Held at Monday Night Garage as part of the festival’s second annual celebration, the fashion show brought together designers, models, content creators, and anime enthusiasts for an evening that proved personal style doesn’t have to follow a particular formula.

BOSSIP’s very own Lauryn Bass was on the scene for the festivities, where attendees arrived in everything from anime-inspired ensembles to their own carefully curated looks. The atmosphere was inclusive and inviting, with enough energy to make even the spectators feel like part of the production.

The venue offered plenty of indoor and outdoor areas for guests to move freely between the runway, bar and social spaces. Inside, the traditional fashion show setup featured photographers, seated guests, and VIP front-row accommodations. Between presentations, attendees enjoyed dancing, networking, and opportunities to create content.

The bar offered an extensive drink selection, with menus neatly displayed along the wall and organized into categories that made browsing easy. Guests could choose from the following offerings:

• Dark: For My Friend, This Is Not a Beer, Breakfast Ante Meridiem, A Story About Everything and Drafty Kilt.
• Light: Taco Tuesday and Oktoberfest.
• Wine: Taccoa (white wine) and Red Tailed (red wine).
• Hoppy: Cherry Skies, Evolution Six, Imaginary Grace 2026, Death Raptor, Blind Pirate, Slap Fight, Space Jetitude and Gasoline Dreams.
• Sour: Dr. Robot, Miso the Mango, Lilly and 404.
• Cocktails: Classic Margarita, Old Fashioned, Blackberry Mule, Harvest Margarita and Lavender Lemonade.
• Yacht Waters: A selection of tequila-based sparkling cocktails in flavors including Key Lime, Jalapeño, Orange and Lemon.

The organized menu complemented the venue’s laid-back atmosphere, allowing attendees to grab a drink and return to the runway festivities.

Accessibility was another welcome element of the experience. Parking was complimentary for the first two hours, while shuttles circulated through the parking lot to help guests navigate the surrounding area. Transportation options observed included Fur Bus (furbus.com) and self-driving shuttles, offering additional ways to get around.

The all-ages gathering welcomed everyone from brand ambassadors and fashion enthusiasts to curious onlookers, creating a space where individual expression was not only encouraged but celebrated.

The Fashion Arc Brings Anime-Inspired Designers Into The Spotlight

The runway featured designs from Oh My Senpai Shop, Trap Sushi, Bijon Projects, GART Apparel, Soular Brand, and more, with creative direction by @itszaybaybay.

Music also played an essential role in the evening’s atmosphere, with sounds by @ohthatskreme and a runway mix by @pocalaloca_ keeping the energy flowing throughout the show.

The presentations highlighted the versatility of anime-inspired fashion, bringing together statement pieces, playful silhouettes and creative interpretations of personal style.

For Atlanime Fest organizers, however, the evening represented something greater than a fashion presentation.

Eli Watkins, chief marketing officer and managing partner of Atlanime Fest, spoke exclusively with BOSSIP about the festival’s second year and its emphasis on building community through collaboration.

“This year’s theme was about collaboration and community,” Watkins said. “The most important piece of this was really just about creating a platform for creators.”

According to Watkins, the fashion show involved six brands from an international creative community, reflecting the festival’s larger mission of providing opportunities for artists and enthusiasts to connect.

He emphasized the importance of creating an environment where members of the Black nerd, or “blerd,” community could express themselves without judgment.

“We think the community we have is one of the best in the entire planet,” Watkins said.

The festival’s expansion into a multi-day experience also reflected a strategic decision to attract visitors to Atlanta during October, a month Watkins identified as particularly favorable for tourism and events.

He explained that the organizers hope to build partnerships with brands, sponsors and the city of Atlanta while contributing to the local economy.

Still, the festival’s long-term vision extends beyond attendance figures.

“The biggest thing we want to make sure people have is that they see themselves in the festival,” Watkins said.

He added that the goal is for attendees to enjoy themselves, find their community and feel comfortable participating, whether that means dressing up, cosplaying or simply showing up as themselves.

Fashion That Celebrates Every Kind Of Anime Hottie

For Taylor Senpai, founder of Oh My Senpai Shop, The Fashion Arc represented an opportunity to step outside her comfort zone and introduce audiences to designs that had previously remained behind the scenes.

Following the show, the designer admits that she was relieved by the audience’s reception.

“I feel relieved. It was so much better than I thought it was gonna go,” she said.

Taylor Senpai explains that although she typically prefers to remain behind the scenes, this presentation required her to become more involved in the creative process. She designed the pieces herself and used the opportunity to showcase samples that had been sitting in her collection for years.

Some designs, she explained, were two or three years old, making the audience’s response particularly meaningful. The experience even encouraged her to reconsider producing some of those previously unreleased designs.

More importantly, Senpai wants her collection to communicate a message of body inclusivity.

“Everyone can be your anime hottie no matter your size, your shape, your height,” she said.

The designer explained that she noticed many anime-inspired clothing brands catered primarily to men. With Oh My Senpai Shop, she wanted to create pieces that could be worn comfortably at conventions or styled for an outing.

Her participation in The Fashion Arc was also rooted in friendship and community. Although she had previously been hesitant to participate in similar opportunities, encouragement from people involved with the festival ultimately convinced her to join.

The experience turned out to be a rewarding one.

Models Embrace Comfort And Creativity Of Anime Fashion

The evening’s sense of belonging extended beyond the designers to the models bringing their collections to life.

Ke’LaRue, who modeled for Trap Sushi, says this was her first time participating in the festival.

Although it was her first time attending Atlanime Fest, the model says the environment immediately made her feel welcome.

“Wearing it, I feel at home,” she said of her outfit. “This outfit is really cute, really just comfortable.”

Ke’LaRue also shared that she had only recently begun exploring anime, making her participation an introduction to the community as well as the fashion.

“Overall, 10 out of 10,” she said of her experience.

Her enthusiasm reflects the atmosphere of the showcase, where attendees didn’t need years of anime knowledge or elaborate cosplay to feel included.

Atlanime Fest Is Creating More Than A Fashion Moment

While The Fashion Arc delivered a visually engaging runway experience, its strongest impression came from the community surrounding it.

Throughout the evening, attendees mingled between presentations, celebrated one another’s outfits and transformed the venue into a gathering place for creatives with shared interests.

The intimacy of the production allowed the fashion to remain the focal point without losing the social atmosphere that makes events like these memorable.

For Bass, the evening offered a firsthand look at how anime culture continues to inspire fashion, artistic collaboration, and new opportunities for Black creatives in Atlanta.

The creativity was unmistakable, but so was the sense of belonging.

As Atlanime Fest continues expanding its programming, The Fashion Arc demonstrates how a niche interest can become a platform for designers, models, and enthusiasts to discover new audiences while remaining authentic to themselves.

Whether attendees came to walk the runway, support a friend, photograph their favorite looks, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, there was room for everyone to participate.

The post Anime Meets the Runway as Atlanime Fest Debuts First Runway Show “The Fashion Arc” With Bold Designs, Creativity & Community appeared first on Bossip.

Excellence is a habit at Tennessee State University known for its world-famous (and Grammy-winning) Aristocrat Of Sound marching band, highly ranked cheerleading squad, nationally recognized research community, and coveted Carnegie R2 classification in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee.

Founded in 1912 as the Agricultural and Industrial State Normal School, the comprehensive land-grant university strives for excellence in programming, offerings, and community engagement while offering 77 majors and an engaging student life.

The 6th ranked public HBCU (Forbes) shines as a beacon of access, excellence, and possibility with two locations—the scenic 500-acre main campus in a residential neighborhood along the Cumberland River and the downtown Avon Williams campus near the center of Nashville’s business and government district.

In a history-making move, TSU started development on the first Mining Engineering Program at an HBCU and the only program in the state funded by a DOE grant to prepare a workforce for critical mineral production. 

“We are deeply grateful to the Department of Energy for their strategic investment in Tennessee State University,” said Dr. Erik Schmeller, interim provost and VP for Academic Affairs.

“This collaboration not only expands academic opportunities for our students but also positions TSU at the forefront of vital workforce development in engineering.”

This year, Tennessee State University welcomed more than 1,600 freshmen this fall, nearly quadrupling last year’s class, making the storied institution the latest HBCU to experience an enrollment surge.

Notable TSU alumni include Oprah Winfrey, Xernona Clayton, Bobby Jones, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Richard Dent, Wilma Rudolph, and more.

Have you experienced Tennessee State’s Homecoming? If yes, how was your experience? If no, will you be there next year?? Tell us down below and enjoy our gallery of Tenns out of Tenns who stunned at TSU’s Homecoming on the flip.

The post Tenn Out Of Tenns! A Gallery Of Tennessee State Stunners Who Gave ‘Em The Big Blues At Homecoming 2026 appeared first on Bossip.

In an exclusive interview with BOSSIP, the actress discussed the aftermath of the shocking shooting that left Jax fighting for her life, the psychological toll of her mounting personal and professional struggles, and the consequences of pretending everything is fine when it (very clearly) isn’t.

“I think this truly sends her over the edge, but she doesn’t realize it initially,” Emayatzy told BOSSIP’s Managing Editor Dani Canada.

After navigating marital turmoil, grief over her client Ozzy, and workplace microaggressions, Jax enters the fourth season facing another devastating setback. Although she’s survived the shooting and is preparing to move forward with her newly established law firm, Emayatzy explained that her character’s physical recovery doesn’t necessarily mean she’s healed emotionally.

“In true Jax fashion, she thinks that, ‘Okay, I’m healing, I’m healed up, it’s all good. Let me just get back to it and move on.’ But she realizes quickly that it’s not easy. You don’t just get over something like that.”

According to the actress, Jax’s attempts to regain control of her life ultimately force her to confront unresolved issues that she’s spent years avoiding.

“She’s faced with having to truly face herself, face a lot of demons and really do the work,” she explained.

Jax’s Painkiller Addiction Takes A Dangerous Turn In Season 4

Warning: Spoilers for Reasonable Doubt Season 4, Episode 5 ahead

Emayatzy’s comments are especially significant following Season 4’s fifth episode, “Who Gon Stop Me,” which reveals just how far Jax’s struggle to cope with her trauma has progressed.

Throughout the season, Jax has developed a growing dependence on prescription painkillers following the shooting by Monica (Brandee Evans) in the Season 3 finale.

What began as part of her physical recovery has spiraled into a dangerous addiction that threatens her personal relationships, professional reputation, and life.

Throughout the episode, Jax increasingly lashes out at family members and colleagues while attempting to maintain the appearance that she has everything under control.

Her dependence becomes especially troubling when she initially asks her friend Sally for a prescription…

before taking matters into her own hands and obtaining pills through a dealer connected to her client, music mogul Eric Cropper (Durrell “Tank” Babbs).

In one shocking scene, Jax falls asleep in the bathtub after taking pills and nearly drowns. Later, her desperation becomes even more apparent when she drops a pill into a courthouse sink and resorts to licking the sink to retrieve it.

In a recent interview with TV Insider, Emayatzy said she welcomed the opportunity to explore the less polished aspects of a character who has spent years projecting strength and confidence.

“I think what most excited me was the opportunity to look even further behind the veil, look even even deeper into the cracks behind the veneer of Jax Stewart,” she told the outlet. “She runs at such a high level in her life, she takes pride in that,” Emayatzy added.

The actress also questioned whether Jax will be able to reclaim the life she once knew after hitting such a devastating low point.

“How is she going to claw her way back to her top or is there going to be a new top?” she asked.

The addiction storyline also complicates Jax’s relationship with Eric, whose involvement in her access to pills creates another layer of vulnerability for the attorney.

Although Eric promises to protect her, Emayatzy suggested to TV Insider that the power dynamic between the two may be shifting in ways Jax doesn’t fully recognize.

“In true Jax fashion, she feels like I can handle it, I can handle him. And there does come a point where maybe he’s handling her, you know, she’s being played and that’s hard,” she explained.

Jax’s downward spiral speaks directly to what Emayatzy told BOSSIP about her character’s habit of pushing past her pain instead of confronting it.

It’s a struggle that may feel familiar to many Black women, who are often expected to stay strong, show up, and keep pushing, even when they’re falling apart behind the scenes.

When BOSSIP pointed out those parallels, Emayatzy said portraying a character with so many layers is both a privilege and a gift.

“I feel so honored. I feel so blessed,” she said. “I really do feel that Jax is a character that people will remember for this reason.”

“This woman has all of the things, the good and the bad,” she continued. “There’s such a balance in that, and to see her live her life in the way that we get to experience it, and all of the layers that we get to peel back, it’s such an honor.”

And while Jax has always been known for her confidence, quick thinking, and courtroom command, Season 4 is peeling back that polished exterior to reveal the pain she’s been trying to conceal.

“This season is no different. We get to see her in a very different light, and we really just get to see what that kind of brokenness looks like when you’re putting on that mask and it’s all good until you hit the wall. And it’s not.”

With Jax’s personal and professional worlds on a collision course, Emayatzy made it clear that viewers should brace themselves for what’s ahead.

When BOSSIP asked what warning label she’d put on Season 4, the actress had a hilariously fitting response.

“Tape down your edges. Tape them down. Make sure they don’t go nowhere,” she joked. “Because it’s about to be a ride, and it’s going to be a very heart-wrenching season.”

New episodes of Reasonable Doubt Season 4 stream Tuesdays on Hulu.

The post Emayatzy Corinealdi Teases Jax’s ‘Heart-Wrenching’ ‘Reasonable Doubt’ Spiral Amid Her Prescription Pill Addiction And Personal Pain [Exclusive] appeared first on Bossip.

After stepping away from The Real Housewives of Atlanta following Season 9 as an executive producer, Carlos King is revisiting the franchise’s legacy with none other than Andy Cohen. In an interview published on YouTube on Oct. 20, King sat down with the 58-year-old television and radio host to discuss his relationship with former RHOA star NeNe Leakes, whether a return to the franchise could ever be in the cards for the reality TV icon, and why he would love to see Love & Hip-Hop alum Joseline Hernandez become a Miami Housewife, something the Puerto Rican Princess praised him for on social media.

Andy Cohen says he’s “really happy” to be back on good terms with NeNe Leakes.

During Cohen’s appearance on King’s Reality With The King podcast, the Bravo executive revealed that he and NeNe are on great terms after putting her 2022 workplace lawsuit behind them. Cohen also shared that he was “really happy” to “celebrate” NeNe when she returned to Atlanta for The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th special.

“I think the fans wanted it and I think it would have been really hard to do that show without her, especially going to Atlanta,” Cohen said around the 17:12 minute mark. “And so I was really happy to be able to have her, meet that moment and be on, and Kiki and really get flowers from so many people. I’m a really nostalgic person…I mean, we really had some great times, and just some absolutely killer moments. She made some historic television with you right there with her.”

With NeNe previously expressing interest in making an appearance on RHOA without necessarily returning as a full-time cast member, King wanted to know whether the door remained open for the reality star. The former Housewife has reportedly floated the idea of appearing on the show in a limited capacity, potentially hosting the ladies on a fabulous getaway. When King asked whether he was “open” to the possibility, Cohen didn’t rule it out, though he made it clear he’s currently focused on rebuilding the New York and Atlanta franchises.

“Who knows? I mean…It was such a big deal to get her back on UGT, and also, talk about rebuilding New York. We have really, and I know that you will understand the brick by brick process that we’ve been in with Atlanta, and so I’ve been so in it on that with truly original and rebuilding that show, and I’m so happy with where we’re at right now, and I think you are too,” Cohen explained.

More on the flip, including Carlos King’s comments on Joseline Hernandez!

The post Carlos King Champions Joseline Hernandez For #RHOM During Andy Cohen Chat, Puerto Rican Princess Praises Him–‘ I LOVE YOU AND OWE YOU A LOT’ appeared first on Bossip.

That was the theme Tuesday when Tatyana Ali brought Fresh Prince fans to tears on Dancing With The Stars by reuniting with her TV brother Alfonso Ribeiro for an emotional tribute to their late TV father, James Avery. The heartfelt homage honored the beloved actor who played Uncle Phil on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and it was a full-circle moment more than three decades in the making.

During the show’s Dedication Night, Tatyana, 47, and her professional partner Jan Ravnik performed a moving Viennese Waltz to Nancy Wilson’s “(You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am.” PEOPLE reports that, as a special surprise, Ali revealed that she recorded her own vocals for the rendition of the jazz classic for the performance.

“It wouldn’t be the performance it needs to be without Alfonso on the stage with me,” Ali said ahead of the dance about Alfonso Ribeiro a.k.a. Carlton Banks briefly stepping away from his DWTS-hosting duties to join her.

“It’s just right,” Ribeiro agreed. “And it’s an opportunity to say thank you.”

Tatyana Ali Honors James Avery’s Lasting Impact On Her Life

During the show, Tatyana shared that the performance was about much more than honoring a television legend.

“He just always cheered me on,” PEOPLE reports Ali told co-host Julianne Hough following the performance, adding that Avery “would be in that audience” if he were still alive.

The actress also shared a heartfelt message for those closest to the late actor.

“I want to send my love to his family and his friends and [his wife] Barbara for letting us do this. I love you guys, and I hope I did you proud,” she said.

As previously reported, ahead of the performance, Tatyan reflected on the invaluable lessons Avery taught her while they worked together on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

“Everything I believe about being an artist, was learned at his feet. I loved him very much and I know many of you did too,” she captioned a carousel of throwback photos on Oct. 15.

“James Avery was one of my greatest teachers. I hope you feel all the love we’re putting into this dance,” she wrote. “I know if James was still here, he would have been in that audience cheering me on, encouraging me, telling me all the good things he sees in me.”

In a rehearsal video shared ahead of Dedication Night, Ali further explained why Avery’s influence extended far beyond the Fresh Prince set.

“He was a mentor to me. He was a teacher to me. He was the heart of the show in so many ways,” she said.

“He loved the arts, and he taught me all the artists he thought I needed to know,” she continued. “I wouldn’t be who I am today, as a performer, as a woman, without him being in my life.”

As BOSSIP previously reported, Avery passed away on Dec. 31, 2013, following complications from open-heart surgery. His portrayal of the legendary Bel-Air family patriarch Uncle Phil remains one of television’s most memorable father figures.

R.I.P. Uncle Phil.

What do YOU think about Taya Ali’s Dedication Night performance tribute to James Avery?

The post ‘Fresh Prince’ Feels! Tatyana Ali & Alfonso Ribeiro Reunite On ‘DWTS’ For Tearful Tribute To Their TV Dad, James ‘Uncle Phil’ Avery appeared first on Bossip.

We had to pull up at Delaware State University known for its gorgeous campus, dynamically diverse student body, Desean Jackson-lead football program, and infectious school pride that elevates the vibes at the storied institution’s Homecoming in the heart of Dover, Delaware.

Founded in 1891 as the State College for Colored Students, the 9th ranked HBCU in the nation (U.S. News & World Report) shines as one of the country’s first land-grant educational institutions.

In Fall 2025, the University’s student enrollment surged to a record 6,623 students–the largest number in the school’s 134-year history–who thrive on a beautiful 356-acre main campus with over 50 buildings and four outdoor athletic fields.

“This is the largest student body ever at Delaware State University and the largest class of incoming Delaware Inspire scholars since the creation of the program 15 years ago,” said Dr. Patrice Gilliam, Provost, Delaware State University.

“And most importantly, our students have come ready to do the demanding work needed to make a difference in their chosen field – from public health and commercial aviation to business and finance. Speaking for all the faculty and staff at Delaware State University, we stand ready to help all our students get across the finish line, get their education, and meet their fullest potential.”

According to the school’s official site, DSU’s record enrollment has been driven primarily by increased student demand in Delaware State University’s flagship programs on main campus and DSU Downtown, including health care, education, and business majors.  

Additionally, the state-sponsored Inspire program–a fully funded state scholarship for Delaware students with a 2.75 GPA and commitment to public service–has helped make Delaware State University a top choice for in-state students.

Notable alumni include NFL All-Pro cornerback (and Kerry Washington’s husband) Nnamdi Asomugha, MLB Hall of Famer Willie Stargell, 3x Super Bowl champion John Taylor, The Breakfast Club co-host Loren Lorosa, and more.

Have you experienced Del State’s Homecoming? If so, how was your experience? If not, will you be there next year?? Tell us down below and enjoy our gallery of Del State stunners on the flip.

The post Delaware State Does It Better! A Gallery Of The Baddest (And Buzziest) DSU Hornets Who Did What Needed To Be Done At Homecoming 2026 appeared first on Bossip.

We caught up with Asante Blackk (Lamar), Peyton Alex Smith (James), and Simmie “Buddy” Sims III (Artillery) to talk about them playing young men navigating family, music, and the streets as West Coast rap begins its ascent in 1990s Los Angeles.

For Smith’s “James,” the dream isn’t necessarily fame or fortune. It’s figuring out who he is outside of survival.

“Sometimes these dreams don’t have to be these big grand scheme dreams,” Smith told BOSSIP. “His dream is to find out who he is.” James, Lamar’s protective older brother, is pulled between his family, the streets, and a search for something more.

“We’re so stuck in survival mode that we can’t get outside of that mindset,” Smith said. “He’s escaping survival mode and finding out his place in the world.”

Smith sees something much larger in James’ struggle. “If you look at him, he’s just trying to figure it out and make something good of his life,” he said. “But his environment is different, so I feel like it depicts a lot of young Black men in America, for sure.”

Asante Blackk’s “Lamar” has a clearer dream: music. But his refusal to simply accept the rules surrounding him makes his road complicated.

“Lamar just sees the world differently,” Blackk said. “He doesn’t necessarily abide by the confines of rules and regulations.”

According to Blackk, Lamar is also beginning to question whether some of what adults have presented as protection is actually unresolved pain passed down.

“If y’all aren’t going to try to process it, and if y’all don’t want to tell the truth about what’s really going on here, I’m gonna just go out and I’m gonna find out one way or another,” Blackk said of his character.

Buddy’s Artillery, meanwhile, is already throwing himself into that world.

“Sometimes you gotta get lost to create a new path and take a new path that has never been taken before,” Buddy told BOSSIP. “He’s getting lost in the creation and the music and the passion and the dream, just going after it full force.”

And when asked who among the three could survive today’s music industry, the guys were fairly convinced Lamar had the hustle to make the millions. “James” might agree.

Smith said his character recognizes something in his younger brother even amid their struggles. “James sees Lamar fearless,” he said, “the way he’s chasing his dream.”

The post ‘The Drop’ Exclusive: Asante Blackk, Peyton Alex Smith And Simmie ‘Buddy’ Sims III Talk Chasing Dreams, Running From The Past, And Sabotaging The Future appeared first on Bossip.

The Drop: A Snowfall Saga brings Wanda Bell and Leon Simmons back into viewers’ lives, but Gail Bean and Isaiah John are clear: these are not the same people fans left at the end of Snowfall.

The new FX series follows Wanda and Leon as they try to reinvent themselves in 1990s Los Angeles, where the rise of West Coast rap offers new possibilities and new complications. For Wanda, that means transforming years of addiction and survival into ambition and access.

We spoke with Bean and John about Wanda’s hunger, Leon’s devotion, and whether their characters can ever truly outrun the past.

“What I discovered about Wanda’s ambition is what she’s willing to sacrifice,” Bean told BOSSIP. “A lot of this resilience has always been in her.” Bean pointed to a line Leon once said about Wanda on Snowfall, “One thing Wanda ain’t…is weak.” That strength takes on a different shape in The Drop. Wanda is no longer simply trying to survive addiction and the devastation crack cocaine brought to her life; she wants to build something of her own.

“Wanda is fearless, but she is also tired,” Bean said. “She’s been through a lot.”

According to Bean, surviving the worst has changed Wanda’s relationship with fear.

“Once you have seen and gone through so much, then your fear starts to dissipate,” she said. “She feels that she’s seen it all. She’s seen the worst. She’s done the worst.”

In Wanda’s mind, Bean added,

“There’s nowhere to go, but up.” In this series, Bean said the only thing left for Wanda to do is to be great.

Isaiah John Says Leon’s Love For Wanda Includes The Imperfections

Wanda’s reinvention unfolds alongside one of the Snowfall universe’s most enduring relationships: her complicated love with Leon.

John told BOSSIP he drew inspiration from older generations of couples who stayed together through enormous challenges. “You just seen couples go through hell and high water and still stick together,” he said.

For John, that commitment reflects a fuller understanding of love.

“Love is not going to be one thing,” he said. “It’s not going to be quote-unquote perfect.” He added that “even through the imperfections, you can still lend love and care for another individual outside of yourself.”

Can Wanda And Leon Outgrow Their Past?

Both characters also face the question at the center of The Drop: how much should your past determine who you are allowed to become?

John said, “That’s solely up to us as individuals,” adding that self-work is necessary to recognize the patterns people can fall into.

Bean agreed, saying the past can become either an obstacle or something useful.

“We evolve, right? We can expand,” she said. “It’s up to us to decide if we want to allow our past to be something that’s a hindrance and hold us back, or if we want to allow it to be a step stool and help lift us up.”

As for whether Wanda and Leon will find their way fully back to each other, especially after that viral moment where Dara put her bid in for Leon, Bean and John weren’t giving up any of that tea. “You gotta watch,” they teased.

Considering everything these two characters have been through together, with love still lingering between them, we certainly will.

The post ‘The Drop’ Exclusive: Gail Bean & Isaiah John Talk Wanda And Leon’s Enduring Love, Reinvention & Leaving The Past Behind appeared first on Bossip.

A woman’s reputation can take years to build and only seconds to unravel. In Power & Influence, the threat isn’t just colleagues spilling tea. It’s a deepfake, a manufactured version of reality persuasive enough to jeopardize the futures of two Black women who have very different ideas about what it means to hold power. The unfolding drama will reach audiences in episodes short enough to watch between text messages.

Premiering Monday, Oct. 19, exclusively on BOSSIP’s TikTok account, Urban One’s new corporate thriller follows Nia Whitmore, the chief executive of a respected Black-owned advertising agency in Atlanta, and Zuri Reynolds, a young creative strategist whose knowledge of the city may be the company’s lifeline. When AI deepfakes expose scandals and send the agency into turmoil, the women find themselves navigating threats to their reputations, careers, and hard-won influence. Ivory Shields, known for Queen Sugar, plays Nia, while Nappily Ever After actress Tanazia Madan portrays Zuri.

The series is part of Urban One’s entry into original vertical microseries, scripted entertainment built for the way audiences watch on their phones. Its 20 episodes average just 90 seconds apiece, tackling topics like professional ambition, generational friction, digital deception, and the ways Black women are judged when they dare to take up space. In an exclusive conversation with MadameNoire, Shields and Madan discussed the storytelling format, what they recognized in their characters, and why the fictional stakes feel so close to real life.

RELATED CONTENT: Here Are All The Black TV Shows That Have Been Canceled In 2026 So Far, And We’re P–sed Off!

The post Power Plays, Deepfake Drama & Dirty Corporate Secrets! Inside BOSSIP’s Addictive New TikTok Thriller ‘Power & Influence’ [Exclusive] appeared first on Bossip.

Gizelle Bryant is trading shade for apologies, and according to the Potomac pot-stirrer herself, she’s “evolving” into a “better person.” The Real Housewives of Potomac vet is making amends with two of her “friends,” Tia Glover and Dr. Wendy Osefo, after spreading rumors about Tia’s husband allegedly being on dating apps and calling Wendy a “scammer” and a “criminal” amid her ongoing legal troubles.

During the Oct. 18 episode of Watch What Happens Live, Bryant acknowledged that she “did” a good job and felt great about apologizing to Glover, whose marital struggles with her husband, Rob Glover, have been unfolding on RHOP.

Rather than approaching Tia directly with the sensitive information, Gizelle acknowledged that she repeated the allegations to others, contributing to the drama surrounding her co-star’s marriage.

When Cohen praised her for taking accountability, Gizelle agreed that she’d done a good job and said she felt great about making amends.

“People need to realize that Gizelle is evolving. Okay? I’m becoming a better person,” she declared.

Cohen seemed pleasantly surprised, noting that viewers rarely see the longtime Housewife apologize.

And Tia wasn’t the only person to receive an unexpected mea culpa.

Gizelle Bryant Also Apologized To Wendy Osefo After Calling Her A “Scammer” And A “Criminal”

Gizelle also had some apologizing to do when it came to Dr. Wendy Osefo, whom she called a “scammer” and a “criminal” while discussing the ongoing insurance fraud case involving Wendy and her husband, Eddie Osefo.

During a conversation with Tia on #RHOP, Gizelle questioned whether the ladies should rally around Wendy in light of the allegations against her.

“I do want us to step up for Wendy,” Tia said.

“But are we going to act like Wendy did not potentially commit a crime? I just can’t wrap my head around that,” Gizelle responded.

When Tia reminded her that they weren’t the “judge or the jury,” Gizelle doubled down, arguing that the evidence wasn’t in Wendy’s favor. She also suggested that Wendy wouldn’t extend her the same grace if their situations were reversed.

“If it were me, Wendy would run me down to the ground,” Gizelle claimed.

When Tia asked whether she’d personally experienced that kind of treatment from Wendy, Gizelle delivered another dig.

“I’m not a scammer. I’m not a criminal, so I haven’t given her that to give,” she said.

Tia, however, wasn’t comfortable with the accusations.

“I just think it’s in poor taste, babe,” she said in a confessional, arguing that they shouldn’t label Wendy a scammer or criminal based on allegations, even if they privately believed them.

Gizelle continued, acknowledging that Wendy had been arrested while insisting she had no desire to pile on.

“Do I feel like slamming this in Wendy’s face? No, I don’t need to kick Wendy when she’s down,” she said, before joking that her castmate was “all the way on the ground” like a “starfish.”

Wendy and Eddie have denied wrongdoing in connection with the fraud allegations, and the criminal case remains unresolved.

After watching the footage back, however, Gizelle admitted that her remarks made her uncomfortable, particularly given the progress she believes the two women have made in their friendship.

“So I saw that back, and I very much regretted it. Like I cringed watching myself say that because Wendy and I, we’re like actually I think really good friends,” Gizelle explained during WWHL.

“Maybe not after she sees this episode, but I feel like I took eight steps back and I don’t want to do that. So Wendy, I’m sorry. Wendy, I’m sorry.”

Whether Wendy accepts the apology remains to be seen.

The post (Un)Reasonably Shady: Gizelle Apologizes To Tia For Spreading Dating App Rumor, #RHOP Regrets Wendy ‘Scammer’ Shade appeared first on Bossip.

No Kings Rallies Shift Focus From Protests To The Polls

The coalition, which includes hundreds of organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union, Black Voters Matter and Indivisible, described the nationwide initiative as nonpartisan. Organizers prohibited candidate endorsements and invitations for current political candidates to speak.

According to NPR, thousands of gatherings unfolded across the country Oct. 17 as the No Kings coalition shifted its focus from protesting President Donald Trump’s administration to encourage early voting, voter turnout and election protection.

“The first three No Kings were designed to send a message,” Indivisible co-founder Ezra Levin told NPR. “We’re done sending a message.”

Instead, organizers encouraged Americans to translate their concerns into civic participation.

From large demonstrations in Washington, D.C., to neighborhood gatherings across the country, participants distributed voting resources, promoted election awareness and encouraged eligible residents to cast their ballots.

NPR states that In Frisco, Texas, Indivisible organizer Cammy Dunford helped assemble 500 goody bags containing QR codes linked to voting information ahead of the state’s Oct. 19 early voting kickoff.

“I don’t care if you’re an independent, first-time voter, Democrat, Republican,” Dunford said. “If you are eligible to vote, you need to get out there and vote. Because without everybody voting, we don’t have a democracy.”

Meanwhile, demonstrators near the Lincoln Memorial carried signs reading “YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE” and “VOTERS OVER VANITY!”

However, the movement’s online organizing efforts experienced a disruption during the demonstrations.

According to Business Insider, Meta suspended the No Kings Instagram account after its security systems detected unusually intense automated activity involving a Claude tool.

Meta spokesperson Andy Stone explains that engineers identified a spike in activity involving the tool’s access to Instagram content, prompting the platform’s automated security measures to flag the account.

“An automated re-review of the removal action an hour later recognized that shouldn’t have happened and restored the account,” Stone said. 

Although the account was restored, administrators reportedly experienced additional delays regaining access.

Meta apologized for the suspension, which the company said occurred in error.

“We want to reiterate our sincere apology for the error,” Stone said.

No Kings Organizers Demand Answers After Instagram Account Goes Dark

Outrage ensued Saturday after organizers discovered that the No Kings movement’s main Instagram account had been taken down while more than 3,000 demonstrations were underway nationwide. RawStory.com highlights political voices who used their online platforms to make statements amongst the discourse:

– Rachel Bitecofer, political scientist and Democratic strategist: “The admins have lost access to the account. We are unable to login. This happened at the peak of our national day of action.”

– Norm Eisen, attorney and former U.S. ambassador to the Czech Republic: “Meta pulled down the main No Kings Instagram accounts. We demand answers for why this happened during our National Day of Action.” He continued, “Meanwhile, millions are mobilizing — they cannot silence us.” 

-Eisen, addressing the account’s partial restoration: “Meta must restore full access immediately,” he demanded after reporting that administrators remained unable to post.

– Grant Stern, Democratic strategist: “Why did [Meta] suspend the official No Kings account on today’s day of mass action?” He added, “The account is back but still locked. This is wrong.” 

According to RawStory.com, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s had previous efforts to improve relations with Trump following the 2024 presidential election.

Citing ABC News, the outlet reports that Zuckerberg attended Trump’s inauguration, visited Mar-a-Lago, discontinued Meta’s third-party fact-checking program and agreed to a $25 million settlement involving Trump’s lawsuit over his social media suspension following the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack.

However, there is no official evidence that establishes that Trump or his administration directed the Instagram suspension.

While Meta has attributed the disruption to an automated security error, the incident raises questions about the reliability of digital platforms during major political demonstrations.

For the No Kings coalition, the interruption arrived during an effort to move beyond protest signs and toward voter participation, with organizers continuing to encourage Americans to engage in the electoral process ahead of November’s midterm elections.

The post No Kings Day Rallies Draw Millions Nationwide For Early Voting As Organizers Accuse Meta Of Censoring Their Accounts, Company Claims ‘Error’ appeared first on Bossip.

When it comes to Janet Jackson, the girls are going to always make it clear that she is the Queen of Pop.

Though Janet has lots of musical daughters, one who many have often miscategorized is Britney Spears. Early in her career, the “Toxic” singer easily drew Madonna comparisons; however, it was Janet who was the blueprint to her fashion, dance style and even vocal stylings. Now, the singer is making it clear that the youngest Jackson was always her North Star.

“At 13 years old, if a Janet Jackson video came on the TV, my mouth dropped open,” Britney wrote in a post. “I kept repeating in my head, “No, No … Please come back, I wanna see that again … Where the hell did that come from ???” It was her ability to be incredibly mysterious, so dark with a vibe that sucked you in immediately, and then this haunting simple angelic tone… The feeling she gives with her voice when she sings is so pure and genuine …

“She’s not trying to be sexy … She just is … She can’t help it … She has always been god to me. She’s not just a singer, she is an entertainer in people’s eyes. Not only do adults feel her presence in such a spellbound way … She’s able to captivate the hearts of children as well !!! I was so young, and she spoke to my heart and soul like no one else … I have no idea why I’m writing this, but I do believe people like her are here for a reason … Just her smile alone changed the world forever.”

Aside from being two of music’s most hailed and praised pop entertainers, Britney and Janet also suffered, unjustly, from the effects of misogny in mainstream media, spearheaded by their connection to singer Justin Timberlake. Justin and Britney famously dated at the height of their individual success and later broke up amid rumors of cheating on Spears’ end. Justin would later use thinly veiled accusations to help promote his debut solo album, Justified, resulting in a media firestorm that directed ire towards Britney.

In 2004, he collaborated with Janet at the Super Bowl, where he infamously exposed her breast on television and then left her to bear the brunt of the fallout surrounding the moment; including never being allowed to perform on the stage again, being shunned by CBS and Viacom and ridiculed by conservative groups. Timberlake would later apologize to them both after Spears’ memoir hit shelves, debunking the myth of their one-time relationship and erasing his “good guy” image.

“I am deeply sorry for the times in my life where my actions contributed to the problem, where I spoke out of turn, or did not speak up for what was right,” he wrote at the time. “I understand that I fell short in these moments and in many others and benefited from a system that condones misogyny and racism. I specifically want to apologize to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson both individually because I care for and respect these women and I know I failed.”

Mmmmhmm.

The post ‘She’s Always Been God To Me’: Britney Spears Gives Janet Jackson Her Flowers In Heartfelt Post appeared first on Bossip.

Motherhood doesn’t come with an expiration date. While some women become mothers in their 20s, others embrace the journey in their late 30s, 40s, and beyond, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. These celebrity moms are proof that there’s no single timeline for starting a family. From welcoming their first babies later in life to expanding their families years after having their first child, these women have embraced motherhood on their own terms. Here are 10 Black celebrities who welcomed babies after the age of 35 and are showing that becoming a mom later in life can be a beautiful experience.

1. Beyoncé

Queen Bey entered her motherhood era before turning 30, welcoming her first child, daughter Blue Ivy Carter, in 2012. But at 35, Beyoncé expanded her family with husband Jay-Z, welcoming twins Sir and Rumi Carter in June 2017. Talk about a double blessing. 

While Beyoncé keeps her family life private and her children out of the spotlight, she has given fans a few stories about her beautiful kids over the years.

In August 2021, Rumi and Sir made a fashionable debut in an ad for Beyoncé’s IVY PARK x Adidas clothing line for kids. At the time, the singer shared that she loved matching with the twins on family excursions.

“On our family vacations, we love to coordinate our outfits. My kids are usually on set with me for shoots, and we’d find ourselves putting them in extra-extra-smalls so we could match,” the Grammy winner told Harper’s Bazaar that year.

According to their grandma Tina, all three of Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s children are already developing a strong sense of style, and even contributed some of their unique fashion sense to their mom’s brand.

“Well, they are little fashionistas, and they have definite determination about what they like and what they don’t like. When Beyoncé’s doing the first samples, they get them, and some things they love, and some things you can tell are not their favorite,” Tina gushed to PEOPLE in July 2022.

The post Baby Blessings Beyond 35: From Beyoncé To Ashanti, 10 Black Celebrity Moms Who Welcomed Little Ones Later In Life appeared first on Bossip.

Following Saturday’s second annual Beauty Icon Awards, BOSSIP’s very own Lauryn Bass was on the scene for the Beauty In Good Company Brunch, held at The Starling in Midtown Atlanta. Presented by SALT.XO Handcrafted Skincare, the gathering welcomed beauty entrepreneurs, celebrity hairstylists, brand founders and industry tastemakers for an afternoon centered on meaningful connections.

The invitation-only experience also followed an awards ceremony honoring industry innovators, including Topicals founder Olamide Olowe, celebrity makeup artist Derek Rutledge, hairstylist Tokyo Stylez and other influential figures shaping the future of beauty.

Good Company, Great Conversations And A Luxury Experience

For Kelly Keith, executive producer of the Bronner Bros. Beauty Icon Awards, the brunch was an opportunity to create something more personal after the previous evening’s celebration.

“I really wanted to encourage people to come together after a bigger event last night and network on a more personal level,” Keith exclusively told BOSSIP.

Keith explained that the theme was designed to unite professionals across different corners of the industry, whether they work behind the chair, develop products or operate their own businesses.

“We’re all together, we’re all one community,” she said, emphasizing her desire for attendees to let their hair down while enjoying a luxury experience.

Rather than organizing a traditional after-party, Keith envisioned a leisurely gathering that felt more like a family reunion, allowing honorees and guests to reconnect before returning home.

The atmosphere reflected that intention. SALT.XO branding appeared throughout the venue, including photo opportunities in the bathrooms, while guests enjoyed a buffet-style brunch featuring shrimp and smoked Gouda grits, herb-roasted chicken, baked salmon, buttermilk waffles, fresh pastries and miniature desserts.

A champagne and prosecco bar offered bellinis, mimosas and specialty cocktails, complementing the pink-and-purple aesthetic.

Beauty Is Personal, And So Is Fragrance

One of the afternoon’s interactive highlights came courtesy of Baroma Parfum Bar, where guests created miniature custom fragrances to take home.

The activation featured six scent profiles:

NOIR: Truffle, patchouli and orchid

FIRESIDE: Chestnut, vanilla and woods

GOLD DRIP: Vanilla, caramel and musk

PARADISE: Sandalwood, cardamom and violet

QUIET: Vanilla, musk and amber woods

THE STUDY: Amber, sandalwood and cedarwood

**Lauryn’s personal scent profile: Base Scent (Gold Drip 70%), Blend 2 (Noir-Dark 15%), & Blend 3 (Paradise 15%)**

Guests could layer up to three fragrances to develop their own signature scent and join the brand’s online Scent Society membership to preserve their creations for future purchases.

The experience underscored the afternoon’s emphasis on individuality, particularly as conversations turned toward creative partnerships and the importance of brands embracing unconventional collaborations.

Host Jasper Hagan set the tone with a fitting encouragement:

“Let’s have an amazing time on purpose!”

Olamide Olowe Talks Topicals, Expansion And The Black Women Who Opened Doors

The Topicals founder offered a candid look at entrepreneurship, representation, and her evolving relationship with the beauty industry.

Introduced by Erica Views, Beauty Icon Awards honoree Olamide Olowe joined the conversation to discuss her professional journey and the importance of creating opportunities for Black beauty entrepreneurs.

“Excited to put our culture on the forefront,” Olowe told attendees.

During the open discussion, Olowe revealed that Topicals is expanding into Nigeria and other African markets. She shared that she is currently living in Lagos and has stepped down from the CEO position to focus on expansion efforts.

Olowe also discussed in-the-know industry notes with attendees like Beauty Hut as a retail partner and shared that she acquired BREAD hair care last year.

Despite her accomplishments, the entrepreneur acknowledged the women whose contributions helped make her success possible.

“So many black women have opened the door for me to be sitting here right now,” she said.

Her comments also revealed a growing interest in reconnecting with the creative foundations of the industry.

“I’m a black woman who doesn’t know how to braid. I want to go back to artistry and education and really want to lean into creativity,” Olowe shared.

The conversation offered a reminder that even accomplished beauty founders are still finding new ways to learn, evolve and expand their influence.

Greg Gilmore Reminds Beauty Professionals That Influence Starts Behind The Chair

Celebrity colorist, educator, and Moroccanoil global color ambassador Greg Gilmore also shared his perspective on artistry, professional identity, and the cultural significance of cosmetologists.

During the gathering, Gilmore gave guests a behind-the-scenes glimpse into his work with actress Storm Reid, recalling a red carpet transformation that involved cutting her hair and coloring it ash blonde.

“It’s important to have a point of view and stick to it,” Gilmore told attendees.

In an exclusive conversation with BOSSIP, Gilmore revealed that he recently completed a book exploring the heritage and often-overlooked influence of cosmetologists.

“It’s really about sharing some of the secrets behind why cosmetologists do what they do, why we’re so influential in our communities, and how come we’re so overlooked?” he explained.

Gilmore emphasized that beauty professionals have long contributed to their communities in ways that extend beyond their technical expertise.

“A lot of times people look for influence, but the influence is right behind the chair,” he said.

The hairstylist is also preparing to release a workbook before the end of the year to help clients better understand their hair and build healthier relationships with it.

Additionally, Gilmore announced a Nov. 15 educational class at Mane and Tailored in Houston, Texas, focusing on ready-to-wear hair, coloring, cutting and styling techniques across different hair textures.

A Celebration Of Beauty That Goes Beyond The Awards

The gathering also welcomed hairstylist Nicole M. Hill, who contributed to the model presentations during the previous evening’s Beauty Icon Awards.

Between conversations, guests celebrated their accomplishments, exchanged contacts, and even took a break for the Tamia line dance, bringing a little movement to the afternoon’s networking.

Attendees also departed with beauty products, including SALT.XO Erotica Gel, SALT.XO Seedless Yoni Gel and AddABang Hair Extensions’ pink powder dry shampoo.

As the Bronner Bros. organization approaches its 80th anniversary in 2027, Keith confirmed that plans are underway to make next year’s Beauty Icon Awards an even bigger experience.

“We are planning to have it next year in a bigger, better way because next year is their 80th anniversary,” she told BOSSIP, adding that she hopes to begin planning in November.

Although the details remain undecided, Keith distinguished the Beauty Icon Awards from the organization’s longstanding hair and beauty trade show, describing the awards as a newer extension of the Bronner Bros. legacy.

Ultimately, Beauty in Good Company offered something beyond another industry event. It created room for the people responsible for shaping beauty culture to celebrate one another without the pressure of a stage, competition, or red carpet.

From founders expanding internationally to hairstylists preserving their industry’s history, the conversations reinforced an important message: Black beauty is more than a business. It’s an ecosystem of artistry, education, entrepreneurship, and community.

Sometimes, the most meaningful connections happen after the awards have already been handed out.

The post Brunching With Beauty Icons: Bronner Bros. Honorees Celebrate Black Beauty, Brilliance & Trailblazing Talent At Luxe ATL Affair appeared first on Bossip.

During Saturday’s episode, Destiny Payton questioned why LaTisha Scott is seemingly extending an olive branch to Martell Holt’s longtime mistress-turned-girlfriend, Arionne Curry, despite Arionne’s history of making cheating allegations about the women’s husbands.

As previously reported, Arionne’s long-awaited arrival has stirred up fresh drama, particularly considering her past allegations that LaTisha’s husband, Marsau Scott, and Kimmi Scott’s husband, Maurice Scott, have been unfaithful.

Arionne even appeared alongside Martell in a video featuring a woman alleged to have had an affair with Marsau, further fueling the controversy surrounding her relationship with the Scotts.

Now with that in mind, Destiny questioned why LaTisha appears willing to make peace with someone who publicly made accusations about her marriage, especially when Destiny says she wasn’t afforded that same grace following their fallout last season.

“Me and you were in a bad place for over a year because I said something about your husband,” Destiny tells LaTisha.

Destiny argues that whatever she previously said about Marsau pales in comparison to Arionne’s public allegations.

“I didn’t try to damage your marriage, and I didn’t go online and try to say that your husband was sleeping with other women,” Destiny continues. “She did. So how do you forgive so quickly, and you didn’t forgive me that quickly?”

LaTisha, however, pushes back on the suggestion that she’s already forgiven Arionne.

“I didn’t say I forgave her,” LaTisha responds.

She explains that allowing Arionne into their shared space was an attempt to be the bigger person and move forward, rather than an indication that their differences had been resolved.

Kimmi then reveals that she initially had reservations about meeting Arionne, especially given their contentious history.

“I told Tisha when she asked me to go, I was apprehensive,” says Kimmi. “I didn’t need to have a conversation because I felt like if I did, it would probably go left.”

Surprisingly, Kimmi says Arionne approached their meeting with a much softer attitude than she’d anticipated.

“However, when we met, she came in soft, like, apologized,” Kimmi explains. “She came in like she was different. She absolutely apologized for things she said.”

Nell Fletcher revealed that Arionne previously shared her grievances about the women in the group, including LaTisha, while noting that she had no real issues with Kimmi. LaTisha fired back, questioning why Arionne would have a problem with women she barely knows.

Meanwhile, Destiny questioned Arionne’s motives for entering the friend group, suggesting that unresolved feelings surrounding her friendship with Martell may be influencing her behavior.

“What she’s trying to do is make me look bad because she’s now in this circle for whatever energy, insecurity she has about me and Martell’s relationship,” Destiny says in a confessional.

She also makes it clear that she doesn’t understand why the other women are entertaining Arionne’s presence in the first place.

“I honestly don’t understand why the ladies want to hang out with Arionne in the first place, and I don’t see the benefit for them,” Destiny says in a confessional. “But I’m happy that they’re getting a chance to see that it’s not one.”

Arionne later comes to the event before abruptly leaving when Destiny walks in the room.

That’s not all; however, things later went left when Arionne and Destiny finally came face to face, and Martell’s girlfriend made some unsavory comments about Destiny’s son.

Hit the flip for that!

The post #LAMH Destiny Questions LaTisha’s Willingness To Forgive Arionne, Fiercely Faces Off With Martell’s Girlfriend During ‘Concubine’ Kerfuffle appeared first on Bossip.

We had to make our way to Morgan State University–Maryland’s Preeminent Public Urban Research University–which brought out seas of beautiful people to their bustling Homecoming in the heart of Baltimore.

Founded in 1867 as one of the nation’s earliest institutions to offer post-secondary education to Black students, the 8th ranked HBCU in the nation earned the prestigious distinction of ‘National Treasure’ from The National Trust For Historic Preservation.

Together, they developed a preservation plan for the many historic buildings on campus designed by celebrated Black architects Leon Bridges, Albert Cassell, Louis Fry, and Hilyard Robinson.

“The National Trust believes Historically Black Colleges and Universities tell an important and often overlooked American story,” said Stephanie Meeks, President/CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, during a press conference.

“We are proud to partner with Morgan State University–-a nationally-recognized innovator and education leader–-to demonstrate how the preservation of their remarkable older buildings can be a springboard for growth, rejuvenation, and revitalization.”

As Maryland’s largest HBCU, Morgan State “fulfills its mission to address the needs and challenges of the modern urban environment through intense community-level study and pioneering solutions,” per its official site.

Ranked as the 3rd best public HBCU in the nation (U.S. News & World Report), the Carnegie-classified Doctoral Research Institution continues to attract brilliant minds while generating $1.1 billion in annual economic impact statewide.

Naturally, a university of this stature has an impressive collection of alumni including Mo’Nique, April Ryan, Kevin Liles, Deniece Williams, Robert F. Chew (known for his unforgettable role as Prop Joe on The Wire), and more.

Have you experienced Morgan State’s Homecoming? If so, how was your experience? If not, will you be there next year?? Tell us down below and enjoy our gallery of Morgan State Mesmerizers on the flip.

The post National Treasures! A Gallery Of Morgan State Mesmerizers Who Celebrated 159 Years Of Fineness At Homecoming 2026 appeared first on Bossip.

According to a complaint filed Friday, October 16, and first reported by Billboard, Hirschfield alleges he wrote the hook in December 2025 and January 2026 and sent it to producers who work with Drake, only to hear the same lyrics and melody when the track dropped on Iceman in May. TMZ also obtained the filing, which says Hirschfield provided audio files with timestamps to back up his claim, and that Drake’s camp refused to give him credit or a cut of the profits.

The suit alleges Hirschfield wrote his demo over an audio bed he received from producer duo Michael “Finatik” Mulé and Isaac “Zac” De Boni, known as FNZ, who are frequent Drake collaborators. FNZ are credited as co-writers on “Janice STFU,” which also interpolates Lykke Li’s 2011 song “I Follow Rivers.” Hirschfield says he built his demo around that same interpolation and wrote it specifically with Drake in mind. He also points to a past connection, noting he was previously listed as a co-writer alongside Drake on Beyoncé’s 2022 track “Heated.”

The Lawsuit Against Drake Hinges On Stems And Metadata

According to Billboard, the complaint claims Hirschfield sent his finished demo to FNZ and other producers in Drake’s orbit and never heard back. He says he first heard “Janice STFU” when Iceman hit streaming platforms. “15 seconds in, Avi was stunned to hear Drake perform word-for-word, note-for-note, beat-by-beat, the exact same chorus that he (Avi) had recorded and sent,” the complaint reads.

Since the song’s release, Hirschfield says he has asked for a co-writer credit and publishing splits. The lawsuit alleges Drake’s lawyers “shamelessly refuse to acknowledge Avi’s authorship,” maintaining that Drake wrote the chorus on his own even after Hirschfield provided his stems and metadata. The complaint also takes aim at a position it says Drake’s side has taken, that Hirschfield manipulated the metadata in his files to make it look like his work came first. “Such a deception would constitute career suicide by Avi,” the filing states.

Hirschfield is bringing copyright infringement claims against Drake, his company OVO Sound, and Universal Music Group, the parent of Drake’s label Republic Records and his publisher Universal Music Publishing Group. He is seeking a share of the profits from the song, alleging Drake “robbed Avi of the reputational benefits and substantial compensation he deserves for his contribution to Drake’s biggest hit in many years.” Reps for UMG had not responded to Billboard’s request for comment at the time of publication.

Drake’s team wasted no time responding, and their statements leave no room for interpretation. “Let us be absolutely clear: These allegations are categorically, unequivocally and completely denied,” a rep told Billboard. “There is not one iota of truth to these accusations, and we reject every attempt to portray these claims as established facts.” The statement continued, “We firmly believe this lawsuit is a manufactured and baseless attempt to exploit Drake’s name, reputation and success for financial gain and attention.” TMZ reported that the team added that “Drake wrote this song and has no connection or knowledge of this person, full stop.”

The stakes are high given how big the song has been. “Janice STFU” spent two weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 and 20 weeks at No. 1 on the Hot Rap Songs chart, Drake’s longest reign on the list.

The post Drake’s Team Calls Producer’s Lawsuit ‘Manufactured And Baseless’ After Claim That ‘Janice STFU’ Chorus Was Stolen appeared first on Bossip.

On Monday, Oct. 19, the “Bodega Baddie” took over the concert series in style in skintight black leather pants and a matching power blazer with a “W.A.P.”-worthy updo. She took to Instagram to ask fans what her performance is giving: “Did you laugh? Did you cry? Vibe?”

As Cardi correctly guessed, the answer was “All of the above!” We’ve seen her shut down stadiums on her historic Little Miss Drama tour, but she brought something different for this intimate and iconic concert series.

Of course, the Grammy winner kicked things off with the ultimate pop out song, “Hello,” from her sophomore album, Am I the Drama? She followed up with another new turnt track, “Errtime.” Fans noted that she switched things up to shout out brown skin baddies Kelly Rowland and her sister, Hennessy Carolina.

Some fans speculated it was shade about Latto, who was named in the original chorus and rapped on the remix. Although it’s unclear where the two rap divas stand after leaked audio of Cardi saying Latto went too easy after Ice Spice’s disses.

However, Cardi has a reputation as a girls’ girl and tried to make peace with her “Put It On Da Floor (Remix) collaborator, who dissed the initial mea culpa on “Gimme Dat.” The mom of four apologized, noting that she was pregnant when she let her temper get the best of her and Latto was dealing with her first pregnancy when she heard the heated conversation. Despite the past drama, spreading the love to two other ladies isn’t automatically a sign of shade either. It doesn’t take long to see that the clapback queen still lets it be known when someone has beef with her “FOREVAH!”

Cardi slowed things down and showed off her softer side on “Man of Your Word” and “Be Careful” from her historic debut album, Invasion of Privacy. The emotional moment really showed off her range in the performance and writing on these heartfelt tracks about love and loss. The always outspoken star added, “You never loved me, f**k n***a” between songs to a burst of applause. Onto bigger and better, Bardi!

After sharing a bit of her heart and soul, Cardi joked that they needed to “change the vibes.” The energy was “Up” and stuck after that!

The set continued with her new constantly quoted hit, “AH HA” before Cardi ran it back to her breakout hit, “Bodak Yellow.”

For the finale, Cardi closed it out with her timeless bop “I Like It,” and we loved it! The crowd went wild as the live band went all out while she showed off some footwork.

Now, that’s how you shut it down!

Fans praised the growth that went into such a polished and flawless performance, solidifying her spot at the top of her game once again. Cardi undeniably ate every moment from start to finish.

Check out Cardi B’s full NPR Tiny Desk performance below.

Which Cardi hit was your favorite from the Tiny Desk show?

The post Big Bardi, Tiny Desk: Cardi Commands NPR Tiny Desk Debut, Trap Selena Sizzles With Fan-Favorite Tracks appeared first on Bossip.

Megan Thee Angel has arrived!

Megan Thee Stallion, 31, officially made her Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show debut, showcasing her bangin’ body-ody-ody in an itty bitty thong with a matching bra.

Hello Beautiful reports that the Houston hottie made her heavenly debut on Sunday, Oct. 18, closing out the star-studded show at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California, with a sizzling performance and a pair of metallic silver wings.

As previously reported, the moment was about more than making a fashionable first impression for the Hot Girl Coach; it was actually a culmination of a dream nearly two decades in the making.

Meg previously tweeted about wanting to be a VS angel, showcasing the power of manifestation.

Not only that, but on Sunday she noted that working with Victoria’s Secret carried even deeper meaning.

“This is so unreal, this is so full circle; I think everyone has been seeing what I’ve been tweeting about this since I was like 14, and we made it,” Megan told journalist Scott Evans on the pink carpet ahead of the show.

The Grammy-winning rapper, who excitedly declared “MY DREAM HAS FINALLY COME TRUE!!!!” when announcing her Victoria’s Secret debut in September, also shared the sentimental story behind her longtime love for the lingerie brand.

“My mom used to have Victoria’s Secret magazines come to the house all the time,” she recalled, referencing her late mother, Holly Thomas, who passed away in 2019. “I would look in the magazines and think, ‘Wow, these ladies are so beautiful; I want to be like this when I grow up.’”

Before commanding the catwalk, Megan made a dazzling pink-carpet appearance in a plunging, glittering mauve gown, complete with flowing platinum-blonde hair. The rapper described herself as a “pink diamond,” and fittingly, she was preparing to shine even brighter under the runway lights.

When it was time to take the stage, Megan swapped her glamorous gown for a sparkling black-and-silver bra, black thong, bedazzled stockings, silver heels, and metallic Angel wings.

Megan Thee Stallion Performs Two Songs During VS Fashion Show, Kylie Jenner & Natalia Bryant Hit The Runway

After hitting the runway, the Houston hitmaker kicked off her performance with “Her” before transitioning into her triple-platinum anthem “Body,” from her debut album, Good News.

Models including Daiane Sodré and Precious Lee walked during her set as well as Kylie Jenner who made her Victoria’s Secret runway debut in the $50 million Fantasy Bra.

Natalia Bryant, the daughter of the late Kobe Bryant, also made her runway debut. The 23-year-old donned a velour long-sleeve pink shrug with bedazzled jeans and a branded black bra with “Pink” embossed across it.

Ahead of getting her wings, Natalia told PageSix that she couldn’t wait to rock the runway.

“It feels amazing! I can’t wait,” Bryant said. “I used to watch the show every year — since I was a little girl,” she said.

What do YOU think about this year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show? Did you watch?

The post Megan Thee Angel Earns Her Wings With Show-Stopping Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Debut, Brings Bangin’ Body-Ody-Ody To The Runway appeared first on Bossip.

Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts has been ruled out for the REST of the 2026-2027 NFL season. The news, first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, read that doctors discovered multiple blood clots in Hurts’ lungs.

Jalen Hurts’ agent Nicole Lynn released a statement on social media regarding the health status of Hurts:

“Over the last few days, Jalen Hurts has regeived comprehensive medical evaluations by physician experts. In the interest of transparency, we are providing additional information on the diagnosis and treatment plan related to his condition,” the post read.

During the Eagles’ overseas trip to London, Hurts was evaluated and diagnosed by specialists. Multiple tests found that the issue was deeper than initially thought.

“Jalen was initially diagnosed by specialists in London with a left calf superficial vein thrombosis. After further testing and monitoring, the current diagnosis is a deep vein thrombosis, as well as bilateral pulmonary emboli. He is clinically stable and has no significant functional limitations. His treatment should only involve anticoagulation (I.E. “Blood thinners”].” Lynn wrote.

With Hurts being ruled out for the season, he will not be allowed to take part in any physically laboring activities.

“During this time, he will not be allowed to participate in any contact activities, ingluding football…. We anticipate that he will have the opportunity to resume contact football activities when off the blood thinners.”

Lynn said that Hurts is still expected to remain around the team as team captain during his recovery process. “In the meantime, he will remain active around the team and continue to condition. More importantly, we anticipate that he will have no long-term effects,” Lynn wrote.

Jalen Hurts Out for Season with Multiple Blood Clots was originally published on rnbphilly.com.

The post Prayers For The Philly Phenom: Jalen Hurts Out For Season With Multiple Blood Clots appeared first on Bossip.

Infamous Hollywood troll 50 Cent has set his sights on another former collaborator: Power creator Courtney Kemp, whom he’s accusing of taking too much credit for the hit STARZ series while making messy allegations about her personal life.

During an interview with Variety, published Oct. 17, the rapper and star of the upcoming Street Fighter film adaptation was asked whether he’d ever clashed with someone in Hollywood so badly that he’d never work with them again. Kemp’s name was apparently the first to come to mind, and he later escalated the drama with an eyebrow-raising Instagram accusation.

50 Cent Variety Interview: Here’s why 50 Cent won’t work with Courtney Kemp “ever again.”

50 Cent, who co-produced the hit Starz crime drama alongside Kemp after she launched the series in 2014, didn’t mince words, admitting he didn’t “look forward to working with her ever again.”

While he stopped short of calling Kemp “a bad person,” he claimed the success of Power “got out of control for her.”

Reflecting on their working relationship, the rapper alleged that Kemp began taking too much personal credit for the show’s success.

“After the success of Power, she would go, ‘I wrote it.’ Well, you did write it, but I uploaded everything that you wrote, and we got a ‘no’ from everybody before we got a ‘yes,’ and I wrote songs that captured, at its nucleus, each one of the leads that we had and that emotionally captured energy for scenes,” he explained to Variety.

When asked whether he felt Kemp had downplayed his contributions to the franchise, 50 Cent made his position clear.

“I think she forgot.”

The rapper went on to argue that Starz initially underestimated the value of Power and its ability to retain subscribers. According to 50 Cent, the network saw a 40% decline in subscribers at one point, which he viewed as evidence of a larger programming problem: audiences had little incentive to maintain their subscriptions between seasons.

His solution? Expand Power into an entire television universe. Although he claimed the network initially resisted the idea, he said the subscriber losses eventually forced executives to reconsider.

“I pitched them the Power universe. They didn’t want the Power universe; I forced the Power universe on them when they saw the forty percent decrease. It opened the idea up to them of, ‘Oh, let’s put some more of it on so we can force the subscribers to stay.’ And it put me in a different position where they were like, ‘Oh… He can f–k us up and turn this sh*t off.’”

50 Cent suggested that the experience strengthened his negotiating position, as Starz came to recognize the franchise’s importance to its business, alongside his own value. Looking back, he appeared to believe that Kemp failed to fully appreciate the role he played in the show’s success.

The rapper also took issue with Kemp’s alleged approach to managing the franchise, claiming she attempted to exert too much control over the show and network. The hip-hop mogul alleged that she was reluctant to develop Power Book III: Raising Kanan because its ending was already established.

He added:

“There was all kinds of weird sh*t going on, but it got to a point where Courtney was trying to run the entire network through one show. She also said she didn’t want to do Raising Kanan because she didn’t want to tell a story where they already know the ending. Half the sh*t she was saying just didn’t make sense. I told her, ‘This is the late-‘80s going into the ‘90s, and that was the golden era for the drug trade.’ Sascha [Penn] was able to make a masterpiece out of it that ran for five seasons.”

50 Cent Big Rich Clown-ly Accused The Power Creator Of Doing THIS Behind The Scenes

But the Variety interview was only the beginning.

On Oct. 18, one day after the interview was published, 50 Cent took his grievances to Instagram, where he escalated the feud with a more explosive allegation about Kemp’s alleged conduct behind the scenes.

“Wow Variety ask[ed] me who I wasn’t looking forward to working with again so I said Courtney, I thought I was being nice I didn’t even mention her sleeping with cast and crew members,” the Big Rich Clown penned boldly.

Courtney Kemp has since rightfully spoken out to defend herself.

See her response on the flip.

The post ‘Power’ Pettiness: 50 Cent Accuses Courtney Kemp Of ‘Taking Too Much Credit’ For STARZ Series, Messily Makes Claims About Alleged Behind-The-Scenes Hookups appeared first on Bossip.

If it’s Monday, you already know we got you covered with a selection of new music to get your week started with.

A$AP Rocky has been on a streak as of late with his hands in a little bit of everything — movies, fashion shows, furniture design, a partnership with Ray-Ban and raising a family with Rihanna all considered. Luckily for fans, the Harlem-bred emcee hasn’t turned his back on the music that made him a global superstar thanks to a successful run so far with his chart-topping album, Don’t Be Dumb, released back in January.

In preparation of Disc 2, the upcoming extended play to Don’t Be Dumb, Rocky decided to drop the official version to a deep cut that’s been floating around for a few years now. Originally thought to be titled “Mushroom Clouds,” the song has been performed live on a handful of occasions, including at his standout Amazon Music Live performance in December 2022 (seen below). Officially titled “Shroom Clouds,” it now serves as the first release from Disc 2 with Jeremih and reggie assisting with melodic features. Still as trippy as both titles suggest, albeit way more enjoyable with the updated studio quality.

RELATED: New Music Mondays – Gunna, Dawn Richard, Ovrkast. And More

Representing for the ladies, Tierra Whack came through with her own deluxe offering that extends on her summer 2026 mixtape, Whack’s Museum. With the addition of seven new songs, each displaying her ambidextrous ability to switch flows to match the beat, Whack is anything but when it comes to dropping bars. The choice of sampling also serves this project right, be it soulful boom-bap on “BET HER,” the freestyle feel of “STRAWBERRY” or the Southern bounce heard on “PAYDAY” and “SCARECROW.” More is definitely the merrier when it comes to this.

For something to get you dancing through the week, Nigerian-American singer-songwriter OWO serenades with her new single, “Make them Wonder.” The rising vocalist out of Maryland extends on the momentum she received on her 2021 EP, SEEDs. Continuing on a mission to empower with her music, her latest serves just that as a lyrical declaration of self-confidence. Paired with an infectious beat by producer Tobby Badass and a cultural callback to her Nigerian roots in channeling “gbas gbos” throughout the song, OWO adds a fresh addition to the Afropop airwaves that’s quite a treat on the ears.

You’ll also hear in this playlist the new album by soul crooner Lucky Daye, a remix by Victony assisted by Summer Walker and Don Toliver, the latest album by Gucci Mane, a Monaleo remix to one of Chloe’s mixtape cuts with Timbaland, Fredo Bang with a new LP, a Statik Selektah posse cut with Ab-Soul, Raekwon and Freddie Gibbs, plus a few new songs in a deluxe offering from Pi’erre Bourne.

Keep scrolling for a full listen at our roundup this week for “New Music Mondays”:

SINGLE: A$AP Rocky (feat. reggie & Jeremih) – “Shroom Clouds”

The post New Music Mondays: A$AP Rocky, Tierra Whack, OWO And More appeared first on Bossip.

Archer shared the news in an interview, almost exactly a year after D’Angelo died of pancreatic cancer on October 14, 2025. As previously reported, his death followed a private battle with the disease. He was 51.

“We’ve got an album coming out,” Archer said, according to Complex. “There are six tracks [so far]. But then we have a whole vault of music that’s never been released.”

The family doesn’t appear to be stopping with one project. Archer said they are “also thinking about a whole album of B-sides,” adding that “there’s several projects down the road.” Complex also reported that the material under consideration includes unreleased songs featuring Mary J. Blige and Michael Jackson, which would be a major moment for fans who have long wondered what D’Angelo had tucked away in his archives. No release date or tracklist for the project has been shared yet.

The confirmation also follows a trail of hints from his inner circle. Questlove told reporters on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame red carpet in November 2025 that unreleased music was coming, describing it as “the sound of yesterday, but for the future.” That description fits the way D’Angelo built his reputation, blending old-school soul with a sound that always seemed to be ahead of its time.

For a singer with such an enormous influence, D’Angelo’s catalog is remarkably small. He released only three studio albums across three decades: Brown Sugar in 1995, Voodoo in 2000, and Black Messiah in 2014, with the last two both winning the Grammy for Best R&B Album. That makes D’Angelo’s upcoming album his first new full-length project since 2014, and the first time many fans have had something new to look forward to from him in years.

The post D’Angelo’s Brother Confirms Posthumous Album Is Coming With Six Tracks Done And A Vault of Unreleased Music appeared first on Bossip.

According to the Associated Press, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) transferred Combs, 56, to FCI Allenwood Low, a low-security facility south of Williamsport and roughly 155 miles west of New York City. The BOP confirmed the move but provided no further details, saying it does not discuss conditions of confinement or reasons for transfers for “privacy, safety, and security reasons.” Combs’ spokesperson, Juda Engelmayer, said, “Decisions about inmate placement are made by the BOP, and we are not in a position to speak to the circumstances surrounding this transfer.” He added, “Sean remains focused on moving forward, and we hope that his time at the new facility will be productive and without unnecessary disruption.”

While the BOP hasn’t explained the move, the timing is seemingly convenient. NBC News recently reported that Combs was continuing to enjoy aspects of his millionaire lifestyle at Fort Dix. The outlet cited four men who served time with him, along with photos and videos. NBC reported that other inmates allegedly cooked, cleaned, made his bed, and did his laundry, while another gave him Chinese-style massages.

“This is not some normal s**t you see in jail. This is some rich s**t,” one of the men told NBC. “It looks crazy, but again, it’s Diddy.”

Why Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Prison Transfer Is Raising Questions

NBC also reported that Combs allegedly used a contraband cellphone to scroll social media and view explicit photos sent by an ex-girlfriend, and that he reportedly shared smuggled alcohol with a tight circle of inmates on weekends.

“Hell yeah, I drank with him,” one man said. Sources also claimed he spent thousands of dollars a month to maintain the lifestyle, with money flowing from people outside the prison to the commissary accounts of inmates who performed services for him. “He’s a billionaire. People are in awe of him,” one source said. “Money is power, especially behind bars.”

A spokesperson for Combs refuted the claims, saying the media was making news out of ordinary operations in prison and that Combs is simply serving his time and waiting to hear from the courts regarding his appeal.

After the NBC report, Combs was placed in the prison’s Special Housing Unit, the heavily secured area for inmates with disciplinary or security concerns. TMZ reports he has been written up multiple times for phone violations and getting into fights, and was sent to solitary twice. He also lost 41 days of good-conduct credit, which pushes his release date back to March 2, 2028, according to someone who spoke to the AP. TMZ’s sources add that he lost 400 days of commissary privileges.

Despite the media frenzy, there is some conflict in the reporting. TMZ reported that Combs was injured in a fight with another inmate and taken out of Fort Dix for medical treatment, describing a medical emergency last Saturday in which he was taken by ambulance. The Bureau of Prisons, in a rare rebuttal, told the AP that the story “is false and did not happen.”

TMZ also notes that the move doesn’t look like a punishment. If Combs were being treated as a problem inmate, he would likely be sent to a higher-security prison, but Allenwood Low has the same security level as Fort Dix. TMZ also speculates the transfer could have more to do with his safety. Fort Dix holds about 4,000 inmates compared to Allenwood’s roughly 1,000, which could make it easier for guards to keep an eye on him. Nevertheless, the BOP has not confirmed a reason.

As previously reported, Combs is serving a four-year, two-month sentence after being convicted on two prostitution-related charges for transporting people across state lines for sexual encounters. A New York jury acquitted him of the more serious sex trafficking and racketeering charges. In April, the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments on his bid to overturn the conviction and sentence, which his lawyers argued was too harsh. The court has yet to rule.

The post Diddy Moved To New Prison In Pennsylvania Following Reports Of Luxury Lifestyle And Disciplinary Trouble At Fort Dix appeared first on Bossip.

After their first season sparked tons of debates—from Nelly’s aversion to the demands of fatherhood to Ashanti’s return to the stage after giving birth to the former’s decision to perform for Trump—the pair are back with another jam-packed bunch of hijinx for their fans.

In season two, Nelly and Ashanti are still navigating the deep waters of being in-demand musicians while balancing the responsibilities of their family life. Despite still concealing their son’s full identity, the pair are opening up about what it takes to be present for him while also bringing home the bacon by taking stage on separate tours.

Fans of the show were surprised to find that Ashanti and Nelly hadn’t made an official move to either his home base of St. Louis or hers of New York, despite their marriage and young son, and it seems the two are still sorting out their geographical distance in season two. The “Foolish” singer will also let her fans in on the process of re-recording her debut album in an effort to retain her masters while continuing to collaborate with new talent.

For Nelly, the season sees him trying to decide whether he has the stamina to continue touring after twenty years of his career and whether his time away from home is taking on a toll on his family life. A press release from the Newark also says that the St. Louis rapper and his family suffered an unexpected loss that helps him put his priority’s in perspective. Despite their busy schedules, Nelly and Ashanti are still showing all of their teeth whenever they’re around one another and seem locked in for a lifetime of love together.

Check out the trailer below for Nelly & Ashanti: We Belong Together, premiering Nov. 19 on Peacock.

The post Nelly & Ashanti Are Still Meant To Be As ‘We Belong Together’ Returns To Peacock For Season Two appeared first on Bossip.

The 2nd Annual Bronner Bros. Beauty Icon Awards took place at the Riverside EpiCenter in Atlanta, bringing together influential names in beauty, fashion, sports, and entertainment.

BOSSIP’s very own Lauryn Bass was on the scene as the evening unfolded under the theme “Midnight Bloom,” transforming the celebration into an enchanted garden where fantasy, artistry, and Black excellence came to life.

With Bronner Bros. approaching its historic 80th anniversary, the ceremony celebrated the legacy of Black beauty entrepreneurship and the people continuing to redefine representation, ownership and innovation across the industry. This year’s honorees included:

• Topicals founder Olamide Olowe
• Carol’s Daughter founder Lisa Price
• Celebrity makeup artist Derrick Rutledge
• Former WNBA player and style personality Sydney Carter 

and several other industry leaders.

The celebration followed last year’s inaugural ceremony, which honored Chaka Khan, Danessa Myricks, Jesseca “Judy” Harris-Dupart, the late George E. Johnson, and celebrity hairstylist Terrence Davidson.

An Enchanted Garden Where Beauty Comes To Life

The evening began with a touch of fantasy as guests were introduced to a special giveaway sponsored by AmaWaterways. Inspired by the golden-ticket excitement of “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” attendees were encouraged to check beneath their seats for a chance to win a river cruise experience, with a valid passport required for eligibility.

One lucky woman seated in the middle section discovered a winning ticket, adding an unexpected moment of excitement before the show truly started.

The opening production, titled “An Enchanted Garden,” brought the evening’s theme to life through elaborate costumes, striking textures and cool-toned designs inspired by wildlife. Performers embodied the beauty of peacocks, lions, snakes, and other creatures, presenting an imaginative interpretation of nature through fashion and movement.

James Bronner addressed the audience following the presentation, reflecting on the company’s longstanding commitment to the industry.

“For nearly 80 years, Bronner Brothers has believed in the power of the beauty industry,” Bronner said.

Pastor Bronner later offered a prayer encouraging attendees to seek God’s guidance regardless of their position or influence, with the theme of being in the “right spot.”

The evening’s returning host acknowledged the audience as a reflection of the American dream, referencing beauty pioneer Madam C.J. Walker and the generations of Black entrepreneurs who challenged stereotypes and created opportunities through the beauty industry.

Atlanta was also celebrated as a beauty mecca, highlighting the city’s continued influence on the culture.

Kelly Keith, Executive Producer of the Bronner Bros. Beauty Icon Awards, received a standing ovation before welcoming guests and acknowledging the challenges of producing the celebration amid difficult weather conditions. She expressed gratitude to those who attended despite the circumstances.

Olamide Olowe Reflects On Defying The Odds As A Young Beauty Entrepreneur

The first group of honorees reflected the industry’s evolving definition of beauty, influence and entrepreneurship.

Camille Rose founder Janell Stephens and Jelisa Semore helped introduce Topicals founder Olamide Ayomikun Olowe, who received the Vanguard of Beauty Award.

In her acceptance speech, Olowe reflected on the skepticism she faced while raising capital for her company at 23.

“When I raised $2 million in 2020 when I was 23, so many people said I couldn’t do it,” Olowe recalled. “So many people said, ‘Why trust a young woman straight out of college without much money?’ But I knew that my community needed me.”

Her remarks highlighted the determination required to pursue entrepreneurship while challenging expectations surrounding age, gender, and access to financial opportunities.

The ceremony also recognized celebrity photographer Derek Blanks, with each honoree receiving a personalized video presentation highlighting their professional achievements, personal journeys, and contributions to the beauty industry.

Sydney Carter Celebrates Individuality As Eco Style Continues Its Defy Definition Campaign

Former WNBA player, coach and style personality Sydney Carter was among the evening’s celebrated honorees, receiving the Style & Culture Award for her influence at the intersection of sports, fashion and beauty.

During her acceptance speech, Carter reflected on the importance of embracing individuality rather than conforming to expectations.

“God created me not to fit in. He created me to stand out,” Carter said.

She concluded her remarks with a message passed down from her mother.

“It’s not on you. It’s in you.”

Her recognition also marked another significant moment in her partnership with Eco Style, the longtime hair styling brand that joined fellow beauty industry leaders, founders and creatives at the Oct. 10 ceremony.

In September, Carter starred in Eco Style’s Defy Definition campaign, an initiative celebrating individuals who challenge expectations and express themselves without being confined to traditional labels.

The partnership brings together Carter’s athletic background, fashion influence, and distinctive personal style, making her a natural representative of the campaign’s message.

For Eco Style, the collaboration reflects the brand’s next chapter and its continued investment in cultural storytelling beyond the beauty aisle.

Carter’s recognition at the Bronner Bros. Beauty Icon Awards further emphasized that relationship, celebrating a woman whose influence extends from the basketball court to fashion and beauty.

As Eco Style continues its Defy Definition campaign, the brand is encouraging a broader conversation about personal style, self-expression and the freedom to show up authentically without feeling limited by expectations.

Spelman College Champions The Next Generation Of Black Beauty Innovators

One of the evening’s recurring messages was that beauty extends beyond physical appearance. It is a cultural experience shaped by family, identity, community, and the freedom to express oneself.

Keith introduced a presentation titled “The Power of Beauty,” featuring an AI-generated montage of a young girl visiting a beauty salon with her mother. Through narration and imagery, the production explored a child’s earliest memories of beauty and the influence of the women around her.

The ceremony also recognized Spelman College’s Cosmetic Science Program, celebrating its expansion and commitment to preparing Black women for leadership roles in the beauty industry.

Eco Style’s Vice President of Innovation, Asha Harris, joined cosmetic scientist Angela Ellington to present the honor on behalf of the brand, highlighting the importance of education, scientific advancement and creating opportunities for the next generation of beauty innovators.

The presentation further reflected Eco Style’s investment in the future of the industry, extending its involvement in the evening beyond its celebration of Style & Culture Award recipient Sydney Carter.

Dr. Leyte Winfield, director of Spelman’s Cosmetic Science Program, emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for Black women to become researchers, innovators, and decision-makers within an industry they have historically helped shape.

“We created this because we understood that we needed to empower Black women to be the innovators and the experts in this beauty industry,” Winfield said.

She also addressed the lack of recognition Black women scientists often receive despite their contributions to research and innovation.

“We’re in a moment where Black women in STEM are considered the invisible scientists,” she said.

Her remarks reinforced the importance of ensuring Black women have opportunities not only to influence beauty trends but also to develop products, conduct research, and lead the companies shaping the industry’s future.

Through its participation in both Carter’s recognition and Spelman’s honor, Eco Style helped spotlight two complementary forces shaping the next generation of beauty: individuality and innovation.

Oprah Winfrey Celebrates Derrick Rutledge As Beauty Icons Enter The Hall Of Fame

Celebrity makeup artist Derrick Rutledge received the Beauty Artistry Award following a special video introduction featuring Oprah Winfrey, who acknowledged their longtime professional relationship.

The tribute also featured appearances from Yolanda Adams, Vivica A. Fox, and more celebrity friends and supporters, reflecting Rutledge’s influence and relationships throughout entertainment.

Actor Taylor Polidore Williams of Netflix’s “Beauty in Black” and Grammy-winning singer Anthony Hamilton presented Rutledge with his award.

During his acceptance speech, Rutledge emphasized the importance of collaboration and the people who contribute to an individual’s success.

“No one can achieve greatness alone,” he said.

The celebration continued with the induction of several industry figures into the Bronner Bros. Hall of Fame, including Brittanica Stewart, Patrick Bradley, Jamahl King and Michelina Barber.

Stewart used her moment to encourage families to affirm the potential of their children.

“We don’t tell our children that they’re great enough. Take the time to tell your children that they are great,” she said.

Bradley reflected on the everyday influence of beauty products and the industry’s cultural significance.

“Everyone in here had to put on some lipstick or chapstick or put on something to get where they’re going. Beauty is amazing, and we have to keep this thing going,” he said.

The ceremony also paid tribute to the late George E. Johnson, a pioneering beauty entrepreneur who was recognized during the inaugural awards in 2025 before his death in 2026.

Attendees observed a moment of silence in his honor.

Beyond established industry leaders, Bronner Bros. recognized emerging talent from a student hair competition held earlier that day. The top three competitors were celebrated, with the first-place winner representing Atlanta Technical College and third-place recognition going to students from an Arkansas beauty school.

BOSSIP exclusively spoke with Dominique Akins of Peaky’s Cosmetology for the Culture, who traveled from Arkansas with her students to participate in the competition.

When asked what it meant to receive recognition in Atlanta, Akins reflected on the collective effort that made the experience possible.

“It means everything. We worked so hard,” Akins said. “My school, my students, and the community also helped us. We fundraise. So none of the students that traveled with us had to pay anything tonight. It is such an honor and I’m glad to be here.”

Another presentation explored the many environments in which Black girls and women experience beauty. Models showcased looks that ranged from sports and motherhood to professional spaces and international communities, including Lagos.

Lisa Price And Cornell McBride Sr. Reflect On Building Black Beauty Empires

The celebration of entrepreneurship continued when rapper Da Brat introduced Lisa Price, founder of Carol’s Daughter, as the recipient of the Trailblazer in Beauty Business Award.

Price, whose company helped expand the visibility of products designed for textured hair, encouraged the audience to preserve the narratives behind Black beauty entrepreneurship.

“Please continue to tell our stories,” she said.

Her remarks reinforced the importance of documenting the accomplishments of the people who helped shape an industry that has not always acknowledged their contributions.

The program then traveled back to the 1990s through a nostalgic presentation celebrating the era’s beauty trends and regional influences.

Dubbed “90s Fine,” the segment highlighted styles associated with California, New York and Miami. Salon chairs transformed the stage into a familiar beauty-shop setting, paying tribute to the spaces where Black hair culture and community have long intersected.

Sharita Cherry, an honoree from the previous year, introduced Cornell McBride Sr., founder of Design Essentials, who received the Titan of Beauty Business Award.

McBride reflected on his transition from pharmacy into the beauty industry, explaining how he developed Stay-Sof-Fro and introduced the product at a Bronner Bros. show to gain visibility.

After spending 18 years building the product before selling it, McBride eventually returned to entrepreneurship with Design Essentials.

“Building your business, you gotta really love this thing. You’re going to change and grow in the process,” he told attendees.

Now retired, McBride expressed gratitude for the opportunity to build a lasting legacy in the industry.

His son, Cornell McBride Jr., who currently leads the company, also offered perspective on the relationships required to sustain a business over several decades.

“This company is 35 years old and the people who are there to help you in your 1st year as a business are going to be different and not the same as the ones who are there when your company is at 35 years,” he said.

The ceremony also celebrated 30 years of ORS and Namaste Laboratories, with Dr. Stacy J. Johnson introducing a tribute recognizing the brands’ contributions to the beauty industry.

Xia Charles, Bryant “Big Sexy” Bee And Germaine Bolds-Leftridge Close Out The Honors

As the evening continued, celebrity hairstylist Cliff Vmir introduced Xia Charles, a hairstylist and braider whose journey to entrepreneurship began after arriving in the United States from the Caribbean nine years ago, knowing only five people.

Charles reflected on the courage required to turn personal talent into professional opportunity.

“Having a gift is one thing but having the courage is another,” she said.

The Culture Mover Award was presented to Bryant “Big Sexy” Bee by Kie Fair and Karlie Redd, recognizing her influence within beauty and culture.

Actress Jasmine Burke, who portrays June on CBS’ “Beyond the Gates,” presented the final award of the evening to Germaine Bolds-Leftridge, who received the Architect of Multicultural Beauty Award.

Throughout the night, attendees were also introduced to “Love Patrick, Nothing Is Impossible,” a film project from PeachSoul Productions exploring the life and legacy of iconic fashion designer Patrick Kelly and his contributions to fashion and beauty.

Black Beauty’s Legacy Continues To Bloom

Nearly 80 years into its legacy, Bronner Bros. continues to celebrate an industry that has always been about more than looking good. For generations, Black beauty has created opportunities for entrepreneurship, artistic expression and community, often in spaces where those opportunities were otherwise limited.

That history made the evening’s celebration of emerging talent just as meaningful as its recognition of established icons. From Eco Style championing Sydney Carter’s unapologetic individuality through its Defy Definition campaign to joining the recognition of Spelman’s next generation of cosmetic scientists, the night demonstrated how beauty’s cultural influence and its future innovations can flourish together.

The same spirit connected the stories shared across the stage. Each honoree represented a different chapter of an industry built on creativity, conviction, and the courage to make room for something new.

As another class of icons received their flowers, the significance of “Midnight Bloom” became even more fitting. The evening was not simply about celebrating how far Black beauty has come, but recognizing the people, possibilities, and legacies still waiting to blossom.

The post Black Beauty Royalty Gets Their Flowers At 2nd Annual Bronner Bros. ‘Midnight Bloom’ Beauty Icon Awards appeared first on Bossip.

The Academy Museum Gala was held on Oct. 17 in Los Angeles and, as usual, the stars were out in their best looks, giving us fashion FOMO.

Hollywood’s dashing divas and handsome hunks descended upon the Academy Museum of Motion Picture for the gala, which was co-hosted by some our favs like Teyana Taylor, Regina Hall and Da’Vine Joy Randolph. Celebs like Kerry Washington—who donned a sparkly Elie Saab gown and a perfect bob on the evening—posed it up on the carpet, bringing a flair of drama and high fashion that the event has become synonymous with.

Style architect Law Roach was also one of the toasts of the gala, styling the likes of Tracee Ellis Ross, Jodie Turner Smith, Kim Kardashian and himself. Of course, he didn’t come to play with the girls, dressing Kim in 1951 Balenciaga, Tracee in SS27 Balenciaga, Jodie in Mugler and himself in Gaurav Gupta with a vintage Phillip Treacy.

The gala also presented actor Colman Domingo with the Vantage Award. On the evening, over $14 million was raised to support the Academy Museum’s exhibitions, education initiatives, and public programs. Inside, celebs were treated to a dinner prepared by guest chef Antonia Lofaso and Wolfgang Puck Catering as well as a performance by Taylor Swift.

Over the years, the evening has become as popular for its fashion as its cause, with celebrities pulling out all the stops to have the perfect red carpet photo to accompany their attendance. From reaching for back into the archives of legendary fashion houses to wearing designs that haven’t even hit the runway, the Academy Museum Gala has become the place to see and be seen.

And for stars like Janelle Monae—who wore a blue, sequined Robert Wun dress complete with a butterfly bodice—it is another chance to prove that they understand the importance of leaving a stylish impression.

Looks like a fab time for all!

The post Servin’ Drama: Kerry Washington, Teyana Taylor, Janelle Monae And More Shine At The Academy Museum Gala appeared first on Bossip.

The Abbott Elementary scene-stealer has some stiff competition, but after her sizzling salsa to Kendrick Lamar’s “Squabble Up,” she’s could have what it takes to win the whole season.

Don’t hurt ’em, Tatyana!

In addition to the sitcom siblings spending the past few weeks together, Ali is giving us a glimpse into her relationship with Avery in her Viennese Waltz. While the dance may look like effortlessly floating on air when done right, it’s a testament to how hard the singer has trained to put her best to the test. She took to Instagram to announce that when she takes the stage on Tuesday, Oct. 20, it will be to make one of her biggest fans proud one more time.

“Everything I believe about being an artist, was learned at his feet. I loved him very much and I know many of you did too, ” she captioned a carousel of throwback photos on Oct. 15.

“I shared my thoughts and feelings with my sweet and absolutely brilliant partner @janravnik and he’s choreographed a spectacular Viennese Waltz. James loved Jazz music and Nancy Wilson was one of his favorites. We’ll be dancing to her song, ‘You don’t know how glad I am.’ The lyrics are perfect for the way I feel. I am elated that I’ve made it far enough in this competition to be able to honor him,” Ali wrote.

“James Avery was one of my greatest teachers. I hope you feel all the love we’re putting into this dance. I’ve felt your love week after week, and it’s keeping me strong during this process. I know if James was still here, he would have been in that audience cheering me on, encouraging me, telling me all the good things he sees in me. I love ya’ll. Wow! What an experience this is. My heart is so very full,” she concluded.

As BOSSIP previously reported, James Avery passed away on Dec. 31, 2013 after complications from open heart surgery. The fans and TV family he left behind ensured we’ll never forget him.

On the Dancing with the Stars Podcast, host Andy Richter noted that the Dedication Night rules changed this year for contestants to choose a special dance partner in addition to the person they dedicate the performance to. Our ’90s fine fave didn’t reveal who would take the place of ballroom pro Jan Ravnik, but she was so excited about the surprise guest that she nearly spilled the tea.

Ali’s stint on the ballroom bonanza has already been one big reunion with her TV sibling Alfonso Ribeiro as the host with the most. Could he be the one popping out to perform? For more than 30 years, he flexed dance moves that fans still love like his signature Carlton choreography.

What about Ashley Banks’ big cousin? Will Smith never forgets the show that changed his life or his former co-stars. After literally tackling adventures around the world on his explorer series Pole to Pole, taking on the dance floor should be light work.

And if we’re talking jaw-dropping dancers from Fresh Prince, we can never forget Janet Hubert’s OG Aunt Viv and the time she went deep into her Broadway bag.

The ’90s nostalgia isn’t the only thing that has everyone watching and talking. Tatyana Ali is a certified ballroom baddie and she’s sparking a swoonami on social media. Ok, legs and hips and body!

If you want to see more of the DWTS stunner, you better vote for her to stay and win the whole competition! We’ll be on the edge of our seats to see the heartfelt homage to James Avery on Oct. 20! Will you be watching?

The post In Our Uncle Phil Feelings: ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Stunner Tatyana Ali To Honor ‘Fresh Prince’ Patriarch James Avery For Dedication Night appeared first on Bossip.

On Monday, Oct. 12, BOSSIP’s very own Lauryn Bass was on the scene at Sessions Atlanta in Uptown Records as Franklin welcomed invited guests for an exclusive album playback ahead of the project’s Oct. 30 release. Presented by Fo Yo Soul Recordings, TRIBL Records and Uptown Records, the evening offered an opportunity to hear new music while getting a deeper understanding of the personal experiences shaping his latest body of work.

With more than three decades in gospel music, Franklin has never been afraid to push the genre’s boundaries. However, I AM WHAT I AM appears to be just as much about embracing the man behind the music as it is about celebrating his signature sound.

Before the listening portion began, Franklin reflected on spending more than a year developing the project and how the evolution of Black church music challenged his creative process.

“The Black church culture changed. The church got rid of their choirs and the music was in a space that was not my strength,” Franklin shared.

His remarks offered insight into the challenges of navigating a changing gospel landscape while remaining connected to the musical traditions that helped establish his career.

“I’ve never done a double album before,” Franklin continued, explaining that the project includes seven studio recordings showcasing a different side of his artistry alongside music recorded live in a church setting.

As he jokingly put it, “I need a little gravy on my God.”

Kirk Franklin Gets Personal About Criticism, Faith And His Humanity

The listening session began with a Jelly Roll-assisted track that introduced the project through an extended spoken-word delivery layered over a soulful chorus.

Driven by heavy bass and building drums, the song gradually unfolded into a powerful musical introduction, with a memorable melody reminiscent of the familiar refrain, “I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord.”

Following the selection, the evening’s host, Crystal Renee Hayslett, asked Franklin what was on his heart when he created the record.

His response revealed just how much public criticism has influenced his perspective throughout his career.

“I’ve been trying to explain myself for the last 33 years,” Franklin said, reflecting on an interview with Salt and drawing comparisons between the criticism she experienced decades ago and the scrutiny surrounding rapper GloRilla today. “This felt like the right opportunity to let people know that I listen and I hear everything that is being said. I am aware. This is my humanity.”

Franklin emphasized that despite the expectations surrounding his public image, he is still navigating life like everyone else.

“I’m doing the best I can with what I’ve been given,” he continued, describing music as an essential part of maintaining his sanity.

He also referenced GloRilla’s perspective on faith, recalling her argument that if rocks and mountains can praise God, she should be able to do the same.

From Traditional Gospel To Mental Health, Franklin Explores New Musical Territory

While the opening track introduced Franklin’s vulnerability, the next selection delivered the nostalgic gospel sound that has made him a household name.

Led by a powerful choir, the song featured several upward key changes, handclapping moments and affirmations of hope, including the lyrics, “Someday I’ll be better, someday I’ll be free, I won’t stop believing.”

Franklin could hardly remain seated as the recording played. He stood, lifted his hands, recited the lyrics and eventually began dancing and interacting with the audience.

By the song’s conclusion, attendees were shouting in approval and rose for a standing ovation.

“I did that on purpose because I wanted something that people connected with,” Franklin explained.

The energy shifted again with “It Gets Better,” an upbeat, piano-driven collaboration featuring Christian music artist TobyMac.

The song opens with a gentle reminder to extend yourself grace: “Please be kind to yourself just a little bit.”

Despite its energetic arrangement, soaring soprano vocals and uplifting key change, the record carries a deeper message about mental health.

“That song was my attempt to find a space to talk about mental health,” Franklin explained. “I’ve had my own journey with anxiety and depression.”

He also addressed how certain religious environments can create lasting emotional wounds.

“Living up to the religious standards can create psychological trauma,” Franklin said, recalling how young women in his childhood church could be publicly shamed for becoming pregnant while the men involved escaped similar accountability. 

“Can you imagine the trauma?” he asked.

Kirk Franklin Brings Church To The Listening Room

The playback continued with “It Is Well,” featuring gospel singer Isaac Carree, who was also in attendance.

Recorded with a live audience, the selection opened with crowd cheers before electric guitar, bass and drums established an infectious rhythm.

Its arrangement offered plenty of opportunities for listeners to clap along, while an extended vamp brought the song to an explosive finish.

Franklin revealed that the record was dedicated to someone he knew who had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, adding another personal layer to the uplifting performance.

Another standout selection found Franklin embracing the sounds of the Church of God in Christ and Pentecostal worship traditions.

“This is my COGIC,” he joked. “This is my attempt to try to be like y’all. This is my first time trying to write a song like this.”

Complete with horns, organ, a quick tempo and enough rhythmic energy for tambourines and praise dancing, the song brought a distinctly traditional church feel to the room.

The repeated affirmation “I got time” became a central moment as the choir’s soprano, alto and tenor sections delivered their own responses.

Davido Joins Kirk Franklin For An Afrobeats-Inspired Collaboration

Among the evening’s final selections was “Hope in You,” a collaboration with Afrobeats superstar Davido.

Expected to arrive as a single alongside the album’s Oct. 30 release, the track blended Franklin’s gospel influences with a contemporary Afrobeats sound.

A steady bass rhythm anchored the uplifting production, while Davido delivered a melodic verse and joined the choir on the chorus.

The combination of modern vocal effects, catchy melodies and danceable instrumentation gave the record a youthful appeal without abandoning its faith-centered message.

With two selections from the project already available to listeners, the Atlanta playback provided an early introduction to several additional songs and the musical range Franklin is exploring.

Kirk Franklin Encourages Emerging Artists To Choose Authenticity Over Trends

After the music concluded, Franklin opened the floor for an audience Q&A, offering insight into the album’s title and advice for aspiring musicians.

According to Franklin, I AM WHAT I AM speaks for itself, reflecting his willingness to embrace his identity rather than continuously explain it to others.

When asked what emerging artists should prioritize while establishing their careers, he encouraged them to resist the pressure to follow what is popular.

“More than anything, there’s a level of authenticity that you can’t be afraid to show in a time where people stay close to what is safe,” Franklin said. “You have to be risky for your own sake. You don’t wanna make something that may work a little bit but now you’re stuck making something that isn’t you. That is a creative hell.”

His advice ultimately centered on building a career that remains true to the person creating the music.

“Start off very true and build your audience slow. Don’t ride the trends because you don’t know when they’re coming.”

The evening wrapped shortly after 9 p.m., with Franklin remaining on-site to take photos and connect with fans and attendees.

For an artist whose music has accompanied generations through worship, celebration and personal hardship, the listening session offered more than a preview of another gospel album. It provided a glimpse into the humanity behind a voice that has helped shape contemporary gospel music for over three decades.

With I AM WHAT I AM arriving Oct. 30, Franklin is making it clear that after 33 years in the industry, he still has more of himself to share.

For listeners curious: he’s letting the music do the explaining.

The post Kirk Franklin Gives Atlanta An Exclusive First Listen To ‘I AM WHAT I AM,’ Talks Mental Health, Musical Authenticity And Finding His Voice After 33 Years [Exclusive] appeared first on Bossip.

Whether you’ve said yes to a recent proposal, are in a committed relationship and see the question coming soon, or are simply dreaming up your perfect dress, partner or not (me included), Ugochi Iwuaba is someone you should know.

Born in Nigeria and currently based in San Diego, Ugochi has dressed high-profile clients and celebrities like Nina Parker in her custom designs. Now she’s ready to take on a new, more glamorous space.

On Oct. 15, the designer presented her first bridal collection during this season’s New York Bridal Fashion Week. Titled The Cathedral Collection, the presentation featured 17 breathtakingly beautiful designs. Some gowns were giving full fairy-tale princess. Others used sculpted corsetry, architectural design and bold shapes to frame the body. Every piece gave bridal baddie in the best way.

Lucky me, I was able to see them in person.

I also chatted exclusively with Ugochi. In between greeting guests, fussing over final details and speaking with staff and volunteers, we talked about her West African culture, custom bridal and representation in fashion.

Keep scrolling for more from the conversation and, more importantly, the collection.

Ugochi Iwuaba Brings Her West African Culture to Bridal

Ugochi is proud of where she comes from, and that pride is seen throughout her work.

She laughed as she described how her West African culture shows up in her designs.

“I take a little bit of our extravagance, and I refine it and restrain it,” she said. “There’s always a little bit of us in my designs.”

Ugochi added that her style can be a “little over the top and over the moon.” As she said that, I thought to myself, “What a perfect aesthetic to have for designing bridal.”

[ADD: 3–4 short descriptions of standout gowns from The Cathedral Collection, e.g. a signature silhouette, a fabric or embellishment, the most dramatic train. These can double as photo captions.]

Her advice for brides working with a designer is simple: Know what you want.

“There’s no such thing as too much when it comes to a wedding gown,” Ugochi said. “This is your day.”

Bring the inspiration photos. Ask for the dramatic train, the crystals, the corset or the extra volume. A custom gown is an opportunity to create the dress you truly want to wear (and never forget).

The fashion industry has made strides in recognizing the impact and contributions of Black creatives, designers and culture. But there’s still work to do.

Ugochi Iwuaba Centers Representation at New York Bridal Fashion Week

Designers like Ugochi are part of this evolving journey. As one of the few Black designers in the luxury bridal space, she is, as she put it, “intentional.”

For example, during her NYBFW presentation, she purposely chose to show a model wearing her natural hair.

“We do get married, too. Yes, we do,” she said. “Our hair is gorgeous, and there’s nothing not luxurious about our hair. Just look at her.”

Before the show, the model told Ugochi this was her first bridal presentation and that other designers had taken issue with her natural hair. So Ugochi let her curls shine.

And the gown? Ugochi chose one that made the same model’s caramel skin glow. As we talked about shades of white for melanated brides, Ugochi shared a simple tip for brown brides: Look for ivories with “more yellow.”

Knowing which fabrics and shades work best for us is a prime example of why representation matters. With all eyes on us, we want to look our best on our wedding day. Having a gown designer who understands how all of this works together is key to ensuring a flawless bridal moment.

Ugochi knows she’s one of the few Black designers in luxury bridal, but she isn’t trying to be the only one. She supports other designers and believes there’s room for more of us to build lasting fashion houses.

She’s building one of her own, too. Her namesake label already spans couture and evening gowns, tailored suits, handbags and jewelry, and with The Cathedral Collection, bridal is now officially part of the story. Ugochi wants her fashion house to keep growing, and she wants other designers to win right alongside her.

“I’m here to stay,” she said.

The post ‘I’m Here To Stay’: Meet Ugochi Iwuaba, One of the Few Black Women Designing in Luxury Bridal appeared first on Bossip.