“I use style as a form of creative expression—it evolves as I grow as a person,” Lupita Nyong’o tells ELLE. For the Academy Award-winning actress, getting dressed is less about routine and more about reflecting her current state of mind. Clothing becomes an emotional extension of who she is. As she prepares to attend Chanel’s cruise 2025 show on the idyllic shores of Lake Como, Nyong’o exudes a sense of playfulness, openness, and ease. When asked whether her approach to fashion differs between runways and red carpets, she smiles and says, “It’s the same process: glam and good vibes!”
Below, explore how Nyong’o approaches her most memorable style moments, reflects on favorite past looks, and pays tribute to Chanel’s timeless legacy.
As a red carpet style icon, where do you draw inspiration for your looks?
I find inspiration for my looks from the team I surround myself with. I trust my stylist [Micaela Erlanger], makeup artist, and hairstylist implicitly, so it often starts with a conversation with my stylist about how I would like to feel. She has an incredible mind for research and reference, which in turn informs my conversations with Nick Barose and Vernon François, who also bring a wealth of knowledge and intentionality to their work. That all fuels my artistic expression.
Is there a particular look from the past that stands out as a favorite?
I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some of the best designers and ateliers in the business—every look has been personal and significant to me, so it’s kind of like being asked to choose a favorite child; it’s hard to pick a favorite. That said, I’d highlight my custom gown from this year’s Oscars. It was such a memorable one, and I felt elegant and cool in it. I loved how it flowed.
Would you say your style evolves with each project you take on?
The characters I play actually don’t play a role in my style because I need the separation between the characters and myself. They are coats that I get to wear for a time, and then I shed them once the season is done.
Do you have any rituals or routines before attending a fashion show?
I clear my mind with a cup of tea as I listen to my favorite music.
What do you enjoy most about collaborating with Chanel?
I love how intentional Chanel is as a house. There is a clear, shared understanding internally about who they are and what they stand for today, and it is informed by who they have been. There is a deep respect for the legacy that Coco Chanel built, and every collection preserves and interprets who they are at the core. And still, there seems to be a freshness in their pieces that, in true Coco style, keeps the house eternally modern.
What inspired the Chanel look you chose for the show?
Lake Como has a reputation for casual opulence. When I tried this particular look on, it captured that vibe for me.
In a black sequined wool tweed jacket with a tulle skirt from Chanel’s fall/winter 2025 ready-to-wear collection.
The details.
A view from above.
A closer look at the sequined coat and embellished hair accessories.
Catching the light.
The full ensemble.
Radiating casual opulence.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
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