Japanwala also crafted a bronze choker.
Pakistani artist Misha Japanwala has made a remarkable mark on Christopher Nolan’s new film The Odyssey.
Japanwala contributed sculptural costume pieces worn by acclaimed actress Lupita Nyong’o in her portrayal of Helen of Troy.
Nyong’o plays the legendary queen of Sparta in the film, one of the most iconic figures from Greek mythology.
Japanwala shared details of her contribution with her followers through an Instagram post.
The collaboration came about at Nyong’o’s direct suggestion, according to the film’s costume designer, Ellen Mirojnick.
Mirojnick is a highly celebrated figure in her field, having earned an Oscar nomination for her work on Nolan’s Oppenheimer.
She told W Magazine that the costume team “really had to get down to the realism” of the character of Helen.
It was within that pursuit of authenticity and depth that Japanwala’s distinctive sculptural aesthetic found a natural and powerful place.
Japanwala created a striking asymmetrical neck-and-shoulder plate, crafted entirely in bronze, for one key scene in the film.
Nyong’o wore the striking piece like a capelet over her gown in a scene set within the halls of Sparta.
The scene features Helen and her husband King Menelaus, played by Jon Bernthal, hosting Odysseus’ son Telemachus, played by Tom Holland.
Mirojnick described the striking bronze creation simply and evocatively as “a broken statue,” capturing its raw sculptural power perfectly.
Japanwala also crafted a bronze choker that Nyong’o wore alongside a chainmail kaftan in a second pivotal scene.
That scene depicts Helen and Menelaus bidding farewell to Telemachus as he departs from the royal court of Sparta.
Mirojnick admitted she was initially hesitant to ask Nyong’o to wear the chainmail kaftan given its considerable weight.
However, Nyong’o responded with characteristic confidence and wit, telling her
“I’ve worn more pounds of Chanel pearls. I think I could do that.”
This is far from the first time Nyong’o and Japanwala have joined forces on a significant and high-profile creative project.
The artist previously made Nyong’o a custom breastplate that the actor wore to the Tony Awards ceremony back in 2023.
The bond between the two women extends well beyond professional collaboration and into a genuine and longstanding personal friendship.
Nyong’o was a guest at Japanwala’s wedding held in Karachi in 2022, a deeply personal milestone for the Pakistani artist.
The actress also borrowed a sari and jewellery from Japanwala for the opening night of the musical adaptation of Monsoon Wedding.
Misha Japanwala’s contribution to The Odyssey represents a significant moment for Pakistani design on one of the world’s biggest cinematic stages.
Having her work featured in a Christopher Nolan production alongside a cast of this calibre is an extraordinary achievement.
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