Who was Selika Lazevski? Jodie Turner Smith trends on X as she pays tribute to equestrian in Burberry at Met Gala

Jodie Turner-Smith stunned everyone with the sheer brilliance of her look keeping in tune with the theme "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style." Her outfit was an homage to Selika Lazevski, a Black equestrian from the late 1800s, who is known today through a series of photographs taken at the studio of French photographer Paul Nadar.

Jodie Turner-Smith 's outfit was loved by everyone, with fans praising her thoughtful look and tribute to Selika Lazevski, prompting the "Anne Boleyn" actress' name to be trending on X (formerly Twitter).

More about Selika Lazevski, as Jodie Turner-Smith dons Equestrian inspired outfit to pay her homage

Selika Lazevski, was a celebrated equestrian from the Belle Epoch era in Paris, a period that started in 1871, after the end of the Franco-Prussian war and continued until the beginning of the World War I.

Not much is known about Sellika Lazevski, but according to an article by The Paris Review, Sellika Lazevski was known to perform Haute École, which is considered to be one of the most advanced techniques in dressage (a form of horse riding performed as exhibition or in competition). The article further adds that Lazevski was a celebrated performer at the once famous Nouveau Cirque. The Nouveau Cirque, was founded by Joseph Oller, who also founded Moulin Rouge in Paris in 1886, and was one of biggest circuses in the city, until it was shut down in 1926.

According to many sources, Sellika Lazevski was a stage name that was given to her during her performances at the the Nouveau Cirque. Her real name, unfortunately, is not known. The only concrete information about Selika Lazevski, comes from the set of six black and white photographs left behind. According to The Paris Review, these photographs of Selika Lazevski were not actually taken by well known Parisian photographer Paul Nadar or his father, Felix Nadar, but rather by an unnamed person at Paul Nadar's famous photography studio in Paris.

The press release, obtained by Town & Country, for Jodie Turner-Smith's look by Burberry, designed by Law Roach, for the Met Gala, read:

"[We pay] homage to a portrait of Selina Lazevski, a Black Equestrian who lived during the Belle Époch in Paris."

The statement further explained how the outfit pays homage to Selika Lazevski:

"The coat's cinched waist and bustle reference the Victorian silhouette captured in Lazevski's portrait, switching traditional tailoring fabrics for leather embossed with an ornate floral design."

This year's Met Gala, hosted by Colman Domingo, A$AP Rocky, Pharell Williams, Lewis Hamilton and Anna Wintour, saw celebrities donning their best look, with fans particularly appreciating Jodie Turner-Smith's outfit.

One user said in X (formerly Twitter) said:

"Once again, Jodie Turner-Smith with a truly perfect red carpet moment #MetGala."

Another person who appreciated her look tweeted:

"Jodie Turner-smiths look one for the books."

This user said:

"jodie turner-smith’s look is absolutely insane i LOVEEEEE #metgala"

Trending

"Jodie Turner Smith has one of my favorite looks of the night." said another.

In 2017, a short film titled "The Adventures of Selika Lazevski," starring French actress, Karidja Touré based on the life of the path breaking equestrian, was released.

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