Jada Pinkett Smith, Solange, Karrueche Tran, and Kofi Siriboe: Essence Festival 2017 Event Recap

Essence Festival 2017 was exhilarating; packed with panel discussions, games, giveaways, and high-energy concerts.

Fashion editors, beauty bloggers, and celebrity stylists were present while the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center was filled with beauty vendors such as Palmers, Creme of Nature, Cantu, Olive Miracle, and Shea Moisture. Attendees at the Palmers booth received free samples, demonstrations, and prizes.

The daytime main stage featured performances by India Arie, John Legend, Rhonda Ross, Afrika Mamas, Junior, and Diana Ross. Saturday afternoon guests included Jazmine Sullivan, Monica, Ari Lennox, Jill Scott, Chaka Khan, and Mary J. Blige. Solange, Trombone Shorty, Chance The Rapper, and Ithwasa Lekhansela were at the main stage on Sunday, July 2, 2017.

Additional conference expos included the Path To Power: Entrepreneurship and Business Conference, Essence Eats, and Shops at Essence; featuring global vendors with African print apparel, framed art, paintings, and jewelry.

Hollywood actors and actresses were interviewed in the pressroom. Spike Lee and Janice Bryant Howroyd shared millennial career advice while additional cast members and comedians discussed their upcoming projects.

Also known, as the “party with a purpose” Essence Fest is a must-go event!  To attend the 2018 star-studded weekend, check the Essence website and register for more details.

See pressroom photos below:

NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: (L-R) Ryan Destiny, Brittany O’Grady, Amiyah Scott, Jude Demorest and Miss Lawrence of ‘Star’ pose in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: June’s Diary pose in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: Regina Barrow, Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Shanta Proctor pose backstage at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: Iyanla Vanzant poses in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: (L-R) Spike Lee, Tonya Lewis Lee, DeWanda Wise, Anthony Ramos, Cleo Anthony and Lyriq Bent of ‘She’s Gotta Have It’ pose in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: Ava DuVernay (C) poses with Omar Dorsey, Timon Kyle Durrett, Ethan Hutchison, Dawn-Lyen Gardner, Bianca Lawson, Tina Lifford and Dondre Whitfield at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: (L-R) Will Packer, Malcolm D. Lee, Kofi Siriboe, Larenz Tate, Tiffany Haddish, Regina Hall, Jada Pinkett Smith and Queen Latifah pose in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 02: Brandon Micheal Hall, Yvette Nicole Brown, CeCe Winans and Roland Martin pose backstage at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 2, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: Chante Moore poses in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: Karrueche Tran and Niecy Nash pose in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: Chef Huda poses in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: Ta’Rhonda Jones and Bryshere Y. Gray pose in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: Janice Bryant Howroyd poses in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: Jada Pinkett Smith poses in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: Jada Pinkett Smith and Queen Latifah pose in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: Kofi Siriboe poses in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 02: Craig Robinson poses in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 2, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 02: Kelly Price poses in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 2, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 02: Yvette Nicole Brown and CeCe Winans pose backstage at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 2, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )

 

 

The Beauty Carnival | Essence Beauty and Style Expo

The ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca-Cola® will hold a first-ever “Beauty Carnival” during this year’s Beauty & Style Expo, the ultimate experience in all things beauty and glam. As the premier beauty authority for Black women, Essence is expecting this new, interactive event to be one of the highlights of the Festival’s daytime programming at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA from June 30–July 2, 2017 daily from 10 am-6 pm.

Free and open to the public, the 3-day “Beauty Carnival” will feature exciting revelries for festivalgoers:

  • Beauty School: Tutorials, seminars on new looks, tools and styles from expert beauty bloggers and stylists
  • Beauty Boss: Hear from ESSENCE editors, beauty bloggers and celeb stylists on hot topics and trends
  • Street Style: Get styled to the hilt and walk the runway in a live fashion show featuring members of the audience
  • Plus, artist interviews with beauty & fashion icons and much more!

E! News Freestyle Host Zuri Hall will host the Beauty & Style stage, with appearances from WE TV personality & celebrity hair stylist Kim Kimble, unapologetically natural Mushiya, YouTube sensations GlamTwinz, natural hair vlogger MahoganyCurls, beauty vlogger and entrepreneur Ellarie, Grammy-winning musician India.Arie, singer-songwriter Tweet, Jillian Hervey of electro soul duo Lion Babe, celebrity hair stylist Vernon François and many more to be announced.

Beauty & Style sponsors & partners include: My Black is Beautiful, Walmart, Crème of Nature, Palmers, Cantu and Strength of Nature. Registration for the 2017 ESSENCE Festival®Beauty & Style Expo is now live! Download the 2017 Essence Festival App to register for the Beauty & Style Expo today.

TODS Medium Wave Bag: Jessica Alba Street Style

The Dusty Rose color palette is a new hue that’s here to stay.  This shade can be found in shoes, dresses, furniture, and much more.

Featured Photo from People.com

It’s an elegant tone and neutral in terms of coordinating with most outfits. Jessica Alba was seen with a gorgeous dusty rose top handle handbag. The purse is actually a Tod Medium Wave Bag with a snap fastening on the sides.

TODS Medium Wave Bag

Jessica’s street style in the featured photo is comfortable and stylish.  To purchase a dusty rose handbag, take a look at some reasonable options below.

Shoulder Handbag
Suede Shoulder Bag

 

Reversible Tote
On My Corner Saffiano Leather Satchel

EveryHue Beauty Product Launch – Gizelle Bryant

Gizelle Bryant is a socialite and cast member on The Real Housewives of Potomac.  Her role on the reality show is a sassy, sophisticated mom with a goal of becoming apart of the beauty industry.

Aside from entertainment, Gizelle is an accomplished Hampton University graduate with a new business venture.  She has launched a cosmetics line for multiethnic women.  EveryHue Beauty offers a variety of products, starting with Tinted Moisturizer, Foundation Brush, and Beauty Sponge.

The tinted moisturizer comes in twelve shades ranging from fair to darker skin tones.  It’s an essential beauty staple in the summer months because of the moisturizer’s lightweight with nourishing vitamins.

Check out the website to learn more about the products:  EveryHueBeauty.com 

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KENDALL JENNER AND MARY J. BLIGE WEAR LA PERLA HAUTE COUTURE TO THE 2017 COSTUME INSTITUTE GALA IN NEW YORK

Kendall Jenner and Mary J. Blige attend the 2017 Met Gala clad in two creations from the La Perla Haute Couture Collection designed by Creative Director Julia Haart. Jenner donned an all-over crystal draped gown in dégradé shades, complete with a barely-there painted macramé bodysuit. Blige debuted La Perla’s latest innovation: latex lace. The corseted column gown in stretch tulle, latex lace, and silk cady perfectly links La Perla’s lingerie heritage with its future in haute couture.

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 01: Kendall Jenner attends the “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 1, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 01: Mary J Blige attends the “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 1, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage)

ABOUT KENDALL JENNER’S GOWN
Created from 85,000 hand painted and placed crystals, Jenner’s La Perla gown is a culmination of over 160 hours of work, spanning 5 cities and 26 craftsmen. Each hand painted crystal is placed en dégradé, creating a flow of color from Diamond into Jet Hematite and finishing off in Jet Black.

“I was inspired by Rei Kawakubo’s concept of ‘un-fabric’ and her ability to create movement out of seemingly immobile materials. So, I created my own ‘un-fabric’ by affixing stones to a single thread, creating a beautiful and liquid suspension that mirrored the qualities of a fine silk.” – Julia Haart, La Perla Creative Director

ABOUT MARY J BLIGE’S GOWN:
Inspired by Rei Kawakubo’s concept of ‘un-fabric,’ Creative Director Julia Haart created hand-sculpted latex lace as the principal feature for Blige’s provocative column gown. Starting with a corset that features a built-in La Perla bra, the black stretch tulle is adorned with scalloped latex lace and hand-placed boning detail.

“I am so honored to be attending the Met Gala with the legendary Mary J. Blige. Her strength and femininity inspired me to create a gown that is both tough and feminine – strong and sexy.” – Julia Haart, La Perla Creative Director

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 01: Mary J. Blige (R) attends the “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 1, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

ABOUT JULIA HAART’S GOWN: The bordeaux stretch tulle and georgette gown is embellished with hand painted metallic feathers and crystal beadwork. Complete with a hand shredded tulle train and structured shawl collar, the look is an elegant testament to La Perla’s expertise in the world of Haute Couture.

ABOUT LA PERLA:
Founded in 1954 by the talented corsetry maker Ada Masotti, La Perla is a leading Italian fashion house renowned for its expertly crafted ready-to-wear, lingerie, and beachwear. Artisanal heritage, knowledge of the female body, blend of innovation and tradition and Italian identity are the founding values of the La Perla universe. In the second half of 2013, the company was acquired by Pacific Global Management, owned by Silvio Scaglia’s family holding and already active in the fashion industry through the world’s largest model management network, operating under the brands Elite, Women and The Society. La Perla sells its creations through a network of flagship stores, shop-in-shops and corners located in the heart of the most important fashion districts, as well as being present in the best department stores and specialized boutiques worldwide. The company, led by Creative Director Julia Haart, offers collections of ready-to-wear, lingerie, sleepwear, beachwear, loungewear, accessories and haute couture for women and men who aim at expressing their style with ease and sophistication. www.laperla.com

Clyde Haygood styles Demi Lovato for the iHeart Radio Music Awards 2017

Last night, at the iHeart Radio Music Awards, Demi Lovato made a retro statement.

Inspiration: Clyde was inspired by Demi’s futuristic, metallic mini dress to create a mod-style, sleek look with extra oomph at the crown.

Step-by-step:

–       To start, apply John Frieda Frizz Ease Straight Fixation Smoothing Crème on wet hair before blow drying it smooth

–       Next, spray John Frieda Luxurious Volume Root Booster Blow Dry Lotion on the crown to help create extra lift in that area

–       Then, starting at the mid-lengths of the hair and working down to the ends, spray John Frieda Frizz Ease 3-Day Straight Flat Iron Spray before straightening the hair with a flat ironing the hair-Create the precise mid-part, and create even more volume at the crown by teasing the hair with a teasing comb

–       Finally, lock in the style with John Frieda Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Firm Hold Hairspray

Get The Look: 89th annual Academy Awards

The 89th annual Academy Awards took place in Los Angeles last night and as always the styles didn’t disappoint.  Mimi Valdes, Tracee Ellis Ross, Mary J. Blige, and Gabrielle Union all slayed the Red Carpet, Viewing Parties, and After Parties with effortless/ fabulous looks! Below, find the step by step guide on how celebrity hairstylist, Larry Sims completed each look with Schwarzkopf GLISS, Schwarzkopf got2b and Smooth ‘N Shine!

Mimi Valdes

89th annual Academy Awards

How to Get the Look

 

  1. Start off by washing hair using  Schwarzkopf GLISS™ Oil Nutritive Shampoo & Conditioner
  2. Next, blow dry the hair out prepping with Schwarzkopf got2b Guardian Angel Flat Iron Balm 
  3. Start at the nape of the neck and the back center of the head adding in grey extensions to create a loose crown braid leaving organic tendrils around the hair
  4. Create a dip over the right eyebrow and secure with silver bobby pins.
  5. Use Schwarzkopf got2b Glam Force Hairspray for a firm hold to complete the look!

Tracee Ellis Ross

Elton John Viewing Party

How to Get the Look

 

  1. Start off by washing hair using Schwarzkopf GLISS™ Oil Nutritive Shampoo & Conditioner
  2. Diffuse hair and lightly used a bit of  Smooth ‘N Shine Instant Edge Smoothing Pomade to smooth out edges
  3. Lightly smooth Schwarzkopf got2b mess-merizing putty over hair for a texturized look
  4. Created a Dianna Ross inspired bun at the nape of the neck securing hair with a hook rubber band and bobby pins

Mary J Blige

Vanity Fair After Party

How to Get the Look

 

  1. Start off by washing hair using Schwarzkopf GLISS™ Oil Nutritive Shampoo & Conditioner
  2. Next, blow dry then flat iron hair. Prep with Schwarzkopf got2b Guardian Angel Flat Iron Balm 
  3. Use Smooth ‘N Shine Polishing Instant Repair Hair Polisher and Schwarzkopf got2b Glam Force Hairspray to finish the look!

 

Gabrielle Union

Vanity Fair After Party

How to Get the Look

 

  1. Start off by washing hair using Schwarzkopf GLISS™ Oil Nutritive Shampoo & Conditioner
  2. Next, prep hair with Schwarzkopf got2b Guardian Angel Flat Iron Balm and flat iron hair starting from the nape of the neck working towards the top for a smooth sleek texture
  3. Use a half inch curling iron and curl the front pieces away from the face. Use a mini flat iron to kick out the end of the hair and blow dry all over for a windblown undone look
  4. Complete the style with Schwarzkopf got2b mess-merizing texturizing hairspray for an effortless and flirty texture

 

PRIYANKA BOSE AT THE 89TH ACADEMY AWARDS ®

Last night at the 89th Academy Awards ® “Lion” actress Priyanka Bose wore a custom-made eco-conscious Vivienne Westwood Couture gown. The gown was accessorized with exclusive pieces from Atelier Swarovski’s first fine jewelry collection and featured Swarovski crystal in the dress detailing. Both gown and jewelry were worn in support of Suzy Amis Cameron’s Red Carpet Green Dress initiative. In 2009, Amis Cameron created Red Carpet Green Dress with the goal of creating awareness for the importance of sustainable practices in fashion. Each year, Red Carpet Green Dress works with international designers to create sustainable evening wear to showcase during the Academy Awards®.

The custom designed gown, is created in a jewel toned silk and lurex floral jacquard fabric, recycled from a past Vivienne Westwood collection. The pattern cutting technique has been designed to keep waste to an absolute minimum, using only 320 cms for the design. Leftover sequin film, usually left as waste from sequin production, is embroidered to the bodice of the dress creating a honeycomb effect, highlighted with reclaimed Swarovski crystals for added sparkle.

Inspired by nature and driven by science, Swarovski brings conscious luxury and innovation to the red carpet with the Atelier Swarovski Fine Jewelry Collection, handcrafted in a Parisian atelier and featuring Swarovski Created Diamonds and crystals. Swarovski Created Diamonds are grown in a state-of-the-art lab and have the same optical, chemical and physical attributes as mined diamonds.

“It was a dream come true to be able to wear this custom-made Vivienne Westwood gown and the first collection of Atelier Swarovski Fine Jewelry,” gushed Bose. “I felt like a queen! To be a part of this campaign that helps improve our environment and give back is a powerful thing. I try to live a minimalist lifestyle, but I am constantly learning and Red Carpet Green Dress has taught me that we can all do our part to help.”

Bose joined the rest of the cast for the current six-time nominated film “Lion”. Bose portrays “Kamla Munshi” alongside Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman in the feature film.

To qualify as a Red Carpet Green Dress eco-conscious garment, each piece must either be made from recycled, organic or repurposed materials, use handmade detailing or incorporate natural dye processing – always with a focus on minimal negative impact on the environment, and environmentally and socially responsible design.

For the 2017 Oscars-inspired campaign, Red Carpet Green Dress partnered with Atelier Swarovski and had the support of Earth Friendly Products, maker of ECOS™ Laundry Detergent to help raise funds for MUSE School CA. MUSE School CA is an environmental non-profit educational organization Amis Cameron founded in Calabasas, Calif., with her sister Rebecca Amis. The financial assistance enables students to access a transformative educational experience. MUSE School CA ensures small class size, 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.

Get The Look: ESSENCE’s Black Women in Hollywood Awards

Last night marked the 10th anniversary of ESSENCE’s Black Women in Hollywood Awards! Gabrielle Union hosted the event and Danielle Brooks slayed the red carpet with her luscious locks!

Below, find the step by step guide on how celebrity hairstylist, Larry Sims gave each woman a sleek and fabulous with Schwarzkopf GLISS, Schwarzkopf got2b, and Smooth ‘N Shine!

Gabrielle Union

 

How to Get the Look:

 

  1. Start off by washing hair using  Schwarzkopf GLISS™ Oil Nutritive Shampoo & Conditioner
  2. Next, blow dry the hair out prepping with Schwarzkopf got2b Guardian Angel Flat Iron Balm 
  3. Take a feather razor and create a chin length textured bob
  4. Continue by using a dime sized curling barrel, wrapping hair loosely around the barrel in opposite directions leaving ends straight. Wrap pieces away from the hairline to give a water wave finish over the left eye
  5. From there, take a blow dryer to create a broken up textured look. Use Schwarzkopf got2b Mess-Merizing Hairspray to add more texture.
  6. Tuck hair really tight behind the right ear and make sure edges are laid down with Smooth ‘N Shine Edge Smoothing Pomade
  7. Use Schwarzkopf got2b Glam Force Hairspray for a firm hold to complete the look!

Danielle Brooks

 

How to Get the Look:

  1. Start off by washing hair using Schwarzkopf GLISS™ Oil Nutritive Shampoo & Conditioner
  2. Next, brush hair out with a round brush using Schwarzkopf got2b volumanic bodyfying foaming mousse
  3. Blow Dry hair and take a large half inch curling barrel and loosely wrapped around just ends of the hair in opposite direction and curl hair away from face to frame it. Prep with Schwarzkopf got2b Guardian Angel Flat Iron Balm 
  4. Use Mason Pearson brush and brush hair out for a soft finish
  5. Use Schwarzkopf got2b Glam Force Hairspray to finish the look!