Lupita Nyong'o Just Single-Handedly Revived the Flower Crown

For winter? Actually groundbreaking.

Lupita Nyong'o
(Image credit: Getty)

From impressive updos to full-scalp henna designs, Lupita Nyong'o is an expert in expressive hairstyles. In October, the actress stepped out in Los Angeles wearing an intricate, cowry-shell covered headpiece. Now, she's taking things a step further—and moving her inspiration from the beach to the flower fields.

Her latest look? A crown fashioned entirely from baby's breath—the delicate, tiny flowers beloved in bouquets everywhere. Worn to the 3rd Annual Academy Museum Gala on Sunday, December 3, the 40-year-old and her hairstylist Larry Sims' selection of blooms were so perfectly placed that they looked like they were growing right out of her head. Why buy yourself flowers when you can become the whole field?

Lupita Nyong'o

(Image credit: Getty)

Starting a couple inches up from Nyong'o's shaved hairline, the tiny buds extend outwards, creating a halo effect. While I haven't yet seen the back of the Oscar winner's head (I'd love some twirl content, please!), I can only imagine the flowers take up quite a bit of real estate.

To complete the theme, Nyong'o wore a pale yellow and white floral Chanel Haute Couture gown that seemed to float as she moved. Her makeup was the work of frequent collaborator Nick Barose, who used an entire lineup of Chanel Beauty to create an ethereal effect. "'60s eyes with deep, defined crease and a wash of platinum eyeshadow and '60s liquid liner paired with glossy caramel lips,' shared Barose in an Instagram post, which garnered plenty of acclaim.

Utilizing Chanel Lumiére Graphique eyeshadow, the celebrity makeup artist completed her neutral-yet-impactful eye look with graphic cut crease eyeliner courtesy of Le Liner de Chanel. Nyong'o's lips, meanwhile, were clothed in Chanel Rogue Coco Gloss in "Burnt Sugar" and Chanel Lipliner in "Prune Noire," a dark burgundy. Endless flowers and a full face of Chanel? Now that's a masterclass in beauty.

Sophia Vilensky
Freelance Writer

Sophia Vilensky is a Freelance Beauty Writer at Marie Claire with a beauty, wellness, and entertainment journalism portfolio that includes contributions to Byrdie, Bravo, Teen Vogue, and Us Weekly. Growing up in a family of beauticians—and through her own personal studies—she developed an in-depth understanding of aesthetics, cosmetic product formulation, and beauty treatment development and has also held roles as a senior copywriter, content strategist, and proofreader for top beauty and wellness brands. Even so, you'd be hard pressed to find her with her hair and makeup actually done. Sophia is based in Minneapolis and is a 2019 graduate of the University of Minnesota, where she majored in English and minored in cinema studies. During her time at the university, she was the Arts & Entertainment Editor for the Minnesota Daily, earning the 2019 Editor of the Year award for her work. She connected deeply with the Twin Cities arts scene, collaborating with leading beauty professionals, designers, and artists. Graduating Summa Cum Laude, her thesis—a close-reading of Vanderpump Rules—was featured on NPR. When not immersed in writing or testing new products, Sophia enjoys watching reality TV, reading, and exploring the newest woo-woo wellness trends. Keep up with her on Instagram @sophiavilensky.