Black History Feature: Essence Magazine

May 1970, the first issue of Essence magazine. Barbara Cheeseborough was the cover model.



Essence magazine has maintained a mission to celebrate, empower, and inspire the black woman for 40 years. Let's hope they get back on track very soon... 

Black History Feature: Madam C.J. Walker



Sarah Breedlove better known as Madam CJ Walker



Thank you Madame C.J. Walker for your contribution to African American hair care and your remarkable business savvy. Here are a few facts about the first black female millionaire:

• Tired of losing her hair, Madam C.J. Walker created her own hair care products, Wonderful Hair Grower and Vegetable Shampoo.
• Launched her business selling door to door. 
• Conducted product demonstrations in churches.
• Opened Laila College, a beauty school to train Walker Hair Culturists.
• Purchased her very own factory where her products were made. Opened a second beauty school.
• She was a philanthropist and a tireless activist.
• Developed the Madam C.J. Walker Hair Culturists Union of America, which was a group sales agents who sold hair products just like the Avon, Mary Kay, and Tupperware sales reps of today.
• Conducted the first national sales meeting for her sales agents.

For more information:
Madam CJ Walker

Haute Vintage Fab

My fellow blogger, ChiTown Fashionista, posted this picture on her blog yesterday. The picture of six African American women (Howard University students) was taken by famed photographer, Addison Scurlock. I just had to share this with you guys.

EVERYTHING about this picture is talking to me. In a past life, I imagine I lived during this period of time because I've always loved cloche hats, pearls, broaches, dainty gloves, and having a fox (faux) stole has been my lifelong dream. Everyone looks so elegant and they're at a college football game! I wish dressing up like this was still in style. I wonder what the ladies were gabbing about as they intently watched the game... Cute players? Debating on what to wear to the dance later that evening?

This picture has given me some much needed style inspiration because I love to dress up but I rarely do anymore. Its okay to get a little jazzy with your attire even if the occasion really doesn't warrant such fancy threads. Stand out among the rest and own that style moment.

What do you think of the picture?

For more information:

http://www.blackhistoryalbum.com/

Addison Scurlock Exhibit

Addison Scurlock Article







picture courtesy of Black History Album

A Life of Style: Essence Magazine, this is for you.

My fabulous BFF and Haute & Hair blog writer has posted a very interesting open letter to Essence magazine. Check it out!!!

I have been ready to leave Essence alone for the past three years because the articles are just yawn inducing recycled information that I've read a million times already.

What typically draws me to a magazine is the cover. Essence has used the same people on their covers and I am sick of it. The repeat cover offenders are Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Mo'Nique (ugh!!!), Jill Scott (LOVE HER to death but how about Angie Stone or Ledisi getting the cover girl treatment???)

I invite you to check out Haute & Hair's open letter and share your thoughts!!!!



The Essence cover pictured above is from 2000 and as you can see a model was featured...there's a novel concept. MODELS on the cover of a magazine.