BGLO

Category: African-American

  • ‘Live PD’ Canceled After Destroying Footage Of Death Of Black Man In Custody

    Essence Magazine:

    After George Floyd’s murder at the hands of vicious police brutality, the last thing any of us want to see right now are the depictions of police on TV. Thankfully, this call to action is being heard.

    Just one day after the cancellation of Cops, A&E has also announced the cancellation of it’s own cop show, Live P.D. after four seasons. The reality TV show, hosted by Dan Abrams, followed police departments in real time on patrol.

    “This is a critical time in our nation’s history and we have made the decision to cease production on Live PD,” the network said in a statement. “Going forward, we will determine if there is a clear pathway to tell the stories of both the community and the police officers whose role it is to serve them. And with that, we will be meeting with community and civil rights leaders as well as police departments.”

    Shocked & beyond disappointed about this. To the loyal #LivePDNation please know I, we, did everything we could to fight for you, and for our continuing effort at transparency in policing. I was convinced the show would go on. . More to come. ..https://t.co/WWh7fDrig2

    — Dan Abrams (@danabrams) June 11, 2020

    After the show’s cancellation was announced, Abrams also tweeted that he is “Shocked & beyond disappointed.” 

    But many wonder if the network is serving the public or their own interests after it was revealed on Tuesday that Live PD captured a man’s final moments after he was detained last year — and then later destroyed the footage.

    Newly released body-cam footage shows that 40-year-old Javier Ambler had repeatedly told officers “I can’t breathe” before his death in police custody on March 28, 2019, after an officer, who was accompanied by a Live PD camera crew, pulled him over for driving with his high beams on. He died at the scene of the stop, one of the officer’s body-cam footage shows. Fifteen months after Ambler’s death, his family has no answers about why he died and none of the officers involved have faced any repercussions.

    According to the Austin American-Statesman, representatives of Live PD said the footage of the incident has been destroyed and can’t be turned over to investigators, who are in the midst of taking a fresh look at the case.

    “As is the case with all footage taken by Live PD producers, we no longer retained the unaired footage after learning that the investigation had concluded,” the network said in a statement.

    District Attorney Margaret Moore told reporters her office plans to present the case before a grand jury. 

    The post ‘Live PD’ Canceled After Destroying Footage Of Death Of Black Man In Custody appeared first on Essence.

  • ‘Live PD’ Canceled After Destroying Footage Of Death Of Black Man In Custody

    Essence Magazine:

    After George Floyd’s murder at the hands of vicious police brutality, the last thing any of us want to see right now are the depictions of police on TV. Thankfully, this call to action is being heard.

    Just one day after the cancellation of Cops, A&E has also announced the cancellation of it’s own cop show, Live P.D. after four seasons. The reality TV show, hosted by Dan Abrams, followed police departments in real time on patrol.

    “This is a critical time in our nation’s history and we have made the decision to cease production on Live PD,” the network said in a statement. “Going forward, we will determine if there is a clear pathway to tell the stories of both the community and the police officers whose role it is to serve them. And with that, we will be meeting with community and civil rights leaders as well as police departments.”

    Shocked & beyond disappointed about this. To the loyal #LivePDNation please know I, we, did everything we could to fight for you, and for our continuing effort at transparency in policing. I was convinced the show would go on. . More to come. ..https://t.co/WWh7fDrig2

    — Dan Abrams (@danabrams) June 11, 2020

    After the show’s cancellation was announced, Abrams also tweeted that he is “Shocked & beyond disappointed.” 

    But many wonder if the network is serving the public or their own interests after it was revealed on Tuesday that Live PD captured a man’s final moments after he was detained last year — and then later destroyed the footage.

    Newly released body-cam footage shows that 40-year-old Javier Ambler had repeatedly told officers “I can’t breathe” before his death in police custody on March 28, 2019, after an officer, who was accompanied by a Live PD camera crew, pulled him over for driving with his high beams on. He died at the scene of the stop, one of the officer’s body-cam footage shows. Fifteen months after Ambler’s death, his family has no answers about why he died and none of the officers involved have faced any repercussions.

    According to the Austin American-Statesman, representatives of Live PD said the footage of the incident has been destroyed and can’t be turned over to investigators, who are in the midst of taking a fresh look at the case.

    “As is the case with all footage taken by Live PD producers, we no longer retained the unaired footage after learning that the investigation had concluded,” the network said in a statement.

    District Attorney Margaret Moore told reporters her office plans to present the case before a grand jury. 

    The post ‘Live PD’ Canceled After Destroying Footage Of Death Of Black Man In Custody appeared first on Essence.

  • Tulsa Police Officers Handcuffed Black Teens For Jaywalking

    Essence Magazine:

    Tulsa Police have launched an internal investigation following the detainment of two Black teenagers who were accused of jaywalking. The incident led to both teens being handcuffed, and one teen was ultimately arrested, the Tulsa World reports.

    The incident occurred last week, where two officers, one on foot and the other in a vehicle, can be seen from their body camera perspectives stopping the teens.

    The officer on foot runs straight up towards one of the boys grabbing him by his upper arms. The teen that was grabbed starts struggling, even as the other boy starts protesting, demanding to know what they had done wrong.

    “He’s jaywalking,” an officer could be heard saying.

    “Why you trying to choke his neck?” the other teen, who has not been grabbed demanded.

    “Nobody’s choking him,” an officer replies.

    “You’re choking him,” the teen insists.

    Eventually, at least one officer forces the struggling teen to the ground, before he is put in handcuffs, even as he lay prone on his stomach.

    Officers said that they had just wanted to talk to the teen (while grabbing his arms mind you), but then “he had to act the fool like that,” prompting the apprehension.

    “I appreciate you being cool,” the officer adds to the teen who is still demanding answers.

    The second teen, whom officers said was not being “aggressive” was also handcuffed.

    “You want to see me in jail or dead,” the struggling teen says as he accuses officers of targeting because of his race.

    The incident goes on for about 20 minutes, with one teen continually struggling against officers as officers trying to put him in the squad car.

    “Call my momma!” the boy yells.

    “Chill out, bro. It’s not worth it,” the second teen urges.

    Some 15 minutes into a video, an adult Black man can be seen asking officers what they are doing to the boys.

    “You don’t have to do all that,” he insists. “I’m watching you assault that little boy right there.”

    One of the officers threatens to arrest him as well if he doesn’t “get out of the street.”

    “This arrest is also under investigation by our Internal Affairs Unit, as such, we are unable to comment on this arrest until the conclusion of the investigation,” Tulsa police said in a statement at which time they also released the body camera footage.

    At the end of the video, the second teen was released from handcuffs and given instructions on how to avoid jaywalking. The other teen who was struggling was still detained in the squad car.

    The post Tulsa Police Officers Handcuffed Black Teens For Jaywalking appeared first on Essence.

  • No Firings, Arrests, Charges Yet In Connection To Death Of Breonna Taylor

    Essence Magazine:

    Say her name.

    The post No Firings, Arrests, Charges Yet In Connection To Death Of Breonna Taylor appeared first on Essence.

  • Photographer Seleen Saleh On Capturing Black Street Style

    Essence Magazine:

    Through her sublime photographs of Black creatives at fashion week and beyond, Seleen Saleh captures diverse images that reveal the deeply personal nature of how we dress. A pivotal force in shaping ESSENCE’s Street Style coverage, the lens woman reflects on her new book and decade-long journey

    While the doors of New York Fashion Week aren’t open to everyone, thanks to a host of invite-only events, the streets outside the event venues are. And that’s where most of the magic happens. “If you have great style, I want to photograph you,” says Seleen Saleh. “I don’t care if somebody knows you.” The photographer started working with ESSENCE in 2009, when she began taking images of Black creatives walking into and out of shows.

    Seleen Saleh

    Throughout the years she’s become a staple in our street style coverage for print and digital. In March Saleh released Street Culture, a book highlighting her work over the past decade. “I was one of the few people who were even trying to shoot us,” she says. While Black folks have long been curators of cool, we are often overlooked and rarely celebrated for our personal aesthetic.

    “It’s about expression, and that’s the one thing that’s so important about fashion”

    Saleh’s candid photographs show that whether or not we’re invited to the shows, we’ve always shaped trends and moved the culture forward. “It’s about expression, and that’s the one thing that’s so important about fashion,” she notes. Saleh is pleased with how far the street style genre has come. “People are appreciating our beauty,” she says. “The standard is changing.”

    The story originally appeared in the ESSENCE May/June 2020 print issue.

    The post Photographer Seleen Saleh On Capturing Black Street Style appeared first on Essence.

  • Get Lost: 72 Hours in Curacao

    Get Lost: 72 Hours in Curacao

    Essence Magazine:

    Curacao has become increasingly popular on the Caribbean travel circuit. Located just 40 miles north of Venezuela, with Aruba to the West and Bonaire to the East, Curacao, part of the Dutch ABC islands, feels like a pristine European resort town gushing with tropical luxuries yet to be discovered. It’s laidback, aesthetically pleasing, progressive and relatively untouched.

    Although Afro-Caribbean’s make up a majority of the population—their traditions and culture have shaped the dialect, food, music art and indigenous religions—when travelers visit Curacao, they’re embraced by a mélange of global influences that give the destination an evident edge. You’ll be hard-pressed to spot natives peddling fresh fruit and barbeque on the side of the road or hear Tumba, the local music, thumping in the distance, Curacao is a place where finding your preferred vibe is part of the allure.

    From the pastel-colored colonial structures dotted throughout the the capital city of Willemstad to the quaint beaches (there’s nearly 40) tucked away across the island, if you’re craving an uncommon Caribbean escape, this is it.

    STAYBaoase Luxury Resort

    This Balinese-inspired five-star hotel is the ideal pick for jetsetters seeking exclusivity. Hidden in the heart of the city, 12 of the 23 guest accommodations feature private plunge pools shaded by lush gardens for a little extra seclusion. However, each room, suite and villa at Baoase is elevated in its own unique way.

    Sunbath and sip champagne on the beach while admiring the surrounding rock formations, or if you’re up an adventure, grab a kayak and explore the colorful coral reef. When you’re done, treat yourself to a full-body massage in an oceanside gazebo, accented with tranquil, East Asian touches.

    Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort

    On the far southeast side of the island, miles away from the action, is a sprawling 350-room resort flanked by endless shorelines. With amenities, services and activities the whole family can enjoy, post up and bask in laid-back luxury for as long as you can.

    EXPERIENCE: Xventure Curacao Rappelling

    Descending from a cliff, backwards, secured in a harness, 130-feet above sea-level, is hardcore, no matter how jaw-dropping the views are on the way down. If you can push past your fears and surrender to the thrill, Terence Ching and Claudio Da Silva Correa of Xventure Curacao, are skilled at ensuring that the journey is safe and enjoyable.

    The company’s mission is to inspire visitors tour the island in a sustainable way with mentally, emotionally and spiritually rewarding experiences.

    EXPLORE: Klein Curacao

    Book a daytrip to Klein Curacao, a tiny uninhabited island boasting the longest, whitest stretch of beach, accessible via a two-hour boat tour from the mainland. When your Catamaran docks, roam freely around the ring-shaped reef where cactus grow wild, hermit crabs move in hundreds, and a deserted pink 1850s light house is surprisingly still standing.

    Be sure to snorkel, even if you’re a first timer—Klein’s shipwrecks and underwater caves attract a variety of fish species and the coolest green sea turtles.

    INDULGEMood

    Dining in Curacao is a special affair. Reserve a table at Mood, an open-air beachfront eatery in Willemstad that attracts an international crowd. Start with the Calida Bienvenida cocktail (Anejo tequila, apricot liquor, agave syrup), move onto the Grilled Fillet of Red Snapper (served with roasted veggies and coconut rice) and finish with the Tempura Banana for dessert.

    Shore

    Head south to nosh on delectable dishes conceptualized and prepared by Curacao native, chef Heinrich Hortencia, at Shore. The upscale restaurant offers a diverse selection of locally soured ingredients paired with fresh and vibrant flavors. The Seafood Pasta and Tropical Spoom (rose water infused tropical fruits, prosecco, lime sorbet) are a must.

    Photos by: Metanoya Z. Webb

    Editor’s Note: This trip was taken before the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States. When planning to travel this summer, be sure to research any local tourism-related restrictions or closures ahead of time and continue to practice social distancing while visiting. Safe travels!

    The post Get Lost: 72 Hours in Curacao appeared first on Essence.

  • Get Lost: 72 Hours In SoCal (With Your Little Ones in Tow)

    Get Lost: 72 Hours In SoCal (With Your Little Ones in Tow)

    Essence Magazine:

    Children are catching flights just as frequently as grown folk are, and it’s pretty fascinating to witness. They have passports, own customized luggage and roam freely through domestic and international airports, eager to board a plane and land in a new destination where they can explore and absorb as much as their growing minds can handle. And can you blame them? Seeing some world is a great education.

    The #BlackTravelMovement has birthed a new generation of modern globetrotters. Never before have African Americans traveled as often and spent as much on travel as they do today. Higher paying jobs, post-secondary education and good ole social media are to partially thank. And since parents are going more, so are their kids.

    L.A.’s Original Farmers Market is a must when you visit SoCal.

    Spring is here and summer and fall aretrailing closely behind, which means planning your next family vacay should be happening now.

    If you’re looking for an affordable destination that’s almost always sunny, with great beaches, a diverse food and culture scene, a variety of kid-friendly activities, and direct flight options from every major city in the country (and world), SoCal is it.

    Here’s how you spend a few good days in Southern California with your busy little ones in tow.

    Exploring Greystone Park and Mansion in Beverly Hills.

    DAY ONE

    Southern California aka SoCal is comprised of Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego, West Hollywood and several other cities, towns and villages located in the southernmost section of the state. The climate year-round is mild-to-hot and mostly dry, so whenever you go is a good time to go.

    Despise crowds? Visit between April to May or September to October when popular attractions and activities aren’t as hectic.

    Photo Credit: Metanoya Z. Webb

    Before you land, reserve a ride with Midway Car Rental—moving around SoCal without wheels (and your kids) isn’t the best idea. Most things in the region are spread out so driving from place to place is a smart option.

    The Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a great option for the entire family.

    From LAX, head north on the 405 to The Garland, a retro chic hotel located in North Hollywood, just minutes away from Universal Studios, City Walk, Griffith Park Observatory and the L.A. Zoo. Check-in drop your bags in your room then spend time exploring the property’s lush grounds.

    Being ordered to the pool by my two-year-old at The Garland in North Hollywood.

    The children won’t be able to resist a dip in the outdoor pool, so while they splash, lounge and sip a handcrafted cocktail (or two) from The Lobby Bar. When you’re done, head to The Front Yard for a comfortable and casual L.A. dining experience, and the best people watching on this side of town.

    Dining al fresco at The Front Yard at The Garland. Photo Credit: Metanoya Z. Webb

    DAY TWO

    Since sleeping-in isn’t an option when you’re vacay-ing with your little ones, get up and get out. Start your day with a museum crawl, with stops at the American Southwestern Railway Museum, Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum and the Petersen Automotive Museum. Then, hit L.A.’s infamous Original Farmers Market for lunch.

    If your little ones are into cars, pop over to the Petersen Automotive Museum.

    There are over 100 gourmet grocers and restaurants from across the world to choose from. Our Pick: Pampas Grill Churrascaria for Brazilian BBQ. You can’t leave the vicinity without a quick stroll through The Grove. The kids will love the fountain and live entertainment, you’ll love the shopping.

    Hungry? Try Pampas Grill Churrascaria for Brazilian BBQ at the Original Farmers Market. Kicking it at The Grove.

    It’s no secret that SoCal traffic is extremely unpleasant, but the silver lining is that the backdrop of the region is gorgeous. Load up the kiddies and ride out along the Pacific Coast Highway, one of the most scenic drives in the world. Be sure to pull over at Venice, Manhattan, Hermosa, and Redondo beaches along the way.

    Photo Credit: Metanoya Z. Webb

    DAY THREE

    Check out of The Garland and into the iconic London West Hollywood, boasting sick rooftop views of the Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles and Beverly Hills. The serene atmosphere and luxury cabanas will satisfy you, however your little ones will be smitten about Magical Tea, the cutest tea party held in the hotel’s Sitting Room. All ages are welcome to enjoy the colorful and playful menu featuring unicorn cake, fairytale cupcakes, rainbow donuts, macaroons, cotton candy sugar clouds and so much more.

    Cheers!Magical Tea date at the London West Hollywood. Photo Credit: Metanoya Z. Webb

    Following tea, walk over to Book Soup on Sunset Blvd., one of the last standing independent bookstores in the country, and browse through thousands of titles both you and your kids will enjoy.

    Up for a little adventure? Bikes & Hikes LA is a must! Take the 2.5-hour West Hollywood + Beverly Hills Electric Bike Tour, it’s an eco-friendly and health conscious way to explore the city. If your kids are too young to ride solo, your tour guides will attach a wagon to the back of your bike—it’s all good!

    Bikes & Hikes LA is an eco-friendly and health conscious way to explore the city. Photo Credit: Metanoya Z. Webb

    Mister O’s or Gracias Madre are our picks for dinner. If you can secure a sitter for the kids, go with Mister O’s. The intimate, mid-century inspired lounge and dining room is dimly lit and stunningly styled—don’t let the curb appeal fool you. They’re known for their artisanal cocktails, but the seasonal dinner menu is pretty impressive too. Enjoy!

    Mister O’s restaurant and lounge in Studio City, California.

    Editor’s Note: This trip was taken before the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States. When planning to travel this summer, be sure to research any local tourism-related restrictions or closures ahead of time and continue to practice social distancing while visiting. Safe travels!

    The post Get Lost: 72 Hours In SoCal (With Your Little Ones in Tow) appeared first on Essence.

  • Get Lost: 72 Hours in Stockholm

    Get Lost: 72 Hours in Stockholm

    Essence Magazine:

    Amsterdam, London and Paris are cool, but there are other innovative European cities that we should be hitting. Stockholm is one of them. The capital of Sweden, a Scandinavian nation, Stockholm is a stylish metropolis built on 14 islands connected by 57 walkable bridges dotted around Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea. Sound enchanting? It is. The city has 80 museums, the most museums per capita in the world, and is leading the charge, globally, in interior design, fashion, food, technology, music and art.

    The cobblestone streets of Old Town feature those notorious colorful buildings that have become synonymous with the destination, and the bustling city center is overflowing with rooftop bars, upscale restaurants, picturesque parks and hospitable locals, who are a lot friendlier than you’d imagine they’d be.

    Stockholm is built on 14 islands connected by 57 walkable bridges. Touring Södermalm with Rondel Holder of Soul Society 101 and Satchel Jester of So Atlanta Scene.

    And yes, Black folk travel to and exist on all 14 islands. From Tensta in the North to Södermalm in the South, Somalian, Ethiopian and Eritrean immigrants make up the largest populations of East African descendants in the city, however, transplants from across the diaspora are sprinkled throughout.

    If you’re looking for a cosmopolitan escape with cutting-edge appeal, explore the less traveled path and head to Stockholm.

    Mälarpaviljongen, an alfresco waterside hang-out has service and even better vibes.

    DAY ONE

    Getting to Stockholm is fairly easy from NYC. Board the non-stop, red-eye on Norwegian from JFK and wake up the next morning in Arlanda International Airport. The quickest and most environmentally friendly way to the city center is via the Arlanda Express speed train. Pro Tip: Reserve your ticket in advance.

    Once you arrive, check-into the Downtown Camper by Scandic, the minimalist accommodations are your ideal basecamp—they were designed with the urban jetsetter in mind. Before you hit the town, spend time exploring the inviting hotel grounds. From the lobby and the rooftop, to the guest rooms, bar and restaurant, a relaxed ‘nature meets city’ atmosphere is evident in every detail of the laid-back luxury design.

    The Crispy Fish at The Farm is a must.

    Hungry? Head across the street to The Farm, a sustainable eatery serving up tasty small plates. Order the crispy fish with pickled veggies and a side of curry sauce. When you’re done, stroll over to Gamla Stan aka Old Town, Stockholm’s charming original city that dates back to the 13th century. Pull up on the Royal Palace, walk the cobblestone squares and alleyways, and don’t leave the area without experiencing a guided tour on top of the old Parliament building. The views are sick.

    The best way to see the city? A guided tour on top of the old Parliament building with Takvandring. Views on views on views! The cobblestone streets of Old Town are the perfect backdrop for cool pics.

    Next up are libations and throwback Tribe Called Quest at Hojden, a swanky cocktail bar at Takpark by Urban Deli, one of the city’s largest rooftop terraces. When you’re done sipping and mingling with locals, take the elevator down to the dimly lit restaurant wing and treat yourself to a succulent lobster entrée and a glass of champagne. You earned it.

    Hojden is a swanky cocktail bar at Takpark by Urban Deli, one of the city’s largest rooftop terraces.

    DAY TWO

    Since Sweden is six hours ahead of EST, it may take your body a bit to adjust to the time difference, so don’t feel guilty about sleeping in. When you finally do rise, enjoy a typical Scandinavian breakfast at the Campfire Grill & Bar, which consists of crisp bread alongside cheese, jam, butter, smoked salmon, tomato and cucumber. It’s different but still satisfying.

    Hopping around the city is super easy via the metro.

    When you’re done, hop on the metro a few stops to Slussen and roam the quaint island of Södermalm. With its cobblestone streets, secret alleyways and hidden little gems like Ivar Los park, a local fave that’s ideal for just kicking it, the quaint island is worth a visit.

    The eclectic Sofo district is where the cool kids hang. From vintage boutiques and delightful shops like The English Bookshop to art galleries, design stores and a slew of cute places to eat and drink, good luck leaving this part of town.

    Check out The English Bookshop in Södermalm. Have lunch a Nytorget 6 and order the grilled fish with seasonal veggies.

    Have lunch at Nytorget 6 and order grilled fish with a medley of seasonal veggies. Then head over to Rival, the award-winning boutique hotel has a retro Art Deco swag that’s inviting and super chic. Socialize and sip at Watson’s lobby bar. Afterwards, partake in a very Swedish tradition, Fika, a relaxing coffee and café break that’s enjoyed daily by locals in the morning and afternoon. Pro Tip: Link up with Nigerian expat, Lola Akinmade Åkerström, while you’re in town. She’s the cultural plug for all things Black in the city.

    The Sofo district is where the cool kids hang in Stockholm.Fika is a relaxing coffee break that’s enjoyed daily by locals across the city.

    Start your evening with a few glasses of rosé at Mälarpaviljongen, an alfresco waterside hang-out with superb service and even better vibes. Then end your night a Smak, the elite eatery’s inventive concept is all about flavors. Choose from three, five or seven small plates (vegan options available) based on the flavors you enjoy most and indulge.

    Rosé at Mälarpaviljongen. Dining at Smak is an exploration of tasty flavors.

    DAY THREE

    Traveling by subway in Stockholm is like moving through an illustrious tale that follows the artistic pioneers from the 1950s up to the modern expressions of today. Nearly 100 of the city’s subway stations feature art—the underground attraction is said to be the world’s longest art exhibit and should not be missed.

    Nearly 100 of Stockholm’s subway stations feature art. Ride the metro north to Tensta, the Brixton of Stockholm. Market shopping in Tensta.

    When you’re through touring, take the metro north to Tensta, the Brixton of Stockholm, for a visit to the Tensta Konsthall center for contemporary art. The gallery is the result of a grassroots initiative to bring art to the suburbs of Stockholm and has hosted exhibitions from some of the world’s leading contemporary artists. Enjoy a flavorful and colorful Eritrean lunch outside at the gallery’s café, run by a local Eritrean family, then explore the surrounding area—it’s overflowing with our people and culture.

    Colorful Eritrean cuisine at Tensta Konsthall center for contemporary art. Spotted on an alley in Tensta.

    Before you leave Stockholm, connect with local Muslim-Swedish fashion designer, Iman Aldebe, who’s celebrated for re-imagining the hijab with her Happy Turbans line. Her custom couture creations were at the forefront of the modest fashion revolution and are carried in department stores in Sweden, Paris, New York and Dubai. Being Muslim isn’t a requirement for rocking one.

    Happy Turbans by Muslim-Swedish fashion designer Iman Aldebe. And since being Muslim isn’t a requirement for rocking one… Voila!

    Editor’s Note: This trip was taken before the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States. When planning to travel this summer, be sure to research any local tourism-related restrictions or closures ahead of time and continue to practice social distancing while visiting. Safe travels!

    All images by Metanoya Z. Webb.

    The post Get Lost: 72 Hours in Stockholm appeared first on Essence.

  • Rihanna’s Fenty Label Kicks Off Its June Releases

    Essence Magazine:

    After going completely dark last week to honor the individuals who have been recently killed by police brutality and white supremacy, Rihanna’s Fenty label has reopened to launch its summer collection. Last year, Fenty seemingly dropped a new piece every month, however, this season the brand is breaking up its summer launches into 3 big drops, starting today June 11.

    Release 6-20 introduces a youthful touch that encourages mod designs and trendy pieces millennials are wearing. Satin, tie-dye, and denim have all played apart into textures the new generation of fashionistas have grown to love, which arguably in inspired by 90s sub culture.

    Clearly influenced by young creatives with this new release, Fenty says that each part of the month-long drops celebrate a different facet of youth, expressed through varied style cues. This particular release includes two jersey corset dresses, a satin drape shirt, long sleeve “immigrant” tee and more pieces perfect for a summer (socially distant) slay.

    The releases to come each cater to unique summer moods. Each release will build in color, print, and momentum from understated monochrome daywear in Drop 1, to a rush of color, casual cuts and slogans in Drop 2, which culminates in the climactic psychedelic print of Drop 3.

    Due to there being more eyes than ever on black-owned brands, we’re here to state that Fenty has always been for the people. Ranging in price from $230- $820, check out Release 6-20 on Fenty.com

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