Afeni Shakur Davis, mother of late rap legend Tupac Shakur, has died at the age of 69 from a possible heart attack.
Alice Faye Williams legally changed her name to Afeni Shakur shortly after moving to New York and joining the Black Panthers Movement. A native of North Carolina, Davis first gained prominence in the media as one of 21 members of the Black Panther party put on trail in New York in 1969. The trail circles around the members allegedly plotting to shoot and bomb two New York City police stations and an education center. At the time the most expensive trial in New York history, all defendants were acquitted of all charges two years later. A month after her acquittal, Afeni birthed Lesane Parish Crooks, aka, Tupac Shakur.
In 2003 on the release of the movie “Tupac Resurrection,” Davis told CBS News: “I’m not a filmmaker. I’m not a music producer by choice. Whatever it is I’m doing I do because my son was murdered, and he was not able to complete his work. So as his mother, my whole job and responsibility is to see to it that that happens for him, and I do that with love.“
A major influence in Tupac’s life, Afeni would eventually inspire him to write, “Dear Mama,” one of his most vulnerable records where Shakur details his childhood poverty and his mother’s drug addiction. Rather than dote on the negative, the song is about uplifting not only Shakur’s mother, but mother’s everywhere. Take a look at the music video:
After her son’s 1996 shooting death, Shakur took over the late rapper’s estate, which reportedly earns about $900,000 each year.
A movie about Tupac’s life, “All Eyez on Me,” is set for release in November, with Danai Gurira cast as mother Shakur. Afeni served as an executive producer for the film.
May her legacy and all she stood for be forever in our memories. Rest in Power.
Last night, the 2016 MET Gala held us captive as we anxiously awaited the arrivals of our favorite fashionistas, models and it-girls. The Fashion Bomb staff (myself included) were literally glued to our computer and phone screens as we ID’ed breathtaking gowns and showstopping duds. Talk about hard work!
But, the after parties are always pretty epic as well! Whelp, it turns out designer Olivier Rousteing threw a Balmain-drenched bash all his own and, trust me, the stars were absolutely fierce. And, our Editor-in-Chief Claire Sulmers was even in attendance!
Check ’em out below!
Kardashian-Jenner matriarch Kris Jenner chose to rock her red carpet look to the festivities. Of course, it’s Balmain.
Kanye West and his lovely wife Kim Kardashian West also followed suit by rocking their eye-catching Balmain frocks. Kim’s silver, machine-inspired gown is everything!
Instagram fave Kylie Jenner slayed in a custom pastel number by the iconic fashion house. She paired her look with tan suede over-the-knee-boots and a wide metallic belt.
Model Anna Cleveland flaunted her enviable abs in a Fall 2016 black and gold Balmain tassle crop top that boasts some pretty dope detailing. She also paired her look with cutout heels and high-waisted black pants.
Corey Gamble was also on hand for the celebration.
Balmain sweetheart Alessandra Ambrosio slipped into a long-sleeve bodycon pick from the Pre-Fall 2016 presentation.
How awesome does Cindy Crawford look?!! The 50-year-old bombshell posed alongside Rande Gerber for a few pics as she gave all kinds of life in a fitted geometric-print maxi by Balmain.
Ysaunny Brito killed it in one of my favorite looks from the Pre-Fall 2016 collection! I mean, how can you NOT love loads of tassles, the richness of royal blue and all the shimmery gems to match?! On the other hand, Dani Denisenko kept it simple in a Balmain leather jacket.
Hey Wiz! Looking quite dapper!
Model Jasmine Tookes cuddled up with beau Tobias Sorensen while keeping it chic in an LBD, leather over-the-knee boots and a long camel-hued coat.
Solange and Beyonce were all smiles as they partied it up! Solange wore a Kenzo Men’s Spring 2016 3-D textured cactus knit jumper and matching pants. And, Bey shined bright in a pair of silver Loewe wide leg pants.
Tyga was smooth and suave in an all-black ‘fit and a flashy satin bomber with silver embellished sleeves.
Nicole Richie’s younger sister, Sofia Richie brought casual vibes as she went for a more avant-garde approach. Thoughts on her look?
Balmain’s creative director Olivier Rousteing donned a black Balmain blazer, black jeans and black boots.
Shanina Shaik went totally sheer for the occasion. She also paired her look with silver heels and diamond accents.
It-girl Hailey Baldwin channeled her inner Balmain vixen while giving scorching in a Fall 2016 blush pink strapless mini dress.
Jayden Smith went straight from the red carpet to the after party in a white trimmed Fall 2016 Louis Vuitton blazer.
Joan Smalls and Doutzen Kroes were absolute visions in all-black ensembles.
Josephine Skriver sizzled in a black, ivory and gold mini dress from Balmain‘s Fall 2016 presentation.
Model Jourdan Dunn stuck to the theme of her red carpetgown but ventured towards a shorter hem and sheer sleeves. Yeeeeees, slay girl!!!
Model Kayla Scott chose a blush pink look straight off the Fall 2016 runway. She topped off her look with killer gray boots.
Wheeeww! Who rocked your favorite look of the evening?
Zoe Saldana was easily one of the night’s best dressed at the 2016 Met Gala—perhaps even having her best red carpet style moment ever! Makeup artist Vera Steimberg wanted to complement her stunning Dolce & Gabbana gown with a chromatic beauty look. Here are the steps to get it:
1. To prep Zoe’s skin and ensure a flawless, poreless canvas, Steimberg applied Charlotte’s Magic Cream ($100) generously to the entire face, massaging it in to plump skin and create a luminous glow. Then, she followed with Magic Eye Rescue ($60) to smooth the delicate eye area.
2. Next, she applied Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow ($55) on the cheekbones, bridge of the nose and brow bone to create a “spotlight” effect. For a naturally beautiful complexion, apply Light Wonder Foundation in Shade 10 ($45).
4. For the eyes, Steimberg applied a wash of color on the eyelids with creme eyeshadow Eyes to Mesmerise in Mona Lisa and Jean ($32 each), and then used the same combination to line the lower lashes for a serious shimmer. Next, she lined into the lash line with the Colour Chameleon Eyeshadow Pencil in Bronzed Garnet ($27)—using it all the way up the lid and blending the two jewel tones together for a more defined shadow. To enhance Zoe’s eyes and give her a wide-eyed, fresh look, she lined the lower lashes with Colour Chameleon Eyeshadow Pencil in Bronzed Garnet ($27) and used The Feline Flick ($30) to dot between the upper lashes—creating a fuller, false-lash effect. She finished with several coats of of Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes ($29).
Now that the 2016 Met Gala has concluded, let’s get down to the business: the actual Costume Institute designs. Manus x Machina takes on fashionable feats, done both by the hands of expert artists in ateliers all over the world and those completed by sewing machines and the like.
Yves Saint Laurent Couture Spring 1983
Couture is a huge focus, with designs from Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, and many others on display. Andrew Bolton curated the extravaganza and as you have already guessed, he’s a genius!
Yves Saint Laurent for Dior Couture Spring 1958
Chanel Couture Fall 2014
Chanel Fall 2015 Couture
Lines for the Costume Institute’s exhibits are always incredibly long, so buy your tickets now here.
You have until August 14th to see everything before the exhibition ends, so you have some time to plan!
The 2016 Met Gala red carpet is underway! With the theme “Manus x Machina”, the night’s looks are sure to be spectacular!
Let’s see what the celebs are wearing, shall we?
Lupita Nyong’o’s hair was literally out of the stratosphere! Her Calvin Klein Collection gown was stunning, but faded into the background.
Zendaya Coleman resembled #blackgirlmagic in 2080 in a one-shoulder embellished Michael Kors Collection gown and a sleek bob. She always gets it right.
We were all in formation waiting for Beyoncé to hit the red carpet! She did so in latex Givenchy: I needed a ponytail or bun here to let the dress completely play centerstage.
I was sure Zoe Kravitz would wear Alexander Wang, but it was a wonderful surprise to see her in a bow-back Valentino dress and a head-turning mask.
Pleats please! Solange Knowles chose a yellow look from David Laport for the night. Lemonade never tasted so sweet!
The Wests have arrived in Balmain! Kim’s futuristic silver gown was resplendent, but I wasn’t too keen on Kanye’s embellished jean jacket and destructed denim…the icy blue contacts were dope, but didn’t do much for his look.
Nicki Minaj’s black sheer Moschino gown was accented by sequin buckled straps and matching opera gloves. I’m on the fence about this one…
I guess Future’s lyrics about being invited to the Met Gala were true! The rapper looked like a bag of money in custom Zegna.
Amandla Stenberg was suited up in a red, retro-inspired Calvin Klein pairing.
Jourdan Dunn was one of the night’s Balmain girls. The French fashion house does luxury like no other!
Blake Lively was pretty in pink, wearing a strapless Burberry gown in a blush hue&dmdash;accented with a floral train. This was way sweeter than anything I’ve seen the heritage brand design!
FKA Twigs and Robert Pattinson were ravishing, with the songstress in Atelier Versace. I can’t wait to see what they were for their wedding!
Kristen Stewart glimmered in a beaded Chanel LBD with a lace-up waistband.
Queen Naomi Campbell continued her reign in an embellished cutout Roberto Cavalli Couture gown.
Katy Perry was bewitching in a black and gold velvet embroidered Prada gown.
Bella Hadid and The Weeknd were the perfect pair, with the supermodel in Givenchy.
Older sister Gigi Hadid and boyfriend Zayn Malik were quite the stylish duo, draped in Tommy Hilfiger and Versace respectively.
Naomie Harris repped one of her favorite brands in a brocade Burberry gown.
Lady Gaga was rocker chic at its finest in Atelier Versace. Leave it to Gaga to drop jaws!
Mommy-to-be Kerry Washington sported a provocative Marc Jacobs gown with a thigh-high slit, sheer opera gloves, and purple curls. Her hottest look to date!
Kardashian-Jenner matriarch Kris Jenner wore the family’s favorite brand: Balmain.
The Smith family was in attendance, with Willow in Chanel and Jaden in Louis Vuitton. I love these two!
Kylie Jenner slipped on a Balmain gown for the occasion: no surprise there! She did in fact look absolutely exquisite—eschewing her hair color proclivities for a chic black bob.
The gold skinny lapels on Michael B. Jordan’s Calvin Klein suit were a nice touch.
Ciara channeled Storm realness with silver tresses and a dazzling beaded H&M gown. Werk CiCi!
I’m usually floored by anything Olivier Rousteing creates, but something about Alessandra Ambrosio’s gown fell flat.
Kendall Jenner looked every bit the model in a sultry cutout Atelier Versace gown. This was marvelous!
Hannah Davis and Derek Jeter were one of the night’s best dressed and most gorgeous couples, with the lady in Zuhair Murad.
Gugu Mbatha-Raw was darling in a white, long-sleeve Gabriela Hearst gown.
Amy Schumer skewed a bit edgier than normal in a red Alexander Wang gown. A sleek ponytail or chignon would’ve completed this look perfectly.
Freida Pinto chose a white Tory Burch gown for the evening. A bit underwhelming, but pretty nonetheless.
Mindy Kaling was also in a white Tory Burch design—wearing a strapless number from the brand.
Kate Hudson was white hot in an artful Atelier Versace gown. This was superb!
Eva Chen couldn’t be missed in a colorful Christopher Kane gown made just for her.
Rami Malek flexed his style prowess in a blue Dior tux.
Jennifer Hudson brought the glamour in a strapless white H&M gown with a wispy tulle skirt.
Zoe Saldana looked magnificent in a strapless, floral-embroidered Dolce & Gabbana gown.
Sarah Jessica Parker is one of my favorite women every year. Monse designed a custom suit for her and it was fabulous, though the drama quotient was a little low with this.
Nas showed just how talented those Public School guys are in a tux from the design duo. He’s so handsome!
Carmelo Anthony also chose Public School for the night, while LaLa Anthony was drop-dead gorgeous in Nicolas Jebran.
Rita Ora was a feathered fantasy in silver Vera Wang. One of the night’s best dressed easily!
Aja Naomi King certainly turned a few heads in a delightful, tangerine-hued dress with a plunging neckline and thigh-high front slit. So happy to see her here!
A three-piece navy suit was tailored to perfection on Trevor Noah. There’s absolutely no way that he could be any better looking.
Misty Copeland is always so refined and her strapless Jason Wu dress continued that aesthetic.
Selena Gomez was surprisingly pared-down in a Louis Vuitton leather bustier layered over a printed dress. Lace-up, heeled combat boots anchored her ensemble. This was cool, but didn’t feel particularly red carpet-worthy.
Gala co-chair Idris Elba was swoon-worthy in Tom Ford. Might we also add that Tom Ford designs the looks for James Bond? Clearly, they’re already a sartorial match made in Heaven!
Danai Gurira was a complete knockout in Giambattista Valli.
Doutzen Kroes bared her midriff in a white cutout turtleneck Balmain gown.
White gowns are shaping up to be one of the night’s biggest trends! Rosie-Huntington-Whiteley tried one on for size from Ralph Lauren. Such a timeless, one-shoulder silhouette. I was a bit surprised to not see her go for something more bold, but this was flawless.
Kate Bosworth served up princess chic in Dolce & Gabbana. I live for her style!
Taylor Swift accented her new, edgy platinum bob with a Louis Vuitton cutout dress and strappy leather sandals. One of the most daring looks from Taylor ever…I could get used to thiis!
The stars of The Get Down were in attendance: Shameik Moore, Justice Smith, Herizen F. Guardiola, Tremaine Brown Jr., and Skylan Brooks. They all looked amazing!
Ming Xi’s Michael Kors shirt dress was uplifted with silver sequin embellishment and feather detailing.
Wendi Deng was almost completely covered in a Christopher Kane floral-embroidered gown with a form-fitting silhouette. Gorgeous dress.
Rosie Assoulin dressed Michelle Monaghan for the gala. Cool no?
Fei Fei Sun opted for classic elegance in a white embellished, off-the-shoulder Chanel gown.
Adriana Lima usually opts for body-baring looks, thus her embellished Giambattista Valli midi flare dress was a nice change.
Alicia Vikander toughened up the red carpet in combat boots and a multicolor dress with a red patent bodice—courtesy of Louis Vuitton.
Michelle Williams was also clad in combat boots and a navy mini dress from Louis Vuitton.
Anna Wintour was a vision in a white textured Chanel Couture gown with fringe embellishment and gold embroidery.
Anna’s daughter, Bee Shaffer was clad in a long-sleeve, floral embroidered McQueen design. Hot!
Vinyl actress Juno Temple was a breath of fresh Spring air in a long-sleeve, icy blue frock with contrast purple trim from Erdem.
Poppy Delevingne was a silver metallic dream in Marchesa. Her dark lipstick really finished this look perfectly!
Rachel Smith was a bronze beauty in a sequin-embellished Sophie Theallet stunner.
Liliana Vazquez shimmered in a pearl-encrusted Pamella Roland frock. Cute no?
Dao Yi Chow, Maxwell Osborne
Halsey wore a custom white DKNY look, alongside the brand’s designer Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne.
It was all about prints for Tavi Gevinson in Coach! This was a bit too casual for my taste…
Cynthia Erivo was also clad in Coach, in a patterned gown from the brand. Also, too-pared down in my opinion, but I did love her platinum hair.
Another white gown! Tommy Hilfiger designed Uma Thurman’s slit-detailed number. She’s never looked better!
Louis Vuitton might just win for dressing the most “It” girls tonight. Singer Grimes went bold in a colorblock gown from the iconic French fashion house. Didn’t feel elevated enough for the occasion.
Lara Stone brought the choker trend to the red carpet in a long-sleeve, embellished Tom Ford gown. He knows how to make a showstopping dress, doesn’t he?
Amber Valletta looked ready to party in H&M. This was so much fun and made from all sustainable materials!
Hailee Steinfeld certainly made a few girls green with envy, outfitted in a strapless H&M gown in the alluring shade.
Elle Fanning was ethereal in a clean-cut, yet breathtaking Thakoon design.
Maria Sharapova was the lady in red, draped in an off-the-shoulder gown from Juan Carlos Obando and a single gold earring. Hot!
This theme was totally up Will.i.am’s alley, as he always goes for something daring. He was unrecognizable in a bowler hat with a visor that covered most of his face. But his tux with contrast embroidered sleeves? So dapper!
Nick Jonas was a blue dream in a contrast lapel Topman tux with a sportcoat in a glossy blue shade. He never disappoints.
Kate Upton followed Nick’s lead in a silver one-shoulder gown from Topshop. This was a truly a “wow” moment for me!
Kate Mara’s Paco Rabanne dress was fab, but I needed more in the hair and makeup department from her.
A white cutout Brandon Maxwell gown was Karlie Kloss’s choice for the affair. In a word: lovely.
Cindy Crawford posed in an embellished Balmain gown with cutout shoulders, alongside Olivier Rousteing in his signature double-breasted blazer.
Nicole Kidman was graceful in a cutout, embellished McQueen cape gown.
To say that I lived for Diane von Furstenberg’s ‘fro would be an understatement!
Demi Lovato mixed metals in a boatneck Moschino gown.
Marchesa does fairy princess looks better than any other brand! Karolina Kurkova was clad in one such angelic getup.
Amber Heard reminded me of an old-school Hollywood siren in a Ralph Lauren Collection gown that fell like liquid metal.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen didn’t break the mold with their neutral dresses, though Ashley at least gave a bit of pizazz to her look with a gold silky jacket.
Brie Larson’s silver ruffle-detailed Proenza Schouler dress was wonderful!
Jessica Chastain was radiant in Prada.
More Louis Vuitton combat boots! Jennifer Connelly wore some, along with a colorful embellished gown.
Could this be the sartorial return of Katie Holmes? She chose a navy gown and pin-straight hair
from BFF Zac Posen. This was divine.
Madonna was the definition of “NSFW” in a black lace and strap-accented Givenchy ensemble.
Allison Williams flaunted her toned abs in a one-shoulder, cutout Peter Pilotto gown. Nice to see the design duo represented at the gala!
Emma Stone crossed over to team brunette in a Prada gown that definitely conveyed Khaleesi chic. She can pull off any hair color!
Naomi Watts’s strapless silver sequin Burberry gown was sublime.
Feather embellishment and a beaded butterfly that Mariah Carey would be proud of uplifted Saoirse Ronan’s white Christopher Kane dress.
Lily Aldridge glimmered in an embellished Michael Kors Collection cutout gown and gold eyebrows.
Emma Watson never goes for the expected on the red carpet. A black and beige, off-the-shoulder, and eco-conscious look from Calvin Klein was her choice for the evening.
I didn’t think I would see the crop top and pencil skirt trend tonight, but lo and behold: Miranda Kerr showed up in the on-trend pairing! The two-piece was designed by Louis Vuitton, of course.
Lorde was shockingly serene in a Valentino tiered tulle gown.
Rachel McAdams was gilded in a gold and mesh inset Valentino stunner.
Jared Leto was a stylish angel in a white Gucci suit.
A crystal-encrusted Thakoon suit and fresh face were Alexa Chung’s choices for the gala.
Rose Byrne was another Ralph Lauren girl, clad in an off-the-shoulder ruffle gown from the classic American brand.
Emily Ratajkowski opted for simplicity in a one-shoulder slit gown from Prabal Gurung.
Mommy-to-be Emily Blunt flaunted her baby bump in a long-sleeve, blue embellished Michael Kors Collection number.
Margot Robbie would look good even in a trash bag, but she chose a white strapless, cutout Calvin Klein Collection gown and gold cuffs for the occasion.
Sophie Okonedo chose an elegant silver, robe-inspired gown.
Sienna Miller glowed in a strapless embellished Gucci design.
Queen Rania of Jordan lived up to her name in Valentino.
Wiz Khalifa cleaned up exceptionally well in Rag & Bone.
Liu Wen was a vision in Iris Van Herpen.
Who had your favorite look at the gala? Stay tuned as we update with all of the night’s looks!
Happy Monday! We are eagerly counting down to the New York Installment of Cocktails with Claire x Miss Diddy LA! Today’s Bomb Product of the Day will keep your skin smooth and hydrated during the warmer months. Get into Cocktails with Claire vendor, Base Butter:
Base Butter is a multipurpose all natural beauty product. Use on your lips, face, body and hair as a moisturizer. The handmade butter is made of 100% soy wax, fair trade butters and essential oils.
Great product to throw in your purse and go! Check out the website for more on this Bomb brand!
What do you think? Would you use this product?
You can catch more from Base Butter at the NYC installment of Cocktails with Claire x Miss Diddy LA. See you in just a few days! Saturday, May 7th from 12-2pm join us for the ‘Breaking into Entertainment Brunch Panel.’ In the evening from 5-9pm come out to sip, shop, mix and mingle with other fashion enthusiast like yourself! Get your tickets here.
Met Gala looks are starting to roll in! Associate Online Community Producer for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Kimberly Drew, snapped her look for Instagram—a WXYZ Jewelry Silver Metal Veil and $679 Chromat Black Patent Underbust Dress:
Kimberly’s exact veil isn’t up for grabs, but you may recognize the design as Bey wore the brand in her 7/11 video.
Her black patent leather dress features a cutout underbust and corset boning. Looks as if Kimberly’s skirt may be another texture and not patent, but I”m uncertain due to the lighting!
Look at this super cool video of the veil in motion!
We’re always here for some #blackgirlmagic news and today’s comes courtesy of Misty Copeland! The prima ballerina just released news that she now has her own Barbie Doll:
“I always dreamed of becoming an ABT ballerina and through Barbie I was able to play out those dreams early on,” said Misty of the momentous occasion. “It’s an honor to be able to inspire the next generation of kids with my very own Barbie doll.”
The doll’s beautifully bold costume was inspired by Misty’s first ABT principal role in The Firebird. She will be reprising that role on on May 18th and 19th as part of the company’s Spring season at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City.
“As a brand, we want to honor women, like Misty, who are inspiring the next generation of girls to live out their dreams,” says Barbie Senior Vice President Lisa McKnight. “We know role play often leads to real ‘play’ in life and we’re thrilled to celebrate Misty with her very own doll.”
Misty’s doll is a part of Barbie’s Sheroes program: the same that helped launch dolls for Ava Duvernay and Zendaya Coleman.
Diddy hosted an after party at XS Lounge after the Beyoncé concert last night in Atlanta! Cassie accompanied her man for the night in a distressed tee, hat, jeans, and $895 Giuseppe Zanotti Red Suede Strappy Sandals:
They’re cute!
Her shoes have an open toe, slim strappy bands at vamp, double ankle straps with polished silvertone buckles, a covered heel counter, and a suede-covered stiletto heel.
Alice Faye Williams legally changed her name to Afeni Shakur shortly after moving to New York and joining the Black Panthers Movement. A native of North Carolina, Davis first gained prominence in the media as one of 21 members of the Black Panther party put on trail in New York in 1969. The trail circles around the members allegedly plotting to shoot and bomb two New York City police stations and an education center. At the time the most expensive trial in New York history, all defendants were acquitted of all charges two years later. A month after her acquittal, Afeni birthed Lesane Parish Crooks, aka, Tupac Shakur.
