OnlyOnAOL: Our red carpet superstar of the year is Lupita Nyong'o

BY DONNA FREYDKIN

So you might have heard of this tiny little indie movie that's in theaters now, called "Star Wars: The Force Awakens?" Yeah, we thought so. It's breaking all sorts of records. It's a hit with fans. The action figures -- good luck finding them. And we love the J.J. Abrams-directed film even more because its promotional tour has yielded our two favorite red carpet stars: John Boyega and Lupita Nyong'o.

Nyong'o has always been a major fashion force; Boyega is a newbie (fun fact: he smells delicious, courtesy of Tom Ford). Both are styled by the same powerhouse, Micaela Erlanger.

"Getting to know a client takes some time. (Lupita and I) found our stride together very quickly. We collaborated on everything and found our rhythm," says Erlanger.

We've met Erlanger. She's lovely, polite and sweet. She has a brand new puppy. She's also hella-talented. And we decided to pick her brain to glean a few of her red carpet must-haves for Nyong'o. Her first rule: dress for the occasion. Always. End of.

"We choose things that feel right and feel good," says Erlanger. "Lupita's style is vibrant with a sense of playfulness and whimsy but it's also very sophisticated. She really owns her look and she embraces what she wears. She exudes that confidence. She wears the clothes and brings them to life. For so many people, your wardrobe is an extension of who you are. She's fabulous. She is so articulate and smart and funny. She's a wonderful friend."

Here's a glance at her most intergalactic looks.

At the Dec. 14 LA premiere of "Star Wars," in Alexandre Vauthier. "She joked that that she brought the galaxy with her," says Erlanger.

In Roland Mouret in Mexico City on Dec. 8. "I saw that on the runway and thought, 'That is our dress." We know one another so well and we have our rhythm. It was amazing. The color was so great. The shape was so flattering," says Erlanger.

In Jason Wu at Glamour's Women of the Year awards in Manhattan on Nov. 9. "That was a special piece that wasn't shown on the runway. We got it into the office and I thought, 'Yup, this is it.' It was the first one we tried one. It was a no brainer," says Erlanger.

In Prada at Lancome's anniversary party on July 7 in Paris. "We have long fittings and we take pictures from all angles. Everything is done with purpose. We loved that dress. It was a huge night for the brand," says Erlanger.

In Christian Dior on Oct. 14 in New York, at the opening of her play "Eclipsed." That was her first time wearing that color, says Erlanger. "We have made a conscious effort to introduce new shades. She can wear colors so beautifully and she can wear just about any color. We're always looking for a new choice. That dress was so feminine and sweet."

We love Lupita. Let us count the ways:
OnlyOnAOL: The force is with Lupita Nyong'o's fierce 'Star Wars' look
OnlyOnAOL: Lupita Nyong'o ices out the fashion police in winter white