Lupita Nyong’o referenced one of her previous Oscar looks at the 2025 ceremony on Sunday in Los Angeles. The actress selected a custom Chanel couture shift dress featuring a beaded corset, a pleated skirt and 22,410 pearl embellishments.
Her ivory frock was based on a design from the label’s spring 1991 couture collection, which was originally modeled by Linda Evangelista.
Nyong’o accessorized with jewelry from the French fashion house, which included an Art Deco-inspired bracelet, earrings and rings. She was dressed by her longtime stylist Micaela Erlanger, who also counts Kelly Clarkson and Meryl Streep as clients.
Lupita Nyong’o at the 2025 Oscars on March 2 in Los Angeles.
Gilbert Flores
Hairdresser Vernon François styled the “Wild Robot” star’s hair in an updo, while makeup artist Nick Barose gave her metallic green eye shadow and a deep berry lip.
Nyong’o’s gown seemingly referenced her look at the 2015 ceremony, where she wore a halter dress dripping in 6,000 pearls. Valued at $150,000, the Calvin Klein Collection design was stolen — though later recovered — from her hotel.
The Oscar winner was named a Chanel brand ambassador last fall. The French fashion house shared the announcement exclusively with WWD after Nyong’o attended its spring 2025 ready-to-wear show at the Grand Palais on the final day of Paris Fashion Week.
Lupita Nyong’o at the 2025 Oscars on March 2 in Los Angeles.
Gilbert Flores
Nyong’o has been a friend of the house for more than 10 years, regularly wearing Chanel designs on the red carpet.
“They were one of my first supporters. I remember wearing them as early as 2013 right when my first film, ‘12 Years a Slave,’ came out. And over the years, they’ve often invited me to things and treated me with wonderful hands, and so when they approached me to be an ambassador, I felt very honored,” the actress told WWD.
The 97th Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, takes place on Sunday at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Conan O’Brien is hosting the ceremony, honoring the best in cinema from the past year. Notable presenters include Halle Berry, Penélope Cruz, Scarlett Johansson, Oprah Winfrey, Cillian Murphy, Emma Stone and more.
Linda Evangelista walks the runway at the Chanel’s spring 1991 couture fashion show.
Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images
