First…

The 50th anniversary issue of W Magazine is an all-out supermodel celebration and leading the pack of 17 cover stars is Rock-blooded supermodel Naomi Campbell serving face while wearing Schiaparelli. Campbell was lensed by her close friends, photographic duo Mert Alas & Marcus Piggot, who have been Wcontributors for decades. She stars alongside notable supermodels Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, Iman, and Karlie Kloss, to name a few.

CREDITS

W Magazine Vol IV 2022 The Anniversary Issue

Photographer: Mert Alas & Marcus Piggot

Editor-in-Chief: Sara Moonves

Styling: Carlos Nazario

Hair: Rio Sreedharan

Make-up: Angloma

Second…

The cast of The Woman King celebrates sisterhood on the digital cover of Essence magazine’s September issue.

From the mag:

On September 16, audiences will witness the story of the Agojie, the all-female warrior unit that protected the African kingdom of Dahomey from its enemies in the 19th century. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and starring Viola Davis, Sheila Atim, Adrienne Warren, Thuso Mbedu, and Jamaican-blooded Lashana Lynch, The Woman King not only uncovers and reframes a significant chapter in West African history, but also renews a sense of pride and purpose for black women of all walks of life across the diaspora.

CREDITS

Photographer: Lelanie Foster

Styled by: Corey Stokes

Next…

We’re not sure if you caught American-born, Rock-blooded attorney-at-law Natasha Mayne’s VH1 Love & Hip Hop Miami cameo last Monday. The family and marital law attorney appeared on episode 18 in a scene filmed with cast member Joy Young — the estranged wife of Trick Daddy — and rapper Trina. During the ‘Secret Sauce’ episode Young, overwhelmed by the divorce process, sought legal advice from Mayne about dividing property and moving on financially as a single woman. “My hourly rate is US$500, and my retainer is between US$15,000-$20,000,” said Mayne. Ouch.

Then…

High fashion meets irresistible design as Miss Universe 2017 second runner-up Davina Bennett lends her charm to luxury furnishing company JANUS et Cie and Elle Decor’s latest editorial. The edit — captured by New York-based photog Tyler Joe — appears in the mag’s latest issue and features furniture from JANUS et Cie’s Kyoto Alu and Amalfi collections.

CREDITS

Photographer: Tyler Joe

Fashion stylist: Daniel Edley

Hairstylist: Bok-Hee

Make-up: Walter Obal

Manicurist: Aja Walton

And…

Rock-blooded fashion designer Bianca Saunders is featured alongside her contemporaries Saul Nash and Steven Stokey-Daley in Elle UK’s The Boundary Breakers. The feature, penned by the publiction’s Features Director Hannah Nathanson, appears in the October print edition.

Born and based in London, Saunders launched her eponymous label in 2017, following her graduation from the Royal College of Art. Since its inception, the brand has experienced an exciting period of growth following international recognition. Saunders was selected by the British Fashion Council as ‘One To Watch’ in 2018 and won the 32nd Andam Grand Prix Fashion Award in 2021.

CREDITS

Photography: Noor & Zee

Hair: Yvonne Saunders

Sitting editor: Grace Clarke

Plus…

We’re living for the Jamaican designer Brandon Blackwood’s sneak peeks into his upcoming fall collection. His most recent reveal is the Duplex, a double-compartment bag made from acrylic. The vintage-inspired top-handle mini features brass hardware and is described by Blackwood as “a personal fav!” What’s more, it fits a phone, or two.

Subscribe to the e-mail/text list on brandonblackwood.com to be the first to know when the fall collection drops.

Etc…

Canadian R&B icon Deborah Cox is a ray of light on the cover of Toronto-based glossy Zoomer Magazine in the Pearce dress from the Greta Constantine Fall 2021 collection. Cox was photographed on location in Miami by Gabor Jurina.

Let’s Wrap With…

SO2’s beloved multi-hyphenate Hugh “Flowerheadz” Findletar, whose vases with their signature ‘Headz’ are coveted by the world’s gliterrati and have appeared in the requisite glossies, was the man of the hour in Venice, Italy, Wednesday last. Flowerheadz was responsible for the floral compositions used at the dinner held in honour of actress Catherine Deneuve’s 50 years in cinema. Hosted by Gherardo Felloni, creative director at Roger Vivier, known as the Fabergé of footwear, the intimate affair was attended by a close circle of friends.

Findletar’s signature glass vases are so full of personality that he refers to them as “Flowerheadz”.