The Funk Boutique: Fiery Women Serving Some Fiery Things

Spring is just around the corner, so you know what that means––time for a rebirth, a redo, a refresh. And you know who will have brought us the most refreshing energy and style? None other than our very own Stacey Abrams. Suggested Reading Flint’s Water Crisis Ends With A Major Development Songs by White Artists…

Photo: AB+DM Studio

Spring is just around the corner, so you know what that means––time for a rebirth, a redo, a refresh. And you know who will have brought us the most refreshing energy and style? None other than our very own Stacey Abrams.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?
Trump’s Tariffs Might Stick Around. What Should We Buy Now?

Now, she has been serving all the looks recently—like the iconic suit moment for her Nobel Prize nomination—and we have just continued with that hot streak. On March 8, Marie Claire’s April Issue went live on its website featuring none other than Abrams, and the physical copies of the issue will be hitting the stands on April 6.

In this issue, Abrams continues to give us power and regality. I mean…that cape? In addition to the cover photo, we are graciously given two more monochromatic ensembles reminiscent of Vice President Kamala Harris’ purple Inauguration Day coat and former first lady Michelle Obama’s maroon jacket as well. Have we decided that 2021 is the year of monochromatic power looks? If so, I am absolutely here for it. Abrams’ purple coat look was designed by Sergio Hudson and the red poncho and dress were designed by Sansovino 6.

Left: Sansovino 6 poncho and dress; Right: Sergio Hudson coat dress; Tiffany & Co. earrings and necklace; Kahmune shoes Image: AB+DM Studio, AB+DM Studio

However, Abrams isn’t just serving looks but giving us insight into her success, how she has been working to defend voting rights, upcoming changes and her plans to continue her work in Georgia. All of the work Abrams has been doing with Fair Fight Action and voter suppression laws has been plastered all over the newsstands; however, being on the cover of Marie Claire magazine not only extends her message to a different audience, but it also shows other Black women that it’s possible to be on the cover of something that grand.

#MyStallion

“The feeling of letting go. A new season, #mycalvins” —Calvin Klein

Megan Thee Stallion for #MyCalvins Image: Calvin Klein

Right. So not only do we have a roster of fine-ass performers in this season’s 2021 #mycalvins campaign–Koffee, Anthony Ramos, Janaya Future Khan, Rina Sawayama, Jacob Elordi, Sage Elsesser, Vinson Fraley and Queer Skate LA. By Terence Nance–but we have Miss Tina Snow, Megan Thee Stallion. The #mycalvins campaign launches each spring with a new selection of ambassadors. This year it seems the team decided to go more towards the direction of inclusive body types, and let me tell you, I’m all about it. Meg’s sensual black and white campaign photos scream “queen energy.” Like yes, she’s just chillin’ on a bed of pillows, but she is glowing in that matching set and clearly, Calvin knows what it’s doing because I’ve already added that same set to my cart.

Megan Thee Stallion for #MyCalvins Photo: Calvin Klein

Winnie Makes the Cut

Left: Jeremy Scott; Right: Winnie Harlow Photo: Reegan Smyth

In its heyday, Project Runway was the biggest name in fashion television shows and has successfully launched brands into the stratosphere by both season winners and other contestants. But when the news of Harvey Weinstein’s (former producer of Project Runway) fuckery was blown open, Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn got the hell out of there and started their own show, Making the Cut. This upcoming season (date yet to be announced), model Winnie Harlow will be joined by Jeremy Scott as one of the main hosts. Last season (which aired March 27, 2020) saw Naomi Campbell and Sophia Richie as two of the main judges.

Venus Williams’ #PrivilegeTax

Photo: EleVen by Venus Williams

In conjunction with Women’s History Month, Venus Williams and her activewear brand, EleVen, have introduced a new initiative called #PrivilegeTax. This new initiative will bring attention to wage inequality and unveil a platform of resources for young women. In an effort to bring awareness to the wage gap, EleVen will be offering an option at checkout to donate an additional 19 cents which will benefit Girls Inc. of Greater Los Angeles.

Donned in Douriean’s Designs

Image: Sacred Art Adornments

Oh, how to be donned in only the finest jewels handcrafted by some of the finest designers. For the second time, small business and jewelry designer Douriean Fletcher has been chosen as one of the specialty designers for Coming 2 America (which was released on March 5 on Amazon Prime). Fletcher’s designs were some of the few worn and specifically created for Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall.

In addition to her work on Coming 2 America, Fletcher made history by becoming the first jeweler in the Motion Picture Costume Union for her work featured in Black Panther as well.

Critics’ Choice, But Make It Black Excellence

There is nothing more incredible than celebrating the culture and couture that goes along with awards season. And though we couldn’t be there at the Critics’ Choice Awards in person, ogling at Zendaya as she walked down the red carpet, we stayed in our homes (as we have been for a year) and ogled at what creations came out of quarantine.

Without further ado, I present the best of the best.

Photo: Robert Rector

Zendaya in Valentino haute couture

Photo: Juan Veloz

Cynthia Erivo in Vera Wang

Photo: Wayman & Micah

Regina King in Atelier Versace

Photo: Kai Bird

Yara Shahidi in Dior haute couture

Photo: Elizabeth Stewart

Viola Davis in Greta Constantine

Photo: Courtesy of Wouri Vice

H.E.R. in Miu Miu

Photo: Courtesy of Celine

Leslie Odom Jr. in Celene by Hedi Slimane

Photo: James Anthony

Algee Smith Wearing Versace

Photo: Marc Patrick/BFA

Jurnee Smollett Wearing Louis Vuitton

Photo: Micaiah Carter

Daniel Kaluuya Wearing Fear of God, Omega, Cartier (ring) and John Hardy (necklace)

Photo: Hype Williams

John Boyega Wearing Louis Vuitton

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Songs by White Artists You Can Add to Your Black Cookout Playlist

Songs by White Artists You Can Add to Your Black Cookout Playlist

If you're planning your Fourth of July cookout playlist, these songs by blue-eyed soul artists should be in the mix ...
A Look at How Jay-Z Became The Best Dressed Rapper Alive

A Look at How Jay-Z Became The Best Dressed Rapper Alive

A look at how the "Best Dressed Rapper Alive" leveled up in fashion ...

Flint's Water Crisis Ends With A Major Development

Flint’s Water Crisis Ends With A Major Development

This milestone marks a record for one of the worst water crises in the nation's history ...
NBA's Mike Beasley's Alleged Gambling Issues Have Him Owing Money to <i>Who??</i>

NBA’s Mike Beasley’s Alleged Gambling Issues Have Him Owing Money to Who??

The amount of money Beasley apparently owes to his barber is insane ...
Diddy's Dramatic Reaction to His Trial Verdict Says it All...

Diddy’s Dramatic Reaction to His Trial Verdict Says it All…

After giving death stares to reporters and throwing up heart symbols to his children throughout the trial, Diddy's demeanor has taken a turn ...
Lizzo Reveals The Meals She Ate To Lose 100 Pounds

Lizzo Reveals The Meals She Ate To Lose 100 Pounds

The popular singer is finally sharing some secrets behind her amazing weight loss journey and we're taking notes! ...
Seven Singers That Black People Swear Can Sing, But We Know They Can't

Seven Singers That Black People Swear Can Sing, But We Know They Can’t

Can we have a frank and honest conversation? It is time we told the truth ...
Halle Bailey Debuts Potential New Man Amid DDG Drama and the Internet Says It's About Time!

Halle Bailey Debuts Potential New Man Amid DDG Drama and the Internet Says It’s About Time!

Bailey appears to be basking in her newfound happiness and a newfound man. And the social media streets are hot about it! ...
50 Cent, Other Celebs React to Shocking Diddy Verdict

50 Cent, Other Celebs React to Shocking Diddy Verdict

A handful of famous faces are finally starting to speak out about and the responses are...interesting! ...
Why Cassie Might Be the Reason Diddy Was Acquitted

Why Cassie Might Be the Reason Diddy Was Acquitted

Cassie Ventura might not be viewed as sympathetic for this one reason ...
WATCH: Diddy Fans Pour Baby Oil Over Each Other Outside the Courthouse Following Verdict, and the Internet Has Thoughts

WATCH: Diddy Fans Pour Baby Oil Over Each Other Outside the Courthouse Following Verdict, and the Internet Has Thoughts

As soon as Diddy was found not guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking, fans took to the streets lathering up in... baby oil ...
Carnival's New Rules Got Black Folks <i>All</i> in Their Feelings, But Others Say the Cruise Line is Justified

Carnival’s New Rules Got Black Folks All in Their Feelings, But Others Say the Cruise Line is Justified

Are Carnival's new rules restrictive, or racist? Some folks say it's the latter, and they're cancelling their reservations expeditiously ...

The Story Behind the Viral ‘Boots on the Ground’ Dance Performed By Beyoncé and Michelle Obama

As we roll into the Fourth of July weekend, we're looking at the story behind the latest viral line dance ...
Why This Phone Call From Ray J's Might Be a Genuine Cause For Concern

Why This Phone Call From Ray J’s Might Be a Genuine Cause For Concern

The "One Wish" singer is no stranger to making headlines, but this time might be cause for serious concern ...
Black America Left Shocked After Diddy Trial Verdict Finally Announced

Black America Left Shocked After Diddy Trial Verdict Finally Announced

Diddy was just found not guilty on racketeering and sex trafficking but guilty on prostitution charges ...
The Real Tea Behind Tina Knowles, Mathew Divorce

The Real Tea Behind Tina Knowles, Mathew Divorce

While it's been nearly 15 years since the couple ended their marriage, we now have a good clue as to what exactly caused its dissolution ...
Suge Knight Claims Tupac's Mother Made This Shocking Move in His Final Moments

Suge Knight Claims Tupac’s Mother Made This Shocking Move in His Final Moments

Knight's latest claim follows a series of confessions that might be tough to beliieve for a lot of folks ...
Spoilers: Black TikTok Has Interesting Theories on Taraji's Daughter's Death in 'Straw'

Spoilers: Black TikTok Has Interesting Theories on Taraji’s Daughter’s Death in ‘Straw’

A very interesting theory about the major plot twist of the film is now being widely dissected and we've just got to discuss it! ...
The Unbelievable Reasons Jury Deliberations in Diddy Trial Got off to a Rocky Start

The Unbelievable Reasons Jury Deliberations in Diddy Trial Got off to a Rocky Start

So far, the jury has sent five different notes to the judge, suggesting jury deliberation in this case will be tedious and difficult ...
The Gruesome Truth Behind the Death Of a 7-Year-Old Florida Girl Found Unresponsive in Her Home

The Gruesome Truth Behind the Death Of a 7-Year-Old Florida Girl Found Unresponsive in Her Home

Naikishia L. Williams originally told police her daughter became unresponsive after she was given medication, but quickly, those claims were refuted ...