Celebrity Coverage
The Mielle Pop-Up Salon in the Olympic Village is the first of its kind for textured hair – Essence
Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Even as the 2024 Paris Olympics come to an in depth, the world’s biggest Black athletes are still winning gold. But in between the history they’ve made — the first all-Black podium in women’s gymnastics and the all-Black mixed U.S. 4x100m team breaking a world record — the business of Black beauty has also broken its own barrier.
For the first time at the Olympic Games, Mielle organic products has been named the official textured hair care partner of this 12 months’s Games. “This is the first time a textured hair care brand has offered products and high-quality ingredients at the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” founder Monique Rodriguez tells ESSENCE. The beauty and hair care salon in the Olympic Village, run by French stylist Raphael Perrieremploys a number of stylists who specialize in textured hair, giving athletes greater access to hair services.
“It’s important for Black female athletes to have access to textured hair products because there’s been an underrepresentation,” Rodriguez says. “Historically, Black female athletes have always been subject to a lot of scrutiny and criticism for how they wear their hair on the court, on the court, no matter what they do at the Olympics.” The most decorated gymnast of all time, Simone Biles, struggled with unsolicited opinions in connection along with her escapes, in the meantime Venus Williams has been historically punished over her famous beaded braids.
WITH hair discrimination forcing black athletes to evolve to Eurocentric beauty standards resembling former ban on swimming caps for natural hair, Mielle helps break down racist, unfair expectations at the Games. “Access to high-quality products can directly affect their level of self-confidence“which impacts their overall performance,” he says.
To do that, Olympic athletes can review Salon Lookbook select their service, which incorporates curly, textured hair, facial and nail care. For example, “there’s a styling option called ‘Smooth Start,’ which is a smooth style for anyone with relaxed hair,” she explains. “It’s a one-hour service that features a shampoo and conditioner, and [then] our serums and Mielle thermal protection products for every styling.”
Another service called “Champion Curl” is for athletes with textured afro hair that is washed after which styled with Mielle Avocado and Tamanu Curl Protector, Curl defining mousseAND Super Hold Edge Gel“I got to experience it myself and have curls without the frizz,” she says. Curling athletes, resembling track stars Vashti Cunninghamheptathlon Taliyah Brooksand WNBA Ambassador Mielle Aja Wilson all visited the salon during the competition.
Given their performances and appearances around the world, “one of the biggest concerns about hair is of course maintaining it to keep it looking its best,” says Rodriguez. “Being on some of the biggest stages in the world is a major concern for athletes, and the lack of access to the right products and the right stylists is a huge issue,” she continues. “We wanted to be a brand that understood the need and filled that gap.”
Now, as the 2024 Olympics wrap up next week, athletes can leave the Olympic Village feeling more included. “Being the first textured hair care brand to be there is a really huge milestone,” she says. “It’s a really exciting moment because I know my brand is going to reach so many people and make them feel confident and excited to perform at their best.”
Celebrity Coverage
Shaboozey on her YSL – Essence fragrance partnership
Courtesy of YSL
Masculinity just got a brand new scent – and that is what it smells like Shaboozey. Starring Lil Nas XPeso Pluma, Vinnie Hacker and The Kid LAROI in the newest Yves Saint Laurent fragrance project “Bar song (tipsy)” artist is the newest to define the meaning of “modern masculine” beauty.
“The collaboration with YSL Beauty is truly exciting because the company has always been at the forefront of culture, redefining what it means to be bold and timeless,” Shaboozey tells ESSENCE. The musician’s true self-expression, showcased within the brand’s digital design “Born MYSLF, No Matter What”, represents the message behind their latest men’s fragrance MYSLF Perfume.
“I liked how we explored the concept that being strong doesn’t have to mean fitting into a box,” he says, topping off the country music genre with bleached-tipped wicks. “It’s about owning who you are, being real, and YSL Beauty gave me the space to show that.”
Known for his 18-week #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (one week away from breaking Lil Nas the important thing to Shaboozey’s success is easy: balance.
From gym workouts to meditation sessions and knowing when to walk away, “for me, self-care was about finding balance,” she says, which is a chord that also strikes in the brand new fragrance. Vanilla bourbon in a YSL bottle, the extreme masculine aroma hits each floral and oud notes, providing sensuality and strength in equal measure. “She has that presence and stays with you, which is exactly what I need when I’m on the move.”
The global men’s grooming market is anticipated to be price $115 billion by 2028 (up 77 percent year-on-year) the boys’s cosmetics boom represents a obligatory shift not only from two-in-one shampoos and overpowering fragrances, but in addition within the definition of masculinity as an entire. According to Shaboozey, YSL’s latest fragrance is ahead of the curve. “YSL Beauty has a track record of pushing boundaries while staying classic, and that’s a vibe I’ve always admired.”
Celebrity Coverage
Kelis published her first children’s book, “The Seven Wonders of Africa”, inspired by her travels
Getty
Kelis is a lady of many talents, and her latest featured work is as a children’s book writer. The singer announced on Instagram that she has written a brand new book titled, which follows the adventures of foremost character Abel Sabbath Brown across the continent. The singer also announced in the identical breath that she had began a brand new company.
“I’m so happy to finally show you something I’ve been working on. I WROTE MY FIRST CHILDREN’S BOOK!!! I started a company called MAKE IT BROWN,” she wrote within the caption on Instagram under a video during which she discusses the brand new book.
“We only aim to offer characters and stories about places and adventures that our youngsters can see themselves in. It’s all about love and representation. The inspiration to write down this story was my trip to Africa this yr,” she continued within the caption.
Over the past yr, Kelis has been giving us the travel content we didn’t know we wanted, documenting her travels across Africa. Artist Milkshake has traveled to places similar to Tanzania, Kenya, Zanzibar and Rwanda, immersing herself in local communities and agriculture.
The 45-year-old artist further wrote: “I traveled with my family and we were so grateful to see all the sweetness this continent has to supply. From the people to the bottom, it was just amazing. And I desired to share this with all of you and your families. I actually love us, so from the underside of my heart to you! Welcome into your heart THE SEVEN WONDERS OF AFRICA AND THE SABBATH BROWN. ❤️ #book #kids #To read #children’s book #Africa #eastafrica #to learn“
The latest writer also announced in a separate post that the children’s book is now available on her website in paper, digital and audio versions.
Celebrity Coverage
EXCLUSIVE: Bilal’s unfiltered genius comes to life live at Glasshaus – Essence
Grammy Award-winning singer Bilal doesn’t need an enormous arena to dominate the room – only a studio in Brooklyn, 100 devoted fans and collaborators who understand the soul of music. On a December night in 2023, energy at Glasshouse was electrifying, with stars like Questlove, Common and Robert Glasper gathered close together, exchanging riffs and jokes as if the audience wasn’t even there. Now this magic has been closed and awaits its premiere on November 20, 2024 on Glasshaus’ YouTube channel.
Bilal isn’t only a concert film – it’s a mirrored image of his journey as some of the progressive and underrated musical talents. Directed by Glasshaus founder Jarrett Wetherell, the 65-minute documentary takes us on a rare, intimate performance. Alongside such influential collaborators as Questlove, Common and Robert Glasper, Bilal delivers performances which might be raw and electrifying, filled with the vulnerability and soul that make him an artist artist. The film captures not only the music, but additionally the unspoken bond between these legends and highlights Bilal’s position as some of the influential voices of our generation.
“This film is a love letter to one of the greatest singers of our time,” Wetherell reflects. “Bilal conveys a sense of vulnerability during his performances and interviews, which is rare among artists today. It is an intimate way that puts you in the studio with five legends, immersed in their music and the moment.”
it is a masterclass in creativity, captured in real time. Questlove turns a six-minute anecdote concerning the making of “Sometimes” into an unforgettable lesson in musical storytelling, while Common blurs the road between audience and performer, breaking into out-of-the-box freestyles and revisiting timeless verses from “Reminisce” and “Funkowo for You.”
In essence, the film is a love letter to some of the influential artists of his generation. From his genre-bending debut to underground hits like and , Bilal returns to his catalog with a fresh twist, delivering long-awaited releases just like the business release of “Something to Hold” and “All For Love.” Split-screen cinematography enhances the intimacy, drawing the viewer into every subtle moment – the movement of fingers over the strings, the glances exchanged during improvisation – all highlighting the magic of the music and the deep connection between these legends.
It’s Bilal who finally gets the flowers and each moment seems late. As Questlove put it best: “He’s Beyoncé’s favorite singer.” The film doesn’t just showcase Bilal’s vocals – it shows him as a cornerstone of the Soulquarian movement, whose influence is woven into the material of up to date music.
For fans, the experience goes beyond the screen. The limited edition 2xLP vinyl offers a tangible piece of magic, while the live album, released earlier this yr, is essential for collectors.
Watch the premiere on November 20, 2024 at 5:00 PM ET Glasshaus YouTube channel. Watch the video below.
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