The red carpet at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival has blessed us with naked dresses, pantsuits, and poufy gowns. But no outfit has had a backstory quite like Thandie Newton’s. The Westworld star, who also plays Val in Solo: A Star Wars Story, attended the movie’s premiere at Cannes in a custom Vivienne Westwood dress. Upon closer inspection, you can make out a special print on her gown: The design featured all of the black characters that have appeared in the Star Wars franchise.
Newton’s stylist, Erin Walsh, even shared on Instagram a sketch of the eco-friendly gown and some more information on how the process came about. As Walsh points out, Newton is the first black woman to appear in a Star Wars movie in a leading role.
"For tonight's #StarWars premiere, Thandie had the brilliant idea to make a dress covered in a print with photos of iconic black Star Wars characters!" Erin wrote. "She wanted to celebrate her role in the iconic history of the franchise!! She is the first black woman onscreen in a Star Wars movie with a leading role."
The photos that were printed onto the dress—which were taken by Christian Hogstedt—are actually pictures of action figures from Newton's personal collection. (That is pretty kickass, if you ask me.)
Some of the characters on the dress are John Boyega's Finn, Samuel L. Jackson's Mace Windu, Forest Whitaker's Saw Gerrera, and Billy Dee Williams' Lando.
Before heading into the theater, Newton also (appropriately) snapped some photos with Stormtroopers.
RELATED STORIES
-
The Scent of the Summer Is a Little Bit Pool Water, Plus a Lot of Swimsuit LycraVacation’s new body mists are coming in hot.
-
In 'Sinners,' Music From the Past Liberates Us From the PresentIn its musical moments, Ryan Coogler's vampire blockbuster makes a powerful statement about Black culture, ancestry, and art.
-
Kendall Jenner Has the Last Word on the Best Travel ShoesLeave your ballet flats in your checked bag.
-
I’m Choosing These Retro Sneakers Over Every Other Shoe TrendFootwear designers are on a vintage kick, and I'm all for it.
-
Florence Pugh Is the Lingerie Dressing Trend's Poster Girl in a See-Through Stella McCartney Mini DressShe loves a see-through look.
-
Cindy Crawford and Kaia Gerber Match in Little Black Dresses With Individual TwistsThe two looked nearly identical while attending the Broadway premiere of ‘Good Night, and Good Luck.’
-
Chase Sui Wonders Finds '90s Nostalgia in a Rare Spring '97 Prada DressShe referenced Gwyneth Paltrow’s '90s-era style with an archival Prada print once worn by the star.
-
Marie Claire Editors Are Obsessed With This Cult-Favorite SaleSSENSE has everything a fashion enthusiast could ever want.
-
Spring 2025's Candy-Coated Shoe Color Trends Prove Neutrals Are OverratedBold pastels and sugar-sweet hues promise to overtake your boring shoe lineup.
-
Issa Rae Is Fueling Her Mogul Era With More Me TimeThe key to her success lies in self-care.
-
13 Hailey Bieber Outfit Formulas Defining Her Laidback Personal StyleCopy and paste to your closet.
