POPSUGAR UK

How Cynthia Erivo and Her Stylist Jason Bolden Keep Making Red Carpet Magic Happen

05/03/2021 - 08:11 PM

I was first enraptured by actress Cynthia Erivo [1] while watching HBO's The Outsider. She has a way about her, not to mention a talent, that immediately transfixes you. Even without saying a word, her onscreen presence commands you to stop what you're doing, watch, and listen . . . just in case she does. Erivo's red carpet presence [2] is very much like that. She wears couture gowns from the likes of Valentino, Gucci, and Versace that dropped jaws when — and if — they hit the runway (of course, some are custom). But somehow, when Cynthia carries these dresses out to the red carpet, your jaw drops even further.

"[Cynthia] allows me to just be a creative and truly never says no to a look!"

It's her confidence, really — both in herself and in her stylist Jason Bolden [3], who has been working with the star since October 2019. "I love creating with Cynthia! She allows me to just be a creative and truly never says no to a look! A True Fashion Darling!" Jason tells me via DM. Knowing he's the mastermind behind some of her most avant-garde, groundbreaking looks is just too cool, but also sort of expected. Bolden works with Yara Shahidi [4], Storm Reid, Ava DuVernay, Alicia Keys, Sabrina Carpenter, Sasha Blane, Taraji P. Henson, Jaden Smith, Winnie Harlow, and most recently added to the lineup, famous inaugural poet Amanda Gorman [5]. Jason does not play coy when it comes to sharing details about his clients' looks. He is quick to confirm dressings and share the backstories behind his work, even revealing garments that didn't make it to the red carpet but had their moment behind-the-scenes on Instagram.

It is with someone like Erivo (who is also an incredible singer [6] and will be portraying Aretha Franklin in the upcoming limited series Genius: Aretha [7]) that Jason is able to do his best work and try new things. It is clear that all of Cynthia's most memorable fashion moments were born out of pure imagination, taking shape as she put on electrifying colours and stepped into unconventional silhouettes. And though they were very much made for uplifting Cynthia, they were also uplifting for the people.

Cynthia wearing Valentino Couture [8] for the 2021 Golden Globes.

Cynthia wearing a metallic floor-length skirt and button-down for a Zoom call.

Cynthia wearing Louis Vuitton for press surrounding Genius: Aretha.

Cynthia wearing Stella Jean for a press day.

Cynthia wearing Louis Vuitton for a WFH day.

Cynthia wearing a Vera Wang dress with Paris Texas boots for a day of press.

Cynthia wearing a silver Loewe dress with Salvatore Ferragamo mules for press.

Cynthia wearing a dusty pink, high-low Oscar de la Renta gown.

Cynthia wearing a full tweed Chanel look and accessories.

Cynthia at a fitting in Chanel.

Jason styling Cynthia in Brock Collection for the 2020 Santa Barbara International Film Festival.

Cynthia wearing a black lace halter gown BTS celebrating her Grammy nomination.

Cynthia wearing a Versace minidress with Tiffany & Co. jewels for the 2020 Emmys.

Cynthia posing with her team in the incredible Atelier Versace gown she wore to the 2020 Oscars.

Cynthia behind the scenes with Donatella Versace ahead of the 2020 Oscars.

Cynthia in a Maison Valentino look that didn't make it to the red carpet.

Cynthia wearing a backless Atelier Versace dress with Piaget jewels for the American Black Film Festival.

Cynthia wearing Prabal Gurung for the NAACP Image Awards.

Cynthia wearing a Louis Vuitton look with David Yurman jewels for the Oscar Nominees Luncheon, inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

Cynthia having a moment in Schiaparelli Couture (styled with a Roberto Coin choker and Christian Louboutin shoes) before the SAG Awards.

Cynthia wearing a dazzling embroidered Gucci dress.

Cynthia wearing Thom Browne at the 2019 AFI Fest.

Cynthia in Marc Jacobs for the Harriet LA Premiere.

Cynthia wearing Gucci with emerald David Webb jewels for the 2019 LACMA 2019 Art + Film Gala.

Cynthia wearing an emerald green Valentino Haute Couture look with David Webb jewels and Brian Atwood shoes for the 2019 Governors Awards.


Source URL
https://www.popsugar.co.uk/fashion/cynthia-erivo-fashion-48201398