Ruth Negga’s starring role as Mildred Loving in “Loving” earned the film its only Oscar nomination, launching the Ethiopian-Irish actress on an intercontinental jet stream of red carpet appearances. At each, Negga has arrived fully in character — as Ruth Negga, force of nature.
Though she’s a petite 5-foot-3, she’s also, at 35, a veteran performer who is tough enough to have been cast as Tulip O’Hare, a gifted criminal in AMC’s “Preacher,” and as Raina, a scientist who can see the future on Marvel’s “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”
Along with stylist Karla Welch, Negga has developed a distinct clothing persona that is a mix of interesting contrasts: romantic and goth, demure but bold. Unlike newcomers aiming for attention, Negga often keeps covered with such prim signatures as hems to the wrists and ankles, high, round necklines, flowing sleeves and skirts, and all-over figurative embroidery. The grit comes from edgy silhouettes and loads of black in every variation — shiny, sheer and lace.
Welch and Negga swept through international fashion houses such as Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Prada and Rodarte, often taking looks straight from runways to the red carpet. A bonus for designers, Negga’s unmistakable presence adds credibility to sometimes over-the-top designs, putting them in context and making a memorable contribution to fashion.
She’s destined to remain a fashion influence, thanks in part to landing her first Vogue cover and spread, and spots on many best-dressed lists. You don’t need to be clairvoyant like her Raina character to know that Negga’s future as a style icon looks bright.
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