Naomi Campbell looked every bit the model at the Gala Spa Awards in a 1989 Pierre Cardin Couture Black Ruffle Lace and Velvet Slit Gown:
Here’s a model posing in her gown in what looks like a vintage magazine spread.
Hot!
What do you think? Hot! or Hmm…?
I think nobody can deny that 2016 has been a very good year for Black women in the editorial spectrum of landing magazine covers. While we’ve seen the gamut from Lupita to Viola Davis to Audra McDonald to even getting a plus-size edition for Women’s Month, there seems to be a constant undermining presence for Black representation if we look a certain way.
Should we still rejoice when we see a Black woman on the cover, but she’s been photoshopped to the max?
Case and point, the most recent photo of Kerry Washington for Adweek, where it is clearly evident that Kerry’s been changed, altered, and photoshopped.
As a very ‘in the moment’ woman in the public eye, it seemed peculiar that Kerry’s looks would have been changed so drastically for a magazine that doesn’t even primarily focus on beauty and fashion.
Many of you took to Instagram, claiming that something was ‘off’ or that Kerry didn’t look like herself. Others expressed frustration in the constant demarcation of Black skin for magazine covers, or how the media enjoys us as long as our tones match a certain look or aesthetic.
Not to mention this is not nearly the first time we’ve seen this before…
Or even in other magazine covers with notable stars…
While many of us were saying “Yaaaaasss” that Willow Smith and Zendaya were gracing the covers of a magazine, others of us (self included) were wondering why they looked so lightened. It begs the question, are my looks only acceptable after Photoshop? Why is the media so fascinated with black beauty, yet still ‘fixes’ our beauty to a degree of someone else’s pleasing? What’s the point?
However, despite debate that occurred on Instagram and Twitter, Adweek says it did not retouch Washington’s features or skin tone.
“We’ve seen some of the questions from readers and want to ensure them that the cover photo is an accurate representation of how Kerry Washington appeared on set with the lighting used in the photo shoot. We stand by that 100%,” said James Cooper, editorial director at Adweek, in an email. “This issue was addressed well before publishing and the editorial decision was to not alter her features or darken/or lighten any of her skins tones whatsoever.” Hmm…
Though we know that photoshopping happens every single day (and might just be an inevitability since we live in an image-driven world), the larger question, to me at least, is “Is this really sending a positive example to our next generation?” Yes, she may see a woman of color on the cover, but what message is it sending when she sees her skin has been lightened, hair has been groomed or that her nose has been over contoured for her to be on this cover? It may not be all the time, but the fact this even continues to happen begs the discussion. Plus, Kerry Washington is beautiful untouched, so, why not keep her (and all women of color) that way?
Are we being too sensitive and should just celebrate the victories of landing magazine covers, endorsements, and prestige? Or does the community need to speak up and demand that photos be non-altered (or less altered) to reflect the true natural beauty of our people? Is the changing of our skin a clear reflection of society’s distortion or omission of black beauty? Does any of the responsibility lie within the celebrity at hand?
Since the publication of this article, Kerry Washington has taken to her Instagram, where she does make a statement on the alterations that were made (in more ways than one!). Check it out:
Thoughts?
Despite the clothing choices we all make, most can agree it’s the accessories that make an outfit. With the 90s style resurfacing in various phases, we couldn’t help but see chokers manifested in various sizes, shapes, colors, textures and different brands on runways (and celebrities)!
You may be wondering how you can rock this trend into the Spring, and the easiest reply is :however you want! As stylish stars have shown us, you can rock the choker trend with strapless tops, dresses, off the shoulder concepts or even regular attire!
However you want to rock it, the sky is the limit. Stars such as Rihanna have been rocking chokers for years, but other celebrities such as Zendaya, Amber Rose and even Karrueche have shown us variations of how the trend can be worn.
The trend may appear tricky, but you can access your inner 90s and let ’em shine. Let’s see how celebrities have rocked the trend so you can get some style inspiration for the Spring!
How do you wear the choker trend? Send your submissions to submissions@fashionbombdaily.com to possibly be featured in our fabulous and popular round-up Friday!
Another day, another Bombshell. Let’s welcome Danielle hailing from Baltimore:
She said, “My name is Danielle Ferguson and I live in Baltimore, MD.”
“I would describe my style as versatile, trendy and fun.”
Check out more photos she submitted:
Okay Danielle! You march to the beat of your own drum and I like it! Y’all can stay up to date on Danielle’s look on IG: @dreamsbydanielle. Thoughts on Danielle’s style?
Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and 5-10 clear, unfiltered, head-to-toe pictures of 5-10 different outfits (no collages) to Bombshell@FashionBombDaily.com. Images submitted will be featured on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any of our social media platforms. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game! Please be advised: once published, pictures will not be removed or taken down.
Anika Noni Rose showed out at the Cannes Film Festival with her castmates rocking a $895 Floral Jacquard Dress by Sachin & Babi Noir:
The dress features short-sleeves, sequined floral applique going down the side, and a fitted bodice with a flare skirt.
I absolutely love this dress and can see someone like First Lady Michelle Obama rocking this for Spring!
If you’re willing to drop the bread, you can pick up her dress here.
Thoughts on the dress?
Style icon Lupita Nyong’o graced the red carpet for the Hollywood premiere of her new film The Jungle Book! The actress slayed in a custom ‘fit by J. Crew which features a green v-neck tee and a statement-making gold embellished multi-slit skirt.
Lupita topped off her look with matching gold sandals, delicate jewels and flawless makeup.
Lupita’s younger brother Peter was also in attendance!
So fab!
What are your thoughts?
Signing Out — Esmesha
Happy Tuesday ya’ll!
The start of this week has been slow but I’m back at it with another Bomb Blogger! So, join me as we get into the stylish musings showcasing Nike of Specs and Blazers!
Our girl Nike is a Los Angeles-based fashion blogger who defines herself as a “nomadic soul eternally in pursuit of happiness“. I discovered this style maven on my favorite social media platform (yep, you guessed it – Instagram, lol) and I instantly realized that her page was one of the best I’ve seen in quite some time. With over 37, 000 followers and a knack for flawless photography, this chick is the epitome of class at it’s best.
If I had to sum up Nike’s style in one word, I’d simply label it as elegant. No matter what she wears – this fashionista always manages to make her threads look like a million bucks. Whether she’s uplifting neon-drenched cutout pieces or fashion-forward denim culottes, Nike is serves a gentle reminder that trends don’t have to overshadow your personal style. Her go-to pieces include furry accents, gorgeous prints and eye-catching statement pieces.
Slay on, hun!
Want to know more about Nike of Specs and Blazers? Well, check out her dope blog here or follow this dazzling diva on Instagram @specsandblazers!
Thoughts on today’s BB?
Signing Out — Esmesha
If you’re anything like me (and love to discover up-and-coming talent), Puksie’s Wardrobe should be on your style radar! The US-based designer specializes in ready-to-wear ankara clothing and their designs are the truth. While perusing their online site, I stumbled upon this gorgeous Gabby Iro & Buba Gold and Fuchsia Embellished Wrap Dress and the rest is history!
This boldly-hued number uplifts a deep v-wrap top, Italian silk, graduated gold embellishment and a thigh-high slit.
Available for $180, this dress is perfect for all your upcoming events! See additional purchasing details here.
Puksie’s Wardrobe also has a dope variety of other products. Check out their official site here! or follow them on the ‘Gram @puksieswardrobe.
What do you think?
Signing Out — Esmesha
Jourdan Dunn showed us how she gets fit on the ‘gram—mid-move in a $115 Live the Process Baby Pink V Wrap-Effect Stretch-Supplex® Sports Bra and $145 Leggings:
Her sport bra is crafted from baby-pink stretch-Supplex®. It boasts a wrap-effect front, has low to medium support, an elasticated underband, and adjustable crossover straps.
Her matching leggings feature a flattering wrap-effect ‘V’ waistband.
Werk Jourdan!
If you’re up for the splurge, get Jourdan’s bra here and leggings here.
Thoughts?
This is a manic Monday in the fashion world in every sense of the phrase! In the latest designer news, Ohne Titel has decided to shutter:
The brand gained quite a lot of traction last month, due to the image that MAC posted of model Aamito Lagum on its Instagram—a picture taken at the brand’s Fall 2016 show.
And that autumnal assort will not go into production. Floral Gill and Alexa Adams have had trouble securing outside investors as their business has expanded, as reported by Business of Fashion.
We’ve featured the brand numerous times as celebs including Amber Rose, Adrienne Bailon, Shay Mitchell, and Jennifer Hudson are all fans.
As for what’s next for Gill and Adams? “We have at least 10 really interesting options in the works. Some plans involve working together and some do not,” said the former to BOF. “A different conversation with the customer and a different way of doing fashion,” are just some of the possibilities.
What do you think?
