How Lupita Nyong'o Became an Aquamarine Dream for the 2025 Met Gala

Harpers Bazaar Arabia

07-05-2025

The actress explains the meaning behind her Chanel fashion and beauty look exclusively to Bazaar
Lupita Nyong'o brought a pop of springtime color to the 2025 Met Gala carpet, wearing a custom aquamarine wool jacket and pants, a satin blouse, and a chiffon cape by Chanel. Her go-to makeup artist, Nick Barose, was on hand to create one of the best beauty looks of the night (by Chanel, of course) as was her hairstylist, Vernon François. Together with stylist Micaela Erlanger, Nyong'o's glam team helped perfectly capture the 'Tailored for You' theme of the night, and Bazaar got the exclusive look behind the scenes at their process.
'I am particularly excited to pay homage to the history of Black fashion today. For me, this year's Met Gala theme captures how the Black men of America have insisted on their dignity through dressing with more value than this country has afforded them. Dressing as a radical, defiant, and self-preserving act is something that I learned from my African roots as well as from observing African-America through popular culture,' Nyong'o tells Bazaar.
The actress says her muse for the night was Little Richard, 'who was arguably the innovator and originator of Rock 'n' Roll. He inspired countless artists, including The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Prince, John Waters, Elvis, The Beatles, and Billy Porter,' she adds. 'He had a grand personality and refused to shrink. He believed in declaring greatness in order to be great, and he had the audacity to disrupt social norms again and again. I stand on the shoulders of the legacy of bold Black artists like Little Richard, and I am honoured to pay homage to them today with Chanel and my incredible team of creatives.'
One such creative is Erlanger, who helped bring this aquamarine moment to life. 'This year's theme celebrates the artistry, elegance, and radical self-expression inherent in Black fashion history. This vision was my inspiration when collaborating with the House of Chanel—ensuring every element from fit to flourish reflected the spirit of Black excellence, elegance, and expression,' says the stylist. 'The sharply tailored suit honors the precision and refinement of classic menswear, while the sweeping cape adds a layer of theatricality—echoing the flair and individuality of the Black dandy tradition. The luminous aqua lurex fabric offers an unexpected twist on classic suiting.'
Nyong'o has long made a name for herself as a beauty muse and icon, and tonight's glitzy eyebrow makeup was no exception. 'The inspiration for Lupita's look was Little Richard—the pioneer!' Barose tells Bazaar. 'We kept the makeup quite monochromatic, with various, rich, brown tones, and played up her brows. I achieved this look by intensifying and darkening the brows and then adding various black jewels. Finally, I played up her eyes with a thick, winged-out eyeliner for an extra rockstar effect.' Key products used from Chanel to get the look include the Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation Hydration and Longwear in B140 and BR152, Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick in Solar Glow, Stylo Ombre et Contour Eyeshadow – Liner – Khôl in Rouge Noir, Stylo Sourcils Haute Précision Microfine Defining Eyebrow Pencil in Ébène, and the Le Gel Sourcils Longwear Eyebrow Gel in Transparent.
Though her hair was covered by a boater hat in the front, the back was a study in hair artistry—far beyond what one would call a ponytail. 'My intention was to think like a seamstress—focusing on the threading, tailoring, and precision that go into true craftsmanship. The hairstyle was designed with couture-level detail, reflecting the care, intention, and discipline behind hand-crafted work,' François tells Bazaar. ' It was a subtle yet powerful tribute to the artistry and storytelling that lies at the heart of Chanel and the evening's theme.' He used the Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum for heat protection, shine, and styling control, as well as the new Olaplex Scalp Advanced Serum No.5: Scalp Longevity Treatment to prep and nourish the scalp. 'These products helped maintain hair health, especially important when building sculptural styles that still need to feel luxurious and wearable,' the stylist adds.
For François, working on this year's Met with Nyong'o felt truly special. 'Every Met Gala is a moment—but this one felt especially meaningful. The theme and exhibit spoke so directly and intentionally to communities that have historically been overlooked or marginalized within the fashion world,' François adds. 'For a museum of this stature to recognize and uplift that narrative is not only powerful, but necessary. And given the current cultural climate, this acknowledgment feels like a step in the right direction—toward greater inclusivity, visibility, and celebration of all forms of beauty.