Is Self-Love The Key To Ending Africa’s Skin Bleaching Syndrome?

To be black in the world today is to be stigmatised for having dark skin. To be light-skinned, on the other hand, is to be celebrated in line with western beauty standards.

Black people not only experience this stigma from outside of their “racial” group. The bias against dark skin has also been internalised by black people the world over and manifests as colourism within the black community.

My research suggests that African-Americans consider light skin as the most ideal personal characteristic one can have. And this internalised bias towards whiteness is not only limited to the US. In my 30 years of studying this subject, I have found it to be prevalent in all places where people of African descent live – including Togo, Senegal, South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria.

For as long as black people continue to idealise light skin, the bleaching syndrome will continue to afflict many dark-skinned populations.

THE BLEACHING SYNDROME

The bleaching syndrome has three components. In the first place, it’s psychological, involving the adoption of alien ideals and the rejection of native characteristics.

African-American psychologists Kenneth and Mamie Clark conducted a famous “doll study” in the 1940s that showed how black children as young as three come to understand their place in the world as “less than”. They reach this conclusion long before they have the ability to articulate race. It’s a phenomenon black psychologists refer to as a “colour complex”.

Omoni Oboli Starts Her Clothing Line

Nigerian Actress and Movie Director, Omoni Oboli has opened her clothing line called "Omoni Oboli by Ave".

She launched it today at Oriental Hotel.

She also wore dresses from her fashion house, as she becomes the first model of the clothing line.

See photos below;

Rihanna's Obsessed With Oversized Denim

The singer-turned-designer is keen on turning the outrageous into the remarkably wearable. One look at her outfit and you'll probably think to yourself, "Oh wow, that does look good," hence her trendsetter status. Her newest out-of-the-box obsession: crazy, oversized denim. Street style has been overtaken by a number of her denim ensembles created by Matthew Adams Dolan, who graduated from Parsons in 2014.

Yesterday, the pop star was spotted at the NBA Finals, supporting the Cleveland Caveliers, in a black, oversized denim top by Dolan, paired with Citizens of Humanity jeans and Balenciaga boots—and the fashion crowd went wild.

The look is effortless, seemingly comfortable (as is everything oversized), while instantly elevating your outfit to an "It Girl" level. And, surprisingly, it's easy to recreate. First thing you need: an oversized jacket that's a few sizes larger than you'd normally buy. To turn a normal jean jacket into a Rihanna-inspired piece, keep the top bottoms unfastened and bare your shoulders. To keep it in place, you can add a waist belt (like this one).

Pro tip: Don't be afraid to play with the buttons. They don't have to align evenly.

Everything Pippa Middleton Has Worn on her Honeymoon

Pippa Middleton has set the vacation wardrobe standard!

The socialite and her now-husband, James Matthews, have jetted off to French Polynesia for their honeymoon. Now that their highly anticipated wedding is over, strolling on the beach and paddle boarding are on the agenda. Their newlywed bliss is real, and includes a tropical backdrop. No wonder Pippa is all smiles.

Although relaxation and serenity are the goals on any vacation, this honeymoon is special. Cameras are flashing, and Pippa has continued to stun with her wardrobe. Her excitement and happiness are clearly translating through her styling, giving us the inspiration we need for our upcoming summer adventures. 

You're Doing It Wrong: Customizing Your Denim

Your denim says a lot about you.

Even though the fabric is universally loved, with the right features, it's easy to make a standout look. Denim is that versatile. The hue of blue, sizing, length, rips and tears—there's seriously unlimited options, which thus creates the perfect opportunity for expression and style. Some of the most unique, like Usher's "Just Like Heaven" jacket from last year's iHeart Radio concert, result from both personal style and a little help from customization experts, such as the pros at Lot, Stock and Barrel.

Usher, Chloe Grace Moretz and Aimee Song are just a few of the celebs that have indulged in the brand's embroidery and monogramming capabilities. Plus, they offer an assortment of patches that will help you tell any story with your outfit. Once a customer leaves their LA-based store, they're bound to have something unique and irreplaceable.

What about you? Is Bella Hadid's oversized, cropped jacket your style? Or, are you more into a classic dark wash with a few patches? No matter your preference, check out the video above to see how it's done! 

Kendall Jenner Joins Adidas Family

After recently unveiling a new lineup of apparel with sister Kylie, Kendall Jenner is now part of the adidas family, and has confirmed the announcement via Instagram.

Already joining a star studded cast of brand ambassadors that includes celebrities and athletes such as her brother-in-law Kanye West, Lionel Messi, Selena Gomez, Von Miller, Pharrell Williams and more.

Alexa Chung's First-Ever Runway Show Is Happening Now

"Tonight's the night," Alexa Chung's latest IG post reads.

Because at 8 p.m. GMT (noon PST, 3 p.m. EST) the style star's highly-anticipated, eponymous label Alexachung walks the runway for the first time. And it's going to be major.

Now before you get all sad because you weren't invited to sit front row with the likes of Orange is the New Black's Natasha Lyonne, model Laura Bailey and the rest of Britain's fashion elite, check out the exclusive Livestream of the whole show above!

And though most of Alexa's past designer and retailer collaborations are no longer available, check out the below closet picks we know she would approve of.

Ellen DeGeneres’ Favorite Fashion Moment Was in This Dress

Tina Fey, Amy Schumer, Ellen DeGeneres…they're not exactly fashion plates. That's not to say they don't have a distinct sense of style either. The host of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, for example, is known for her preppy meets androgynous meets relaxed ensembles. Ellen will wear a crisp Oxford button-up with a bomber jacket or a plaid tee with a suit tailored to perfection. And whether she's hosting the Oscars or performing in her upcoming Netflix stand-up special, the 59-year-old comedian is always wearing sneakers. It's kind of her thing.

"If you've seen me in the 1970s and '80s, you'll agree with me that my style has gotten better. But also that's more confidence too," she told Footwear News. "I got more comfortable in dressing in the way I want to dress instead of what I think I'm supposed to dress like. That's what is great about fashion. It should be your own unique, individual expression."

With her own shoe line, ED by Ellen DeGeneres, it's no wonder the TV personality covered FN's "Women in Power" issue. Joined in the issue by dozens of other female designers and executives, including Sophia Webster, Libby Edelman and Jimmy Choo's Sandra Choi, Ellen shared her accomplishments on the fashion front.

Kim Kardashian Sets the Record Straight: Kanye West, Not Monica Rose, Was Responsible for My Style Transformation

It's always a wild time on Andy Cohen's Watch What Happens Live! and tonight's episode was certainly no exception. The Bravo host got a visit from selfie-queen Kim Kardashian and the two certainly dished the dish that's sure to have everyone talking.

On the jaw-dropping episode, Andy tackled some taboo topics with Kim including her brief marriage to Kris Humphries, Kris Jenner's freeze-out with Caitlyn Jenner and Kylie Jenner's not-so dramatic break up with Tyga.

During Andy's oh-so-scandalous segment, "Plead the Fifth," the host with the most also asked Kim about the rumors that the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star and the rest of the family had severed ties and association with their go-to celebrity stylist, Monica Rose.

Andy asked, "The entire Kardashian/Jenner clan used a stylist named Monica rose. You all recently unfollowed her on social media and are no longer associated with her. Can you give us the real reason that she is no longer in your universe?"

Kim avoided directly answering the question, saying to talk to sister Khloe (who used her as a stylist up until recently) and the rest of the girls, but did say that she'd heard Monica was saying that she was the one responsible for Kim's style transformation. The mother of two made sure to set the record straight about any such idea, explaining that she hadn't worked with Monica in four years and that her husband Kanye West and the team he picked out totally transformed the vixen's style.

"But that's not the reason why my family [stopped talking to her]," said the star, who wouldn't elaborate further.

On the topic of Caitlyn, when Andy asked her what are the chances that Kris and Caitlyn would ever be talking again on a scale of 1-10? At first, she said 1, then changed her answer to 2 because of Caitlyn and Kris' shared daughters, Kendall Jenner and Kylie.

During the sit down, Andy also got Kim to say that she knew that she and her second husband wouldn't make it when they were on their honeymoon.

As for Kim sounding off on Kylie's split with Tyga—the reality star said there was no drama with their breakup and it was an easy split for her youngest sister and the rapper.

This Streetwear Brand Is Khloe Kardashian and Kanye West-Approved

The line between women's and menswear has become increasingly blurred, thanks to designers like Chris Stamp.

The Colorado-born designer and owner of Stampd has created a following of the most stylish men and women with his casual essentials.

"When designing our collections I don't necessarily think about guy or girl. I design for people—our customer," Chris revealed to E! News. And, it's working for him. Khloe Kardashian, Miley Cyrus, Justin Bieber, Usher and Kanye West are just a few of his fans rocking his denim, T-shirts and shoes.

Celebrities aren't the only ones that have given nod to Stamp's design aesthetic. Gap and Puma have partnered with the brand, seemingly eager to take part in his popular-kid-level clothes. The Puma x Stampd collection is currently available, and includes jumpsuits, sneakers and camo jackets—everything you need to look fashionable without appearing overdone.

Kendall Jenner's Bringing This Bikini Style Back

Kendall Jenner's been slaying the swimsuit game lately (first with her high-fashion one-piece, and now with this high-rise beauty). So it's only fitting you use her as inspiration for your next big bathing suit shopping binge, right?

Her stunning $420 Lisa Marie Fernandez suit is that timeless kind of chic, one that will never go out of style, and its feminine features like small buttons and ruffles are just the thing to set your swimwear apart from the rest.

Now we know $420 might not play nicely with your summer budget, so we've rounded up some selects sure to do the trick!

Check out other designs below;

Kylie Jenner's Bike Shorts Are Now $70

If there were ever a time to try and pull off this look, it's now.

The exact P.E Nation bike shorts (that were $100, now $70) Kylie Jenner wore out in West Hollywood, CA one day are officially on sale. So what are you waiting for? Hit 'add to cart'.

Whether you're down to recreate the full look (black sports bra-esque bralette, black Yeezy sneakers, sunnies and mixed metal jewelry) or you prefer to be a little more covered up when you're not sweating it out at the gym, there's an undeniable comfort to the bottoms.

See photos below;

Billboard Music Awards 2017 Just Validated Your Favorite Lazy Hairstyles

The celebs at the 2017 Billboard Music Awards just did you a major solid.

While fancy up-dos, romantic curls and intricate braids are the norm at award shows, Sunday night's red carpet proved you can keep it simple and still look like a star. In fact, there were a crop of celebs who wore basic styles that you'd normally do on the way to the gym.

Sure, said celebs probably had pro hairstylists behind them, but you can easily re-create these looks whether you have little to no time in the morning, your hair is just being difficult or—let's be honest—you're just too darn lazy to try.

See photos below;

KATE BECKINSALE
The classic, gym-appropriate hairstyle, the ponytail is versatile no matter the occassion. What makes Kate's so pretty? It's messy and voluminous. What does this mean for you? Keep the dry shampoo spraying.

LORDE
This is a wake-up-and-go type of hairstyle. Is your hair dirty from yesterday's activities? Good! Apply dry shampoo to volumize your tresses and change the hair part by flipping your hair around throughout the day. You'll have that indie edge in no time.

MILEY CYRUS
Even if your hair is fried, multiple colors or just not working with you, wearing a hat gives the illusion that everything underneath is behaving like it should. For more dimension, add in a micro-braid, like the singer did, to give you that bo-ho feel.

LEA MICHELE
Whether you have Lea's stylist, Sarah Potempa, by your side or you're a twist-tie-go type of girl, the top knot looks great in any condition. To get your hair as sleek the actress', part your hair in the center, straighten with flat-iron, smooth fly-aways out with a hair paste and twist up into a knot. Easy-peasy

Kenyan Model Taking Over Global Fashion Shows At Age 15

Kenyans continue shining in the diaspora and every now and then, a new star emerges. Just recently, a Kenyan girl born in Britain won Britain's Got Talent competition.

Another star to emerge is 15-year-old Imari Karanja, who is a model taking global fashion shows by storm. Imari was born to Kenyan parents in Lowell, Massachusetts. Her mother, Vivian Kiarie, carefully introduced her to the fashion industry.

Her first major appearance was at the New York Fashion Week Fall 2017. She then appeared in Milan and Paris walking for such big names as Marc Jacobs, Christian Dior and Hermes.

In an interview with Jambonewspot, Imari's mom Viviane said she is still processing her daughter's meteoric rise.

She said: "It still hasn't sunk in for me with her reception in the fashion industry, especially the quality of shows she got accepted to. It's very hard to do Prada, March Jacobs and Dior as your first shows."

However, she and Imari's father Erastus Karanja are careful to balance Imari's modeling and her school work. Furthermore, they always travel with her to make sure she is not exploited.

See photos below;