Contributing cultural fashions to New York Fashion Week is always welcomed in a city of cultural diversity. During market week in September, African elegance arrived at New York’s Plaza Hotel. The Kapy Bash Mode collection debuted in a collective showcase of international presenters to an audience of style enthusiast, fashion influencers and media makers. Kapy Bash Mode offers African ethnic gowns that are inspired by cultures from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Kapy Bash Mode uses liputa, ankara, french lace, bazin, satin and linen fabrics. There is a soon to debut resort line of acrylic swimwear fashions and ankara boxer shorts for men. The creator, Kapinga Bashala has been designing for the Kapy Bash Mode brand for twenty-six years. She has designed custom gowns for television personalities, government dignitaries, pageants and bridal parties.
“There are many negative misconceptions about African cultures and lifestyle. Contemporary African fashion are demystifying the negative stereotypes. With each ethnic gown I create, I share an experience of Congolese’s cultural decadence with the world.” explains Kapinga.
With her busy schedule, Kapinga still finds time to be philanthropic by helping to fund educational programs for underprivileged children in the Dem. Rep. of Congo. Kapinga also helps misfortunate Congolese women develop fundamental skills for starting a small business. A percentage of KBM’s online proceeds goes to fund the charity ‘Kapy Bash for Mothers and Children’. Sharing culture through fashions not only helps others experience unique heritage, it helps preserve heritage through collective economics. Now that is a sustainable trend that is always in style.
Fashion isn’t just about the clothes; hair plays a crucial role in your overall look and appearance. Whether you are always on the go or a fashionista of leisure a bad hair day must be kept at bay at all times. Therefore, what are the hair trends that are perfect for winter?
Hair Trend #1 Look no further than the always classic chignon aka “Bun.” The bun found its way onto numerous runways and stole all the shows. What’s great about the bun is that it can be styled quickly, is a hair protector, doesn’t have to look perfect and can work for night or daytime looks. By the looks of Karreuche Tran this is definitely a win-win in the hair department. Add even more drama to the look by utilizes braids or twists like Tran.
Hair Trend #2 If clothes can look great with a vintage touch, then why not also our hair? Audra Day demonstrates how glamorous retro styled hair can look by incorporating a scarf. Hairbands and scarves have been all the rage during spring/summer runway collections.
Hair Trend #3 The 70’s are back! Well, when it comes to hair that is; big hair is a huge trend and what better way to showcase that than a gorgeous shaped bob. Shout out to Lupita Nyong’o and the beautiful full hair she rocked at this her shoot for Rhapsody. The hair is a nice modern take on the Afro, with hair maintaining volume but has been straightened with blunt ends. Groovy!
Hair Trend #4 If all else fails, take a page from Supermodel Naomi Campbell who proves silky down-to-there hair is a stunning, picture-perfect hairstyle. A simple middle part is all you need to look classy and elegant.
To instantly see celebrities’ fiery ensembles just take a quick trip down the digital catwalk better known as Instagram. We spied out this little black dress number adorned by the beautiful Taraji P. Henson for White Hot Holidays. White Hot Holidays is a FOX network special that will air this Wednesday at 9/8c. The televised event is hosted by Empire superstars Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard.
Rehearsals for WHH are underway and Henson’s head-to-toe look truly burned it up style wise. In a photo originally posted by James Bolden, Henson poses in a LBD showing off her gams and hints of her insane physique. She completes the look with pointed toe heels and red hot nail color. Holden captioned the chic pic, “Something Short to Start The Night Off!!! #WhiteHotHoliday @tarajiphenson #jsnbldnstyleteam.” If that was the goal then it was definitely achieved!
Thoughts? Talk fashion with us on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
Hip hop artist Lil Mama is back with new music and she has a brand new look to go with it! Lil Mama is no stranger to hair color for the daring diva has even rocked strands brighter than the Emerald City. Nevertheless, Mama’s new recent photoshoot shows her going all granny style and we love it on her.
The gray hair look took the the hair world by storm and is still making believers out of many women the world over. However, as any hair color enthusiast knows that going gray is not exactly simple. Hair that is a naturally a darker tint can literally be fried trying to make the gray dream a reality. This is has not slowed stylists down at all because where there is a wig there is a way!
Celebrity hair stylist, Cynthia Alvarez, worked Lil Mama’s hair magic during the shoot using Pravana hair color. Pravana has gorgeous silver and ash tones available in order to create a stunning gray hair look. Lil Mama’s hairstyle included super dark roots with the rest of the strands being given the pastel touch. What do you think of Lil Mama’s new look, are you feeling it?
Photoshoot Details:
Makeup: Deney Adam
Styling: Sharif Jackson
Creative Director: Derek Auguste aka Derek FKA Jamel Prodigy
Cool Factor: Lil Mama’s Take Me Back Mixtape is set to drop December 18th.
No ladies, your eyes did not fail you as you perused the title of this post. History has been made when it comes to next year’s selection of shades to envy and place on trend. As any beauty maven or fashionista knows normally one shade is chosen but next year two shall reign supreme.
Therefore, what are the two tints that we need to go out and grab? Pantone has selected Serenity which is a pretty, ethereal light blue as well as Rose Quartz which is a delicate light pink. We foresee both colors being a major hit during spring when fresh color is often much appreciated and considered en vogue.
Here is a closer look at the two shades courtesy of Pantone:
The color of palette of the two tints are extremely complimentary of each other. Nevertheless, here is why the pair of colors were chosen out of the entire spectrum:
Although not outrageously bold both colors can still take a style up a few notches. These colors work for day or night and can be versatile for dressing up or down. With such ease ensembles for 2016 will be a cinch.
Rose Quartz
Serenity
Thoughts? Talk fashion with us by dropping is a comment down low or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
As soon as we saw this gorgeous photo, all of our jaws dropped clear to the floor! Fantasia, excuse us Mrs. Taylor if you follow her on the gram, looked like a bag of money with eyelashes popping, eyebrows fleeking and lips on one like what! Truth Is we want to steal her look A to the S with an AP.
There was so much to love about this makeup look including how understated it is, yet still manages to exude drama. One thing that can always seem to bring a makeup application down is a lack of blending. However, Fantasia’s makeup was blended to perfection giving her an overall flawless look. Moreover, besides not having a blemish in sight we loved the hints of well-placed highlighter that made her glow like the queen’s Crown Jewels. Whew! Fantasia girl, you better work!
Our beauty’s Instagram: @tasiasword
Know a beauty we should call? Tell us we would love to feature them! Drop us a comment or hit up our Instagram @1966mag
Rosa Parks in June 1999, when she was presented with a Congressional Gold Medal.
It may not be Black History Month but today marks a moment in time that completely changed the face of America and set in motion the demolishing of an unfair social system known as segregation. Back in the 50s segregation was still rearing its ugly head until key black figures began to emerge in order to silence its influence once and for all. One such personage was a young woman by the name of Rosa Parks.
On this day 60 years ago, 26 year old Parks was riding a crowded bus and refused to give up her seat. In those days any person of color was required to give up their seat to a non-black individual if the white section had filled up. Since Rosa resisted the bus driver’s proddings and order to give up her seat Parks was arrested. Parks then joined a growing list of of blacks who were refusing to give up their seats to white passengers. A few noted individuals for their acts of bravery in this regard would be: Irene Morgan, Sarah Louise Keys, Bayard Rustin and Claudette Colvin as well as Aurelia Browder who were part of the infamous Browder vs. Gayle lawsuit.
After Parks arrest, she was ordered to pay a fine and faced a brief time in jail. However, behind the scenes the NAACP were hard at work to shake this issue at its very core. The NAACP felt that Rosa Parks would be the perfect candidate to win the battle against segregation. They began working with Parks along with other local leaders such as Martin Luther King to stage boycotts of passenger buses even on the day Parks went to court.
To really make a point these local leaders kept expanding until the MIA (Montgomery Improvement Association) was formed. The MIA soon made plans for one big extended boycott of passenger buses. What was the result of their efforts?
Due to the fact that 75% of those taking public transportation in Montgomery were black the boycott crippled the revenues of the bus line. Moreover, the boycott lasted a little over a year showing the true unification of the black community and their strong desire to bring about change. However, success did not come without growing pains. MLK faced having his home attacked while Parks lost her livelihood being let go from her place of employment.
Nevertheless, change was on the horizon yet it would not come from Rosa Parks’ court case. The lawsuit of Browder vs. Gayle would prove to be the key to ushering in a new social order in America. The Supreme Court on November 13, 1956 ruled that segregation on buses was illegal because due to the 14th amendment it deprived blacks of equal protection.
Thanks to the courage of Parks and the entire black community of the fifties banding together segregation came to an end. These accounts show that there is strength in numbers and that true change can come about in a peaceful manner without one shot or riot. Taking a stand for what is right is not a crime, but is an inspiration for all those who can understand without bias. The battle for equal rights was won due to the belief that blacks are intelligent, equal members of society that can work together in order to bring about positive results. A house divided cannot stand, but one that is well-built and standing strong can withstand any and all storms. Thank you Rosa for taking a stand and making life much brighter for all future generations.
Thoughts? Join the discussion on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
The friends that chignon together, stay best buds forever. Case in point this week at the 2015 American Music Awards Karreuche Tran and her gal pal Christina Milian hit the red carpet and it is clear that they both got the memo before show-time. Besides the pair both wearing sexy LBDs Karreuche and Christina hit the AMAs with matching top knots. Of course, each lady mixed hers up a tad bit in order to incorporate personal style.
Ninja Buns or top knots are a simple style that can be edgy and sophisticated at the same time. Christina opted to keep her hairstyle simple and sleek with a basic pull back, while Karreuche added a tad more drama with the aid of a fringed bang.
(Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Close Up of Karreuche’s Fringed Bang and Top knot
Closer View Of Christina’s Sleekly Pulled Back Updo
Okay ladies so now it is class time in order to make this style your very own! Take good notes and you will be a ninja bun/ top knot creating G-baby. Her cuteness herself, Karreuche shows us the way:
That was real cool, but here is another way to achieve this hot look using a teasing method to add volume first before creating the look. Check this one out:
Now you might be saying but 1966 what about if I need a little more length? That is no problem our sistas! All you need is a ponytail extension that retails for about $20. Here’s how to do it:
Alright, class dismissed y’all now get in those bathrooms and let the magic happen! Moreover, don’t forget to subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more tips!
Thoughts? Talk hair with us by dropping a comment down low or hit us up on our Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram or tweet us @1966magazine.
Beauty Answer:We have said it once and we will say it again, don’t look at the brand or the fancy presentation; the real answers lie on the back of the packaging. Before purchasing any product always educate yourself with what is find inside a various product by perusing the ingredient list. There you will be able to look over the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to what you will be applying to your body on a regular basis.
When it comes to moisturizer and the same also holds true for lip balms avoid products containing petrolatum or mineral oil. These ingredients aid in trapping in moisture due to the occlusive barrier that they create on top of the skin. However, they do very little when it actually comes to skin penetration.
Skin that is already seriously dry or becoming parched needs ingredients that are going to seep in and really do some business. Look for products containing oil, hyaluronic acid as well as ceramindes which do not just rest on top, but penetrates skin giving it the real moisture it needs.
Got a question? Drop a comment down low or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
The Mielle Organics mission to Empower, Excite and Educate was woven through the event. Africa Miranda engaged the crowd with social media trivia and giveaways and Sister Scientist presented a segment describing how chemicals affect African American hair and the importance of the ‘LCO’ method (liquid, cream, oil) to retain moisture and length. Smith, who made a grand entrance created a fan and media frenzy taking pictures and greeting several of the guests.
Mielle Organics Founder & CEO Monique Rodriguez and Yandy Smith.
Smith attended the event with her daughter Skylar and husband Mendeeces and spoke to the audience describing her natural hair journey including battles with chemical relaxers and hair dyes. Showing off her natural hair free of extensions, Smith encouraged the guest to ‘Take the Challenge’ with Mielle Organics by committing to using natural hair products and being more conscious of lifestyle choices. Smith also spoke passionately about the importance of supporting women and African American owned business saying, “It’s so empowering for me to do business with and support someone who looks like me”.
Mielle Organics launched the ‘Take the Challenge’ initiative in 2014 and has gained a tremendous following of eager and savvy natural hair product consumers. Since then, the company has grown to being sold in over 217 countries and has amassed over 175,000 customers worldwide. The event concluded with Co-founders Monique and Melvin Rodriguez announcing that Mielle Organics products would be sold in
Mielle Organics (M.O.) is a new all natural and organic hair products line for adults and children. After mere months in the natural hair care industry and achieving over $1.5 Million dollars in sales, Mielle Organics is widely recognized for its results-driven products and excellent customer service.
The company wholeheartedly believes that what is consumed by the body is displayed in outward appearances. They promote natural, organic ingredients, and are proud to exclusively use natural products derived from rooted plant oils and natural herbs. The products are paraben free, no harsh chemicals and no harmful preservatives; everything is made from love and nature and is not tested on animals.
Africa Miranda gives prize to winner of social media contest
From Left to Right: Sister Scientist, Bravo Tv’s Africa Miranda, Monique and Melvin Rodriguez with their daughters, Vh1’s Yandy Smith and Remy V Fab Style Ambassador Chris Curse
Style demos by Remy V Fab Style Ambassador Chris Curse
Sister Scientist describing the importance of LCO method to retain moisture and length.
Natural Hair Bloggers From Left to Right: Donedo, Nae2Curly, Takeya Monique and Michelle Thames
Yandy Smith and daughter Skylar Harris
Thoughts? Talk all things hair with us by dropping us a comment or hit us up on our Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr or tweet us @1966magazine.
