Celebrity Coverage
Venus Williams Discusses ‘Widening The Lens’ Podcast [Interview] – Essence
Photo by Stefano Ceccarelli. Courtesy of the Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh.
Venus Williams has long been recognized as a tennis icon, but her latest endeavor showcases her passion for art and her commitment to vital global issues. In , a multidisciplinary podcast presented in partnership with Carnegie Art MuseumThe sports star highlighted the complexity of the art world by facilitating discussions with authorities from various industries.
Although Williams has all the time excelled at sports, her love of the humanities began at an early age. “I think it was subconscious, honestly,” she says. “I was always a tennis player, of course, and that’s something my parents chose for me, and I thank God for that. But whether it’s fashion, interior design, fine art, it was a choice and it’s something I love and I’m very passionate about.”
In hosting the six-part series, which launched in June, Williams amplifies the voices of artists, writers, and scientists who explore humanity’s dynamic relationship with the environment. The podcast can also be a key component of , a groundbreaking museum initiative that addresses probably the most pressing challenges of our time: the ecological crisis.
This series is a component of the newest iteration of the museum’s renowned Hillman Photography Initiative, known for pushing the boundaries of how art and photography are experienced. The initiative features a sprawling exhibition of nearly 100 works by 19 artists, a strong schedule of public programs, and a totally illustrated publication, all designed to supply multiple perspectives on the American landscape.
“The process was just really eye-opening and educational for me,” Williams tells ESSENCE. “Understanding who the artists are and what they’re saying behind their photographs. Often we see a photograph but we might not know the whole story behind it. This podcast brings together a bunch of artists, writers, and academics to participate, so it’s a diverse, global perspective.”
While increasing access to art, engaging latest and diverse perspectives, and scary conversation across the exhibition’s key messages were the impetus for this collaboration between the Carnegie Museum of Art and Williams, promoting artists of color was equally vital, especially in today’s often prejudiced climate. “It’s important to advocate for these things because we all have a voice,” she says.
“As African Americans, our voices have historically been marginalized,” Williams continues. “But the amazing news is that there are so many prolific African American artists. There are so many artists who are creating groundbreaking work, work that is beautiful and thought-provoking and important. Interest in African American art is growing rapidly, and I love any opportunity to be a part of it.”
Celebrity Coverage
A’ja Wilson Wins Record-Tied Third MVP Award, Leads Las Vegas Aces to Playoffs – Essence
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson continues her historic streak by being named WNBA Most Valuable Player Kia 2024announced the league on Sunday. The award marks Wilson’s third profession MVP honor, tying with WNBA icons Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie and Lauren Jackson. Wilson is barely the second player in league history to receive the honour unanimously, joining Cynthia Cooper, who completed the feat in 1997.
Wilson’s dominance on the court this season far exceeded her scoring average. She totaled 1,021 points, 451 rebounds and led the league with 98 blocks. Her scoring average of 26.9 points broke Diana Taurasi’s 2006 record of 25.3 points per game, and her 9.8 defensive rebounds per game set a brand new league single-season record.
Among the highlights of the season, Wilson had two of the league’s highest-scoring games, scoring 42 points against the Dallas Wings and 41 points against the Phoenix Mercury. She became only the second player in WNBA history to record 25 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and five blocks.
Additionally, Wilson’s community involvement earned her the 2024 Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award. This special award is close to Wilson’s heart, as Staley coached her during her college years on the University of South Carolina, where they won a national championship together.
Wilson’s MVP campaign capped a historic 12 months for the Aces, who’re well on their way to becoming a WNBA dynasty. Her impact helped the Aces (27-13) earn the fourth seed within the 2024 WNBA Playoffs, and Wilson is the backbone of a team that’s looking for a 3rd consecutive championship.
Wilson credits the fourth MVP vote she received last 12 months as motivation. “It kind of fueled me up when I started working out in the offseason, but around February I got fed up with it,” she said. “I didn’t want to give that person that energy, and that’s when I started to shut down.”
The 6-foot-4 forward’s legacy as one of the vital decorated players in WNBA history continues to grow as she also leads Vegas in scoring and rebounding. Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier finished second in MVP voting with 467 points, followed by New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (295 points), Indiana Fever point guard Caitlin Clark (130 points) and Connecticut Sun forward Alyssa Thomas (83 points).
In recognition of the MVP award, Wilson will receive $15,450 and a specially designed trophy from Tiffany & Co.
Celebrity Coverage
ICYMI: Jourdan Dunn’s Iconic Pixie Hairstyle and More – Essence
Dave Bennett/Getty Images
Last week, the celebs gave us a glimpse of their first moments of autumn beauty. From Beetlejuice style bangs from pixie cuts to 2-toned smokey eyes, it’s clear that this season’s hair and makeup is all about sophisticated punk. That means kitten cuts and a move away from daring pink are all in.
Jourdan Dunn closed out LFW’s fortieth anniversary with cropped bangs that were sculpted Balmain hair products and luscious lashes on the Icons Party. Not far behind, Jodie Turner-Smith and Gabrielle Union-Wade, each sporting glazed lips, attended the Burberry show in grunge and glitter eyeshadow respectively. Tracee Ellis Ross, then again, went for a festive vibe with red lipstick, deep mauve eyeshadow and a touch of blush.
For FKA Twigs, the “Kitty Kat” hairdo was the primary in a series of Eusexua wigs — a mood Kelela captured together with her cropped bob Okuzawa’s Kabuto on set with ESSENCE. Meanwhile, Doechii had her eyebrows removed, but compensated with an additional-long, teased ponytail, secured with an equally long bow. To end the week, Sabrina Elba wore barrel-shaped curls in a bob — bringing a summer favorite to fall.
In case you missed it, take a look at the 13 best celebrity beauty moments of the week.
Celebrity Coverage
A Fall Hairstyle Rihanna Approves: Medium-Length Curls – Essence
Neil Mockford/GC Images
BobsLobs and pixie cuts, like Rihanna’s iconic short black bob, have been among the most beloved hair trends this summer. While these big cuts have been flooding our feeds all season long, this week the Fenty Hair founder introduced mid-length curls just days before fall.
Rihanna didn’t take the front row at London Fashion Week to have a good time the opening of Fenty Hair’s recent home in Selfridges. Her loose waves were parted to the perimeters, with the left half tucked behind her ear, revealing a chandelier-shaped earring. On the opposite side, the waves sat above her breasts — accentuated by custom Jacquemus robe— and rocked manicure butter.
To achieve this look, Fenty Hair Global Hair Stylist Ursula Stephen she washed her hair with shampoo and conditioner before preparing 5 in 1 heat protection type. She then curled the sections with a medium-diameter iron, pinning each section because the curls cooled. After resting, Stephen combed the curls and backcombed the roots for added volume, securing his curls with edge control.
The tycoon matched her hair together with her cherry-coloured makeup, which was highlighted Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Stix Lipstick in “Blaz’d Donut” and Snap Shadows Eyeshadow Palette in “True Neutrals”—turning this look into Rihanna’s first fall trend.
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