Trevor Noah did a great job hosting the 65th Grammy awards from the Crypto.com Arena (formerly the Staples Center) in downtown Los Angeles. While most of the awards were announced during a pre-televised ceremony, nominees from several top categories across musical genres follows below. Pretty much leading up to music's big night we all were looking forward to Beyonce' taking home Albulm of The Year, an accolade that has been long overdue. Many media outlets crowned 'Renaissance' as the AOTY, but the Grammy's failed, yet again. But as we still celebrate her for making history tonight we will continue to raise our eyebrows at the academy. Here is the list of Grammy winners (in green: *Album of the year "Voyage," ABBA "30," Adele "Un Verano Sin Ti," Bad Bunny "Renaissance," Beyoncé "Good Morning Gorgeous" (Deluxe), Mary J. Blige "In These Silent Days," Brandi Carlile "Music of the Spheres," Coldplay "Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers," Kendrick Lamar "Special," Lizzo WINNER "Harry's House," Harry Styles *Best R&B performance "Virgo's Groove," Beyoncé "Here With Me," Mary J. Blige featuring Anderson .Paak WINNER: "Hrs & Hrs," Muni Long "Over," Lucky Daye "Hurt Me So Good," Jazmine Sullivan *Best pop solo performance WINNER: "Easy on Me," Adele "Moscow Mule," Bad Bunny "Woman," Doja Cat "Bad Habit," Steve Lacy "About Damn Time," Lizzo *Record of the year "Don't Shut Me Down," ABBA "Easy on Me," Adele "Break My Soul," Beyoncé "Good Morning Gorgeous," Mary J. Blige "You and Me on the Rock," Brandi Carlile featuring Lucius "Woman," Doja Cat "Bad Habit," Steve Lacy "The Heart Part 5," Kendrick Lamar WINNER: "About Damn Time," Lizzo "As It Was," Harry Styles *Best dance/electronic music album Winner: "Renaissance," Beyonce' "Fragments," Bonobo "Diplo," Diplo "The Last Goodbye," Odesza "Surrender" Rüfüs Du Sol *Best music video "Easy on Me," Adele "Yet to Come," BTS "Woman," Doja Cat "The Heart Part 5," Kendrick Lamar "As It Was," Harry Styles WINNER: "All Too Well: The Short Film," Taylor Swift *Best new artist Anitta Omar Apollo DOMi & JD Beck Muni Long WINNER: Samara Joy Latto Måneskin Tobe Nwigwe Molly Tuttle Wet Leg *Song of the year (goes to songwriter) "abcdefu" (Sara Davis, Gayle and Dave Pittenger, performed by Gayle) "About Damn Time" (Melissa “Lizzo” Jefferson, Eric Frederic, Blake Slatkin and Theron Makiel Thomas, performed by Lizzo) "All Too Well (10 Minute Version)" (Liz Rose and Taylor Swift, performed by Swift) "As It Was" (Tyler Johnson, Kid Harpoon and Harry Styles, performed by Styles) "Bad Habit" (Matthew Castellanos, Brittany Fousheé, Diana Gordon, John Carroll Kirby and Steve Lacy, performed by Lacy) "Break My Soul" (Beyoncé, S. Carter, Terius "The-Dream" Gesteelde-Diamant and Christopher A. Stewart, performed by Beyoncé) "Easy on Me" (Adele Adkins and Greg Kurstin, performed by Adele) "God Did" (Tarik Azzouz, E. Blackmon, Khaled Khaled, F. LeBlanc, Shawn Carter, John Stephens, Dwayne Carter, William Roberts and Nicholas Warwar, performed by DJ Khaled featuring Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, John Legend and Fridayy) "The Heart Part 5" (Jake Kosich, Johnny Kosich, Kendrick Lamar and Matt Schaeffer, performed by Lamar) WINNER: "Just Like That" (Bonnie Raitt, performed by Raitt) *Best música urbana album "Trap Cake, Vol. 2," Rauw Alejandro WINNER: "Un Verano Sin Ti," Bad Bunny "Legendaddy," Daddy Yankee "La 167," Farruko "The Love & Sex Tape," Maluma *Best pop duo/group performance "Don't Shut Me Down," ABBA "Bam Bam," Camila Cabello featuring Ed Sheeran "My Universe," Coldplay and BTS "I Like You (A Happier Song)," Post Malone and Doja Cat WINNER: "Unholy," Sam Smith and Kim Petras *Best R&B song WINNER: "Cuff It," Denisia "Blu June" Andrews, Beyoncé, Mary Christine Brockert, Brittany "Chi" Coney, Terius "The-Dream" Gesteelde-Diamant, Morten Ristorp, Nile Rodgers and Raphael Saadiq (performed by Beyoncé) "Good Morning Gorgeous," Mary J. Blige, David Brown, Dernst Emile II, Gabriella Wilson and Tiara Thomas (performed by Blige) "Hrs & Hrs," Hamadi Aaabi, Dylan Graham, Priscilla Renea, Thaddis "Kuk" Harrell, Brandon John-Baptiste, Isaac Wriston and Justin Nathaniel Zim (performed by Muni Long) "Hurt Me So Good," Akeel Henry, Michael Holmes, Luca Mauti, Jazmine Sullivan and Elliott Trent (performed by Sullivan) "Please Don't Walk Away," PJ Morton (performed by Morton) *Best country album "Growin' Up," Luke Combs "Palomino," Miranda Lambert "Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville," Ashley McBryde "Humble Quest," Maren Morris WINNER: "A Beautiful Time," Willie Nelson *Best country song "Circles Around This Town," Ryan Hurd, Julia Michaels, Maren Morris and Jimmy Robbins (performed by Morris) "Doin' This," Luke Combs, Drew Parker and Robert Williford (performed by Combs) "I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor's Version) (From the Vault)," Lori McKenna and Taylor Swift (performed by Swift) "If I Was A Cowboy," Jesse Frasure and Miranda Lambert (performed by Lambert) "I'll Love You Till The Day I Die," Rodney Crowell and Chris Stapleton (performed by Willie Nelson) WINNER: " 'Til You Can't," Matt Rogers and Ben Stennis (performed by Cody Johnson) *Best country solo performance "Heartfirst," Kelsea Ballerini "Something In the Orange," Zach Bryan "In His Arms," Miranda Lambert "Circles Around This Town," Maren Morris WINNER: "Live Forever," Willie Nelson *Best country duo/group performance "Wishful Drinking," Ingrid Andress and Sam Hunt "Midnight Rider's Prayer," Brothers Osborne "Outrunnin' Your Memory," Luke Combs and Miranda Lambert "Does He Love You" (Revisited), Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton WINNER: "Never Wanted To Be That Girl," Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde *Best Latin pop album "Aguilera," Christina Aguilera WINNER: "Pasieros," Rubén Blades and Boca Livre "De Adentro Pa Afuera," Camilo "Viajante," Fonseca "Dharma +," Sebastián Yatra *Best global music album "Shuruaat," Berklee Indian Ensemble "Love, Damini," Burna Boy "Queen of Sheba," Angélique Kidjo and Ibrahim Maalouf "Between Us ... (Live)," Anoushka Shankar, Metropole Orkest and Jules Buckley featuring Manu Delago WINNER: "Sakura," Masa Takumi *Best alternative album "We," Arcade Fire "Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You," Big Thief "Fossora," Björk WINNER: "Wet Leg," Wet Leg "Cool It Down," Yeah Yeah Yeahs *Best rock album "Dropout Boogie," The Black Keys "The Boy Named If," Elvis Costello & The Imposters "Crawler," Idles "Mainstream Sellout," Machine Gun Kelly WINNER: "Patient Number 9," Ozzy Osbourne "Lucifer on the Sofa," Spoon

By: Caitlin Thompson This Sunday was one of the biggest nights in music, the 65th Annual Grammy Awards. The men did not disappoint this grammy season. From the 90s-inspired look to a sequined jumpsuit, these 5 male stars looked sensational on the red carpet. Harry Styles Courtesy of Getty Images Harry Styles is never one to disappoint or blend in. He shined bright in this patchwork sequin jumpsuit. Despite missing a shirt, Harry did manage to wear white round-toe boots. Miguel Courtesy of Getty Images Miguel truly stood out with his 90s-inspired outfit. He paired denim with denim, with denim, and more denim. He wore light-wash jeans with a basic white tank top. On top, he added a floor-length denim coat. To finish the look (and to add more denim) he wore denim boots. Nothing screams the 90s quite like denim on denim. Steve Lacy Courtesy of Getty Images Steve Lacy went with an updated take on a men's suit from Saint Laurent. He ditched an undershirt and instead adorned his double-breasted jacket with a stunning brooch. The pants have a slit in the front of them to show off his pointed, white boots. He accessorized the outfit with a small black clutch and cat-eye sunglasses. Mick Fleetwood Courtesy of Getty Images Age truly is just a number when it comes to Mick Fleetwood. He wore a basic black pant with a striped and patterned suit jacket. No Mick Fleetwood outfit would be complete without lots of necklaces and chains. He may be older, but he is still one of the best-dressed stars of the night. Sounwave Courtesy of Getty Images Sounwave mixes textures and fabrics to create a sensual, all-black outfit. He paired satin flare pants with a basic satin shirt, that was almost completely unbuttoned. To go over the top, he added an embellished oversized jacket.

One of the most legendary events of GRAMMY weekend is back after a two year break. The Clive Davis Pre-Party Red Carpet is always one not to miss. From the beauty looks, to the sex appeal, We missed the red carpet slays from our favorite musicians. But finally our thirst has been quenched. Always bet on Black. Janelle Monae, Anita and Chloe Bailey reminds us that Black never goes out of style. Dress it up or down but always slay it. Check out our roundup of some of our favorite looks from the attendees for this years event below:

It's the most wonderful time of the year, Grammy weekend. The annual Roc Nation Pre-Grammy brunch brought out the biggest and flyest names in Hollywood. From Beyoncé and Jay Z, to Kelly Rowland, Chloe & Halle Bailey, DJ Khaled, and more, the illustrious invite-only soiree kicked off a weekend of events all leading up to tonight’s 2023 Grammy Awards. The fashion and style of music's favorite artist proves not only is the music the reason for the season but the fashion keeps the people going. The 'Cuff Singer' struck a pose with model Winner Harlow, as she rocked a very much on brand Alien Superstar inspired look. To see Beyonce's full custom Gareth Pugh studio look and all its glory head over to her website. It might help to break up your introduction into 2 or 3 main points, so it’s easy for your readers to follow. Each paragraph or two should focus on one point. Menswear Makes Fashion Fun Again Our favorite rappers and male singers didn't let the ladies have all the fun with fashion. From hues of green, sequin to simplistic tailored the likes of Eric Berlinger, Vic Mensa and more proved menswear is indeed fun again. Also in the mix were the likes of Offset, Daniel Kaluuya, Miguel, and more. Scroll to see some of our favorite statement looks. Black Girl Magic Reigned Supreme Go Kelly go, go go Kelly go! One of my personal favorite looks of the Brunch was the beautiful Kelly Rowland who is oozing #BlackGirlsKillingIt ! Ever since she's been in the hands of Kollin Carter, as her key stylist the duo has made a case that their union is a match made in heaven! She's hit slay after slay. The next generation of ladies in R&B can serve vocals in a slay. Halle Bailey, Normani, Ella Mai and Chloe Bailey.

By Erin Moonyeen Haley While the word ‘iconic’ can be overused, Paco Rabanne was the type of designer who defined and then redefined the term, making it a brand as well as a self-determined prediction. Born in 1934 during the height of the Spanish Civil War, his father was killed in 1937 by fascist dictator Francisco Franco. The family fled to Paris and the rest is history. Upon announcing his death, José Manuel Albesa, president of Puig’s fashion and beauty, reminded the world that “Paco Rabanne made transgression magnetic. Who else could induce fashionable Parisian women to clamor for dresses made of plastic and metal?” His legacy will no doubt include copious references to his space-age aesthetic, both in shape and in materials used. Perhaps one of the most famous outfits is the 1968 wedding dress, a chainmail-like sculpted gown made from plastic strips and mirrored discs. His disco-era sequined dresses became standouts for the designer and hinted at his history with architecture. He often used metals in the form of washers to bring his futuristic creations to life, embellishing outfits with materials that are no longer part of the fashion world today. A connoisseur of the eccentric, his early designs were featured in editorial spreads with the likes of Salvador Dali. His designs were not confined to the runway, as he also worked on the set of Casino Royale (1966), styling clothes for ingenues like Julie Harris. Like the wedding dress of 1968, he made these dresses by stringing the metal plates up in a pearlized process, using fine wire and beads in between. In addition to Casino Royale, his nonconformist style ensured that the costumes he made for Barbarella (1968) were infused with techno-camp. At the crux of his designs was an embrace of new technologies and new personalities, eschewing the strict silhouettes and tailored tameness that was signature of predictable haute couture. His clothing loved the time it was being created in. Like many a designer before and since, Rabenne found muses from the world of music, in particular, singer-songwriter and gamine cover girl, Françoise Hardy. She wore Rabanne's signature tiled gown on the 1968 cover of Elle Magazine. She would go to model the gown in a variety of images, and in a variety of metallic shades. Rabanne will also be remembered for being one of the first designers to hire Black Models for his shows at a time when racism overtly ruled the runway. Models such as Sandi Collins and Donyale Luna were among the superstars to wear Rabanne's designs, with Collins starring in his "12 Unwearable Dresses in Contemporary Materials" show. Rabanne was at his most sincere when he was being shocking, and it was this embrace of the unconventional that will keep his styles and fashion philosophies at the forefront of an industry that all too often treats trends like ephemeral happenstance rather than pure genius. Naomi Campbell, Elle France, 1997

By Erin Moonyeen Haley Inspiration was an eclectic beast prowling the runways during Mens’ Paris Fashion Week 2023. Themes, colors and cuts were all over the place, paying homage to cozy layers, bold prints, svelte silhouettes and tailored touches. Véronique Nichanian, artistic director of Hermes, declared that “Clothes need to feel beautiful against the skin, and they need to be practical too." For her, the men on the runway needed to channel the look of someone who was going places, a true cosmopolitan with an outrageous sense of wanderlust not yet fulfilled. That interplay of the practical with the posh, the restless with the regal was on full display as the Hermes runway became a land of leathery softness. With the Maison de l'Unesco as the venue, models eschewed traditional business attire of patterned ties and stiff suits, instead opting for luxurious turtlenecks and twinsets that were given a homey twist with patchwork that was meant to look like it had been done by hand in one's humble abode. For Loewes, the dominating term was 'reductionist act', a math-meets-fashion approach where minimalism occupied the spotlight. Rather than overwhelm the eye, (or the body), with vests atop button-ups and jackets over jackets, Loewes stuck to plunging cowl necks, maxi wool, double-breasted jackets and singular bold colors that popped amid the siennas and the blacks. Jonathan Anderson - master of Loewes since 2013 - has long since put the focus on artistry over flare, all of which was evident in the tailored slacks and accents such as angel wings on rear-fastening shirts, a subtle nod to Renaissance-era master craftsmen. Minimalism had no place in the lineup for Marine Serre. The show notes declared, "Each of us holds the power to help slow down the present accelerated timeline." The show was held in Grande Halle de la Villette, a historic building of iron and glasswork that boasts of intimate side rooms and a vast auditorium. The show was given the sobriquet "Rising Shelter" and promised dystopian looks and survivalist vibes. Upon entering the show, guests were greeted by three towers of denim and cotton t-shirts, a comment on voracious consumerism and sustainability. Along those lines of realism, the looks and models were meant to mimic the every day, rather than the unattainable. Models of all ages and body types wore a dynamic mix of patchwork argyle and denim that gave off decidedly 80s vibes. Unisex was one of the many thematic keywords, made evident as all models wore trucker hats, bowling shirts and oversized coats, letting the neutral colors of white, beige and cream dominate the show's palette. "Study of the Natural World" was the leitmotif for Dries Van Noten's show and was inspired by the writings of German naturalist, Alexander von Humboldt who is credited with inventing ecology. Accompanied by a soundtrack courtesy of Lander & Adriaan - sonic experts in the 'sophisti-rave' - the clothing intermixed floral and fauna patterns with monochrome sleekness. Inspiration was specific, as the garments with nature-inspired textiles drew from the Meise Botanical Gardens in Belgium. The ready-to-wear collection was also intended to be thought-provoking. in both the clothing and the venue, which was a parking garage and not a lavish estate or historic building. While the word 'rave' was thrown around, the clothing did not adhere to any 90s aesthetic that called to mind light shows and Dee-Lite hyper ballads. Instead, the clothes were linen and lightweight, with breezy jackets with efflorescent swirls taking center stage. Delicate greenery was represented throughout the show, as were bird designs and palm trees that called to mind tropical sunsets over sweaty dance-offs. Rick Owens channeled the grandiosity of LUXOR, with "Reduced Architectural Shapes with a Whiff of Sleazy Seventies Pseudo-Mysticism" for a memorable runway experience. The ambiance of the room was otherworldly, with fog and metal benches providing an apropos sensation for clothing that could have been the long-lost wardrobe from a shelved prequel in the Chronicles of Riddick oeuvre. There were sharp shoulders and platform shoes; bare chests and shaved heads. The glossy calfskin leather was old-school in that it was made by hand in a 25-step process in an Italian factory. Pirarucu fish skins, meanwhile, were tanned in Brazil and acquired via responsibly sourced means that benefited indigenous communities. Some garments bespoke of gilded age glamour, with sweeping capes and 'donuts', or, padded pieces. What changed the energy of the show, however, was. the balance between austerity and sexuality, where less was more and more was...well...more. Old-school elegance rocked the runway for Wales Bonner. Looking at creative icons such as James Baldwin and Josephine Baker, there was an artistic effortlessness that made the languid downright luxurious. With an original soundtrack from Kendrick Lamar and artworks by Lubaina Himid, models sauntered through the interior of Hotel D'Evreux, a 17th-century gem with gorgeous, high windows in a show christened "Twilight Reverie". The hallmark of the clothing was the tailoring, which was best flaunted with double-breasted blazers, azure-blue crocodile-embossed leather trench coats, and bomber jackets. Preppy athleticism was also on display as Bonner's partnership with Adidas became evident in the new sneakers and the Adidas Original Superstar sneakers with a money print that said it all. Images courtesy of Hypebeast.

Rolling Stone crowned Renaissance' as the top album of 2022 and since the release the music itself has only been getting better with time. Taking over TikTok and uniting the world together in dance. The Beyhive has been starving for visuals and tour details but the music has been keeping us all in great spirits. Starting Black History Month off with a bang Queen Beyonce' feeds the thirst of the Hive. Are your wallets ready for the Renaissance World Tour? Mrs.Carter heads back to the stage, and it will be very much worth the wait. The Renaissance tour marks Beyoncé’s first extended stretch on the road since the On the Run tour, which took place in 2018. Beyoncé’s tour announcement comes on the heels of her controversial concert in Dubai, where she sang two decades of hits to celebrate the opening of the luxurious Atlantis The Royal resort. The global trek of the tour will launch in Stockholm on May 10 and feature stadium shows across Europe through June 27 before picking up in North America at the Rogers Centre in Toronto on July 8; that leg is currently slated to run through a Sept. The full itinerary, which also includes international dates, is available on the “Break My Soul” singer’s official website along with ticket information. Which city are you seeing the Queen? Let us know in the comments.

Grammy weekend has been kicking off plenty of star-studded fun and fashionable events all around Los Angeles, since Wednesday. Teyanna Taylor hosted a pre Grammy celebration presented by Devin Evans, B Kristen Mirelle music hustler & queens of the underground at the globe theater in Los Angeles, California to celebrate the nominees in partnership with the boys & girls club. The boys & girls club mission is to educate, inspire the underprivileged youth with high quality programs that will help them reach their fullest potential Taylor’s accomplishments in music, television and production made her the perfect candidate. Teyana was also pictured on the red carpet, as she sported a brown and black blazer, which contained a unique red design at the bottom. The Harlem native recently ventured on her “The Last Rose Petal 2″ Tour, last summer. The performances by Elle E.d & Moreland were both very well thought out with great visuals. Her performance moved the crowd. Moreland was s little more chill about ELLE E.D. & her dancers shakes things up. She is definitely one to watch. Keith Harris also brought the Keith Harris Experience to the globe theatre what a delight. The event was filled with creatives in music, philanthropy & generally interested in the art. S mix of elevated streetwear and low key glamour looks. Signature drinks, 360 booth, musical activation the star studded event was the perfect kick off to the Grammy week.

By Angel Neal The 80th annual Golden Globes, officially kicked off award-show season for 2023—and also a season of must see celebrity slayage. Check out our roundup of the best dressed celebrities at the Golden Globes. Everyone's favorite beauty maven and songstress Rihanna was dipped in Cartier diamonds accompanied by (alongside boyfriend and father of her child A$AP Rocky) made a case for All Black Everything. Also highlights from the fashion killa Rihanna she wore a bejeweled Roger Vivier clutch and Giuseppe Zanotti heels. Rocky supported his love in a black tuxedo with satin lapels, complete with a white button-up shirt and slim black tie for a monochromatic suit look by Bottega Veneta, including "compact wool and satin jacket and trousers and brushed leather lace-up shoes," according to a release. While Rihanna and A$AP Rocky chose to skip the red carpet at the annual Golden Globes tonight, they still were undeniably the best dressed couple. The most eye-catching looks from LA's Beverly Hilton, included bright statement hues. The stars wore: (from left to right) ,Niecy Nash in Dolce & Gabbana, Sheryl Lee Ralph in Aliétte, Quinta Brunson in Christian Siriano, Selena Gomez in Maison Valentino, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez in Balmain, Julia Garner in Gucci, Julia Garner in Gucci, Britt Lower in Bach Mai, Billy Porter in Christian Siriano, Lily James in Versace, Michelle Yeoh in Giorgio Armani, Anya Taylor-Joy in Dior and Viola Davis in Jason Wu. This year, black, metallics and neutrals dominated the carpet, along with slit skirts, sequins and bodacious jewelry. Some of our favorites: Letitia Wright in Prada, Jenna Ortega in Gucci, Angela Bassett in Pamella Roland, Jessica Chastain in Oscar de la Renta, Jennifer Hudson sparkled in a golden dress by New York designer CD Greene, Ana de Armas in Louis Vuitton, Daisy Edgar-Jones in Gucci, YouTuber Liza Koshy in a black lace number and Li Jun Li an embroidered Dolce & Gabbana gown. Menswear always bought out some fashion forward must see looks. Below are some of our favorites from the leading men in film and TV. Best Supporting Actor nominee Tyler James Williams wore an Amiri suit with wide-legged pants. Credit: Kevork Djansezian/NBC/Getty Images "House of Dragon" star Emma D'Arcy wore head-to-toe Acne Studios. Credit: Amy Sussman/Getty Images "Euphoria" actor Colman Domingo (right) wore Dolce & Gabbana as he posed alongside husband Raúl. Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images Reece Feldman put a spin on formal menswear in a pleated skirt. Credit: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP TikTok star Josh Richards wore a torso-baring cropped tee underneath a pinstripe suit. Credit: Matt Winkelmeyer/FilmMagic/Getty Images Glen Powell opted for a classic tuxedo. Credit: Amy Sussman/Getty Images Photos courtesy of CNN

You can get use to hearing the name Dallas Jackson, the writer and producer wants to continue to bring Black and multicultural stories to the forefront, and he is showing no signs of slowing down. Dallas Jackson is known for Thriller (2018), Welcome to Sudden Death (2020) and Rebel (2017) to name a few and he stays booked and busy. The rising Hollywood filmmaker sat down with Disrupshion's Entertainment Editor Kim to discuss his latest project a new action thriller, The System. The film features familiar and popular black faces in cinema” starring Tyrese Gibson, Terrence Howard, Jeremy Piven, and Lil Yachty is set for a nationwide theatrical release on October 28 and on digital on November 4. The film explores corruption in America’s prison-for-profit privatized correctional system. Interview By. Kim Dillinger Jackson, a proud Howard University alumni (one of the nation’s leading HBCUs), was honored with a Bison Honors Award at his alma mater’s Homecoming back in October of this year. The budding creative had a special screening of , “The System” and the students were among the first to see the film and the reviews have been great. As we anticipate the release of the film check out his exclusive Q&A below. Jackson and Terrance Howard behind the scenes. Words of advice for future filmmakers and creatives: "You have to be consistent with your dreams everyday, whether you want to be a writer, director, producer or a person with a regular job where you have to pay the bills. You have to find an hour a day to do something to put ypur dream further down the track. people will say they want to do something but its the little bit you do everyday that adds up." Jackson and Tyrese Gibson behind the scenes. To stay up to date with all things Dallas Jackson make sure you follow @djclassicz .

By Erin Moonyeen Haley “Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.” So said Bill Cunningham, cultural historian, New York Times fashion columnist, milliner, and a man considered by fashion’s elite to be the “OG street photographer.” His quote can perhaps be best applied to the budding fashionistas of the world, the youth for whom rules, regulations and self-censorship do not yet apply. Their innate optimism and experimentation is a flagrant buttress against societal ‘do’s and don’ts’, and they dwell in a fashion utopia that adults can typically only recreate with Cunningham’s proverbial armor. In the spirit of youthful joie de vivre and stylish insouciance, there are a plethora of picture books that not only tell the story of iconic designers and lesser-known - but equally fabulous - fashion mavens, but that also channel the fearlessness that fashion needs if it is to thrive and surprise. Maria Isabel Sánchez Vergara grew up in the 1970s in Barcelona with dreams of becoming a poet. After years in advertising, she invested her life savings into what was the beginning of her Little People, Big Dreams franchise. Now, with a coterie of illustrators, her stories of such luminaries as Frida Kahlo and Ella Fitzgerald have sold over 7.5 million copies worldwide. Among the fashion heavyweights and madcaps that the series covers, Iris Apfel, Josephine Baker, Vivienne Westwood, RuPaul and Coco Chanel have all made the list. While the individual biographies illustrate their respective stories, the collective moral is that - to make an impact as an artist and cultural zeitgeist - eccentricities and intuition are to be followed and celebrated. Ann Lowe’s lifestory is a reminder that fashion can be an apparatus in the Civil RIghts Movement. The granddaughter of a former enslaved dressmaker, Lowe’s artistry launched her into society after she parlayed a high-profile job for the governor's wife in her native Alabama into working for other elites with connections who recognized her priceless skill. Relocating to New York City, she faced segregation and racism, but remained known for her craftsmanship, which included techniques of using “gathered tulle and canvas to hold out hems, lace seam bindings, hand sewn organza facings, and weights to promote proper hang.” In 1953, she designed the gowns for the entire bridal party of Jacqueline Bouvier upon her wedding to senator John F. Kennedy, a job Lowe was able to pull off even after a flood in her studio destroyed her work a scant ten days before the wedding. This story and others are highlighted in not one but two picture books: Fancy Party Gowns: Designer Ann Cole Lowe by Deborah Blumenthal and illustrated by Laura Freeman, and Only the Best by Kate Messner, and co-authored by Margaret Powell and illustrated by Erin Robinson. The books explore the travesty of Lowe never receiving credit for Bouvier’s dress while also touting her pure artistry that has transcended the ages. One reason that Diana Vreeland’s reputation was so magnificent and enduring was that, in the words of Vanity Fair, “she always trafficked in the elusive and insubstantial.” The pink and red picture book Violet Velvet Mittens with Everything by Deborah Blumenthal and illustrated by Rachel Katstaller, captures her abstract and sometimes kooky style, chronicling Vreeland’s girlhood love of dance to the cultivation of a larger-than-life personality that made her a zany presence everywhere from the runway to the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Fashion and wonder naturally coexist, and nowhere is that organic relationship so evident as in Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love. In the eclectic urban jungle of New York City, young Julian sees costumed mermaids on the subway. Mesmerized, he continues to daydream of the costumes, reflecting on the razzle-dazzle of the accouterments, of the fit of the skirts and of the bright colors of their hair. This prompts his abuela to help him create his own mermaid costume, complete with a lemon-yellow tail and leaves from a potted fern to use as a headpiece, all of which prove that fashion is a love language between both family members and perfect strangers. It’s the nursery rhyme book for the parent who savors their September issues of Vogue and has the date of next year’s Met Gala already saved on their phone. Amy Allen’s This Little Piggy Went to Prada: Nursery Rhymes for the Blahnik Brigade has the carefree whimsy of Shel Silverstein, but with the fashionable patina of the latest Harper’s Bazaar. The illustrations by Eun-Kyung Kung have a watercolor vivacity, complementing the rhymes that take readers through the quasi-Wonderland journey of fashion on full display. Bloom: A Story of Fashion Designer Elsa Schiaparelli is an ode to the colorful and quirky imagination of the very designer who created the couleur de la décennie of the late ’30s and early ’40s, known as Shocking Pink. Her name was Elsa Schiaparelli, and Bloom chronicles her life from her lackluster childhood in Rome to her self-made, vibrant existence in Paris, where her friendships with Surrealists and Dadaists steered her fashion ideology into more abstract theaters of expression. Using the taffy-pinks and bubblegum-magentas that Schiaparelli was known for, the book luxuriates in the outlandish designs that Schiaparelli invented, such as hats in the shape of shoes, gloves speared with fingernails and dresses covered in lobsters. With two covers to choose from, the book is a dual-homage to the floral, the fabulous and the fuschia. Mary Had a Little Glam by Tammi Sauer and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton demonstrates that the self-empowering abilities of fashion can never start too young. Mary not only rocks her idiosyncratic style with aplomb, but she is also a stylist to her classmates, ensuring that they are dressed prêt-à-porter and full of glam, no matter if it's recess, class or the end of the day when the doors are thrown wide open. Available in both board book and picture book format, the book caters to a variety of ages. In a world striving for body positivity, A Perfect Fit: How Lena "Lane" Bryant Changed the Shape of Fashion by Mara Rockliff and illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal, is the ideal gift for the mindful and the self-emancipating. This rags-to-riches immigration story tells the tale of the origins and evolution of the Lane Bryant clothing line. When Lane came to this country from Lithuania, she was already a skilled seamstress who required neither measuring tape nor a pattern to create her looks. When a client came to her with what was considered a challenge - design and create a dress that did not conform to size standards of the day - she embraced the challenge, and an entire fashion label was launched, revolutionizing fashion and beauty acceptance. Would fashion even be fashion without its titular icons? Without the Marilyn Monroes, the Audrey Hepburns, the Chers and the Grace Joneses of the world acting as stylish totems the rest of humanity can look up to, (and even pray to), would fashion leave such an indelible imprint? Bad Girls of Fashion not only argues that - without icons - fashion would be a flatlined, lifeless story, but it insists that, without the proverbial 'bad' girls - the mavericks and the rebels - the business of fashion would be a blasé art, forever in search of divine and devilish inspiration. The lavishly colored illustrations chart the lives of some of fashion’s favorite bad girls, while also lampooning the restrictions society has tried to impress upon women, ultimately praising how the mutineers have employed style to seize and exercise power. Donald Robertson's outrageous giraffe likes to travel. In addition to Mitford at the Hollywood Zoo, there is Mitford at the Fashion Zoo. Like all good fashion stories, this one starts with a fashion emergency, once in which our giraffe heroine has to save Rhinoana, a superstar singer and cover model, whose cotton candy dress has disintegrated like...well...cotton candy. Mitford's help doesn't stop there: Meryl Sheep is also in an SOS fashion situation for an upcoming red carpet event while the ever-troublesome Shark Whaleberg is in need of Mitford's fashionista TLC. In the end, it's not just a story about fashion makeovers; it's also about helping friends in need. The synopsis might have the most perfect opening sentence: “Once upon a time (but not that long ago), girls only wore dresses. And only boys wore pants.” Mary Wears What She Wants is a rare picture book in that it reminds readers that the art of dress often skews political. Written and illustrated by Keith Negley, (award-winning creator of My Dad Used to Be So Cool and Tough Guys Have Feelings Too), the book follows in the tradition of its predecessors, reminding readers that the status quo should have no bearing on modern fashion. The narrative centers on the true story of Mary Edwards Walker, a 19th-century doctor who was arrested numerous times because of her determination to wear pants. This unflinching heroine not only stands up to society and family, she sets the tone for future feminist movements where clothing - be it powersuits or miniskirts - changes the dynamics of gender equality. In the tone of its predecessor, Bad Girls Throughout History!, illustrator and author Ann Shen delivers another tongue-in-cheek picture book ideal for adults or kids...as long as they’ve got a passion for fashion. The title - Nevertheless, She Wore It: 50 Iconic Fashion Moments - says it all. The word ‘nevertheless’ is an acknowledgment that safer fashion choices are always available, but ultimately forgettable, while ‘iconic’ promises readers that they’ll be reading about everything from singer Selena’s rhinestone-studded bustiers to Madonna’s cone bra. Every item documented might be dismissed as a splash of rebellion, but Shen's thesis successfully argues that nothing is accidental, and that clothing is about asserting oneself, elbowing the patriarchy in the jugular while dancing and smiling and shimmying into Herstory. *Support Small Businesses & Bookstores at Bookshop.org

by Erin Moonyeen Haley It's not officially Christmas until Mariah Carey's operatic/R&B vocals hit every note of "All I Want for Christmas Is You." Since its 1994 debut, the song and its chanteuse have ranked as standard holiday musical fare, a noteworthy feat, given that the clique of pop culture Christmas songs rarely tolerates newbies. W Magazine spotlights the pop princess (well...goddess at this point), in a series of looks that only Mariah can pull off: a denim and diamond mix that makes even the casual ensemble appear priceless. She channels her 1990s self on the cover, wearing a white ribbed tank top and blue jeans, unbuttoned and open, giving a hint of her quinessential sex kitten self. Around her neck is a large diamond butterfly from the Chopard X Mariah Carey Collection. In the article, she admits to the butterfly being an emblem of sorts, especially as it's also the 25th anniversary of her Butterfly album. Reflecting on the butterfly's meaning, she explains how, after "transforming into the butterfly and learning how to fly, I had to gain that strength because the relationship I was in—the life that I was living—at the time was so difficult." Mariah is an open book throughout the interview, and her looks are an ideal cross between princess and tomboy, between laidback singer in the midst of a respite and golden girl who knows she has the golden pipes. Black and white images capture her wearing a faux-fur stole that is Adrienne Landau by Saulo Villela The fur is draped over a Dior tank top and paired with a Chopard X Mariah Carey necklace (of course!) and ring. Her signature Mariah hair is all beachy waves, as if she's just been awoken from a sweet slumber. She stays with the tank top look, but switches the Dior for Intimissimi, topping the style with a Miu Miu jacket and skirt. She opts for a slinky Dolce & Gabbana dress that she pairs with Tamara Mellon boots, delicate Chopard bracelets and Chopard X Mariah Carey earrings. Other photos are all about family, as Mariah poses with her children, Monroe and Moroccan. Even in these more intimate snapshots, Mariah doesn't relax on the glam, wearing a Michael Kors Collection catsuit and wrap while keeping with the Chopard jewelry and adding Giuseppe Zanotti shoes. Even with the wealth of new glamorous shots, it's worth getting nostalgic and misty-eyed over that first album that inaugurated Mimi as the new Queen Bee of the Christmas season all those years ago. Images courtesy of W Magazine.