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A’ja Wilson helps black women embrace their identity in sports

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Courtesy of Nike.

Last week, Nike hosted “Nike On Air,” a three-day immersive event in Paris that gave 400 attendees an exclusive have a look at the past, present and way forward for Air technology. While athlete and product innovations gained attention, the event also make clear the important thing role fashion brands play in working with women in sports. She stressed the importance of recognizing and dealing with athletes as a big step forward. Against the backdrop of gender pay disparities and insufficient recognition, it wasn’t just women who stood out fashion statements and performances, but additionally in the fascinating stories they shared.

In today’s sports world, individuals are interested in greater than just how well an athlete performs. They need to find out about their personal life, interests and ways of caring for themselves. The way forward for Nike Air innovation focuses on working more closely with athletes, enabling them to distinguish themselves as skilled athletes and leave their mark on projects that impact their fields.

A'ja Wilson helps black women embrace their identity in sports
Courtesy of Nike
A'ja Wilson helps black women embrace their identity in sports
Courtesy of Nike

Last Thursday evening on the Palais Brongniart, the immersive halls culminated in the major event – ​​a live performance by Nike On Air. The event was attended by 40 leading athletes from around the globe who, along with Nike, presented their national and federal uniforms for the 2024 Summer Olympics. They also provided insight into the co-created looks that some athletes collaborated on with designers reminiscent of Martine Rose and Sacai. Stylist Kyle Luu creates custom styles with daring prints and progressive designs that reflect the wearer’s personality and individuality. On stage, top athletes like Serena Williams, Sha’Carri Richardson and A’ja Wilson proved that non-public style in sports has no limits.

With the growing trend of athletes wearing stylish outfits while walking through tunnels and the high demand for athlete protection in fashion editorials, it is evident that women athletes are shaping a brand new era of favor and performance. He is one in every of the leading figures of this movement Aja WilsonOlympic gold medalist, WNBA star and New York Times bestselling creator.

A'ja Wilson helps black women embrace their identity in sports
Courtesy of Nike.

“Bringing personal style into the game is a huge challenge,” Wilson says. “It’s a way to push brand boundaries while being in the world of fashion and sports.” For Wilson, the court is a stage for athletic prowess and a canvas for self-expression. As a member of the Las Vegas Aces, she embodies a mix of athleticism and elegance that captivates audiences each on and off the court. “Not everyone may know us on the court, but everyone loves a good fit. Everyone loves a little drip or pit.”

Wilson draws inspiration for his sense of favor from the aesthetics of the 90s. However, she describes her personal style as comfortable, chic and fun. She attributes her unique look to her strong sense of self and her stylist, Amadi Brooks. She is impressed with how Brooks incorporated her personality into his clothes, allowing Wilson to be true to herself in fashion. On the court, her personal style focuses on accessorizing her outfit, particularly with a single-leg sleeve that matches the colour of her jersey, setting her aside from those that select a double-leg sleeve. Additionally, she isn’t afraid to go crazy with a set of nails, keeping them in more neutral colours in the course of the season.

Wilson’s message goes beyond the flashy and glamorous world of fashion. She strikes a chord with the audience by highlighting the importance of representation and variety in sports, especially for Black women. By promoting her style and embracing her identity, Wilson inspires a brand new generation of athletes to push boundaries and redefine the norm. Her actions transcend the style industry and emphasize the importance of self-care and resilience in the face of challenges. It reminds us to offer ourselves grace, especially in the face of adversity. As Wilson eloquently says, “If I can’t win on the inside, I can’t win on the court.” Her words are a stark reminder of how necessary it’s to prioritize our mental and physical well-being in our pursuit of success.

A'ja Wilson helps black women embrace their identity in sports
Courtesy of Nike.
A'ja Wilson helps black women embrace their identity in sports
Courtesy of Nike

The WNBA is gaining more visibility and momentum, with athletes like Wilson playing a key role in shaping the narrative. Black women in sports are making a big impact by acknowledging their identity, advocating for representation, and showcasing their style each on and off the sector. Collaboration between brands and athletes is essential to shaping a future where representation, style and self-care are recognized as integral elements of sporting excellence. Well-being goes hand in hand with looking good, and types that recognize this potential will establish a deeper reference to their audiences. By taking daring steps towards inclusion and representation in sports and fashion, brands like Nike are making a positive impact and celebrating diversity.

Wilson, who’s competing in her second Olympic Games, feels honored to represent her country again. It’s a tremendous moment for her to wear the USA jersey as she remembers all the good athletes who’ve worn it in the past. Wilson feels the pressure to perform at an elite level because he doesn’t need to let anyone down. However, wearing the jersey can be quite a lot of fun because individuals who may not know her from her WNBA team at the moment are rooting for her because she represents the United States.

During the finale of the Nike On Air show, Nike presented AIR – a revolution imagined by an athlete. Thirteen athletes from various sports, including running, football, basketball and tennis, got the chance to bring their Nike Air vision to life. The result was 13 unique performance footwear concepts that were explored using artificial intelligence and 3D printing technology. These concepts demonstrated the limitless possibilities of Air and its potential to revolutionize the sports industry. One of the designs, created by Wilson, was created to be adaptable to any on-court situation.

A'ja Wilson helps black women embrace their identity in sports
Courtesy of Nike

At the top of the conversation, Wilson reiterates the innovation ethos of Nike Air, which redefines boundaries in sports and fashion through collaboration and self-expression.


This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

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Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”

She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.

Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”

One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.

Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.

When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.

Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”

Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”

Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.

Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.

Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

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India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.

“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”

Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.

Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.


Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

Name:
India Shawn

Hometown:

Los Angeles

Artistic soundscape

Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric

The oldest musical memory

Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.

Influences

For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.

Creative process

Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”

Challenges and development

As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”

Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.

Current project

There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

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With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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