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Getty Images By Kerane Marcellus ·Updated December 4, 2023

Menswear designer Bianca Saunders has won the “New Establishment Menswear Designer” at the 2023 British Fashion Awards. Hosted in London at the Royal Albert Hall, an assortment of celebrities are currently in attendance at the prestigious gathering. 

Earlier this year, Saunders created a custom look for Usher for the Met Gala which turned heads and further solidified the singer’s fashion icon status. Saunders, a British Jamaican designer often injects aspects of her heritage into her design process. She’s also skilled at adding her unique take on masculinity, with clean lines that are out of the ordinary. She keeps us on our toes, going from selling T-shirts to fully fleshed collections with exquisite tailoring, this award was well-deserved. 

Saunders garnered widespread recognition in 2017 after debuting her first collection at London Fashion Week post-graduation from the Royal College of Art. In 2021, she won the ANDAM Fashion Award in Paris receiving $300,000 and a mentorship with the Balenciaga CEO and President Cédric Charbit. Previously in 2019, she won the H&M Design Award.

Black women in menswear are a rare sight but Saunders winning this award shows that there is space for us in that world. Her impact within the design world is creating a more inclusive space. Additionally, her ability to have such a technical eye and be a storyteller at the same time is a special gift. She’s also able to stay commercially relevant in an industry that is often described as fast-paced. Saunders is pushing boundaries when it comes to gender expression and what is deemed how men should dress–this isn’t a small feat.

Other Black winners of the night were designer Martine Rose for “British Menswear Designer,” Paloma Elsesser for “Model of the Year,” and photographer Campbell Addy for the “Isabella Blow Award For Fashion Creator.” Actress Michaela Coel also won the “Pandora Leader of Change,” and editor Edward Enninful won the “Trailblazer” Award. 

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The post Bianca Saunders Wins “New Establishment Menswear Designer” At The 2023 British Fashion Awards appeared first on Essence.

Legendary Pictures’ cinematic Monsterverse follows up the explosive showdown of Godzilla vs. Kong with an all-new adventure that pits the almighty Kong and the fearsome Godzilla against a colossal undiscovered threat hidden within our world, challenging their very existence—and our own. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire delves further into the histories of these Titans and their origins, as well as the mysteries of Skull Island and beyond, while uncovering the mythic battle that helped forge these extraordinary beings and tied them to humankind forever.

Once again at the helm is director Adam Wingard. The film stars Rebecca Hall (Godzilla vs. Kong, The Night House), Brian Tyree Henry (Godzilla vs. Kong, Bullet Train), Dan Stevens (Gaslit, Legion, Beauty and the Beast), Kaylee Hottle (Godzilla vs. Kong), Alex Ferns (The Batman, Wrath of Man, Chernobyl) and Fala Chen (Irma Vep, Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings).

The screenplay is by Terry Rossio (Godzilla vs. Kong the Pirates of the Caribbean series) and Simon Barrett (You’re Next) and Jeremy Slater (Moon Knight), from a story by Rossio & Wingard & Barrett, based on the character “Godzilla” owned and created by TOHO Co., Ltd. The film is produced by Mary Parent, Alex Garcia, Eric Mcleod, Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni and Brian Rogers. The executive producers are Wingard, Jen Conroy, Jay Ashenfelter, Yoshimitsu Banno, Kenji Okuhira.

Once again, Wingard is collaborating with director of photography Ben Seresin (Godzilla vs. Kong, World War Z), production designer Tom Hammock (Godzilla vs. Kong, X, The Guest), editor Josh Schaeffer (Godzilla vs. Kong, Molly’s Game), costume designer Emily Seresin (The Invisible Man, Top of the Lake). The composers are Tom Holkenborg (Godzilla vs. Kong, Mad Max: Fury Road) and Antonio Di Iorio (additional music on Godzilla vs. Kong, the Sonic the Hedgehog films).

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures Present a Legendary Pictures Production, A Film By Adam Wingard, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. It is slated for release nationwide only in theaters and IMAX on April 12, 2024 and beginning 10 April 2024 internationally, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures except in Japan, where the film will be distributed by Toho Co., Ltd and in mainland China, where it will be distributed by Legendary East.

By India Espy-Jones ·Updated December 1, 2023

From laser acne treatments to cupping therapy, I’m constantly searching for the most effective wellness treatments. As a writer, I spend most of my time at home. That said, booking treatments is a great way to get out of my apartment. And, not only that, a lot of the time, I am reducing stress and pain.

Last year, my boyfriend surprised me with my first

The post I Tried Floatation Therapy – Here’s How It Went appeared first on Essence.

The Woodards encourage fun, family, and togetherness this Christmas as Mrs. and Mr. Black Santa.

Alicia and Daren Woodard are the masterminds behind their family enterprise, Woodard Dynasty Entertainment, where they spread joy across Erie, Pennsylvania. The couple takes pride in pushing beyond the traditional white Santa role and providing more than just a lap to sit on. This is a business focused on spreading inclusivity.

“We want our Black Santa to represent our culture by giving the Ma and Pa feel and the auntie and uncle vibes,” said Alicia, a mother of four and step-mother of one, according to Erie Times-News. “Spreading inclusivity and having a similar and familiar face bring cheer is very important to us. We want our services to symbolize family and hope.”

To harness the Christmas spirit, Mrs. and Mr. Black Santa proudly don the red suit with signature familiar looks and unique personalities. They both grew up in Erie and don’t recall seeing a Black Santa. So, they attend various festivals and private parties where children and adults experience an interaction like none other. The Clauses approach families and shower children with hugs, craft activities, treats, balloons, and unlimited pictures.

The matriarch monitors the naughty list and the children’s queue. She also assists with tying shoelaces and ensuring healthy and positive mannerisms. Meanwhile, Mr. Black Santa, described as “silly,” has too much fun engaging in various packages.

Depending on the package details, prices range from $100 to $250 an hour.

Some of the experiences include:

• Create and Paint: The Clauses offer a youthful, alcohol-free take on “paint and sip.”

• Hot Chocolate with Santa experience: includes crafts like gingerbread men, holiday games and prizes, and peppermint-scented face paint.

• Santa Secret Stop: For $25, you can expect a homebound visit from Mrs. and Mr. Black Santa for about 15 minutes. They will give a gift, pose for photos, and pick up letters to Santa. Sometimes, cookies are welcomed.

• Private events: At some organization’s private events, the Clauses will pass out gifts provided by the organization.

Though these experiences have a price tag, the Woodards are passionate about giving back to the community in ways they’ve never seen themselves. They’re not just cheering in the holidays but also creating unforgettable fun and lasting memories as The Brown Clowns.