Stop what you’re doing, because the beauty looks displayed at the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” European premiere in London need to be seen. As the stars stepped onto the black carpet on 3 Nov. to celebrate the upcoming Marvel release, there were a whole host of jaw-dropping hair and makeup creations that were not only stunning, but full on works of art.
Firstly, we need to mention Lupita Nyong’o. The actor, who plays Nakia, has been wowing us with some standout looks while on the “Black Panther” press tour, most notably the epic “hair chandelier” she modelled for the US premiere. And her hairstylst Vernon François upped the ante yet again this week by cementing Nyong’o as literal red carpet royalty. Captioning his Instagram post with “#loccrown”, her hair was wrapped into halo shapes to form another regal creation.
Nyongo’s hair wasn’t the only beauty triumph at the premiere. Danai Gurira arrived with gold leaf sprinkled throughout her hair and makeup, Michaela Coel turned redhead for the evening, Cynthia Erivo opted for neon floating eyeliner, and Jourdan Dunn’s locs hit the floor. Scroll ahead to see all of the beautiful beauty looks from the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” premiere.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” is released in Australian cinemas on 9th Nov.
Lupita Nyong'o at the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" European Premiere
With her “Loc Crown” created by hairstylist Vernon François and makeup by Nick Barose, Nyong’o’s look is one for the beauty archives. Barose detailed her look on Instagram, telling followers that her makeup was inspired by silent movie star Josephine Baker, writing “the OG entertainer who started it all and changed the game and for the movie that’s changing the game”. Nyongo’s strong eye was created using the Lancôme Hypnose 5 Color Eye Palette in Kaki Electrique, using a touch of green as a nod to the costumes her character wears in the film. Aubergine lips completed the look, as Barose used Lancôme L’absolu Rouge in Nuit Parisienne with Lancôme Le Lip Liner in 397 to finish.
Lupita Nyong'o at the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" European Premiere
Lupita Nyong'o at the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" European Premiere
Working with stylist Micaela Erlanger, she opted for De Beers diamond jewellery and a shiny, ruffled Alexander McQueen gown that had actually been requested pre-pandemic, according to Vogue. The event it was originally planned for was cancelled and finally, two years later, it got its moment.
Danai Gurira at the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" European Premiere
Gurira, who plays the role of Okoye in the film, was a gold goddess at the premiere. Makeup artist Tym Buacharern was inspired by the Van Gogh painting, “Starry Night”, and we can totally see it. Using royal colours with gold leaf to really make her sparkle, much of the look was created using the MAC Cosmetics limited edition Wakanda-inspired makeup collection. And hairstylist Larry Sims kept the shimmering look going by delicately placing gold leaf throughout her hair.
Danai Gurira at the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" European Premiere
Styled by Thomas Carter Phillips, Gurira wore an Elie Saab couture gown trimmed with velvet panels and dramatic silk puff sleeves.
Michaela Coel at the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" European Premiere
Hello, redhead Coel! Hairstylist Zateesha Barbour used Wella Hair to “create a fiery, intense copper tone”. Keeping a little length on top for added texture, Barbour used the Color Wow Flo-etry Cream to “make the curls pop”, and kept her brows a natural brown. Bernicia Boateng kept to copper makeup tones to perfectly complement Coel’s hair.
Michaela Coel at the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" European Premiere
Coel, who joins the “Black Panther” cast for this sequel playing Aneka, wore a chic black bespoke Ricardo Tisci dress to really make her hair stand out. Styled by Georgia Medley, the tank top half of the dress transformed into a semi-sheer lace skirt.
Cynthia Erivo at the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" European Premiere
We love a bold makeup look and Erivo did not disappoint. Serving up neon floating eyeliner, created by Lake Sanu using Suva Beauty products, the striking flick matched her bright dress. With black eyelashes and simple sweep of lip gloss, the eyes were the focus of this beauty look.
Cynthia Erivo at the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" European Premiere
We need an extra moment for Erivo’s nails. Essex-based nail technician Shea Osei created these green embellished talons and we can’t get enough.
Cynthia Erivo at the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" European Premiere
Wearing a maxi trench coat with draped cape by Erdem, Erivo did not come to play. Working with stylist Jadon Bolden, the outfit was covered in a floral print and teamed with thigh-high Casadei black boots.
Jourdan Dunn at the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" European Premiere
Dunn’s look was dewy and fresh as she sported soft eyeshadow with a subtle liner flick, teamed with peach blusher, highlighter, and neutral lip gloss. While her makeup was flawless, the model’s look was all about the hair that was so long, it almost touched the floor. Her locs were swept into a mid ponytail and left to fall effortlessly to her ankles.
Jourdan Dunn at the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" European Premiere
Aside from that hair, Dunn looked anything but mellow in yellow. Working with stylist Justin Hamilton, Dunn wore a Standing Ground dress with metallic platform heels and glamorous drop earrings. The column dress featured an intricate knotted band around the hips in the same fabric to create a sculptural triumph.
Leigh-Anne Pinnock at the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" European Premiere
Makeup artist Joy Adenuga was responsible for Pinnock’s flawless look. The smokey eye makeup was accentuated with a feathered brow and nude lips that left the Little Mix star looking gorgeous. Her hair, by Molecia, was styled into a centre parting and swept into a high ponytail. The hair was then wound around itself before ending in a backcombed section at the bottom of the ponytail.
Leigh-Anne Pinnock at the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" European Premiere
Pinnock opted for a corseted, strapless gown from Nafsika Skourti’s Autumn Winter collection. Styled by Georgia Medley, the silver and black bodice finished at the waist before the black skirt with thigh-high splits finished the look. Accessorised with De Beers jewellery, black opera gloves, and a Mach & Mach handbag, Pinnock oozed “Power”.
Clara Amfo at the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" European Premiere
Amfo looked so incredible at the premiere, we are giving her the gold medal for style. Makeup artist Yasmina Bentaieb created the TV presenter’s beauty look, using gold tones on her eyes, skin, and lipgloss. Hair wizard Shamara Roper styled Amfo’s hair, wrapping gold ribbon around her ponytail to tie the look together.
Clara Amfo at the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" European Premiere
The metallic trend certainly suits Amfo who rocked the Christopher Kane chainmail dress to the premiere. With cutout panels at the waist and the thighs, with thin chains holding the dress together, the look was both daring and glamorous.
AJ Odudu at the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" European Premiere
TV presenter Odudu shimmered on the black carpet thanks to her epic eye makeup. Gemma Wheatcoft created the look by building up glittering eyeshadows. She wrote on Instagram “It’s giving me Chartreuse Chainmail Warrior Princess Vibes” and we have to agree. Odudu’s sleek hair, that was seriously shiny, was styled by Carl Campbell.
AJ Odudu at the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" European Premiere
Taking us back to the “Strictly Come Dancing” dancefloor, Odudu wore a silver flapper-style dress. Working with stylist Thomas George Wulbern, she wore The Attico mesh dress with asymmetric hemline and leather straps with Jimmy Choo sandals.
Letitia Wright at the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" European Premiere
Another standout look came from Wright, who plays Shuri in the franchise, as she kept her matte makeup subtle to allow her dress to shine – literally!
Letitia Wright at the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" European Premiere
Wright dazzled in a custom-made Prada dress. Styled by Shiona Turini, the simple column floor-length gown was completely embellished in crystals that picked up the light with every step.
Florence Kasumba at the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" European Premiere
With such a striking dress, Kasumba’s makeup was expertly pared back. Dewy skin and subtle gloss kept her look fresh while not overpowering her showstopping gown.
Florence Kasumba at the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" European Premiere
Kasumba, who plays Ayo in the film, wore the dress of dreams. The halterneck column gown was embellished with jewel-toned crystals of all shapes and sizes all over that shone as she walked the black carpet.
Maya Jama at the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" European Premiere
The new “Love Island” host, who shared the black carpet with her ex, Stormzy dressed in a Barbiecore suit, had her hair waved and swept into a bun. Hairstylist Jay Birmingham pulled out strands to frame the front of her face and kept the curls voluminous for a cool, messy effect.
Maya Jama at the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" European Premiere
Jama’s plunging gown put her in the spotlight. With stylist Shaquille Ross-Williams, the pair opted for a gorgeous Haute Couture dress by Stephane Rolland with embroidered skirt and mesh panel across the chest. Adding a breastplate necklace, the look was certainly a winner.
Indiyah and Dami at the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" European Premiere
The “Love Island” favourites took couple dressing to a new level in their matching green looks. Indiyah’s plunging minidress was the exact same shade as Dami’s top. Cute!