Lupita Nyong’o Wore Nicholas Oakwell Couture To ‘The Odyssey’ New York Premiere
Lupita Nyong’o joined Zendaya on the red carpet for the New York premiere of The Odyssey on Tuesday.
When Lupita stepped out in this breathtaking Nicholas Oakwell Couture gown, my first reaction was simply, “Wow.” But that barely scratches the surface of what this look deserves. The metallic gold lace, sculpted over a built-in corset before releasing into a beautifully elongated silhouette, is nothing short of a masterpiece. Every detail speaks to the level of couture craftsmanship that Nicholas Oakwell consistently delivers.
I’ve long believed Nicholas Oakwell is one of the most underutilised and underestimated designers on the red carpet, and this appearance only reinforced that opinion. Given the opportunity, he creates gowns that are every bit as memorable as those from couture houses we saw present just last week.
On Instagram, the designer revealed that the gown was inspired by Joan Collins’ commanding presence in Esther and the King, balancing strength and sensuality through disciplined construction and fluid form. That inspiration couldn’t have been more fitting for Lupita, who plays Clytemnestra in The Odyssey. One of Greek mythology’s most formidable women, Clytemnestra is a queen whose intelligence, authority and complexity have fascinated audiences for centuries. This gown captured that commanding presence beautifully.
When Lupita arrived, my eyes immediately went to her clutch. As soon as I spotted it, I knew it had to be an Olympia Le-Tan creation, and this version was especially perfect. The embroidered minaudière features The Odyssey, illustrated by Jenny Zemanek, making it one of those rare accessories that doesn’t just complement a look, but becomes part of the storytelling.
Her Sabyasachi jewellery was equally significant. The striking pearl choker with its sculptural pendant gave the look a regal finish, along with the coordinating earrings. Together, they reinforced the queenly mood of the ensemble.
This wasn’t just another beautiful gold gown. It was thoughtful, character-led dressing executed at the highest level, and one of Lupita Nyong’o’s finest red-carpet moments to date.
Stylist: Micaela Erlanger. Makeup Artist: Nick Barose. Hair Stylist: Vernon François.
FTC Disclaimer: Keep in mind that I may receive commissions when you click links and make purchases. However, this does not impact my reviews.
