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Imaan Hammam’s nagging blowout is perfect for fall – the essence

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Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Victoria’s Secret

Earlier this week, Victoria’s Secret held its first fashion show after a six-12 months hiatus, calling on all supermodels to return to the confetti-decorated runway. Silk ironing season is in full swing, an evening stuffed with straight hair would not be a surprise. However, Imaan Hammam – and lots of other angels – couldn’t be tamed, sweating their mane while blowing lionesses.

Imaan Hammam's nagging blowout is perfect for fall
Imaan Hammam attends the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show held at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on October 15, 2024 in New York, New York. (Photo: Nina Westervelt/WWD via Getty Images)

Hammam’s underwear-clad body wasn’t the only joke of the night. Her natural hair, lush and textured, resembled a horny evening, the heat lingering between each twist of her brushed curls. Volume set the mood as the lead hairstylist Duffy— known for his aforementioned Marc Jacobs Fall/Winter 2024 show — upped the ante on the bombshells Victoria’s Secret is known for.

While some angels, like Anok Yai and Jasmine Tookes, sported appropriately slicked-back high ponytails and a silk press, others could possibly be seen sporting electrified hairstyles. Tyra Banks, Blésnya Milner and Joan Smalls sported more straight, curly hairstyles, but Hammam’s mid-back extensions retained their natural texture.

Imaan Hammam's nagging blowout is perfect for fall
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 15: (L-R) Blesnya Minher and Imaan Hammam attend the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show 2024 on October 15, 2024 in New York City. (Photo: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for Victoria’s Secret)

Between the fall of Victoria’s Secret— exposed because of problematic definitions of gender, body image and relationship with the deceased Jeffrey Epstein— and them controversial returnloads trusted the fantastic thing about the show to redefine their approach to inclusivity. It’s no secret that the lingerie giant is separated from salvation by greater than only a push-up bra. However, the show’s voluminous hairstyles could still prioritize the beauty and flexibility that Black women are known for.


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

Beyoncé to star in Netflix’s Christmas NFL Christmas game – Essence

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Photo credit: Julian Dakdouk for Parkwood Entertainment

This holiday season, fans will have the opportunity to unwrap a vacation gift like no other: Beyoncé will take the stage at Netflix’s inaugural NFL Christmas Game on December 25. The superstar will perform during halftime of the Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium at 4:30 PM ET.

Marking her return to her hometown, Ms. Knowles-Carter’s performance shall be her first live performance of songs from her genre-defying, record-breaking album. The project, which recently earned 11 Grammy nominations, is now essentially the most nominated album by a female artist in history. Produced by Parkwood Entertainment and Jesse Collins Entertainment, the halftime show guarantees to be truly spectacular.

The legendary musician announced the news through her social media account, with the easy signature: “HOUSTON, TEXAS – 12/25/24.” Beyoncé’s history in the NFL is stuffed with stories and icons. Her electrifying Super Bowl performances in 2013 and 2016 remain cultural touchstones, drawing tens of millions of viewers and cementing her status as a halftime legend.

Netflix’s holiday lineup can even feature the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers game at 1 p.m. ET, continuing the NFL’s holiday tradition of holiday games. The partnership between Netflix and the NFL signals the start of what is predicted to be an annual event, with releases scheduled for 2025 and 2026.


This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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‘This My Girl’: DeVon Franklin Introduces His New Lady

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Arnold Turner/Getty Images on the 14th Annual Merge Awards

DeVon Franklin has a surprising woman on his arm.

The film producer, creator and minister appeared together with his recent girlfriend on the Merge Awards ceremony in early November, awarded to individuals who successfully mix faith with work within the entertainment industry. While talking to Brand Jasmine on the carpet, Franklin had coach Maria Castillo by his side. When asked if she can be his date for the evening, he went one step further.

'This My Girl': DeVon Franklin Introduces His New Lady
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 02: (L-R) DeVon Franklin and Maria Castillo attend the 14th Annual Merge Awards presented by Walt Disney World Resort in association with Sony Music Publishing and AHF on the Beverly Hilton Hotel on November 2, 2024. in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Arnold Turner/Getty Images from the 14th Annual Merge Awards)

“Is this my date? Absolutely. That’s my girl,” Franklin said. Impressed, the reporter then asked why it was so important to communicate clearly and “talk life” when you talk about the people in your life. He emphasized that calling her a “date” would mean she’s just a short lived presence in his life, but she’s way more than that.

“It’s critical. Sometimes you say “date” and it’s like “oh yeah, great, but that means a while.” When I say she’s my girl, I say it’s a commitment,” he said. “I think it’s very important when we commit to not getting in the way of verbalizing it, vocalizing it, especially in relationships. Because there are so many forces that can cause division and insecurity, it is critical that we communicate and clearly articulate our commitments.”

However, the awards ceremony was not their red carpet debut. In October, a few month after rumors began that they were dating, they went to The Pink Awards at The House of Hope Atlanta. They also looked great together on the event, which honors breast cancer survivors, their supporters and more.

'This My Girl': DeVon Franklin Introduces His New Lady
DECATUR, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 12: Devon Franklin attends the Pink Awards at The House Of Hope Atlanta on October 12, 2024 in Decatur, Georgia. (Photo: Nykieria Chaney/Getty Images)

Castillo is a preferred trainer for celebrities equivalent to Angela Simmons. She is understood for her Flawed & FIT program and has over 125,000 followers on Instagram. It comes from the Dominican Republic.

The last person Franklin was publicly related to was his ex-wife Meagan Good. He was married to the actress from 2012 until they announced their split in 2021. Shortly after the divorce was finalized, Good began dating actor Jonathan Majors. Earlier this 12 months, Franklin said that while the divorce had temporarily shaken up his belief system, he still had love for the actress and all the time would.

“Love is eternal. That’s why my love for her doesn’t end with marriage,” he told Nick Cannon. “My commitment to her well-being remains intact.”

But he also had no problem being honest and admitting how needed it was for him to confront the pain he felt after the top of their relationship. Doing this job gave him a positive perspective on things.

“I would not say it didn’t work. I would not say it didn’t work out,” Franklin said of their then-surprising ending. “Because perhaps he did exactly what he was attempting to do. This was also a perspective I needed to learn as I went through my recovery process.

Perhaps every thing happened that led them to the people they’re each with now. Either way, we’re glad each parties are moving on and finding love again.


This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Lena Waithe’s ‘Legacy Talk’ Podcast Celebrates the Stories, Strength and Influence of Black Women – Essence

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Courtesy of Lemonada Media

Lena Waithe doesn’t just aim to entertain together with her latest project – she’s keen to create real connection, each public and deeply meaningful, about legacy and impact. With his recent podcast The Emmy-winning creator invites listeners into intimate conversations with the most influential women of color in the industry. “These aren’t just interviews,” he says. “These are conversations – you get a chance to listen to two black women really having fun and having a dialogue.”

Produced by Hillman, graduatethe series delves into the journeys of iconic characters akin to Sheryl Lee Ralph, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Jada Pinkett Smith and Debbie Allen. For Waithe, these guests are greater than just celebrities; these are individuals who had a huge effect on her life. “These are all women I know and are currently in the community with,” she explains. “But before I met them, I watched them, admired their work and was inspired by it.”

This program is greater than only a profession retrospective; is a tribute to the creativity and resilience that fuel these extraordinary women. The series offers listeners insight beyond industry insights, allowing them to attach with these women’s life journeys and understand how their experiences shape their artistry.

Preparing for every episode required Waithe to deeply immerse herself in her guests’ work. For example, before her session with Jada Pinkett, Smith revisited movies like , and others, discovering recent perspectives and ideas for conversation. “I can’t talk about everything because each podcast would be 10 hours long,” Waithe states. “But I really wanted to focus on a few projects where I felt like there was a theme or something unique that was worth exploring.”

During a one-on-one conversation with Jada, Waithe mentioned one of her co-stars, prompting an emotional response that surprised each women. “You never know what recalling a memory will bring to someone,” he reflects. This moment captures the essence of the series – it’s about reaching out to individual stories and witnessing the stories that bring them to life, each for the speaker and the listener.

A partnership between Hillman Grad and Lemonade media went easily, and each teams were committed to amplifying marginalized voices through storytelling. Waithe expresses her appreciation for the network, saying, “They’ve been great at finding brands and companies that make sense to me and what these conversations are really about.” This collaboration reinforces the series’ goal of preserving narratives and wisdom often missed by mainstream platforms.

The podcast celebrates the power of dialogue and the value of mentorship. Waithe anticipates that listeners across generations will feel inspired by this exchange and encourages them to succeed in out to their mentors, even in the event that they will not be recorded. “I hope to inspire people to talk to each other,” he says.

For Waithe, it’s a reminder that connecting with our inner selves allows us to create from a spot of authenticity. She hopes her listeners can even absorb this data. “It’s not just career advice — it’s their stories,” he says. The journeys of these extraordinary women are closely linked to their creative work, showing that legacy isn’t about fame; it’s about the memories we make and the lives we touch along the way.

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