Next up for our Faby’s Best of 2021: Fashionista of the Year! The nominees for the following category are women who always manage to turn heads whether it is a red carpet event or everyday street style. Staying dressed to the nines at all times, these ladies are true fashionistas in our eyes.

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Without further ado, we present this year’s nominees for Fashionista of the Year:

1. Zendaya

As this year’s CFDA Fashion Icon Award recipient, I think that says enough for Zendaya and her fashion impact. Under the stylings of Law Roach, the actress constantly delivers stunning style moments rocking notable designer looks. How could we forget her iconic Balmain nude dress at the 2021 Venice Film Festival, her Alaïa moment at the Dune premiere in Paris, or even her homage to Beyoncé at the 2021 BET Awards in the Versace Spring 2003 dress?

In addition to her many looks, Zendaya also graced the covers of British Vogue, GQ, Vanity Fair, and InStyle this year alone. Not to mention, she became the newest face of Valentino at the end of 2020 with her first official campaign launching this year.

2. Lori Harvey

It seems not only is Lori Harvey on everyone’s wishlist but so are her outfits! Lori Harvey quickly became a style sensation as she regularly steps out in stylish looks. From her post-pilates ab-baring looks to evening gowns from date nights with her beau Michael B. Jordan, Lori Harvey’s style varies from sexy-elegant to casual-chic depending on the occasion, with her making a style moment nearly out of any activity she’s doing.

Adding to her year in style and fashion, Harvey also covered Wonderland magazine in September and collaborated with Naked Wardrobe in January. She also launched her very own skincare brand known as SKN by LH, honing in on the secrets to her smooth skin which seals the deal to her can’t-miss looks.

3. Rihanna

We saw lots of the bad gal Rihanna this year with the singer-entrepreneur captivating us with street style moments, magazine covers, and promotions of her fashion and beauty brands. After skipping 2019’s annual biggest night in fashion, she made a fashionably-late appearance at this year’s Met Gala alongside her boyfriend and rapper A$AP Rocky. Saving the best for last, she graced the carpet wearing an oversized black Balenciaga look with a lace-trim black beanie cap for the American fashion-themed event, styled by Jahleel Weaver.

While we also witnessed a pause on her Fenty fashion label, she also made history reaching billionaire status and becoming the wealthiest female musician and second richest female entertainer after Oprah, thanks to her Fenty Beauty empire. Other noteworthy fashion moments from Rihanna in 2021 include her third Savage X Fenty fashion show, Vogue Italia cover, and dressing up as rapper Gunna for Halloween.

4. Cardi B

Cardi B came in hot this year, showing us that it was “up and stuck”. With her go-to stylist Kollin Carter right by her side, Cardi B had a huge year in fashion with looks in addition to continuing her partnership with Reebok for sold-out collections. Of course, it is hard to forget the moment when she shocked everyone with the surprise announcement of her second pregnancy while performing at the 2021 BET Awards in a custom dazzling Dolce and Gabbana look.

Taking a brief pause after having her second child, the rapper-fashionista made a comeback in a Cardi-esque way, returning to Paris Fashion Week with an epic saga of designer looks including Schiaparelli, Mugler, Balenciaga and more. Her most recent fashion moment surrounded her hosting of the 2021 AMAs where she went through nine outfit changes with each better than the last.

5. Kim Kardashian

From her style-filled trip to Italy to the Fendi x Skims collaboration, it is safe to say Kim Kardashian had quite the year in fashion. Saying goodbye to the Keeping Up with The Kardashians reality series with her family, she managed to go out in style, ending the series in a bronze Vivienne Westwood gown at the reunion. Her trip to Rome was also definitely one to watch as she donned many looks including her controversial Barragan white lace cutout dress for the Vatican City.

Balenciaga and Kim K. became a thing this year especially after her all-black and completely covered look by the brand at the 2021 Met Gala, which generated buzz and memes on social media. Prior to the annual fashion event, she also wore Balenciaga while appearing at Kanye West’s DONDA listening events, with one of her looks being a white bridal gown for the recreation of their wedding. Essentially, Balenciaga became all that she wore, opting for the Paris-based label for all of her Saturday Night Live rehearsal and hosting looks. When she wasn’t wearing Balenciaga, she went for her other go-to brand Rick Owens or her shapewear line Skims which launched a huge collaboration with Fendi back in November. While receiving this year’s Wall Street Journal Magazine 2021 Brand Innovator Award, she stunned in a Fendi x Skims brown leather draped dress prior to the collaboration’s release.

6. Megan Fox

Earlier this year, Megan Fox stepped out with her boyfriend Machine Gun Kelly wearing a stunning snakeskin look by LaQuan Smith topped off with a 3.1 Phillip Lim black leather trench coat, ultimately landing her on everyone’s style radar. Working closely with stylist Maeve Reilly in 2021, the actress gave us many bomb looks including her Mugler dress at the 2021 Billboard Music Awards, her all-black David Koma look, and of course her red Dundas number at the 2021 Met Gala.

As a rockstar’s girlfriend, Megan Fox nails the aesthetic with edgy-chic looks both on and off the red carpet.

7. Jurnee Smollett

When she isn’t slaying roles on the big screen, Jurnee Smollett is wow’ing us with her looks on the red carpet and during press appearances. She truly stunned at the 2021 NAACP Image Awards rocking a black and emerald green dress by Alexandre Vauthier, making our best dressed list for the award ceremony.

Other outstanding style moments from this year include her blue Alexandre Vauthier moment at the 2021 MTV Movie Awards, Elie Saab dress for an Oscar afterparty, and Dior Couture dress for the 2021 Emmys. Posing as a promising contender for Fashionista of the Year, Jurnee Smollett is one who is not afraid to go bold in color and trims with her looks.

8. Ciara

When it comes to singer Ciara, just know we’re always going to get two things: legs and looks! Whenever she steps out, it’s always a stunning style moment sometimes matched with a guest appearance from her toned legs. A few significant looks from this year include her Alexandre Vauthier crystal jumpsuit at the 2021 BET Awards, her football jersey-inspired Dundas gown at the 2021 Met Gala, and her Charlotte Knowles tie-dye look from her anniversary trip to Italy with husband Russell Wilson.

Additionally, Ciara ventured further into the fashion industry this year with the launch of her fashion label LITA by Ciara, supplying stylish casual wear as well as bold statement pieces with inclusivity, sustainability, and positive impact at the forefront.

9. Marjorie Harvey

Marjorie Harvey has entered the fashionista chat! As mother to Lori Harvey, it is really like mother, like daughter especially in the style and fashion realm. Earlier this year, Marjorie and her looks became a hot topic during a Valentine’s Day trip in Aspen where the stylish mother donned glamours snow-ready looks by labels like Louis Vuitton, Moncler, and Oscar de la Renta.

Of course, how could we forget her grande takeover during Paris Fashion Week? While in the famous city of love and fashion, Marjorie graced our feeds with looks upon looks featuring Bottega Veneta, Fendi, Schiaparelli, and more.

10. Hailey Bieber

Arguably fashion’s current “it” girl, Hailey Bieber is hard to miss as her name, face, and fits are seen almost everywhere. This year, the highly sought-after model starred in many campaigns such as Beyoncé’s Ivy Park x Adidas, Versace, Saint Laurent, and Jimmy Choo to name a few. She was also featured in V Magazine, Vogue, Vogue Paris, Vogue Brasil, and Elle this year as well.

When she isn’t serving face for campaigns and covers, she is stopping the paparazzi in their tracks with her versatile street style or elegant evening ensembles. Under the touch of stylist Maeve Reilly, her outfits from the “Biebs in Paris” trip served as major fashion moments for the model this year, with Hailey rocking brands like LaQuan Smith and Bottega Veneta during the visit. Her Alessandra Rich black velvet dress posed as another stunning look for the model, further solidifying her nomination for Fashionista of the Year.

11. Tracee Ellis Ross

When it comes to style and fashion, Tracee Ellis Ross is one who truly never misses. Serving as a fan-favorite fashionista, Tracee always delivers timeless glam and vibrant hues with her ensembles. Even with simple casual looks, she always manages to make them significant.

In the year 2021, we were blessed with many magazine features featuring Tracee Ellis Ross including Elle Mexico, Harper’s Bazaar, and Marie Claire to name a few. Additionally, her Schiaparelli number at the 2021 NAACP Awards, Bottega Veneta blue feathery look, and blue couture moment in Balenciaga at the 2021 Met Gala pose as a few of her unforgettable style moments from this year.

Vote below for the 2021 Fashionista of the Year:

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Photos: Tomás Herold / Getty / AB+DM / Robert Ector / Blair Caldwell / Conrad Khalil / Jacob Webster / Miles Diggs / Richard Massao / Angelo Kritikos / María José Govea / Lelia Scarfiotti / Gérson Lopes / Daniel Regan / Erik Melvin

Megan Thee Stallion was spotted getting cozy with her beau Pardi as the two relaxed at home. The Houston rapper was outfitted in a comfy-looking white jogger set from Fashion Nova.

Megan Thee Stallion wore Fashion Nova’s $64.99 Be Yourself 3 Piece Jogger Set in ivory. While Megan only rocked the cropped zip-up hooded jacket and high waisted drawstring joggers, the set also comes with a triangle bralette top.

She paired the look with some grey fuzzy slippers, stud earrings and Fashion Nova’s $14.99 Tea Leaf Ring Set in gold. Rounding off the look, she went with a messy bun with wispy bangs for her hairstyle.

Thoughts on her look? Shop her set here.

The 3rd Annual Fabys Awards will hosting a physical ceremony held at Glasshouse Chelsea in New York. Join us for a formal, intimate sit down dinner on December 12, 2021. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

It’s that time of the year again, and we are wrapping things up in style. These Bombshell’s have been serving looks all year long, from streetwear to glam and everything else in between.

In a feature we call Fashion Bombshell of the Day, we highlight the personal style and flair of Fashion Bomb Daily readers from across the globe and we truly appreciate the love and support. Through emails and nominations, each day we crowned a new bombshell and we narrowed down our top candidates. In no particular order, here are our nominees for Fashion Bombshell of the Year:

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1. Tene’A from Maryland

When asked to describe her style, she says, “I would describe my style as eclectic , vintage and versatile! I love thrifting and I love garments and accessories that makes a statement!” Her style is definitely one of kind, and we love to see it.

2. Vey from Texas

Vey is a Fashion Stylists who’s style is innovative, edgy and daring. Her looks are very feminine and she is almost guaranteed never to be dressed like anyone in the room. Each look tells its own story.

3. Kara Chin

Her style is impeccable. Non traditional cuts on blazers and tops provide an edge while still remaining a bit formal. Her looks are clean, regal, and rich!

4. Patty M from New York

“I’m a woman of very few words, so I often let my attire introduce,” says Patty. “My style is very versatile but fashion is how I speak, my favorite outlet to express. My business is “Piece by PMR” where I hand-paint/hand-craft apparel and accessories, 98% of my handbags/outfits are my way of highlighting black-but making it fashion. I usually wear one of my painted/crafted bags or outfits, to pull my entire look together. “

5. Kahlana Barfield Brown

Layering is a key element to Fall wardrobe and Kahlana executes flawlessly with her chic street style. Pairing sweat pants and heels allows for comfortability and edge. She does a great job at balancing volume and creating interesting silhouettes with her attire. From hair and make up to accessories, this Bombshell is put together from head to toe.

6. Kia from Wisconsin

Kia is an amputee model. She writes to Fashion Bomb Daily saying, “Beauty to me is defined through your acts of kindness and the positive energy you spread to others. Its defined by the countless number of times the world has giving you every reason to be “ugly” yet you remain beautiful in spirit, mind and soul.‘

7. Takkunda from London

Takkunda style is regal fierce and eclectic. With each look giving a different vibe this Bombshell shows how clothes can be used a a form of self expression.

8. Jasmine from Virginia

Jasmine says, “I would describe my style as classy, sexy, glam. As a woman, I love to wear pieces that feel feminine and Fun! I have always loved fashion since childhood. Styling has always come naturally to me. My Fashion is my art. Its the feeling I get when creating a look that let’s me know my masterpiece is complete.

9. Zamar Lewis from New York

Zamar’s style is unique and fierce! I’m sure she’s never worried about showing up to an event and someone having on her outfit. A mixture of streetwear, punk and class have been used to describe this Bombshell’s esthetic.

10 . Courtney from Washington

Courtney writes, “My style is feminine but bada**. I like to take basics and style them with really cool statement pieces, and I’m obsessed with monochromatic looks.”

11. Tanaisha from New York

Tanaisha’s description of her style is “Sexy, Spicy and Sweet! This mother of 3 says, “Life can get hectic at times, but I always make time to stay cute! I love everything fashion.” She refers to her photos as “fashion expressions.”

12. Arraya from Florida

If glamour, street wear and avant garde birth a child, this is what it would look like. From killer casual looks to one of a kind silhouettes, Bombshell Arraya oozes innovation.

Who do you think should take the crown? Vote below:

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The 3rd Annual Fabys Awards will hosting a physical ceremony held at Glasshouse Chelsea in New York. Join us for a formal, intimate sit down dinner on December 12, 2021. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

You may ask, how we could possibly shortlist the best fashion designers of the year? The answer is “with great difficulty”. We all stepped into 2021 with the need of some positivity and freshness, and these designers brought it. From dressing the first female Vice President to creating a catwalk on top of an iconic Empire State building, the below nominees are all deserving of being crowned Designer of the Year – but, there can only be one.

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So, let’s see who made this year’s Designer of the Year list:

1. LaQuan Smith

2021 has been a big year for luxury womenswear designer LaQuan Smith. A major highlight of the year was their Spring/Summer 2022 collection that debuted during New York Fashion Week, Smith created a runway at the top of the Empire State Building going down in history as the first designer to do so.

LaQuan Smith was formally launched in 2013. Before this, Smith started designing his key 3D Leggings that first caught the attention of celebrities. Fast forward to 2021, LaQuan Smith counts Beyonce, Rihanna, the Kardashians, Ciara among endless others as fans. Smith’s designs are feminine-enhancing, sensual and trendsetting. There was a time that you couldn’t scroll through Instagram without encountering a high-profile wearer of his sheer, cutout jumpsuits that became one of the most coveted fashion pieces of the year.  

2. Sergio Hudson

Designer Sergio Hudson is not one to shy away from bold colors. In fact, this is one of the key elements of his collections. Other tell-tale sign of a true Sergio Hudson piece is the quality tailoring. No wonder Mary J Blige, Michelle Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris and Beyoncé are just some of Hudson’s clientele.

Hudson started his namesake label back in 2014. The womenswear brand is well-known for its powerful silhouettes (think flowy and elegant boss chick vibes) and monochromatic looks, but Hudson also creates stunning floor length show-stopping gowns and versatile everyday-wear belts.

3. Anifa Mvuemba of Hanifa

2021 was a history-making year for the Hanifa brand as it held its first in-person fashion show inside the National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. Designer Anifa Mvuemba continues to turn heads in the fashion world. In fact, she was honored with the Future of Fashion Award at the InStyle Awards the night before her big show. During the show, Mvuemba showed that Hanifa is a fashion force and would be taking a step into the accessories market with the unveiling of signature footwear.

Celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year, Hanifa can count Monica, Gabrielle Union and Zendaya as fans. Mvuemba’s designs are fresh, incorporating vibrant colors to make every women feel as though she can take on the world.

4. Olivier Rousteing of Balmain

It has been 10 years since Olivier Rousteing took the reigns at French couture maison Balmain. Rousteing was appointed Creative Director at just 24 years old and at the time he was the only black designer at the helm of a luxury label of its kind. Inclusivity is embedded into the soul of his designs mixed with opulent embellishments. For his most recent Pre-Fall 2022 collection, Rousteing took a grungier take on his style.

In June of this year, his documentary Wonder Boy was released on Netflix showing a different side to the designer who on the show was trying to find out more about his biological parents.

5. Anthony Vaccarello x YSL

Belgium-born Anthony Vaccarello joined Saint Laurent in 2016 as creative director. His mark on the atelier showed quickly when revenue increased over 20% within his first year. Vaccarello’s designs are sophisticated and is the epitome of glamour with everything from mini dresses to structured tuxedos.

Before his days at Saint Laurent, Anthony had previously worked at Versus Versace and Fendi with fashion legend Karl Lagerfeld with a focus on fur.

6. Alexandre Vauthier

Alexandre Vauthier began his fashion career as a trainee at none other than Thierry Mugler Couture, before moving to Jean Paul Gaultier at their height of popularity in the late 90’s. Vauthier ventured out on his own and launched his namesake Maison in 2008. His designs as of late have featured perfectly tailored two-piece ensembles, over-the-top glam dresses and let’s not forget the sold-out mirror boots!

Alexandre Vauthier has an endless list of celebrity fans such as Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Tessa Thompson, Beyoncé, Chloe Bailey and more.

7. Rick Owens

Collaborating with the likes of Converse and Dr Martens in 2021, Rick Owens is well known for his gothic aesthetic with frequent use of dark tones mixed with contrasting neutrals. 2021 was the year of the Rick Owens coat. Countless celebs and Fashion Influencers have been rocking the oversized puffer jackets, especially now that we have turned to colder months. Another trending Owens piece is the platform soled, high-top sneakers.

Owens is also known for his custom evening gowns such as Zendaya’s futuristic looking cream look at the Dune premiere or Kim Kardashian’s elegant black floor-length dress for Paris Hilton’s wedding.

8. Telfar Clemens

It all started with the humble tote bag that kick-started a fashion empire. If you have managed to get your hands on a Telfar shopping bag, count yourself lucky as these bags sell out the minute they are released! Clemens founded Telfar while he was still a student at Pace University in 2005 and we have witnessed the unisex brand rise through the ranks.

As one of the biggest collaborations of the year, the Telfar x UGG collaboration was a smash-hit with Clemens current, and new, fans. In fact it was so popular, the collection has also been nominated for Faby’s Collaboration of the Year 2021. Clemens also designed Liberia Olympic Team’s uniforms for the 2021 olympics.

9. Christian Siriano

After finding fame by winning Project Runway, Christian Siriano launched his eponymous label in 2008. His red carpet-worthy gowns are what keep his designs constantly on best dressed lists worldwide, whether they may be modernized tulle dresses that would make any Disney princess drool or sleek goddess-like pieces effortlessly draped over one of his many muses.

This year, we have seen the likes of Halle Berry, Camila Cabello, Cardi B and Karrueche all rocking a Siriano design.

10. Christopher John Rogers

Lady Gaga, Regina King, Gabrielle Union and Hailey Bieber are just some of the fabulous clients of Christopher John Rogers. The New York-based, Louisiana-bred designer has had an unforgettable year. He kicked off 2021 with the honor of dressing Vice President Kamala Harris for the inauguration followed by a sell-out capsule collection with Target. His notable year was finished off with being awarded with the American Womenswear Designer of the Year at CFDA Fashion Awards.

Always one to showcase vibrant colors, Rogers’s style is bold, fun and contemporary. His designs ooze of character and always makes a statement.

11. Demna Gvasalia of Balenciaga

You can’t bring up Balenciaga in 2021 without the mention of Kim Kardashian. For the latter part of the year, we have seen Kim take on a plethora of masked Balenciaga looks from her polarizing Met Gala 2021 look to her opulent pink looks for her Saturday Night Live special. Along with The Simpsons and Gucci collaborations, Demna Gvasalia is currently putting a refreshed Balenciaga back on the map reaching a new era of popularity.

Gvasalia took on the creative director role at Balenciaga in 2015 following in the footsteps of Alexander Wang. Previously in his career, he had co-founded Vetements as well as worked at Louis Vuitton and Maison Martin Margiela.

What a line up! Which of these designers do you think should win the 2021 Faby’s Designer of the Year Award? Vote below:

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Happy Friday!

So earlier this week, I was thrilled to moderate a conversation with June Ambrose at Nordstrom about her new fabulous collection with Puma!

Newsflash:  June Ambrose (celebrity style to Jay Z and the fashionable mind behind some of the culture’s most iconic looks including Missy’s “I can’t Stand the Rain” video and Mase and Puffy’s Shiny Suits) is the new Creative Director of Puma Hoops , and launched their new women’s hoops division with a fly High Court Collection of fashionable, functional pieces that fit all sizes, work for all ages, and can be worn from the gym to running errands and everywhere in between!!

For the day, we both wore pieces from June’s collection, and when I tell you this Madison coat is SO warm and soft! And the pants are the bomb!

I accessorized with Cult of Coquette shoes from FashionBombDailyShop.com and a clutch from Cameo Debore. June looked fly in her Love leggings and matching top, along with a beanie from the collection, a Sacai skirt and Versace shoes! 

Purchase pieces from June’s collection at Nordstrom.com and Puma.com. Get my shoes from @fashionbombdailyshop , and my clutch at CameoDebore.com (use code Bombers for 15% off). 

What do you think of June Ambrose’s new High Court Collection?

The 3rd Annual Fabys Awards will hosting a physical ceremony held at Glasshouse Chelsea in New York. Join us for a formal, intimate sit down dinner on December 12, 2021. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

Makeup can be both transformative or natural beauty enhancing, and a good makeup artist (or MUA) knows how to slay both. The relationship between client and MUA can be for life so, finding a reliable artist can be a bit of a process. Celebrities, of course, get the best of the best either through word of mouth or by the power of Instagram. Whether they are in need for on-camera glam or an everyday natural glow, they have someone to call.

Makeup always looks best when on the perfect foundation: Great Skin! Which can be easily achieved with products from Urban Skin RX.

Below we run through the celeb-approved nominees for The Faby’s Makeup Artist of the Year 2021:

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Click Here to RSVP to the Faby’s Awards this Sunday, December 12th, in New York City!

1. Erika la Pearl

Erika is a go-to for Cardi B ever since her days on Love & Hip Hop, where they first met. La Pearl, a Miami native, started life in law. Her MUA career kicked off in her early 20’s when she attended beauty school in Florida. Soon after, she moved to Atlanta which led her to work with the likes of Monica, Marlo Hampton, Toya Wright and eventually Cardi.

Erika’s iconic look is a killer winged liner topped with some fluffy lashes but she is also known to experiment with color. Think Cardi’s red gem brows wearing a stunning matching red Mugler dress during Paris Fashion Week this year.

2. Ariel Tejada (@MakeupByAriel)

Building up a portfolio on Instagram that caught the eye of Kylie Jenner (she actually was the one who DM’ed him asking to collab) Ariel quickly became a household name. He played a big part in finessing the ‘Kylie Jenner look’, starting with his signature brow all the way through to her statement Kylie Cosmetic campaigns.

Kylie was just the beginning. Shortly after, Tejada was working with all the Kar-Jen family, he has also worked with the likes of Chrissy Teigen and Shay Mitchell.

Morphe collab Signature Brush Collections released May 27th

3. Priscilla Ono

Priscilla is behind all of Rihanna’s best makeup looks. Ono has been working with the icon for years, including her Fenty Beauty campaigns. Not only that, she even helps RiRi with product design, education and training as Global Artist of Fenty Beauty. Known for her creative looks, other big names on Ono’s client list includes Kelly Rowland, Normani, Megan Thee Stallion and Christina Millian.

Taking her beauty career to the next level, Priscilla created Brushfolio, a make-up brush stand that displays all your brushes for easy access. She also teaches her best loved beauty techniques at various masterclasses, Ono Make-up Course, since 2007.

4. Mario Dedivanovic (@MakeupByMario)

NYC-born Mario is best known as the master behind Kim Kardashian’s glam. He started working with Kim over 10 years ago where he perfected the contoured look and started a trend that would see 10s of thousands of Beauty Influencers creating how-to videos on achieving the look. I mean, there is only one MUA in the world that could do a full face Kardashian signature beat for the highest profile fashion event of the year, for Kim to walk the carpet face covered!

Since then, he has leveraged his popularity and launched a series of live make-up classes named ‘The Masterclass’ – that went international, as well as his own make up line named Makeup by Mario.

5. Porsche Cooper (@PorscheFabulous)

Counting Regina king, Andra Day, Mary J Blige and Winnie Harlow as some key clients, Porsche Cooper’s work has graced the covers of Vanity Fair, Instyle and Vogue. After arriving in New York Cooper got her foot in the door of the fashion industry during New York Fashion Week.

Whether it is an elegant-winged liner look, soft skin-enhancing makeup or a full-on glam Cooper has got it covered.

6. Mary Phillips

Mary Phillips is an OG celebrity make-up artist who has painted the faces of Jennifer Lopez, Khloe Kardashian, Priyanka Chopra, Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber. Radiant, glowing skin is one of her trademark looks and is what keeps big named celebs knocking. Another signature look is a smouldering smokey eye, perfect for all those red carpet appearances she books.

A quick search on YouTube, you will find a wide range of ‘Mary Phillips’ inspired videos with beauty influencers doing their version of Phillips’s looks. A true mark of a MUA legend.

7. Rokael Lizama (@RokaelBeauty)

Counting Beyoncé, Kourtney Kardashian, Demi Lovato, Ariana Grande, Nicole Scherzinger and Cassie as key clientele, Rokael Lizama started out life as a hairstylist who have groomed the likes of Drake and Kanye West at the tender age of 19. He quickly realised that makeup was his true calling in life and made the switch from hairstylist to MUA. In his career, Lizama has worked with top name brands such as Anastasia, KKW, Urban Decay, Dose of Colors, and Kylie Cosmetics.

In 2017, Lizama decided to branch out and start a new line of false eyelashes. With a heap of A-list clients to test out his products, Rokael Beauty was born. With prices ranging from $13 – $19 for a pair of lashes, Rokael Beauty prides itself in ‘meeting the needs for celebrity glamour close-ups while still maintaining a realistic, every-day look.’

8. Latisha Chancey-Jordan (@MakeupbyLatisha)

New York based makeup artist Latisha Chancey-Jordan has worked with Angela Simmons, Marlo Hampton, Cyn Santana, Bonang Matheba, Reginae Carter, and our very own Claire Sulmers to name a few.

Her specialty are TV ready looks that are perfect for green screens or fabulously pretty bridal looks.

With the tag line “Oh, You do Makeup, Makeup,” Jordan knows how to enhance natural beauty while still delivering undeniably flawless glam.

9. @LahLuvie

Atlanta based makeup artist LahLuvie has worked with Keri Hilson, Alonzo Arnold, Monica and Megan Thee Stallion to name a few. Luvie likes to work with special effects and at Halloween is when we really see her talent shine. Whether it is optical illusions, nightmare-inducing scary faces or animal transformations, Lah’s flair in undeniable.

Luvie also specializes in bridal makeup and male grooming.

And that about wraps it up! Who do you think should win Makeup Artist of the Year 2021?

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This category is sponsored by Urban Skin RX.

While in Nigeria, I had the great honor of working with such a beautiful soul…Some of you may know of the reality tv series “Big Brother Naija”, there has been many superstars that were birth from this show in Africa. Some of the housemates are already on a great path before being on this show and then they become apart of the cast and gain a worldwide fan base, they also get several endorsements and expand their brand. Big Brother Najia, is like MTV’s “The Real World”, where viewers are able to watch the day in the life of housemates competing, becoming family and so much more. Viewers really get to see how each housemate are reactive to certain situations and how they create lifelong bonds. I have to be honest, Cross stuck out like a gem! His infectious energy and lovable spirit became very keen to the world that was watching… they even started calling him “the golden boy”. When I worked with Cross on this shoot, I totally felt what I seen of him from snippets of this show and more. He is such a star and his humbleness will open many doors for him, it’s already happening. He actually cares about others in the most genuine way and he gives the best hugs! Please check out the magic we created and his lovely interview. 

Tell me about “Cross” as a child? What was he like? 

Cross as a child? I was an optimistic child, always believing in happy endings and positivity. You know that bad people always end up in bad place and good people always have good things happening to them, that was my mindset and I had so much energy, I could play any sport, Basketball, football etc. 

What tribe are you from? 

Igbo Tribe of Nigeria 

What’s your zodiac sign? 

Cancer 

When did you first fall in love with music? 

It was from my father, he loves playing Bob Marley and Michael Jackson, so I grew up on those sounds and my Mum loves Don Moen, she is so attached to the spirituality of Christianity.

What’s your favorite food? 

My mum’s Rice and Banger soup or Pizza and Burger.

If you could change something about yourself, what would it be and why? 

I want to be able to love more, understand people beyond their darkness and betrayals. I want to be able to have deep empathy to see beyond the evil and see the good in people no matter what. The world needs to be able to love and tolerate one another, all ethnicities combine.

What are you looking for in a spouse? What qualities must she possess? 

She must be beautiful in and out, must be trustworthy, believe in Christ and the word of God, also she should be an adventurous lady.

What do you deem to be the most attractive thing about you? 

My heart and my smile.

What was your favorite moment about “Crossing Creative paths with Designer Tasha”, what did you enjoy about your shoot? 

Working with Tasha is like Working with family, she is so comfortable to be around, I enjoyed the part where I had to teach her some latest Nigerian dance steps, she is a fast learner I must confess. (Laughs)

Name three “must haves” in your wardrobe?

My Jewelry, My Sunglasses and my Half shoes (slide type). 

What is your ultimate goal for your brand? 

To be bigger than I ever was, create a stable and diversified source of income. Basically, let the world know about Cross and all the prowess I possess.

What was your favorite moment on BBN? 

I can’t mention just one, so many beautiful memories. Stepping on the stage and hearing my name as one of the contenders for the season 6 edition of BBN, winning the supakomando task and being part of the finalist.

What do you have coming up next? What should be on the look out for? 

My YouTube Channel, my foundation for people with Dyslexia, orphans, also my fitness brands (Protein Shakes and Fat Burners) will be fully available next year.

What advice would you give an aspiring creative? 

Always believe in yourself, be humble in any situation you find yourself, open your mind to learn the good attributes of people around you, never stay down no matter how many times you’ve fallen, and most important never allow people box you into a space where you aren’t comfortable.

Let’s play fast lane:

I asked Cross two word questions and he had to answer with fast responses… 

YES or NO ? YES

UP or DOWN ? UP

COLD or HOT ? COLD

CAR or BIKE ? CAR

SPICY or MILD ? SPICY

MUSIC or MOVIE ? MUSIC

BLACK or WHITE ? BLACK

OLDSCHOOL CAR or NEWEST EDITION ? NEWEST EDITION

DOG or CAT ? DOG

FACETIME or IN PERSON ? IN PERSON

HUG or KISS ? BOTH (laughter)

CREDITS:

TALENT: 

Cross Okonkwo (@crossda_boss)

STYLIST/DIRECTOR: 

Designer Tasha [Henderson] (@designertashavr)

PHOTOGRAPHER:

Frederick Archibong (@frederickarchibong)

PHOTOGRAPHER ASST:

Tobimages (@officialtobimages)

STYLIST ASST: 

Omolabake Temetan (@stylentity)

SET ASST:

 @blakk_notes (Tunji)  

@habasmania (Enoch)

APPAREL BRANDS: 

Yanga Trybe (@yanga_trybe)

Dustoftheearth (@dusttrybe)

SHOE BRANDS:

Winston Leather (@winstonleather)

LaTunde (@latunde_)

TRAVEL BAGS & CROSSBODY BAGS:

Winston Leather (@winstonleather)