ESSENCE’s New Digital Cover Featuring Star Trek: Discovery’s Sonequa Martin-Green

“I certainly see more doors opening for Black women and people of color…and of course, I celebrate it. But I also have a healthy yearning for more…”— Sonequa Martin-Green, ESSENCE.com

ESSENCE’s new digital cover features Star Trek: Discovery’s Sonequa Martin-Green who continues her upward trajectory on the iconic sci-fi series in her role as First Officer Michael Burnham. In the piece, Out of This World, she talks about diversity in Hollywood and the impact of her role on the next generation (pun intended.) As one of the few faces of color to have navigated the zombie apocalypse on The Walking Dead, she’s now the first Black woman to be a lead on a Star Trek series in its 53-year history. Here, she talks to ESSENCE about: 

  • ON BEING A ROLE MODEL TO YOUNG GIRLS: “It’s kind of surreal…Parents tell me their girls are interested in math, science, and technology after watching the show. That’s incredible. It makes me want to work harder. It makes me more grateful.”
  • ON LOVING HER “STAR TREK” ROLE“I saw this vision to humanize Star Trek in a way we hadn’t seen before. That’s the kind of stuff I love. That’s so challenging and fulfilling as an actor…Here we have this Black woman who is completely burst open. You’re seeing the inner workings of this Black woman being a human being. We need to see Black people and other people of color and women be human and be broken and be vulnerable. I think that’s a big part of how we move forward.”
  • ON THE NEED FOR MORE DIVERSITY IN HOLLYWOOD: “I certainly see more doors opening for Black women and people of color…And of course, I celebrate it. But I also have a healthy yearning for more. The way to continue opening these doors is by continuing to do what we’re doing: telling these varied, interesting, compelling, ugly, beautiful, human stories. We need for people who look like us to tell them because otherwise, we[’ll] continue to see ourselves through other people who are different from us. So I appreciate our writers and producers for standing by this vision to have a Black woman at the helm. I’m so very humbled by it and innovated by it. I just hope that this keeps spreading. I think it will…”

In the piece, written by Candice Frederick, Martin-Green is stunning in looks and accessories by Kimora Lee Simmons, Zadig & Voltaire, Maki Oh, Kenneth Jay Lane and more. Photos are by Derek Reed and styling by Mecca James Williams.

For more on this and more stories, visit ESSENCE.com.

Yara Shahidi: Brand Ambassador For Bobby Brown Cosmetics

Yara Shahidi is one major breakout star!  Her character on the television show Blackish is witty and fresh.  In her personal life, she’s known for being proactive and representing a voice for her generation.

All of those qualities alone would make her the perfect brand ambassador for Bobby Brown Cosmetics.  The cosmetics line is expanding its foundation shade range.  Yara stated in Allure magazine, “I’m excited about being in partnership with Bobbi Brown. I have used Bobbi Brown for photo shoots [and] on set, so it’s been a lovely pairing indeed.”

Yara seeks to educate the beauty industry on the topic of representation and broaden everyone’s view of beauty.  According to Bobby Brown Cosmetics, “The brand has added 12 new options to both ranges, bringing the final count for both foundations from 30 shades to 42.”

To make this collaboration even more fantastic, the brand recruited several girls from across the globe to test and try the new foundation shades.

To read more about Yara Shahidi and Bobby Brown Cosmetics, click here:  Bobbi Brown Is Extending Its Foundation Shade Range by Filling the Gaps Between Colors

 

Meet Georgette Pierre: On-Air Host and Producer of Georgette After Dark

Style + Life + Fashion had the opportunity to interview Georgette Pierre.  Learn more about her platform here!

  1. What was the inspiration behind creating Georgette After Dark?

The curiosity and interest really started after Chelsea Handler left her late night show, Chelsea Lately, on E! Entertainment. Before other women popped on the scene, I wanted to break through the late night space. Since I wasn’t anywhere near the brand notoriety, I decided the next progression after #DearGeorgette was Georgette After Dark so I went shot three pilot episodes when I was working a lot in LA.

  1. What can audiences anticipate from the new interview series?

A good vibe from some amazing guests. I didn’t mince words and I loved the fact that my guests were open to the concept. I walked away learning something new from people I already knew. I think the audience will walk away with that too or at least laugh at the varying levels of candidness during the after dark segment

  1. What professional achievements are you most proud of?

Good question. Each point in my life, I asked for the things you would consider a professional achievement. I moved to New York and survived and thrived in my 7.5 years living there. I wanted to work at Viacom/in TV production and I did that for six years on and off in the middle of Times Square, tourist mecca of the world man (aka pedestrian city). I wanted to be bicoastal and I partially achieved that with my job in TV production requiring so much travel to THE LA as I call it. I got tapped to write about my favorite show, Power, for Entertainment Weekly. There’s not one or a few professional achievements I’m most proud of. I’m just grateful that I had access to navigate the spaces I was in to even scratch the surface of the things I accomplished/achieved. That’s what I’m most proud of, to be honest.

  1. Provide one piece of advice to someone that’s interested in becoming a producer or host?

Start creating. Don’t wait for the opportunity to come your way. Find others who want to do things in or around the world you’re creating. My colleague wanted to direct so I made him the director of my first web series #DearGeorgette. My mentee wanted to learn more about the production so she was a PA on my first scripted web series that’s not out yet.

  1. Where can we go to learn more about Georgette Pierre?

You can always head to my website at www.georgettepierre.com. My social life (social media handles) is on there. Sign up for my monthly newsletter, georgette’s musings, at http://tinyletter.com/georgettepierre.

About Georgette Pierre:

Georgette has written for various outlets including Entertainment Weekly, Blavity, MTV News, VH1, and music site, KillerBoombox (KBX). She’s executive produced her own internet radio show called Off the Record, a nationally syndicated morning show that was on iHeartRadio, and created two seasons of a relationship-themed web series on YouTube called #DearGeorgette, that has been featured in two film festivals, NYC Web Fest and the Hollywood Black Film Festival. All while working full-time in TV production. She also served as the first sideline reporter for the inaugural 2018 NBA2K League.
Georgette is gearing up to release her latest interview series titled ‘Georgette After Dark’ where she sits down with Beyoncé’s lead dancers, Bunx Dadda, an artist and producer currently signed to Universal Music Group and correspondent Taylor Ferber, along with many others.

 

BET HER’S NEW ORIGINAL DOCU-SERIES “BET HER PRESENTS: EXCEPTIONAL BLACK WOMEN” PREMIERES

BET Networks announces original docu-series BET HER PRESENTS: EXCEPTIONAL BLACK WOMEN that recognizes courageous, inspiring, and successful women who overcame life’s obstacles. Each half-hour episode will highlight one exceptional woman, featuring never-before-seen photos, videos, intimate sit-down interviews and more. This season will document the lives of MC Lyte, Maxine Waters, Meagan Good, Terri J. Vaughn, and Regina Hall. “BET HER PRESENTS: EXCEPTIONAL BLACK WOMEN premieres Saturday, March 2, 2019, at 9 pm ET on BET HER.
On the premiere episode, legendary lyricist, DJ, author, actress, entertainer, philanthropist, and icon MC Lyte, reveals her intimate stories of struggle, perseverance, and success in the music industry. She also recounts her journey from growing up in a single-parent home in Brooklyn to being the FIRST female solo rapper ever nominated for a Grammy and more. We also hear first-hand accounts from MC Lyte’s business partner Dr. Lynn Richardson and mother, Constance Moorer.
“BET HER Presents: Exceptional Black Women” will feature tales from the following exceptional women:

  • MC LYTE (Premieres Saturday, March 2 at 9 pm ET/PT)
  • MAXINE WATERS (Premieres Saturday, March 9 at 9 pm ET/PT)
  • MEAGAN GOOD (Premieres Saturday, March 16 at 9 pm ET/PT)
  • TERRI J. VAUGHN (Premieres Saturday, March 23 at 9 pm ET/PT)
  • REGINA HALL (Premieres Saturday, March 30 at 9 pm ET/PT)

BET HER PRESENTS: EXCEPTIONAL BLACK WOMEN” is Executive Produced by Keith Beauchamp, who also serves as series Director, and David Dessel for Till Freedom Come Production.
For more information on BET HER PRESENTS: EXCEPTIONAL BLACK WOMEN visit BET.com/BET-Her. Also, join the conversation on social media by using #ExceptionalBlackWomen and @BETherTV. 

2019 ESSENCE FESTIVAL 25TH ANNIVERSARY PERFORMANCE LINE-UP

The ESSENCE Festival®, the world’s largest entertainment and cultural experience, celebrates its 25th anniversary during Fourth of July weekend in New Orleans and unveiled part one of its epic 25th anniversary performance line-up.  The impressive schedule currently features more than 80 of the most talented and creative artists from across the globe.  More acts will be announced in the coming weeks.

The 2019 ESSENCE Festival’s three-night concert series at the Louisiana Superdome includes Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige, NAS, H.E.R., Anthony Hamilton, Big Freedia, Davido, Doug E. Fresh, Frankie Beverly, Jermaine Dupri, Ledisi, MC Lyte, Morris Day, Musiq Soulchild, Pharrell Williams, Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky & Mike (RBRM), Sheila E., Teddy Riley, Teyana Taylor, Timbaland, VanJess and more. Hosted by Loni Love. Music by D-Nice.

Additional performers include 702, AlunaGeorge, ALX, Amanda Black, Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, Brownstone, Celeste Ntuli, City Girls, El Debarge, Elle Varner, Erica Falls, EU, Force MDs, Ginuwine, Jacquees, Koryn Hawthorne, Lucky Daye, Mase, Nao, Nigel Hall, Normani, Queen Naija, Rakim, Rayvanny, Sauti Sol, Scarface, Talk Box, Tellaman, Vanessa Mdee, Water Seed and more. Plus, a live album recording by PJ Morton with Jojo, Luke James, Mia X, Pell and The Hamiltones.

“When the ESSENCE Festival was founded 25 years ago, it marked a pivotal moment of vision and reverence – a critical acknowledgement of and investment in the power of our culture,” said Michelle Ebanks, Chief Executive Officer of ESSENCE Communications. “In the years since, it has set a standard that many other festivals have aspired to, and today, the ESSENCE Festival has grown to represent an annual homecoming for Black artists from across the globe.  In honor of our 25th anniversary, nearly 30 artists per night over 3 epic nights will come together to mount the world’s largest and most extraordinary cultural celebration. To one and all, we say, ‘Welcome to ESSENCE. Welcome home.’”

Special performance highlights include two seminal albums thematically brought to life, Mary J. Blige’s ‘My Life’ and NAS’ ‘Illmatic’ – each of which are marking 25-year anniversaries in 2019.   ESSENCE will also cultivate a special mainstage moment honoring Frankie Beverly for his lifetime contribution to music.

Weekend ticket packages are on sale now with prices starting at $185. For information about ticket sales, accommodations and the latest news about the ESSENCE Festival®visit Essence.com/festival.  Join the festival community: Follow us on Twitter @essencefest #EssenceFest and become a fan of Festival on Facebook.

Taraji P. Henson Dazzles in 85 ct of Gismondi1754 DIAMONDS at the 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party

TARAJI P. HENSON At The 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Los Angeles, CA Sunday, February 24, 2019. She sparkled in 85 ct of White Gismondi1754 Diamonds.

New for 2019, the Nuvole Bianche / “White Cloud” Collection by Gismondi1754 is an exceptional, perfectly paired white diamond collection, that like the beauty of clouds are all individual master designs just based on their natural shape, crafted with a most minimal setting to give the appearance they are simply floating on air, just as the brightest, whitest clouds appear to be floating in the bright blue sky.

 

 

 

Please credit jewelry to GISMONDI1754 

Instagram: @Gismondi1754

Styled By: Jason Bolden @jasonbolden

 

 

About Gismondi 1754:

Seven Generations – One Passion. The excellence and expertise of the Genoa-based high-jewelry brand renowned for jewelry as art, Gismondi combines centuries of craftsmanship and rich history of design over seven generations. With meticulous attention to modernity and references to the artisans of the past, it is a perfect link; connecting the memory of the past and the radiant future. In Gismondi jewels, the manufacturing excellence of the family tradition combines beauty with passion and technology under the leadership of its youngest family descendent, Massimo Gismondi. Gismondi 1754 is sold in the US and globally at fine jewelers as well as in its signature stores in Portofino, Genoa, Capri, Milan, London, and St. Moritz.

 

 

BLACKKKLANSMAN’S LAURA HARRIER WOWS IN BESPOKE ETHICAL LOUIS VUITTON GOWN AT THE 91ST ACADEMY AWARDS® REPRESENTING SUZY AMIS CAMERON’S RED CARPET GREEN DRESS INITIATIVE

As a partner with Suzy Amis Cameron’s celebrated Red Carpet Green Dress (RCGD) campaign, BlacKkKlansman lead actress Laura Harrier, wowed the crowd as she arrived at the 91st Academy Awards ® wearing bespoke ethical gown made by Louis Vuitton.

Harrier’s gown was created in the Louis Vuitton’s Paris atelier with an ethical and eco-responsible approach established with long-time verified suppliers. The gown is made of TARONI SPA blue crepe silk certified by the Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS), which is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibres, including ecological and social criteria.

The handmade embroidery by Vermont Paris required more than 450 hours of work and is made of glass beads, Swarovski crystal shards and sequins respecting the STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®, an international quality label for harmless textiles.

To qualify as a RCGD eco-conscious garment, each piece must either be made from sustainable materials, including organic, recycled or repurposed fibers. Other features include using hand-made detailing or incorporating natural dye processing, with a dedicated focus on the minimal negative impact on the environment, and environmentally and socially responsible design.

This year makes the 10th anniversary of RCGD, and in honor of this, the sustainable criteria will be overseen by Good On You, a new partner of RCGD. Good On You is the world’s leading rating system on ethical and sustainable fashion to assist people in making positive shopping choices–all delivered through an accessible app.

Amis Cameron launched RCGD back in 2009, with the intention to create awareness for the importance of sustainable practices in fashion. Each year, RCGD works with international designers to create sustainable eveningwear to showcase during the Academy Awards®.

Also supporting the sustainable lifestyle are RCGD 2019 partners TESLA, Absolut Elyx, and AKA luxury serviced residences, a vibrant destination featuring exquisite residences designed for stays of 31 days or longer. It is because of their help along with annual contests that financial security can be provided to MUSE School CA. MUSE School CA is an environmental non-profit educational organization Amis Cameron founded in Calabasas, Calif. with her sister Rebecca Amis. This assistance enables students to access a transformative educational experience. MUSE School CA ensures smaller class sizes, personalized instruction and learning practices; all set within an inspiring and beautiful campus. Through these key elements, MUSE School CA paves the way in creating leaders of the future. For more information, go to www.museschool.org.

For more information please visit http://www.redcarpetgreendress.com.

CHLOE X HALLE ON ESSENCE MAGAZINE NEW DIGITAL COVER

ESSENCE, the number one media, technology and commerce company serving Black women, announces its first-ever digital cover. It was announced today by ESSENCE Chief Content Officer MoAna Luu. The inaugural cover, featuring Grammy-nominated sister act and Grown-ish stars Chloe x Halle, launches on Wednesday, February 6th. The launch follows the musical duo’s outstanding Super Bowl LIII performance of America the Beautiful.

Each month, ESSENCE’s digital cover will showcase a sleek, eye-catching design as well as an interactive rollout. The cover reveal will live on ESSENCE.com’s homepage as a premium featured article and touted across all of ESSENCE’s digital and social platforms. Other offerings include exclusive custom video content, such as “Uncovered” which will feature behind-the-scenes interviews; “B-side,” a game featuring cover talent; social media take-overs and more. In addition, content will also be included in ESSENCE’s monthly print newsstand edition.

“We are thrilled to have stunning sisters Chloe x Halle to grace ESSENCE’s inaugural digital cover,” said Luu. “The launch of our new digital covers is a natural progression for us, as ESSENCE’s platforms continue to reflect what is new and next in our community. It will allow us to capture the spirit of the global community of multicultural women by sharing their stories and building a platform for their voice.

We will be able to elevate our audience’s experience with a vibrant, fresh and bold new look. We are excited to be able to connect with today’s Black woman as one global community—from the United States, Africa and across the Afro-diaspora.”

In the cover story Dream Catchers—written by ESSENCE’s Fashion and Beauty Director Julee Wilson—the sisters share their reaction to their first-time Grammy-nomination, the success of the runaway hit series Grown-ish and their unbreakable bond. The cover story—shot against the stunning backdrop of the Mojave Desert—was photographed by Djenaba Aduayom and styled by Zerina Akers.

Halle tells ESSENCE: “We still feel like we’re dreaming about the Grammy nominations. We’re forever grateful, and we know that no more matter what happens, this honor, it will stay with us for the rest of our lives—and it just inspires us to keep going…”

For more on ESSENCE’s inaugural digital cover, visit ESSENCE.com.

About Essence Communications Inc.

Essence Communications is the number one media, technology and commerce company dedicated to Black women and inspires a global audience of more than 17 million through diverse storytelling and immersive original content. With a multi-platform presence in publishing, experiential and online, ESSENCE encompasses its signature magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; as well as live events, including Black Women in Music, Black Women in Hollywood, Street Style and the ESSENCE Festival. Essence Communications is owned by Essence Ventures, an independent Black-owned, technology-driven company focused on merging content, community, and commerce to meet the evolving cultural and lifestyle needs of people of color.

Angela Bassett Sparkles in Gismondi1754 Jewelry at the 25th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards

Angela Bassett was seen on the red carpet at the 25th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards.  She shines brightly pairing her Georges Chakra dress with Gismondi1754 Diamonds!

Gismondi1754

Ghiaccio Collection Ring

Ring, Diamonds ct 6.95

Retail: $46,750

Gismondi Ring

Ring, Pear Diamonds ct 2.44, Diamonds ct 4.03, Navette Diamonds 0.30

Retail: $40,150

Please credit jewelry to GISMONDI1754

Instagram: @Gismondi1754

Gown By: George Chakra @georgeschakraofficials

Styled By: Jennifer Austin @JLynnStyle18

About Gismondi 1754:

Seven Generations – One Passion. The excellence and expertise of the Genoa-based high-jewelry brand renowned for jewelry as art, Gismondi combines centuries of craftsmanship and rich history of design over seven generations. With meticulous attention to modernity and references to the artisans of the past, it is a perfect link; connecting the memory of the past and the radiant future. In Gismondi jewels, the manufacturing excellence of the family tradition combines beauty with passion and technology under the leadership of its youngest family descendent, Massimo Gismondi. Gismondi 1754 is sold in the US and globally at fine jewelers as well as in its signature stores in Portofino, Genoa, Capri, Milan, London, and St. Moritz.

Meghan Markle Classic Maternity Style: Sentaler Designer Coat and Babton Dress

Meghan Markle looked stunning during her second trimester of pregnancy.  The princess was seen departing from Birkenhead Townhall this week with Prince Harry.

Meghan is not only known for her position in the royal family and philanthropic efforts but her personal style does not take a backseat!

While visiting Birkenhead, Merseyside her attire included a red Sentaler coat, purple Babaton dress, and coordinating red pumps.  This look is making a fashion statement with the use of color blocking!

She also revealed the baby’s due date and potential names.