Who better to pay homage to than yourself? Lupita Nyong’o did just that at last night’s Oscars ceremony. The Academy Award winner wore a custom Armani Privé sequin gown, encrusted with crystals and feathers, in Nairobi blue—a nod to the Prada dress that she wore in 2014 when she won for Best Supporting Actress. To complete the look, she accessorized with De Beers fine jewelry.
“This was a look that we actually had been holding on to for a very special occasion,” her stylist Micaela Erlanger tells ELLE.com. “We had to find the right moment and this felt so serendipitous.” Not only was Nyong’o there celebrating the 10-year anniversary of her Oscar win, but she also presented the nominees for Best Supporting Actress (and delivered a moving introduction to Da’Vine Joy Randolph).
Throughout the years, Nyong’o has always used fashion to tell a wider story. Erlanger credits her iconic looks to the rhythm and trust they’ve built as collaborators. “It allows us to experiment and innovate and play,” she says. “Over the decade of tours, red carpets, and appearances, we’ve flexed every muscle. She’s the definition of a muse.” Nyong’o’s innate star power also doesn’t hurt. “When she walks into a room, she commands attention. She has this way of owning herself and her own skin. It translates into how she wears clothes.”
The inspiration for this year? “Classic iconic Hollywood glamour. And I think we delivered.”
Below, go behind the scenes and see how Nyong’o got ready for the ceremony.
