I'll admit, the uproar around "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" decision to have a more diversified cast has been the main reason behind me wanting to see the movie, despite never having been interested in the saga, which spans back nearly 38 years since its 1977 debut. However, Lupita Nyong'o and John Boyega have won my support without even trying because, guess what? Representation matters. Although I don't necessarily share many commonalities with the actors, besides our relationship to the African Diaspora (Lupita being the daughter of a politician, raised in both Mexico and Kenya; John Boyega being a British actor from a Nigerian family), that doesn't lessen the pride and admiration I feel by knowing that these two actors have partaken in a sure-to-be blockbuster film, long regarded as a classic with a die-hard fanbase and everlasting legacy. I mean sure I've never seen the films, but I can spot Princess Leia's popular cinnamon-bun hairstyle from a mile away or recognize the infamous "Luke, I am your father" spiel.
Regardless, while I'm just becoming familiar with John Boyega, Lupita Nyong'o has long ago caught my attention, along with many others when she graced the screen in her breakthrough performance as Patsey in "12 Years A Slave" (2013). Fast forward to an effortless, show stopping moment donning a powder blue Grecian-styled Prada gown on the 2014 Oscars red carpet, a-la-Cinderella; an Off-Broadway stint in the play "Eclipsed"; and two more films underway including Disney's "The Jungle Book" and "The Queen of Katwe" about a Ugandan chess prodigy. Lupita has whisked you away into her world of wisdom, fun and glamour.
Oh, the glamour.
Whenever Lupita graces the red carpet, you're sure to see her the very next day at the top of the best dressed lists. She has style like a chameleon and is so playful, edgy, sophisticated and daring with her fashion choices in regards to prints, textures and most of all color. There's not a hue that doesn't look glorious on Lupita's deep complexion. If anything, whatever she wears only illuminates and magnifies her beauty.
Furthermore, Lupita's got a knack for hair. Natural hair, specifically. And it's so wonderful to witness the freedom and creativity the actress and her hair stylist, Vernon Francois come up with.
From flat twists to afros, tightly coiled curls and milkmaid braids, a quirky chignon or coiffed hair bedecked with matching mesh cap; Lupita can and does natural hair well. Most importantly, she's actively been able to show the versatility one can have by managing their natural hair, by being willing to experiment and taking pride in hair that defies gravity.
