Lupita Nyong’o and Micaela Erlanger: A Red Carpet Partnership Like No Other

A Decade of Red Carpet Magic

Since winning her first Academy Award in 2014, Lupita Nyong’o has consistently dazzled on the red carpet, and her 2025 Oscars look was no exception. Dressed in a custom Chanel gown, she once again topped every best-dressed list. The driving force behind her iconic looks is her longtime stylist, Micaela Erlanger, who has been instrumental in crafting Nyong’o’s red-carpet moments for over a decade. Their collaboration is a rare example of a star-and-stylist relationship that blends talent, taste, and a deep friendship. In fact, Nyong’o even served as a bridesmaid at Erlanger’s wedding, highlighting the close bond they share.

A Look Fit for Hollywood Royalty

The preparation for Nyong’o’s 2025 Oscars gown was nothing short of meticulous. The custom Chanel gown required 660 hours of craftsmanship, 22,410 embroidery elements, and three fittings to perfection. Erlanger’s process began six months in advance, shortly after Nyong’o was named a global ambassador for Chanel. The stylist meticulously researched and requested dozens of lookbooks from Chanel’s headquarters in Paris. Her dedication to detail led her to a rare photo of supermodel Linda Evangelista from Chanel’s 1991 Haute Couture collection, which became the inspiration for Nyong’o’s look. The result was a stunning ivory charmeuse gown adorned with crystal bugle beads, pearl tassels, and a tweed corset, exuding effortless elegance and classic sophistication.

The Art of Storytelling Through Fashion

Erlanger and Nyong’o’s partnership is built on a shared passion for storytelling through fashion. Every look they create together has a narrative, whether through design details, cultural nods, or historical references. For the Oscars, Erlanger drew inspiration from Linda Evangelista’s 1991 Chanel look, channeling the supermodel’s ability to embody the essence of Chanel under the direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Nyong’o’s gown was accessorized with Chanel high jewelry, including a Colibri bracelet worn in her hair, further amplifying the timeless elegance of the ensemble. Erlanger’s approach to dressing Nyong’o is always evolving, reflecting her client’s daring and risk-taking spirit while staying true to what makes her shine.

A Fresh Canvas Every Year

While the 2014 Prada gown Nyong’o wore to win her Oscar remains a magical moment, Erlanger doesn’t feel pressured to outdo past successes. Instead, she views each awards season as a fresh canvas, asking, “What’s the story we want to tell this time?” This mindset allows for constant experimentation and innovation. Over the years, Nyong’o’s red-carpet aesthetic has transformed from fairytale elegance to avant-garde elements, intricate beading, and sculptural shapes. Erlanger’s ability to adapt while staying true to Nyong’o’s essence has been key to their success.

The Finishing Touches: Hair and Makeup

No detail was overlooked in completing Nyong’o’s look for the Oscars. Celebrity hairstylist Vernon Francois crafted an elegant chignon adorned with pearls, adding a touch of classic Chanel sophistication. Meanwhile, Nyong’o’s makeup artist, Nick Barose, drew inspiration from the ’90s, using Chanel beauty products to create a pop of color with pearlescent highlights. The final look was a blend of bold and refined elements, with every detail carefully considered to enhance the overall narrative of the ensemble. For Erlanger, accessories and jewelry are never an afterthought but a way to amplify the story being told.

A Legacy of Red Carpet Excellence

With Erlanger’s guidance, Nyong’o has proven herself to be a chameleon on the red carpet, continually surprising and delighting audiences. Their partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity in fashion. As Nyong’o takes on her new role as a Chanel ambassador, there’s no doubt that her future red-carpet appearances will continue to set new standards for elegance and innovation. Together, Nyong’o and Erlanger are rewriting the rules of red-carpet dressing, one look at a time.