The internet was in a tizzy this past weekend over a selfie Kylie Jenner posted sporting cornrows. Her caption, “I woke up like disss.”
Duck lips? Check? Exposed midriff? Check. Beyoncé reference? Of course! But while her flick may have seemed innocent to some, others shamed Kylizzle for using her social media following to show love for black culture, but no love for the actual struggles of black people.
Many weighed in on her hair, from Justin Bieber to Charlamagne (to everyone in between). But the most vocal voice was 17-year-old Hunger Games actress Amandla Stenberg, who commented on the photo, saying, “When u appropriate black features and culture but fail to use ur position of power to help black Americans by directing attention towards ur wigs instead of police brutality or racism #whitegirlsdoitbetter”. Amandla is also famously known for a video she made back in April titled, “Don’t Cash Crop on my Cornrows.” See her thoughts on cultural appropriation here:
She’s a really bright girl! If you take the 5 minutes to watch her piece, you’d certainly see where she’s coming from. Her point: Kylie has no problem espousing body traits typically celebrated in black women, dating black men, and wearing ‘black’ hairstyles. Has she ever so much as hashtagged #BlackLivesMatter? Not sure.
While we’d hope that everyone with a huge platform would use said platform to inspire and incite change, it’s simply not everyone’s prerogative. Kylie is a teenager. Her family is not known for having any discernible talent aside from looking good and dressing well. Even if Kylie wanted to escape the spotlight, she couldn’t–she’s been on a reality TV show since she was a youngster. She is rich and famous just for breathing. I’m not sure why we’d expect her to have any sort of insight or intellectual depth.
Also, we have to think about the types of people we put on a pedestal. The Kardashian/Jenners are not professors, lawyers, dancers, or singers. We love to look at them as an escape from the ‘Real World.’ They live a life of luxurious excess, one that is purely superficial and pretty much completely fake. So why would we expect them to give us anything but duck lips, enviable abs, and pretty pictures? That is their job!
And who knows? Maybe Amandla’s comment and the ensuing internet controversy will inspire Kylie and her klan to learn better and perhaps do better–and use their platforms for elucidating and educating versus simply pouting and preening. Or not.
What do you think of this hubbub?
*Amandla took to her Instagram last night to weigh in some more.
“Black features are beautiful. Black women are not. White women are paragons of virtue and desire. Black women are objects of fetishism and brutality.
This, at least, seems to be the mentality surrounding black femininity and beauty in a society built upon eurocentric beauty standards. While white women are praised for altering their bodies, plumping their lips, and tanning their skin, black women are shamed although the same features exist on them naturally.
This double standard is one string in the netting that surrounds black female sexuality – a web that entraps black women when they claim sexual agency. Deeply ingrained into culture is the notion that black female bodies, at the intersect of oppression, are less than human and therefore unattractive. They are symbols of pain, trauma, and degradation. Often when they are sexualized, it is from a place of racial fetishism.
The stigmas surrounding it are embedded in American infrastructure and psyche as evidenced by the ways black women are sexually assualted and treated by police – an act that goes frequently unreported by the media. When the media is not ignoring black women altogether, they are disparaging them.
As culture shifts and racial tensions are tested through the vehicle of the #BlackLivesMatter movement, it’s important to question:
While admiring our Beyonce shoe post from last week, I was redirected to an archived article from 2012, titled 15 luxury shoe brands you should have on your radar. The post was fun and full of information, but all the shoes looked so…dated. 2015 has ushered in a new bevy of shoe designers you should definitely know, in addition to the ones already highlighted.
There’s a good reason Jay Z made a whole song dedicated to Tom Ford! Mr. Ford is one of the industry’s unsung geniuses. Literally everything he touches turns to gold!
His runway creations are gag worthy, his sunglasses on point, perfumes delicious, but his shoes might be his greatest selling point.
Tom Ford shoes offer singular details (gold padlocks, anyone?), and everything from twists on classic silhouettes to designs where only the bold need apply.
Fords are elusive and expensive (the least you’ll spend is $900).
Get your fill if you can swing it here:
After working with Nicholas Kirkwood, Sophia Webster launched her eponymous line of playful, colorful shoes.
She became known for a few signatures, including her candy ball heels, slingbacks equipped with quippy messages, neon colors, and fantastical lace ups.
Unlike most designers in this roundup, Webster has managed to keep her prices reasonable at around $400-$800 for heels. In a world of $1,000 shoes, her options are a welcome reprieve.
DSquared2 has experienced quite a resurgence in recent years, particularly in their shoe department! They’ve unleashed quite the collection of must haves, from plexi decorated stunners to studded caged thigh highs.
DSquared, like Tom Ford, has also jumped on the elusive train. The heels are hard to find, and are typically only available via their online store, DSquared2 Boutiques, and limited online stores like LuisaViaRoma.com, FarFetch, and the Corner.
Expensive? You betcha! Be ready to shell out at least $900 for a scintillating pair.
Purchase here:
Note: DSquared2 is having a shoe sale. Peruse here.
4. Aquazzura
Italian shoe brand Aquazzura has triumphed due to their signature lace up pumps and sandals.
Other styles showcase fringe, colorblocking, cut outs, and light catching mirrored details.
These will cost you a pretty penny as well, with most styles starting at $600, and the prices going up, up, and up.
Get the look here:
5. Gianvito Rossi
While many heels on this list skew over the top with colors, bells, and whistle, Gianvito Rossi triumphs by way of sheer simplicity.
He was destined to design shoes–his Dad, Sergio Rossi, showed him the ropes.
Though he’s best known for comfortable, effortlessly chic PVC pumps, he also whips out a few stunners, namely cut out ankle booties or head turning thigh highs.
While the word ‘reasonable’ and designer shoes never tend to go in the same sentence, Gianvito’s pumps ring it at under $1K, which is always cause for celebration.
Shop him up here:
6. Azzedine Alaia
No shoe post would be complete without a mention of the notoriously mysterious Azzedine Alaia.
The French designer is one of the most sought after yet under publicized brands around. Mr. Alaia doesn’t need to toot his own horn. The products speak for themselves.
His speciality includes sky scraping boots, embellished sandals, and lace up heels.
Alaia doesn’t do much e-commerce. Heck, when I lived in Paris, I stumbled upon his boutique by accident. He doesn’t even have a sign outside!
Now, this post was created as an update to this archived post, where I highlighted Giuseppe Zanotti, Pierre Hardy, Nicholas Kirkwood, Walter Steiger, Gianmarco Lorenzi, Ruthie Davis, Brian Atwood, Charlotte Olympia, Lanvin, Prada, Miu Miu, Fendi, Gucci, Versace, Saint Laurent, and Camilla Skovgaard.
That said, would you add any more to this list?
Rihanna grabbed dinner at Bond Street in NYC in the same Versace Fall 2015 Choker she originally sported back in March:
Rihanna paired the choker with a $2,440 Marni Floral Dress and Chanel loafers in NYC, though she originally paired the statement-making bauble with a green fur coat from Versace’s Fall 2015 collection, an Adam Selman dress, and Versace green thigh-high boots.
On the runway, her choker was paired with a green fur, sheer black tights, and ankle-strap sandals.
Gabrielle Union and husband Dwyane Wade partied at the New York Fashion Week Men’s S/S 2016 Opening Event, with Gabrielle in a Baja East Fall 2015 Cap Sleeve Long Trench and Stripe Cutout Jumpsuit:
On the runway, her trench was paired with a fringe rope and silver metal necklace and white high-top sneakers, while her jumpsuit was accessorized with an iteration of the same neck candy and not much else.
Don’t think she needed the trench, but it’s a fab look nonetheless.
Her micro mini dress features a sweetheart neckline, lace inserts, hidden structured tube bodice with boning detail, elastic cinching at the sleeves, and an off-the-shoulder silhouette.
Her suede sandals showcase wrap-around straps and functional 3.5″ heels.
So cute!
If you’re up for the splurge, get Jamie’s dress here and sandals here.
As predicted, New York was on fire this past Saturday!
Ty Hunter, Legendary Damon, and I co-hosted our monthly No Basics Brunch at Corner Social in Harlem, with special guest host Sharaya J and music by Olivia Dope!
Fashion Bombers and Bombshells showed up and out, as usual.
Take a Look:
This Bombshell flaunted locs and a breezy blue jumpsuit.
My Haitian brother Alaska Gedeon rolled through in a printed shirt and shorts.
@KindraMone worked thrifted jeans, a Necessary Clothing top, and Aldo shoes.
@SheStaus uplifted a neutral ‘fit with lace up sandals. Chic!
@SabrianaATeam wore a total look from Ashley Stewart.
Handbag designer @ChermiaAmour posed with her beau Bruce in a white lace dress punctuated by one of her hand painted clutches.
@Amiraavee looked adorable in a LaQuan Smith striped dress and Christian Louboutin heels.
@OhSoCocoa set our Instagram aflame in a forest green shift, fringed sandals, and a red clutch.
And our guest co-host Sharaya J kept it poppin with her signature blue ‘do, a David Giampiccolo t-shirt dress, and Giuseppe Zanotti sneakers.
It was lots of fun, as always! And it was so great meeting and seeing all of you!
My co-hosts and I decided that morning to rock sequins. So I slipped on a white tee, white jean shorts, and my Haute Hippie sequined duster jacket.
Damon and I had a moment of outfit envy, so we switched jackets temporarily.
Afterwards, everyone headed to La Marina in Washington Heights for Everyday People.
It was pretty epic!
We took some street style video at both events, so stay tuned for those.
A lot of you have asked me when the next one will be. Mark your calendars for August 8th. And maybe we can see if Everyday People would be down for an Uptown event for part 2.
Happy Monday, folks!
So I met so many fab Bombshells at this past Saturday’s No Basics Brunch! Two of my favorite street style looks were of stylistas rocking ensembles from Disclothesure:
The online store bubbles over with affordable, chic ensembles and shades.
Take a look at a few of my faves:
The Jennifer Jumpsuit, $69
Belinda Sunglasses, $16
Annette Bomber Jacket, $49
Tracey Two Piece Set, $65
Round the Way Sunglasses, $16
I mean, aren’t you in love?
See more and purchase at Disclothesure.com.
Did you spy any must haves?
Happy Monday, Bombers and Bombshells!
I had to take off this morning to recover from the #NoBasicsBrunch (pix coming soon), but thankfully the Fashion Bomb Squad held me down! So, without further ado, I give you today’s Bombshell, De’Chele from NYC:
She writes, “[My style is] Fashionably Versatile…”
“Depending on my mood, I can go from Tomboy to Chic any day.”
” I love dressing up, but some days I love throwing on a pair of high top sneakers with a cap.”
” My current look is more of a natural-centric style, big natural fro and bold African prints and I’m loving it!!”
More here:
The filters on some pix took away from the outfits, but you definitely have great style that shines through. Bombshell!
See most on Instagram @Dee.AndTheCity.
What do you think?
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 6-8 clear, unfiltered, head-to-toe pictures of 5-10 different outfits (no collages) to thefashionbomb@gmail.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.
