Thandie Newton's gown at the Cannes red carpet this week turned heads with the actress fronting the premiere of Solo: A Star Wars Story, in a dress Vanity Fair labelled one "that will go down in galactic history."
The custom Vivienne Westwood gown made by the label's 'Absence of Roses' print, features every black Star Wars character to be featured in the film franchise, from Finn to Lando to Saw Gerrera. Ms Newton reportedly helped design the dress, featuring prints by photographer Christian Hogstedt.
As questions of representation dominate the public sphere, Ms Newton's positioning as the first black actress in a leading role in the film franchise proudly sporting minority characters on her dress sends a powerful message on the changes afoot in Hollywood.
As celebrities use the red carpet world stage and their star power to play with pop culture, express themselves and send subtle and not-so-subtle messages about society, politics, sexuality and power, Ms Newton's dress is a creative standout.
The Star Wars dress plays with physicality, fashion, art and cultural assumptions to keep diversity and representation firmly imprinted in the public imagination. May the force be with you Thandie!
