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B Michael on the happy fashion memories he shared with icon Cicely Tyson

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Fashion designer B Michael recalls a memorable moment with his effervescent fashion muse, legendary actress Cicely Tyson. The incident occurred on the morning of Aretha Franklin’s funeral, when Tyson didn’t agree with the size of the hat he was offering, fearing it could block guests sitting behind her. “She rejected me,” he says on the phone. In response, she remembers telling Mrs. Tyson, “I don’t think anyone sitting behind Cicely Tyson is going to complain that they can’t see through your hat.” He added: “This is Aretha Franklin. She was the queen of soul and you’re the queen of culture. You must wear this hat. According to Michael, she eventually wore the hat and it was well received by those attending the funeral.

This story highlights the fun and joyful moments that B. Michael and Tyson, for whom he has been designing clothes since the age of 80, experienced. Their bond, launched in 2005, resulted in the creation of decadent gowns for the historic award ceremonies the actress attended. Michael compares their friendship and closeness to the iconic duo of Audrey Hepburn and Hubert de Giverchy: “It’s a really visual way to see how we saw ourselves as a designer and a muse. What sets us apart is the fact that we had a very spiritual and wonderful relationship,” he notes.

The inspiration for Michael’s recent book, Muse: Cicely Tyson and me: a relationship forged in fashion, results directly from their relationship. “We know this is who we are,” Michael says. It expresses that there may be all the time a bond that connects two people and fashion is what brought the duo closer. Their shared interest in textures and patterns became a major aspect of their collaboration, allowing them to mix Tyson’s identity with Michael’s creativity.

Ahead of the book’s release, we sat down with B. Michael to debate the historical memories he shared with Ms. Tyson, his joining Council of Fashion Designers of Americaand more.

B Michael reflects on his fashion kinship with Cicely Tyson and his new book
Amistad/Harper Collins

ESSENCE.com: What’s the happiest moment you have experienced recently?

B.Michael: I’m grateful that the book is finished and now going out into the world. It allows me to share the narrative and voice that is a component of our history. I’m grateful for this chance and all the wonderful reactions we receive. And that once I am long gone, this narrative will still be a part of our story and the telling of that story.

Can you tell me what it was prefer to turn out to be a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 1998?

When I got here onto the scene as a designer, I never considered myself as anything apart from a fashion designer. Then, in fact, you realize that you simply are a rare breed of an already rare breed since you at the moment are a black American designer. This was what I used to be told, after which I used to be told [began] to comprehend the responsibility for this and the importance of this, it has turn out to be and continues to be something that I take to heart and recognize that we now have a responsibility for excellence, which we all the time do, but we also must make certain that we again provide a path for many who will follow us. So I’ll turn out to be what Arthur McGee was to me. I used to be sponsored by Oscar de la Renta. This was very significant for me

B Michael reflects on his fashion kinship with Cicely Tyson and his new book
Courtesy of B. Michael

What was your first moment with Ms. Tyson?

Yes, that is the moment you’ll all the time remember. [In 2005] Joey Mills, who was a famous makeup artist, especially in his day, called me and said that Cicely Tyson was there with him and wanted to return over to see if I could make her a dress for Oprah Winfrey’s upcoming Legend Ball and that she knew about me through Susan Fales-Hill. I said in fact. He said, “Well, she would like to come to us right away.” She actually did. She showed up after about half-hour. I’ll all the time remember once I opened the door and there stood Mrs. Tyson, by no means what I expected. I’ve only seen her in movies.

Now standing here is Mrs. Tyson dressed very casually, as I describe in the pages of the book. He has a pad with him, involves the studio and tells me that this event took place [a few] days and might you dress me? Of course I had no selection. That’s where it began. The event called for black and white, so I dressed her in a shirt and evening skirt. She liked the idea of ​​an eclectic style. When I met her, it made perfect sense. So that is how we began. But I’ll all the time do not forget that moment once I opened the door and he or she stood there.

B Michael reflects on his fashion kinship with Cicely Tyson and his new book
Theo Wargo/WireImage

I saw in the book that Beyoncé wore the same skirt to Oprah Winfrey’s Legends Ball in 2005 that Ms. Tyson wore on the album cover, and I believe that is form of a full-circle fashion moment.

Yes, absolutely. And what I like about it’s what they each represent. However, they each represent something very powerful, but they’re very different. As a designer, I like the incontrovertible fact that I can reach each of those areas in this manner. I mean, it makes me feel like that is what I’m alleged to do. When Mrs. Tyson [first] she got here to me, she was 80 years old, but I hadn’t seen 80. I just saw this amazing woman. [It’s] the same thing once I see Beyoncé, she’s just an incredible woman. I’m delighted that I managed to attain this [what I did] with each and one skirt.

What made Ms. Tyson walk the runway during your 2011 New York Fashion Week show?

It was an amazing moment. So Mrs. Tyson said to me, “I would like to walk down your runway. and I would like to wear this dress. That’s the way it was. During this time, she really liked the set of dresses I created [for] BET honorable mention. One was black in the front and with a white back, and the other was white in the front and with a black back. I actually liked each versions I created and wanted to offer her the selection of which one to wear. She loved each. On the day of the performance, audience members accustomed to seeing her in the front row noticed that she was not there. This caused confusion at the front and everybody wondered where was Mrs. Tyson? When she finally appeared on the runway, there was a roar from the audience, which was quite exciting.

Once again, it was about the muse and the designer and what that meant. We’re at New York Fashion Week, we’re on the calendar. I mean, it was an important moment, and at the same time very intimate for us.

I have to mention the stunning dress she wore to the 2018 Governor Awards, where she received an honorary Oscar. What led to this moment?

Mrs. Tyson and I talked on the phone on daily basis, first at 9:30 a.m. And then, depending on what was going on, we’d talk all day if we didn’t see one another. But in the evening I often say, OK, I’ll talk over with you tomorrow morning. And this particular evening she called me and I used to be like, oh, what is going on on? When I answered the phone, she was emotional and almost lost control. Once she calmed down, she told me that she had just talked on the phone with the president of the Academy and her manager. They just informed her that she’s going to receive an honorary Oscar.

And then, in fact, I responded and now we’re each touched. Finally, she added her humorousness. When she accepted her Tony, I joked that I had prayed to God for a vision of her dress. So she interrupted our emotional moment by saying, “Well, you went to God for Tony, so where are you going to the Oscars?”

B Michael reflects on his fashion kinship with Cicely Tyson and his new book
Steve Granitz/WireImage

What happened next?

I recognized, and he or she jogged my memory, that the world would need to understand how she can be portrayed at this point in her profession, after so many many years of labor. All fashion houses [wanted] dress her and [were] offering their services. [But] released an announcement: “If they know who I am, they know that B. Michael will be making my Oscars dress.” And I did. Let me let you know, I knew it couldn’t just be a dress and it couldn’t be, it needed to be a part of the story.

Several years [prior]I purchased a material that was very rare in Europe in a factory at the moment [that] he made all the couture fabrics when the House of Dior was with Mr. Dior and Saint Laurent was Yves Saint Laurent and so on. I purchased this item and put it in what I call my fabric library, pondering I would want it sooner or later. And that is the fabric I selected to create her dress. The dress is made up of 144 pattern pieces and every bit needed to be redone because the fabric itself is vertically striped and I didn’t want it to simply be a striped pattern. So, to create the abstract striped pattern, every bit needed to be taken with a stripe running in a unique direction.

If we’re talking about a very old fashion, and it’s a dress, it consists of two parts. This bolero is cropped at the front, [has] buttons at the back, the train is asymmetrical. The wonderful thing about the train was that when Mrs. Tyson walked through the huge auditorium towards the stage, where the side of the train faced the audience, it was just wonderful. The dress truly is a component of history in every way, in every stitch. That evening, Mrs. Tyson was a giantess in a royal dress. [Afterwards] it was reported in the press and now we all know as a incontrovertible fact that it was me the first African-American designer to decorate an Oscar winner. Once again, in a single evening, in an enormous way, Ms. Tyson and I remade history together in each of our industries.

What is the biggest lesson you learned out of your time with Ms. Tyson?

I might say it has to do with loyalty. And loyalty, but take it a step further, because what Mrs. Tyson represented and what united us was intentional and that word could be very vital. Ms. Tyson had many options, but this was her intention. So her intentions when it comes to the roles that she selected, I mean, that was an important operational factor for her. In terms of what we achieved, that was the intention. This is one great lesson that stays with me. Loyalty is the intention that drives it and perfection because ability is one thing, nevertheless it is the perfection that must sustain it and offer you the right to it. So perfection can also be a really, very vital lesson.

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

Why Elon Musk’s Grok Could Pose a Threat to Medical Privacy

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elon musk, DEI, remote work, jobs


Owner of X and candidate for the White House cabinet Elon Musk asked users to submit MRI results, CT scans and other medical information to its AI chatbotGrok reviewed it and a few people fell for it, he reports.

Musk presented this concept to X in late October 2024.

“Try uploading X-rays, PET, MRI, or other medical images to Grok for analysis. It’s still early stages, but it’s already quite accurate and will be extremely good,” he wrote. “Let us know where Grok is doing it right or where it needs work.”

Some individuals who voluntarily submitted photos were comfortable that Grok “did do well” together with his blood test results and breast cancer detection, but others waved red flags against the platform.

Josh Sharp, who goes by @showinvestment on social media, identified how a broken collarbone was viewed as a dislocated shoulder.

Radiologist Docteur TJ provided an in-depth evaluation of the MRI image, which he described partially as “too gross.”

Another example is a robot confusing a mammogram of a benign breast cyst with a picture of the testicles.

Grok was launched in May 2024 after raising $6 billion in an investment financing round through Musk’s tech startup, xAI. Grok is just not the primary of its kind: Google’s Gemini or OpenAI’s ChatGPT also enable the transfer of medical images.

While some praise the technology’s potential advances, medical privacy experts don’t not on this camp.

“It’s very personal data, and there’s no telling exactly what Grok will do with it,” said Vanderbilt University biomedical informatics professor Dr. Bradley Malin, according to “Sending personal information to Grok is more like, ‘Whee!’ Let’s throw out this data and hope the corporate does what I need it to do.”

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects medical information shared with physicians or in a patient portal because federal guidelines protect it from being shared without consent. However, the protection doesn’t cover social networking sites – it only applies to doctor’s offices, hospitals, health insurers and a few firms they work with.


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