British musician FKA Twigs is stepping into the role of entertainment icon Josephine Baker in an upcoming biographical film set to begin production in the fall. The project marks Twigs' first-ever acting role in a feature-length narrative film and represents a significant moment in cinema as she brings to life the groundbreaking career of the St. Louis-born performer who made history as the first Black woman to star in a major motion picture with the 1927 French silent film "Siren of the Tropics."
The film is being developed by French-Senegalese writer-director Maïmouna Doucouré, who will helm this tribute to Baker's transformative life and career. The pairing of Twigs and Baker extends beyond mere professional admiration, as both artists have established themselves as innovators unafraid to challenge conventions within their respective entertainment fields. Their shared commitment to pushing artistic boundaries makes Twigs a fitting choice for this biographical undertaking.
One particularly compelling connection between the two performers lies in their approach to beauty and personal style. Throughout her career, Baker became known for popularizing distinctive hairstyles and makeup looks that defined an era of performance and fashion. Most notably, she championed the kiss curl, a signature styling technique that became emblematic of her aesthetic. Twigs has consistently drawn inspiration from this particular era of beauty innovation, incorporating similar styling elements into her own public appearances and artistic presentations over the years.
The visual parallels between the two artists span a remarkable range of beauty aesthetics. Twigs has experimented with the meticulously sculpted kiss curls that Baker made famous, as well as hard-curled updos that evoke the polished elegance of Baker's staged appearances. Beyond these classic curled styles, Twigs has also explored shorter, more avant-garde approaches to hair, including pixie cuts and closely cropped styles reminiscent of some of Baker's bolder fashion moments. Additionally, both performers have embraced dramatic makeup choices, from theatrical to euphoric presentations that underscore their commitment to total visual artistry.
Twigs' beauty explorations have further included styled ponytails, fanned hairpieces, and precisely arranged coifs that showcase technical mastery of hair styling. Her willingness to transform her appearance frequently reflects the same theatrical sensibility that defined Baker's approach to stage presence. Whether through slicked-back short cuts or color-contrasted styling elements, Twigs has demonstrated a deep appreciation for the visual language that Baker pioneered during her groundbreaking career in entertainment.
As the film moves forward into production, audiences can anticipate seeing these iconic beauty looks reimagined on screen. The project promises to resurrect and celebrate the distinctive aesthetic choices that made Baker such a visually striking performer, allowing contemporary audiences to experience the full scope of her revolutionary approach to entertainment presentation. Through Twigs' portrayal and the careful attention to detail that characterizes this biographical film, Baker's lasting impact on performance, style, and Black artistry will be preserved for new generations of viewers.
Source: Essence | Published: Sat, 22 Aug 2026 13:00:00
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