Introduction
In the world of celebrity culture, much of the spotlight naturally gravitates toward actors, musicians, and other front-facing stars. However, every now and then, someone from behind the scenes becomes a person of public interest, often through a relationship with a world-renowned figure. Such is the case of Naiyana Garth, the British makeup artist who rose to prominence during her relationship with Golden Globe-winning actor Idris Elba.
Despite being a professional in her own right, with a career in hair and makeup artistry, Garth is better known to the general public as Elba’s former partner and the mother of his son, Winston Elba. Yet, her story is far more than just her association with a Hollywood superstar—it is also about balancing a career, motherhood, and life away from the public eye.
This article dives deep into who Naiyana Garth is, her age and background, her relationship with Idris Elba, her son Winston, and her current life as a private figure.
Who is Naiyana Garth?
Naiyana Garth is a British hair and makeup artist who has worked in the creative and entertainment industries. While she is not as widely recognized as her former partner Idris Elba, she has made a name for herself professionally, working with a variety of clients. Reports suggest she has worked with personalities such as Jamie Oliver, Simon Bird, Freddie Fox, and Rupert Everett, among others.
Her work primarily involved styling for commercials, events, and photoshoots—an industry where discretion and attention to detail are essential. This behind-the-scenes lifestyle initially kept her away from the glare of media attention, until her relationship with Elba brought her into the public eye in the mid-2010s.
Naiyana Garth Age and Early Life
The exact birthdate of Naiyana Garth remains unclear, largely because she has chosen to keep her personal details private. Multiple reports speculate that she is about 15 years younger than Idris Elba, who was born in 1972. Based on that, Garth is believed to have been born sometime in the mid-to-late 1980s.
She grew up in the United Kingdom and attended Waldegrave School, an all-girls’ secondary school in southwest London. Later, she pursued studies at West Thames College, where she likely honed her creative skills in makeup artistry.
While her ethnic background is described as mixed heritage, she identifies as British. Her upbringing in London positioned her in the cultural and creative hub where she would later build her career.
Naiyana Garth and Idris Elba: Relationship Timeline
Naiyana Garth and Idris Elba began dating around 2013. By this time, Elba was already a global star, celebrated for his roles in Luther, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, and The Wire. Their relationship soon became a subject of media fascination, as Elba had become a heartthrob figure worldwide.
Despite the buzz, Garth and Elba managed to keep much of their relationship private. Unlike other celebrity couples who appeared regularly on red carpets, they were rarely seen together outside of family events or occasions involving their son.
Unfortunately, by 2016, reports confirmed that the pair had separated. Elba later acknowledged the breakup in interviews, though both maintained respect and privacy for the sake of their child. Importantly, while the relationship ended, they did not marry. Garth has never been married to Idris Elba, nor has she remarried publicly since their split.
Naiyana Garth’s Son: Winston Elba
One of the most significant parts of Naiyana Garth’s story is her role as the mother of Winston Elba, the son she shares with Idris.
- Full Name: Winston Elba
- Date of Birth: April 17, 2014
- Parents: Idris Elba and Naiyana Garth
Named after Idris Elba’s late father, Winston is now 11 years old (as of 2025). Both of his parents have spoken warmly about raising him, although Elba often stresses the importance of keeping his children grounded despite his fame.
Naiyana Garth, after the breakup, took on the primary role of raising Winston in the UK. Sources close to the family suggest that she has worked hard to give him a normal childhood, away from the frenzy of Hollywood.
Naiyana Garth and Winston Elba: A Mother-Son Bond
While Idris Elba often garners attention when pictured with his son, much of Winston’s day-to-day upbringing has been credited to Garth. She is said to be protective and dedicated as a mother, keeping him rooted in London life.
Their bond highlights Garth’s ability to balance her personal and professional responsibilities, choosing to prioritize family after her high-profile relationship ended. For Garth, Winston is not just a link to Elba but the central figure in her own story as a mother.
Naiyana Garth’s Personal Life After Idris Elba
Since her split from Elba, Naiyana Garth has largely stepped away from the spotlight. Unlike many celebrity ex-partners, she has chosen a low-profile lifestyle. She is not known to be dating anyone publicly, and most sources describe her as single.
Her career in makeup artistry has continued, though she avoids the press and rarely makes appearances at industry events. This deliberate choice has allowed her to focus on motherhood and avoid the tabloid drama that often follows celebrity relationships.
Was Naiyana Garth Married?
To clarify one of the most common questions: Naiyana Garth was never married to Idris Elba. Their relationship, though serious, did not result in marriage. After their separation, Elba went on to marry Sabrina Dhowre, a Somali-Canadian model, in 2019.
As for Garth, no public records or credible reports suggest she has married since her split from Elba. This makes the answer straightforward: she is not married.
Naiyana Garth’s Relations and Family Connections
Beyond her well-known connection to Idris Elba, little is reported about Garth’s extended family or relations. She keeps her circle private, which is understandable given her choice to remain away from public scrutiny.
Her most important known relation remains her son, Winston. Beyond that, the media has respected her privacy, and no significant details about siblings or parents are widely available.
Naiyana Garth’s Kids
To date, Naiyana Garth has only one child: Winston Elba. There are no reports of her having children with anyone else, before or after her relationship with Idris Elba.
This fact distinguishes her from many celebrity ex-partners who often remain in the spotlight due to blended families or new relationships. Garth’s life revolves around Winston, and that focus defines her personal story.
Public Perception and Media Interest
The fascination with Naiyana Garth is largely rooted in her connection to Idris Elba. However, what sets her apart is her decision to stay private. While many might use such a connection to gain public visibility, Garth chose the opposite path.
For fans, this makes her a somewhat mysterious figure. She remains respected as someone who handled a high-profile relationship with dignity, avoided public controversies, and continues to lead her life away from fame.
Conclusion
Naiyana Garth may not be a household name in the same way Idris Elba is, but she represents a different kind of celebrity figure: one who values privacy, family, and grounded living over constant media exposure.
As a makeup artist, she has her own professional identity. As the mother of Winston Elba, she has an enduring bond with one of Hollywood’s most admired actors. Yet, her greatest distinction may lie in her ability to carve out a personal space away from the noise of celebrity culture.
Her story resonates because it reflects the challenges many face: balancing relationships, parenthood, and career—all under the scrutiny of a world that often forgets the humanity behind the headlines.
For those curious about Naiyana Garth, the most important takeaway is that she is a professional, a mother, and above all, a private individual who continues to live life on her own terms.
About This Article
This article was written and compiled for londonzine, your source for insightful features, profiles, and cultural commentary.
