Summer Fridays is here for your no makeup makeup look

Photography courtesy of Summer Fridays

While you’re soaking up the last few weeks of the season, Summer Fridays has got you covered with its brand new innovation, the Sheer Skin Tint. This lightweight, buildable product (launching exclusively at Sephora on August 16) is available in 10 shades, and provides an even, healthy appearance while infusing the skin with light hydration. It is truly skincare meets makeup, in one tiny, little, geometric bottle.

Nuxe debuts a 3-in-1 product as part of its new Crème Fraîche de Beauté range

Photography courtesy of Nuxe

One tube, three uses. Nuxe’s latest creation is an innovative 3-in-1 product that tackles a triad of very different beauty concerns. The cream formula works as a moisturizer, makeup remover and face mask. Crazy, right? In its magical concoction of botanical milk, sweet almond oil and shea butter, the silky texture is gentle yet plumping. Pro tip: pack it for your next trip to save on luggage space.

Exfoliating just got better, thanks to Boscia

Photography courtesy of Boscia

Not only does your face need some occasional exfoliation, but your scalp can greatly benefit from the treatment, too. Luckily Boscia’s new Probiotic Exfoliating Powder for Face + Scalp kills two birds with one stone (or, scrub, rather). The water-activated powder is super-charged with probiotics and niacinamide, which cleanses and strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier, while the exfoliating blend is made up of salicylic acids and upcycled charcoal. Complete with the soothing scent of eucalyptus and grapefruit, your headtop is about to enter its hot girl era. Shop the product at Hudson’s Bay, Shoppers Drug Mart and on Amazon.

Cacharel’s new fragrance release is a tribute to self love

Photography courtesy of Cacharel

Call it a guilty pleasure; Yes I Am Delicious is the bold new fragrance under Cacharel’s belt. And apparently it’s addictively yummy. Master perfumers Honorine Blanc and Alexis Grugeon have blended a delectable dose of chocolate and flowers, which translates their idea of self love. Plus, spritzing this on right before heading out reads just like a dessert: save the best for last.

Elie Saab introduces the perfume of the zeitgeist

Photography courtesy of Elie Saab

Another fragrance launch comes from luxury label Elie Saab. Truly an of the moment scent, Girl of Now captures the spontaneous, playful and carefree spirit of the New Generation. It opens with light top notes of pear, mandarine, orange and pistachio, with a heart of magnolia, orange blossom and almond. To end off with a nutty and lasting impression, the base notes of tonka bean, cashmeran, patchouli and almond milk linger behind, signalling the 2020s as a great time.

You can always count on watermelon

Photography courtesy of Glow Recipe

We all know and love the original 2017 launch from Glow Recipe, the cult favourite Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask. But now the brand is giving us the new and improved Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment. This next-generation overnight resurfacing mask exfoliates gently with pH-balanced AHA Complex. Your skin will be left radiant, firmed and even-toned with little to no effort!

The post Summer Fridays Releases Its First Skin Tint + More Beauty News appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Summer Fridays is here for your no makeup makeup look

Photography courtesy of Summer Fridays

While you’re soaking up the last few weeks of the season, Summer Fridays has got you covered with its brand new innovation, the Sheer Skin Tint. This lightweight, buildable product (launching exclusively at Sephora on August 16) is available in 10 shades, and provides an even, healthy appearance while infusing the skin with light hydration. It is truly skincare meets makeup, in one tiny, little, geometric bottle.

Nuxe debuts a 3-in-1 product as part of its new Crème Fraîche de Beauté range

Photography courtesy of Nuxe

One tube, three uses. Nuxe’s latest creation is an innovative 3-in-1 product that tackles a triad of very different beauty concerns. The cream formula works as a moisturizer, makeup remover and face mask. Crazy, right? In its magical concoction of botanical milk, sweet almond oil and shea butter, the silky texture is gentle yet plumping. Pro tip: pack it for your next trip to save on luggage space.

Exfoliating just got better, thanks to Boscia

Photography courtesy of Boscia

Not only does your face need some occasional exfoliation, but your scalp can greatly benefit from the treatment, too. Luckily Boscia’s new Probiotic Exfoliating Powder for Face + Scalp kills two birds with one stone (or, scrub, rather). The water-activated powder is super-charged with probiotics and niacinamide, which cleanses and strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier, while the exfoliating blend is made up of salicylic acids and upcycled charcoal. Complete with the soothing scent of eucalyptus and grapefruit, your headtop is about to enter its hot girl era. Shop the product at Hudson’s Bay, Shoppers Drug Mart and on Amazon.

Cacharel’s new fragrance release is a tribute to self love

Photography courtesy of Cacharel

Call it a guilty pleasure; Yes I Am Delicious is the bold new fragrance under Cacharel’s belt. And apparently it’s addictively yummy. Master perfumers Honorine Blanc and Alexis Grugeon have blended a delectable dose of chocolate and flowers, which translates their idea of self love. Plus, spritzing this on right before heading out reads just like a dessert: save the best for last.

Elie Saab introduces the perfume of the zeitgeist

Photography courtesy of Elie Saab

Another fragrance launch comes from luxury label Elie Saab. Truly an of the moment scent, Girl of Now captures the spontaneous, playful and carefree spirit of the New Generation. It opens with light top notes of pear, mandarine, orange and pistachio, with a heart of magnolia, orange blossom and almond. To end off with a nutty and lasting impression, the base notes of tonka bean, cashmeran, patchouli and almond milk linger behind, signalling the 2020s as a great time.

You can always count on watermelon

Photography courtesy of Glow Recipe

We all know and love the original 2017 launch from Glow Recipe, the cult favourite Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask. But now the brand is giving us the new and improved Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment. This next-generation overnight resurfacing mask exfoliates gently with pH-balanced AHA Complex. Your skin will be left radiant, firmed and even-toned with little to no effort!

The post Summer Fridays Releases Its First Skin Tint + More Beauty News appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

As fashion lovers descend upon Copenhagen to see designers’ Spring 2023 collections, there is much anticipation in the air for what trends will dominate the upcoming season. Stylish Danes, beloved international influencers and up-and-coming social stars delivered a healthy serving of street style to inspire us out of our fashion rut (as per usual).

In true Scandinavian fashion, there were plenty of effortless looks that have one foot in summer and another in fall — cut-outs and midriff-baring looks paired with gloves, leg-warmers and fuzzy hats gave us reason to splurge on new fall accessories before the leaves start to change their colours.

From swoon-worthy accessories to matching couple styles, click through the gallery below to see the best street styles spotted at Copenhagen Fashion Week Spring 2023.

The post The Best Street Style Seen at Copenhagen Fashion Week Spring 2023 appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

As fashion lovers descend upon Copenhagen to see designers’ Spring 2023 collections, there is much anticipation in the air for what trends will dominate the upcoming season. Stylish Danes, beloved international influencers and up-and-coming social stars delivered a healthy serving of street style to inspire us out of our fashion rut (as per usual).

In true Scandinavian fashion, there were plenty of effortless looks that have one foot in summer and another in fall — cut-outs and midriff-baring looks paired with gloves, leg-warmers and fuzzy hats gave us reason to splurge on new fall accessories before the leaves start to change their colours.

From swoon-worthy accessories to matching couple styles, click through the gallery below to see the best street styles spotted at Copenhagen Fashion Week Spring 2023.

The post The Best Street Style Seen at Copenhagen Fashion Week Spring 2023 appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Call it childish, but Sara Camposarcone is dressing for her younger self. Hence her collection of 40+ novelty tights — the cherries on the top of an eclectic sartorial sundae that any kid would devour. It’s so playful that the content creator has inspired comparisons on social media to TV and movie characters. “I get [likened to] Ms. Frizzle from The Magic School Bus all the time,” she says from her home base in Hamilton, Ont. Other honourable mentions? Effie Trinket from The Hunger Games and (the most niche of them all) the babysitter from the 2003 film The Cat in the Hat. But Camposarcone takes these comparisons as a compliment. “If people relate me to any kind of character from their past, I think it’s pretty cool.”

Unlike her fictional counterparts, Sara Camposarcone shares her style secrets on the small screen. Although she has only been posting her looks on TikTok for about a year (her account @saracampz has since gained almost 500K followers), her love of fashion started at a very young age. “My grandmother has always had a big influence on me, and she’s a massive Marilyn Monroe fan,” she says, listing the 1950s actor as her early inspiration. “But I’ve always been a creative person. Growing up, I loved painting and making things, so now I’ve become my own canvas.”

And indeed she has. Sara Camposarcone classifies her style as “playful, colourful, bold and nostalgic” and cites Betsey Johnson, Marc Jacobs, John Galliano, Dame Vivienne Westwood and Iris Apfel as her current muses. So it makes sense that her wardrobe is a beautifully chaotic combination of all five. Campy clutches and boho bags are falling off a repurposed coat hanger. Crocs and cowboy boots intermingle on floor-to-ceiling shelves. And Barbie, Hello Kitty and Care Bear motifs are scattered across various garments hanging on rolling racks.

But the not-so-hidden gems in her closet are her patterned pantyhose, which she buys from vintage boutiques, thrift stores and independent designers she finds on Instagram. “I never want my tights to be hidden,” Camposarcone explains. “I want them to be the focal point.” And although “practicality” might not be the first word that comes to mind when you see Hello Kitty hosiery, she admits that wearing it means she can sport her summer shorts well into the winter.

@saracampz Wear the outfit your 5 year old self would be proud of🌈 #fyp #grwm #personalstyle #ootd #fitcheck #maximalism #maximalist #fashiontiktok #thrifted #vintage #kidcore #rainbowmode #irregularchoice #looneytunes #teletubbies #rugrats #sustainablefashion ♬ original sound – Sara Camposarcone

What started with the purchase of puppy-print pantyhose by British brand Ashley Williams in the summer of 2021 has grown into a hoard of hosiery housed in multiple containers that Camposarcone tries her best to keep organized — the keyword being “tries.” “There’s a method to my madness,” she laughs. “I have a good memory of my stuff because I just love it all so much.”

That love is precisely what keeps Sara Camposarcone coming back for more, and she hopes that her insatiable enthusiasm for stylish maximalism encourages others to do the same. “I get a lot of comments on TikTok, like ‘I watch your videos because you and your style make me happy,’ and those kinds of notes make me want to cry,” she says, getting a little emotional. “Dressing up is literally my job, and it brings me so much joy — I’m living my dream.”

See some of the collection for yourself in the gallery below.

This article first appeared in FASHION’s September issue. Find out more here.

The post TikTok’s Sara Camposarcone is Dressing for Her Inner Child appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Call it childish, but Sara Camposarcone is dressing for her younger self. Hence her collection of 40+ novelty tights — the cherries on the top of an eclectic sartorial sundae that any kid would devour. It’s so playful that the content creator has inspired comparisons on social media to TV and movie characters. “I get [likened to] Ms. Frizzle from The Magic School Bus all the time,” she says from her home base in Hamilton, Ont. Other honourable mentions? Effie Trinket from The Hunger Games and (the most niche of them all) the babysitter from the 2003 film The Cat in the Hat. But Camposarcone takes these comparisons as a compliment. “If people relate me to any kind of character from their past, I think it’s pretty cool.”

Unlike her fictional counterparts, Sara Camposarcone shares her style secrets on the small screen. Although she has only been posting her looks on TikTok for about a year (her account @saracampz has since gained almost 500K followers), her love of fashion started at a very young age. “My grandmother has always had a big influence on me, and she’s a massive Marilyn Monroe fan,” she says, listing the 1950s actor as her early inspiration. “But I’ve always been a creative person. Growing up, I loved painting and making things, so now I’ve become my own canvas.”

And indeed she has. Sara Camposarcone classifies her style as “playful, colourful, bold and nostalgic” and cites Betsey Johnson, Marc Jacobs, John Galliano, Dame Vivienne Westwood and Iris Apfel as her current muses. So it makes sense that her wardrobe is a beautifully chaotic combination of all five. Campy clutches and boho bags are falling off a repurposed coat hanger. Crocs and cowboy boots intermingle on floor-to-ceiling shelves. And Barbie, Hello Kitty and Care Bear motifs are scattered across various garments hanging on rolling racks.

But the not-so-hidden gems in her closet are her patterned pantyhose, which she buys from vintage boutiques, thrift stores and independent designers she finds on Instagram. “I never want my tights to be hidden,” Camposarcone explains. “I want them to be the focal point.” And although “practicality” might not be the first word that comes to mind when you see Hello Kitty hosiery, she admits that wearing it means she can sport her summer shorts well into the winter.

@saracampz Wear the outfit your 5 year old self would be proud of🌈 #fyp #grwm #personalstyle #ootd #fitcheck #maximalism #maximalist #fashiontiktok #thrifted #vintage #kidcore #rainbowmode #irregularchoice #looneytunes #teletubbies #rugrats #sustainablefashion ♬ original sound – Sara Camposarcone

What started with the purchase of puppy-print pantyhose by British brand Ashley Williams in the summer of 2021 has grown into a hoard of hosiery housed in multiple containers that Camposarcone tries her best to keep organized — the keyword being “tries.” “There’s a method to my madness,” she laughs. “I have a good memory of my stuff because I just love it all so much.”

That love is precisely what keeps Sara Camposarcone coming back for more, and she hopes that her insatiable enthusiasm for stylish maximalism encourages others to do the same. “I get a lot of comments on TikTok, like ‘I watch your videos because you and your style make me happy,’ and those kinds of notes make me want to cry,” she says, getting a little emotional. “Dressing up is literally my job, and it brings me so much joy — I’m living my dream.”

See some of the collection for yourself in the gallery below.

This article first appeared in FASHION’s September issue. Find out more here.

The post TikTok’s Sara Camposarcone is Dressing for Her Inner Child appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Let me clarify: At 5’11”, I know I’m tall. You know I’m tall. So I don’t need you to tell me I’m tall. It doesn’t matter whether I’m meeting a Bumble date or a new colleague, for some peculiar reason, people feel the need to verbally acknowledge my height as if I’ve got something in my teeth and haven’t noticed. For the record: I have noticed. I was the tallest in my class for eight consecutive years. I don’t fit into most bathtubs. And I often walk into low-hanging branches.

But what really tipped me off to the fact that I’m tall is shopping for clothes. Mini skirts and dresses are virtually out of the question unless I want to pull a Paris Hilton circa 2004 and flash some unsuspecting bystanders. All jeans are ankle length, which can get particularly chilly in the winter. And finding a jacket that reaches my wrists is like trying to figure out who Gossip Girl is, and the result is similarly disappointing.

Enter Tall Size, an online fashion marketplace curated for tall women, created by Canadian Olympian and basketball player Kayla Alexander (6’4”), her sister Kesia (5’10”), and her childhood friend Nicole Murphy (6’0”). Tired of scouring the internet for “anything other than sweatpants” that would adequately fit them, the trio decided to tackle this problem themselves. And they’ve made serious strides. The platform currently hosts over 500 tall-friendly items (including extra-large shoes!) in various styles from about 21 different brands.

“I grew up loving my height, but when it came to shopping, I hated it,” reveals Kayla. “Back to school shopping was horrible because all I could find that fit me were t-shirts and jewellery.” During our call, Nicole recalls a similar experience shopping for dresses for the school dance. “All my girlfriends would be swapping outfits, and I would literally be sitting in the corner waiting for everyone to finish getting ready because I knew I could only wear my own stuff. So I just avoided fashion altogether.”

Although they toyed with the idea of designing their own tall-specific clothing line, Nicole explains that during the initial research stage, they discovered quite a few smaller brands already catered to this market. The problem was the lack of exposure. “Tall women have it hard enough, so we wanted to do the research for them and bring all these brands together in one place,” says Nicole. Kayla adds: “It’s not just about our customer or us. We’re also helping small female-led businesses, so there’s a lot of women empowerment going on.”

As such, each piece of clothing added to the TallSize website has been vetted by its founders for quality and length. But one of their main focuses for the next year is to increase their options for extended sizes and trans women. “As we grow, we’re looking to get more women on our team representing different body types,” shares Kesia. “Tall women come in a variety of shapes and sizes too!”

Photography by Getty Images

And indeed, there’s something ironic about the fashion industry casting 5’9” and taller models but not adapting the clothing to fit the taller public. Gigi Hadid  and Kendall Jenner (both 5’10”) might wear a pair of pants perfectly, but when it comes time for other tall women to try them on, the pants look more like capris. Nicole, Kesia, Kayla and I label this frustration as “tall-washing,” based on the term “curve-washing,” a marketing tactic used by brands that include size-diverse models in ad campaigns or runways without actually selling those same sizes.

Now in fairness to big businesses, tall women only make up about 5 per cent of the world’s population, and most of them are likely from Scandinavia. However, that’s still roughly about 300 million people, so it’s a bit of a head-scratcher as to why tall women have been ignored for so long. But really, Tall Size’s goal from the very beginning has been to create a community. And even just speaking with the trio for a little less than an hour, I’m surprised by how therapeutic the experience is. It’s almost been like a group therapy session, where we’re all free to share our daily height-related struggles. “We always say that tall women are everywhere and nowhere at the same time,” begins Nicole. “So our mission is to give them a voice and make sure they’re seen, heard and understood.”

The post The Truth About Being Tall appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Let me clarify: At 5’11”, I know I’m tall. You know I’m tall. So I don’t need you to tell me I’m tall. It doesn’t matter whether I’m meeting a Bumble date or a new colleague, for some peculiar reason, people feel the need to verbally acknowledge my height as if I’ve got something in my teeth and haven’t noticed. For the record: I have noticed. I was the tallest in my class for eight consecutive years. I don’t fit into most bathtubs. And I often walk into low-hanging branches.

But what really tipped me off to the fact that I’m tall is shopping for clothes. Mini skirts and dresses are virtually out of the question unless I want to pull a Paris Hilton circa 2004 and flash some unsuspecting bystanders. All jeans are ankle length, which can get particularly chilly in the winter. And finding a jacket that reaches my wrists is like trying to figure out who Gossip Girl is, and the result is similarly disappointing.

Enter Tall Size, an online fashion marketplace curated for tall women, created by Canadian Olympian and basketball player Kayla Alexander (6’4”), her sister Kesia (5’10”), and her childhood friend Nicole Murphy (6’0”). Tired of scouring the internet for “anything other than sweatpants” that would adequately fit them, the trio decided to tackle this problem themselves. And they’ve made serious strides. The platform currently hosts over 500 tall-friendly items (including extra-large shoes!) in various styles from about 21 different brands.

“I grew up loving my height, but when it came to shopping, I hated it,” reveals Kayla. “Back to school shopping was horrible because all I could find that fit me were t-shirts and jewellery.” During our call, Nicole recalls a similar experience shopping for dresses for the school dance. “All my girlfriends would be swapping outfits, and I would literally be sitting in the corner waiting for everyone to finish getting ready because I knew I could only wear my own stuff. So I just avoided fashion altogether.”

Although they toyed with the idea of designing their own tall-specific clothing line, Nicole explains that during the initial research stage, they discovered quite a few smaller brands already catered to this market. The problem was the lack of exposure. “Tall women have it hard enough, so we wanted to do the research for them and bring all these brands together in one place,” says Nicole. Kayla adds: “It’s not just about our customer or us. We’re also helping small female-led businesses, so there’s a lot of women empowerment going on.”

As such, each piece of clothing added to the TallSize website has been vetted by its founders for quality and length. But one of their main focuses for the next year is to increase their options for extended sizes and trans women. “As we grow, we’re looking to get more women on our team representing different body types,” shares Kesia. “Tall women come in a variety of shapes and sizes too!”

Photography by Getty Images

And indeed, there’s something ironic about the fashion industry casting 5’9” and taller models but not adapting the clothing to fit the taller public. Gigi Hadid  and Kendall Jenner (both 5’10”) might wear a pair of pants perfectly, but when it comes time for other tall women to try them on, the pants look more like capris. Nicole, Kesia, Kayla and I label this frustration as “tall-washing,” based on the term “curve-washing,” a marketing tactic used by brands that include size-diverse models in ad campaigns or runways without actually selling those same sizes.

Now in fairness to big businesses, tall women only make up about 5 per cent of the world’s population, and most of them are likely from Scandinavia. However, that’s still roughly about 300 million people, so it’s a bit of a head-scratcher as to why tall women have been ignored for so long. But really, Tall Size’s goal from the very beginning has been to create a community. And even just speaking with the trio for a little less than an hour, I’m surprised by how therapeutic the experience is. It’s almost been like a group therapy session, where we’re all free to share our daily height-related struggles. “We always say that tall women are everywhere and nowhere at the same time,” begins Nicole. “So our mission is to give them a voice and make sure they’re seen, heard and understood.”

The post The Truth About Being Tall appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

One of the things you’re likely to spot the minute you step into my daughter’s nursery is a wee shelf populated with picture books that showcase Black faces as main characters. Books whose dark-skinned heroes not only visually resemble who my daughter is in this world but whose stories showcase Black youth in an uplifting and positive light rather than through the damaging stereotypical views that society — to this day — all too often uses to describe us: uneducated, living in poverty, angry, dangerous, oversexualized. The list unfortunately goes on.

Representation matters. When I was a kid, my childhood reading and TV and movie watching were often about worlds of mostly blue-eyed, blond-haired children who looked nothing like me. I truthfully can’t recall a powerful, strong Black role model that I could look up to in my youth.

Regis and Kahran Bethencourt. PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAHRAN AND REGIS BETHENCOURT, CREATIVESOUL PHOTOGRAPHY

This left me wanting to play only with my white Barbies, and for years I had a deep yearning to conform to a portrait of popular beauty designed by a Eurocentric society. It wasn’t until I was in my 20s that I truly began to take pride in my own natural looks. Let’s just say that I refuse to have my daughter live and think that way. I want her to always be proud of who she is, from her voluminous coils and chocolate skin to her Ghanaian-Caribbean background.

So, when I discovered the coffee-table book Glory: Magical Visions of Black Beauty by Kahran and Regis Bethencourt, the wife-and-husband photography duo behind Atlanta-based CreativeSoul Photography, I purchased it immediately. (Fun fact: Their work has earned them global recognition over the years and many viral call-outs from A-listers like Alicia Keys, Common and Taraji P. Henson.)

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAHRAN AND REGIS BETHENCOURT, CREATIVESOUL PHOTOGRAPHY

Inside the 256-page tome you’ll find a next-level collection of Kahran and Regis’s niche work: one-of-a-kind photographs of real-life Black youth (who are between five and 13 years old and hail from across the United States and countries in Africa) looking like true monarchs and flexing a whole range of natural hairstyles — not to mention they’re serving major fashion looks by Black designers. From cornrows adorned with colourful cowrie shells to asymmetrical afros to sculptural braids and twist-outs, afro-textured hair — and Black skin tones of every hue, for that matter — becomes a symbol of empowerment, beauty, self-care and individuality. “We really tried to showcase all types of natural hair, from 4C coils to looser textures, because there is still this sense of what is considered ‘good hair’ and what’s not within Black communities,” explains Kahran.

The book, I later discovered, was released in 2020 — a time when the world was not only grappling with a health pandemic but also finally facing a harsh light on anti-Black racism in many areas of society. To my mind, Kahran and Regis’s timing couldn’t have been better.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAHRAN AND REGIS BETHENCOURT, CREATIVESOUL PHOTOGRAPHY

What makes Kahran and Regis’s dreamy imagery even more special as you flip through the pages is that alongside powerful quotes by famous figures — Nelson Mandela, Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, Muhammad Ali — the duo provide space for the Black youth they feature to share their own stories and explore their dreams. Think an eight-year-old neuroscience expert who’s able to dissect mind-boggling topics, a 13-year-old with a clothing line aimed at combatting racism and colourism, young kids fighting discriminatory hair policies in schools that forbid certain Black hairstyles and children celebrating life despite health problems and disabilities.

“When we first started photographing kids, we focused more on showing the beauty and uniqueness of afro hair,” shares Kahran. “But we soon realized that these kids had amazing stories and were doing inspiring things. Sadly, that’s not what’s being highlighted or shown in the media, so we felt like we had an opportunity to give these kids a platform and share their voices with the world. That’s really how the idea for Glory came about. We wanted to extend the narrative to much more than just hair.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAHRAN AND REGIS BETHENCOURT, CREATIVESOUL PHOTOGRAPHY

The post-shoot reactions are heart-melting. “The kids are usually amazed to see themselves photographed in that way,” says Kahran. “The transformation isn’t just from the outside; it’s from the inside as well: Their chests stick out a little bit more, and they hold their heads higher.” Adds Regis: “And they continue to carry that confidence with them.”

And don’t be mistaken: CreativeSoul’s work is just as much for adults as it is for children, serving as an educational tool for all — even those living outside Black culture. Kahran says that when they share their images on social media, they often receive comments of awe and curiosity from unknowing minds. “We use our platform to educate as well as entertain,” she states.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAHRAN AND REGIS BETHENCOURT, CREATIVESOUL PHOTOGRAPHY

In fact, Glory doesn’t live on my daughter’s bookshelf. No, no. It sits on display in our living room for all visitors to see, touch and learn from.

I truly can’t wait to regularly absorb those magnificent pages with my daughter as I watch her grow into her own person, reading her stories of young Black kids just like her doing incredible things and winning at life — stories for her to idolize and daydream about. It would bring me so much joy to see those page corners well worn.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAHRAN AND REGIS BETHENCOURT, CREATIVESOUL PHOTOGRAPHY

And good news! Another coffee-table book is on its way, due to arrive in summer 2023, shares Kahran. “It will be called Crowned, and it will be a book of Black fairy tales,” she says. “Some are our own takes on existing fairy tales and African and African-American folklore stories, and others are ones we came up with. We’re super excited for it to be out in the world.” Excuse me: adding my name to the pre-order list ASAP.

This article first appeared in FASHION’s September issue. Find out more here. 

The post Texture Talk: Meet the Photography Duo Helping Black Youth Love the Skin They’re In appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

One of the things you’re likely to spot the minute you step into my daughter’s nursery is a wee shelf populated with picture books that showcase Black faces as main characters. Books whose dark-skinned heroes not only visually resemble who my daughter is in this world but whose stories showcase Black youth in an uplifting and positive light rather than through the damaging stereotypical views that society — to this day — all too often uses to describe us: uneducated, living in poverty, angry, dangerous, oversexualized. The list unfortunately goes on.

Representation matters. When I was a kid, my childhood reading and TV and movie watching were often about worlds of mostly blue-eyed, blond-haired children who looked nothing like me. I truthfully can’t recall a powerful, strong Black role model that I could look up to in my youth.

Regis and Kahran Bethencourt. PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAHRAN AND REGIS BETHENCOURT, CREATIVESOUL PHOTOGRAPHY

This left me wanting to play only with my white Barbies, and for years I had a deep yearning to conform to a portrait of popular beauty designed by a Eurocentric society. It wasn’t until I was in my 20s that I truly began to take pride in my own natural looks. Let’s just say that I refuse to have my daughter live and think that way. I want her to always be proud of who she is, from her voluminous coils and chocolate skin to her Ghanaian-Caribbean background.

So, when I discovered the coffee-table book Glory: Magical Visions of Black Beauty by Kahran and Regis Bethencourt, the wife-and-husband photography duo behind Atlanta-based CreativeSoul Photography, I purchased it immediately. (Fun fact: Their work has earned them global recognition over the years and many viral call-outs from A-listers like Alicia Keys, Common and Taraji P. Henson.)

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAHRAN AND REGIS BETHENCOURT, CREATIVESOUL PHOTOGRAPHY

Inside the 256-page tome you’ll find a next-level collection of Kahran and Regis’s niche work: one-of-a-kind photographs of real-life Black youth (who are between five and 13 years old and hail from across the United States and countries in Africa) looking like true monarchs and flexing a whole range of natural hairstyles — not to mention they’re serving major fashion looks by Black designers. From cornrows adorned with colourful cowrie shells to asymmetrical afros to sculptural braids and twist-outs, afro-textured hair — and Black skin tones of every hue, for that matter — becomes a symbol of empowerment, beauty, self-care and individuality. “We really tried to showcase all types of natural hair, from 4C coils to looser textures, because there is still this sense of what is considered ‘good hair’ and what’s not within Black communities,” explains Kahran.

The book, I later discovered, was released in 2020 — a time when the world was not only grappling with a health pandemic but also finally facing a harsh light on anti-Black racism in many areas of society. To my mind, Kahran and Regis’s timing couldn’t have been better.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAHRAN AND REGIS BETHENCOURT, CREATIVESOUL PHOTOGRAPHY

What makes Kahran and Regis’s dreamy imagery even more special as you flip through the pages is that alongside powerful quotes by famous figures — Nelson Mandela, Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, Muhammad Ali — the duo provide space for the Black youth they feature to share their own stories and explore their dreams. Think an eight-year-old neuroscience expert who’s able to dissect mind-boggling topics, a 13-year-old with a clothing line aimed at combatting racism and colourism, young kids fighting discriminatory hair policies in schools that forbid certain Black hairstyles and children celebrating life despite health problems and disabilities.

“When we first started photographing kids, we focused more on showing the beauty and uniqueness of afro hair,” shares Kahran. “But we soon realized that these kids had amazing stories and were doing inspiring things. Sadly, that’s not what’s being highlighted or shown in the media, so we felt like we had an opportunity to give these kids a platform and share their voices with the world. That’s really how the idea for Glory came about. We wanted to extend the narrative to much more than just hair.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAHRAN AND REGIS BETHENCOURT, CREATIVESOUL PHOTOGRAPHY

The post-shoot reactions are heart-melting. “The kids are usually amazed to see themselves photographed in that way,” says Kahran. “The transformation isn’t just from the outside; it’s from the inside as well: Their chests stick out a little bit more, and they hold their heads higher.” Adds Regis: “And they continue to carry that confidence with them.”

And don’t be mistaken: CreativeSoul’s work is just as much for adults as it is for children, serving as an educational tool for all — even those living outside Black culture. Kahran says that when they share their images on social media, they often receive comments of awe and curiosity from unknowing minds. “We use our platform to educate as well as entertain,” she states.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAHRAN AND REGIS BETHENCOURT, CREATIVESOUL PHOTOGRAPHY

In fact, Glory doesn’t live on my daughter’s bookshelf. No, no. It sits on display in our living room for all visitors to see, touch and learn from.

I truly can’t wait to regularly absorb those magnificent pages with my daughter as I watch her grow into her own person, reading her stories of young Black kids just like her doing incredible things and winning at life — stories for her to idolize and daydream about. It would bring me so much joy to see those page corners well worn.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KAHRAN AND REGIS BETHENCOURT, CREATIVESOUL PHOTOGRAPHY

And good news! Another coffee-table book is on its way, due to arrive in summer 2023, shares Kahran. “It will be called Crowned, and it will be a book of Black fairy tales,” she says. “Some are our own takes on existing fairy tales and African and African-American folklore stories, and others are ones we came up with. We’re super excited for it to be out in the world.” Excuse me: adding my name to the pre-order list ASAP.

This article first appeared in FASHION’s September issue. Find out more here. 

The post Texture Talk: Meet the Photography Duo Helping Black Youth Love the Skin They’re In appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Babydoll dresses are like Popsicles. Sure, you can get through summer without them, but it wouldn’t be as sweet.

Bouncy and delicate, there’s a reason the style has been around for decades. But it’s not exactly everyone’s cup of tea. Originally, the term “babydoll dress” was used to refer to the mini women’s nightgown designed by Sylvia Pedlar in the 1940s. It was later popularized in the 1956 movie Baby Doll, and soon after, the lingerie was everywhere, often worn with bloomers. In the ‘90s, they went from dainty nighty to “kinderwhore” staple, worn by grunge girls like Courtney Love.

But in 2022, babydoll dresses are not just for housewives and rockstars. The silhouette has been modernized with a variety of styles on the market. The best part? It doesn’t matter whether you pair it with sneakers, heels or a chunky boot — the dress goes perfectly with just about any footwear, making it the perfect summer piece. Swipe through the gallery below to shop our favourite options.

The post Why the Babydoll Dress is a Timeless Summer Staple appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Babydoll dresses are like Popsicles. Sure, you can get through summer without them, but it wouldn’t be as sweet.

Bouncy and delicate, there’s a reason the style has been around for decades. But it’s not exactly everyone’s cup of tea. Originally, the term “babydoll dress” was used to refer to the mini women’s nightgown designed by Sylvia Pedlar in the 1940s. It was later popularized in the 1956 movie Baby Doll, and soon after, the lingerie was everywhere, often worn with bloomers. In the ‘90s, they went from dainty nighty to “kinderwhore” staple, worn by grunge girls like Courtney Love.

But in 2022, babydoll dresses are not just for housewives and rockstars. The silhouette has been modernized with a variety of styles on the market. The best part? It doesn’t matter whether you pair it with sneakers, heels or a chunky boot — the dress goes perfectly with just about any footwear, making it the perfect summer piece. Swipe through the gallery below to shop our favourite options.

The post Why the Babydoll Dress is a Timeless Summer Staple appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Issey Miyake, who died last week in Tokyo at the age of 84, was without question the sweetest designer I have ever interviewed.

It was 1994 and I was working for the Toronto Star when I met him in his Paris office overlooking the exquisite Place des Vosges. The occasion was the launch of his first fragrance, L’Eau D’Issey, which went on to win multiple awards and become an international bestseller.

As I wrote then, I was struck by his lack of pretension, his simple, cluttered desk, his twinkling eyes, his warm smile.

Issey Miyake and models at his Ready to Wear, Spring 1994 show in Paris. Photography courtesy of Getty Images

He had every reason to be bitter and angry. He was a seven-year-old boy riding his bicycle in Hiroshima when the atomic bomb fell. It left him with a pronounced limp and, no doubt, profound invisible scars. His mother died three years later from the radiation. But unlike other designers whose life challenges have led to self-medicating, suicide or a narcissistic need for attention (or a combo of the three), Miyake seemed happy, serene even. And that joy was translated into clothing that bounced and billowed, expanded and contracted, and seemed endlessly charming and entertaining and…yet…comfortable, as anyone who has worn pieces from his Pleats Please line knows. In 2007, he stepped back to create a textile innovation lab with a focus on sustainability, more evidence of his lack of need for the limelight and public adoration.

Swedish model Emma Sjöberg wears a Pleats Please creation at the Issey Miyake Fall 1995 ready to wear show in Paris. Photography courtesy of Getty Images

We saw him as a visionary, a ground-breaking talent whose innovations were celebrated in museum exhibits and worn by some of the greatest musicians, writers and contemporary artists of the 20th century. Miyake saw himself as a man who simply liked to sculpt with cloth.

Issey Miyake Spring 1999 ready to wear show in Paris. Photography courtesy of Getty Images

Having witnessed the worst, he seemed determined to find beauty wherever he looked. During our interview he suddenly stopped mid-sentence and began staring at the shadows on the wall. “Look,” he said. “The light.” I remember the moment so clearly, and how it captured the essence of his artistic core. RIP Miyake-san. Though it seems you had found peace already in your time on earth.

The post Issey Miyake Was the Sweetest Designer I Knew appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Issey Miyake, who died last week in Tokyo at the age of 84, was without question the sweetest designer I have ever interviewed.

It was 1994 and I was working for the Toronto Star when I met him in his Paris office overlooking the exquisite Place des Vosges. The occasion was the launch of his first fragrance, L’Eau D’Issey, which went on to win multiple awards and become an international bestseller.

As I wrote then, I was struck by his lack of pretension, his simple, cluttered desk, his twinkling eyes, his warm smile.

Issey Miyake and models at his Ready to Wear, Spring 1994 show in Paris. Photography courtesy of Getty Images

He had every reason to be bitter and angry. He was a seven-year-old boy riding his bicycle in Hiroshima when the atomic bomb fell. It left him with a pronounced limp and, no doubt, profound invisible scars. His mother died three years later from the radiation. But unlike other designers whose life challenges have led to self-medicating, suicide or a narcissistic need for attention (or a combo of the three), Miyake seemed happy, serene even. And that joy was translated into clothing that bounced and billowed, expanded and contracted, and seemed endlessly charming and entertaining and…yet…comfortable, as anyone who has worn pieces from his Pleats Please line knows. In 2007, he stepped back to create a textile innovation lab with a focus on sustainability, more evidence of his lack of need for the limelight and public adoration.

Swedish model Emma Sjöberg wears a Pleats Please creation at the Issey Miyake Fall 1995 ready to wear show in Paris. Photography courtesy of Getty Images

We saw him as a visionary, a ground-breaking talent whose innovations were celebrated in museum exhibits and worn by some of the greatest musicians, writers and contemporary artists of the 20th century. Miyake saw himself as a man who simply liked to sculpt with cloth.

Issey Miyake Spring 1999 ready to wear show in Paris. Photography courtesy of Getty Images

Having witnessed the worst, he seemed determined to find beauty wherever he looked. During our interview he suddenly stopped mid-sentence and began staring at the shadows on the wall. “Look,” he said. “The light.” I remember the moment so clearly, and how it captured the essence of his artistic core. RIP Miyake-san. Though it seems you had found peace already in your time on earth.

The post Issey Miyake Was the Sweetest Designer I Knew appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

The year was 2007. Gossip Girl was in its first season, Tumblr had just launched, the original iPhone was hitting shelves and a young Kate Middleton and Prince William had ended their four-year relationship. They of course reunited three years later and wed in 2011, but before that memorable day, the Duchess of Cambridge was just a girl in her mid-20s, What A Girl Wants-ing her way through London à la Amanda Bynes. Today, the royal’s fashion is appropriately formal. Classic and feminine, the Duchess’s sense of style is sought after by the masses. But the 2000s were a different time, and while Kate Middleton may very well cringe at some of the fashion choices from her single “it” girl era, with the period’s style revival in full swing, we think it’s the perfect time to revisit her pre-royalty ensembles.

Getting groovy

Photography courtesy of Getty Images

Circa 2008, Kate Middleton was dressed up for the Day-Glo Midnight Roller Disco in South London, an event organized in aid of a charity. Between her flashy green halter, yellow athletic shorts and the pink socks peeking out of her high black boots, this look is not for the faint of heart. But there are two lessons to be learned here: stick to the theme and don’t be afraid to mix and match colours and textures.

Perfectly preppy

Photography courtesy of Getty Images

Stuck on what to wear during that awkward transition period between summer and fall? Let 2007 Kate be your guide. At the Badminton Horse Trials, she layered a collared shirt with a knitted sweater and skirt that fell just above the knee. Accessorized with a belt, oversized bag and square sunnies, this look is timeless and easy to recreate.

Outfit repeater

Photography courtesy of Getty Images

Does this bag look familiar? It should. Kate wore the same one to the Day-Glo Midnight Roller Disco. Here, instead of a pop of colour, it ties together her romantic outfit, which she wore to a 2006 party to celebrate a store opening. Plus, a cropped jacket is a must-have for those channeling the 2000s. Take a cue from Kate and pair it with a dress for a more feminine look.

Keep it simple

Photography courtesy of Getty Images

We all need good quality basics that are easy to put together. In the 2000s, that was high black boots and a structured dress, as seen here on Kate Middleton. Paired with a black shoulder bag, Kate’s white belted and button down jacket-like dress kept things pared down for the 2007 Concert For Diana At Wembley Stadium.

Coordination is key

Photography courtesy of Getty Images

Was there a more popular colour combination in the 2000s than brown and blue? Pictured here attending the Cheltenham Horse Racing Festival in 2007, Kate matched her scarf with a brown beret, skirt and boots paired with a blue cropped jacket.

Playful patterns

One thing about Kate Middleton? She will wear a pattern. Even today, the Duchess favours a little flair. Pictured on two separate occasions (one out clubbing in London in 2007 and the other at the Chakravarty Cup charity polo match in 2006, pre-split), she kept her accessories simple so the dresses were the main event.

Looking for some additional inspiration? Swipe through the gallery below to recreate some of the looks Kate Middleton wore in the 2000s.

The post Style Lessons from 2000s Kate Middleton appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

The year was 2007. Gossip Girl was in its first season, Tumblr had just launched, the original iPhone was hitting shelves and a young Kate Middleton and Prince William had ended their four-year relationship. They of course reunited three years later and wed in 2011, but before that memorable day, the Duchess of Cambridge was just a girl in her mid-20s, What A Girl Wants-ing her way through London à la Amanda Bynes. Today, the royal’s fashion is appropriately formal. Classic and feminine, the Duchess’s sense of style is sought after by the masses. But the 2000s were a different time, and while Kate Middleton may very well cringe at some of the fashion choices from her single “it” girl era, with the period’s style revival in full swing, we think it’s the perfect time to revisit her pre-royalty ensembles.

Getting groovy

Photography courtesy of Getty Images

Circa 2008, Kate Middleton was dressed up for the Day-Glo Midnight Roller Disco in South London, an event organized in aid of a charity. Between her flashy green halter, yellow athletic shorts and the pink socks peeking out of her high black boots, this look is not for the faint of heart. But there are two lessons to be learned here: stick to the theme and don’t be afraid to mix and match colours and textures.

Perfectly preppy

Photography courtesy of Getty Images

Stuck on what to wear during that awkward transition period between summer and fall? Let 2007 Kate be your guide. At the Badminton Horse Trials, she layered a collared shirt with a knitted sweater and skirt that fell just above the knee. Accessorized with a belt, oversized bag and square sunnies, this look is timeless and easy to recreate.

Outfit repeater

Photography courtesy of Getty Images

Does this bag look familiar? It should. Kate wore the same one to the Day-Glo Midnight Roller Disco. Here, instead of a pop of colour, it ties together her romantic outfit, which she wore to a 2006 party to celebrate a store opening. Plus, a cropped jacket is a must-have for those channeling the 2000s. Take a cue from Kate and pair it with a dress for a more feminine look.

Keep it simple

Photography courtesy of Getty Images

We all need good quality basics that are easy to put together. In the 2000s, that was high black boots and a structured dress, as seen here on Kate Middleton. Paired with a black shoulder bag, Kate’s white belted and button down jacket-like dress kept things pared down for the 2007 Concert For Diana At Wembley Stadium.

Coordination is key

Photography courtesy of Getty Images

Was there a more popular colour combination in the 2000s than brown and blue? Pictured here attending the Cheltenham Horse Racing Festival in 2007, Kate matched her scarf with a brown beret, skirt and boots paired with a blue cropped jacket.

Playful patterns

One thing about Kate Middleton? She will wear a pattern. Even today, the Duchess favours a little flair. Pictured on two separate occasions (one out clubbing in London in 2007 and the other at the Chakravarty Cup charity polo match in 2006, pre-split), she kept her accessories simple so the dresses were the main event.

Looking for some additional inspiration? Swipe through the gallery below to recreate some of the looks Kate Middleton wore in the 2000s.

The post Style Lessons from 2000s Kate Middleton appeared first on FASHION Magazine.