Covergirl unveiled a new ad staring the newest cast of iconic Covergirls which includes actress Issa Rae, chef Ayesha Curry and Massy Arias, and it's epic!
In what looks like a dramatic departure from the days of “Easy, Breezy, Beautiful", the “I Am What I Make Up" tagline emphasizes that women's empowerment and beauty go hand in hand. The ad features each woman in her own individual light dominating each moment with faces beat for the gawds.
The cast—which also features singer Katy Perry, professional road racer Shelina Moreda, and even Elon Musk's Mom, Maye Musk—glistens during scenes of strength (like motorcycles racing and weightlifting) juxtaposed to flashes of lashes, lipstick and beauty shots. The ad promotes that all women should be living life on their own terms with style at any age. This is perhaps Covergirl's most diverse line-up, which should be a breath of fresh air for many women. It is a fresh take on what it means to be a “Covergirl".
Fitness influencer Massy Arias, formerly known as Mankofit, shared the news to her Instagram account while expressing that she could have never imagined, in her wildest dreams, she'd be a Covergirl.
I remember watching America's next top model growing up as a young girl. Dreaming of a chance to experience for just one minute what it'd be like to take pictures with pretty makeup and pretend I was a model... A Covergirl. Oh, but did I ever believe I would one day become one. It's extremely humbling now to be in a position where I can possibly inspire young girls and women around the world.
With so much going on lately in the advertising world in regards to women—particularly women of color—it is not only a welcome visual, but it is likely to provide Cover Girl with additional appeal in the wake of the success of lines like Fenty Beauty. It is great to see companies make the effort to be increasingly inclusive with their marketing efforts, and it will be interesting to see if it translates into sales.
Are you here for Cover Girl's new way of embracing diversity and women's empowerment?
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The essence of effortless poise and refinement shines bright through the iconic university colors of indigo blue, red, and white. Every October, Howard University students, alumni, staff, and friends gather on the prestigious campus in Washington, D.C. to take part in time-honored traditions and events, which is Homecoming. This year's theme, “The Meccaverse,” was a week-long celebration of Howard University’s heritage, including the Homecoming football game and Bison Pep Rally, the Fashion Show, Greek Life Step Show, Homecoming Day of Service, Lavender Reception, and the iconic Yard Fest Concert.
As 2024 marked the 100th anniversary of the Howard Bison trek back to The Mecca and after two years of virtual events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this was to be a celebration of a lifetime. We enlisted HU alumnus Sharmaine Harris, a luxury retail buyer, as she revisited her alma mater as eyes on the yard for fashion-forward outfits mixed with personal style and campus pride for the weeklong celebration.
Before we get to the looks, discover how attending Howard University impacted her career in fashion and her day-to-day style:
Credit: Sharmaine and Friends
xoNecole: Describe your personal style. Did attending Howard have any impact on developing it?
Sharmaine: Howard taught me that there’s no such thing as being TOO dressed. There’s always a reason to “put it on” and look presentable, even if it’s just for a day of classes. Standing out was celebrated and encouraged with my peers embracing the opportunity, giving me the confidence to try new styles and trends.
xoNecole: How did Howard shape your career as a luxury buyer?
Sharmaine: I studied Fashion Merchandising, through which I was fortunate to have professors who were very connected to the industry and able to give first-hand accounts of opportunities and what to expect post-college. I was also able to build a network through my peers and other Howard Alum, which has opened doors to endless possibilities both within fashion as well as daily life.
The same confidence instilled in me through my style has also been rooted deeply within me as I step into any role or project I’m faced with throughout my career.
xoNecole: This year marked Howard’s 100th-anniversary Homecoming celebration. Can you describe what the weekend looked and felt like?
Sharmaine: I’ve gone to many Howard Homecomings since graduating, but this year’s 100th anniversary felt like a huge family reunion filled with nothing but love. It was beautiful to see so many Bison return home looking great and radiating joy. It was beautiful!
xoNecole: What makes Howard fashion different from other HBCUs?
Sharmaine: Being that Howard is The Mecca, we have such a diverse population with each individual having their own spin on fashion. Getting dressed is second nature for us, but the layered confidence is our secret ingredient to make any look come together. Through that comfortability to push barriers, we have a legacy of setting trends, as indicated by the many alumni we have in the fashion and entertainment industry.
Keep scrolling for the top street style moments from The Mecca's Homecoming weekend:
Credit: Lacey Gallagher
Credit: Alan Henderson
Credit: JaLynn Davis
Credit: Dylan Davis
Credit: Caleb Smith
Credit: Kendall W.
Credit: Jordyn Finney
Credit: Vanessa Nneoma
Credit: Dr. Mariah Sankey-Thomas
Credit: Caleb MacBruce
Credit: Tiffany Battle
Credit: Teniola
Credit: Ilahi Creary
Credit: Nicolas Ryan Grant
Credit: Dylan Davis
Join us in celebrating HBCU excellence! Check out our Best In Class hub for inspiring stories, empowering resources, and everything you need to embrace the HBCU experience.
Featured image courtesy of Sharmaine Harris
