Last night, I was pleased to be invited to an Evening with Mary J. Blige at Morgan Stanley!
The event kicked off with a look at a film about Mary, documenting her most recent London Sessions studio album. See a preview here:
Afterwards, Morgan Stanley Executive Director Kim Hatchett asked Ms. Blige a series of poignant questions about her journey, her new music, and how she feels at this stage in her career.
Mary ventured out to London to try out a new sound, and says she did so because she feared getting stuck in just one genre. She said, ” I wanted to do something new and innovative. It was unfair to myself as an artist to not venture into any other types of music”
In terms of advice she’d give to her 21-year-old self, she said, “Don’t be afraid to be great.” And the best advice she’s ever received was from Chaka Khan, who said, “You need to dye your roots the same color as your hair. And You Need to Get out of Your Own Way.”
I wasn’t able to grab a pic with Mary J afterwards (she had to run to perform at the 2015 AmFar Inspiration Gala), though I did grab pictures of and with a few illustrious audience members:
The gorgeous Ashley Booker rocked a black and white checked mini dress by J.O.A.
This young lady paired denim shorts with a blazer and boots.
Derek Anderson and Casa Reale jewelry designer Alla looked gorgeous in white and blue tones.
A suit was a smart choice for the evening.
The men were extremely dapper! I adored this three piece suit.
I also was a fan of this polka dotted option.
I posed with Kim Hatchett, who looked glorious in Giambattista Valli.
I introduced myself to Gayle King, who looked pretty in a Roberto Cavalli Dafni Sleeveless Jersey Dress.
And I wore a Topshop Vest, an Alexander Wang Tank, a Givenchy skirt, and a pair of Christian Louboutin pumps that I may never wear again. My feet were killing me!
At any rate, it was a great event!
I’m actually seeing Mary perform a few of her new songs tonight. Hopefully I can snag a pic with the Queen of Hip Hop and R&B.
Stay tuned;)
*Be sure to get Mary’s New Album on Itunes or on Amazon here.
Images: Karl Pierre
