Nazanin Boniadi Embraced Dark Glamour at the Lord of the Rings Premiere
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On September 2nd, the new Amazon television series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power premieres. The show is a prequel to J. R. R. Tolkien’s successful novels of the same name (among other things, it will explore how the Rings of Power were forged). In the new tale, actor Nazanin Boniadi portrays Bronwyn—a single mother to a rebellious teenager and the village healer. She felt an instant connection and sense of kinship with the character. “If there were ever a fantastical version of myself, she is it,” Boniadi tells Vogue. “She is a healer and I was pre-med, heading to medical school before I ventured into acting. She is committed to redeeming her people and liberating them from the shackles of their past.”
As a longtime Tolkien fan, the star was also drawn to being a part of his one-of-a-kind fantasy world. She was first introduced to the Lord of the Rings through the blockbuster Peter Jackson film adaptations, and Boniadi says it felt surreal to now be a part of the new television offshoot. “After I got this job, I did a deep dive into Middle-earth [where LOTR is set], as well as researched Tolkien’s passion for myth and fantasy,” she says. “His essay, ‘On Fairy-Stories,’ makes you fall in love with this literary form.”
At the series’ official premiere in Los Angeles last night, Boniadi wanted her red carpet look to tie into the mysterious, otherworldly feel of the show. To do so, the star wore a sculptural black Balmain gown. “I love the texture and structure of the dress, which imbue it with such strength,” says Boniadi. “The leather corset is bold and empowered—a nod to Bronwyn’s leather pants and boots that she wears under her dress.”
Hairstylist Renato Campora gave her a sleek, low bun, while makeup artist Sabrina Bedrani applied a smokey glam using Dior beauty products. “I wanted to give Nazanin a fresh modern look focusing on the eye to give her an edge,” says Bedrani. Stylish Erin Walsh accessorized the ensemble with Andrea Wazen heels and dazzling jewelry from luxe labels such as Anita Ko, Jennifer Fisher, and Mara Paris. “What is interesting to me is the power in sensuality and womanhood,” says Walsh. “I love that really playing with texture and strong silhouette can give a really womanly vibe a bit of badassery.”
As the actor embarks on her press tour for the show, Boniadi will continue this tough, elegant spirit. In L.A., she and Walsh plan to continue with the monochromatic dressing; in Mumbai, they will then incorporate looks with more beads, sequins, and colorful patterns. “New York will continue the power theme with leather and structure, but with more neutral tones, adding some sparkle for the fantasy of it all,” adds Boniadi. “London will be the last stop, and we plan to pull out all the stops.” Walsh hints of the many outfits to come: “Expect some joy, a lot of empowering shapes, color, texture, fun, and a lotta fashion. You have to have fun when you are given a platform like this, no?”
Whatever ensemble Boniadi will slip into next, she says she often looks for the same thing in a red carpet moment. “I look for clothes that make me happy, empowered, and confident,” says the star. “Fashion is a form of self-expression. There are countries with repressive laws—including my homeland, Iran—that forbid women from dressing freely. I never take this freedom for granted and it makes me appreciate fashion even more.”
More important than the clothes, however, is the show itself—and she’s certain diehard LOTR fans find a sense of joy and escapism in it. “Fantasy has the unique ability to cushion us into a world where we can comfortably explore our existential longing, and delve into questions about the human condition,” says Boniadi. “These characters are archetypes of the most basic human dilemmas, and that is both universal and timeless. That is the beauty of this project, and I can’t wait for the world to see it.”
Below, see how Boniadi got ready for the LOTR premiere.
Photo: Renato Campora1/9
Photo: Renato Campora2/9
