The State Of Black Models In Mainstream Fashion

Three women of color have appeared on the cover of a Vogue Magazine in three consecutive months—Michelle Obama appeared on the March issue of Vogue, Beyonce appeared on the April issue of Vouge, and now Liya Kebede appears on the May cover of the magazine alongside other top models. Liya credits the Obamas for having an influence on diversity in the fashion industry. As she told NY Magazine, "I think it’s wonderful to have a beautiful, elegant man and woman in the White House," said Kebede. "I think it changes the way we look at things. Already they’re attracting so much attention. I think fashion is following, and I’m really glad that fashion is following what they’re doing and [that] it’s really helping diversity." Kebede added, "I think there’s a lot more black models working and I think that’s because of having Michelle and Barack out there. I mean there’s been this issue, raised last year—how there wasn’t enough black models on the runways—but I think Barack and Michelle have really helped us, hopefully forever, to get over this hurdle for black models."

Earlier this month, supermodel Naomi Campbell told the German Glamour magazine that although politically times have changed and a black president is now in power in the United States, the modelling industry is behind the times and black women have to work harder in order to get equal treatment.

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What do you think, are black models "over" the hurdle or do they still have a ways to go to get equal treatment? Share your comments below.

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(Photo Credits: Iconogenic, © iStockphoto) (Model Used Solely For Illustrative Purposes)

Happy Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day! In celebration of Earth Day, we've pulled articles from the archives about Africa and the environment:

1. Africa's Green Quest
2. Africans Making Noise: Silas Kpanan'Ayoung Siakor
3. Environmentally Conscious
4. Beauty Runs Deep In The Thames River
5. MIMI Investigates: Toxic Waste Dumped In The Ivory Coast
6. Water Wars

Fabulous At Every Age

This month we interviewed Sehin Belew, author of the recently released book Fabulous For Less (Sehin Belew: Timeless Beauty), and featured her on our cover (Simply Fabulous!). Here are some of Sehin's beauty tips for being fabulous at every age.

MIMI: How much do you think that good genes play a part in how well you age? And do you think that there are things that any woman can do to look good in her 20s, her 30s, her 40s, her 50s, and beyond?
Sehin Belew: I think good genes play a lot in how well we age. No matter what age we are, we need to do the following to look good. However, the older we get, the more we need to do it.

1. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, especially berries because of their anti-oxidant content. They give you anti-aging protection by slowing down the aging process of your skin and cells.
2. Eat walnuts, flax seeds and Alaskan wild salmon. This helps you maintain beautiful skin and hair.
3. Try to drink a sufficient amount of purified water everyday.
4. Use a filter in your shower so the water you shower in is free of harsh chemicals that can harm your skin and health.
5. Try to get a sufficient amount of sleep.
6. Try to minimize stress in your life.
7. Use holistic whole body care and makeup as opposed to conventional products.

MIMI: Does your beauty advice differ depending on the age of the woman? If so, what's your beauty advice for women in their 20s? Women in their 30s? Women in their 40s? And women 50 and over?
Sehin Belew: The basis of the beauty advice I give to women is the same regardless of the age. In order to look fabulous, we have to workout faithfully; we have to take care of our skin by using holistic products including periodic facials; we have to take care of our hair by deep conditioning and getting it trimmed every two months; we have to take care of our toe nails and finger nails by keeping them nicely manicured without the use of products filled with harsh chemical. In a nutshell, we need to be intentional about our body from head to toe. To be fabulous, it does take dedication and discipline and especially as we get older.

For more tips, be sure to visit Sehin Belew's website: www.befabulousforless.com

(Photo Credits: Gabe Palmer, © Dreamstime) (Model Used Solely For Illustrative Purposes)

The Perfect Picture Trailer

We've blogged about Shirley-Frimpong-Manso's film The Perfect Picture, now take a look at the film's trailer ... looks Afri-fab!

There's more at www.theperfectpicturemovie.com

The Perfect Picture, A Shirley Frimpong-Manso Film

Watch out Nollywood, Shirley Frimpong-Manso is putting Ghanaian filmmakers on the map, and in a big way! Her release, The Perfect Picture, is a love story woven around the lives of three friends. What does a woman do when she finds out after marriage that, she cannot get a sexual reaction from her husband? What does a young woman, who finally decides to settle down with only one man do when she realizes that she is not the only woman in her man’s life?And what does a successful career woman do when her heart is split between a successful business tycoon and poor air-condition mechanic? The answers to these are carefully woven into the lives of these three friends and they unfold with humorous and unexpected outcomes in The Perfect Picture.

In what appears a perfect life, the three beautiful young women in The Perfect Picture make bold attempts to change their lives even when destiny plays its joke on them. With a marriage that seems almost doomed from the beginning, to an affair with an unlikely person and the endless pursuit of love, the three friends will learn the harsh lessons of life, the challenges of marriage, the fatality of falling in love and the rewards of having a good laugh in the midst of sorrow.

The Perfect Picture stars Jackie Appiah, Lydia Forson, Naa Ashorkor Mensah-Doku, Adjetey Annang, Nana Kwame Osei Sarpong with Chris Attoh and introducing Kweku Sintim-Misa. MIMI will have more about The Perfect Picture in an upcoming issue. In the meantime, get all the details at: www.theperfectpicturemovie.com.

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MIMI Mambo Link: Modern Naija Chick-Lit: The Mrs. Club

MIMI's Wishes Come True (Well, Some Of Them)!

About a week ago, MIMI blogged about our wish that singers Sade, Les Nubians, and Goapele release new music (check out Please Don't Stop The Music). Well, it looks like one of our wishes has come true! Goapele just mentioned on her Twitter page that she's "editing [sic] new song with Ben Kane" and that she was planning on getting some footage of her recording process so that her fans can hear her new work. Now if only we could get Sade and Les Nubians to do the same :)

Sehin Belew's MIMI 2009 Cover

Sehin Belew's fabulous MIMI cover was photographed by Kyle Chesser of Hands On Photography in San Jose, CA. For more information about Hands On Photography, visit www.handsonphoto.com where you can view Kyle's portfolio of work!

April 2009: Simply Fabulous

MIMI's April 2009 issue is now available and it's Simply Fabulous! Ethiopian author Sehin Belew who recently published "Be Fabulous For Less" graces our April 2009 issue; read all about Sehin's journey from Ethiopia to the United States in Sehin Belew: Timeless Beauty. You can find out who else is featured in this fabulous issue by visiting: www.mimimagazine.com/2009/april. To get instant updates about MIMI, don't forget to follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MIMIMagazine

MIMI Link: Volume 5, Issue 4: www.mimimagazine.com/2009/april

I Am An African Woman ...

I am an African woman ... but that does not mean that I have ebony skin.

My skin is all shades of black and brown ... dark brown, chocolate brown, sandy brown, black-brown, light brown, tan, mocha, cappuccino, bronze, amber, taupe, sienna, sepia, mahogany, rust, copper, ecru, auburn, camel, russet, wenge, coffee, earth ... and yes, ebony.

MIMI Africana Links: Are You African Enough?, Stuck In The Middle

(Photo Credits: ©iStockphoto.com, Phototrolley) (Model Used For Illustrative Purposes Only)

Mariam Malenty Baldé On Beauty

Mariam Malenty Baldé was MIMI's November 2007 cover girl, remember her stunning cover for the L'Afrique, C'est Chic issue, and her Q&A in Born to Shine? Among her accomplishments: she was in the Lion King Musical in Germany for almost four years as well as the Best of Musical Tour in Germany and Switzerland. The Second Runner up in 2005's Miss African Queen Germany pageant has also appeared in several publications, including AMINA, and is the face of the SO MUCH SOUL clothing label.

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MIMI: How would you describe your look and sense of style?

Mariam Malenty Baldé: Unique and diverse! I'm every woman! So depending on my mood or plans for the day I choose my outfit! i always try to involve a detail whether it's the color or the earrings or accessories or hair style that is particular to my culture or personality. I inspire myself from many things in fashion classy, sexy, old school, trends, African culture, Indian, Asian, street wear ... all to make me shine and feel good!

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MIMI: You seem to embrace a more natural African beauty in your makeup and hair. Is that deliberate, and if so, why is that important to you?
MMB: You are correct. It's totally deliberate. Our culture gives us so much with the different hair techniques we developed along the years. But I prefer to make a chignon with cornrows because it represents my culture and that it can fit the "modern" world and be gorgeous! I don't say that a weave or wig is bad but to me; it still feels like I'm trying to be someone that is not totally me just to fill a certain "world". I don't mind having my hair straight but let it be with an iron and not a relaxer! I'm black and proud so what I believe in I represent. It's by putting forward what we have mixed with the modern society that we can shine. That's what it is for me to have a double culture!

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MIMI: Can you tell us about your work with SO MUCH SOUL?

MMB: I model for SO MUCH SOUL, which is designed for my sisters. The logo is the face of a black woman with motherland as her afro with a yellow flower in it. I love it and it's gorgeous! For now it's more street wear and some items are already available on www.afro-universe.com. The message speaks for itself! Once again: what I believe in I represent!

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MIMI Style Links: Menaye Donkor On Beauty, Dina Fekadu's Beauty Tips, Dakore Egbosun On Beauty, Teiko Dornor's Style Secrets

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(Photo Credits: So Much Soul)

Say My Name, A Film By Mamamess

In a hip hop and R’n’B world dominated by men and noted for misogyny, the unstoppable female lyricists of Say My Name speak candidly about class, race, and gender in pursuing their passions as female MCs. This worldwide documentary takes viewers on vibrant tour of urban culture and musical movement: from hip hop’s birthplace in the Bronx, to grime on London’s Eastside.
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Featuring interviews from a diverse cast of women including Remy Ma, Rah Digga, Jean Grae, Erykah Badu, Estelle and newcomers Chocolate Thai, Invincible and Miz Korona, this powerful documentary delves into the amazing personal stories of women balancing professional dreams with the stark realities of poor urban communities, race, sexism, and motherhood. The more than 18 artists featured in Say My Name battle for a place in a society that creates few chances for women. From emerging artists filled with new creativity, to true pioneers like MC Lyte, Roxxanne Shante, and Monie Love, these are women turning adversity into art.

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For more information, visit www.saymynameblog.com

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MIMI Lifestyle Link: The Souls Of Black Girls

On Heavy Rotation

Here are some recently released albums that have been on heavy rotation on MIMI's music player ...

Lira set a soul scorching benchmark with her 2006 album Feel Good but Lira's latest release Soul in Mind is her best work to date. Honest, soulful, feminine, joyful, and beautifully African, it's the perfect music to listen to when relaxing. (Recognize the Stoned Cherrie dress that she's wearing on the cover of the album? Check out: Stoned Cherrie Spring Summer or 2008's Best Runway Moments.)

Black Rose, the title song from Hil St. Soul's album is MIMI's theme song, it's all about picking yourself up and being the best you! Zambian-born Hilary Mwelwa's rich voice adds depth and dimension to the thoughtful lyrics and takes you back to the days when we could appreciate music in its purest form, without distracting sound effects. In six words: the album is sweet like honey.

MIMI has always loved Cesaria Evora's music, and that love is well-founded. No other voice in the world has such pared-down beauty. Radio Mindelo consists of some rough recordings done in the early stage of Evora's career, and the result is a rare listen to what she sounded like when she was in her 20s ... sometimes upbeat, occasionally mournful, devastatingly nostalgic, and always haunting. What's not to love about Evora's hallmark swooning sound?

MIMI Mambo Links: Feel Good Music: Lira, SOULidified: Hilary Mwelwa, My All Time Favorite Albums: Hilary Mwelwa

Please Don't Stop The Music!

Aren't you wondering when Sade is going to release her next album? The last new material we heard from her—Lovers Rock—was released in 2000, that's almost a decade ago! We know that she is not one to rush the musical process, but as major fans, we are longing for some new music from her. How about Les Nubians? They've been promising fans that they are about to release a new album "soon" but "soon" is starting to feel like "never." The last new material we heard from them—One Step Forward—was six years ago! (We don't count Les Nubians Presents Echos, Chapter One because that was a collaborative effort that featured only one Les Nubians track, Embrasse Moi, and it was a remix of the song that was originally released in their 1998 album Princesses Nubiennes).

With few African artists in the mix who have reached the masses and become household names for music aficionados (Zap Mama, Angelique Kidjo, Ladysmith Black Mambazo), and even fewer releasing albums on a fairly consisent basis, it seems as though we have little to select from when it comes to great music. Add to this the passing of some truly phenomenal artists (Miriam Makeba, Brenda Fassie, Lucky Dube), and we're down to a handful of phenomenal artists. While we're excited about emerging artists (and in fact feature them regularly in MIMI), here's a list of established artists who MIMI is hoping to hear new material from:

1. Sade
2. Les Nubians
3. Goapele (she released a great single Don't Be Shy last year)

One thing MIMI knows is that when these artists release new music, it will be well worth the wait! It's all about quality over quantity with them. Tell us in your comments, which artists would you like to hear new material from?

(Photo Credits: © iStockPhoto/Jason Verschoor)

Wayna Wondwossen's Recent Arrest

The Associated Press is reporting that Grammy-nominated R&B singer, Wayna Wondwossen, was arrested at a Houston airport last Wednesday (March 25th) for carrying a collapsible police baton. The singer was charged with carrying a weapon in an airport after she tried to board a plane while carrying the baton, authorities said. Last Thursday (March 26th), a judge dismissed the charge against Wayna. Prosecutors asked the judge to dismiss the third-degree felony during a brief hearing at the downtown Harris County Criminal Justice Center.

Wayna recently released a statement clarifying what happened: the club had been inadvertently packed in her carry on bag. Despite explaining to security that she was a performer and that she had traveled throughout the country without incident with the prop (which she uses when she performs Billie Club, a song about police brutality), and had no intentions of using it as a weapon. Wayna was nonetheless arrested and charged on a 3rd degree felony weapons charge. Wayna thanked her friends, fans, family and everyone who have supported her throughout her career. Spending over 12 hours in jail has been exhausting and challenging for her especially given the irony of the situation. She has never been arrested nor has any criminal history. She relays that the experience has given her new and personal perspective to some of themes and messages she relays and portrays in her music.

Wow!

MIMI Mambo Link: Soul Child—Wayna Wondwossen

Liya Kebede's Children's Clothing Line, LemLem

Ethiopian model Liya Kebede has made great strides for racial diversity in fashion and has used her celebrity status for good, to raise awareness on behalf of women and children (read all about her in More Than A Pretty Face). Last year she started LemLem, a mostly hand-woven line of children’s clothes made in Africa, in the hope that youth will embrace her multicultural ideals. "The name means 'to bloom,'" says Liya, who on a visit to her native Ethiopia met talented weavers struggling to survive. "I wanted to help preserve their art while creating job opportunities." The outfits, available at various boutiques, and most recently J.Crew have an Ethiopian vibe with a new world ease. LemLem only confirms that Liya is a model citizen both literally and figuratively! For more details, visit www.LemLem.com