Lupita Nyong'o wore a light-up dress programmed by young women, and it was stunning.
It's no secret that actress Lupita Nyong'o is a smart and talented movie star who elevates any red carpet she walks.
Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images Entertainment.
And her appearance at a recent promotional event for the new "Star Wars" film, in which she plays Maz Kanata, was no different.
Nyong'o wore a beautifully designed dress that resembles the night sky (or a galaxy far, far away).
The dress was gorgeous, a ZAC Zac Posen design, and covered in flashing LED lights, lighting up in various intricate patterns as she walked down the carpet.
Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images Entertainment.
Even cooler than that, though, the coding for those LED lights was created entirely by young female programmers who are part of Google's Made with Code initiative. The coding program was created to encourage girls to get interested in programming, which is important because, as MWC says on its website, "increasingly more aspects in our lives are powered by technology, yet women aren't represented in the roles that make technology happen."
Made with Code has a number of interactive coding projects to encourage this, including a music maker, a GIF animator, and — you guessed it — the opportunity to make your own light-up dress using the same Zac Posen dress Nyong'o wore as a template.
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" co-stars Daisy Ridley and John Boyega admire Nyong'o's light-up dress. Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images Entertainment.
There's been a shift lately on red carpets as reporters are pressured to #AskHerMore. Nyong'o found a brilliant way to make sure that happens.
By highlighting the abilities of talented young female programmers in her fashion choices, Nyong'o has ensured a meaningful red carpet conversation. The move fits right in with #AskHerMore, which encourages reporters to ask actresses questions beyond what they're wearing on the red carpet.
Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images Entertainment.
Given how much technology played a role in making the Star Wars movies possible, as well as in the Star Wars universe itself, the Star Wars Force 4 Fashion event is a perfect venue for this type of dress and for showing women and girls how important and accessible coding is.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to learn how to animate a dancing yeti.