Angelina Jolie created a dress for the Oscars

Angelina Jolie, who launched her fashion brand Atelier Jolie last spring, made her debut as a fashion designer at the 96th Academy Awards. The actress created her first dress for the American journalist and writer Suleika Jaouad, who appeared in it on the red carpet.

Jolie was inspired by writer, human rights activist and New York Time columnist Souleika Jaouad, who is also the wife of five-time Grammy winner Jon Batiste and a two-time leukemia survivor. Angelina invited her to be the first to wear an original product from Jolie. She created for Jaouad a dress made of pleated fabric in a gray shade, on the hem of which is a portrait of Suleika’s husband conducting his first symphony. The author of the illustration was the artist Chaz Guest.

“This was her first time designing a dress for the red carpet, and she invited the wonderful artist Chaz Guest to paint a symphony on the back of the dress,” Jaouad told reporters.

Jolie explained to Vogue magazine her decision to create her first dress for the writer. “I have deep admiration for Suleika and the way she lives her life—how she faces challenges with strength and grace,” the actress said. "She is a brilliant creative force who inspires everyone who knows her. I would wear her for all occasions: it's not about the dress, it's about the fact that any clothes are an extension of the person."