On performing on stage:
Honey, there are no distractions when you’re onstage, because you are where you live. When I’m on that stage, I’m not worried about my heels, I’m not worried about my hair. My pony­tail could fly off and it wouldn’t even matter to me. Because once you make that connection with those people, nothing else matters.

On playing Nina Simone:
I learned that she was a woman on the search for love, as well. You know, looking for love, standing up for her rights, and not being understood. No one could ever belittle her in a conversation. She was not a mess. Spirituality? My God, this woman makes the hair stand up on my legs just talking about her.

On the difference between her iconic 1994 “My Life” album & its upcoming sequel “My Life II… The Journey Continues (Act 1)”
[My Life was recorded at a time] when we didn’t know if we were going to live or die. It spoke from such a place of ‘I need help, we all need help.’ Now we can say we’re beautiful, we’re strong, we’re confident. [But] to sit back and lie and say everything is wonderful in anybody’s life? [laughs] My fans would be like, ‘Come on, man.’

Mary J. Blige Collaborates With Beyonce On “My Life II”

Mary J. Blige’s Rapping Alter Ego Returns On New Album

Mary J Blige: “What Happened To Amy Winehouse, Could’ve Been Me”

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Here’s what she revealed during their Q&A:

Style icons? ‘Sarah-Jessica Parker and Daniel Day-Lewis’

Biggest fashion mistake? ‘Oh man, I make them every day, I have so many. I look back on some of my outfits and I’m like: ‘Why did I wear that? Where are my friends and why didn’t they tell me not to leave the house?’ If they had, I probably would’ve said, ‘You don’t know what you’re talking about. This looks amazing.’

Favourite shopping haunts? ‘The Sunday flea market in New York, the Rose Bowl Market in LA, the Santa Monica flea market and Portobello Market in London.’

Musical inspiration: ‘Tom Waits, Jack White and Alison Mosshart, the singer from The Kills and Dead Weather. Growing up, I listened to a lot of the classics: The Beatles, [Led] Zeppelin, Nina Simone, Richie Havens, Al Green, Otis Redding, Sly and The Family Stone, and Neil Young.’

Music or acting? ‘I can’t answer your question. I’d rather kill myself.’

Oscar or Grammy? ‘Oscar – because of the ceremony not because I think acting is more important.’

Childhood crush? ‘Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Heath Ledger.’

Who gets you onto the dance floor? ‘Michael Jackson and James Brown.’

How do you unwind? ‘I have a backyard, which is hard to find in New York, and hang out at home a lot with my friends, barbecuing, listening to records, making avocado sandwiches, staying up really late, drinking a lot of coffee.’

Worst household chore? ‘Making my bed.’

Your greatest fear? ‘Dying in a plane crash.’

A man’s sexiest features and who has them? ‘Arms and a really flat stomach. Brad Pitt.’

Favourite quality in a man? ‘Sense of humour.’

When do you permit yourself to lie? ‘Usually to get out of interviews.’

Zoe Kravitz In ASOS: On Best Friend Jay-Z & Uncomfortable “It Girl” Title [PHOTOS]

Zoe Kravitz Gives Pretty & Pastel Make-Up Tips

Zoe Kravitz

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We’ve been following the careers of Chanel Iman and Jourdan Dunn for some time now, but we just recently came across these photos.

Tina J, an up-and-coming model from Darley Management, looks stunning in a new photo shoot for Elle Singapore. Her flawless skin against popping jewel tone colors makes for an eye-catching spread, titled “Heat Wave.” Wearing Gucci, Fendi, Jil Sander and other brands, Tina shows us how to “elevate your hot weather wardrobe with hyper colors, dreamy dresses and surreal prints.”

“Can you feel the mercury rising?”

16-Year-Old Zimbabwean Model Lands Louis Vuitton Campaign [PHOTO]

Vogue Italia’s All-Black Model Fashion Spread: “Jump & Smile” [PHOTOS]

FRESH FACES: Jamaican Model Gaye McDonald’s Swim & Scuba Shoot [PHOTOS]

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Nicki Minaj
On being a rapper: “I always wanted to play with the boys. I didn’t want to be a pawn in their game or have a sidekick role. I wanted to be more of a lead character – a superhero.”

Nicki Minaj & Britney Spears To Tour Together?

Jennifer Hudson
On performing in gay clubs when she was younger: “In high school I was like, ‘Well, these are drag queens lip-synching, and I can really sing; why can’t I go up there?’ I would win all the talent shows.”

On the changes in her life: “My surroundings and my lifestyle are different, and it’s like, what part of Jennifer is the same as 10 years ago? The only thing I have to hold on to is my voice.”

Jennifer Hudson Duets With Amazing 12-Year-Old On “And I’m Telling You” [VIDEO]

Willow Smith
On her full length album: “It’s going to be a party beat. I think you’re gonna like it!”

Willow Smith Performs At Nickelodeon’s Kid’s Choice Awards [VIDEO]

Aretha Franklin
On wardrobe options for her tour: “I am going to rock this [size] 16. Sixteen probably sounds large to girls who wear 10s and 12s, but I love it, because it looks good on me.”

Aretha Franklin Reveals How She Lost 85 Pounds

A game-changer, vocal powerhouse, pre-teen wonder and legend! We love it!

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Too bad we can’t translate the headline.

Naomi Campbell’s Boyfriend Spends Xmas With Wife & Kids, Joins Her For NYE

Naomi Campbell’s Wedding Invitation Named “Most Wanted” By Vogue

Naomi Campbell’s Hairline Put On Blast Again!

Naomi Campbell

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Chanel Iman scored an 18-page spread in the UK version of Elle magazine, modeling Spring 2011 looks from high-fashion designers like Gucci, Armani, Dior and more. Expect biker babe looks, soft frills & flowers, and 1970s glamour.

Take notes and put your own (budget-friendly) spin on them next season.

5 Pretty & Practical Turtleneck Dresses For Under $50

6 Easy Ways To Mix Prints

6 Hot, New Color Trends For Spring 2011 Fashion

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[SOURCE]

Photographed by Matt Jones and styled by Sophia Ordero, Iman and a bunch of topless male models posing as dancers (or dancers posing as models) work their best angles.

Top 15 Black Supermodels Of All Time [PHOTOS]

Chanel Iman Models The 8 Investment Pieces For Fall Fashion [PHOTOS]

Chanel Iman Channels The Supremes In Shoot [PHOTOS]

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Gabourey Sidibe’s Elle Magazine Cover: Why Was Her Skin Lightened?

John Legend, Melanie Fiona & Common’s “Wake Up Everybody” [NEW VIDEO]

Trey Songz & Melanie Fiona Star In Rocawear “NEXT” Campaign [PHOTOS]

She also tweeted a much larger version of the picture from the photo shoot:

Enter HelloBeautiful’s “Beautiful Friendship” Contest! Win 4 Prizes!

Melanie Fiona

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Elle magazine is under fire for allegedly lightening the skin of the actress.

Of course, they are denying this, saying:

“We have four separate covers this month and Gabby’s cover was not retouched any more or less than the others.”

Editor-in-chief Robbie Myers said,

“It sort of boils down to this: at a photo shoot, in a studio, that is a fashion shoot, that’s glamorous, the lighting is different. The photography is different than a red carpet shot from a paparazzi.”

But here Gabourey is in Harper’s BAZAAR (below), another high-fashion, “glamourous” magazine, and her skin color looks as it naturally would.

The other three covers that Myers speaks of feature actresses Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried, and reality show star, author and fashion designer Lauren Conrad – all white women with, as expected, petite bodies.

It should be noted as well that while the other three girls received a full body shot for their cover photos (see below), Gabourey scored only a close-up – from her bosom to her hairline (which, by the way, may be rocking the worst-looking weave known to man).

While the other three ladies strike a sassy pose – frail arms, tiny waists, and trendy outfits center stage – Gabourey is awkwardly squeezed into her frame, shortchanging the rest of her curves.

What should we complain about first?

That she didn’t receive the same treatment in terms of hair, styling or make-up?

That her skin has, without a doubt, been lightened despite Elle’s denial?

Or that her body type didn’t receive as much shine as the rest?

And lastly, it’s obvious that we should be disappointed, but should we really be surprised?

See other photos from the shoot here: Elle Names Janelle Monae & Gabourey Sidibe It’s “Favorite 25-Something” Stars

What’s So Great About Being Light-Skinned?

Gabourey’s Real Skin Color

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Elle Magazine is celebrating it’s 25th anniversary with its October issue by profiling 25 “game-changing” women who are also in their twenties.

Gabourey Sidibe and Janelle Monae made the cut, and Sidibe even scored one of the four different covers.

When Elle touched down 25 years ago, Wham’s “Careless Whisper” topped the charts, “Back To The Future” ruled, “The Cosby Show” was number one—and a new generation of smart, talented artists, filmmakers, actresses, and activists were busy being born. What will these 25-somethings do with the next 25 years?

Check out the excerpts, and see the photos below:

GABOUREY SIDIBE
Credits: Nominated for best actress Oscar in 2009’s Precious; plays Laura Linney’s mouthy high school student on Showtime’s cancer-ishilarious dramedy, The Big C, and bully Latonya in the upcoming Yelling to the Sky.
On celebrating her twenty-fifth birthday: “Part of me thought it would be weird if people knew I was a grown-up playing a teenager in Precious. So I had a twenty-first-birthday party. We had drinks and went to a strip club called Shotgun Willie’s.”

JANELLE MONAE
Credits: Cofounded record label Wondaland Arts Society; released toe-tapping album The ArchAndroid, earning critical hosannas (from mainstream and indies alike) and an opening spot on Erykah Badu’s tour.
Wisdom gained so far: “Don’t get high off praises, and don’t get too low on critiques.”
How she’ll celebrate her twentyfifth: “On a space shuttle.

Say What?? Gabourey Asks Trey Songz To Get Married!

Idris Elba Heads To “The Big C”

Janelle Monae Addresses Gay Rumors

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Up-and-coming model Ayan Elmi, who we’ve been keeping an eye on, shows us how to rock them in the September issue of ELLE Canada.

See Ayan here, too: Italian Vogue Continues To Embrace Black Models [PHOTOS]

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ELLE MAGAZINE: Beyonce is a bona fide beauty icon who always manages to balance knockout sex appeal with good-girl charm.

It’s therefore something of a relief to discover that when the superbusy star finally does get some sleep, she’ll be slipping under the covers with Aquaphor smeared on her face. “I go to bed looking totally greasy,” Beyoncé says, laughing. “It’s not all glamour all the time.”

Any anti-fatigue beauty tricks?
I always keep a pair of Ray-Bans handy! And sometimes I put a little gold eye shadow in the inner corners of my eyes—it’s more subtle than white, but it still really makes you look more awake.

What do you use to give your body skin that velvety sheen?
I layer on bronzers for public appearances. I love L’Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze One Day gel, which you can just get at Walmart, and Scott Barnes Body Bling is also great.

What are some of your staple red-carpet tricks?
I use a makeup primer, and then I use a lot of powder to keep everything in place. I usually go for a waterproof mascara, or a strip of false lashes when I’m onstage, so I won’t get smudgy. And I love L’Oréal Paris Elnett hairspray—it holds like nothing else.

How often do you exercise?
I’ve never been all that consistent. If I’m onstage doing a performance for two and a half hours, I don’t really think I need to do anything else. So when I’m on tour, I let it slide. But I just started working out at the Tracy Anderson gym. It’s hard work!

Tracy Anderson is known for reshaping people’s bodies. Is that what you want?
Not really; I’m pretty happy. I want to get my arms a bit leaner, but other than that, it’s just maintenance.

Do you follow a specific diet?
Well, I don’t eat pasta every day. I’m not trying to lose or gain weight, but I do have to work out and watch what I eat. I’m not someone who can go crazy. I’ll usually have cereal for breakfast and a salad for lunch and a light dinner, and then on Sundays I’ll allow myself to have whatever I want.

You famously did the Master Cleanse for your role in Dreamgirls. Would you ever do it again?
Never. I did it to lose weight really fast, but it wasn’t fun. There are healthier ways to lose weight—I wouldn’t recommend it. READ MORE HERE!

Rihanna’s Make-Up Artist Reveals Her Beauty Secrets!

PHOTOS: Beyonce Hits Up The Sale Section At Topshop

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In the last few years Rihanna has blossomed from a cookie-cutter popstar who didn’t really stand out, to a fashion icon who is constantly reinventing herself.

While Rihanna plays an active part in masterminding each of her new looks, it’s her hairstylist Ursula Stephen and make-up artist Karin Darnell who ensure each look is better than the next.

Karin Darnell revealed to Elle Magazine (UK) the secrets to:

Getting A Smoky Eye Right
“On Rihanna, I like to blend a smoky shadow out under the lower lash line to enlarge the eyes up and out towards the temples. Again, blending is key to getting this right. For me, smoky is a haze, it doesn’t have to be black it just needs to be a wash of color. Dark lilac can still appear impactful once mascara and liner is applied.”

Getting The Perfect Lipcolor
“I use a lot of rich berries on Rihanna. For the Te Amo video I used a deep, dark berry lipstick. I then applied a berry gloss in the middle of the lip to break it up. Light in the center, whether it’s a clear gloss or a hint of pink or red, will give dark lip colors warmth.”

Using Colored Mascara
“I’ve used colored mascara on Rihanna before – a modern way to wear this is to color match the mascara to your eyeshadow. Go for a dark blue, green or purple and pair with a similar eyeshadow shade. It’s a great look for a night out.”

Getting The Most Out Of Your Complexion
“For black skin you can’t beat Iman’s foundations for texture and color. To avoid your complexion looking  too flat use a foundation a shade lighter than your skintone to add highlights to your cheekbones, nose and brow bones.  One shade will just blank you out” says Karin. “Apply foundation with your fingers and remember the key word is blend!” she adds.

“Also, don’t over-powder your complexion. Moisture in the skin is a sign of youth. Simply blot excess oil with a tissue and dust lightly with powder.”

Rihanna & Matt Get Lovey Dovey In Middle Of AT&T Store

Rihanna’s Body Gets Photoshopped For Elle Magazine

Check Out Our Favorite Make-Up Moments From Rihanna!

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Noemie Lenoir is back to doing what she does best, being her supermodel self. And we’re glad to see it, especially after her alleged suicide attempt last month.

Did Noemie Lenoir’s Baby Daddy’s Cheating Ways Push Her Over The Edge?

Here she is in the July 2010 issue of ELLE magazine in a photo shoot titled “Romantic Dressing.”

Lacy, frilly bits and boudoir-inspired fabrics give a coquettish wink to her female form.

And this isn’t the last we’ll see of her; Lenoir’s agent revealed that she recently shot a Willy Van Der Perr-photographed, Katie Grand-styled spread for Russian Vogue’s September issue.

She will also appear in a future issue of i-D in a spread about the 50 hottest designers of the moment.

And Check Out Our Interview Of The Week: VIDEO: Toni Braxton Admits To Having A “Cougar Crush” & Blaming Herself For Son’s Autism

NEW VIDEO: Noemie Plays Leading Lady In Usher’s “Daddy’s Home”

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She looks gorgeous and her shoes are to die for!

Nelly Not Trying to Repeat History with New Kelly Rowland Duet

NEW VIDEO: Kelly Rowland Is A “Commander”

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Last week, we gave you a sneak peek of Rihanna’s cover of the June issue of Elle. See it here: Rihanna’s Body Gets Photoshopped!

Now, we have the full photo spread and a few excerpts.

Enjoy!

On the album art for Rated R: “I wanted pictures that represented strength and fearlessness but still femininity—a strong woman who can be vulnerable. Every woman is made up of vulnerability and strength; no matter what race you are, no matter what you’ve been through in your life. Every woman has that strength that is undeniable, but we also have really big hearts. It’s just us.”

On her new beau: “I have a boyfriend. I’m so happy. I feel really comfortable, and it’s so easy. I have such a chaotic life, but at the end of the day, that is just my peace. It keeps me sane, really, talking to him and talking to my family.”

On turning her dream of pop-stardom into reality: “If I were in Barbados still, I would be dreaming about this. I asked for it, and I love it, so why am I complaining? My first day on tour, I remember saying ‘I’m so tired—this is so much.’ Then I thought, ‘What the f***? You asked for this—you prayed to God to tour like Madonna.’”

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On designers she admires: “It’s clear there are definitely fewer black women in the high-fashion industry. One of the things I respected most about Gucci was that they did a print campaign with me. I’m a black girl on a fashion spread for Gucci—that was a big deal. I respect designers who aren’t afraid to go outside the box. I went to a Jean Paul Gaultier show, and I saw girls who are thicker than me, beautiful and voluptuous and different ethnicities. That made me so excited. I thought, Okay, I can work that, for sure.”

On the past year: “A year ago, I was very confused. Because he was my best friend. All of a sudden, one night changed our whole lives—not only our friendship, but our lives. I wanted to wake up one day and just not have that pain anymore. I wanted to be with him again or get over him—it was either-or. I just didn’t want to feel the pain, the confusion.”

Fab Or Fug? Rihanna Changes Her Hair Again!

PHOTO SOURCE: Brown Sista

Rihanna has landed the cover of yet another magazine. Too bad she doesn’t look like herself.

On the July 2010 cover of Elle magazine, RiRi’s head appears to be too big for her body, and her arms are as skinny as twigs. We don’t remember the proportion from her waist to her hips being so drastic either but, hey, we love the dress.

The fuchsia and gold mini is from the Balmain Fall 2010 collection.

Here she is on the cover of Elle back in 2008, looking normal.

NEW VIDEO: Rihanna Goes Girl-On-Girl In “Te Amo”

Kimora (And Her Photoshopped Self) Launch Junior Fragrance

Fab Or Fug? Rihanna’s Two-Toned Leopard Print Dress

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The April issue of South African fashion publication, ELLE, toasts its 14^th birthday with an exclusive cover and interview with international supermodel, Alek Wek.

The Sudanese star shares her incredible journey from fleeing bullets in Sudan to conquering the catwalks of Europe and New York.

Shot in South Africa by Italian photographer, Oliviero Toscani, ELLE secured the exclusive cover shoot with Wek and Toscani following their recent visit to South Africa to shoot a 2010 winter campaign for a South African retailer.

Wek, who started her modeling career over 15 years ago, took the magazine industry into a new era when she was featured on the cover of US ELLE and became the first black women to appear on a magazine cover in the US.

The 14^th birthday collector’s issue is on streets nationwide on March 18. A limited edition of the embellished t-shirt worn by Wek on the cover is available at selected Woolworth’s stores on March 24.

V Mag Takes A Stab At Ghetto Fab Fashion

Italian Vogue Launches Web Pages For Black & Curvy Women

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Vogue Cover Features First Solo Black Model Since 2002

GALLERY: Liya Kebede Covers ELLE Italy

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A spectacular A-List came out to attend last night’s glittering ELLE Style Awards at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London. The awards, presented by ELLE Editor-in-Chief Lorraine Candy and fashion designer Henry Holland, saw the finest from the fashion, film, tv and music worlds take to the stage.

Naomi Campbell paid tribute to Alexander McQueen by wearing the designer’s Spring 2010 printed dress. She was given the Outstanding Contribution of the Year Award by the British Prime Minister’s wife, Sarah Brown, for her efforts in the fashion industry and charitable endeavors.

Corinne Bailey Rae, who released her second album last month, was on hand to present the “Best Music Award” in a Diane von Furstenberg liquid gold jumpsuit.

And Leona Lewis struck a pose in a black Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2009 dress.

Model, DJ, and actress Tolula Adeyemi also made an appearance.

Naomi Kicks Off London Fashion Week For Haiti!

Celebs Fave Designer Alexander McQueen Found Dead

GALLERY: African Designers Shine At Fashion Week

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The R&B star shows us her well-edited wardrobe, a sexy mix of designer gems (including an impressive collection of Alexander Wang), wild accessories (think Pamela Love talon claws and Bliss Lau body chains), and a droolworthy closet of killer footwear.

Amerie also did a shoot for Complex Magazine, rocking some hot, somewhat-edgy looks.  Something about her Complex shoot reminds us of a particular RiRi outfit; but hey, we’re just saying!

Amerie is definitely on her grind promoting her new album. For someone who stresses that she is an entertainer and not a model, she sure is working the fashion circuit quite hard; but we don’t mind.

Check out Amerie’s fashion game in this gallery:

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Amerie’s “30 Shoes In 30 Days”: #15 – Rodarte Over-The-Knee Boots

HB EXCLUSIVE: Amerie, “I’m An Entertainer, Not A Model” (VIDEO)

Check out the pics:

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Listen to Amerie’s “Red Eye”

In this month’s issue of Elle Magazine, you’ll find an ad for L’Oreal Paris‘ Feria hair color featuring an unnaturally pasty Beyonce Knowles. Perhaps the most obvious questions (based on the media’s commentary and speculation on the Feria ad thus far) have already been asked and answered:

1. Does B have Vitiligo? No.
… A moment of silence and a side-eye glance goes to TMZ.
2. Did L’Oreal photoshop the Feria ad? Yes.
What celebrity feature ad isn’t?
3. Did L’Oreal lighten B’s skin tone?
According to a L’Oreal Paris company representative as told to Fox news today, no. And, whether or not you chose to accept their claim, I do.

So now what?

After viewing Feria’s most recent ad, it’s easy to toss a race card up into the air and call foul play. However, I wonder if doing so merely perpetuates the racial issues that still exist, without a doubt, in this country. To be honest, I responded to the ad with laughter. Nothing more, and nothing less. Why?

One night, about five years ago, I laid my head down to sleep, woke up the next morning, and got word that Eurocentricity was suddenly the new black. Since then, naturally dark-haired girls have become increasingly more blonde; short-haired girls have become long-haired; and Yaki Pony has become European Wet and Wavy. And still, some of us have the audacity to point fingers at L’Oreal for making Beyonce look white?

Instead of asking the obvious questions that will only get you obvious answers, question why Beyonce has yet to comment on Feria’s “false portrayal” of her, and whether or not she even views such a portrayal as false. Question whether or not Beyonce caught a glimpse of her ad before L’Oreal sent it to press. If she did see the ad prior to its release, question why she didn’t, at the very most, have a problem with L’Oreal failing to capture her true skin tone. Question when blonde lace-front wigs will be a thing of the past.

Question when Natural Beauty will make her comeback.