Lupita Nyong’o models ‘out-of-body’ silver breastplate at Tony Awards 2023
Lupita Nyong’o made a daring statement on the red carpet at the recent Tony Awards. The Oscar-winning actress wore a custom silver breastplate designed by Pakistani artist and fashion designer Misha Japanwala. The breastplate was modeled from Lupita’s own naked body and is part of Japanwala’s exhibition “Beghairati Ki Nishaani: Traces of Shamelessness,” currently on view at Hannah Traore Gallery in New York City.
Nyong’o, 40, shared a behind-the-scenes look at her head-turning Tonys outfit on Instagram, describing wearing the breastplate as “a shameless out-of-body experience.” She added that she felt “honored, humbled, strengthened and energized” to wear the one-of-a-kind creation on the Tonys carpet.
The “Black Panther” actress wore the nipple-freeing (but not) number with a black velvet blazer, flared trousers, De Beers diamonds, and a Bella Rosa Collection clutch, while her head was adorned with an eye-catching henna tattoo by artist Sabeen. Nyong’o was styled by her longtime stylist, Michaela Erlanger.
While the reception to the dress has been mixed with some calling it distasteful and others noting the poignant message behind the artwork, Nyong’o’s response was unequivocal. In a caption on Instagram, she wrote that Japanwala’s art is “rooted in the rejection and deconstruction of external shame attached to one’s body. In her artistic process, she creates a realistic and true record of a person’s body as an act of resistance and celebration, and an insistence on being allowed to exist freely in our bodies.”
FAQs:
What is the breastplate made of?
The breastplate is made of silver and was molded from Lupita’s own naked body.
Who designed the breastplate?
The breastplate was designed by Pakistani artist and fashion designer Misha Japanwala.
What is the message behind the breastplate?
The breastplate is part of Japanwala’s exhibition “Beghairati Ki Nishaani: Traces of Shamelessness,” which celebrates the resistance and rejection of external shame attached to one’s body and insists on being allowed to exist freely in our bodies.
What did Lupita Nyong’o wear with the breastplate?
Nyong’o wore the breastplate with a black velvet blazer, flared trousers, De Beers diamonds, and a Bella Rosa Collection clutch, while her head was adorned with an eye-catching henna tattoo by artist Sabeen.
What was the response to Lupita’s outfit?
The response to the outfit was mixed, with some calling it distasteful and others noting the poignant message behind the artwork.
At the 2023 Tony Awards, Lupita Nyong’o showcases a ‘out-of-body’ silver breastplate as a model.
Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o made a major statement on the red carpet of the 2023 Tony Awards on Sunday night. She arrived in a stunning silver breastplate that had been custom-made by Pakistani artist and fashion designer Misha Japanwala. The breastplate was molded from Nyong’o’s own naked body, creating an ultra-realistic look that immediately drew attention from the crowds and media alike.
Sharing her thoughts on the outfit in an Instagram post, Nyong’o described the experience as “shameless” and “out-of-body.” In her post, she praised Japanwala for her artistic process, which involves rejecting and deconstructing external shame attached to the body. The breastplate is a record of a person’s body, celebrating the freedom of existing in one’s own skin.
Nyong’o wore the custom silver creation with a black velvet blazer and flared trousers, styling her freshly shaved head with an eye-catching henna tattoo by artist Sabeen. The nipple-freeing outfit was styled by Michaela Erlanger and accessorized with De Beers diamonds and a Bella Rosa Collection clutch.
While many fans on Instagram praised Nyong’o’s outfit and the poignant message behind it, others were critical of the fashion choice. Some called it distasteful, inappropriate, and unclassy. However, many pointed out that art is meant to provoke emotions and thoughts, and that women should be allowed to wear whatever they want.
Nyong’o’s unique look was not the only one of its kind to appear at the Tony Awards. Japanwala has also created lifelike breastplates for other celebrities, including Cardi B, Halsey, and Julia Fox. The artist’s work is currently on display at Hannah Traore Gallery in New York City until July 30, 2023.