In March 2019, Lupita Nyong’o stunned on the red carpet at the 2019 NAACP Image Awards in a Giambattista Valli Fall 2016 Haute Couture gown with a bold burgundy hue and a daring leg slit, channeling ethereal elegance with soft fantasy. She completed her look with Zameer Kassam jewels and Alexandre Birman sandals.
Michael B. Jordan, Winston Duke, Lupita Nyong’o, Chadwick Boseman, Danai Gurira, Sterling K. Brown, Letitia Wright, and Ryan Coogler celebrate yet another Black Panther award at the 50th NAACP Image Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 30, 2019, in Hollywood, California (Credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)
Marvel’s Black Panther was one of the most successful films of 2018. Its sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, was released in 2022.
In the first film, the late Chadwick Boseman portrayed King T’Challa, the Black Panther, with Lupita Nyong’o starring as his love interest, Nakia.
Lupita Nyong’o’s Journey to Playing Nakia in Black Panther
When we meet Nakia onscreen, we discover she is a War Dog, a member of Wakanda’s CIA. Nyong’o was 35 years old when she first appeared in the Marvel Universe.
Her portrayal of the fierce and determined Nakia in Black Panther is widely celebrated by fans, but Nyong’o’s path to the Marvel Cinematic Universe could have been quite different. Before landing the role of Nakia, the iconic actress auditioned for the part of Nebula in Guardians of the Galaxy.
Lupita Nyong’o as Nakia and Letitia Wright as Shuri in the 2018 American superhero film Black Panther (Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
The first Guardians of the Galaxy film dropped in 2014, and Nyong’o originally went after the role of Nebula, the formidable assassin. Ultimately, Karen Gillan was cast as the character.
Nyong’o had to wait four years for another impressive role in the MCU to come her way, but her portrayal of Nakia was well worth it.
Nyong’o was slated to appear in the Avengers: Endgame ensemble fight scene. She did not appear in the movie despite being depicted in the film’s concept art. She didn’t give a public reason for her absence, but she filmed three additional movies in the same year, so she likely had a packed filming schedule.
Lupita Nyong’o trained hard in preparation for her role as Nakia in Black Panther (Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
Behind the Scenes: Filming Black Panther
Nyong’o praised director Coogler for being collaborative and a great team player. He paid close attention to detail to bring Wakanda to life on screen.
Coogler, the youngest director in Marvel’s history, brought in experts on African History and politics to add depth to Wakanda.
Zinzi Evans stuns in an elegant black gown alongside Black Panther director Ryan Coogler, who keeps it sleek and modern in a dark monochrome ensemble at the Marvel Studios Black Panther Welcome to Wakanda New York Fashion Week Showcase at Industria Studios on February 12, 2018, in New York City (Credit: Janet Mayer / Startraksphoto)
“There are many African countries, each with different histories, mythologies, and cultures. There are several tribes who live amongst each other and together they make the identity of their country. We honed in on some of the history/cultural influences from African countries and then made estimations,” said Coogler on creating Wakanda.
Black Panther is one of the most successful MCU movies ever to be released, largely thanks to the director’s portrayal of Wakanda and the characters.
Lupita Nyong’o’s Black Panther co-star Chadwick Boseman, who portrayed as T’Challa / Black Panther, died from colon cancer on August 28, 2020
Explore More Black Panther Fashion and Red Carpet Highlights
For readers interested in exploring more about the Black Panther cast’s fashion and red carpet appearances, consider the following articles:
- Discover the best-dressed Black Panther: Wakanda Forever cast at the Los Angeles premiere, including Lupita Nyong’o and Letitia Wright’s stunning ensembles.
- Check out how the Black Panther cast dazzled at the London premiere with unforgettable red carpet looks.
- Explore Tessa Thompson’s chic Elie Saab outfit and Christian Louboutin ‘Nosy’ pumps at a Black Panther event for more fashion inspiration.
While Lupita Nyong’o dazzled audiences with her fierce performance as Nakia in Black Panther, she is equally celebrated for her bold and memorable red carpet appearances. Known for pushing fashion boundaries, one of her standout moments came at the 2016 Met Gala, where she turned heads with an unforgettable look.
Lupita Nyong’o’s Show-Stopping Look at the 2016 Met Gala
Lupita Nyong’o styles her hair into a towering updo at the 2016 Metropolitan Museum of Art Gala held on May 2, 2016, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City (Credit: WENN)
In May 2016, Lupita Nyong’o wore her hair in a towering Marge Simpson-inspired up-do while walking the red carpet at the 2016 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
Since Beyoncé ditched Jay-Z, perhaps we should not be surprised that Lupita did not invite Homer.
“Well, the sculptural hairdo’s from around the continent,” the popular actress told Vogue’s contributing editor Andre Leon Talley on the red carpet, later adding that it was also inspired by civil rights activist Nina Simone.
While her skyscraper hairstyle was unforgettable, unfortunately, we can’t say the same about her dress. Lupita wore a jade-colored sequined Calvin Klein gown that featured velvet straps and a sheer tulle train.
Lupita Nyong’o sparkles in a sequined Calvin Klein dress (Credit: WENN)
She styled the underwhelming dress with Tiffany & Co. jewelry and a pair of “Minny” heels by Jimmy Choo.
Lupita Nyong’o, Margot Robbie, and Emma Watson all wearing Calvin Klein Collection on the steps of the Met Gala (Credit: WENN)
At the 2016 Met Gala, Lupita Nyong’o, standing at 5’5″ (165 cm), appeared notably taller than Margot Robbie (5’6″ or 168 cm) and Emma Watson (5’4½” or 164 cm), thanks to her striking sculptural updo.
Her towering hairstyle, paired with a shimmering jade Calvin Klein gown, elevated her look to new heights—literally and figuratively—making her a standout on the red carpet.
Lupita Nyong’o towers over Margot Robbie and Emma Watson, her striking sculptural updo adding extra height to her stunning presence on the red carpet (Credit: WENN)
Regardless of your feelings about Lupita’s dress, you can purchase Lupita’s popular Jimmy Choo sandals in different versions at Net-a-Porter, Farfetch, and Mytheresa.
Jimmy Choo “Minny” Sandals, $750 – $795