Davina Bennett — The Wood Nymph Fairy
First Things First…
Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph took a customised version of the Greta Constantine Onyx Flow dress out for a spin at the 2022 Human Rights Campaign National Dinner in Washington, DC on Saturday, October 29. Her sparkly Brandon Blackwood Mini Kendrick Trunk — first spotted on the Emmy red carpet in September — also made a debut as her stylist daughter Ivy “Coco” Maurice continues to champion Jamaican designers while churning out fab looks.
The star-studded event featured remarks from Vice-President Kamala Harris and saw Ralph being honoured with a National Ally for Equality Award, which recognises the outstanding efforts of those who use their voice to publicly stand up for the LGBTQ+ community.
And…
In more Ralph news, the Abbott Elementary star was surprised by her children during an appearance on NBC’s feel-good morning show TODAY with Hoda & Jenna. While boasting about her children Etienne and Ivy “Coco” Maurice to hosts Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager, the two — who were secretly waiting backstage — walked onto the set with flowers. The priceless moment was captured live on air.
Then…
Jamaican designer Brandon Blackwood continues to tease his debut shoe collection, this time sharing prototype images of his made-in-Portugal ‘Taxi’ design on Instagram.
Also…
Blackwood seems to have had a ball at the Ebony Power 100 Gala, snapping ‘ussies’ with Emmy Award-winning writer, producer, and actress Quinta Brunson and Insecure star Issa Rae. In the days leading up to the gala, Ebony released its Power 100 List and Blackwood was among the finalists, snagging a spot in the ‘Style Curators’ category.
Hosted on October 29 at Milk Studios in Los Angeles, California, the event honoured the remarkable achievements of Black trailblazers across industries.
Next…
Miss Universe 2017 second runner-up Davina Bennett, as the Wood Nymph Fairy, is among our fave 2022 Halloween looks. Bennett, who designed the custume and did her own make-up, says, “I’ve always been a sucker for the fantasy world, so dressing up as a fairy couldn’t be more fitting! I had so much fun creating this look!” The look was captured by Bennett’s friend, photographer Eve Harlowe.
Additionally…
Did you catch Jamaican-born, LA-based jewellery designer Chari Cuthbert on TODAY All Day’s series The New Rules? Cuthbert, as well as marketing executive and author Bozoma Saint John and TikTok star Dylan Mulvaney joined host Jill Martin in a sit-down, that explored the new rules for finding oneself sharing moments of self-discovery and paths to building confidence.
Meanwhile…
What happens when two beloved Canadian brands join forces to create a bridal jewellery-inspired collection of gowns? Something akin to magic! Delightfully imaginative, the Birks x Greta Constantine collaboration is a celebration of love and an iconic heritage honouring nature.
“Partnering with Birks was a fantastic experience,” says Kirk Pickersgill, co-founder and designer at Greta Constantine. “Our one-of-a-kind bridal looks riffed on both modern and classic elements, while still retaining the inherent elegance that defines both of our brands.” Pickersgill — one half of the Jamaican-Canadian design duo — helms Greta Constantine with Stephen Wong.
Birks is a leading prestige jeweller whose reputation has been built on quality, exclusivity, unique design and excellence in service, with stores across Canada.
Plus…
Jennifer Hudson sparkled in Greta Constantine on the 2022 Glamour Women of the Year Awards red carpet. Hudson — who in June officially joined the exclusive club of EGOT members, aka those who have received an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony awards — was among nine women who were honoured at The Grill & The Pool in New York City on November 1. Other distinguished honorees include actor Angela Bassett, designer and founder of the Fifteen Percent Pledge Aurora James, band and sister-trio HAIM, physician and abortion rights activist Dr Rebecca Gomperts, and gun violence prevention activist and founder of Moms Demand Action Shannon Watts.
Finally…
Fashion’s elite took Qatar by storm last week for the launch of British-Jamaican supermodel Naomi Campbell’s new global initiative, EMERGE.
To mark the launch, three main events — art exhibit, fashion exhibit, and the emerge talk — were held. A couture show featuring regional designers as well as international fashion houses Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry wrapped the series of events.
Campbell’s new initiative, held in partnership with Qatar Creates and under the patronage of Her Excellency Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, aims to support the next generation of creative and business talent with a platform gearing them for success. It will create new apprenticeships, after-school and university programmes focused on creative and alternative industries such as general education, fashion, technology, art, sustainable innovations, and agriculture.
Over 1,000 VIP guests from the worlds of fashion, entertainment, arts, and business came together for the cause. Campbell shared her appreciation on Instagram, “It has been such an honour to launch EMERGE in collaboration with @QatarCreates in Doha. This has been an incredible week and together, we’re going to continue unleashing the next generation of talent from across creative industries. Thank you Sheikha Al-Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani for paving the way and giving creative arts and education a platform in the region and beyond.”
There’s More Naomi…
Campbell teamed up with fashion photographer Sam Rawadi for the Vogue Arabia November 2022 cover. In charge of styling was Robert Behar, with fashion direction from Amine Jreissati. Glam was handled by hair stylist Kiril Vasilev and make-up artist Angloma. Campbell wears a look from Sudanese-French designer Abdel El Tayeb.
Inside the fashion glossy, Campbell opened up about motherhood, supporting young talent with a focus on Africa, and other projects close to her heart. “Everyone is now looking towards Africa for the next big thing, but I’ve been visiting and working in the continent since 1993. When you have the passion to do something it’s from the heart, it’s not a trend. I’ve always believed in the continent,” she shared.
