Karidja Touré, the French-Ivorian actress, stuns in the limelight of high fashion on the cover of Madame Figaro’s July 21st, 2023 edition. Captured by photographer Greg Kadel, Touré wears a breathtaking ensemble from Valentino Haute Couture’s Fall/Winter 2023 collection on the cover.
For the cover story, stylist Jenke Ahmed Tailly masterfully curates an array of exquisite couture looks for her. Brands like Christian Dior, Rahul Mishra, Fendi, Giambattista Valli, Armani Privé, Schiaparelli, Jean Paul Gaultier, Balenciaga and Chanel adorn the actress, accentuating her natural beauty and sophistication.
Completing the enchanting transformation, Anne Sofie Begtrup works wonders with Touré’s hair, while Maria Olsson’s skilled hands craft a make-up look that accentuates her best features.
Karidja Touré is a force to be reckoned with in the world of cinema. Known for her roles that defy stereotypes, Touré is a beacon of change in an industry that often struggles with diversity and representation.
Touré’s journey into the world of acting was a serendipitous one. Discovered during an impromptu casting at a fair, she was soon cast in Céline Sciamma’s “Bande de filles” (Girlhood). This opportunity marked a turning point in her life, shifting her from a student in Seine-Saint-Denis to a leading actress on the silver screen.
Reflecting on her acting career, Touré said, “I could leave home at dawn to go filming without any problem. I felt that my life was there“. Her passion for acting is evident in her performances, but it’s her mission to use her platform for change that truly sets her apart.
Touré is committed to advancing the representation of black actors in cinema. She explained, “I try to choose my roles to advance ‘the cause’“. This cause, she elaborated, is to ensure that black actors are offered a wider range of roles and are not typecast into stereotypical roles.
Her breakout role in “Bande de filles” was a testament to this mission. In the film, she portrayed a young girl from the suburbs seeking emancipation, a role that resonated with many viewers and critics alike.
Since then, Touré has continued to challenge the status quo with her diverse roles. From playing a music conservatory student in “Au bout des doigts” to a young grape harvester in Cédric Klapisch’s “Ce qui nous lie“, she has consistently chosen roles that break away from stereotypes and offer fresh narratives.
Touré’s influence extends beyond the screen. She shared, “Since I became known, some young girls tell me that they identify with me“. She takes pride in her ability to inspire others and is proud of her participation in “Noire n’est pas mon métier“, a collective book by Aïssa Maïga that highlights the struggles of black actresses in cinema.
Read more: Chanel Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2023
