< Previous40 Beauty“Moisturize! Moisturize! With a good oil. Crunchy edges ain’t cute.” “Be playful, but be gentle and be kind. Sprinkle your edges with water before sculpting for extra slaying power.” —SHELBY SWAIN, @THESHELBYSWAIN —EBONY BOMANI, @PATTERNBEAUTY Black women are good at naming things for themselves—especially when it marks a point of difference or when the word they were given just wasn’t y enough. And we knew “hairline” was far too at for such a dynamic site. “Edges” is much more accurate. It communicates both being on the verge (of so many things) and the verve in a woman of colour’s head. We’re also brilliant at taking what appears to be broken and transforming it into something beautiful. We’ve reframed edges—our shortest, most vulnerable baby hairs—into an opportunity for whimsy and creativity. An area that could have been discarded as damaged, troubled, or burdensome has been marked by Black and brown girls for Black and brown girls as something sweet, precious, and cool . That’s why edge styling wasn’t born in a high-end salon but from the innovation and imagination of everyday “regular” coloured girls. Perhaps the spirit of Josephine Baker, with her black patent leather nger waves and magnique plastered-down swoops, whispered a little song in their ears: “Bonjour, brown girl, go on grab you an old toothbrush and some brown gel, make some curls and swirls to show off that pretty brown face of yours.” This isn’t so far-fetched, actually. Finger waves were the gateway to all baby-hair art, says celebrity stylist Shelby Swain, aka the Beyoncé of Baby Hair. Growing up with older parents, Swain was only allowed the standard pink-roller-set bang as a hair ourish. She’d gaze longingly at her peers who got to play with their edges. She told her little-girl self that when she grew up, she’d make sure everyone else could too. “The only reason I went to beauty school was to learn how to do nger waves,” she remembers. Emancipating edges became her calling and she answered, leveling up to create some of the most iconic edge designs of today. “Edges are like little jewels,” explains edge-art pioneer and natural-hair educator Anastasia Ebel, owner of BabyBangz salon in New Orleans. She’s been styling her own hair since kindergarten, when she had to wear a uniform to school and (like millions of women) felt like her hair was the only place she could express herself. For her, working with edges just feels good. “You can wake up and feel defeated, make a puff, frame your face with adornments made from your own hair, and no one has to know what happened. You can x anything with edges.” Through our edges, you can begin to enter our story. Black women, who’ve been living on the fringes of society since we rst reached the shores of the United States, have struggled, organized, and loved our way out of the shadows and into the cultural spotlight. Now there is a Black and Indian (one of many great cultural combinations for baby hair, by the way) woman in the White House, one step removed from the most powerful political position on the planet. Our edges are a visual representation of that beautiful journey. A living symbol of our tenderness , our tenacity, and our genius that deserves and demands liberation, protection, and love. 41 BeautyF A SHION What better way to shake your opponnent’s mentality the minute you step on the court than with this Louis Vuitton racket cover. The brand’s iconic monogram pattern is engraved on a tennis court-inspired jacquard velvet material. And with a pocket for storing your own things, lined by gold-tone details, this piece will definitely distract the competition. Who said you had to sacrifice style for sport? (Or vice-versa). Nail those swings in style PHO TOGRAPHY B Y LEE HO-HYUN . AR T DIRE C TION B Y LEE S ANG- YOON Louis Vuitton Monogram Velvet Tennis Racket Cover, Dhs8,450 42that are *actually* worth the hype Balmain x Pokémon The ultimate throwback game (and anime) is pairing up with French luxury brand Balmain to unveil The Pokémon x Balmain Trainer Fashion Set that brings to life all the fun, and bold aspects of the game, while still staying true to the luxury brand’s love for community and imagination. Balenciaga x Fortnite The luxury fashion house dropped the Balenciaga Fit Set on Fortnite for players featuring digital fashion outfits and accessories, free sprays, the Strange Times Featured Hub, and a live Fortography campaign, for players to explore in-game. Balenciaga’s Fortnite characters’ made their way into real-world immersive 3D billboard experiences across London, New York, Tokyo, and Seoul. Prada x Riders Republic Earlier this year, Prada collaborated with Ubisoft to present the Prada Linea Rossa collection into the virtual world of the Riders Republic game. Each player can customize their character’s style and choose from the collection’s outfits – The Flame, Wild Stripes and Camouflage Rock – and sports gear – skis, snowboards and bikes. Players can also win exclusive outfits through the Shackdaddy Bandits’ weekly challenges or challenge their friends in a game of ‘Prada Beyond The Line’. Gucci x Roblox Metaverse In honour of Gucci’s 100th anniversary, the brand collaborated with Roblox to launch a virtual Gucci Garden based on their real-life interactive multi-space Gucci Garden in Florence. With the opening of the Gucci Garden Archetypes exhibit, the virtual garden was open to the public and offered themed rooms paying homage to Gucci campaigns, with the player’s avatar changing appearance with every room they explore. FYI: The Dionysus bag sold in the game was worth $4,115 (Dhs15,114), more than the bag’s retail value of $3400 (Dhs12,488). Yikes. Louis Vuitton x League of Legends In collaboration with Riot Games, Louis Vuitton designed the League of Legends trophy case for the 2019 World Championship in Paris. The brand also launched a Louis Vuitton x League of Legends capsule collection, inspired by the online video game. ICYMI: Video games are becoming a high-fashion playground. Brands are increasingly releasing new drops in the virtual world, and we’ve broken down all the in-game collabs you need to know, and wear. gaming x fashion collabs FashionBy now, you might have seen the not- so-candid ‘’leaks’’* from Margot Robbie’s Barbie lm, due to premiere in theatres on July 31, 2023. *Note my intentional use of the quotation marks around the word ‘’leaks’’ as I am sure we are all aligned that they were a skillfully produced PR tease, a cinematic amuse-bouche, if you will. There is a cowgirl out t and a rollerblading out t in blinding neon hues, and, naturally, we get to feast our eyes on the colour pink. A lot of it – as was to be expected from a lm based on the eponymous fashion doll line that trademarked the PANTONE shade called ‘’Barbie Pink’’ in 2008. So far, so good; everything adds up. Yet I had somewhat of an epiphany, as simultaneously with the above PR stint, global fashion weeks dominated my iPhone screen and my head space at the time. The colour palates collided; was it all a coincidence or a well-timed trend prophecy? It started with Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Valentino pink for F/W2022. The brand described the total pink-out as an ‘’experimental yet deeply human gesture that enhanced individuality, captured values, renditions of what once was, and more importantly, what once reaped commercial revenue. We crave the opposite of what we have witnessed too much of, naively thinking that it is something new. With social media overexposing every trend, we get tired a little quicker than we used to, and as opposed to lasting decades, trends last for a couple of seasons at most. As we are currently lingering in a very easy-on-the-eyes, post-pandemic, trauma- healing earthy aesthetic (with a xation on neutrals, Japanese living and what TikTok calls the Clean Girl Aesthetic); kudos to Margot Robbie (co-producing the lm) for spotting our need for neon as early as in Barbiecore the fashion acid re ux to all the earthy beiges we should have seen coming? 2019. Kudos to costume designer Jacqueline Durran for executing it with such panache. Are you hesitant about incorporating Ken’s bum bag acid yellow into your beautifully curated off-colour wardrobe? Ease into it – it is important to remember that fashion is merely a tool for your self-expression and not vice versa. Neon typically translates well into activewear and pieces suitable for nighttime lighting. I envision trying on the trend with a bright and saturated XXXL-sized blazer, cinched at the waist, worn as a dress, and perhaps a new pair of fast athletic sneakers with an acid yellow triple stripe. It takes some planning and courage to jump on the technicolour trend, and I might be the last person to entirely cave in. It is, after all, in my Scandinavian genetic coding to fear all colours. But guess what? I am already eyeing spray tan vendors after one too many leaks of Ken, (played by Ryan Gosling), looking like a bronze ‘80s schnack. W O RD S BY T E RES A K A RP INSK A and feelings’’. We watched it from the sidelines, enjoyed every morsel but happily cruised in our current beige, breathable, ethically produced linen fashion reality. We matched the ts with artisanal baskets that were either indeed artisanal and purchased during a trip to the south of France; or adorned with a subtle YSL / Prada / CELINE logo and purchased at the Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue. Fast forward to last week, and acid yellows, neon greens, and showstopping pinks appeared on almost every brand’s runway. Amidst the (still very much present) nudes and beiges, we saw glimpses of joyful, kaleidoscopic, almost technicolour-like hues. Was this to be expected? Very much so. A fashion trend’s life cycle can be divided into ve stages: introduction, rise, peak, decline, and obsolescence. After obsolescence, however, comes reintroduction – there is no such thing as new trends, merely circular Let’s decipher what THOSE viral Barbie The Movie outfits tell us about a significant trend shift ahead. Is GRAPHIC B Y J ANICE CRA ST O . IMA GE S : GET T Y & INS TA GRAM 44 FashionDon’t be surprised if you suddenly fall madly in love. BY M AG G I E G R I S W O L D AN D AN D R E A Z E N D E JA S PHO T O G R APH BY C H E L S I E C R AIG TOP HAND: Corey Anthony Jones (ring), price upon request, coreyanthonyjones. com, and Birthright Foundry (middle, ü ve-stone), Dhs24,405, birthrightfoundry.com, both of which are participants of the Natural Diamond Council’s Emerging Designers Diamond Initiative. Retrouvaí (middle, band single diamond), price upon request, net-a-porter.com. Katkim (index), Dhs39,856, katkimü ne jewelry.com. BOTTOM HAND: Mateo (index), Dhs27,341, net-a-porter.com. Sophie Bille Brahe (middle), Dhs72,849, brokenenglishjewelry.com. Jennie Kwon (ring, emerald), Dhs4,385, catbird nyc.com. Jemma Wynne (ring, open two-stone), price upon request, jemmawynne. com. Grace Lee (pinkie, helix), Dhs43,518, gracelee.com. All that glitters You could go with a timeless round diamond, sure. Or you could opt for one of these, guaranteed to turn heads with bold bands, asymmetrical ý air, and statement gems. Just the prettiest engagement rings out there PROP S T YLIS T: BETH P AKRADOONI . F OOD S T YLIS T: T YNA HO ANG . F A SHION S T YLIS T: J A CL YN P ALERMO . 45 FashionThe Light Academia pack Checked Waist Bag by Mistotes Looking a lil’ laid back for a busy day ahead? This fanny pack will be your lifesaver. Dhs99, centrepointstores.com Asymmetric Stiletto Shoes by Mango Blair Waldorf would wear these (so you should too). Dhs199, shop.mango.com Brilliant PM Enlaced Box Bag by Delvaux A woman’s handbag says a lot about her, and this piece screams that you’ve got your sh*t together (!!) Dhs32,000, Delvaux, The Dubai Mall Etoiile Roscoe Cotton Shorts by Isabel Marant Try on these white utilitarian shorts for any off- duty days that you’ve got coming up. Dhs745, bloomingdales.ae Olympea by PACO RABANNE Prepare yourself for the compliments you’ll receive with this fragrance on. A plus is that it’ll look gorgeous on your dresser. Dhs375, sephora.ae Slick Hair Wand by THIE SLICK HAIR Company Keep your updo under control and cute with this hair saviour. Dhs80, projectbyouty.com Square Frame Sunglasses by Tom Ford Eyewear Pair these chic glasses with some cute knitwear and cigarette pants. Smart and stylish. Dhs959, farfetch.com Parure Gold Foundation by Guerlain Go for that dewy, clean-skin, ‘that girl’ look with this foundation for your makeup base. Dhs426, sephora.ae Leather Mocassin Shoes by Mango It’s giving Taylor Swift circa-RTFN. Dhs399, shop.mango.com Lucite Games Set by SunnyLife Any Light Academia girl would have these ~sophisticated~ games at home. Dhs717, pricklypear.com PHO TOGRAPHY B Y EFRAIM EVIDOR | S T YLING B Y J ANICE CRA ST O 46 FashionPrices are subject to change on noon.com The E-Girl pack Hello Kitty GTR by Dickie Fit for a real-life E-girl wonderland. Dhs455 Rectangular Sunglasses by Lacoste Stand out in these stunner shades, bb. Dhs635 On-Ear Gaming Headphone by RAZER If you’re not quite sure whether or not to embrace the trend yet, these headphones will definitely make you reconsider. Dhs1,521 Platform Chelsea Boots by Calvin Klein Leave it to the good ol’ kicks to ensure you don’t kill your feet. Dhs805 Titanium Steel Ruby Studded Ring What’s better than stacking multiple rings? Having these ruby-studded ones serve the in-my-villain-era phase. Dhs49 Driving Force Racing Wireless Wheel For Playstation, Xbox and PC by Logitech Just by *looking* at this, you know you’re already in the racer zone. Toodles, adding this to the cart at lightning speed. Dhs1.549 Schwing Liquid Eyeliner by theBalm For every siren eye look you’ve got planned Dhs32 Noelle Crossbody Camera Bag by GUESS Trust: An E-girl can never have enough black in their ‘fits. Dhs377 Aerox 3 Wireless Gaming Mouse by SteelSeries This ultra-lightweight wireless mouse is to the rescue to defeat your competition. Dhs529 AirPods Pro 2nd Generation by Apple A gentle reminder to get these so that you don’t spend an hour untangling earphone wires. Dhs949 All products shoppable at noon.com Oculus Quest All-in- One VR Headset Just the virtual-reality headset to splurge on. Alternate universe, here you come. Dhs1,899 Liquid Blush by NARS Say it with us, blush is your BFF. Every Time. Dhs182 47 FashionT H E FURRIE S If you’re part of the furry fandom (the subculture of gaming interested in anthropomorphic animal characters), then stop right here. The fashion world’s answer to The Furries, it seems, comes in playful handheld doses, ranging in size from iPhone-shaped minaudières to weekender carryalls. BY MIL L I MIDW O O D B o tt e g a V e n e ta , D h s 10 ,1 5 0 a t n e t- a -p o rt e r.c o m F e n d i F ir s t S m a ll , D h s1 6 ,2 9 0 at fe nd i.c om JW Anderson, Dhs2,665 at net-a-port er .c om 48 FashionBY FAR, Dhs1, 545 at far fe tc h.c o m Co ach, Dhs1,44 8 at fa rfe tc h .c o m J im m y C h o o , D h s6 ,2 72 at net-a-p ort er .c o m B o tt e g a V e n e ta , D h s1 0 ,15 0 at ou na ss.c om Marc Jacobs, Dhs1,930 at tryano.com Jill Sander , Dhs3,853 at net-a-port er.com 49 FashionNext >