Academy Award-winning actor Lupita Nyong'o made a striking statement on the red carpet at the 2023 Tony Awards. Donning a unique silver breastplate moulded from her own body, Nyong'o stole the limelight and became the topic of conversation. The custom design, created by Pakistani artist and fashion designer Misha Japanwala, aimed to challenge societal notions of body shame and celebrate individuality.

Nyong'o took to Instagram to describe her experience wearing the eye-catching creation, referring to it as a "shameless out-of-body experience." She expressed her honour, humility, strength, and energy in wearing the one-of-a-kind piece at the prestigious Tonys event. She also praised Japanwala in her post.

"Japanwala is a Pakistani artist and fashion designer, whose work is rooted in the rejection and deconstruction of external shame attached to one’s body," Nyong'o wrote. "In her artistic process, she creates a realistic and true record of a person’s body as an act of resistance and celebration, and an insistence on being allowed to exist freely in our bodies."

Nyong'o praised Japanwala's artistic process and highlighted her exhibition, titled Beghairati Ki Nishaani: Traces of Shamelessness, currently on display at the Hannah Traore Gallery in New York City until July 30. Thanking the artist, Nyong'o penned, "Thank you for this special opportunity to be exactly here, in this body, now."

Styled by Michaela Erlanger, Nyong'o paired the unique breastplate with a black velvet blazer, flared trousers, De Beers diamonds, and a Bella Rosa Collection clutch. Her head, which she recently shaved, featured an eye-catching henna tattoo by artist Sabeen.

The star's bold fashion choice and her support of Japanwala's work sparked conversations about body acceptance and the celebration of individuality on the red carpet. Nyong'o's fearless display of self-expression at the Tony Awards further cemented her status as a style icon and a champion of body positivity in the entertainment industry.

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