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Black Panther is a 2018 American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, it is the 18th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
In the movie, Nyong’o plays the character of Nakia, a spy for the fictional African nation of Wakanda and the main love interest of Wakanda‘s ruler T’Challa (aka the Black Panther, played by the late Chadwick Boseman).
