Rihanna and bestie Melissa kicked back over the holiday weekend, lounging poolside in patriotic swimwear. While M Dollas flaunted a navy blue bikini and red shades, Rihanna worked a $550 blue and white colorblock swimsuit by Lisa Marie Fernandez:
The V-Neck One piece has draped panels at the front.
Splurge at Saks.
What do you think? Would you wear it?
As the Essence Music Festival wound down, things in Paris geared up for couture week. Today, Raf Simons offered his latest collection at Dior with billowing shapes and cape-like overcoats. Though only two models of color were a part of the casting, Lupita Nyong’o was front and center for the event, wearing a custom red pleated Dior Couture frock, Dior ‘So Real’ sunglasses, a Dior badge embellished clutch, and sensible heels.
For her front row seat alongside Anna Wintour, the star beamed in the short, simple, fun dress, cinched at the waist as is the style for the founder of the New Look.
With her natural hair in a little fro, she was the embodiment of summer fab.
What do you think?!
This weekend was undoubtedly a busy one with a myriad of celebrations going on all over the globe. From fashion show fiestas to 4th of July fetes, and the Essence Festival (somewhere I MUST be next year), stars were everywhere showcasing their designer duds. But who set off fireworks with their looks, and who made the spark die out? Let’s take a look!
First up is supermodel Naomi Campbell. Speid at the Miu Miu resort wear afterparty in Paris, the goddess wore an ethereal, low-cut Alaïa frock for the festivities, uplifting her outfit with beachy waves and a flower in her hair. Hot!
Another top model, Cara Delevingne hit up the red carpet in Australia for the premiere of her new movie Paper Towns. She wore a hunter green mini dress by Dion Lee, with a sexy cut-out back. The color was so rich, and her, new strawberry blond mane was the perfect offset. Striking eyeshadow pulled this hot look together quite nicely.
Singer Estelle was all smiles at the Verizon booth during the Essence Festival in New Orleans this weekend. Wearing a crop top and long, pleated skirt by Milly by Michelle Smith, there’s no denying how fun and picture perfect she was.
June Ambrose and Empire star Bryshere Gray also partook in a few Essence Festival activities. The two posed for a pic, which could’ve almost resulted in a “Who Wore It Better?” showdown. But the two looked as cool as ever in their black and white outfits.
Solange, Kelly Rowland, Missy Elliott, and Beyonce posed it up for a Essence Fest after party. Everyone looks fresh faced and beautiful!
Jourdan Dunn loves experimenting with different looks, and this time, she let her hair do the talking. Before heading to the Wireless Festival, the supermodel snapped a selfie of her newly dyed gray/teal/lavender hair while wearing a Moschino crop top. Very cute look for Miss Dunn.
Nicole Scherzinger was photographed before hitting up the Kathie Lee and Hoda show. She looked every bit the diva in a pair of aviators, a $177 House of CB ‘Katana’ bodycon, bandage dress, and nude Kurt Geiger ‘Britton’ pumps. I loved the color on her, but it does remind me of the countless Herve Leger’s Kim K.W. wore almost every day a few years ago.
Draya Michele loves a good time and a cool ensemble. So she went for something upbeat, fun and festive this 4h of July in a custom Duckie Confetti sequined jersey, denim shorts, sneakers, and a Chanel purse. Love the laid back look.
Naturi Naughton is hitting the Power press tour hard; getting the word out about the upcoming season. She loves making her looks vibrant and fun, which this $200 Finders Keepers ‘Next In Line’ tropical printed mini dress can attest to. Love it!
Tia Mowry-Hardrict is still celebrating her birthday with hubby, Cory. The event was Havana Nights themed, so this Stop Staring printed halter 50’s dress was the perfect fit. Hoop earrings and $398 Stuart Weitzman ‘Nudist’ sandals completed her look while Cory offset a tropical printed shirt with a straw hat. So cute, these two!
That’s it for this week! Who were your faves?
The Essence Music Festival is annually one of our high points of the year. With so many players in black culture — and culture at large to be honest — converging in New Orleans for a weekend, it’s definitely a rich experience to be a part of. This year, Usher took his time in the spotlight to make a statement with a screen printed ‘Juneteenth’ t-shirt. You guys were clearly impressed as evidenced by the Instagram interaction when we first posted the look.
For those who don’t know: Juneteenth is a holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. Celebrated on June 19th, some look at it with as much reverence in the black community as July 4th. Usher seems to be one of those people as his shirt depicts July 4th struck through and Juneteenth prominently beneath it. At a time with race, race politics and racial identity are at the forefront of the national conversation, this was certainly a #STAYWOKE moment.
That tee wasn’t the only symbol as the artist’s leather jacket questioned ‘Have we truly achieved our independence?” It’s an apt question considering that this is still a nation of burning black churches and police brutality.
The fits were designed by Kerby Jean-Raymond of the brand Pyer Moss. It wasn’t Raymond’s first political outing as this was the same designer who created the “They Have Names” tee that was an ode to people of color who had lost their lives to police brutality. We haven’t heard whether or not these pieces will go into production but will keep you updated.
Kylie Jenner is a hottie! She was spied in an H&M red mini dress and Fendi sandals recently in LA:
She further accessorized with a classic city Balenciaga bag.
Her sandals debuted on Fendi’s Spring 2015 runway.
Her bag boasts green canvas, yellow rubber, black leather, black mesh, and silver tone hardware.
The bag doesn’t really ‘go’, but she looks super hot! Ok girl!
What do you think?
*She’s worn this dress once before.
When did she wear it best?
Rihanna stepped out for dinner at Giorgio Baldi in a $2,515 Jean Paul Gaultier Pinstriped Lace Up Jacket and Azzedina Alaia Black and White Sandals:
Her lace up pinstripe blazer is fashioned out of white virgin wool.
Her black and white boast cut out details.
Her sandals are sold out, but her jacket is now on sale for $1,760 at FarFetch.com. Splurge here.
Hot! or Hmm… to this look?
Ciara headed out for meetings in NYC in black trousers and a Backless Top from Solace London’s Fall 2015 collection:
Red lips punctuated her pout. She looks gorgeous!
The top boasts a mock neck.
I’m not blown away, but she does look seamless and chic.
What do you think?
So I’m down in New Orleans for the ESSENCE festival!
On day 1, I was honored to host the Golden Carpet for McDonald’s 365 Black Awards.
The event was created to acknowledge exceptional people in the community who are making an impact through service. The Awards show launched in 2003 as an extension of McDonalds’s 365Black platform, which celebrates the achievements of African-Americans year-round.
Chock full of performances by Sevyn, B.O.B, and Andra Day, and hosted by Keke Palmer and Terrence J, the show was lots of fun (it airs on BET later this summer)! And the carpet was filled with fabulous people.
Check it out:
Keke Palmer looked cute in a Victoria Beckham Dress and Tamara Mellon sandals.
Blackish Star Yara Shahidi was adorable in Stella & Jamie separates.
Her co-star Marcus Scribner looked quite dapper in a Zara suit and Cole Haan shoes.
Andra Day is a singer you definitely should know! She lived up to her retro style in a dress by Tatyana.
Arts and Entertainment Honoree Ava Duvernay and I bonded over our locs. She was a beauty in black and white lace separates.
Amber Riley slipped on printed Vince Camuto separates and Jessica Simpson heels.
Sevyn Streeter flashed some leg in a crystal embellished black gown.
Her beau B.O.B. also graced the golden carpet in all black.
Salli Richardson-Whitfield looked bomb in Byron Lars.
Shaniece posed pretty with husband Flex Alexander.
And lastly, I grabbed a pic with Fashion Queens Bevy Smith and Ms. Lawrence.
The show airs later this summer. I’ll be sure to tweet you or let you know when it goes down.
What did you think of the style on McDonald’s 365 Black Awards Golden Carpet?
Images: Karl Pierre
Pop princess Demi Lovato posed it up with fans at the Power 96 4th July Weekend Kick Off Party in Miami while sporting a $169 Style Stalker Mayan Floral V-Neck Long Sleeve Romper and $1,050 Fendi Metallic Contrast Trim Platform Open Toe Pumps:
Her poly-blend v-neck wrap front romper features a drawstring waist and back keyhole with button closure .
Her 5-inch heel tri-color metallic platform pumps boast pink contrast trims and leather lining.
Cute!
If you’re feeling her ‘fit, purchase her romper here and shoes here.
Thoughts?
Happy holiday weekend!
Before we indulge in our Fourth of July festivities, let’s check out some of the best looks from this week!
1) Tracee Ellis Ross in Atsuko Kudo
BET Awards 2015 host Tracee Ellis Ross took to the ‘Gram in the ever-popular Atsuko Kudo latex dress accompanied by a pair of nude Christian Louboutin pumps. According to the Fashion Bomb readers, an alarming 81% of you believed the actress rocked it better than Kim Kardashian West! And, I agree! Her curves are ev-ery-thing. She just gets it, no?
2) Alessandra Ambrosio in Balmain
Top model Alessandra Ambrosio was spotted leaving the Balmain’s Spring 2016 Menswear show uplifting a head-to-‘fit from the fashion house’s runway presentation. Her Embossed Button Halter Dress features a fitted silhouette, flap pockets and gold buttons. The fashionista also donned a pair of Balmain peep-toe, leather sandals. Hot!
3) Kat Graham in Endless Rose and Alexander Wang
Once again, the crop top reigns supreme! Kat Graham looked effortlessly chic as she was papped in an Endless Rose cutout top, silver wedges and a striped Alexander Wang abstract skirt. The actress also rocked braids, a bold lip and a nude bag. She’s so gorg!
4) Jada Pinkett Smith in Jitrois
Jada Pinkett Smith is it! The style maven gave all kinds of life in a leather Jitrois creation that boasts a halter neck, a ribbed top and a zipped back. She topped off her frock with simple black pumps, a killer smile and fleekworthy hair. I can’t wait to see what she wears next!
5) Beyonce in Romeo Hunte
To round out our contenders, we have the lovely Beyonce! The superstar kept it casual and cool in a pinstripe, wrap dress by Romeo Hunte. Although the dress maintains a simple look, the detailing perfectly accents her curvy physique. With a low-cut neckline, embroidered buttons and a black/white palette, this dress is the business! Go Bey!
Thoughts?
Signing Out — Esmesha
