Jay-Z Debuted a New Afro and Wore a Fear of God Look at the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia (It Took Him 4 Days to Comb Out His Locs)

Jay-Z made his return to the Roots Picnic stage in Philadelphia and brought more than just his catalog — he brought a brand new look.

Jay Z Debuted A New Afro And Wore A Fear Of God Look At The Roots Picnic In Philadelphia Image 1780337054 5

The rapper and mogul debuted a full afro, a notable departure from the locs he wore for years. According to reports, loctician Letisia Ravelo spent four days and four bottles of Cecred to comb out Jay-Z’s locs ahead of the new style. The fresh afro turned as many heads as the performance itself.

Jay Z Debuted A New Afro And Wore A Fear Of God Look At The Roots Picnic In Philadelphia Image 1780337054 8

On the style front, Jay-Z kept it sharp and understated in an all-black Fear of God ensemble, styled by longtime collaborator June Ambrose. The look — consisting of an oversized utility jacket and coordinating pieces — was effortlessly cool against the electric stage lighting, proving that even at a festival, Jay-Z moves with intention.

Together, the hair and the fit sent the internet into a frenzy, with fans and fashion observers alike weighing in on the rapper’s new era aesthetic.

Hot! Or Hmm..?

Photo Credit: The Real Nicoleeeeee

Ciara Miller Wore a Dipetsa SS26 Rope Fringe Look at the Summer House Reunion

Ciara Miller made her presence known at the Summer House reunion, arriving in a look that was anything but ordinary. The reality television personality wore a Dipetsa SS26 piece from the label’s Archaeology of Self collection — a sculptural rope fringe bralette paired with a draped maxi skirt, both constructed from the brand’s signature intricately looped rope detailing.

The Greek label, founded by Demetra Pinsent, has built a reputation for designs that blur the line between fashion and art. The Archaeology of Self collection drew on themes of identity, memory, and the body, with each piece functioning almost as a wearable sculpture. Miller’s look embodied that ethos, with the cascading rope fringe creating dramatic movement that translated seamlessly on screen.

1 Ciara Miller Summer House Reunion Dipseta Dress White Amanda West

The look was captured and shared by makeup artist Kase, who also handled Miller’s beauty for the appearance.

1 Ciara Miller Summer House Reunion Dipseta Dress White Amanda West 1

📸: IG/Reproduction

Naomi Osaka Wore Two Custom Kevin Germanier Upcycled Nike Looks at Roland Garros 2026

Naomi Osaka brought high fashion to the clay courts of Roland Garros during the 2026 French Open, turning heads with not one but two custom looks crafted by designer Kevin Germanier in collaboration with stylist Marty Harper.

For her first appearance, Osaka stepped onto the court in a bronze sequined peplum jacket and black tulle skirt, both constructed from reworked Nike garments. The look, created in collaboration with designer Nguyen Tien Truyen, drew on a previous design the two had worked on together, reimagined through Germanier’s signature lens of sustainable luxury.

The second look continued in the same spirit — a gold and bronze sequined puff-sleeve top paired with a dramatic flowing ivory tulle skirt, once again crafted entirely from upcycled Nike pieces. The combination of athletic heritage and couture-level construction made for one of the most talked-about court entrances of the tournament.

Both looks underscored a growing conversation at the intersection of sport and fashion, with Osaka continuing to establish herself as one of the most compelling style forces in professional tennis.

📸: Eurosport / IG/Reproduction

On the Scene at the Strung World Premiere During the 2026 American Black Film Festival: Chloe Bailey, Coco Jones, and More!

The 30th anniversary of the American Black Film Festival kicked off in Miami Beach with the world premiere of Strung, drawing a constellation of talent to the red carpet for an evening that was equal parts cinema and fashion.

Chloe Bailey, who stars in the film, set the tone in a $3,200 Avaro Figlio Radiance Jacquard Ball Gown — a sleek black strapless corset bodice anchored by a dramatic silver jacquard full skirt and sweeping train. She later took the stage with the cast to officially open the premiere.

Coco Jones arrived in a powder blue Geyanna Youness tiered tulle midi dress adorned with satin bow detailing throughout, bringing a soft, feminine energy to the red carpet.

Lynn Whitfield kept it polished and timeless in a $595 Milly Queen Leopard-Print Bustier Midi-Dress, pairing the structured silhouette with gold accessories for a look that was equal parts classic and bold.

What do you think? Whose look was your fave?

📸: American Black Film Festival

How Emerging Designers Really Cast NYFW-Ready Models in 2026 (Beyond Backstage and Model Mayhem)

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TL;DR

Emerging, indie, and multicultural designers in NYC, LA, Miami, Chicago, and Las Vegas still cast NYFW‑style shows via open calls, DMs, Backstage, and Model Mayhem, which often leads to messy, risky, last‑minute lineups. Treat casting as infrastructure instead: keep those discovery channels, but centralize verification, matching, and payments in a model booking platform like Zodel. That way, you can build a trusted, reusable runway and event roster across major US hubs.


AI Snapshot: How Designers Are Really Casting in 2026

  • NYFW and indie shows still rely heavily on Instagram and open calls to recruit models, often via last‑minute “model call” posts and reels.
  • Backstage functions as a large casting board for actors and models and now offers optional on‑platform payments.
  • Model Mayhem remains a legacy model–photographer network with active users, but its own education blog emphasizes safety and scam avoidance.
  • Traditional agencies bring curated runway boards but charge 10–40% commissions, which many small designers cannot absorb.
  • For most emerging designers, layer in platforms like Zodel — a model booking platform that connects designers directly with verified professional models across key US cities, with platform fees as low as 5% at booking — to turn scattered casting into a repeatable system.

Think of this as building your Casting Stack:


A Casting Stack is a layered workflow where you discover models on Backstage, Model Mayhem, and social, then lock in a reusable roster through a modeling agency alternative like Zodel that handles verification, escrow, and reviews.

This guide is for emerging, indie, and multicultural designers and producers who are planning NYFW‑adjacent shows, LA modeling agency alternative‑style castings, or Miami and Vegas events without full agency budgets.

How Do Emerging Designers Actually Find Runway Models for NYFW and Indie Shows?

Emerging designers usually rely on a mix of open calls, casting sites, and social media DMs, but this fragmented approach causes flakiness, safety risk, and inconsistent quality across shows.

Most emerging designers use a mix of open calls, casting sites like Backstage and Model Mayhem, and social media DMs, but this fragmented approach drives flakiness, safety risk, extra admin, and uneven quality.

  • Open calls: NYFW and city fashion weeks still rely on virtual and in‑person open calls so designers can see walks and check fit live, but sign‑ups, measurements, and notes end up scattered across spreadsheets and photos, so every show starts from scratch.
  • Backstage and Model Mayhem: Backstage offers scale and optional on‑platform payments, while Model Mayhem provides niche communities, yet both leave most vetting and safety checks to the user, who must filter large volumes and watch for scams.
  • Instagram, TikTok, and DMs: NYFW hashtags, Reels, and “Casting Call” posts surface diverse, agency‑free talent, but applications arrive via DMs and comments, so confirmations, measurements, and payment details are easy to lose—turning show week into a high‑risk puzzle instead of a controlled call sheet.

What’s the Real Difference Between Backstage, Model Mayhem, and New Casting Platforms?

Backstage and Model Mayhem specialize in discovery, while modern model booking platforms add verification, structured matching, and escrow payments so indie designers can build a repeatable runway casting system across cities.

Comparison: Legacy Tools vs Modern Model Booking Platforms

Tool / platformMain use caseStrengthsRisks / gaps
BackstageBroad casting board for actors and modelsHuge pool, familiar brand, now supports integrated payments for some jobsHigh noise, manual vetting, and you still define runway standards and manage non‑Backstage communications
Model MayhemLegacy model‑photographer networkHistory, niche communities, active members in art and fashionMixed reputation, safety concerns, and user‑driven vetting; its own blog stresses caution about scams
Traditional agenciesHigh‑fashion runway and major campaignsStrong curation, agent‑managed bookings, industry cachet10–40% commissions, slower sales cycles, and often inaccessible to small or self‑funded brands.
Modern model booking platforms (e.g., Zodel)Fashion shows, events, and content shoots across key US citiesVerified talent, curated matching, escrow‑backed payments, built‑in chat, and reviewsRequires learning a new workflow; some freelancers still work only through legacy networks.

Backstage, Model Mayhem, and traditional agencies all belong in your casting toolkit, but they function as tools for one‑off projects. Zodel’s model booking platform is designed as a modeling agency alternative you can build on season after season, keeping agency‑level curation and payment protection while replacing 10–40% agency commissions with as‑low‑as‑5% platform fees and faster confirmations. 

Zodel is a model booking platform that connects clients directly with verified professional models across the United States and acts as a practical modeling agency alternative for indie runway and event casting in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and Las Vegas. Clients post a job, Zodel matches models, and funds are held in escrow until the job is complete.

How Can You Vet Models Quickly Without Sacrificing Diversity or Professionalism?

You vet models fast by standardizing your brief, prioritizing verified identities and reviews, checking portfolio fit and runway experience, and finalizing bookings via written confirmations and escrow‑backed payments instead of informal DMs.

Checklist: fast vetting that still feels rigorous

  • Clear brief – Define sizes, vibe, walk style, city, call times, and pay structure (including fittings and rehearsals) for runway and atmosphere roles.
  • Verified profiles and ID checks—Favor profiles where identity is verified and accounts are approved before activation and where clients and models can leave reviews.
  • Portfolio fit and runway filters—Require walk videos and relevant credits (NYFW‑adjacent shows, trade shows, editorial, or commercial campaigns) that match your aesthetic.
  • Written confirmations and escrow-backed payment—Confirm bookings in writing and use escrow so models know funds are secured before show day.

Legacy tools leave most of this work manual: you copy details into spreadsheets, chase confirmations across apps, and handle payment via cash or generic payment processors.

On Zodel, you post a job with category, location, date, pay rate, and model count; the platform pre‑selects matching runway, trade show, atmosphere, commercial, or catalog models; you review a curated shortlist, pay into escrow, coordinate via built‑in chat, and release funds after the event. That means verification, matching, communication, invoices, and reviews all live in one workflow.

What Casting Mistakes Quietly Sabotage Small Fashion Shows Before They Open?

The mistakes that quietly hurt indie shows are posting calls too late, relying on unpaid “exposure,” neglecting inclusive sizing and representation, and paying in cash without agreements or protection.

Common pitfalls

  • Late calls or changing concepts post‑casting – Announcing a casting weeks too late or shifting the collection’s silhouette after casting forces emergency refits and undermines your runway story.
  • Relying entirely on unpaid castings—”exposure only” slots, especially in expensive cities, make it easy for models to prioritize paid gigs and no-show your event.
  • Ignoring inclusive sizing and diverse representation – Planning everything around one fit model leaves you scrambling backstage to make looks work across real bodies.
  • Paying in cash with no documentation – Cash envelopes and vague messages create misunderstandings about rates and hours and make disputes hard to resolve.

What happens without a system

Picture a NYFW‑adjacent show produced mostly out of DMs. You post a general “Casting Call” reel and confirm people via screenshots. On show day, about 30% of your models don’t arrive. Several who do arrive don’t match the measurements you jotted down, so looks don’t fit, quick changes run long, and the show starts late.

 A structured platform workflow—clear briefs, verified profiles, escrowed payments, and centralized communication—doesn’t guarantee perfection, but it sharply reduces no-show rates, misfit risk, and day‑of chaos while preserving your ability to scout broadly on social and legacy platforms.

How Can You Build a Reliable Model Roster in NYC, LA, Miami, Chicago, and Vegas?

You build a reliable cross‑city roster by discovering widely on Backstage, Model Mayhem, and local open calls, then formalizing only your strongest models through a model booking platform and modeling agency alternative like Zodel.

Use a three‑layer “casting stack” across NYC, LA, Miami, Chicago, and Vegas: discover agency‑free talent via Backstage, Model Mayhem, and NYFW‑style callouts, run local open calls to test walk and presence live, then formalize only the strongest, most reliable models on Zodel so you build a single, cross‑city roster with ratings and communication history you can rebook from season to season.

Scenario snapshots

  • LA club event hosting – A Los Angeles designer throws a runway‑plus‑after‑party launch. They discover some models via Backstage and Instagram, then confirm runway and atmosphere models via Zodel to keep chat, call sheets, and payments centralized.
  • Miami Swim‑style shows – A swimwear brand needs curve and straight‑size models for a Miami Swim‑style runway. They scout through social and Model Mayhem, then book bikini/swimwear runway and fitness models on Zodel to manage fittings and payments.
  • Chicago trade shows – A Chicago streetwear brand hires trade show / booth models for a convention, then rebooks top performers as catalog or commercial models via Zodel for a later campaign.
  • Vegas car shows – A Las Vegas auto brand staffs car show models for a convention and after‑party activations and uses Zodel records to bring back the same reliable team next season.

How to Run Your Next NYFW Casting in 6 Steps

You can run your next NYFW casting in a structured six‑step loop that starts with defining lineup needs and ends with rating models in a reusable roster.

  1. Define lineup needs and budget per look: Map each look to size, representation goals, and a realistic runway/fitting rate so you know how many paid roles you can support.
  2. Shortlist casting channels: Decide where each role goes: backstage for broad reach, Model Mayhem for specific creative communities, Zodel for structured bookings, plus at least one in‑person open call.
  3. Post a structured brief on Zodel and other channels: On Zodel, post a detailed runway job with city, dates, pay, and measurements; copy the core details into your Backstage/Model Mayhem listings and social posts for consistency.
  4. Pre‑vet: Verify profiles, walk videos, and diversity coverage: Use Zodel’s curated shortlist and reviews, and from legacy platforms apply safety guidance like checking references and being wary of off‑platform payment requests.
  5. Lock in talent via escrow and confirmations: Confirm final selections on Zodel so funds are held in escrow and chat is centralized; send concise written call sheets and fitting times to avoid confusion.
  6. After the show, rate models and save top talent to your roster: Leave reviews in Zodel and tag top runway, atmosphere, and commercial models by city so your next LA, Miami, Chicago, or Vegas booking starts from a proven bench.

FAQs / People Also Ask

How do I find legit NYFW casting calls without an agent?

Follow calls posted by recognizable producers, fashion weeks, or brands on verified channels, and cross-reference with established platforms like Backstage rather than random DMs. Be cautious of listings that ask for registration fees or quickly push you off‑platform, which Model Mayhem’s safety guides flag as common scam behaviors.

Is Model Mayhem still safe for booking models?

Model Mayhem can still be useful if you apply its own safety recommendations: protect your information, avoid sending money, and be wary of users who push you off‑site quickly. For runway, trade show, or commercial bookings, confirm final terms and payments in a system that offers verification, escrow, and reviews so you are not relying solely on informal messages.

What’s the best way to avoid scams when paying models online?

Avoid “opportunities” that ask you to pay for access or send money to individuals before work is agreed, and never share financial details with unknown contacts. Paying through a system that holds funds in escrow and releases them after the job, with a defined dispute window, adds a layer of protection for both designers and models.

Who This Is NOT For

This casting system is not for:

  • Designers unwilling to pay models fairly or on time.
  • Brands who want to cast entirely via last‑minute DMs with no written terms.
  • Productions that refuse to use basic agreements, call sheets, or timelines.

Closing Thoughts

When you keep discovery on Backstage, Model Mayhem, and social but move confirmations, payments, and rebooking into Zodel, you effectively give yourself a modeling agency alternative that you control. Zodel is a model booking platform that lets you hire models without an agency, with as‑low‑as‑5% fees, escrow-protected payments, and verified professional talent in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, and Las Vegas—so every season builds on the last instead of starting from scratch.

The Top 5 Best Dressed at the 2026 American Music Awards in Las Vegas: Queen Latifah in Christian Siriano, Teyana Taylor in Purple Balenciaga, Mariah the Scientist, and More!

The 2026 American Music Awards took place in Las Vegas, delivering a night of bold fashion moments on the blue carpet. From sculptural gowns to sharp tailoring, celebrities pulled out all the stops. Below, find the top 5 most liked looks:

1.Queen Latifah in Christian Siriano Fall 2026

Queen Latifah was the host for the festivities, and attended with her wife Eboni, son Rebel, and family friend Kaavia James in a Christian Siriano floor-length faux fur coat featuring an oversized collar and dramatic sweep. Her fam was fly in Thom Browne.

2.Mariah the Scientist in Ann Demeulemeester

Mariah the Scientist wore a cream embellished military-style cropped jacket with feather cuff detailing, silver button hardware, and a matching satin maxi skirt with a dramatic train.

3. Amaya in Larrianna

Love Island Star Amaya Elizabeth turned heads in a gold cut out dress by Larrianna.

4. Teyana Taylor in Balenciaga Fall 2026

Teyana Taylor attended with her daughters Rue and Junie in a Balenciaga Fall 2026 purple strapless ruched gown featuring a thigh-high slit, off-shoulder drape, and dramatic sweeping train.

5. Jana Craig in Rat and Boa

Love Island Star Jana Craig also nabbed a spot on our best dressed list in a viral Rat and Boa Fabienne dress.

Who was your fave? Vote here:

See more looks below:

Tinashe arrived in a Blumarine FW26 RTW white sheer lace off-shoulder gown with long sleeves and a floor-length silhouette, accessorized with a statement silver choker necklace.

Hilary Duff brought old-school glamour in a silver Rabanne chainmail plunge-neck maxi dress, paired with silver heels — a nod to the house’s iconic metal mesh heritage.

Glorilla shined in custom yellow Sir Babajagne look, styled by EJ King.

Karol G made a striking appearance in a Natalia Fedner x Brett Alan Nelson black sheer crochet mesh long-sleeve top with deconstructed fringe hem, paired with a dramatic black taffeta ball skirt.

Jordan Chiles attended in a Rahul Mishra FW25 Couture embellished navy jacket with gold eyelet and crystal detailing, paired with wide-leg black trousers.

Maluma suited up in a Boss FW26 RTW Look 11 grey double-breasted suit with a paisley tie and black boots, styled by Stephanie Escobar.

Busta Rhymes made a statement in a white Bottega Veneta oversized structured jacket with a floral corsage shoulder detail and black wide-leg leather trousers.

Who Had your favorite look of the night?

Videos: John Pascarella

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Posed with Her Daughter Aaradhya in a Pink Sophie Couture Gown at the L’Oréal Paris Lights on Women’s Worth Gala at Cannes 2026

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan marked her 24th year at the Cannes Film Festival with a series of memorable appearances, including a mother-daughter moment at the L’Oréal Paris Lights on Women’s Worth Gala — an annual event celebrating new and emerging female filmmakers.

For the occasion, the former Miss World was styled by Mohit Rai in a powder pink gown from Sophie Couture. The structured, body-hugging strapless dress featured a corseted bodice and embellishments at the shoulder and sides, paired with a chiffon cape adorned with a pink brooch.  She completed the look with diamond earrings, rings, soft side-parted curls, and dewy makeup.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Posed With Her Daughter Aaradhya In A Pink Sophie Couture Gown At The LOreal Paris Lights On Womens Worth Gala At Cannes 2026 1
Screenshot

Joining her for the first time at a formal Cannes event was her daughter Aaradhya, who turned heads in a ruby-red caped gown, styled similarly to her mother’s look.  Aaradhya, 14, has previously accompanied Aishwarya to the festival but this marked her first appearance at an official event. 

Other attendees at the gala included Eva Longoria, Gillian Anderson, and Sofia Carson.

📸: Vendetta Daily/Reproduction

Dr. Cheyenne Bryant Wore a Blue Fashion Nova Bandage Midi Dress at The Abbey’s 35th Anniversary in West Hollywood

Dr. Cheyenne Bryant stepped out for The Abbey’s 35th Anniversary celebration in West Hollywood in a blue Fashion Nova Rio Living Bandage Midi Dress. The form-fitting midi featured cutout detailing and dark contrast paneling throughout.

She accessorized with a gold Louis Vuitton Coussin PM bag and $970 René Caovilla crystal-embellished heels.

2 Dr Cheyenne Bryant Wore A Blue Fashion Nova Bandage Midi Dress At The Abbeys 35th Anniversary In West Hollywood

Hot! or Hmm..? What do you think?

📸: HipHollywood/Reproduction

Win a Florek NY Shell Bag: As Worn by Jackie Aina, Kandi, Claire Sulmers, and More!


If you haven’t heard of Florek NY yet, consider this your introduction to the luxury accessories brand that’s been quietly making its mark on the fashion world. With sculptural silhouettes that feel more like wearable art than everyday handbags, Florek NY is the kind of discovery that makes you wonder how you ever dressed without one. And right now, they’re giving one away.


The Bag Everyone Is Carrying

Kandi Win A Florek NY Shell Bag As Worn By Jackie Aina Kandi Claire Sulmers And More


Florek NY’s signature shell bags have become the must-have accessory for women who know that a great bag doesn’t just hold your essentials — it makes a statement. With bold gold shell hardware, luxe finishes, and a silhouette that commands a room, these pieces sit at the intersection of fashion, culture, and artistry.

Win A Florek NY Shell Bag As Worn By Jackie Aina Kandi Claire Sulmers And More Image 1779403720 1


“Sculptural silhouettes, luxe finishes, bold gold shell hardware — these bags are fashion, culture, and artistry in one standout accessory.”


It’s no surprise that some of the most stylish Bombshells around have already embraced the brand. The Florek NY community includes heavy hitters across beauty, music, and lifestyle: Jackie Aina, Kandi, Claire Sulmers, Amiraa Vee, Kerry Spence, Team Terra, Annie Semieux, and more.

Jackie Aina Win A Florek NY Shell Bag As Worn By Jackie Aina Kandi Claire Sulmers And More


From glam evening events to effortlessly chic street style moments, the shell bag has proven it can do it all — and look exceptional every single time. When a bag earns the stamp of approval from this caliber of tastemakers, you pay attention.


Why Florek NY Matters Right Now

6 6 On The Scene At The 15 Percent Pledge Gala Tina Knowles And Meghan Markle In Harbison Claire Sulmers In Ant Lamourr And More
Claire Sulmers at the 2026 Fifteen Percent Pledge Fundraising Gala held at Paramount Studios on February 07, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)


In a market saturated with the same old silhouettes, Florek NY is doing something genuinely different. The brand’s commitment to bold, artistic design puts it firmly in the conversation around Black designers who are redefining luxury on their own terms — crafting pieces that don’t follow trends, they create them.

Win A Florek NY Shell Bag As Worn By Jackie Aina Kandi Claire Sulmers And More Bozoma Saint John Image 1779403473 1


The shell motif itself carries cultural resonance: organic, timeless, and unmistakably original. Whether you’re wearing head-to-toe neutrals or your most vibrant outfit, a Florek NY shell bag is the punctuation mark your look has been missing.

888 Win A Florek NY Shell Bag As Worn By Jackie Aina Kandi Claire Sulmers And More


How to Enter the Giveaway

  1. Follow Florek NY on Instagram.
  2. Comment with the bag style you’d love to own.
  3. Tag a friend who needs one in their collection.
  4. Enter by June 1st. Winner announced the following week — one bag of your choice.


Giveaways come and go, but the chance to win a piece from a brand this exciting doesn’t come around often. Whether you’re a longtime Florek NY admirer or discovering the brand for the first time, this is your moment. Head to Florek NY on Instagram and enter before June 1st.
And if you don’t win? Now you know exactly what to add to your wishlist.

Claires Life Inside Fashion Trust USs Cocktail Celebrating The 2026 Awards Finalists With Tina Odjaghian Wayman Micah And More IMG 9958
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 03: (L-R) Tina Odjaghian, Micah McDonald, Claire Sulmers and Wayman Bannerman attend the Fashion Trust U.S. Cocktail Celebrating the FTUS 2026 Finalists at Private Residence on February 03, 2026 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Fashion Trust U.S.)