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Accessories /

Dr. Mathew Knowles and Mrs. Gena Knowles Dressed By Designer Gert-Johan Coetzee: South African Fashion Week

A fortuitous meeting during the busy red-carpet season ahead of South African Fashion Week saw premier South African fashion designer Gert-Johan Coetzee create bespoke looks for Dr. Mathew Knowles and his wife Gena Knowles to wow the media at three separate events in a week.

The couple was in South Africa to promote Knowles’s new book The Emancipation of Slaves Through Music. The influential music mogul, who is also Beyoncé’s father, hosted the African Leaders 4 Change Awards in the capital city of Pretoria last Thursday and was a guest judge on the music talent show Idols, South Africa. In between, he also managed to address the University of Cape Town’s Graduate School of Business and finally, attend the glamorous opening party for South African Fashion Week.

“My wife Gena and I will be wearing some surprise designs by Gert, one of your top designers here in South Africa,” Knowles said in an Instagram video (@gertjohancoetzee) before the SA Fashion Week red carpet on Monday. The couple had asked Coetzee for some African-inspired styles, and the designer pulled out all the stops, creating a matching suit and gown in shades of magenta, green and brown, with embellished leaf detail that grabbed media attention for all the right reasons. It was pure Afro-chic, the Gert-Johan Coetzee way.

Celebrity favorite Coetzee, who is known as South Africa’s designer to the stars, made his name dressing South Africa’s A-list, from Miss Universe Demi-Leigh Nel Peters to Minnie Dlamini and Bonang Matheba, over a ten-year career. He has also extended his reach into Africa, with celebrity clients such as Tiwa Savage and Toke Makinwa, and has dressed international megastars such as Grammy winner Fantasia, Kelly Rowland, and Kourtney Kardashian.

Coetzee is coincidentally launching his new men’s range this week at SA Fashion Week, alongside ready-to-wear womenswear and the red-carpet showstoppers that he is famous for. “Menswear requires a totally different focus, so it was great timing because we now have that infrastructure in place.” He dressed Knowles in a two-tone navy and French navy suit with matching Gert-Johan Coetzee shirt and bowtie for his hosting engagement. Gena Knowles sparkled in a form-fitting off-the-shoulder floor-length scarlet gown studded with Swarovski crystals and with a high slit. “As aspect that I love about my job is how a gown can accentuate the wearer’s best features, such as great legs or toned arms. I really enjoyed working with Gena to create a dress she felt great in,” said Coetzee.

For his guest-judge duties on Idols, South Africa on Sunday Knowles appeared on stage in another, moss-green Gert-Johan Coetzee suit with a casual open-neck shirt.

This might well be the start of a relationship full of potential, but Coetzee would not be drawn on details. “It was such an honor to be asked to dress the Knowleses, and we had a wonderful time getting to know them,” he said.

Coetzee’s new Autumn Winter 2019 collection will be showcased at SA Fashion Week on Thursday 25 October at 20:00, and fans can watch live updates on Instagram, @gertjohancoetzee.

Uncategorized /

What Makes A Diamond The Most Worldwide Gem

Diamonds are known worldwide to be a gem possessing exceptional physical qualities. Of all the bulk materials of the world, diamonds have the highest hardness. Therefore, their properties give them the capability to be the best for polishing and cutting tools. Thus, diamond knives have come into existence.

Featured Photo from Glamour

Most diamonds were formed in the mantle of the Earth at depths of 93 to 155 miles down. Due to the high temperature and pressure at that level of the Earth’s mantle, minerals were dissolved by carbon-containing fluids. The minerals were then replaced with diamonds. Volcanic eruptions carried diamonds to the surface depositing them into igneous rocks.

Since diamonds are the hardest of all the gems, they last longer without being damaged in any way.

Diamonds are different from the other gems because they are formed from a single element. Since the other gems are created by a combination of two or more elements, they are compounds. The uniqueness and the long-lasting ability of diamonds gives them more value.

Where are Diamonds Found?

Diamonds have been discovered throughout the world in 35 countries. The major producers of diamonds are in Botswana, Russia, and South Africa, but the major industrial producer of diamonds in Australia. Africa possesses the most famous and remarkable deposits of diamonds.

In the United States, diamonds have been found in Arkansas, Colorado, and Wyoming. These are the only states to have a conformable diamond source. At this time, there are efforts going on to find other potential diamond sources. One reliable source of beautiful diamonds would be Diamonds Forever San Diego Jeweler.

The Refining Process of Diamonds

The diamond stones are removed from the material that holds them as they are mined from the earth. All the diamonds don’t have the same quality. Seventy-five to eighty percent of the diamonds have a quality that makes them more suitable for industrial use. The industrial quality diamonds are sold in bulk to companies that manufacture precision instruments and tools that are diamond-coated.

The raw, finer quality diamonds are separated to be used as gems. These gem-quality stones are then grouped by size. The larger gem-quality stones will receive special treatment which will make them more valuable.

When the gem-quality diamonds finally reach the cutting table, they will undergo a series of steps. On the cutting table, a rough diamond stone is changed into a valuable faceted gem.

In order to change a rough diamond stone into a faceted gem, the following steps are followed:

  • Planning – The diamond manufacturers make decisions about how a specific rough diamond will be cut.
  • Cleaving or Sawing – In this step, a diamond manufacturer may separate a rough diamond into pieces. Each piece will be finished as a separate gem. The sawing process of a rough diamond may be used by a manufacturer. With the sawing process, a rough diamond is cut into pieces through the use of a laser or diamond saw.
  • Bruting – The objective of this process is to shape two diamonds into a round stone. This process is done by placing each of two diamonds into a spinning axle. The two spinning axles will turn in opposite directions in order to grind them against each other. The result is two round diamond gems.
  • Polishing – The facets are now cut into a diamond. Once the facets are cut, the diamond gem is polished.
  • Final Inspection – The diamond is examined to determine its quality.

The Colors of Diamonds

A perfect diamond has no color or hue since it is both chemically and structurally pure. However, diamonds are nearly never perfect. It is the chemical impurities or structural defects that give a diamond color. The value of a diamond is determined by its color. The rarer the color; the more the diamond is worth.

For example, red diamonds are the rarest diamonds, and they, therefore, have the most value. The more yellow hue in white diamonds, the less value they have. On the other hand, blue and pink diamonds can be more valuable.

Various Cuts of Diamonds

The cuts of diamonds are as follows:

Round

Asscher

Cushion

Emerald

Radiant

Heart

Marquise

Oval

Pear

Princess

Hopefully, you are now an expert of diamonds. You know where they come from, how they are processed by manufacturers, the style cuts, and the most valuable colors. Now, you can make your purchase of a gorgeous diamond for your special occasion.

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Beauty /

Cherry Blossom Infused Brightening Collection from Arbonne

The RE9 Advanced Brightening collection by Arbonne was developed to address the specific needs of dull, sallow, uneven skin tone and dark spots. Infused with clean brightening ingredients, the vegan products improve the appearance of skin glow, radiance, luminosity, and skin tone, as well as minimizing the look of dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles with twice-daily consistent use.

Six high-performing products make up the collection, including a cleansing foam, lightweight serum, and SPF 15 mineral sunscreen. Featuring a proprietary Sakura Bright Complex, created with ascorbyl glucoside, a form of stabilized vitamin C, cherry blossom extract and birch leaf extract. Botanical-based emulsifiers, surfactants, and moisturizers also support the delicate skin barrier by increasing hydration.

Key Brightening Ingredients

  • The proprietary SakuraBright Complex, with dermatologist-recognized brightening ingredients, helps improve the appearance of skin glow and luminosity, minimizing the look of dark spots with consistent use
  • Cherry blossom extract promotes the appearance of skin radiance with hydration
  • Ascorbyl glucoside, a stabilized form of Vitamin C, brightens to help temporarily diminish the appearance of dark spots, improves the appearance of skin tone and helps revitalize the look of skin’s radiance
  • Birch leaf extract hydrates to help promote luminescent, flawless-looking skin
  • Licorice root extract hydrates, leaving skin with a vibrant, healthy-looking, natural glow

RE9 Advanced Brightening Cleansing Foam ($44):

This pearlescent cleanser suds just enough to gently remove makeup, dirt, and impurities, leaving your skin feeling clean and refreshed.

RE9 Advanced Brightening Toner ($39):

This dual-phase toner and softening lotion provides gentle exfoliation to finish your cleansing routine while prepping your skin for the next step in your regimen. Botanicals provide essential hydration to ensure skin is looking fresh and glowing.

RE9 Advanced Brightening Serum ($65):

This concentrated serum is your portal to healthy-looking, radiant skin. Our proprietary SakuraBright Complex delivers essential nourishment to target the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone for a lit-from-within glow that begs to be noticed.

RE9 Advanced Brightening Protective Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Sunscreen ($66):

Protect your luminous skin from UVA/UVB rays without the concentrated mineral formula that contains botanicals vital to supporting your skin’s radiance.

RE9 Advanced Brightening Eye Cream ($62):

Pat this on gently around the eye area to lock in moisture and help reduce the look of fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles. Our proprietary SakuraBright Complex helps the delicate skin around the eyes look brighter and more youthful.

RE9 Advanced Brightening Night Cream ($88):

An ultra-hydrating blend of botanicals, along with our proprietary SakuraBright Complex, deliver essential nourishment to maximize the skin’s natural repairative cycle and reduce the look of fine lines while you sleep.

Beauty /

2018 ESSENCE FESTIVAL® PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA ANNOUNCES RECORD-BREAKING $280 MILLION ECONOMIC IMPACT

Essence Communications, the leading media, technology, and commerce company serving Black women announced a record-breaking economic impact of $280 million for its 2018 ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca-Cola.  Growth in Festival attendance, which reached more than 510,000, and a boost in tourism spending within the host City and State of New Orleans, Louisiana, garnered the highest fiscal input in the event’s 24-year history.  Nearing 130,000 attendees per day, the ESSENCE Festival is now also the nation’s largest entertainment and cultural event based on average daily attendance, leading events including Coachella, SXSW, New Orleans Jazz and Made in America festivals.

“As one of the world’s largest annual curated content experiences attracting an international audience of more than a half million people over the course of one weekend, the essence Festival packs a proven and powerful economic punch–and continues to reach new heights in collaboration with the State of Louisiana and City of New Orleans,” said Michelle Ebanks, CEO of Essence Communications. “Working together with our government and enterprise partners, we are pleased to report the highest-ever contribution to the growth and profitability of local businesses and services that help to create an unforgettable experience for our Festival community.”

With the 2018 summer Festival season wrapped, the 4-day Essence Festival has emerged as the leader in size and economic significance among the country’s largest live events and a top destination for tourism during Fourth of July weekend. Through attendee surveys and analysis based on event production, lodging, food & beverage, retail, gaming and transportation spend, the annual economic figure represents a substantial benefit to Louisiana and New Orleans seasonal tourism and shines a spotlight that furthers the legacy of one the nation’s most culturally rich and diverse destinations.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 06: (L-R) Angela Rye, Mary J. Blige, Maxine Waters, Alencia Johnson, Queen Latifah and Remy Ma pose onstage during the 2018 Essence Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 6, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence)

“This year’s Essence Festival was a great success in terms of attendance and national exposure for New Orleans and Louisiana.  I believe many of the Essence Festival attendees will be returning to our state for years to come,” said Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.

“On behalf of the City of New Orleans, I am grateful for our continued partnership with the ESSENCE Festival and proud of the impact that’s been made,” said New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. “This year’s Fest generated tremendous economic activity for the City — money that went to our large and small businesses and to the working men and women who make them run. We look forward to another historic year in 2019.”

In addition to the attendance and economic impact, the scale of talent, programming and digital engagement at the ESSENCE Festival is unmatched.  A 2018 Essence Festival by-the-numbers analysis reveals further record-breaking engagement including 100+ performing artists; 200+ influencers, leaders, creators and celebrities; 150+ Marketplace entrepreneurs; and 200+ hours of live content throughout the weekend that generated 5 billion+ media and PR impressions and reached trending status on social media, featuring 103+ million posts, shares and likes and resulting in 14+ billion social media impressions.

“On the eve of the ESSENCE Festival’s 25th anniversary, scheduled for July 4-7, 2019, this summer’s extraordinary gathering underscores the convening power of culture, as well as the continued interest and engagement of Black women globally around community and content that empowers and inspires,” said Ebanks. “We were thrilled this year to be able to introduce new entrepreneurial and business experiences such as our ESSENCE E-Suites and our ESSENCE Marche e-commerce platform. But there’s so much more. As an almost five-decade-old startup, we are excited to move forward not only as a reimagined media and content company but also as a technology and commerce company using 21st-century platforms to provide even more effective solutions to our community of women. We are continually evolving to shape our work to meet their needs with increasing depth and relevance, and this is just the beginning.”

The 2018 ESSENCE Festival was executive produced by Essence Festivals LLC, a division of Essence Communications Inc. (ECI), and produced by Solomon Group. GeChar was the executive producer of the 2018 ESSENCE Empowerment Experience.

Sponsors of the 2018 ESSENCE Festival included presenting sponsor Coca-Cola and major sponsors AT&T, Ford, McDonald’s, State Farm and Walmart.

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 African-American owned company focused on merging content, community, and commerce to meet the evolving cultural and lifestyle needs of people of color.

Lifestyle Tips /

Bedroom Trends That Are On Point For 2018: Home Decor Tips

There is nothing better than wearing the top style trends for 2018. You also know that being proud of your home is a must, and keeping up to date on all the latest trends isn’t always easy.

Featured Photo from Chic Celebrity Bedrooms

How often do you look around your bedroom and wish you could completely change it out? It’s such a personal space to be stood in that you want it to look right. Everyone has different levels of comfort and while some want a popular mattress type, others want to have a firm or memory foam mattresses that are more supportive. Some people like pale yellows for the walls, while others prefer geometric patterns. Some people like pale yellows for the walls, while others prefer geometric patterns. The bedroom is where we spend the least amount of money compared to the kitchen and the bathrooms, but 2018 is the year for change – even in these last few weeks! Here are some of the trends that you could follow for the last bit of the year, setting your bedroom up for an amazing 2019.

Dark Colors. Think plum, mulberry, and navy for bedrooms in 2018. It’s all about the darker colors that really shout sumptuousness and relaxation. Duck egg blue and pale yellows have no place in the bedroom when these brave color choices can make your bedroom the perfect haven. Dark throws on the sheets in lieu of dark walls can still add that sensual atmosphere.

Color Splashes. Splashing color across the bedroom in the form of tropical prints against the darker walls and blankets can make a huge difference. The bolder colors are beautiful when they are accentuated against the darker tones.

Natural Textures. In 2018, natural textures are king. Rattan pieces in the bedroom are making a huge statement because it’s durable, stable and it just looks great! Hand-woven beds, furniture in different thicknesses for distinctive shapes and colors that vary in rattan (well, they stay natural in color but different contrasts) can make your bedroom stand right out.

Wabi-Sabi. It’s a trend that we’re touching on now, but there is a real trend for fashion that is less than perfect. The technique is to use concrete walls with a decorative crack through the middle. Mismatched sheets and throw pillows and textiles that just don’t quite fit are so fashionable now. Keep it simple and use bright colors on dark to create contrast. Something a little imperfect can remind you that life doesn’t have to be perfect to be comforting.

Tech Detox. Remove the TV. Remove the smartphones. Remove all technology from the bedroom and make it a zone for reading. Your bedroom being on trend means making it a tranquil sanctuary!

Your bedroom in 2018 can be on trend with a little thought and shopping. Choose the best colors and materials and make your bedroom stand out from the crowd.

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Accessories /

ESSENCE.COM EXCLUSIVE: KANDI BURRUSS DENIES PREGNANCY RUMORS

Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kandi Burruss is busy! After recently wrapping up filming scenes for the reality show–along with opening two new restaurant locations, developing a cosmetics line and more–the 42-year old songwriter and mother of two are trying to have another baby with husband Todd Tucker. But as she admits to ESSENCE, the road hasn’t been easy.

“We’re definitely trying to figure out ways to grow our family,” she revealed. “I know a lot of people thought that meant that I was pregnant. But I’m not pregnant. Let’s be clear. I saw that floating around the internet…”

“Unfortunately, it’s not happening…” she said of conceiving a baby. Burruss also shared that fans will see her struggle with fertility on the upcoming season of Real Housewives. “So obviously we’re just going to be talking about what that means for our family…”

For more on this ESSENCE.com exclusive, see below:

https://www.essence.com/celebrity/kandi-burruss-denies-pregnancy-rumors

Accessories /

ARTICLE 22 Jewelry for Women and Men: Holiday Gift Guide

Angela Lindvall’s ‘I am Love, I am Light, I am Peace’ line for ARTICLE22 designs tell transformation stories of negative into positive and make impact. They have partnered with artisans in off-the-beaten-track places to create modern heirlooms with particular provenance. Every design intimately relates our objects and ideas. The jewelry is handcrafted in Laos from Vietnam War shrapnel. A virtuous circle, each piece helps clear unexploded ordnance, making land safe and providing new metal to artisans.

Celebrities from Emma Watson to Leonardo Di Caprio have been seen wearing these carefully crafted pieces. This is a beautiful gift for mom or daughter AND we even have men’s wear!

The brand has been recognized by global consumers and press as pioneering the transformation of weapons into jewelry and the tangible value of fashion that does well.

The line has pieces ranging from $45-$1200, so there is something for everyone.

 

 


 

 

Accessories /

Clothing Rental Just Got So Much Easier With Ann Taylor

Usually, when we hear the word ‘rent’, cars or apartments come to mind. We are becoming a society that shares products by renting, and the latest thing we are renting? Clothes!

With the seasons changing, we are in a quicker need to revamp our wardrobe to adjust to the new chill in the air. Many things such as being a mom, or having a full-time job can make it hard to get to the store. Ann Taylor is here to make shopping from workwear to weekend easier.

Ann Taylor was one of the first to start a clothing rental program.  With the  Infinite Style Program, you are able to rent clothes and have them delivered to your door. When you are ready, return the items, while shipping is free both ways! When you’ve decided on another outfit, do the same thing all over again. For a flat monthly rate, you can receive as many items as you’d like to rent, 3 at a time, with the option to purchase items you love at a special price. The options are endless!

We know that trends quickly go in, then out of style. With this new subscription program from Ann Taylor you will be able to catch them as soon as they’re there, then ship them right back when they’re over. Infinite Style also makes for a great gift for your friend who is into sweaters one week, and animal prints the next.

Accessories /

5 Tips For Buying Shoes That Is Good For Your Health

Having the correct shoes is a good investment for good health. It is, however, traumatic to find shoes that are comfortable, stylish and at the same time good for your health. Shoes should also offer adequate support.

Let’s first test comfortability. Start with your feet. Stand on cardboard and trace the shape on your feet. Take out all the shoes in the closet and try to fit them in the traced drawing of your feet. You realize that the shoes that fit in the trace are the one you like and the most comfortable. The appropriate foot gear is vital for your feet, at footgearlab , you’ll know all the things you need to know about your feet’s health.

Featured Photo from New York Post

If you have identified the uncomfortable or shoes that cause pain and you intend to replace them, here are tips that will come in handy:

  • Shop in the afternoon. This might seem odd but it essential, in the afternoon your feet expand. This is due to the swelling caused by hot weather.
  • If you intend in wearing socks with the shoes you are going to buy, wear the same type of socks you will wear with the shoes. This will help get the appropriate size.

Allow the sales attendant to measure both of your feet, ensure that every time you buy new shoes, you get measured. If one foot is wide or larger than the other foot, buy a shoe size of the large or wide foot.

  • Stand in the shoes for at least two minutes, you can even move a bit in them. This will to ensure that you don’t feel pain anywhere or you don’t feel uncomfortable in any way. Also, ensure you have a quarter to a half-inch space between the longest toe and the shoes.
  • Trust your comfort than the shoe size or description. Sizes vary, different manufacturers have different sizing. Don’t let advertisements corrupt your judgment, testing the shoes yourself than assuming that what is you see is what you will get.
  • Feel inside the shoes. The inside of a shoe might irritate you, its tag, the inner fabric of the shoe, or other added designs. Feel inside for any of this irritation, they might even cause blisters if you aren’t keen enough.
  • Examine the sole. Turn over the shoe to check out the bottom. Is it sturdy enough? Is it safe, in case pins and nails are on the ground? Will it wear out quickly? Does it provide cushioning? What about friction? Does the sole cushion against impact? Walk in the shoes to feel the sole, walk on the carpet and the tiles to see how it feels.

Follow this steps, and you will be surprised how you have been feeling comfortable and relaxed lately. You will not make a mistake of getting the wrong footwear, this will also decrease the chances of getting foot diseases and foot swelling problems. For more information about foot health, footgearlab is here for you!

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