Category: Entertainment

Entertainment /

TIME INC.¹S 2017 ESSENCE FESTIVAL® PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA® ATTRACTS MORE THAN 470,000 ATTENDEES

Time Inc.’s (NYSE:TIME) 2017 ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca-Cola® attracted more than 470,000 attendees to New Orleans this Fourth of July weekend for its annual cultural celebration featuring more than 200 performing artists and speakers—which included first-time appearances by Halle Berry, Diana Ross, Chance The Rapper and many more.  Recognized as one of the country’s largest live events, the 2017 ESSENCE Festival extended its reach worldwide by generating a record-breaking 4 billion social media impressions.

The annual 4-day Festival, which took place June 29-July 2, features entertainment, empowerment, and cultural experiences during the day and a state-of-the-art concert series with the world’s best performers each night.

Highlights of the 2017 ESSENCE Festival include:

  • Over 100 performing artists across the Superdome and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Many of the biggest names in the entertainment industry such as Diana Ross, John Legend, Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Chance The Rapper, Master P. and Solange performed at the event’s nighttime concerts and dozens of others across ESSENCE’s Center Stage and All-Star Gospel Tribute honoring Cissy Houston.
  • More than 100 speakers, authors, leaders and celebrities participated in the Festival’s free daytime experience –including a first-ever appearance by Halle Berry.  Other powerhouse speakers included Ava DuVernay, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon and the return of favorites Rev. Al Sharpton, Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Iyanla Vanzant, among others, drew packed crowds.
  • #EssenceFest social media posts driving more than 4 billion impressions with daily trending status on Twitter.
  • The launch of ESSENCE’s newly expanded ‘Path to Power’ business and entrepreneurship conference, as well as the return of consumer Expos focused on ‘Beauty & Style’ and ‘Entertainment All Access’ which drew crowds of thousands each day to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
  • Artist collaborations resulted in new Festival initiatives, including a first-time ‘Ladies Night’ featuring all female performers across five stages on Saturday night, and a first-ever celebrity basketball game to raise money for local youth scholarships in partnership with Master P. and his foundation, Team Hope NOLA.

For a full recap of all the exciting moments from the 2017 ESSENCE Festival, visit ESSENCE.com and log in to the ESSENCE Festival News Center for photo and footage highlights.

The 2017 ESSENCE Festival is executive produced by ESSENCE Festivals LLC, a division of ESSENCE Communications Inc. (ECI), and produced by Solomon Group. GeChar is the executive producer of the 2017 ESSENCE Empowerment Experience

Sponsors of the 2017 ESSENCE Festival include presenting sponsor Coca-Cola and major sponsors AT&T, Ford, McDonald’s, State Farm and Walmart.  Superlounge sponsors include Coca-Cola, Ford and Walmart. The All Star Gospel Tribute is sponsored by Walmart.

 

ABOUT ESSENCE COMMUNICATIONS INC.

Essence Communications Inc. (ECI) is the number one media company dedicated to African-American women, with a brand reach of 21.2 million. With a multi-platform presence in publishing, live events and online, ECI is comprised of Essence magazine, the preeminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women; the ESSENCE Festival®; Black Women in Hollywood and Black Women in Music events; Window on Our Women and Smart Beauty consumer insights series; Essence.com; and ventures in digital media (mobile, television and VOD).

ABOUT TIME INC.

Time Inc. (NYSE:TIME) is a leading multi-platform consumer media company that engages over 170 million consumers globally every month. The company’s influential brands include PEOPLE, TIME, FORTUNE, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED, INSTYLE, REAL SIMPLE, SOUTHERN LIVING and TRAVEL + LEISURE, as well as more than 60 diverse international brands. Time Inc. offers marketers a differentiated proposition in the marketplace by combining its powerful brands, trusted content, audience scale, direct relationships with consumers and unique first-party data. The company is home to growing media and platforms, including digital video, OTT, television, licensing, paid products and services and celebrated live events, such as the TIME 100, FORTUNE Most Powerful Women, PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED’s Sportsperson of the Year, the ESSENCE Festival and the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen.

Beauty /

CELEB EVENT RECAP: Sevyn Streeter & CEO Courtney Adeleye Unveil New Launches at SUR “Boss Up Brunch”

Recording Artist Sevyn Streeter and CEO & Founder of The Mane Choice Haircare Courtney Adeleye hosted a “Boss Up Brunch” at SUR Restaurant on Friday.

Courtney & Sevyn teamed up to host an afternoon of female boss empowerment, where leaders across many different industries gathered to network, enjoy the festivities and celebrate Courtney and Sevyn’s latest projects – The Mane Choice’s rollout of the Ancient Egyptian collection in Sally Beauty, and the first look of Sevyn’s highly anticipated album, Girl Disrupted, out July 7.

Both women were excited to share their latest work with a group of strong, influential females who are dedicated to making waves in their industries.

Celebrities and female “boss ladies” such as Estelle, Eva Pigford, Laura Govan, Miss Diddy and Malaysia were in attendance. They all enjoyed delicious food and cocktails and participated in the many activities including belly dancing, flower crown making, henna tattoos, selfie mirrors and more.

The Ancient Egyptian Collection is ideal to repair dry, damaged hair and can even prevent future damage after repeated use. The collection is inspired by the times of Ancient Egypt, when the hair was considered a personal and important method of self-expression.

The Mane Choice’s Ancient Egyptian Anti-Breakage & Repair Antidote Collection has sought out to source the most rare and robust natural oils used during that time, such as Kalahari Oil, Oleaster Oil, Mongongo Oil, and Baobab Oil to strengthen, repair and add remarkable shine.

Atlantic Records artist Sevyn Streeter is set to release her debut album GIRL DISRUPTED on July 7, a gift to her fans for HER birthday. The album will include recently released tracks- “My Love for You” and “Fallen” feat. Ty Dolla $ign & Cam Wallace.  This release will also include chart topping features such as August Alsina, Dave East, Dej Loaf and more.

The premise of GIRL DISRUPTED is centered on a message every young woman can relate to, the journey from a young naïve girl to a grown woman. “This important time in each woman’s life forces them to take ownership of their past in order to become the most true version of themselves,” says Sevyn.

 

TRACKLIST:

Livin

Present Situation

My Love For You

Anything You Want / Feat: Ty Dolla Sign, Jeremih & Wiz Khalifa

Ol School / Feat: Jeremih & Dej Loaf

Soon As I Get Home

Before I Do

Been A Minute / Feat: August Alsina

Peace Sign / Feat: Dave East

Fallen / Feat: Ty Dolla Sign & Cam Wallace

Translation

How Many

Everything In Me

Products range from $14.99 – $21.99 at Sally Beauty locations at SallyBeauty.com

Sevyn Streeter – Girl Disrupted

 

Beauty /

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.

Entertainment /

ESSENCE ANNOUNCES FESTIVAL¹S STAR-STUDDED CELEBRITY LINE-UP FOR DAYTIME EXPERIENCE

The talent line-up continues to heat up for the 2017 ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca-Cola®. The Festival will offer even more celebrity access, television and film sneak peeks and exclusive performances than ever before, rounding out the event’s daytime experience—which is free and open-to-the-public—taking place June 30-July 2 in New Orleans.

JUNE 30-JULY 2, FREE—ERNEST N. MORIAL CONVENTION CENTER

IYANLA VANZANT                      JADA PINKETT SMITH                CONGRESSWOMAN MAXINE WATERS                      AVA DUVERNAY

MARY J. BLIGE          REGINA HALL            REV. AL SHARPTON QUEEN LATIFAH                         MASTER P                  ISSA RAE

TINA KNOWLES-LAWSON                          CECE WINANS           JOHN SINGLETON                      MARA BROCK-AKIL

LARENZ TATE             BRYSHERE Y. GRAY                   MONICA                   INDIA.ARIE                 MC LYTE                    TWEET                        TIFFANY HADDISH                     MICHAEL ERIC DYSON                                JAY ELLIS                           XSCAPE                                        JOSEPH SIKORA                          TA’RHONDA JONES                                                       YVONNE ORIJI

LETOYA LUCKETT                       CORY HARDRICT                                          BJ THE CHICAGO KID                                  ELLE VARNER            SYBRINA FULTON                      PHAEDRA PARKS                       EMILY ESTEFAN                                         DONDRE WHITFIELD                 RUTINA WESLEY                         CISSY HOUSTON                                          KOFI SIRIBOE             TINA LIFFORD                             DAWN-LYEN GARDNER                             BRANDON BELL

KIM BURRELL                             KELLY PRICE                                GALLANT                                     JUDE DEMOREST

RYAN DESTINY                           DEMETRIA MCKINNEY              BRITTANY O’GRADY

 

For more information, visit www.essencefestival.com, follow us on Twitter @essencefest #EssenceFest and become a fan of 2017 ESSENCE Festival on Facebook.

The 2017 ESSENCE Festival App is now available for iPhone and Android users.

Sponsors of the 2017 ESSENCE Festival® include presenting sponsor Coca-Cola and major sponsors Ford, McDonald’s, State Farm, Verizon, and Walmart.  Superlounge sponsors include Coca-Cola, Ford and Walmart.   The All-Star Gospel Tribute is sponsored by Walmart.

Beauty /

Essence Festival 2017 – Media Passes & Lineup

Essence Festival 2017 is only a few weeks away and we have received official media passes.  What does that mean?  Style + Life + Fashion will share behind the scenes style photos, celebrity interviews, and video clips.

Aside from real-time micro blogging via social media (don’t forget to follow the hashtag #EssenceFestSLF ) there will be an official event recap sharing details from the Beauty and Style Expo, Entertainment Access, and much more.

The 2017 Lineup will include:

If you like this post, click here – What To Wear:  6 Tips For Music Festival Season

ANTM /

AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL SEASON 23 EPISODE 13 RECAP

During the last episode of America’s Next Top Model Season 23 contestants performed a full photo shoot for Paper Magazine.  The shoot entailed everything since the beginning of the competition.

To make the final episode special, the entire cast was invited to walk in the last runway show. Fashion styling and designer couture was provided by The Blonds.

 

 

Cory Anne was the first contestant to be eliminated.  This left Tatiana and India as the final two contestants. Tyra Banks also made an appearance and assisted the judges during the selection process.

India became the winner for the entire competition. America’s Next Top Model series is an example of not only having a distinct look but the ability to work under pressure and produce quality work. Where you surprised by the ending? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.

Watch the full episode here: The Final Countdown

Side Note:  I truly enjoyed watching the show and it’s a great role model and learning tool for those interested in becoming apart of the fashion industry.  A lot of people were skeptical because this was a new network and panel.  But, the judges had diverse fashion careers and really mentored each contestant (without tearing them down). The photo shoots were amazing and artistic.  Personally, I am looking forward to watching next season!
Celebrity /

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

Beauty /

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

 

Celebrity /

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.