Tracee Ellis Ross in Willy Chavarria for Kimmel
Stars, Style, and Shakespeare: A Night at the Delacorte
The night sky over Central Park sparkled almost as brightly as the stars on the red carpet last night for the opening of Twelfth Night at Shakespeare in the Park’s newly renovated Delacorte Theater. This free summer tradition drew a glittering crowd of celebrities, creatives, and fashion connoisseurs, proving once again that New York City is the perfect backdrop for a meeting of theater, style, and culture.
Who Was There
Among the headliners,Lupita Nyong’o commanded attention with her magnetic presence, delivering a performance as Viola that balanced wit, vulnerability, and charm. She was joined by Sandra Oh as Olivia, whose elegance and poise brought a modern sophistication to the comedy classic. And capturing every glittering moment, photographer Dimitro Kambouris made a statement of his own, turning the lens inward and outward in equal measure.
Other attendees included an eclectic mix of theater luminaries and Hollywood favorites: Ben Platt, Billy Crudup, Marcia Gay Harden, Jim Parsons, Constance Wu, Junior Nyong’o, Aubrey Plaza, Leslie Odom Jr., and many more, all arriving with a sense of occasion that elevated the event into a true cultural moment.
- Lupita Nyong’o: The actress dazzled in a black-and-white Chanel Fall 2025 mini dress, complete with a dramatic tulle ruffled collar and tweed detailing. Diamond drop earrings, pearl rings, and sleek platform sandals completed her look, a perfect blend of Shakespearean drama and modern glamour.
- Sandra Oh: In contrast, Oh opted for a CFCL Fall 2025 gown, a black silhouette accented with subtle blue fringe that caught the light as she moved. Minimalist jewelry by Marie Lichtenberg and Anita K enhanced her ensemble, letting her radiant presence shine on the red carpet.
- Dimitro Kambouris: Usually behind the camera, Kambouris turned heads himself in a Thom Browne floral appliqué cape, a piece that blurred the lines between sartorial artistry and red-carpet spectacle. The cape featured intricate, three-dimensional floral embroidery cascading over a rich wool base, blending whimsical romance with modern tailoring. Its sweeping silhouette evoked a sense of theater and drama, perfectly fitting for a Shakespeare opening night. Paired with slim tailored trousers and polished shoes, Kambouris’ look was a masterclass in combining performance-ready style with everyday elegance proof that photographers can be fashion icons too.
The Vibe of the Evening
The Delacorte Theater’s $85 million renovation was more than just cosmetic, it brought new energy to the stage and the surrounding park. Opening night of Twelfth Night was brisk, lively, and infused with the kind of theatrical tension that only live performance can deliver. Lupita Nyong’o’s nuanced comedic timing and Sandra Oh’s poised elegance were complemented by Peter Dinklage’s witty Malvolio, making for a performance that delighted both Shakespeare enthusiasts and first-time theatergoers alike.
Curtain Call
The event was a seamless fusion of art, fashion, and star power. Red carpet moments dazzled, performances enthralled, and the night reaffirmed that Shakespeare in the Park is one of New York City’s most beloved cultural institutions. With fashion-forward celebrities and legendary theater talent converging under the stars, last night was a reminder that in New York, culture and style are always in dialogue.
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