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Abloh the Appropriator? Amid Virgil Abloh's Recent Runway Success Come Claims of Copycatting
Damn, damn, damn. While we were still applauding the seemingly unstoppable force that is Virgil Abloh for bringing it “Home” with his Wiz-inspired second collection for Louis Vuitton, some very valid questions arose about the much-lauded designer’s inspirations. While fashion is nothing if not derivative—and plagiarism is nothing new at all—sadly, these allegations come from…
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A Good Look: Bevy Smith and Dapper Dan Join Harlem Restaurant Melba's to Host Free Lunch for Furloughed Federal Workers
Here’s a fashion moment we can definitely get behind: Television personality Bevy Smith (Page Six, Fashion Queens) and designer Dapper Dan are helping out their fellow Harlemites on Tuesday, joining restaurant owner Melba Wilson to host a free lunch for federal workers negatively affected by the ongoing government shutdown. The Harlem, N.Y., icons will join…
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Paris Men's Fashion Week: Under Virgil Abloh's Eye, the Louis Vuitton Man Channels the King of Pop
Those of us watching Virgil Abloh’s debut as creative director of Louis Vuitton menswear last summer saw a clear nod to The Wizard of Oz on his prismatic runway. But with the presentation of his second collection for the label on Thursday in Paris, France, he made it clear that he was actually referencing The…
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As the 2019 Women's March Dawns and the DNC and Others Pull Support, Tamika Mallory and Co-Leaders Confront the Divide Within
As feminist activists and allies across the country prepare to join the third wave of Women’s Marches in as many years on Saturday, a well-publicized shadow has been cast over the event. The concern? Longstanding accusations of anti-Semitism and exclusion within the ranks of the Women’s March, with national co-president Tamika Mallory at the center…
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Not Like This: Gladys Knight Plans to 'Give the Anthem Back Its Voice' at Super Bowl LIII
Auntie Gladys, not like this. Many of us have spent a year or more protesting the NFL in support of Colin Kaepernick and other players’ right to kneel during the national anthem (or simply opt out, altogether). So, understandably, it is low-key heartbreaking to hear through the grapevine (also known as Variety) that national treasure…
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Queen to Queen: Our Forever First Lady Turns 55—With a Tribute From Beyoncé
Michelle Obama is many things: mother, wife, daughter, sister, former forever first lady, record-breaking bestselling author, #bodygoals and fictional mentor/best friend/auntie/big sister in the heads of more folks than she can probably imagine. And today, our inspirational icon turns 55, with plenty of reasons to celebrate and reasons for us to celebrate her. But ahead…
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Meghan Markle Takes Maternity Glam Day to Night, Starting With a $35 H&M Dress (and You Can, Too)
Now that Meghan Markle is nearing the third trimester of her pregnancy, she’s no doubt running into the issue most pregnant women do, million dollar clothing budgets notwithstanding: What to wear? Whether in acceptance of her (temporarily) changing body or in solidarity with the masses of non-royals she now comes in contact with in her…
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Fenty, But Make It Luxury: Rihanna Reportedly Working on a High-End Line With LVMH—and Partying on the LES?
Remember that time (like, last week) when I suggested Rihanna was slowly embarking on an Amazon-like takeover of our lives? Well, we might as well just sign our estates over to the megastar now, because while we were awaiting new music, word in these fashion streets is that Rih is readying a line with international…
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The Music, the Myth, the Muse: Sade Turns 60
She’s gorgeous, talented, stylish and ever-elusive. And today, the woman we know simply as “Sade” turns 60. If that sounds unbelievable, consider this: After forming her eponymous band in the early ’80s, the Nigerian-born singer-songwriter and former model born Helen Folasade Adu first hit our radar with 1984’s Diamond Life, marking a rebirth of cool…
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Film Noir x 4: KiKi, Jenifer, Regina and Amandla Cover Essence's Black Women in Hollywood Issue
It’s awards season, and once again, Essence magazine is right in step with the moment by releasing its annual Black Women in Hollywood issue with four incredible cover stars—who also happen to be this year’s award honorees! Newcomer on the rise KiKi Layne, industry vet-turned leading lady Regina Hall, child star turned outspoken role model…
