Donyale Luna | What Does it Mean to be a Black Supermodel | A Fashion Experience by Sydnie Beason /CW Style Editor

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Donyale Luna: Breaking Barriers in the Fashion Industry | Until the 1960's, European beauty was acknowledged as the professional standard in the fashion world. That is until Donyale Luna entered the scene becoming the world’s first African American Supermodel, Luna introduced diversity to the industry by presenting her beautifully distinct features as well as her unique outlook on life. She stood up for black women who had not been represented before in fashion and won the world over with her charm.

A Tale of Two Worlds: From Detroit to Europe's Runways Reflecting on her time modeling in Europe, she contrasted it with her upbringing in Detroit, where she felt her looks were not appreciated. Her striking appearance was not lost on everyone, however; Verna Green, a fellow student at Cass Technical, remembered her as unforgettable, yet Luna remained unaware of her beauty. Her fashion sense was simple, opting for black skirts and long-sleeved tops. Sadly, she was ostracized for being different and speaking and looking differently at Cass Technical. Luna recalled, "I grew up realizing I was strange." Despite this, she achieved a significant milestone in 1966 by becoming the first African-American model to grace the cover of British Vogue. She paved the way for young black girls to be authentic in their imagination. She captured the essence of how unique black beauty really is.

Sydnie Beason for /CW

Like what you see?

check out the BTS for this fashion experience.

Want to hire /CW for your next style or fashion experience? Hit us up at copywrite.mke@gmail.com | Attn: Fashion Department

Nails | CW Fashion Feature

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"I don't see how she can get her nails so long! How can she do anything with those?! Nails with anything more than color and way too long are so unprofessional! Red nails are for Jezebels!"

Did you know both Queen Nefertiti and Cleopatra both wore red nails? The practice of nail expression goes way back to ancient times. Even these historical icons partook in the  ornamentation that is scratched deep into the culture and positive self expression of Black women.

Though nails have evolved overtime, they're still a part of who we are. I fell in love with nail Culture at a very young age. I still remember the very first pair of press-ons my mom had bought me when I was younger. They were from the value beauty down the street from my house and I had begged her each time we went in for this Winnie the Pooh set. The first few times she said no; but I was persistent. I just HAD to have this set. One day, she surprised my sister and I with our own. 

That moment meant the absolute world to me and became the catalyst for my love of the nail culture. 

The act of getting nail enhancements is much more than just sitting in someone's chair and paying them for whatever they give, no. It's a form of self-care; it's that moment a mother finally gets away from the kids, that, I haven't done anything for myself in so long, that, this is a gift to myself; a pure form of self empowerment. 

If you've ever seen a Black woman before and after getting her nails done, you'll see what I mean. The hand gets to going, the keyboard gets to clacking, and she just refuses to do certain things because she just got her nails done. It's nail culture code. I honestly wouldn't have it any other way. 

Nails bring women together and is a very therapeutic experience for most. Every time I service someone, by the time we're down, they feel different, relieved, and enlightened. 

My prayer is that the culture truly stands the test of time, as it's always been more than JUST nails.

/Jeronica Brister | @jbtravelingnailtech

Creatively Directed by Vato Vergara

Styled by Vato Vergara and Kyndal J

Nail Art by Jeronica Brister 

Models Sydney Beason and Emerald Monet

Shot by Chris Spencer

The Color Block | CW Fashion Feature

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Alexa Play “Hey, Mr. DJ by Zhane.”

The song that highlights the energy we represent in The Color Blocking. 

 2021 has brought back a trend straight out of the 70’s. Color blocking started during the age of disco by a black man named Stephen Burrows. Burrows was able to spread this trend throughout Europe and the US. This trend has now been brought to life by designers throughout the world. 

 Color blocking in its simplest form is taking two to three contrasting colors and placing them in the same outfit. Wearing so many colors at once can seem overwhelming and can look messy but Stylist Kyndal J. and Vato Vergara make it look easy in our Color Pop spread.

 CopyWrite Magazine invited Funk 2 Fashion created by Kyndal J.  to bring her knowledge of style and accessories to collaborate for this “Color Pop” spread. Her jewelry is all made by hand and inspired by her creative lifestyle. Vato and Kyndal approach the trend with intention, giving these colorful ensembles structure flow. 

Photographer: ShotbyBasi

/CW

SNEEX "new" Blog Page is now Powered by CopyWrite Magazine!!! [https://www.sneex3rdward.com/blog-1 ]

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ALL THINGS URBAN LIVE HERE!

Last year CopyWrite Magazine and Sneex shoe boutique, announced our partnership. Collaborating to do Sneex Sofa Sessions, “A free forum that highlights individuals dominating in creative spaces”, we noticed common interest, cultural understanding and authentic appreciation for “Urban” lifestyle. In an effort to continue a great partnership, we are excited to announce Sneex “new” blog page, powered by CopyWrite Magazine.

https://www.sneex3rdward.com/blog-1

Not only will this blog page include Sneex & /CW collaborations, it will also feature other creative content, like fashion, community, and culture!

So check the website. Explore the content, shop the hottest sneaker drops, and as always. . .

#SupportTheLocal

/CW [From the desk of /CW Editor-in-Chief, Lexi S. Brunson]