Quvenzhane Wallis Is New Face Of Armani Junior

Quvenzhané Wallis, best known for her Oscar-nominated turn in 2012’s Beasts of the Southern Wild, has been named the face of Armani Junior.

Quvenzhané Wallis Face Of Armani Jr

Wallis, 10, appears in the latest Armani Junior ad in a tailored black suit and flats, making her debut as the face for Giorgio Armani’s line for children and teens. Wallis, who is the youngest Oscar nominee of all time, is the first major child celebrity serving as the face of a luxury brand.

“I’m so happy to be chosen by Mr. Armani to be his ambassador for Armani Junior,” Wallis told The Hollywood Reporter. “I felt the same excitement when I got cast for a major film. Me? Wow!”

Wallis first became familiar with Armani’s designs when she wore a navy tulle Armani gown and shawl to the 2013 Academy Awards.

“I was honored to wear his custom gown to the Oscars. It made me feel like a princess. When I saw Mr. Armani’s Prive show in New York, the dresses were so pretty,” she said. “I had too many favorites. Afterwards when I met him, I realized Mr. Armani is such a nice man. I liked that that he was so thoughtful. It’s fun to wear Armani Junior since I really like the clothes. It’s young. It’s cool. My friends are going to want to borrow all my clothes.”

Armani is equally effusive in his praise for Wallis. “Quvenzhane is so talented, despite her young age. Her kindness, curiosity and openness toward others really struck me, as they are all traits I admire,” he told THR. “It is for this very reason that I wanted her to be the face of Armani Junior. With her insatiable energy, Quvenzhane made the clothing come alive, interpreting it in her own singular way.”

Wallis, who had a small part in the Oscar-nominated 12 Years a Slave, will next appear on the big screen in the reboot of Annie, which also stars Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz and Rose Byrne.