Lupita Nyong’o Makes Black Velvet Irresistible

Lupita Nyong’o was another of my favourites making a welcome return to the red carpet for the WSJ. Magazine 2026 Innovator Awards, held at MoMA in New York City on Thursday evening.

You know I’m one of Lupita’s biggest advocates when it comes to wearing bold colours, but even I can’t deny how breathtaking she looks in this black Brandon Maxwell Farren silk-velvet maxi dress from the Fall 2026 collection.

The sculptural neckline is the defining feature, giving the dress a modern feel, while the fit is simply impeccable. I especially love how beautifully the velvet skims her figure, creating such an elegant silhouette. This is easily one of my favourite all-black looks from Lupita.

Knowing her love for colour, I would have expected something brighter in the accessories department.

Her red lip and matching manicure provide the only pops of colour, while the black embellished clutch and sandals were absolutely the right choice. Anything more would have taken away from just how beautiful this dress looks on her.

And coming from someone who will almost always choose Lupita in colour, that’s saying something.

Stylist: Micaela Erlanger.

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