First…

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia “Babsy” Grange made her reality TV debut on Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Grange makes a cameo on Episode 14: Montego Baes, which showcases the housewives’ trip to Jamaica. The women were hosted by Jamaican-American Olympian Sanya Richards-Ross who played tour guide, taking them to popular spots, like Devon House. The segment that features Grange was taped at the National Stadium.

Next…

The Cut‘s July/August 2022 cover star Amandla Stenberg debuts a Brandon Blackwood prototype boot in a spread shot by Lea Winkler. The boots a 1-of-1 style created for a special project with an iconic artist, are coming soon. Brandon Blackwood New York — a label that crafts contemporary designer bags and accessories — is helmed by Jamaican-Chinese designer Brandon Blackwood who recently announced his intention to add footwear to his label and revealed that the handmade pieces will be made in Portugal from European leather.

CREDITS

Photography by Lea Winkler

Styling by Roberto Johnson

Hair by Ro Morgan

Make-up by Jezz Hill

Nails by Ami Vega

Production by Kindly Production

Next…

The Cut‘s July/August 2022 cover star Amandla Stenberg debuts a Brandon Blackwood prototype boot in a spread shot by Lea Winkler. The boots a 1-of-1 style created for a special project with an iconic artist, are coming soon. Brandon Blackwood New York — a label that crafts contemporary designer bags and accessories — is helmed by Jamaican-Chinese designer Brandon Blackwood who recently announced his intention to add footwear to his label and revealed that the handmade pieces will be made in Portugal from European leather.

CREDITS

Photography by Lea Winkler

Styling by Roberto Johnson

Hair by Ro Morgan

Make-up by Jezz Hill

Nails by Ami Vega

Production by Kindly Production

Then…

SO harks back to Jamaican director Gabrielle Blackwood’s short film Clarks and Jamaica. The film from Emerald Pictures was released in 2021, and won three Gold awards at the Cannes Corporate Media and TV Awards in November that year. Clarks and Jamaica celebrates the strong connections between the British shoe manufacturer and Jamaican culture. Blackwood, who grew up in Jamaica, brings a unique approach to the Clarks and Jamaica project, uncovering beauty in contractions and highlighting the essence of Clarks shoes and what the Clarks legacy means to some famous Jamaican artists, including from footballer Raheem Sterling to reggae artistes Koffee and Lila Iké and British-Jamaican rapper M1illionz.

Blackwood described the film as a tribute to Clarks and to the “eccentricities, unique sense of style, energy, and culture of Jamaicans, from past generations to the present”. Blackwood was supported by a local crew which included Lecky (B Cam) and Yannick (Vintage B-roll).

Plus…

Dancehall artiste Shenseea says she’s “in her brand bag now” while showing off campaign-like images rocking head-to-toe adidas. The photos were shared on the Blessed singer’s Instagram and Twitter accounts with the caption, “Little Miss Get Paid! I’m in my brand bag now!!!!” She added the hashtag #JDPartner to the post. JD Sports, a British sports-fashion retailer reposted the images on their respective social media platforms.

Also…

Artist Qualeasha was seen wearing the Diotima’s PS23 Jones Dress for Harper’s Bazaar Icons issue. The issue celebrates a rising generation of stars — people 30 years old or younger who are making an impact on the world through their ideas and art.

CREDITS

Photographer: @johncedmonds

Stylist: @samiranasr

Hair: @evaniefrausto

Make-up: @raisaflowers

Manicure: @ginaedwards_

Production: Eric Jacobson @henstoothproductions

Set Design: @jessekaufmann

And…

In more Diotima news, SO shares deets on the latest personality to tap into the crochet trend: American celebrity hairstylist, entrepreneur, and social media influencer Alonzo Arnold. The fashionista put her twist on the always sold-out Sade Mesh Crystal Midi Dress, playing up the sparkly effect with Bottega Veneta accessories.