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Beauty + Style

Throwback Thursday: Do You Know the Legendary Black Photographer Who Inspired Fenty’s Debut Campaign?

Of the many references in Rihanna’s first collection for luxury line Fenty, one is particularly special. The debut campaign for “Release 5-19,” was inspired by the work of living legend, Black Arts Movement photographer and fellow Bajan Kwame Brathwaite and the collective he co-founded and captured as his muses, the Grandassa models. “FENTY creates a…

By

Maiysha Kai

Published

May 30, 2019
Beauty + Style

A Legacy of Artistry: Ruth E. Carter, Tyler Mitchell and More Celebrate the Enduring Impact of Kwame Brathwaite

What best befits a celebration of iconic artistry? Being recognized by icons in the making. On Thursday, April 11 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter (Black Panther), fashion designer Mimi Plange and Tyler Mitchell, who made history last year as the first black photographer to cover Vogue,…

By

Maiysha Kai

Published

April 3, 2019
Beauty + Style

Midnight in the Garden of Good and RiRi: Rihanna Plays Muse for Artist Deana Lawson

Sometimes, the strongest statements are made without saying a word—which is why we’re enthralled with a new editorial featuring Rihanna—sans interview (at least for now)—in Garage magazine, Issue 15. But while the lens may be focused on Rihanna, the woman behind it is equally interesting, as acclaimed fine art photographer Deana Lawson turns fashion photographer,…

By

Maiysha Kai

Published

September 5, 2018
Beauty + Style

About a Boy, a Bey and a Devil Who Wears Prada: What's Really Good With Vogue's September Issue?

They can’t let us have anything. In tandem with the debut of Beyoncé’s historic September 2018 Vogue cover, an expected flurry of scrutinizing think-pieces have ensued—along with a very uncomfortable debate over the relevance of Beyoncé’s cover story, and who’s entitled to claim credit for Vogue booking their first black photographer to shoot the cover…

By

Maiysha Kai

Published

August 8, 2018
Entertainment

Netflix’s Black Talent Re-Creates Iconic A Great Day in Harlem Photo

Forty-seven of Netflix’s phenomenal black talent from 20-plus original shows, films and documentaries came together to create the photo A Great Day in Hollywood, inspired by the iconic 1958 photo A Great Day in Harlem. The photo was taken by Kwaku Alston, and the accompanying video was directed by Lacey Duke. “It was a pretty magical…

By

Yesha Callahan

Published

June 24, 2018