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 Hey Timothy Chalamet! Ballet is Alive, and Black Women are Sustaining It…

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
Elon Musk is Leaving the Trump Administration and Black Twitter is Buzzing

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

'Sinners' Cast: Where Are They Now?

‘Sinners’ Cast: Where Are They Now?

Now that Ryan Coogler’s vampire epic ‘Sinners’ has officially won the 2026 Awards season, let’s take a look at the next major moves for Michael B. Jordan and the cast! …
These 13 Beloved White Hollywood Icons Have a Racist Past

These 13 Beloved White Hollywood Icons Have a Racist Past

From John Wayne to Doris Day, these 13 Hollywood stars have been accused of being racist …
Hey Timothy Chalamet! Ballet is Alive, and Black Women are Sustaining It

Hey Timothy Chalamet! Ballet is Alive, and Black Women are Sustaining It

Timothée Chalamet may think ballet is dead, but these Black women have used their talent and artistry to keep Alvin Ailey’s commitment to the genre alive …
Black Models on 'The Price is Right' Share Shocking Experiences

Black Models on ‘The Price is Right’ Share Shocking Experiences

Kathleen Bradley and Claudia Jordan, two of the few Black models working on ‘The Price Is Right’ is spilling all the sordid details about their time working on the show! …
A Sad Ending to the Breonna Taylor Case

A Sad Ending to the Breonna Taylor Case

Officers accused of faking court documents for the “no-knock” warrant leading to Breonna Taylor’s killing have now received good news …
Meagan Good Finally Reveals Wedding Photos to Jonathan Majors

Meagan Good Finally Reveals Wedding Photos to Jonathan Majors

Meagan Good and Jonathan Major wed during a private ceremony in March 2025. And now we’ve got a look at their love-filled day! …
Justin Timberlake’s 2024 DWI Bodycam Is Finally Out, and It’s Hilarious

Justin Timberlake’s 2024 DWI Bodycam Is Finally Out, and It’s Hilarious

Newly released bodycam footage shows Justin Timberlake during his 2024 Hamptons arrest for driving while intoxicated, capturing his interactions with Sag Harbor police and fans’ reactions online …
You Won’t Believe This Black Chicago Mom’s Real-Life Goldilocks Nightmare

You Won’t Believe This Black Chicago Mom’s Real-Life Goldilocks Nightmare

Imagine coming home to strangers naked in your bed. That’s what happened to one Chicago mom, whose nightmare was just getting started …
A Running List of Everything President Trump Is Planning to Name After Himself

A Running List of Everything President Trump Is Planning to Name After Himself

From a coin with Trump’s face on it to renaming several buildings in his honor, here’s everything President Trump has named or renamed after himself …
Meet the Trailblazing Black Woman Who Made FaceTime and Zoom Possible

Meet the Trailblazing Black Woman Who Made FaceTime and Zoom Possible

Exclusive: The Root caught up with Dr. Marian Rogers Croak, a trailblazer who leads Google’s work in human-centered AI and machine learning …
Black Americans Have Strong Reactions to Trump's Deployment of ICE Agents at U.S. Airports

Black Americans Have Strong Reactions to Trump’s Deployment of ICE Agents at U.S. Airports

Trump announced ICE agents will be stationed at airports across the country starting on March 23, and you can bet Black folks had plenty of thoughts …
 Doja Cat's Father Blames Her White Mother for 'Deadbeat' Claims

 Doja Cat’s Father Blames Her White Mother for ‘Deadbeat’ Claims

After making allegations about her parent being a deadbeat and trolling him on social media, Doja Cat is now embroiled in a messy back and forth with her own father! …
100 Years After Black Family Is Run Out of White California Town, Their Descendants Claim What's Rightfully Theirs

100 Years After Black Family Is Run Out of White California Town, Their Descendants Claim What’s Rightfully Theirs

Sidney Dearing and his family became the first Black people to ever buy a home in Piedmont, Calif. Then, they were chased out within a year …
All About Nene Leakes Long-Awaited Return

All About Nene Leakes Long-Awaited Return

Nene Leakes in finally heading back to Bravo! And now, the ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ alum is sharing her feelings about it …
What We Know About Usher, Justin Bieber’s Confrontation at Beyonce’s Oscar Party

What We Know About Usher, Justin Bieber’s Confrontation at Beyonce’s Oscar Party

Usher was Justin Bieber’s mentor early on in his career, but now it seems like the two may not be in good-standing with each other. Let’s get into it! …
Chadwick Boseman's Widow Shares New Details About the Late Actor's Cancer Journey

Chadwick Boseman’s Widow Shares New Details About the Late Actor’s Cancer Journey

Simone Ledward Boseman is getting candid in a new interview about the late, beloved actor Chadwick Boseman and his health journey …
Black Women Are Being Forced Into C-Sections—With The Court's Backing

Black Women Are Being Forced Into C-Sections—With The Court’s Backing

For Cherise Doyley and Brianna Bennett, the battle for bodily autonomy played out at their hospital bedsides, where virtual court hearings allowed judges to prioritize the perceived health of their unborn children over their right to refuse C-sections …
New Clues To What Jay-Z is Up To

New Clues To What Jay-Z is Up To

After nearly a decade since Jay-Z’s last album, rumors about new music are circulating from fans gearing up for his first performance in years …
Devastating Update for Billion-Dollar Whiskey Brand 'Uncle Nearest' Amid $100 Million Lawsuit

Devastating Update for Billion-Dollar Whiskey Brand ‘Uncle Nearest’ Amid $100 Million Lawsuit

The Black-owned brand was cemented as the fastest growing whiskey company in the U.S. Now, the legacy is at risk …
Solange's Son Julez Clears Up Speculation About His Sexuality

Solange’s Son Julez Clears Up Speculation About His Sexuality

Solange’s only child Julez Smith is opening up about his sexuality and sparking some discourse online! …