With the summer heating up, we wanted to give you a story that all aspiring fashion stylist/ costume designers might appreciate! Janelle Carothers Hollywood’s Super Stylist is the definition of if you dream you can achieve it! Read on and you will know what it takes to be great.
Janelle Carothers Hollywood’s Super Stylist
Everywhere we go, people are still talking about one thing. The relationship driven, fun-filled movie over the last month; The Perfect Match, staring R&B Star Cassie and Actor Terrance J. Everyone saw the movie, The Perfect Match, and watched weekly on BET to see Gabrielle Union’s story unfold on Being Mary Jane. Hence, have you ever wanted to know about the Costume Designer who made the looks of those characters wardrobe come to life!
Since the beginning, Janelle Carothers has had a love of fashion and a need to create. Over the years, as much as she tried to convince herself otherwise … there was no secret sauce – just relentless hard work, artistry and purpose.
Janelle Carothers Hollywood’s Super Stylist getting Cassie ready on The Perfect Match set
Daily Love Affair
Her commitment to producing dujour moments for her clients and story telling through costumes is strong. Janelle’s attention to detail borders on madness. As a result, she’s known for her sensibility and a conscious walking of the fine line between craft and style.
Born and raised in Southern California, she has lived and built a thriving styling career on both East and West coasts. “The East ignites my hunger for hustle and bustle, while the West’s sunshine inspires my soul,” says Janelle.
Janelle Carothers always says her best work springs from days of dehydration, famine, health, food deprivation and 5AM crew calls. She unfailingly earns gold stars for flawless and timely execution of concepts. Consequently, she says she struggles when it comes to finding her car keys.
Thoughts on Janelle Carothers Hollywood’s Super Stylist? Talk all things fashion with us by dropping a comment like its hot down low. Or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
In light of her many accolades, Tonille Watkis will represent the state of Connecticut! Watkis will act as an ambassador of the national premier pageant for women of color. Furthermore, she will take part in nationals this August. Tonille Watkis is an alumna of Adelphi University and the London Academy of Music. Her schooling also includes Dramatic Art, studying Theatre and Classical Acting.
In addition, Tonille travels to inner city schools and churches performing her autobiographical one-woman play, No Boxes Allowed. She also teaches theatrical performance, creative writing, dance and diversity workshops to at risk youth. All in an effort to advocate for her platform, Perfecting Your Voice: Freeing Your Mind.
Miss Black Connecticut USA
After nearly 20 years Miss Black Connecticut USA will be making its return. The state’s capital will house the pageant this September. This premier pageant for women of color is a division of the Miss Black USA pageantry system. Miss Black USA has awarded over $300,000 in scholarships to women of color.
Most noteworthy, thousands of women from all 50 states have had the opportunity to participate and compete. Competitions are held in DC and Africa. Miss Black USA contestants and winners come from all walks of life. Ranging from students, doctors, lawyers and successful business leaders.
Miss Black USA Facts
In 2007, over 80% of contestants were pursuing graduate and professional degrees. No small feat when also competing for the crown! Furthermore, Madison Gibbs (Miss Black USA 2015 in Washington D.C.) is a prime example of pageant greatness. The Howard University Law student travels the globe speaking on mental health, heart disease and women’s empowerment. Also, by partnering with PBS and The Heart Truth, Gibbs has made a huge impact on others.
The Miss Black USA Pageant and Scholarship Foundation, Inc is a Non-Profit Corporation. It is located in the state of Maryland and was founded in 1986 by Karen Arrington. “Creating Miss Black USA was a way to smash the negative stereotypes and images portrayed of African American Women in mainstream media” says Arrington.
Submissions
Currently, submissions are being accepted for a Miss and Talented Teen. Hence, ladies that submit in those categories will compete to claim the state crown of Connecticut. State winners experience a year of beauty, brains and benevolence. They also receive a cash prize, scholarship, personal stylist, talent coach and a modeling spread. A few of the many perks due to being a winner!
Think you have what it takes? The Connecticut State Pageant is scheduled to take place September 15-19 in Hartford, Connecticut. Therefore, get those submissions in early and we may be writing about you next!
Thoughts on Tonille Watkis Crowned Miss Black Connecticut USA? Join the discussion by dropping a comment down low or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
It’s that time of year when being as smooth as the day of birth is trending. Nevertheless, looking like you skipped puberty comes with challenges. Achieving smooth skin today can mean razor bumps and ingrown hairs tomorrow. However, you can win the battle of the shaving skin war. Make it happen by using the Best Product For Razor Bumps and ingrown hairs!
What Causes Razor Bumps
Razor bumps basically boil down to one thing, irritation. Usually this hair issue pops up in the face and bikini area. This area is very sensitive making irritation more probable.
How do razor bumps and ingrown hairs develop? They occur after hair removal when hair strands curl back on themselves and grow into the skin. This development then causes skin irritation and pimples.
Easy Prevention
Preventing unsightly razor bumps and ingrown hairs is better than having to deal with them. Always use a thick shaving cream when using a razor. Also, when in the shower do not go straight into shaving. First, use water and mild soap to moisten your skin. This action will open up pores and soften hairs making shaving easier.
The direction you shave in is also important. Shave in the direction that hair strands are growing. Moreover, do not stretch skin when shaving and rinse with cool water.
Best Product For Razor Bumps
Look for products specially formulated to treat razor bumps and ingrown hairs. Always check the ingredients list because it will clearly show if it will do the job or not. Products that are great usually include: salicylic acid, witch hazel, glycolic acid and aloe.
If a product does not come in a bottle with a roller ball then use a cotton ball to apply it. Dabbing on the product with a cotton ball instead of your hand helps to prevent infection. Moreover, you also avoid the possibility of breaking the bumps open with your fingers.
Tend Skin
A great product to use to rid yourself of razor bumps and ingrown hairs is Tend Skin. Tend Skin works on men and women. It goes to work on healing skin after being irritated by waxing, shaving, lasering and electrolysis.
Tend Skin can be found at Target, Walgreens, Ulta, Shoppers Drug Mart and JCPenny. If you are a little hesitate Tend Skin also offers free samples! Go to tendskin.com or give them a call at 1-800-940-8423. However, we have heard that you still have to pay shipping and handling ($2.75). Just FYI dolls!
Thoughts on our Best Product For Razor Bumps? Talk all things beauty with us by dropping a comment down low. Or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
We had a blast at this year’s BET Awards! The hottest celebrities of black entertainment were all in attendance and came dressed to the nines. If you missed a moment of great couture last night no worries because here is our BET Awards 2016 Fashion Recap to get you up to speed!
BET Awards 2016 Fashion Recap
Janelle Monae
Janelle Monae dazzled with her shimmering red carpet look! Janelle walked the BET gray carpet in a tailored striped suit embellished with glittering details. She rocked the stripe look right down to her clutch handbag. Moreover, she wore her signature palette of black and white. You would think after awhile Monae would run out of fresh combinations, but she never disappoints!
Meagan Good
Meagan Good is naturally a breathtaking woman. She could wear anything and find herself on the best dressed list. Meagan stunned in a green Lorena Sarbu dress with Jimmy Choo heels.
Tracee Ellis Ross
Tracee Ellis Ross wore vintage Thierry Mugler down the red carpet. Her body is so sick! Ross constantly gives us body goals and the retro look she chose to start her night of many changes was perfect.
Karreuche Tran
The temperature was already hot and Karreuche kept things blazing! She wore a skin tight leather dress with gold Louboutins. We are sure she got tons of hearts racing with that little number.
Do Your Own Thang
Gabrielle Union
Statuesque and blessed with legs for days, it is so easy to see that Gabrielle Union is beautiful! So what does an absolutely gorgeous girl wear to a big awards show? She wore a design by Marc Jacobs and looked regal.
Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys came very casual streetstyle to the 2016 BET Awards. She also stuck to her new beauty routine. Recently, Alicia Keys said that she would no longer wear makeup. Honestly, we love the natural Alicia!
Mya
Sassy songstress, Mya hit the carpet in a major fashion trend. All year the color yellow has been quite popular. From the runway to major Hollywood events, yellow has found its way into the mix. Mya walked the red carpet in a gown by Christain Siriano.
More Top Looks
Nandi Mngoma
What’s cooler than wearing something you designed to an awards show? You’ll have to ask Nandi because she did just that! Mngoma wore a design from her upcoming collection Colour.
LeToya Luckett
We thought LeToya Luckett shut it down! She wore a sexy red dress with cut-out and thigh high slit. We couldn’t take our eyes off this Lady in Red!
Yara Shahidi
We are such huge fans of Yara Shahidi and our favorite doll brought it! Yara was total Hollywood glam in a sequin gown by Tracy Reese.
Thoughts on our BET Awards 2016 Fashion Recap? Talk all things fashion with us by dropping a comment down low. Or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
Throughout the years Angela Bassett has continued to look flawless. Her gorgeous hair, sexy physique and of course beautiful, luminous skin always leaves us in awe. If you have ever wanted the infamous Angela Bassett glow you are about to get your wish! The actress is all set to release one of the biggest beauty collections of 2016. The Dr. Barbara Sturm Angela Bassett Skincare Line.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Angela Bassett Skincare Line
For months little hints in regards to the Dr. Strum x Angela Bassett skincare collaboration has been dropping. The Dr. Barbara Sturm Angela Bassett Skincare Line is the first of its kind. It is the first luxury skincare regimen specially formulated for darker skin tones.
It all began when Angela Bassett started experiencing irritated skin and breakouts due to the makeup she was using. To fix these problems she confided in German skincare extraordinaire Dr. Strum. In order to clear up her skin woes she decided to give Dr. Strum’s original skincare line a try. The products worked amazingly well and her skin immediately improved. This soon implanted the idea into Angela’s mind to create her own skincare line.
She felt that there may be other women suffering just like her. Women who desperately needed skin salvation and products suited just for them. A skincare line for darker tones.
Skincare For Darker Tones At Last
For years, the beauty industry has adapted product after skincare product for women. Just with one small issue. Most products released do not cater or work well for women of color. This is the beauty industry reality. Lots of products, but very few for black women. Angela Bassett and Dr. Strum took this issue to heart. Dr Sturm relates,
“In 2014, my friend the talented actress and director Angela Bassett and I began a conversation about beauty, anti-aging, and skincare. We realized we shared the same ethos about ingredients and approach. That conversation led to a shocking realization that amazed us both.
Although skin of color is uniquely sensitive and prone to inflammation and pigmentation disorders, and although skin of color consumers represent a huge market worldwide, no company had ever created a luxury skin care regimen tailored to address the specific needs of skin of color.
So Angela and I set out to create the first.”
What to Expect
The face is the first thing that most people notice. For instance, there is even a saying that the “eyes are the window to the soul.” No girl or woman in the history of the world has ever enjoyed dealing with acne and other skin problems. Therefore, a simple solution is all any woman wants in the end.
The solution and key to great skin is simple: a proper skincare regimen. The face needs to be properly cleansed, moisturized and nourished to be at its best. Dr. Strum promises her line with Angela will be all of those things. She says,
“My existing skincare line was built around anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, cellular nourishment and rejuvenation, so we began reformulating this excellent base. Then we added a powerful set of anti-inflammatory natural compounds, delivery agents and anti-oxidants as well as compounds that would even skin tone and deal with acne and the hyperpigmentation that it created. The result was what Angela and I believe are truly beautiful and effective products for skin of color- two cleansers, one hyaluronic serum and two face creams: one regular and one a richer formula ion for night use or drier skin.
The Natural Approach
Another important aspect that Angela and Dr. Strum gave special attention to were the ingredients themselves. Dr. Strum related how she and Bassett first surveyed the landscape of general skin care options and were quite disappointed. Many ingredients were simply harmful to the skin or of no value at all.
For instance, many products contain ingredients such as: phthalates, mineral oil, parabens and artificial fragrances that can be irritating to the skin. Moreover, others promise to deliver miracle benefits due to minerals extracted from rare plants, diamonds, gold, foreign sea water and other precious metals. Speaking of gold, according to Dr. Strum this element was even named “allergen of the year.”
Animal and non-human stem cells have also been said to improve skin. Yet, many products lack the medical or clinical study to support such claims. Fortunately, Bassett and Dr. Strum chose to ignore mainstream beauty product ingredients and go in a different direction.
The New Era of Darker Tone Skincare
None of the harmful or “useless” ingredients found in skincare products will be apart of the Dr. Barbara Sturm Angela Bassett Skincare Line. Bassett and Sturm have decided to take a “less is more” approach to skincare. Cut out all the unnecessary stuff and just use natural ingredients proven to work.
One of the ingredients included in the line is Purslane. What does Purslane do exactly? This ingredient is basically like your own “fountain of youth.” It possesses anti-aging properties thanks to a youth enzyme.
In regards to her upcoming line Angela wants customers to, “See what works best and what ingredients are helpful and not invasive or irritating… I like them to be pleased when they look in the mirror, to feel good about themselves and the condition of their complexion.”
Want to get your hands on the Dr. Barbara Sturm Angela Bassett Skincare Line? The five product line is set to be released next month, July 2016. It will be sold exclusively by Harrod’s online and in store.
Thoughts on the Dr. Barbara Sturm Angela Bassett Skincare Line? Talk beauty with us by dropping a comment down low. Or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
Miss Supa Dupa Fly aka Missy Elliot stars in Marc Jacobs Fall 2016 campaign! Missy Elliot throughout her illustrious career has been known for her iconic style. Whether on stage or in a music video her innovative fearlessness and passion in the fashion department has help keep her on top of the hip hop game. Simply put, no one does it like Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliot!
Missy Elliot Stars in Marc Jacobs Fall 2016 Campaign
Seasonally, designers constantly need to innovate or they will lose customers. Fresh and trendy equals sales in fashion. Therefore, it makes sense that designers would want to team up with hot models, entertainers, actors, musicians, movers and shakers in order to keep their brand relevant. Not that Marc Jacobs needs that type of help at all. Yet, its cool that a major couture house recognizes Missy’s strong style. What did MJ have to say about Missy’s style and selecting Elliot?
“From the moment I heard, The Rain, back in 1997, I was entranced by the genius rhythms and brilliant rhymes of Missy Elliot. Missy’s music has kept me and my design team happily energized through countless weekdays, weeknights and weekends during those long hours of sketching, fitting, styling and doing looks.
In addition to the boundless energy of her music are the visually pulsating and wildly cartoon-like music videos she made in collaboration with the talented and visionary, Hype Williams. I am in continued awe of Missy’s ability to push the boundaries of the style of music both to the the eye and to the ear. It was a dream of mine to work with her and I’m happy to share this portrait by David Sims for our Fall ’16 campaign.” – Marc Jacobs
Missy Elliot’s Stylish Music Videos
Missy Elliot’s The Rain video is pretty banging. If you don’t recall or like many of us are too much of a young’in to know scroll down to see it in all of its glory. Trust, its worth the view and the whole Missy Elliot Stars in Marc Jacobs Fall 2016 Campaign will make even more sense.
Missy Elliot Stars in Marc Jacobs Fall 2016 Campaign Notes
Photography: David Sims
Styling Direction: Katie Eleanor Grand
Casting: Anita Bitton
Hair Direction: Guido Palau
Makeup Direction: Diane Kendal
Nails: Jin Soon Choi
Set Design: Stefan Beckman
Thoughts on Missy Elliot Stars in Marc Jacobs Fall 2016 Campaign? Talk fashion with us by dropping a comment like its hot down low. Or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
BTS: Missy Elliot Stars in Marc Jacobs Fall 2016 Campaign
We don’t know if it’s the pregnancy glow, but Blac Chyna is pumping life into us in the beauty and hair department. Just a few weeks back Chyna had us doing a double take with her luxurious long, raven waves. An elegant and sophisticated look that we completely went ape over. Now the model/reality star has changed it up again going full rouge. Okay, we can admit it, we love the Blac Chyna new red hairstyle!
The length is shorter and the curl pattern is tighter but the hairstyle is still fly! As soon as we saw her rocking her new look we knew we had to get the deets on it ASAP. The style is perfect for any gal who is fearless in the salon chair. Want the Blac Chyna new red hairstyle? Keep reading…
Blac Chyna’s extensions are from Kendra’s Boutique (on the Gram search for @kendrasboutique you’re welcome LOL) and were custom colored to achieve their very red tint. The hair is the boutique’s Brazilian Deep Wave Hair. Lengths that were used to create Blac Chyna’s look were: 20/22/2-24 and a 16″ Deep Wave Lace Closure.
As you can see, the Brazilian hair trend is continuing its reign right into summer. Since so many women are indulging in the trend do a Blac Chyna and change things up a bit by incorporating a little color. We love that she went fiery red, serving up some mad Jessica Rabbit vibes. Betta work Blac Chyna!
Want to shop the Blac Chyna New Red Hairstyle look right now? Piece of cake, head over to www.kendrasboutique.com and have a great time shopping!
Thoughts on the Blac Chyna new red hairstyle look? Talk all things hair with us by dropping a comment down low or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
Social media darling, Karen Civil has added a new beauty venture under her entrepreneur belt. Somehow the extremely busy lady found time to expand between book signings and hosting rallies with Hillary Clinton. Civil recently collaborated with Posh Collection on a new bold lip color. The Karen Civil KC Red lipstick by Posh Collection is simply fire!
In the market for a sassy new lip color? Then feast those eyes on KC Red! The tint is a highly pigmented color with long lasting wear. Nevertheless, if red is not quite your thing or a little “too much.” You will be happy to know that Posh Collection is slaying the beauty game with more than one stunning shade. On their site you will easily find a plethora of lipsticks that you are sure to fancy. Colors include:
Curious (HG), Flash Bulb (C), G-String (P), Girl Crush (C), Heavy Petal (C), Hip (P), Karen Civil (C), Love Hate (P), Midnight (C), Mozart (C), Night Moves (C), On the Rocks (C), Plateau (P), Right On (P), Sex on Heels (HG), Stripped (M)
Lipstick finishes have become as important as the tints themselves. Some us love matte (M) lipsticks while others want their lips to shine in all their glory. Posh collection lipstick offers the following finishes:
•(C) Creamy and smooth
•(P) Pearlized or frosted
•(H) Hi-gloss, super shiny, ultra lightweight
Beauty Tip: The Karen Civil KC Red Lipstick by Posh Collection is formulated to go on smooth but always help your lipstick out by prepping lips before application. Ensure dry, chapped lips are buffed smooth by gently exfoliating them with a toothbrush or washcloth. A smooth foundation enables a super smooth look!
Thoughts on the Karen Civil KC Red Lipstick by Posh Collection? Talk all things beauty with us by dropping a comment like its hot down low or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
The 2016 CFDA Awards had every starlet bringing her A-game to the red carpet! Crystals, turbans and even multiple style changes were all apart of the fashion scene. There is much to discuss and gab about so we will just get right to it. Here is our 2016 CFDA Awards fashion recap!
2016 CFDA Awards
Naomi Campbell
We are going to kick things off with fashion royalty! Naomi did not come to play with these little girls she came to slay (LOL)! Timeless Campbell showed off her physique in a sexy design by Brandon Maxwell.
Ciara
Can she get anymore glamorous! As soon as we laid eyes on her we immediately recognized her lovely dress which was previously worn by another attendee who we will talk about next. Cici slayed in a extremely chic gown by Roberto Cavalli.
Jasmine Tookes
If you wondering about the mystery girl who has worn Ciara’s Roberto Cavalli dress it is the fabulous Jasmine Tookes. Tookes wore the RC dress in an editorial for the May issue of Vogue. For the 2016 CFDA Awards Jasmine donned a black tan dress with hand embroidered tonal sequins by Prabal Gurung.
Jourdan Dunn
Jourdan just keeps killing the fashion scene! After taking our breath away in a metallic Balmain dress at the Met Ball were excited to see what she would wear to the 2016 CFDA Awards. She stunned in a Jonathan Simkhai beaded floor-length gown.
June Ambrose
Ambrose is always fun to watch coming down a red carpet. This year she brought it in true June Ambrose flava! She a red Zac Posen gown paired with custom Donald Robertson turban. She finished off her look with a fun pair of Brian Atwood heels and clutch by Alexander McQueen.
Imaan Hammam
Showing individual style is so important. One darling that we noticed do just that was supermodel, Imaan Hammam. Literally no one else looked like her and it was quite refreshing. Her look was very fun and totally matched her personality. Imaan’s girly-girl dress was by Coach.
Jennifer Hudson
Hudson actually had two looks of the night but we are choosing to focus our attention on one in particular. From the moment she entered the red carpet you could tell Hudson felt like the belle of the ball. Isn’t that how fashion should make you feel? Hudson stepped out in a Resort 2016 onyx and crimson crepe strapless asymmetric gown with sculptural inserts by Prabal Gurung.
La La Anthony
Hey girl we see you! Some dresses are not created equal. Maybe its convenience or maybe its because we wish designers would do it more; but, whenever we notice a dress with pockets we simply go ape. How nice is it to be able to slide a lipstick or keys in your own pocket without having to pull the Hey Hold This on the BF? Anthony came to the big show in a super chic dress by Fendi. Go Fendi!
Gabrielle Union
Shhh! Union had a hot date for the night and it wasn’t her hubby! No conspiracy or drama here it was designer Lela Rose. Fittingly, Gabrielle wore a design by Rose and gushed about how much she loved wearing it via social media. She was absolutely glowing so we could instantly tell that she meant every single word.
Joan Smalls
She’s freaking supermodel so of course she was going to look amazing! With her sick bod she could drape a curtain around her from her hotel room and be good to go. Nonetheless, we’re going to talk about her anyway as we shove down Doritos (HaHa). Smalls attended the CFDA Awards in Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci. More deets on her new beauty look here.
Laverne Cox
What’s to say? As always she came…she conquered…and my gawd did she slay! Laverne glided down the red carpet in a Marc Bouwer design accompanied with shoes by Ionia. Cox completed her ensemble with beautiful jewels by Monica Sordobk.
Samira Wiley
You probably can already guess why we are cheesing over Samira’s couture! We won’t say since we already brought it up, but its nice to see women who aim for comfort and style. Wiley floated into the Hammerstein Ballroom in a Milly Michelle Smith gown. We thought the dress looked stunning on her.
Alek Wek
One thing that literally everyone could agree on was that Alek Wek looked great! She had such a moment on the red carpet. She was twirling and having fun with the paparazzi just eating out of her stylish hands. It didn’t stop there, Wek just kept the Gone With The Wind fabulous vibes going all night. Alek wore a Proenza Schouler dress with Aquatalia shoes.
Beyonce
We saved the best for last. Come on, she won the Fashion Icon Award so fully deserves the spot. Beyonce blew everyone with her speech pointing out how designers have often ignored curvier women. Also, if you are a GOT throne fan she threw in a Khalessi reference too (yes, we nerded out). For her big win the fashion icon won a dazzling Givenchy suit from the fall 2015 collection.
Thoughts on our 2016 CFDA Awards Fashion Recap? Talk all things fashion with us by dropping a comment like its hot down low or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
The waves of the fashion sea had been quite quiet when it came to who would be this year’s recipient of the CFDA Fashion Icon Award. Literally, you could of dropped a pin and the silence on the subject would of still remained. A few rumors had been sparked as to a certain queen of a hive who could possibly be the winner. Well, if you were still in wonderland you did not have to reside there long because Bey’s fans had started early to confirm their suspicions. Before long anyone with an Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat or Tumblr knew that Beyonce is CFDA Awards 2016 Fashion Icon!
How did they uncover the big secret of the night? Images and videos soon emerged of Jay-Z on his way to the CFDA Awards with little Blue Ivy in toe. That was the first piece of evidence that quickly began to circulate. The next piece of evidence was the smoking gun.
At about ten till 8 p.m. the official Twitter account for the CFDA made a simple yet humongous announcement stating,
“Behold! Your CFDA Awards Fashion Icon Award winner, the incredible and unparalleled Beyonce.”
Boom…there it is and there it was! It didn’t take much more than that for the Beyonce is CFDA Awards 2016 Fashion Icon news to spread like wildfire. In minutes every man, woman and child knew Beyonce was taking home the coveted Fashion Icon award. So what did an icon wear tonight for her big win?
Beyonce sparkled in a pinstripes Givenchy design. This seemed like a fitting choice since wearing Givenchy came up during her latest visual album Lemonade. Beyonce’s win is sure to cause a tiny stir and style debate due to the hoopla that began over her couture two years ago when a writer made the statement that Bey is not a fashion icon. Great performer with an okay style is what some claimed.
What does the evidence show? We were DMed quite a bit on Twitter regarding our views on Beyonce’s style. Here are our quick thoughts:
When we think of fashion icons the names: Diana Ross, Naomi Campbell, Grace Jones, Janet Jackson, Aaliyah, Prince, Michael Jackson and yes, Rihanna come to mind. Not our complete list by any means but they help to illustrate our point. These icons didn’t wear trends, they set them. People wanted and still try to immolate their style. For instance, MJ had everyone wearing a red jacket, super tight black pants, penny loafers and a glittery glove. Moreover, the fact that you visualized that outfit perfectly proves the effect and influence Michael had the fashion industry.
Everyone we named also has something else in common. They are considered stylish risk takers. Prince and his revealing chaps, Janet’s Poetic Justice braids/denim/crop top look, Aaliyah fully decked in Tommy Hilfiger, Diana’s sequined gowns and even Rihanna’s yellow Met Gala look. Focusing on Rihanna, people were so fashion starved at this year’s Met Gala they searched the Internet high and low for Rihanna who wasn’t even in attendance. She still ended up being the third searched for celebrity of the night.
Case in point look at all the editorials that continue to be made channeling Prince, Grace Jones and Aaliyah. There really hasn’t been a DC editorial tribute. Could be on its way but hasn’t made its debut yet.
In conclusion a fashion icon makes us beg for more and even after their career isn’t at its peak we can’t help but remember the good times. Beyonce is a gorgeous woman which is why we constantly write about her. Could she go harder in the style department? Yes and we would love to see it! We’ve been praying for the day she changes her hair color or takes some other stylish risk. We’d love to see more than the leotard because she has a dream hourglass body. The body people pluck and inject themselves for or configure up in some photoshop app. That body could wear, rock and stun in anything!
So yes, we will always tip our big hats (wink, wink) to Beyonce because she has survived in an industry for decades where most careers last two years if they’re lucky. In an industry that transitioned from being talent driven to imaged based. If anything that is worth an award in itself and an excellent reason to give credit where credit is definitely due. Congratulations Bey and great detective work tonight Beyhive.
Thoughts on our Beyonce is CFDA Awards 2016 Fashion Icon feature? Talk all things fashion with us by dropping a comment down low or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
