Lupita Nyong’o’s Helen of Troy-inspired ‘Odyssey’ Wardrobe

Each member of “The Odyssey” cast took the unofficial Grecian-inspired press tour dress code and gave it their own interpretation, with a few channeling their respective characters. Under the styling of Micaela Erlanger, Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o’s promo wardrobe went full Helen of Troy, merging power and precision in equal measure.

How did Erlanger and Nyong’o infuse those qualities into her red carpet and photo call attire? And what might the actress’ press tour wardrobe tell audiences about her interpretation of Helen of Troy before “The Odyssey” hits theaters on Friday? WWD dives into the history of the Greek mythology figure, translations of the complicated character and Nyong’o’s “Odyssey” era sartorial journey.

Who Is Helen of Troy?

In Greek mythology, Helen of Troy was said to have hatched from an egg, the daughter of Leda and Zeus, who transformed into a swan while pursuing Leda. Interpretations of Helen’s character and qualities often emphasize her beauty, though British American classicist Emily Wilson’s 2017 translation of “The Odyssey,” which filmmaker Christopher Nolan used as a reference for his adaptation, paints a portrait of a more complex figure caught in a political war.

How Has Helen of Troy Been Depicted in Pop Culture Before?

Screen portrayals of Helen of Troy span nearly 100 years, from Maria Corda’s performance in the 1927 film “The Private Life of Helen of Troy” to Diane Kruger’s in 2004’s “Troy” and Lupita Nyong’o’s latest iteration of the character.

Several films have taken cues from the famous phrase “the face that launched 1,000 ships,” referencing Helen of Troy’s beauty and her role in the Trojan War. Married to King Menelaus, Helen of Troy’s abduction or elopement with Paris, depending on the translation, triggered the 10-year war in Greek mythology.

Based on Nyong’o’s “The Odyssey” press tour looks, though, some clues may indicate a new take on the storied Greek mythology figure.

How Has Lupita Nyong’o’s ‘The Odyssey’ Press Tour Wardrobe Channeled Helen of Troy?

Lupita Nyong’o’s “The Odyssey” press tour looks have been an exercise in power, precision and sensuality. Grecian-inspired elements, including draped fabric, appeared in her attire for a London photocall on July 5. The actress wore a black and white dress with a thigh-high slit from Chanel’s resort 2027 collection, designed by Matthieu Blazy.

Those same distinct lines carried through to the London premiere on July 6, where Nyong’o wore a Christian Cowan gown. The sleeveless design featured dramatic side cutouts and a liquid-like material that accentuated her frame. In a post on social media, stylist Micaela Erlanger captured Nyong’o’s look with the caption “the face that launched a thousand ships.”

The Paris photocall on July 7 marked a transition to deeper tones, with references to earth and fire. Nyong’o wore a bordeaux Giorgio Armani Privé gown. Shimmering elements gave the dress added texture, while the look’s powerful feminine structure enhanced each detail.

Nyong’o went fiery for the Paris premiere, wearing a vibrant red Chanel dress, once again by Matthieu Blazy. Ornately woven with see-through elements, the bold design embodied both Helen of Troy’s complexity and famed beauty.