The May issue of Marie Claire features three covers: Lupita Nyong’o, Kate Mara, and Elle Fanning. There was a party last night in West Hollywood to celebrate. Both Kate and Elle wore red. And the result is that Lupita in the middle looked like the lead singer, the Beyonce to their Kelly and Michelle. On purpose? My first inclination is to say no. Then again, no matter what the wardrobe, Lupita is always the glow in every photo. She’s Lupita! She’s our darling, our universal darling…
Who was just announced as the new face of Lancome last week. So while Hollywood may be hedging on whether or not she’ll be viable post-Oscar (click here for Sarah’s post on that last week), the beauty industry seems to have more confidence in her reach. In typical, graceful Lupita fashion though, her statement that accompanied the announcement was more than what’s ordinarily offered by her peers in similar positions. It suggests that she put thoughtful consideration into the decision, based on the values she upheld during award season:
"I am truly honored to join the Maison Lancôme, a brand with such a prestigious history that I have always loved. I am particularly proud to represent its unique vision for women and the idea that beauty should not be dictated, but should instead be an expression of a woman's freedom to be herself.”
She elaborated on this idea to WWD:
"I had to give a speech about beauty right before the Oscars and for me, beauty is a compassion for yourself and those around you. And I think that in focusing on that, the light inside illuminates the beauty outside. The idea that Lancôme now has a few actor ambassadors is significant because actors are not just faces, they are spirits that people enjoy and relate to more than in an aesthetic way. We have the privilege of standing for something other than just looks."
