In 2015, a Hollywood fashion crime made headlines when TMZ reported that Lupita Nyong’o’s custom-made Calvin Klein gown, worn just days earlier at the Oscars, had been stolen from her room at the London Hotel in West Hollywood while she was out.
Authorities believed the theft occurred between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24. “I can confirm a dress was stolen from the London Hotel that belonged to the actress Lupita Nyong’o,” a member of the L.A. sheriff’s department told the press at the time.
“We believe it was taken sometime during the day yesterday, 2/25. We are looking at every scenario; when the cleaners go to clean the rooms they do it with the door open, so that’s a possibility. Currently, we are still investigating—detectives are interviewing and looking for witnesses.”
At the 2015 Oscars, Lupita Nyong’o commanded attention in her stunning Calvin Klein gown embellished with 6,000 pearls, and the custom-made dress was later stolen from her hotel room (Credit: Calvin Klein’s Twitter)
The gorgeous white gown, decorated with 6,000 natural white pearls, is valued at $150,000!
Francisco Costa specially designed the ivory-colored frock for the Calvin Klein Collection. It was handmade by 25 people and took ten weeks to sew.
Lupita Nyong’o in a pearl-encrusted Calvin Klein Collection dress at the 87th Annual Oscars held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on February 22, 2015 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Celebrity-related items are typically valued at a higher price because of the name associated with them. Still, a high-profile dress that made it to the Oscars’ best-dressed list would be hard to sell on the black market.
Lupita Nyong’o in a stunning ivory Calvin Klein Collection halter dress adorned with 6,000 pearls and diamond drop earrings (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Hidden Glamour: The Pearl-Embellished Heels That Perfectly Matched Lupita’s Oscars Gown
Though her shoes were mostly hidden beneath the gown’s voluminous hem, Lupita’s footwear choice was anything but ordinary. As revealed in a Vogue interview, stylist Micaela Erlanger selected a pair of Nicholas Kirkwood pearl-platform peep-toe slingbacks, which echoed the gown’s embellishment.
Lupita Nyong’o attends the Governor’s Ball after the 87th Oscars in her custom Calvin Klein gown and Nicholas Kirkwood pearl-platform slingback heels—perfectly echoing the 6,000 pearls on her dress (Credit: Matt Petit / ©A.M.P.A.S.)
“When I saw this Nicholas Kirkwood pair a few months ago, it was an obvious choice,” said Erlanger. “The pearls match perfectly—they were unexpected but ideal.” She completed the look with a mirrored box clutch from Calvin Klein Collection and delicate Chopard diamonds, adding just the right touch of sparkle to an already dazzling ensemble.
#FreeThePearls: The Investigation, Calvin Klein’s Response, and the Viral Dress Hunt
Law enforcement investigated the situation and reviewed security camera footage to clarify the heist.
American fashion house Calvin Klein expressed concern for the missing dress on Thursday night, tweeting a close-up photo captioned “Have you seen this dress?” and using the witty hashtag #freethepearls.
Lupita Nyong’o made a fashion statement at the 2015 Oscars even though she wasn’t nominated or didn’t star in a nominated film (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
TMZ later reported that the stolen pearl dress had been recovered after an anonymous caller tipped them off to the location of the returned gown at around 2:30 p.m. on Friday.
Upon noticing Lupita’s hotel room door was left ajar, the caller said they had taken the dress. The culprits then removed two pearls from the dress and brought them to a garment district in LA for evaluation.
After being told that the pearls were fakes, they returned the dress to the hotel and left it in a garbage bag inside a bathroom. The culprit told TMZ he wanted to return the dress and expose the fake pearls to show the world “Hollywood’s fake bulls**t.”
Now, we’re wondering if this is true; if so, how many more of the gorgeous (and highly expensive) jewel-embellished dresses we have seen on red carpet events are fakes?
Lupita Nyong’o’s Recent Fashion Highlights
Known for her bold and elegant style, Lupita Nyong’o continues to captivate with her fashion choices. Here are some of her standout looks from recent events:
2025 Met Gala: Pastel Green Power Suit with Bedazzled Eyebrows
- Event: 2025 Met Gala
- Outfit: Lupita made a stunning return in a pastel green double-breasted suit jacket featuring a floor-length sheer cape and matching trousers.
- Accessories: She completed the look with a bow tie adorned with a crystal brooch, a floral pin, a small top hat, and dazzling diamond jewelry.
- Makeup: Her look was accentuated with smoky eye makeup and unique bedazzled eyebrows.
- Read more: Lupita Nyong’o’s 2025 Met Gala ensemble
CinemaCon 2024: Gold Celine Gown and Silver Heels
- Event: CinemaCon 2024
- Outfit: Lupita dazzled in a gold lamé satin gown by Celine, featuring delicate spaghetti straps and a subtle cowl neckline.
- Footwear: She paired the gown with strappy silver Celine Soir sandals.
- Accessories: The look was complemented with De Beers Talisman Cocktail earrings and a striking diamond ring.
- See more: Lupita Nyong’o at CinemaCon 2024
Lupita Nyong’o Brings Back Oscar Elegance in Armani Privé
A decade after her unforgettable 2014 Oscars debut, Lupita Nyong’o returned to the Academy Awards red carpet in another powder blue masterpiece—this time with a modern, feathered twist.
Lupita Nyong’o honored her iconic Oscars history in a custom Giorgio Armani Privé gown with feathered trim and crystal beading while presenting at the 2024 Academy Awards (Credit: Trae Patton ©A.M.P.A.S.)
Lupita Nyong’o’s Dreamy Oscar Debut in Custom Prada
Before becoming a red carpet icon, Lupita Nyong’o stunned the world at the 2014 Academy Awards with a flowing pale blue Prada gown that perfectly captured her elegance and personal heritage.
Lupita Nyong’o wore a custom Prada gown in soft “Nairobi blue” at the 86th Academy Awards, marking both a fashion breakthrough and her Oscar-winning moment (Credit: Matt Petit / ©A.M.P.A.S.)
A Quiet Place: Day One Press Tour – Prada Catsuit and Dolce & Gabbana Playsuit
- Event: A Quiet Place: Day One Press Tour
- Outfit: For the NYC premiere, Lupita wore a custom sequin-embellished Prada catsuit. Earlier, she appeared in a sleek Dolce & Gabbana blazer playsuit for a photocall at the Empire State Building.
- Accessories: She adorned her looks with dazzling De Beers jewelry.
- Discover more: Lupita Nyong’o’s press tour fashion
San Sebastian Film Festival: Red Lace Dolce & Gabbana Dress
- Event: 72nd San Sebastian International Film Festival
- Outfit: Promoting “The Wild Robot,” Lupita wore a red lace dress by Dolce & Gabbana, exuding elegance and sophistication.
- Footwear: She completed the look with designer heels, enhancing her refined style.
- Explore her style: Lupita Nyong’o at San Sebastian Film Festival
BFI London Film Festival: Chanel Tweed Suit with Silver Tinsel Scarf
- Event: 68th BFI London Film Festival
- Outfit: Lupita brought festive vibes in a Chanel tweed suit and a silver tinsel scarf, showcasing her unique fashion sense.
- Accessories: She carried a whimsical Chanel robot bag, adding a playful touch to her ensemble.
- See her look: Lupita Nyong’o at BFI London Film Festival
These appearances highlight Lupita Nyong’o’s dynamic fashion evolution, blending classic elegance with bold, contemporary choices.