The Black Panther star’s gilded Prada gown—embellished with sequins, paillettes, and beaded bloom bursts—was nothing short of show-stopping. As always, her hairstylist Vernon François saw to it that she had an equally regal hair look to match, crafting a mesmerizing textured updo. “It’s a sisterlocks updo with a soft, graceful, glamorous feel influenced by what Lupita is wearing and the occasion,” explains François, adding that the overall look drew inspiration from African figures in classical Greek art. “The asymmetrical, hand-sculpted shape echoes the floral design in Lupita’s dress while elongating her neckline,” he adds.
In creating the look, François incorporated an array of techniques. “There’s twisting, locing, braids, weaving,” says François, who used Matrix’s Miracle Creator Multi-Tasking leave-in treatment to keep the hair hydrated and nourished while styling. “I love the intricacy of the textures, the shine, and the balance of the hair textures showing without it not being too groomed.” He goes on to explain that he wanted to mirror the motion of Nyong’o’s dress. “You might not realize it on first take, but movement is an important part of this hairstyle,” he explains. “The artistry creates the illusion of fluidity as Lupita walks the red carpet.”
Only adding to the drama was her makeup look, which hinged on gold leaf-pressed lids and a rich ruby red pout painted on by Nick Barose using Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge Lipstick in Mademoiselle Lupita with a slick of Lancôme Juicy Tubes in Hallucination on the center of the lips for a golden sheen.
As if it needs to be said, Nyong’o is the queen of show-stopping red carpet moments—and a breathtaking hair look that celebrates the beauty and versatility of natural hair will always be a part of the equation. “It really captures the essence of the Oscars,” says François of tonight’s creation. “It’s regal, statuesque, and magnificent”.
Via: vogue.com
