Lupita Nyong’o, the acclaimed actress renowned for her performances in “12 Years a Slave” and “Black Panther,” has been appointed as Chanel’s newest global brand ambassador.
This announcement follows her attendance at the Spring-Summer 2025 Ready-to-Wear show at the Grand Palais in Paris, which marked the conclusion of Paris Fashion Week. The partnership spotlights Nyong’o’s enduring relationship with the French fashion house, spanning over a decade. Nyong’o’s affinity for Chanel began in 2013, coinciding with the release of her breakthrough film “12 Years a Slave.” Throughout her career, she has consistently opted for Chanel attire at major red-carpet events, including the Fall 2023 Haute Couture Show in Paris and the 2023 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles, where she donned an exquisite Chanel haute couture gown.
Reflecting on this new collaboration, Nyong’o expresses her appreciation, noting Chanel’s early support and their consistent invitations to events over the years. The official announcement of Nyong’o’s role as Chanel’s global brand ambassador was made through an elegant Instagram post. She shared an image of herself at the Spring-Summer 2025 Ready-to-Wear show in Paris, showcasing a delicate pastel-colored dress from Chanel’s haute couture collection. The ensemble featured intricate flower-like embroidery and textured details in soft hues of pink, lavender, and white, complemented by a matching cape that added a regal touch.
Nyong’o views her position as a Chanel ambassador as an opportunity to contribute to the ongoing dialogue about diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry. She emphasises the importance of maintaining progress in this area, drawing inspiration from trailblazers like Bethann Hardison, a model and activist who advocated for the inclusion of Black models in the fashion industry during the 1960s and 1970s. Nyong’o highlights the need for continuous, conscious efforts to prevent regression in diversity and representation. With a multifaceted career spanning acting, writing, and podcasting, Nyong’o has garnered numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for her role in “12 Years a Slave.”
She has since starred in major productions such as “Black Panther” and “Star Wars,” and recently lent her voice to the lead role in “The Wild Robot.” Nyong’o has also launched a podcast titled “Mind Your Own,” which explores the narratives of African people worldwide. Her children’s book “Sulwe,” addressing colorism and celebrating darker skin tones, achieved bestseller status on The New York Times list for children’s picture books. In the coming year, Nyong’o will make her theater debut as Viola in Shakespeare in the Park’s summer production of “Twelfth Night,” alongside a star-studded cast including Peter Dinklage, Sandra Oh, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson.
Her appointment as a Chanel global ambassador places her among an esteemed group of representatives, including Margot Robbie, Kristen Stewart, and Whitney Peak, further solidifying her influence in both the fashion and entertainment industries.
