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- Love Is Everywhere, Love is Pipenco
Words: Nery Gomez Article Edits: Laura Casella Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight Closing New York Fashion Week, Pipenco decided to pay tribute to love by representing every expression of it. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight Opening with red balloon-style micro shorts styled with a cream-colored cropped jacket, the collection transports us to our memories full of the innocent, whimsical and euphoric feeling of love. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight Going forward, we are given a taste of this endearing story. The next looks emerged with exaggerated volumes, cropped proportions, experimental layering, ballooned micro shorts, structured hip constructions and fitted silhouettes that contrast softness with architectural form. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight Cream and off-white tones dominate the palette, punctuated by deep red accents that add intensity and romantic tension. Textural richness plays a key role, by combining sheer fabrics, delicate knits and structured materials to create dimension and movement. With this myriad of designs, we are thrusted into understanding the broad perception of fondness exemplified by Pipenco. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight Finally, leaving us out of breath, the collection closes with a floor-length silver cape paired with a silver sheer fitted skirt, creating this dramatic dreamy silhouette. Just like love, it extends to our surroundings, accompanying us at all times in every moment of our lives, just like Pipenco.
- Carolina Herrera Fall/Winter 2026: A Study in Cultural Femininity
At New York Fashion Week, Carolina Herrera’s Fall/Winter 2026 collection under creative director Wes Gordon centered on women who shape culture. Words: Amaya Capel Article Edits: Laura Casella Photo: @ellenfedors_ via Instagram/ @carolinaherrera Rather than including a singular muse, Gordon drew his inspiration from a myriad of artists that included muses, gallerists and cultural figures whose practices explore color, movement, imagination and identity. Each of their influence represented not just homage, but composition and craftsmanship. Photo: Courtesy of @carolinaherrera via Instagram To set the tone, the animal print ensemble was a look that drew immediate attention. From the flow of the patterns to the varied textures on which they were placed, this animal print appeared in multiple forms. Layered, draped and structured. Photo: Courtesy of @carolinaherrera via Instagram Evening wear highlighted a body of sequins that appeared elevated rather than flashy. It was glamorous yet controlled -- the kind of sequin that feels intentional instead of excessive. Photo: Courtesy of @carolinaherrera via Instagram These pieces added the perfect balance to this collection. From sophisticated evening gowns to subtle, low-shine sequin knits designed for effortless day-to-night wear. Photo: Courtesy of @carolinaherrera via Instagram A key highlight of this collection was its floral pieces. Embroidered and printed, they connect back to Carolina Herrera’s romantic identity while still delicate. The florals also came across bold, confident and structured. Each piece made a statement from its texture to its design and color. Photo: Courtesy of @carolinaherrera via Instagram Outside of the varied textures, prints and patterns, Gordon also included subtle, understated pieces. There were no heavy embellishment, just precise tailoring and confident silhouettes. Photo: Courtesy of @carolinaherrera via Instagram It felt purposeful in its simplicity, proving the collection did not rely solely on florals or shine to make an impact. Sometimes, the quietest look speaks the loudest.
- Christian Siriano: A Study in Modesty and Mystique
Words: Laura Casella Photo: @michaeljustizphotography via Instagram Christian Siriano showcased his preference for idiosyncrasy and glamour in high fashion at New York Fashion Week Fall 2026. This collection stunned audiences with its mixture of revealing sheer that intentionally covers, juxtaposing the risqué and the demure that is redefining modern fashion. Photo: @csiriano via Instagram Siriano reaffirms that black will always be the new black with this collection. He cleverly uses mesh and lace to accentuate the feminine form in ways that defy expectations. One piece in particular, a lace dress with a diagonally fringed ruffle, crosses the frame that surprisingly pronounces the curves of a woman’s physique. Photo: @michaeljustizphotography via Instagram Then came a silver metallic bodysuit that appears as though it came straight out of a cabaret. One paired with transparent black stockings and one with meshed loose pants, this piece represents how the same outfit can be transformed with variety. Photo: @michaeljustizphotography via Instagram A favorite was a black mesh, long-sleeved dress embedded with chains and jewels that sculpt the model’s silhouette. She is both exposed and completely covered, perfectly exemplifying how provocation meets sophistication. Photo: @biancacastellarcalvani via Instagram The room stood still when a model walked down the runway in a large fringed white and brown bestial overcoat that shined as if it was covered in diamonds. It gave the illusion of nothing underneath, associating the piece with mystery. Photo: @michaeljustizphotography via Instagram Another piece that captivated the audience was a brilliant off-the-shoulder, flared dress with polka dots and straight lines that seem geometrically precise. It blends the color of the fabric to the model’s tone. This second-skin again creates the perception of nudity, a masterclass in optical illusion. Ultimately, this Christian Siriano Fall 2026 collection affirms the notion that modesty and exposure can seamlessly co-exist — celebrating both the sensuality and the inherent grace of the women who wear them.
- Alice + Olivia NYFW 2026: A Flower Unveiled.
Words: Lorianne Wilbur Article Edits: Laura Casella Photo: @aliceandolivia via Instagram What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than an unveiling of a beautiful myriad of pink, black and white dresses that are both classical and sexy. Alice + Olivia’s presentation for 2026 first showcases a beautiful silver wedding dress with an ornate pattern of golden flowers and leaves. Photo: @aliceandolivia via Instagram Romance reincarnate in a dress then appeared with a long and slender pink dress of the same design complete with brownish-red floral patterns. Photo: @aliceandolivia and @dara.saklakova via Instagram Behind this model stood a stunning and sexy pink corset top with a feminine bow on the side, matched with a silk black mini-skirt and sheer floral tights. Photo: @aliceandolivia via Instagram Next came a black mini dress with pink fleurs and feathers that belles out, reminiscent of a Victorian dress from the 19 th Century that one might wear for a special event this Valentine’s Day. Photo: @aliceandolivia via Instagram A personal favorite next displayed a black corset top over a poofy white crop-top paired with black leather trousers. Photo: @aliceandolivia via Instagram A pair of black, lacey gothic dresses stole the show: one with a plunging neckline and the other with its sleeves set delicately upon the model’s shoulders. A sleek black strapless dress ended the event with a beautiful flower pattern glimmering out –- barely discernable yet beautifully the same.
- Contessa Mills New York Fashion Week 2026: The Dark Fashion of the Future.
Words: Lorianne Wilbur Article Edits: Laura Casella Photo: @fashionweekonline via Instagram Contessa Mills is famous for her dark, Tarot-esque garments that are a classical yet modern witchy style. For New York Fashion Week happening on Feb. 11, 2026, the audience saw an unveiling of stunning silhouette-like black dresses, short and long, flowing as the models stood perfectly positioned for their after-show photos. The shape and color of these dresses brings the occult to mind. A stand-out piece was the black and white spaghetti-strap dress with futuristic layers puffing in a belle fashion that scream “I am a piece of art, regarde-moi.” By contrast, the next slender piece came as a long and conservative blue dress with a covered neck that was adorned down the middle with buttons from neck-to-toe. Photo: @contessamillsnyc via Instagram Following this ethereal scene came a futuristic-seeming grey sequined mini-romper that drew attention to the model’s natural figure. Complete with finger-less gloves and socks glamorously stuffed in a pair of practical and sleek black boots, it is perfect for a night out in the cold of New York winter. Photo: @contessamillsnyc via Instagram The last dress was a sheer white gown that billowed out like a specter from ages past. Imprinted with a serpent amidst leaves and fish, it symbolizes the temptation of Eve within the garden of Eden. Quite frankly, Contessa Mills is the dark fashion of the future.
- Markarian New York Fashion Week 2026: The Feminine in Nature Presentation.
Words: Lorianne Wilbur Article Edits: Laura Casella Photo: @markarian_nyc via Instagram Who better to celebrate femininity than Alexandra O’ Neill? Best known for her idyllic and age-old designs, her works thrust its wearer into a sense that they have stepped into their very own fairy-tale. During New York Fashion Week 2026, O’Neill showcased her fall and winter designs. Photo: @markarian_nyc via Instagram One of the most attention-grabbing pieces was a long and regal two-piece gold and silver floral dress that moves outward in the middle with a form-fitting bottom to compliment the natural female body. The flowers on this resembled the official state floral emblem of Maine: The White Pine Cone and Tassel. Well, it is technically not a flower, yet its white tassel looks like one. Maine seems to be a state of inspiration for the designer as this is where she was born. Photo: @markarian_nyc via Instagram Move into mother nature with a strapless zebra dress contoured to be form fitting that celebrates its wearer’s physique. Then, a long black, regality-inspired dress comes imprinted with flowers and beads arranged to look like royal designs from centuries past. Photo: @markarian_nyc via Instagram A personal favorite was a classically romantic and sleek-looking black strappy dress that belles outwards in the middle to accentuate natural feminine forms. Another dazzling yet modest long-sleeve grey dress was shown which highlights the model’s natural beauty. Photo: @markarian_nyc via Instagram The last piece provokes a feeling of stepping into another world removed from time with a short-sleeve, light-blue maxi dress imprinted with a beautiful white flower that looks like a dandelion-to-wish-upon, causing the onlooker to become entranced. In short, Markarian is the femininity in fashion.
- Classics, But Cooler: Tory Burch Rewrites the Fashion Favorites
Words: Fatema Barwahwala Article Edits: Laura Casella Photo: Tory Burch Tory Burch’s Fall 2026 collection revolved around one standout idea: "Classics never go out of style!" And to complement her designs, she chose a setting that felt just as timeless as her clothes, Breuer’s iconic Madison Avenue building, now Sotheby’s global headquarters. It perfectly matched the mood of the collection. After all, classic space perfectly syncs with classic inspiration. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight via The Impression On Wednesday night, in front of a guest list that included A-listers like Pamela Anderson, Tessa Thompson, Amanda Seyfried and Mary Beth Barone, Burch unveiled a fall lineup rooted in her usual style inspiration: her father’s effortless style and the elegance of Bunny Mellon. It was a night of familiar, evergreen silhouettes that felt refined, wearable, and quietly luxurious. Once again, she proved that her designs were here to outlive the trends, not chase them. Like many designers this season, Tory Burch asked herself one simple but powerful question -- what actually lasts? Well, she answered it through her timeless designs, drawing inspiration from her father’s old corduroy pants. She went back to her dad’s practical trousers and reimagined them through her own fashion-tinted glasses. The result? We got the slouchy wide-wale corduroys that showed up more than once in the fall lineup, styled with crewneck knits and round-collar shirts, sleeves casually pushed up to elbows. Grounded and refreshing, it had the ‘get things done’ energy. Photo: Tory Burch via PurseBlog Bunny Mellon and Burch’s father, Lt. Mr. Robinson, became the quiet starting point for the whole collection of classic influences seen through a very modern lens. Instead of entirely reinventing the wheel, Burch took familiar archetypes and gave them a fresh update. It was the same sharp tailoring, strong outerwear and timeless cardigans elevated with richer fabrics, bolder color and latest proportions. By scaling up antique-inspired dresses, overcoats and woven jackets to feel bigger, bolder and more current, she kept things lively through her color story. Tangerine, olive green and butter yellow all added warmth to an otherwise neutral base. The details were even better, like the gilded badla embroidery delicately hand-done by Indian artisans, adding depth without losing that classic ease. And then came the dresses! Silky peplums, soft ruffles and gentle ruching that gave a subtle nod to the ’80s revival everyone seems to be craving right now. Feminine, grounded, wearable and very now. During the preview, Burch shared that she’d been reflecting on how clothes from the past keep getting reimagined over time and how true style manages to endure, even when the world feels uncertain. “What I wanted to do is to take these classic ideas and spin them, twist them and move them in a different, more individual idea and direction.” She states this while pointing to a pair of her father’s own corduroy pants reimagined in warm apricot and saffron tones, styled with super-soft, brushed Shetland wool sweaters layered over sweet Peter Pan–collared shirts. It had a whole new vibe with the same old charm. Burch also revealed that about a decade ago, she bought and restored Bunny Mellon’s house in Antigua. While exploring it, she found knotted cushions tucked away in the basement, which would later become a motif for the whole season. You could see it everywhere! In the new Bunny Knot quilted bags, the nubby raffia-woven chunky navy knits and even in the oversized shoe hardware. This gave a slightly pilgrim-style twist, something Burch said she’d always wanted to try. Photo: Tory Burch via Reddit Embellishment played a big role, too. Shoes shimmered with subtle beaded touches, leaning into what feels like NYFW’s current “trinket era.” The brand’s love for statement details kept showing up in the form of funky shoes, bold jewelry, leather-wrapped shell earrings, geometric belts and quirky sardine pins that added a playful, slightly offbeat charm to the lineup. Decorative, yes, but never excessive. Every classic came alive as a soft, nostalgic vibe breathed through them. “Classics shaped by history and utility, made personal through our own stories and experiences -- where true style originates,” said the designer backstage. Photo: Tory Burch Throughout the collection, a question Burch kept answering was why do some clothes never go out of style. Her classics like corduroy trousers, trench coats and cozy sweaters were here to show just that! Pieces that could easily feel preppy, like a pencil skirt with a crewneck knit, were refreshed with patent leather, richer textures and bold colors like tomato red, chartreuse and saffron. Even the cardigans got a glow-up, finished with delicate metallic embroidery. And the silk dresses? They hang easy, elegant and slightly lived-in with dropped waists and a softly washed, worn feel. The setting added to the charm. Instead of a typical warehouse runway, the show unfolded inside Sotheby’s uptown offices, complete with mustard carpeting and retro wood panels. Models like Alex Consani and Emily Ratajkowski strode through the rooms in breezy, ’80s-tinged dresses and antique-inspired silhouettes, while Tessa Thompson and Amanda Seyfried vibed in the front row to a remix of Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5.” Burch gave them all a night to remember as they experienced timeless fashion with a pulse. Photo: Tory Burch via Bustle Every look arrived in striking color-blocked combinations that were very much in line with how Burch sees women dressing today -- instinctively, and not by a strict style rulebook. It also nodded to Bunny Mellon’s approach to life and design, while the dresses carried that same spirit. One standout was a bold electric orange piece with a twisted shape, subtly referencing Grecian draping and vintage drop-waist silhouettes from the ’20s and ’30s. While she introduced softer versions in spring, the fall pieces felt tougher and more grounded, made in dense washed silk with pleated, twisted and slightly deconstructed details. The pieces were pretty and easy to wear, with outerwear being a true highlight. Photo: Tory Burch via Bustle In her after notes, Burch described Fall 2026 as a reflection on what truly lasts. It was all about how women actually dress today -- by feeling, not by rules. At its core, the collection was about twisting familiar classics into something more personal and emotional. Because, as Burch subtly suggests, getting dressed shouldn’t just be routine, it should make you feel something. Clothes that announce that you are getting things done, in style!
- Perfection isn’t the point, Personality is.
Words: Fatema Barwahwala Article Edits: Laura Casella Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight via Marie Claire You can be dressed in haste but still make them stop and stare. That was the vibe at Proenza Schouler’s Fall 2026 debut under new creative director Rachel Scott. A little backstory, Proenza Schouler was launched in 2002 by real-life and creative partners Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez right after they graduated from Parsons School of Design in Manhattan. The name Proenza Schouler is actually a mash-up of the founders’ mothers’ maiden names. Since then, the label has defined the modern New York style. The ‘downtown cool’ vibe has been the brand’s statement, complemented by smart, arty pieces you’d expect at a gallery opening in SoHo. The vibe is thoughtful and confident, and the fan club is very chic. Dree Hemingway, Pamela Anderson, Chloë Sevigny, Arca, you name it! Rachel Scott was announced as Proenza Schouler’s new creative director literally days before the brand show last September. Talk about a quick entrance. But that was more of a soft launch – her real debut was Proenza Schouler’s fall collection that she designed from start to finish after founders Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez journeyed to Paris to take over Loewe. Big shoes to fill, with an even bigger spotlight to shine. “It was really important for me to respect the legacy of Proenza Schouler, and that’s this really strong love of the New York woman. But I wanted to find a way to get closer to her, to have more complexity and texture -- she can be erotic, she can be angry. Sometimes she’s not quite so perfect.” Scott said. Photo: Monica Feudi via Proenza Schouler The whole collection screamed beauty and contradictions, and her idea of “self-authorship,” where a woman gets to choose who she wants to be that day. She can be polished or a little undone. Maybe she’s usually five minutes early, but today? She’s fashionably late. For fall 2026, Scott’s message is simple: perfection is overrated. This woman is composed but mysterious, disciplined but a little unpredictable. She’s not flawless. She’s human. And that’s even better. The clothes captured this energy beautifully. We saw fringes that looked slightly undone like it had a story. Silk that wasn’t glossy and precious, but crushed and lived-in. Photo: Launchmetrics Spotlight via Harper’s Bazaar Her first full collection leaned into relaxed suiting, easy dresses and skirts that twisted just slightly off center. It wasn’t messy, but intentional -- like perfection had been gently nudged out of place. The clothes felt like New York life stitched into fabric -- slightly lived-in, slightly spontaneous, and totally smart. The tailoring was sharp but not snooty and the dresses looked like they’d been tugged on mid-walk. She showed us that elegance doesn’t have to be rigid. Sometimes, the magic is in the irregularity. Photo: L aunchmetrics Spotlight via Fashionista Then, it was time for fabrics to shine. Rich and textural, they came alive through subtle, uneven drapes and soft pleats, featuring artsy orchid prints straight from a dream. Taking spontaneity to another level, the beauty look matched the mood. Smudged red lipstick and loose hair, like the models dashed out the door with real world things on their mind beyond the outfits. The runway was lit up with a “I-ran-for-the-subway-but-still-look-fire” energy. Photo: Monica Feudi via Proenza Schouler Then came the shoes and bags where Scott really dialed up the drama. Footwear this season was delightful. Grounded pumps with exaggerated square toes, sharply elongated kitten heels and satin sandals lined with shearling footbeds. Even the ruptured fringe from the clothes made its way onto shoes, carrying that signature sense of intentional imperfection from head to toe. The magic was in the details. Scott balanced the big-picture ideas with pocket-sized twists that you’d want to zoom in on. Prominent buttons and fringed edges stood out spectacularly. Once more, Proenza Schouler stole the show with the iconic “it" bags. Over the past 20 years, its Hex bag, the clutch and the bowler have ruled the fashion world. This time, Scott mixed it up, literally. Enter calf hair, cashmere suede, French calf and kidskin! Textures layered together to make classic shapes feel fresh and unexpected. Photo: Monica Feudi via The Fashionography And the prints? Next-level artistry! Scott turned night orchids into photographic artwork, then let the process show. Film-like borders, traces of manipulation, a marriage of digital precision and human touch. The Proenza piece is now smarter and more playful than ever. Photo: Monica Feudi via The Impression Amidst all that honest chaos through effortless style and couture, the designs felt like they breathe with whoever is wearing them, whispering “I have a life, and clothes are just a part of it, not the whole story.” It was these bold, daring moments that spark curiosity about the direction Rachel Scott will take Proenza Schouler next. Her next move will likely invite a new kind of woman into the Proenza world — one who prizes instinct, unpredictability and a sense of soul honed over the years at Diotima. Her intuitive and emotional designs have quietly put her on the watch for "America’s next big thing."
- To Be Hot is To Wear Bronx and Banco
Words: Nery Gomez Article Edits: Laura Casella Photo: Bronx and Banco, NYFW Fall/Winter 2026 Runway The Bronx and Banco woman is bold, amusing and unapologetically sensual —stopping everything, compelling us to move around her. The new collection debuted with enough force to bring New York traffic to a standstill, compelling the city to pause and watch. Photo: Bronx and Banco, NYFW Fall/Winter 2026 Runway The show started with a classic yellow taxi making its way between the crowd to drop off the first protagonist of the collection. A sheer brown dress paired with a broad-shouldered leather jacket of the same color, forming a captivating silhouette hitting us with a breeze of freshness and confidence. Photo: Bronx and Banco, NYFW Fall/Winter 2026 Runway The brand made sure to maintain the statement of roaring sensuality on every single look. A collection full of broad-shoulder leather jackets, black lace pieces, fur coats, fringe dresses, tartan and a series of glamorous sets that command a double-take from everyone in attendance. Stepping into their identity with no fear, the materials gave the statement a body. Photo: Bronx and Banco, NYFW Fall/Winter 2026 Runway Finally, the group closed with a black sheer maxi dress with sparkling metallic trim details, styled with a matching black scarf. The collection reiterates exactly who this brand is for: women who don't ask for permission to own every room they enter — women who embody the spirit of Bronx and Banco.
- Doing It Scared, Doing It Bold: Tunde Oyeneyin’s Next Chapter
On January 28, 2026, Peloton Studios in New York City transformed into an intimate hub of celebration and storytelling for a private screening of Tyler Perry’s Sistas , honoring a major milestone for Peloton instructor and cultural powerhouse Tunde Oyeneyin. The evening marked Tunde’s premiere appearance as a series regular on the hit BET show, where she steps into her first leading television role. Hosted at Peloton Headquarters, the event brought together members of the Peloton community, creatives, and industry insiders for an evening centered on representation, courage, and growth. Prior to the screening, Tunde addressed the room with her signature authenticity speaking openly about never giving up on yourself, doing things scared, and choosing to show up boldly even when the path forward is uncertain. She proudly acknowledged what it means to be a “chocolate sis,” emphasizing that representation matters not only on screen, but within spaces like her Peloton family as well. Tunde also reassured attendees that while she is expanding into acting, she isn’t going anywhere. Peloton remains home and fans can still expect her beloved slow counts. This new chapter, she shared, is about expansion, not departure. In Sistas , Tunde plays Madison Truitt, a confident, powerful entrepreneur who has built a successful career in a male dominated industry. During a brief interview with Disrupshion Magazine, Tunde revealed just how closely she relates to the character. “I am Madison,” she shared with a laugh, noting the many parallels between their journeys. Like Madison, Tunde has prioritized her career and both women wrestle with the question of whether love was ever put on the back burner. “So do I,” Tunde joked, embracing the honesty of that reflection. When asked about working under Tyler Perry, Tunde spoke about the importance of preparation and discipline. Tyler Perry’s famously fast paced shooting style, she explained, leaves no room for hesitation much like her Peloton live streams, where there are no second takes. “You have to be ready,” she said. “The work you put in beforehand is what allows you to rise to the moment.” That same discipline is what prepared her to step confidently into this new arena. The evening closed with a powerful sense of alignment of purpose meeting preparation. As Tunde Oyeneyin continues to evolve, she remains rooted in community, authenticity, and fearless self-belief. To follow her journey, follow Tunde on Instagram @tune2tunde and catch Sistas on BET Wednesdays at 8 PM.
- Acting With Intention: Nia Miranda on Purpose, Power, and G.R.I.T.S.
For Nia Miranda, opportunity has never been something to wait on it’s something to build. The Detroit born, Nigerian rooted actress is stepping into a transformative chapter of her career as the lead of G.R.I.T.S. (Girls Raised in the South), AMC Networks’ ALLBLK original series that premiered October 30, 2025. The show centers Southern Black womanhood with warmth, complexity, and joy an intentional departure from the narrow portrayals that have dominated mainstream storytelling for decades. Editor In Chief/Words: Angel Neal Photography: Jamal Josef But G.R.I.T.S. is only one dimension of Miranda’s evolution. Off screen, she’s an activist whose global impact work and sustainability advocacy are seamlessly integrated into her artistry. On screen, she’s a multi-hyphenate redefining what success looks like when talent meets intention. “This is the story of an actress who didn’t just wait for opportunities,” Miranda says. “I’ve always known I had to create my own lane.” Long before network leads and red carpets, Miranda learned the power of self creation as a child growing up in Detroit. She recalls being in a singing group with her friends, remixing church songs and performing them live without permission. “We didn’t ask,” she laughs. “We just did what felt right. That feeling that creative freedom that’s when I realized you don’t have to wait for someone to allow you to be great.” That early sense of possibility never left her. Named after the fifth principle of Kwanzaa purpose , Miranda says intentionality has guided her choices from a young age. “I was a kid saying, ‘I can't do that, I’m going to be famous one day.’ I knew I wanted my work to push culture forward, not just chase popularity.” That clarity led her to turn down opportunities that didn’t align, including early reality TV offers. “I wanted patience over quick fame. Roles that actually change things.” Miranda’s grounding comes from two powerful identities: the grit of Detroit and the excellence ingrained in her Nigerian heritage. “Detroit gave me the ‘boss up’ energy,” she says. “It’s a small city with a big attitude. You move like you’ve got something to prove.” Her Nigerian roots, she adds, instilled discipline, pride, and a deep respect for education. “My father made sure we didn’t just rely on talent we studied. Excellence was the expectation.” Together, those influences shape the stories she’s drawn to and how she shows up in them. That purpose became even clearer during a life changing trip to Kenya, where Miranda partnered with GivePower to bring solar electricity and a computer lab to a rural school that had never had power. “I went there wanting to give,” she says, “but I received so much more.” One moment still stays with her: asking a fourth grade girl what she wanted to look up once she had internet access. “She said, ‘I want to understand the composition of air.’ That blew my mind. She might be the next astronaut and all she needed was access.” The experience reshaped Miranda’s definition of success. “They had less materially, but they were rich in joy, love, and community. It really changed my perspective on what we’re chasing in America.” That trip directly inspired Let’s Go Eco!, her upcoming children’s educational entertainment read along series teaching environmentalism through fun, music, and global storytelling. “Our kids are the youngest change makers,” Miranda explains. “Adults are stuck in their ways—but kids? They go home and tell their parents to recycle.” In G.R.I.T.S., Miranda plays Bria, sharp tongued, magnetic, and deeply layered. It’s her first major main network lead role, and a historic moment for visibility on ALLBLK . “What meant the most was that this was led by brown skinned girls,” she says. “I have brown skinned sisters. Representation like this matters.” Set against the backdrop of Southern culture, the series embraces complexity without judgment showing young Black women navigating family, love, ambition, and identity. “These women aren’t written to be judged,” Miranda says. “They’re written to be experienced.” Humanizing the so called “mean girl” archetype was one of her favorite challenges. “What if the camera just keeps catching her on a bad day?” she asks. “We’d all look wild in traffic.” Roller skating used in the series as a symbol of freedom and community became unexpectedly personal for Miranda. “I didn’t even know Bria skated when I got cast,” she says. “But training brought me back to little Nia falling, getting back up, not a care in the world.” It’s a metaphor she carries beyond the role. “That’s how we should live life. Free. And when you fall get back up.” In an industry that often pressures artists to simplify themselves, Miranda refuses. “Never,” she says firmly. “God gave me a lot. If He wanted me to do one thing, He would’ve given me one thing.” Acting, producing, directing, children’s content, sustainability, she embraces it all. “This is my movie. I’m the main character. Why would I limit the story?” Her advice to young Black women navigating creativity and conscience is rooted in reflection. “Go back to little you. Those dreams were pure before the world told you no.” At 29, Miranda made the leap to California, fulfilling a childhood vision. “When this life says cut, it’s a real cut. So live it fully. Die empty. Use all your gifts.” Over the next decade, Miranda envisions freedom above all else working across the African continent, championing global stories, leading biopics, children’s projects, and whatever else aligns. “I want a career like Queen Latifah or Snoop Dogg,” she says. “Where you can do a gospel album, a kids album, a drama whatever you want. That’s abundance.” As G.R.I.T.S. continues to build toward cult classic status, one thing is clear: Nia Miranda isn’t just starring in the future of Black television she’s intentionally shaping it. And she’s only getting started. To keep up with all things Nia follow her here @nia_mirandi .
- Interview with New York City DJ Ladler
DJ Ladler makes the move from the West Coast to New York City.Landon Adler, aka Ladler, brings his music to New York, leaving behind his growing legacy in Los Angeles. Known for his immersive, story driven house sets, Ladler takes audiences on a journey each time he performs. “The story is the world that I’m building. It’s unexpected, and I want people to walk away feeling like they’ve discovered new music they’ve never heard before,” he shares. Beyond his talent as a DJ, Ladler has built a comedic presence on social media through his “WTF Is This Mashup?” series on Instagram, where he blends unexpected sounds like a ping pong paddle and Lizzo’s “About Damn Time” with Kevin Parker’s music. He has played a wide range of shows, including one memorable set at a dispensary where he assumed he had bombed. “Throughout the whole set, no one was dancing,” he recalls. “But right when I got off, everyone came up to say it was one of the best sets they’d ever heard.” Now newly based in New York, Ladler says he feels like a “fresh palette.” He hopes the move will push him to think outside the box and rise to the challenge of the city’s diverse and expansive DJ scene. You can check out Ladler’s “WTF IS THIS DJ SET” on his YouTube channel and follow him on Instagram to see his upcoming performances. Watch the interview here: Interview By: Andrew Sookdeo












