Caitlin Clark is headed to the WNBA. Hitting X, the Iowa Hawkeyes superstar and all-time NCAA scoring leader in college basketball, revealed she will enter the WNBA Draft.
“While this season is far from over and we have a lot more goals to achieve, it will be my last one at Iowa,” Clark wrote. She thanked her teammates, coaches and the thousands of fans who have packed arenas across the country to watch her and the sixth-ranked Hawkeyes.”
Clark is expected to go No. 1 to the Indiana Fever overall, making a superstar tandem with South Carolina’s Aliyah Boston.
As Black History Month draws to a close, we turn our attention to a new fashion line making waves in the USA: Fort Mose 1738. Designed for US audiences by Maurice Gattis, a professor of social work at Virginia Commonwealth University and a prominent LGBQT advocate, Fort Mose 1738 aims to “shine a light” on the remarkable artistry discovered during Maurice’s visit to Ghana in 2021.
A Journey of Friendship and Partnership
Maurice’s journey to Ghana began as a vacation but evolved into a transformative experience. A chance encounter with a local taxi driver led to a friendship that blossomed into a business partnership. Inspired by the exquisite craftsmanship and vibrant textiles he encountered, Maurice embarked on a mission to bring Ghanaian artistry to a global audience.
An Exclusive Interview with Maurice Gattis
In an exclusive interview, Maurice Gattis shares insights into the inspiration behind Fort Mose 1738 and the unique partnership that brought it to life.
Fulfilling a Mission Through Fashion
“My experiences as a Fulbright Scholar and my background in social work have profoundly influenced my approach to fashion design,” Maurice explains. “I wanted to create a brand that not only celebrates African artistry but also educates consumers about the rich history of Fort Mose, the first free black community in America.”
Empowering Skilled Artisans
Fort Mose 1738 is more than just a fashion brand; it’s a platform for empowering skilled artisans in Ghana. “Our collaboration with local couturiers in Ghana ensures that each garment is meticulously crafted using traditional techniques,” Maurice emphasizes. “By supporting ethical sourcing and sustainable production practices, we aim to promote economic empowerment and cultural preservation.”
Celebrating Diversity in African Fashion
“African fashion is not one look, one style, one textile, it is diverse,” Maurice notes. “With Fort Mose 1738, it is our goal to reach people who are interested in combining contemporary Western looks with Ghana’s stunning textiles.”
Honoring Cultural Heritage Through Design
Kente, a traditional Ghanaian textile, plays a central role in Fort Mose 1738’s designs. “Kente has played a very important role in Ghana’s history,” Maurice explains. “The fabric, as well as the bold, colorful prints abstracted from Ghana’s natural surroundings, demonstrate an authentic, local influence.”
Prioritizing Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
“Fort Mose 1738 exists to help bring American attention to the work of these skilled artisans,” Maurice emphasizes. “Our pieces are produced in small batches to minimize waste, and we prioritize ethical sourcing practices to support local communities.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Fort Mose 1738
“I’m currently working on designing the Fort Mose 1738 Spring/Summer 2025 collection,” Maurice shares. “Our goal is to continue designing versatile cotton and Kente pieces that celebrate Ghanaian heritage while offering contemporary, wearable designs for everyday life.”
As Maurice Gattis continues to blend Ghanaian artistry with contemporary fashion, Fort Mose 1738 promises to be a beacon of inspiration for fashion enthusiasts around the world. With its commitment to celebrating cultural heritage, promoting sustainability, and empowering local communities, Fort Mose 1738 represents more than just a fashion brand—it’s a celebration of creativity, diversity, and collaboration.
Klarna, the AI-powered global payments network and shopping assistant, unveils its latest collaboration with Chicago-based designer Emma “The Stitch Gawd” McKee. In partnership with the legendary Chicago Bulls, Klarna announces McKee as the designer of a special edition sneaker for the Bulls’ mascot, Benny The Bull. This initiative is part of Klarna’s ongoing partnership with the Bulls as their official shopping partner.
McKee, known for her work with Chicago icons like Chance the Rapper, will present the sneakers to Benny at The Bulls’ February 27 home game against the Detroit Pistons. The design pays homage to Chicago’s rich history, with elements representing the original Chicago Stadium and the city’s NBA championship wins. Klarna’s signature “Pay in Four” feature is also incorporated into the design.
I’m thrilled to partner with Klarna and design a shoe for Chicago’s most iconic mascot, Benny The Bull,” said McKee. “I love the city of Chicago and being able to create a shoe that’s a tribute to the city and represents the nostalgia of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s Bulls was such a great experience. The Benny shoes have all sorts of nods to the Chicago Stadium – namely, the original Benny The Bull shoes were all red, and so are these (with a hint of Klarna pink, of course). And the four gold stars are of course for the city of Chicago.”
The announcement marks the third consecutive year of Klarna’s collaboration with a Chicago creative for the Bulls’ mascot sneakers. Previous collaborations include Chuck Anderson and Don C. As part of the festivities, fans at the game will have the opportunity to receive limited-edition posters and custom Benny The Bull t-shirts. Additionally, select fans will receive surprise deliveries from Don C himself.
The Stitch Gawd also created a t-shirt for the Bulls, worn by guard Ayo Dosunmo upon arena arrival.
“We’re excited to partner with ‘The Stitch Gawd’ on another exciting Benny The Bull sneaker collaboration,” said Megan Gokey, Head of B2C Marketing in North America and the United Kingdom, Klarna. “Her design is a nod to the history of the Bulls and the iconic Chicago Stadium, a place Chicago sports fans made memories for decades. In our partnership with the Bulls, Klarna is always looking to boost the fan experience and make shopping smoother within the United Center, and I think we’ve done just that in our third iteration of sneakers for Benny. From shopping with Klarna Smoooth Delivery to the chance to receive a surprise delivery from Don C, fans have a lot of exciting activity to look forward to at the February 27 game.”
“I’m thrilled to pass on this design project to my friend Emma ‘The Stitch Gawd,’” said Don C. “We both share a passion for design and for the city of Chicago, so this is the perfect project for us both. I can’t wait for Bulls fans to see the nostalgic shoe design she’s put together – I even used it as inspiration for the fourth iteration of my poster series with the Bulls.”
Emma McKee, also known as “The Stitch Gawd,” is celebrated for her cross-stitch designs for musicians, artists, and athletes. Raised in Kansas City, McKee has established herself as a prominent figure in Chicago’s music, sports, and entertainment community.
Klarna continues to demonstrate its commitment to Chicago and its vibrant creative scene through initiatives like these, fostering connections between art, sports, and commerce.
Gap, the renowned American fashion brand, introduces its Spring 2024 campaign, spotlighting linen as the canvas for individual style expression. Embracing fashion, music, and dance, the campaign features GRAMMY® Award–winning artist Tyla and showcases Gap’s Linen Collection with seamless motion and effortless movement.
Set to the worldwide hit “Back On 74” by the BRIT Award–nominated Jungle, the campaign’s original choreography by Shay Latukolan is directed by Jungle’s J Lloyd and Charlie Di Placido. Inspired by the track’s TikTok phenomenon, the campaign celebrates creativity and authenticity.
Tyla, the South African sensation, brings her Billboard Hot 100 hit “Water” to Gap’s campaign, aligning her unique style with Gap’s dedication to originality. Jungle, founded by childhood friends J Lloyd and Tom McFarland, adds their genre-blurring mix to the campaign.
“It’s an absolute honor to be in a Gap campaign – so many iconic artists have worked with Gap and I now get to be one of them,” said Tyla. “I’m excited for my fans to see me do a new type of dance where I’m styled in comfortable clothes with my own personal touches. It was really fun – a true celebration of music, fashion and dance.”
“Working with talent who embody the spirit of originality is not just a choice, but a commitment to our brand’s heritage,” said Mark Breitbard, Gap’s President and CEO. “This campaign pays homage to Gap’s iconic musical ads of the past while embracing the diverse voices and talents that shape our present and future. We continue to draw inspiration from artists who authentically express themselves, using Gap style to reflect their unique personalities.”
The Linen Collection offers iconic silhouettes in versatile linen fabrications, allowing for free-flowing movement and effortless style. Gap’s Spring 2024 campaign launches today across digital media, out-of-home, video, social, and brand channels, inspiring individuals to express their originality. Stay tuned for more updates and a Gap x Jungle x Tyla in-store playlist on Spotify.
Reebok takes a bold step forward today with the launch of its latest women’s apparel line, the “Not Made to Be Subtle” collection. This innovative range, designed to cater to both performance and lifestyle needs, celebrates individuality and self-expression without reservation.
At the forefront of the collection’s global campaign stands Angel Reese, Reebok partner, college basketball champion, and fashion icon. Known for her fierce spirit and boundless energy, Reese embodies the ethos of the Not Made to Be Subtle collection – encouraging women to embrace movement and style with confidence.
“I love using fashion as a vehicle for creativity and expression in everything I do,” said Angel Reese. “The Not Made to Be Subtle collection lets me do just that – with bright, bold colors and unique designs I can express myself, tackle an intense workout, and show up with style every day in confidence.”
The Lux Contour line is central to the collection’s offerings, featuring innovative pieces like the Lux Contour Crop Top ($45) and Lux Contour Leggings ($75). These garments are engineered with precision to provide unparalleled support and comfort during workouts, featuring contour panels and elongated lines to enhance the wearer’s silhouette while utilizing Reebok’s RBK-DRY moisture-wicking fabric technology.
Expanding beyond performance wear, the Not Made to Be Subtle collection offers a curated selection of lifestyle pieces, including the Studio Editorial Jacket ($120), Classics Volume Pants ($60), and Classics Jumpsuit ($95), designed for seamless transition from workout to everyday wear.
“As we celebrate National Women’s History Month, we are thrilled to introduce the Not Made to Be Subtle collection designed to honor and empower all things femininity,” says Portia Blunt, VP of Apparel at Reebok. “Clothing is such a powerful tool of self-expression, and this new collection is built to give her the confidence to move freely and boldly.”
The Not Made to Be Subtle collection will hit Reebok.com and select retailers worldwide on March 8th, empowering women everywhere to embrace their unique style and strength.
Just last week, North West has landed on the Billboard Hot 100. In celebration, Kim Kardashian posted the achievement to her Instagram story, penning, “My baby!!!!”
Kim Kardashian celebrates North West earning her first ever entry on the Hot 100 with “TALKING” pic.twitter.com/fanC8QgIZr
Kanye West and Ty Dolla $ign’s VULTURES 1 debuted at the top of the Billboard 200. According to Billboard, the first set of songs from the duo earned 148,000 equivalent album units in its first week.
Coming in at No. 2 was Usher’s Coming Home with 91,000 units in the same period.
In an exclusive statement to Complex, Ye simply said of the achievement: “It’s a beautiful time.”
In the tracking week ending Feb. 15, Vultures 1 garnered a total of 148,000 units. Within this figure, streaming equivalent album (SEA) units accounted for 129,000, translating to approximately 167.78 million on-demand official streams of the album’s songs. Album sales contributed 18,000 units, while track equivalent album (TEA) units amounted to 1,000.
Normani is giving details of what to expect on her album. Hitting social media, the fan favorite announced her solo debut album, Dopamine.
The exact album release date is a bit of a mystery, but the RCA Records release is available for pre-save on your streaming service of choice. You can see the announcement below.
Speaking with Who What Wear, Normani revealed the album is personal to her evolution.
It’s a representation of my evolution. It’s the version of me that’s been through some things over the course of the last few years,” Normani said. “For me, this upcoming album is not just about music coming out. It feels like a representation of everything I’ve gone through to get to this moment.”
You can read her full comments below.
It’s a representation of my evolution. It’s the version of me that’s been through some things over the course of the last few years,” Normani shared. “For me, this upcoming album is not just about music coming out. It feels like a representation of everything I’ve gone through to get to this moment.”
In a bold departure from the traditional Fashion Week schedule, Darucci Leathers & Furs closed out NYFW ’24 with a spectacular showcase that left attendees in awe. Held in a secret location, the exclusive event was a testament to the brand’s commitment to redefining luxury in the fashion world.
The evening was magnified by the presence of notable influencers, actors, and industry moguls who gathered to celebrate Darucci’s latest collection. From Daniel Jean, Ms. Emmanuel, Peter Gunz, celebrity publicist Lynn Hobson, celebrity Realtor Jiton Greene, actress Katherine K. Nunez, and actor Tyler Lepley, the event boasted a diverse mix of talents and personalities.
As the runway came to life, models including Tahiry Jose and blogger itsBizkit captivated the audience with their confidence and poise, showcasing Darucci’s latest offerings with unparalleled elegance. The collection, featuring a breathtaking array of coats and furs, highlighted the brand’s exquisite craftsmanship and unwavering dedication to luxury.
Front row, music and business mogul 50 Cent watched intently, his presence serving as a testament to the event’s significance in both the fashion and entertainment spheres. His endorsement underscored Darucci’s position as a leader in the luxury fashion industry.
“We had an amazing turnout and time,” reports Brandon Alexander, Darucci’s Marketing Director. His words echoed the sentiment of the evening, reflecting the collective effort that made the event a resounding success.
The choice of a secret location, coupled with the decision to showcase the collection a week after the main Fashion Week festivities, further emphasized Darucci’s commitment to creating an exclusive and unforgettable experience for attendees.
With the support of prominent figures from various sectors and a successful turnout, Darucci Leathers & Furs has set a new benchmark for what a fashion show can be outside the conventional schedule. As the fashion world eagerly anticipates what’s next, Darucci has firmly established itself as a brand that exceeds expectations and continues to push the boundaries of luxury fashion.
Check out more looks from the epic close of NYFW 24′
When Beyoncé broke the internet again after being featured in a Version commercial during Super Bowl LVIII, it was a sign that she was on the cusp of releasing new music. Wouldn’t you know it, she immediately released two new country-inspired songs, “Texas Hold Em” and “16 Carriages.” Most went into a frenzy because, once again, Queen Bey met the moment.
Now everyone is waiting on pins and needles for the release of her debut country album Act II, the latest in her three-part Renaissance project, with the first album in the series and coinciding tour and documentary smash hits.
In essence, Beyoncé is going back home with this new endeavor. She is not only getting reacquainted with her country roots growing up in Houston, Texas but is refreshing the collective minds of America that black artists were very much the forbearers of country music.
Dating back to DeFord Bailey, Charley Price, Linda Martell, Stoney Edwards, O.B. McClinton, to the current day with artists such as Darius Rucker, Kane Brown, Rhiannon Giddens, and Brittney Spencer, black artists have been a significant staple in country music, contrary to the whitewashed version of the music where the face is predominately white and the stories told in the music come from an entirely white experience.
Much like gospel and the blues, under the horrific brutalization of slavery and Jim Crow, Black Country Music artists spoke to the black experience in the same way that year’s later soul, funk, and Hip-Hop gave voice to black and brown folks in urban communities dealing with urban plight, the crack cocaine epidemic, police brutality, and mass incarceration. They told tales of love, loss, and longing, common in country music, but also spoke to issues around pride and prejudice.
Instruments like the banjo, a staple in country and bluegrass music, originated from West Africa and are made from gourds. During slavery, enslaved Africans used the banjo when creating spirituals and hymns, and it was exclusively a black instrument.
It wasn’t until the minstrel era of the 1840s and 1850s when white performers donned blackface appropriated the use of the banjo at a time in their racist portrayal of African Americans as lazy, dangerous, and uneducated. That helped to pave the way for what originally was called “hillbilly music” in the early 20th century and was performed by both black and white artists.
In 1962, Ray Charles released Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music, in which he got in touch with his country roots with classics such as “Born to Lose,” “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” “You Don’t Know Me,” and “Bye, Bye, Love.”
But if this nation had an abundance of basic historical understanding around black history and genuine appreciation for black culture, there wouldn’t be unmitigated outrage coming from those complaining about how Beyoncé shouldn’t be played on country music stations.
An employee at the country station KYKC in Oklahoma even sent an email that read, “Hi, we do not play Beyoncé on KYKC as we are a country music station.” Dukes of Hazzard star John Schneider went as far as to compare her to a dog.
During an appearance on the conservative media network One America Network (OAN), host Allison Steinberg asked Schneider, “The lefties in the entertainment industry just won’t leave any area alone, right? They just have to seize control over every aspect, don’t they?”
Schneider replied, “They’ve got to make their mark, just like a dog in a dog walk park, you know, every dog has to mark every tree, right?”
Racism, misogyny, and historical amnesia all in one segment.
Never mind that Beyoncé has embraced her countryside before.
On her landmark Lemonade album in 2016, she proudly celebrates her southern roots on the epic track “Formation” when she says:
My daddy Alabama, Momma Louisiana
You mix that negro with that Creole make a Texas bama
I like my baby heir with baby hair and afros
I like my negro nose with Jackson Five nostrils
Earned all this money but they never take the country out me
I got a hot sauce in my bag, swag
Also, she hit the stage with the then Dixie Chicks, now referred to as The Chicks, at the 2016 CMA Awards to perform her song “Daddy’s Lessons.” She later received backlash, saying that she shouldn’t have been on there and the Grammys wouldn’t take up the song.
At a time when black history is under assault by politicians and with various states restricting what they teach on the subject of race, Beyoncé is doing not just the country music world but the nation a much-needed service that she shouldn’t have to provide.
She is forcing others to reckon, no pun intended, that the very core of country music and why it resonates so well is rooted in blackness, which is something to celebrate, not excoriate.
If anything, she provides much-needed relief for country music lovers and those on the fence because she is getting to the heart of what makes the music so timely.
As opposed to never-ending tales of partying, getting drunk, and reckless endangerment with trucks and four wheels, not too much the racist imagery and dog whiles about small towns as conveyed by Jason Aldean in his notorious “Try That in a Small Town,” the Queen B is country in the best possible sense of the word.
In truth, she is re-appropriating the appropriation of a musical art form that is quintessentially black and proud of it.
That is something to be taught and not suppressed.
Netflix’s Strong Black Lead hosted an exclusive “Hey Queen” Dinner on Thursday (Feb. 22) to celebrate Kelly Rowland’s role as the leading actress and co-producer of Tyler Perry’s Mea Culpa.
The star-studded event brought together notable attendees such as Victoria Monet, CoCo Jones, Janelle Monae, Jennifer Hudson, Niecy Nash, Quinta Brunson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Danielle Brooks, Storm Reid, Andra Day, and more to honor Rowland’s contributions to Black cinema and storytelling.
unnamed (5)
unnamed (4)
unnamed (3)
unnamed (2)
unnamed (1)
Last week, the Paris Theater in New York City was ablaze with star power as Netflix’s tantalizing new thriller, MEA CULPA, held its much-anticipated premiere. The red carpet was graced by an array of A-list celebrities, including Kelly Rowland, Trevante Rhodes, Nick Sagar, Sean Sagar, Shannon Thornton, Kerry O’Malley, alongside the film’s multifaceted creator, Tyler Perry, and producer Will Areu.
The event saw a dazzling turnout of industry luminaries, with notable personalities such as Michelle Williams, Sherri Shepherd, Tina Knowles, and Solea Pfeiffer adding to the glitz and glamour of the evening.
. They won and he played so good.”
(via 
