Fashion & Beauty

Lupita Nyong’o knows how to rock the red carpet

Just a year ago, few people knew who Lupita Nyong’o was. Now, the Kenyan actress, who made her film debut in “12 Years a Slave,” has a Rolodex filled with the likes of Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Victoria Beckham. As the star continues to steal the red-carpet spotlight with looks created by stylist Micaela Erlanger, let’s take a look at some of her best ensembles.

Prada’s Grecian Goddess

Gett Images, Startraks Photos

Nyong’o met the frenzy and flashbulbs of the red carpet for the first time at the Toronto International Film Festival this fall, at the “12 Years a Slave” premiere in September. She donned a floor-sweeping cream colored silk jersey Prada gown with a gold stitch design and carried a gold clutch.

Miu Miu’s Modest Muse

WireImage, Broadimage

Getting into the red-carpet groove, the 30-year-old selected a nude pink psychedelic screen print frock designed by Miu Miu for “12 Years a Slave” LA’s showing in October 2013. She kicked up the look in a pair of red T-bar pumps by Christian Louboutin and a metallic clutch. Her violet lids and pink pout were the perfect complement.

Aqua Supreme in Mary Katrantzou

Startraks Photos, WireImage

To celebrate her first solo American magazine cover, the rising star opted for a teal blue printed dress designed by Mary Katrantzou for the DuJour magazine cover party. With simple makeup and a simple pair of studs, the standout picks for this look were her polka-dot clutch and Paul Andrew pumps.

Bright White in Altuzarra

FilmMagic, Splash News

With deeply hued, rich brown skin, it’s more than OK to opt for subtlety and let the body be the star from time to time. Hollywood’s new golden girl attended the Los Angeles Film Critics Awards this month in a figure-flattering white cocktail dress made by Altuzarra. She went for an additional pop with a light blue pumps for an unexpected flash of color.

Ray of Sunshine in Victoria Beckham

Invision, AP Images

As usual, Lupita is impartial to a bold color choice. This time for Instyle magazine’s “12 Years a Slave” celebration party, she selected a bright yellow, dangerously low-cut cocktail dress by Victoria Beckham.

Lady in Red for Ralph Lauren

WireImage, Reuters

Nominated for best supporting actress, the starlet brought out all the stops for the 2014 Golden Globes Awards. Channeling a fashion superhero, she rocked a fire-engine red Ralph Lauren column gown that showed off her toned shoulders. The look featured a cape that flowed in the background as she walked. She didn’t go home with the big prize, but this look was definitely a top honor.

Va-va-voom Moment in Calvin Klein

FilmMagic, WireImage

After weeks of carefully chosen dresses that seem to play up that innocent girl-next-door image, Nyong’o flaunted her curves in a white cutout mermaid gown designed by Calvin Klein for the 2014 Critics’ Choice Awards.

Sweet Vintage in Valentina

Getty Images, FilmMagic

Nyong’o opted for a doll-like look with a vintage ’60s frock for Entertainment Weekly’s SAG Awards nomination party. The floral appliques and colorful beadwork worked well for her rich skin tone.

Gorgeous in Gucci

AP Photo, FilmMagic

Just when you thought her best look was her last, she shows up the 2014 Screen Actors Guild Awards in a number that knocked them all out of the park. The actress chose a stunning turquoise column gown featuring a floral and beaded bodice by Gucci. She played up her eyes with bold blue shadow and sported a bright pink pout. Only the Oscars can top this.

Nude Definition in Stella McCartney

Getty Images, WireImage

Just a day after wowing everyone at the SAG Awards, Nyong’o was back at it again. Providing a new definition for nude — a rich mocha color — she opted for a sleek curve-hugging dress from Stella McCartney, nude shoes and a snake-print clutch at the 2014 Producer’s Guild of America Awards.