How Lupita Nyong’o Elevated Her Petite Frame With Neil J. Rodgers Heels and Elie Saab Gown at Queen of Katwe Premiere

Lupita Nyong’o has taken character acting to heart. In September 2016, the award-winning actress attended the Hollywood premiere of her new Disney flick, “Queen of Katwe,” where she plays the Ugandan mother of a young chess champion.

Lupita Nyong’o looked stunning in a creation from the Elie Saab Resort 2017 collection at the Film premiere of “Queen of Katwe” at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood on September 20, 2016 (Credit: Apega / WENN)

Throughout the movie, Lupita’s character wears a headwrap—a significant accessory in African culture. Months after the film stopped shooting, Lupita wore headwraps in different fabrics and colors.

Lupita Nyong’o adorned a color-coordinated headdress, maintaining her impressive streak of showcasing beautifully wrapped headpieces (Credit: Apega / WENN)

Lupita Nyong’o co-starred in Mira Nair’s Queen of Katwe (2016), a biographical sports drama film based on the true story of Phiona Mutesi, a young Ugandan chess prodigy who became a Woman Candidate Master after her performances at World Chess Olympiads.

Nyong’o played Phiona’s protective mother, Nakku Harriet, a single mother struggling to raise her children in the slums of Kampala, Uganda’s capital and largest city.

Lupita Nyong’o’s performance as Nakku Harriet in the 2016 film Queen of Katwe was critically acclaimed (Credit: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Her performance was critically acclaimed, with film critic Brian Tallerico calling it “phenomenal” and Geoff Berkshire of Variety writing that she “imbues what could have been a stock mother figure with such inner fire that Harriet feels worthy of a movie all her own.”

Ugandan fashion mogul Sylvia Owori became an extra in Queen of Katwe by bidding for the role at an auction that raised money for Maisha Film Labs. Other prizes included a “12 Years a Slave” DVD signed by Lupita Nyong’o.

Robert Katende, founder of the Som Chess Academy, with Phiona Mutesi, a chess prodigy he discovered and whose life is the basis for the 2016 film Queen of Katwe (Credit: Gioia Forster / Picture-Alliance / Cover Images)

The film’s director, Mira Nair, intentionally cast newcomer actors in leading and supporting roles to introduce fresh talent, particularly among young actors. A mixture of South African and Ugandan youth were cast in various roles.

The only big-name actors in the film are Lupita Nyong’o and David Oyelowo, who played Ugandan chess coach Robert Katende.

At the premiere of her new flick, Lupita looked regal in a lavender Elie Saab gown detailed with multicolored straps. A lavender headwrap featuring intricate ties and knots further punctuated the gorgeous dress.

Standing at 5 feet 3 ¾ inches (161.9 cm), Lupita wore high Neil J. Rodgers heels to boost her petite frame and create an elongated silhouette, though her shoes were barely visible beneath the flowing length of her gown.

Lupita Nyong’o dazzled in a lavender Elie Saab Resort 2017 gown with multicolored straps and a matching headwrap, subtly revealing her platform peep-toe heels peeking out from beneath the gown’s flowing hemline (Credit: Apega / WENN)

We love Lupita’s style and hope that she keeps this look indefinitely!

Lupita Nyong’o effortlessly donned a flowing lavender gown by Elie Saab, complemented by a perfectly matched head wrap (Credit: Apega / WENN)

While Lupita Nyong’o’s elegant gown at the Queen of Katwe premiere gracefully concealed her Neil J. Rodgers heels, other celebrities have proudly showcased the brand’s stunning designs on the red carpet.

Stepping Out in Style: Celebrities Who Love Neil J. Rodgers

Neil J. Rodgers is a luxury footwear brand specializing in women’s shoes, handcrafted in Italy. Known for its British design sensibility and Italian craftsmanship, the brand has garnered a celebrity following. Here are some stylish moments featuring Neil J. Rodgers:

Adriana Lima in White ‘Brooke’ Sandals at Veuve Clicquot Carnaval

• Event: Veuve Clicquot Carnaval in Miami
• Outfit: Adriana Lima embraced a playful, chic look in a neon green cold-shoulder top paired with a bedazzled mini skirt.
• Footwear: She elevated her ensemble with sleek white ‘Brooke’ sandals by Neil J. Rodgers.
• Read more: Adriana Lima’s height and love for heels

Jenna Dewan Flaunts Black ‘Brooke’ Sandals

• Event: Engagement announcement with Steve Kazee
• Outfit: Jenna Dewan showcased her style with a chic ensemble, highlighting her pedicured feet.
• Footwear: She completed her look with black ‘Brooke’ sandals from Neil J. Rodgers.
• See more: Jenna Dewan’s engagement ring and style

Lucy Liu Steps Out in ‘Isabella’ Mary Jane Pumps

• Event: Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony
• Outfit: Lucy Liu wore a black lace dress with a layered ruffle skirt by Self-Portrait.
• Footwear: She showcased her feet in ‘Isabella’ Mary Jane pumps from Neil J. Rodgers.
• Discover more: Lucy Liu at Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony

Heidi Klum Shines in ‘Stella’ Sandals at amfAR Gala

• Event: 2018 amfAR Gala New York
• Outfit: Heidi Klum donned a black asymmetrical strapless gown from Zuhair Murad’s Spring 2017 Couture Collection.
• Footwear: She rounded off her outfit with ‘Stella’ sandals by Neil J. Rodgers.
• See her look: 3 A-List Stars Slay in Designer Shoes at 2018 amfAR Gala

Mila Kunis Dazzles in Silver ‘Stella’ Heels

• Event: 2016 Billboard Music Awards
• Outfit: Mila Kunis wore a fully-embellished Zuhair Murad dress with exaggerated hips.
• Footwear: She styled her dress with silver ‘Stella’ heels from Neil J. Rodgers.
• Explore her style: Was Mila Kunis Pregnant Filming Bad Moms as Amy Mitchell?

These moments highlight Neil J. Rodgers’ appeal among celebrities, offering designs that blend elegance with modern flair.