As we enter into a new month and fall approaches, many of us are focused on realigning our energies. One artist that understands that more than most is Alicia Keys, who proved that with her new song "So Done". Centered around the ideas of letting go and living your life on your own terms, the video's backdrop is a high school prom and features singer Khalid and Keys as modern-day band leaders. While the video is saturated with stunning images, we want to focus on Alicia Keys' luxurious twists.
Celebrity hairstylist and co-founder of Flawless by Gabrielle Union, Larry Sims, had the vision behind Keys' music video hairstyle. The length emphasizes the relaxed vibe of the oversized suit the vocalist dons, while the zig-zag parting perfectly compliments the diamond-encrusted bralet she rocks. The hair is both the finishing touch and the highlight of the ensemble.
A hairstyle perfect for any occasion (and so easy to do at home), Sims provided a step-by-step of how to recreate the look:
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"Step 1: Part hair diagonally at the nape of the neck and split the hair evenly down the middle horizontally."
"Step 2: Make triangle shapes throughout the head, smooth sections of hair into small ponytails using the Flawless by Gabrielle Union Defining Curl Hair Cream."
"Step 3: Repeat on your entire head with making diagonal partings that will result in triangle sections for your mini ponytails."
"Step 4: Start with the next section which is on the temple and goes through to the next line from the section at the back of the head."
Alicia Keys/YouTube
"Step 5: Next, grab a medium-sized section of your pre-stretched braiding hair & slide a small hairpin in the middle to split into two bundles of strands."
"Step 6: Split the difference of your natural hair evenly and double-strand twist your hair clockwise."
"Step 7: After your whole head is twisted, dip the ends with freshly boiled water to soften and seal."
"Last Step: Finish off the look by spraying L'Oréal Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hair Spray on your twists for extra security and flawless finish."
Make sure to tag @xonecole in your recreation on the 'gram!
Featured image provided by Alicia Keys/YouTube
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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
