After watching the Presidential debate last night…I was glad I had something to focus on the next day. Me ! It’s my birthday 🎂💃🏿 And what a year it’s been, as we all have witnessed and are living with. With the unfortunate things that have happened in our country and in our world, there were some rays of light. I remain someone who is still here to improve my world and continue to help others succeed. My good health and compassion seems to be often rewarded. In July Gucci asked me step up my responsibilities to Executive Advisor Global Equity and Culture Engagement reporting to the global ceo, Marco Bizzarri. I was surprised and then again not. I nervously accepted, asking “what exactly is expected of me?” “Just be you as you have been, nothing more. I won’t asked you to do 8hrs a day, or report daily” he answered. I adjusted my concern and remembered my earthly purpose. Educate and help others to achieve. No matter. Lucky me, I like the ethics and those who oversee the brand. I continue to be blessed. For all of you and those I know personally that respect and support me as “I push the boat ashore”, grateful I remain, for still having a good mind and energy to give. I have seen and done so much along the way. Then being in that Gucci promotion in March, September ‘20 Interview Mag with Zendaya and Italian Vogue 100 cover, makes me smile in this seventh decade of life. And it’s all because of you that allows me to be. I ask all to stay the course, and VOTE no matter the debates. #designershub #cfda #gucci #diversitycoalition #balancediversity @kadeemhardison @blackgirlscoalition. Thank you 🙏🏾
I am always a bit late to the party. But here I am…everyone has posted. This Vogue cover of 100 separate images was an achievement and a blessing doing it all on film. Making a point…barely anyone shoots film anymore…sad. But my push to post, naturally is out of respect, but mostly I was seeing through out the day the joy it brought so many others seeing me on the cover of Vogue Italia amongst the 100. I thank all of you who it made happy and put a smile on your face. That’s ❤️ It’s wonderful to participate in a creative effort for a publication I admired under the helm of EIC Franca Sozzani (deceased) where she made me an Editor at Large as I contributed to VogueBlack.it Now to be part of this special issue of @vogueitalia edited by EIC @efarneti creative director @ferdinandoverderi @pg_dmcasting @samuel_ellis Photogragher: Mark Borthwick (adored and who played reggae music the entire day) Stylist: @mr_carlos_nazario Hair: @jawaraw Makeup: @susiesobol_makeup 100 covers, 100 people, 100 stories #vogueitalia100 The September issue on stands as of today August 28th. A special shout out to @jasonsoul1 of Soul Artist who tracked me down while I was peacefully hiding in the mountains of NY and encouraged me to “please say yes”. It was a great day, great studio and shoot, efficiently managed. I registered and walked in together with my dear sweet @pattihansen, then saw others I knew, like my soulmate @kikilayne because whenever we see each other it’s a special environment, location and rarely pre-arranged. All and all it was a special day…knowing we were all conscious of the pandemic, yet felt safe and normal. Thank you @vogueitalia for the collaboration. The results I have seen are so cool, especially the audio videos. Look forward to having my personal issue to explore.
It’s said when someone leaves the earth it makes room for a new life. Yesterday I allowed Nick’s spirit to leave me as I embrace the new born of another. Days before days after. As I held this little one in my arms I said in her ear… ”welcome to our world..I promise to help protect you from all that appears shiny that ain’t gold..and from too much hype that can destroy character, and offer you discipline when needed…” These words I say early to this new spirit and will remind her from time to time as she grows. It’s my duty and it is expected of me. This is the daughter of my “daughter” Naomi, who I have known since she was 14yrs old. This is a gift that I know she will treasure eternally. I long to remain healthy for a good amount of years to come, to add continued guidance and support to you both. There is no greater birthday gift that I could bestow beyond my undying devotion to what is an extension of you. (Yet one is still to come) Happy Birthday my dear@naomi FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS 🎂🎁❤️ 💃🏿💃🏿💃🏿💃🏿💃🏿💃🏿💃🏿🌺 🌺
On Wednesday September 9th at 1p…Please join me, Naomi and Iman in conversation at the first virtual interview by @thealinacho for the @metcostumeinstitute, as we discuss who we are and how we arrived to be, racial and social injustice, and what we want for the future of fashion and beyond. I am excited, so don’t forget. @metmuseum #atelieralinacho 📷(left to right) Brigitte Lacombe, Laspata DeCaro, Troy Word courtesy of IMAN Cosmectics *Link in Bio for more information
Needed an extra day or two to try to process the unbelievable sadness that needs time to do what it do. Words will never be enough… @chadwickboseman #wakanda forever 🙅🏾♂️
Model is Muse The model today should be as inspiring as the model of yesterday. As a viewer you recognize her every time and get rewarded every time you see her doing the job she was put there to do. Because a model is photographed doesn’t make them a great one. That comes with time, if they have it even sooner. There were many great editorial models and runway models that I have witness…in this case I will speak of the editorial model. Helen Williams, Naomi Sims, Iman, Bonnie Berman, Linda Evangelista, Kristen McMenamy, Naomi Campbell, etc, a few more I am leaving out due to space. But in this modern model moment, along came Binx Walton. This is a muse. It’s understanding why you are there and what do you bring besides standing in front of the lens. From the moment I met Binx…I was a fan and over these years watching her find her model purpose has been my joy. Surely the photographer becomes smitten. I also have my eye on Anok Yai, so far so good. Her Steven Meisel editorial…was old school “model is muse”, quite brilliant. All to say, today there are many models perhaps too many, but teaching them their purpose and bringing what they got is rare to see. The model must have it because the teachers are rare and if, barely anytime to share that knowledge. If only the talent remained the objective and not just the look. I long for greatness in a model in front of the camera or on the runway to realize their purpose. No one speaks of it any more..an art that could become lost if a demand is not put in place. To be sure that the muse remains and is always sought after. Deep down it’s a sport. Compete to win..in everything we do. Be an inspiration. That is my pray. @binxwalton @anokyai @kristen_mcmenamy @naomi @lindaevangelista @the_real_iman #stevenmeisel #helenwilliams #naomisims #bonnieberman
Model is Muse The model today should be as inspiring as the model of yesterday. As a viewer you recognize her every time and get rewarded every time you see her doing the job she was put there to do. Because a model is photographed doesn’t make them a great one. That comes with time, if they have it even sooner. There were many great editorial models and runway models that I have witness…in this case I will speak of the editorial model. Helen Williams, Naomi Sims, Iman, Bonnie Berman, Linda Evangelista, Kristen McMenamy, Naomi Campbell, etc, a few more I am leaving out due to space. But in this modern model moment, along came Binx Walton. This is a muse. It’s understanding why you are there and what do you bring besides standing in front of the lens. From the moment I met Binx…I was a fan and over these years watching her find her model purpose has been my joy. Surely the photographer becomes smitten. I also have my eye on Anok Yai, so far so good. Her Steven Meisel editorial…was old school “model is muse”, quite brilliant. All to say, today there are many models perhaps too many, but teaching them their purpose and bringing what they got is rare to see. The model must have it because the teachers are rare and if, barely anytime to share that knowledge. If only the talent remained the objective and not just the look. I long for greatness in a model in front of the camera or on the runway to realize their purpose. No one speaks of it any more..an art that could become lost if a demand is not put in place. To be sure that the muse remains and is always sought after. Deep down it’s a sport. Compete to win..in everything we do. Be an inspiration. That is my pray. @binxwalton @anokyai @kristen_mcmenamy @naomi @lindaevangelista @the_real_iman #stevenmeisel #helenwilliams #naomisims #bonnieberman
Model is Muse The model today should be as inspiring as the model of yesterday. As a viewer you recognize her every time and get rewarded every time you see her doing the job she was put there to do. Because a model is photographed doesn’t make them a great one. That comes with time, if they have it even sooner. There were many great editorial models and runway models that I have witness…in this case I will speak of the editorial model. Helen Williams, Naomi Sims, Iman, Bonnie Berman, Linda Evangelista, Kristen McMenamy, Naomi Campbell, etc, a few more I am leaving out due to space. But in this modern model moment, along came Binx Walton. This is a muse. It’s understanding why you are there and what do you bring besides standing in front of the lens. From the moment I met Binx…I was a fan and over these years watching her find her model purpose has been my joy. Surely the photographer becomes smitten. I also have my eye on Anok Yai, so far so good. Her Steven Meisel editorial…was old school “model is muse”, quite brilliant. All to say, today there are many models perhaps too many, but teaching them their purpose and bringing what they got is rare to see. The model must have it because the teachers are rare and if, barely anytime to share that knowledge. If only the talent remained the objective and not just the look. I long for greatness in a model in front of the camera or on the runway to realize their purpose. No one speaks of it any more..an art that could become lost if a demand is not put in place. To be sure that the muse remains and is always sought after. Deep down it’s a sport. Compete to win..in everything we do. Be an inspiration. That is my pray. @binxwalton @anokyai @kristen_mcmenamy @naomi @lindaevangelista @the_real_iman #stevenmeisel #helenwilliams #naomisims #bonnieberman
Before I take an hiatus and go off the grid for a bit… I had promised myself that I wanted and needed to recognize and congratulate these three American designers for their recent wins of the CFDA Awards and all other brand conscious success, besides their other professional achievements. Decades before there were designers of color who achieved successfully as well, differently perhaps, as time allows different opportunities. But still great achievements none the less. No comparison to each other but good to see continual achievements still happening to these designers. Willi Smith, Stephen Burrows, Patrick Kelly, these three achieved exceptionally as well during their time and professional careers. The batons have been spiritually handed to those who you see here. Kerby Jean Raymond, Christopher John Rogers and Telfar Clemens. Not that these three are not running their own races and without comparison to the others before them. But I am privileged to have witnessed them all. The wave before and now after. I am just proud. Each are unique into themselves. Each is as independent as they come with their own audience of appreciation. No different was it with Willi, Stephen and Patrick. I could reference more designers of time gone by, but this choice is perfect due to their independent successes as the three here, that are striving beyond perhaps expectation. Each of these creatives have a true calling as the three mentioned decades before them. If you don’t know any of their stories, take time to learn who came before and who is standing now. And there is more creatives where they came from waiting to achieve equally. Meanwhile my hat is off to… @kerbito @christopherjohnrogers @telfarglobal. BRAVO ! 🙅🏾♂️ #willismith #stephenburrows #patrickkelly @stephenburrowsworld Ladies you’re next…
Before I take an hiatus and go off the grid for a bit… I had promised myself that I wanted and needed to recognize and congratulate these three American designers for their recent wins of the CFDA Awards and all other brand conscious success, besides their other professional achievements. Decades before there were designers of color who achieved successfully as well, differently perhaps, as time allows different opportunities. But still great achievements none the less. No comparison to each other but good to see continual achievements still happening to these designers. Willi Smith, Stephen Burrows, Patrick Kelly, these three achieved exceptionally as well during their time and professional careers. The batons have been spiritually handed to those who you see here. Kerby Jean Raymond, Christopher John Rogers and Telfar Clemens. Not that these three are not running their own races and without comparison to the others before them. But I am privileged to have witnessed them all. The wave before and now after. I am just proud. Each are unique into themselves. Each is as independent as they come with their own audience of appreciation. No different was it with Willi, Stephen and Patrick. I could reference more designers of time gone by, but this choice is perfect due to their independent successes as the three here, that are striving beyond perhaps expectation. Each of these creatives have a true calling as the three mentioned decades before them. If you don’t know any of their stories, take time to learn who came before and who is standing now. And there is more creatives where they came from waiting to achieve equally. Meanwhile my hat is off to… @kerbito @christopherjohnrogers @telfarglobal. BRAVO ! 🙅🏾♂️ #willismith #stephenburrows #patrickkelly @stephenburrowsworld Ladies you’re next…
Before I take an hiatus and go off the grid for a bit… I had promised myself that I wanted and needed to recognize and congratulate these three American designers for their recent wins of the CFDA Awards and all other brand conscious success, besides their other professional achievements. Decades before there were designers of color who achieved successfully as well, differently perhaps, as time allows different opportunities. But still great achievements none the less. No comparison to each other but good to see continual achievements still happening to these designers. Willi Smith, Stephen Burrows, Patrick Kelly, these three achieved exceptionally as well during their time and professional careers. The batons have been spiritually handed to those who you see here. Kerby Jean Raymond, Christopher John Rogers and Telfar Clemens. Not that these three are not running their own races and without comparison to the others before them. But I am privileged to have witnessed them all. The wave before and now after. I am just proud. Each are unique into themselves. Each is as independent as they come with their own audience of appreciation. No different was it with Willi, Stephen and Patrick. I could reference more designers of time gone by, but this choice is perfect due to their independent successes as the three here, that are striving beyond perhaps expectation. Each of these creatives have a true calling as the three mentioned decades before them. If you don’t know any of their stories, take time to learn who came before and who is standing now. And there is more creatives where they came from waiting to achieve equally. Meanwhile my hat is off to… @kerbito @christopherjohnrogers @telfarglobal. BRAVO ! 🙅🏾♂️ #willismith #stephenburrows #patrickkelly @stephenburrowsworld Ladies you’re next…
BAM !!!! This is a pure example of how to switch it up. Who saw this coming ??? Vogue…for the most important issue of the year for fashion magazines is September…the choice to use the image of art representing a black female on two different covers is the ultimate “switch up”. I LOVE IT !!! Kerry James Marshall and Jordan Casteel @jordanmcasteel were both given complete freedom to decide who would be on their covers, a real or imaginary person, and how that person would be portrayed. Well Jordan Casteel chose my dear “daughter” Aurora James @aurorajames founder of Brother Vellies @brothervellies, who created her recent campaign in June @15percentpledge that supports Black-owned businesses. This is so “next level” because Aurora means a lot to me and now to the greater community…a true renaissance woman. Proud I am of Aurora beyond this cover, yet, yes I am, how elegant for an elegant spirit. I was so happily surprise by the cover I had to ask her “is this real”. ? How proud she must be to be recognized and honored in this way. Her image and the painting of Kerry James Marshall (so loved is he) are so elevated. I thank Anna Wintour @theannawintour and @voguemagazine for having this vision addressing our current consciousness. I am happy for the movement having a positive effect in this way. Recognition and cooperation to adjust immediate concerns is ultimate.
BAM !!!! This is a pure example of how to switch it up. Who saw this coming ??? Vogue…for the most important issue of the year for fashion magazines is September…the choice to use the image of art representing a black female on two different covers is the ultimate “switch up”. I LOVE IT !!! Kerry James Marshall and Jordan Casteel @jordanmcasteel were both given complete freedom to decide who would be on their covers, a real or imaginary person, and how that person would be portrayed. Well Jordan Casteel chose my dear “daughter” Aurora James @aurorajames founder of Brother Vellies @brothervellies, who created her recent campaign in June @15percentpledge that supports Black-owned businesses. This is so “next level” because Aurora means a lot to me and now to the greater community…a true renaissance woman. Proud I am of Aurora beyond this cover, yet, yes I am, how elegant for an elegant spirit. I was so happily surprise by the cover I had to ask her “is this real”. ? How proud she must be to be recognized and honored in this way. Her image and the painting of Kerry James Marshall (so loved is he) are so elevated. I thank Anna Wintour @theannawintour and @voguemagazine for having this vision addressing our current consciousness. I am happy for the movement having a positive effect in this way. Recognition and cooperation to adjust immediate concerns is ultimate.
NICK KAMEN…where to begin, as I drift through this sorrow and surprising grief… He has left this planet earth . Our closeness was birth out of belief and trust. Nick added confidence to start my agency in ‘84. It was 6 girls and 1 boy. He gave me the courage and conviction to start Bethann Management Co. Nick came to NY to meet agents and I was about to start my own and had just found the location. He was becoming popular in London where he was born to Scottish and Burmese parents. Him choosing me over others I will never forget. I had never had my own business, we both admitted to being nervous in our decision, me to have a agency and him hoping I could pull it off because I was his choice. Thank goodness I did. He remained in my life until he passed. As he became globally famous, as an image via Buffalo Clan, Ray Petrie, Laundromat commercial, a pop singer, Madonna producing his first song, both their first, in fact. All and all he kept me inspired and kept me in counsel. We saw each other every year when I visited London until he got sick in 2018 and even thereafter, in July ‘19, was the last time to see him. A nice lunch, afternoon in the park. A chat was created so all the dear friends were kept abreast as he lived through the illness. There were many hopeful moments. To love someone so long so clearly due to a pure heart of trust and respect is bliss. As young as he was then, he made me believe in me. He gave me the reins and I held the grip. It will take a bit of time to let this one go. Nick you hit many beats and cords as your beauty and coolness was astounding to so many, but your heart was the best. No doubt, all who know me, knows this one hurts. Need to finally acknowledge that he is gone from here…. 💙#nickkamen
My history with Interview Magazine has been deep and long due to my relationship with Andy Warhol and The Factory. I interviewed Iman @the_real_iman and she interviewed me, a duel interview for the magazine at Andy’s request, a personal assignment in the late 70’s or early 80’s with a special layout by photographer Ara Gallant, deceased. Later a feature in the late 90’s a great portrait by Torkil Gudnasson, maybe something else, cannot recall, but those were memorable Interview moments. And then came now….It’s really good to have lived long so when a moment like this happens you add it to the others that were special. Because there were many but few that were special on many levels. Having my young inspiration @zendaya who is “most likely to succeed”, interviewing me and the talent of artist @jacolbysatt photographed me and created the images. During this time of Covid we adhered to all the CDC guidelines and were met as the @interviewmag team came to my upstate NY home and we had an outdoor studio in the front yard of my home in July ‘20. It was another great moment in time. http://www.interviewmagazine.com/fashion/bethann-hardison-zendaya-saving-the-world-mission. @interviewmagazineus @melottenberg thank you 🌺
My history with Interview Magazine has been deep and long due to my relationship with Andy Warhol and The Factory. I interviewed Iman @the_real_iman and she interviewed me, a duel interview for the magazine at Andy’s request, a personal assignment in the late 70’s or early 80’s with a special layout by photographer Ara Gallant, deceased. Later a feature in the late 90’s a great portrait by Torkil Gudnasson, maybe something else, cannot recall, but those were memorable Interview moments. And then came now….It’s really good to have lived long so when a moment like this happens you add it to the others that were special. Because there were many but few that were special on many levels. Having my young inspiration @zendaya who is “most likely to succeed”, interviewing me and the talent of artist @jacolbysatt photographed me and created the images. During this time of Covid we adhered to all the CDC guidelines and were met as the @interviewmag team came to my upstate NY home and we had an outdoor studio in the front yard of my home in July ‘20. It was another great moment in time. http://www.interviewmagazine.com/fashion/bethann-hardison-zendaya-saving-the-world-mission. @interviewmagazineus @melottenberg thank you 🌺
As I watch Rosa dance celebrating her 13th birthday in February, I recognized myself from 10yrs old to two years ago 2019 at Zoe’s wedding. While watching me dance, Swizz Beatz would yelled out as I made certain dance moves. Rosa inspires me. There is much I can no longer do, but still able to dance a nice salsa. Surely I can still dance but not like before. The body is no longer nimble nor as quick. I still miss club dancing. Not in today’s “stand around” in clubs but a good dance club. Cielo in the Meatmarket, NYC I last attended perhaps 4 yrs ago. Free-style is emotional freedom for a dancer…it’s like flying, pure joy. Watching Rosa spoke to me in such a way that I felt the joy of her every move. Her musicality speaks to mine. It’s tribal. @norah_yarah_rosa 💕💕💕 Meanwhile Happy Pride Month 2021 #pride🌈 #freestyledance
How could “45” compare ? God Bless America 💙 Thank you All…
I dream…DESIGNERS HUB No one could have been more thrilled than this Mama Bear to learn last week of the designers selected for CFDA/ VOGUE Fashion Fund. Six out of the ten were part of the Designers Hub. Founded by me in the Spring of 2018 to dispel the notion that the “black designer” were non existent. So often asked in the media, panel discussion and interviews, “Where is the Black designer ?” It spurred me to move forward, knowing they existed, sought them out and if nothing more I wanted to help develop their businesses, so they could be strong and ever lasting. Not for fame but for fortune. If they become famous, so be it. That’s a bonus. Congratulations to all of the ten selected brands in all that it earns in being selected. And a serious shout out to the Designers Hub members: Way To Go !!!… *Rebecca Henry & Akua Shabaka of House of Aama @houseofaama *Kenneth Nicholson @kenneth.Nicholson *Jameel Mohammed of Khiry @khiryofficial *LaQuan Smith @laquan_smith *Abrima Erwiah of Studio One Eighty Nine @studiooneeightynine *Edvin Thompson of Theophilio @theophilio So proud am I. Thank you to the CFDA @cfda for your continued support from the origin, and our dear emissary @josephmaglieri. And the supporative initiatives @harlemsfashionrow @blackinfashioncouncil @raisefashionnow who have given support and opportunities to these brands. Can not wait to see what the future holds. And for those who were not selected or didn’t apply do not let this define you. If it’s still an itch, there is next year. Otherwise there is more fish to fry, let’s not get it twisted. Remain focused and remember there are still places to go and people to see. #blackdesigners #thedesignershub #cfdavoguefashionfund
Usually on Sunday I would be searching The NY Times Arts and Leisure section…for what’s in the cinemas, Broadway theatres or music concerts. That is not happening these days due to the Covid-19 pandemic. So to my delight GucciFest will add to and soothe my film curiosity. The brilliant mind of @alessandro_michele of @gucci presents through film the collection with director @gus_van_sant storylines. As well as young design brands selected who developed their own films. I always love discovery as I will always love filmmaking. So a 3 day Gucci film festival . A wonderful way to view collaborative creativity. Gucci.com. I truly miss film in the movie theatre but happy to support other options when presented. By the way has anyone seen “Tenet”?
YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO ! Promote the idea and action. Start talking politics if you haven’t and help all you know and don’t realize their civic and constitutional duty. Win the Senate if nothing more and slow up the picks for Supreme Court. My heart breaks seeing police officers around the country beating and shooting unarmed men. There are so many ways to skin a cat and that ain’t one. Yet, that’s what they do. Please help effect the system. Too many died and fought the good fight for us to have the right to vote. DON’T FALTER …PLEASE VOTE !!! (Get registered if not already) FashionourFuture2020.com #fof2020 #fashionourfuture
The clock is ticking and I have no idea what the habitants of the United States will do. For this election, I want to secure the Senate, and hold on to the House of Rep., if for nothing more, gain leverage. Please take note of this incredible documentary “ALL IN: THE FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY” featuring the brilliant Stacy Adams. It needs to be seen, for the education of how politically our country has worked. It’s very well directed by Liz Garbus y Lisa Cortes. Fast paced, enlightening and what you learn about Ms Adams and the politics of the USA, is amazing and hard to swallow at times. It’s so good. For me, as it should be for all, this election is everything, life threatening for many on many levels. I feel like this happens to other countries in other parts of the world. But now it’s our turn, fighting for the balance of democracy. Meanwhile until then I am supporting intelligent filmmaking. @allinthefilm #allinforvoting www.allinpremiere.com VOTE
The clock is ticking and I have no idea what the habitants of the United States will do. For this election, I want to secure the Senate, and hold on to the House of Rep., if for nothing more, gain leverage. Please take note of this incredible documentary “ALL IN: THE FIGHT FOR DEMOCRACY” featuring the brilliant Stacy Adams. It needs to be seen, for the education of how politically our country has worked. It’s very well directed by Liz Garbus y Lisa Cortes. Fast paced, enlightening and what you learn about Ms Adams and the politics of the USA, is amazing and hard to swallow at times. It’s so good. For me, as it should be for all, this election is everything, life threatening for many on many levels. I feel like this happens to other countries in other parts of the world. But now it’s our turn, fighting for the balance of democracy. Meanwhile until then I am supporting intelligent filmmaking. @allinthefilm #allinforvoting www.allinpremiere.com VOTE
ATTENTION por favor… Is your voter registration up to date? If you’ve recently moved or changed your name, you need to update your registration, too !!! @glblctzn and @headcountorg have launched #justvote. So you can have everything in order to cast your ballot in November. http://glblctzn.me/justvote2020 @donnakarenwoman V O T E
