Lupita Nyong'o becomes Chanel's latest global brand ambassador

Lupita Nyong’o becomes Chanel’s latest global brand ambassador (Photo: iStock)

Chanel has named Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o as its newest global brand ambassador. The announcement was made after Nyong’o attended the Spring-Summer 2025 Ready-to-Wear show at the Grand Palais in Paris, marking the final day of Paris Fashion Week. Nyong’o’s close relationship with Chanel goes back over ten years, with the actress frequently choosing the French fashion house for major red-carpet events.

Nyong’o has long been a fan of the brand, wearing Chanel designs from as early as 2013, shortly after the release of her breakout film 12 Years a Slave. She was spotted at various Chanel events over the years, including the Fall 2023 Haute Couture Show in Paris and the 2023 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles, where she wore a stunning Chanel haute couture gown.

Speaking about the new partnership with Chanel, Nyong’o said, "They were one of my first supporters. I remember wearing them as early as 2013 right when my first film, 12 Years a Slave, came out. And over the years, they’ve often invited me to things and treated me with wonderful hands, and so when they approached me to be an ambassador, I felt very honored,” she told Women’s Wear Daily.

Nyong’o made her official announcement as the new global brand ambassador for Chanel with an elegant post on Instagram, sharing a stunning image of herself at the Spring-Summer 2025 Ready-to-Wear show in Paris. In the image, she is seen wearing a delicate and intricate pastel-colored dress from Chanel's haute couture collection.

The outfit, featuring soft hues of pink, lavender, and white, stands out for its unique flower-like embroidery and textured details. The dress is complemented by a matching cape, adding a touch of regality to the look. The design is both modern and classic, reflecting the timeless elegance associated with Chanel. Lupita accessorized the look with her signature chic updo and minimalistic makeup.

Her appointment has drawn praise from many in the fashion industry. Some fans and fellow celebrities took to social media to celebrate the news. Kaniu Kungu commented, “Lupita is one of the best-dressed celebrities in Hollywood,” while Jill Cooper added, “Chanel should be thanking you. Totally exquisite.”

Nyong’o’s role as a Chanel ambassador is about more than just wearing beautiful clothes. She sees it as an opportunity to contribute to the ongoing conversation about diversity and inclusivity in fashion. “The message that I bring naturally and deliberately to the role is that things have changed. And we don’t want them to go back to what they once were,” she told the Associated Press.

Nyong’o has been vocal about her efforts to continue the fight for diversity, inspired by trailblazers like Bethann Hardison, an iconic model and activist who fought for the inclusion of Black models in the fashion industry in the 1960s and 1970s. Hardison’s work led to progress, but Nyong’o highlighted how much the industry has regressed in recent years. “It took a step back, so for me that was testament to the fact that it takes consciousness. It’s a conscious effort that has to be made on a daily basis,” Nyong’o said.

Her thoughts on fashion and representation have a personal resonance. “When I was growing up, I didn’t see myself in ads for brands like this. It resulted in me going through quite the identity crisis and feeling undervalued by the world,” Nyong’o admitted. Now, as a Chanel ambassador, she hopes to inspire young girls who may not have seen themselves represented in luxury fashion in the past. “I would hope that there is a message for little girls,” she said, adding that her work as an actor, author, and now a brand ambassador is a step toward changing that narrative.

Nyong’o’s career has spanned across acting, writing, and podcasting. She won an Academy Award for her role in 12 Years a Slave and went on to star in major films such as Black Panther and Star Wars. More recently, she voiced the lead role in The Wild Robot and launched her podcast Mind Your Own, which explores the stories of African people around the world.

In addition to her acting and podcasting ventures, Nyong’o is a published author. Her book Sulwe, which addresses colorism and the beauty of darker skin tones, reached number one on The New York Times Best Sellers list for children’s picture books.

Next year, Nyong’o will make her theater debut as Viola in Shakespeare in the Park's summer production of Twelfth Night. She will star alongside Peter Dinklage, Sandra Oh, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson.

With her new role at Chanel, Nyong’o joins a prestigious group of global ambassadors, including Margot Robbie, Kristen Stewart, and Whitney Peak, further solidifying her influence in both fashion and entertainment.

Nyong’o’s partnership with Chanel is not just about style, but also about making a statement.