#WCW: Lupita Nyong’o

To a woman who needs no introduction, this Mexican-Kenyan award-winning actress and film maker has stolen many a gaze during every red carpet event she attends.  Lupita Nyong’o’s statuesque frame has been the canvas for many a blue chip designer, but what’s just as striking as the stunning gowns she wears is her natural beauty.

Already an accomplished actress in Kenya, Nyong’o rose to international stardom after landing the role as Patsey in the historical feature film 12 Years A Slave. Since then, she’s been a red carpet favorite and a dream for noted photographers, and it’s not difficult to see why.  Nyong’o has unabashedly shattered beauty standards with her ever changing natural hairstyles and flawless dark skin. Taking advantage of her complexion, she’s often seen sporting bright, vivid eyecolors and bold lip hues.  From rosy pinks to oranges and even blues, Nyong’o has a deep adoration for colors and isn’t afraid to take a risk when it comes to different shades. 

Like her achievements, her hair knows no bounds.  Though she mainly rocks a chic buzz cut, on occasion she changes up her look.  From braids to afros to her iconic gravity-defying updo at this year’s Met Gala, she’s proven how much beauty there is in natural black hair.

  
Now on the press tour for her upcoming film Queen of Katwe, Nyong’o has been making her red carpet rounds and has never looked more regal.  Pairing Elie Saab and Carolina Herrera gowns with stunning head wraps gives a nod to her heritage.  Furthermore, she can be spotted wearing bold, African printed pieces by black New York based designers like Kibonen NY, Busayo Olupona, and Dpipertwins.

 

 
For me, being beautiful goes beyond the exterior, and Lupita Nyong’o definitely exemplifies that.  Outside of the glitz and glam, she stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for black girls who think their dreams aren’t valid.  Her involvement with Mother Health International, an organization dedicated to providing relief to mothers and children in war-torn and poverty stricken regions, landed her an honor at Variety’s Power of Women. And through her WildAid initiative, she’s taken a stance with Kenyan government to demonstrate their zero- tolerance approach to poaching and ivory smuggling.

 

Here’s to this week’s beauty crush, Lupita Nyong’o!  Grace, style, and compassion personified.  What say you to this week’s pick?