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Brooklyn-based designer Tatiana Monét reveals her debut collection – Essence

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Katherine Goguen

The story of Tatiana Monet’s brand is told through the varied phases of a love story, moving through the changing textures of starting, growth, loss, and renewal. Last fall, designer Tatiana Monét presented the primary piece of her final collection: a poplin skirt that formed a tutu-like bubble on five layers of tulle. Like Monét, the skirt was playful yet declarative, suggesting an expected introduction to her artistic vision. Over the following few months, the concept of the bubble skirt gained momentum online and offline, which led to the discharge of a limited edition pre-release outfit that Herrana Addisu presented. It was New Year’s Eve, and Monét has been working diligently on her Spring/Summer 2025 collection within the months since, which debuted in Brooklyn before an audience of close friends and colleagues.

Brooklyn-based designer Tatiana Monét reveals her debut collection

This original skirt eventually became the brand’s Little Black Skirt and represents the young brand’s evolving iconography in textiles and concept. For the collection’s show, which took place within the designer’s converted retail studio Yara Flinnthe item of clothing is displayed as an almost sculptural element among the many hanging accessories.

Tatiana Monet’s 001 collection is titled “A Brooklyn Love Story,” an ode to the founder’s own journey through feelings at different stages. Born in upstate New York and now residing in Brooklyn, Monét navigated this stage of her creative and private growth with a heightened understanding of depth and the way it informs her work. Each of her thirteen pieces—all sustainably crafted and unisex—reflects this idea of dimension, featuring accents that nod to where Monét was when she was inspired to create.

Brooklyn-based designer Tatiana Monét reveals her debut collection
Katherine Goguen

The intimate undertones of her love stories come to life within the objects she creates, exemplifying how love might be channeled into multiple realms without delay. Tatiana’s clothes clearly reference her love of community and the influence of Bedford-Stuyvesant on her sartorial evolution. Monet worked in real estate before moving to town to pursue fashion design. Despite her profession successes, she eventually realized that a big change would best allow her to attain the achievement she sought. “I realized that it wasn’t, that it wasn’t feeding my spirit,” Monét tells ESSENCE.

“So I ended up in Brooklyn and it was like the universe had placed me here. Everything started falling into place.” By pure coincidence, Tatiana learned that her latest apartment in BedStuy was across the road from a retail space called Savant Studios. She began attending weekly meetings at the shop Sunday vibes art salon, where she met other artists and located someone to check with about her developing concepts.

Brooklyn-based designer Tatiana Monét reveals her debut collection
Katherine Goguen

As A Brooklyn Love Story evolved from the thought stage, Tatiana experienced the impact of community-based love in real time. Some of the people from that point period became collaborators during fittings, production days, and premiere planning. Monet credits her friends with making it easier for her to pursue her dreams over the past yr.

Monet’s debut collection takes a utilitarian approach to romance, offering structured, tailored garments that support fluid, confident movement. Many pieces might be worn interchangeably, allowing for a big selection of styling possibilities. Primary colours flow between blacks, off-whites, and fiery reds, a chromatic embodiment of Valentine’s Day, a trio steeped within the iconography of romance and love. Red, daring and uncompromising, speaks of the intensity of passion, while white whispers of possibility, a blank slate on which love can carve its narrative.

Black silks also ground this ardor in point of fact, reminding patron Tatiana Monet that the depths of affection are shadowy and profound. The rose, a motif in all these shades, enters as the last word symbol—delicate, wild, and enduring—reflecting the myriad facets of affection itself.

Brooklyn-based designer Tatiana Monét reveals her debut collection
Katherine Goguen

Tatiana explains that the Karla Top, a lined and padded bra, might be purchased as a set with the Frederick Trouser or individually, in cream and black Japanese cotton or luxurious red silk. The construction of the bra was “inspired by classic balconette bras and improved with complementing grosgrain hems and straps,” says Tatiana.

The designer is a trained seamstress who trained with Christopher John Rogers and other award-winning designers. During months of draping, sewing and fitting, she became a master of seams, which ultimately got here to fruition in her debut collection. The Karla top features clean vertical stitching, in addition to two rows of hook-and-eye closures, underwires and adjustable straps that provide support while allowing for a more revealing cut.

The accompanying themes of romantic and social love are themes of self-love, an idea materialized in expertly tailored functional pieces that take an oversized form to optimize comfort. “We set out to create a pant that would embody grounded confidence,” Monet writes on the official Tatiana Monet NYC Instagram page. Made from Japanese wool that gives enough weight to maintain you in shape through the seasons, Kravitz’s pant evokes maximum power and confidence.

Brooklyn-based designer Tatiana Monét reveals her debut collection
Katherine Goguen

Each of the items featured within the physical launch was announced shortly beforehand in a digital campaign led by the designer and her collaborator Ondrea WheelerThe game’s ongoing world-constructing emphasizes the sum of Monet’s primary inspirations: desire and relationships. Love, as she embodies it, takes many forms, from romantic dalliances to the caring of friends. These expressions of feeling can transform and channel energies into types of art. Tatiana Monet’s debut collection goals to show that love can all the time be drawn from inside and continuously given to oneself, materially or otherwise.

Authors:

Creative Directors: Tatiana Monet @tatianamonett + Ondrea Wheeler @_witchdaddy_
Photographer: Katherine Goguen @katherinegoguen
Talent: Mom @mckellyayor
Gaffer: Lukas Cardoni @lluk45
Digitech: Creigh Lyndon @creighlyndon
Make-up: Dior @onlyonedior
Hair: Renee Brutus @rowsbyrenee
Stylist: Shea Stiebler @s_m__s._
Producer: Thandi Roe @thandiroe
Production Assistant: Sharmeen Chaudry @sharmeen.c


This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

Essence of the week: Cherry Blossom EDT L’Occitane is a fragrance inspired by spring, perfect for any season – Essence

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We all know L’Occitane almond shower oil gets a lot of love – and for good reason (I’m taking a look at you #BeautyTok).

But there is one other gem of this brand that deserves just as much attention: Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette. Since its launch in 2007, this fragrance has remained a favorite amongst my group of friends, appreciated for its delicate and refined elegance. To be honest, I feel this is what L’Occitane is known for as a brand. And although this scent is often related to the airy freshness of spring, it is a scent that brings a touch of beauty and heat to any season.

The first spritz of Cherry Blossom EDT is soft and alluring, with a subtle hint of cherry and freesia that feels fresh without overdoing it. It’s light and uplifting, like the kind of scent you employ when you would like to feel good but not an excessive amount of (like me most days). As it settles on my skin, notes of cherry blossom and lily of the valley bloom, striking the perfect balance of femininity without feeling overly sweet or dated. There’s nothing heavy or “old school floral” about this scent – it’s fresh, modern and understated in a way that feels sophisticated.

What really makes this fragrance stand out is the base. Brazilian rosewood, amber and musk give it a soft warmth that wraps you want your favorite cashmere scarf. It’s cozy but never heavy, beautifully balancing the delicate flowers. The overall effect is a scent that feels effortlessly polished – the olfactory equivalent of “quiet luxury.”

I do know, I do know – cherry blossoms evoke spring, but that is why this scent works so well all 12 months round. In the colder months, it is a refreshing break from heavy, spicy scents. I mean, I like my ouds and cognacs, but no… Bright notes of cherry and freesia bring a breath of fresh air, while warm base notes of amber and musk give the composition a comforting, grounded feel. It’s like carrying a little bit of spring with you, even when the weather is not sunny. And given the conflicting rumors we’re hearing – at the very least on the East Coast – about how much snow will fall this season, you would possibly just should keep it in your radar.

Why I find it irresistible: While everyone gravitates towards the Almond L’Occitane collection, their EDT Cherry Blossom has turn out to be an unexpected favorite of mine that I still reach for. What I like most about it is how versatile it is. It’s lightweight enough to accommodate skilled meetings or running errands during the day, but still feels special enough for dinner dates or quiet moments at home. The way it evolves on the skin – from a fresh, floral burst to a soft, warm texture – makes it feel personal, like a fragrance created just for you. It’s not flashy or trendy, but that is what makes it timeless.

Perfect pairs: As an eau de toilette, Cherry Blossom advantages greatly from thoughtful layering that highlights its delicate character and prolongs its presence throughout the day. And because Cherry Blossom has a softer sillage, it’s perfect for on a regular basis wear. If you would like to extend its durability or make it a bit more dynamic, layering is the best solution. Start with L’Occitane Cherry Blossom Shower Oil to create a fragrant base, then follow with the Shimmering Body Milk for extra depth and hydration.

If you wish to mix and match, pair Cherry Blossom EDT with complementary fragrances. Kayali Vanilla 28 adds a cozy sweetness that blends beautifully with the floral notes, while Commodity Milk+ brings out the creamy warmth of the base. On the fun side, the marshmallow and ambrette notes of Ellis Brooklyn SWEET add a delicate, sweet touch that prolongs the persistence of the cherry blossom accord. Spray the fragrance base first, let it settle, after which top with cherry blossom for a custom scent that can last all day.

EDT Cherry Blossom by L’Occitane is a masterclass in subtle sophistication. Founder Olivier Baussan put it perfectly: “It is because cherry blossoms fly away with the first breath of spring that they are so rare and precious.” This fragrance captures ephemeral beauty in a bottle. Final Verdict: If you appreciate fragrances that whisper slightly than shout, that talk of sophistication slightly than trends, L’Occitane’s Cherry Blossom EDT is value considering. It’s the olfactory equivalent of finding the perfect light – subtle, beautiful and absolutely fascinating.

Fragrance is deeply personal, but some fragrances gain universal appeal due to their masterful composition. This is one of them.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

You don’t have to add sugar to your cranberry sauce this holiday season – a food scientist explains how to cook with less sweeteners

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Holidays are stuffed with tasty and filling dishes and drinks. It’s hard to resist dreams of cookies, special cakes, wealthy meats and exceptionally spicy additions.

Many of the healthy ingredients utilized in holiday dishes could be overshadowed by sugar and starch. While adding extra sugar could also be tasty, it isn’t necessarily good for your metabolism. Understanding the food and cuisine science behind what you cook means you may make a few changes to a recipe and still have a delicious dish that won’t loaded with sugar.

Especially for those who’re someone with type 1 diabetes, the vacations can come with an additional layer of stress and soaring blood glucose levels. However, this just isn’t the time to despair – it’s the vacations in spite of everything.

Cranberries are a seasonal, tasty fruit that could be tweaked in recipes to make them more Type 1 diabetic-friendly – or friendly to anyone searching for a sweet dish without the added sugar.

I’m a food scientist and sort 1 diabetes. Understanding food composition, ingredient interactions, and metabolism literally saved my life.

Type 1 diabetes has been defined

Type 1 diabetes it lasts all day, without sleep breaks, without holidays and weekends, without remission and without cure. Type 1 diabetes don’t produce insulin, a hormone essential for all times, which promote the absorption of glucose, i.e. sugar, into cells. Glucose in your cells then provides the body with energy on the molecular level.

Therefore, people with type 1 diabetes take insulin injections using an insulin pump attached to their bodies and hopefully it really works well enough to stabilize our blood sugar levels and metabolism, minimize health complications over time, and keep us alive.

Type 1 diabetics have in mind mainly type and amount of carbohydrates in food when determining how much insulin to take, but in addition they need to understand the interactions of proteins and fats in food to use it, or bolusappropriately.

Apart from insulin, type 1 diabetics don’t produce one other hormone, amylin, which slows down gastric motility. This means food moves faster through our digestive tract and we regularly feel very hungry. Foods high in fat, protein and fiber can keep you from feeling hungry for a while.

Cranberries, a seasonal snack

Cranberries are native to North America and grow well within the northeastern and midwestern states, where they’re in season from late September through December. They dominate holiday tables everywhere in the country.

Cranberries are a classic Thanksgiving side dish, but cranberry sauce tends to be high in sugar.
bhofack2/iStock via Getty Images

One cup of whole, raw cranberries comprises 190 calories. They are composed of 87% water, trace amounts of protein and fat, 12 grams of carbohydrates and just over 4 grams of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber combines well with water, which is sweet for digestive health and might slow the rise in blood glucose levels.

Cranberries are tall IN potassiumwhich helps maintain electrolyte balance and cell signaling, in addition to other essential nutrients similar to antioxidants, beta-carotene AND vitamin C. They also contain vitamin Kwhich helps in healthy blood clotting.

The taste and aroma of cranberries comes from compounds present in fruits similar to cinnamates, which add a hint of cinnamon, vanillin for a vanilla note, benzoates AND Benzaldehydethat tastes like almonds.

Cranberries are high in pectin, a soluble starch that forms a gel and is used as a binding agent in making jams and jellies, in order that they thicken easily with minimal cooking. Their beautiful jewel tone red color belongs to a class of compounds called anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins with which they’re associated treating certain forms of infections.

They also contain phenols, that are protective compounds produced by the plant. These compounds, which appear like rings on the molecular level, interact with proteins within the saliva, causing a dry and tight feeling that causes the mouth to pucker. Similarly, the so-called benzoic acid naturally occurring in cranberries, it adds sourness to the fruit.

These chemical components make them extremely sour and bitter and difficult to eat raw. To moderate these flavors and effects, most cranberry recipes call for plenty of sugar.

All this extra sugar could make cranberry dishes difficult for type 1 diabetics to devour since the sugars cause blood glucose levels to rise quickly.

Cranberries without sugar?

Type 1 diabetics – or anyone looking to limit their sugar intake – can try some cooking tactics to reduce their sugar intake while still having fun with this holiday treat.

Don’t cook the cranberries too long once they pop. You’ll still have a sticky cranberry liquid without having to add a lot of sugar, because cooking concentrates a number of the bitter compounds, making them more visible within the dish.

A row of spoons, each filled with a pile of powdered spice.
Adding spices to cranberries can improve the flavour of the dish without the added sugar.
klenova/iStock via Getty Images

The addition of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg and other warming spices gives the dish a depth of flavor. Adding heat with hot chili pepper it might make a cranberry dish more complex while reducing sourness and astringency. Adding salt can reduce the bitterness of cranberries, so you will not need a lot of sugar.

For a richer flavor and glossy quality, add butter. The butter also moisturizes the lips, which reinforces the natural tartness of the dish. Other fats, similar to cream or coconut oil, also work.

Adding chopped walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts may decelerate the absorption of glucose, so your blood glucose levels may not rise as quickly. Some recent forms of sweeteners, similar to allulosethey taste sweet but don’t raise blood sugar levels and require minimal or no insulin. Allulose has GRAS – Generally Regarded as Safe – status within the US but just isn’t approved as an additive in Europe.

During the holiday season, you may easily reduce the quantity of sugar added to cranberry dishes and revel in the health advantages without spikes in blood glucose levels.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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Health and Wellness

Willow Smith’s debut collection with Moncler is now available – Essence

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Moncler

Willow Smith’s debut collection with Moncler has been launched. The capsule is a mixture of the inside of a musician, actress, writer and creator. In it, a futuristic and unbelievable world is explored through clothes. Smith’s personal style was also showcased. The lineup was originally revealed in Shanghai.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

“Minimalism and utilitarianism. Femininity and masculinity. Black and white. “Putting ideas together in an elegant way is something that really excites me and I wanted to explore that with this collection,” Willow shared.

“Willow’s magnetic energy is captured in a series of images exploring the primary themes of the collection: clashing contrasts, rebirth and renewal, yin and yang, recent beginnings – inspired by Moncler’s mountain origins and love of nature. “Willow’s creativity influences every aspect of the videos and photos accompanying the collection: she not only drives the concept, but also models her designs, narrates the short film and provides the soundtrack,” the brand said in a press release. The launch is accompanied by black and white campaign photos – the dramatization of those photos ushers in an exciting era for Smith.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

The collection is dominated by knitwear perfect for layering, a down jacket and heavy sweatshirts created in shrunken proportions. The capsule is accomplished with extensive outerwear options and a brief-sleeved T-shirt with silver eyelet. The T-shirt is also available in an extended-sleeved version. The collection includes cream and black shades. The down vest with a hood and a brief cut stands out.

Salix leather boots are characterised by an interesting design. In addition to nodding to punk influences, this footwear option is designed with a Moncler logo on the toe, elastic panels on the front and a rubber sole.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

“I am incredibly passionate about the outdoors and exploring this wonderful land. I imagine these pieces can easily transition from overnight camping to fashionable evening wear,” Willow added, emphasizing the natural duality of the collection.

Moncler X Willow Smith is currently available in chosen Moncler stores and more moncler.com .

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