Suleika Jaouad Batiste was the epitome of Hollywood glamour at the 2024 Academy Awards, receiving a star-studded treatment fit for the silver screen.
The acclaimed author, activist, and spouse of musician Jon Batiste not only donned a breathtaking gown crafted by Angelina Jolie, marking the debut piece from her atelier, but also adorned herself with a selection of exquisite jewelry from renowned designer Neil Lane.
Adding to the allure, Jolie personally collaborated with Lane in his showroom to curate the perfect ensemble of jewelry for Suleika’s Oscars appearance.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Lane shared insights with PEOPLE, praising Jolie’s discerning taste and vision. “Angelina has a beautiful exquisite style and grace, and she knew what she wanted,” he remarked. “She wanted to use vintage diamond and gold jewelry because it has such a rich warm color and it fit in with her mission of repurposing and sustainability.”
Suleika’s jewelry repertoire comprised two necklaces, earrings, and a ring, each piece exuding timeless elegance. Lane disclosed that one necklace, dating back to 1875 and handcrafted in France, boasted antique rose-cut and old mine-cut diamonds, while the second, from 1890 America, featured European cut diamonds set in a meticulously crafted gold floral motif. The earrings, from the late 19th century, were adorned with old rose and European cut diamonds, while Lane himself designed the ring, incorporating a vintage fancy-shaped colored diamond encircled by rose-cut diamonds in a rose gold setting.
During Jolie’s visit to Lane’s showroom, the actress conveyed the essence of Suleika’s dress, facilitating the selection of pieces to complement the overall look. “She had a vision and she knew it,” Lane remarked, commending Jolie’s creative prowess. “Of course, when I saw [Suleika’s look] at the Oscars, it was fabulous the way she had layered the necklaces, and it was a wonderful way to balance the abundance of the silk fabric. You could just see and feel Suleika’s beauty and joy. She was radiant.”
Suleika’s bespoke gown, a collaborative effort with artist Chaz Guest, was unveiled on the red carpet, capturing attention with its unique blend of artistry and elegance. “This dress was designed by the one and only Angelina Jolie,” Suleika revealed to Canadian outlet CTV Etalk. “Her first time designing a dress for the red carpet and she invited the amazing artist Chaz Guest to paint a symphony on the back of it.”
The dress, crafted from upcycled silk, featured a captivating painting of Jon conducting a symphony on its back, paying homage to the documentary film American Symphony, in which both Suleika and Jon starred and which received a nomination that evening.
Expressing gratitude on Instagram, Suleika lauded Jolie for her transformative impact. “After being in treatment for the last two years, I have a real love-hate relationship with clothes. But Angelina made me feel so beautiful and so seen that my eyes kept welling up during our fitting,” she wrote. “To have the story of American Symphony emblazoned on the literal fabric of my gown feels like a map of where we’ve been and how far we’ve come. It’s an embodiment of the love and the creative forces that have seen us through.”