“I don’t know who I think I am, but I do be trying.” @bethannhardison I’ve had the privilege of photographing Bethann Hardison in a @fanmdjanm headwrap. I think I should retire now? Photos from a day I will never forget. It feels good to meet an icon who also happens a to be a “girls’ girl”. Thank you again Bethann for everything. I’m excited to read your book. To my friends and anyone who comes across these images, if you haven’t watched “Invisible Beauty”, please do.
“I don’t know who I think I am, but I do be trying.” @bethannhardison I’ve had the privilege of photographing Bethann Hardison in a @fanmdjanm headwrap. I think I should retire now? Photos from a day I will never forget. It feels good to meet an icon who also happens a to be a “girls’ girl”. Thank you again Bethann for everything. I’m excited to read your book. To my friends and anyone who comes across these images, if you haven’t watched “Invisible Beauty”, please do.
“I don’t know who I think I am, but I do be trying.” @bethannhardison I’ve had the privilege of photographing Bethann Hardison in a @fanmdjanm headwrap. I think I should retire now? Photos from a day I will never forget. It feels good to meet an icon who also happens a to be a “girls’ girl”. Thank you again Bethann for everything. I’m excited to read your book. To my friends and anyone who comes across these images, if you haven’t watched “Invisible Beauty”, please do.
“I don’t know who I think I am, but I do be trying.” @bethannhardison I’ve had the privilege of photographing Bethann Hardison in a @fanmdjanm headwrap. I think I should retire now? Photos from a day I will never forget. It feels good to meet an icon who also happens a to be a “girls’ girl”. Thank you again Bethann for everything. I’m excited to read your book. To my friends and anyone who comes across these images, if you haven’t watched “Invisible Beauty”, please do.
“I don’t know who I think I am, but I do be trying.” @bethannhardison I’ve had the privilege of photographing Bethann Hardison in a @fanmdjanm headwrap. I think I should retire now? Photos from a day I will never forget. It feels good to meet an icon who also happens a to be a “girls’ girl”. Thank you again Bethann for everything. I’m excited to read your book. To my friends and anyone who comes across these images, if you haven’t watched “Invisible Beauty”, please do.
Sometimes…I do step out. This time with the baby brothers. LACMA event..wonderful evening. @tylersphotos @mr_aphill @gucci @alessandro_michele @denagia @lacma
Please Vote, Share and Tag a Friend! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
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Final Voting. Ends Wednesday noon.
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Don’t wait! Make Invisible Beauty the @cinema.eye.honors Audience Choice Prize.
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Link in bio
www.cinemaeyehonors.com/audience-choice-voting/
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Photo @sharifhamza for @britishvogue
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@bethannhardison #frédérictcheng @misscortes @jpauldallas @miacioffihenry @marcanthony.thompson @cmcnabb22 @hannahrbuck @halleeadelman @sustainablefilms @whitewaterfilms @nancy.stephens.official @shanahaganasc @msbeccaj @natachaikoli @kylehagler @jamespscully @mr.ant.phill @kimpaper
This is a hard one… Always said, if and when Issey would pass that would be the time for me to return to Japan. Today I learned he has left us. And I am in the mountains of New York as he was in the mountains of Japan. Issey was the next designer that I had a close model as muse relationship with and then collaborator after Willi Smith and Stephen Burrows. Issey was next level for me as I met him for my first time on the Paris runway. After that booking, I became his go to model from the USA. Issey saw in me the Samurai that I portrayed on his runway. I worked with Issey Miyake through the 70’s. In Paris. New York and Japan. His clothes were Japanese inspired. He would say, “if Bethann doesn’t know how to wear, then we must re-design”. He could count on me to bring life to the garment. I could count on him to inspired me. He began to call me his sister. When he was preparing a big show in Japan he needed me to cast the models and that I did. The best casting that included Grace Jones and other beauties of that time. I couldn’t attend as I was Burrows’ assistant and the collection was due, a conflict which was a disappointment for Issey. Next time he made me promised I would be there and I was able to do so. We did his “East Meets West” book, advertising for Parco and showed the collection in Tokyo and Kyoto. I had cast that show of models as well but this time I was there that made Issey and his team very happy. I also oversaw another Issey Miyake book “Body Works” produced by me and photographed by the late Marcus Leatherdale here in New York. Issey trusted me to deliver and we did. Losing a model I had to step in being partially nude. That’s just a small amount to share in memory of my dear Issey, who meant so much to us all, especially the models of color. He was all in, having us, he saw our value. The photo I chose here is what he was like the decade we spent together. A great talent, humanitarian who developed textiles and encouraged younger designers of Japan. I hate that he too is gone with my other greats..but such is life. And yet I remain…In sha Allah. #isseymiyake #isseymiyakedesigns 🖤🙏🏾🖤
“Invisible Beauty” is premiering at #Sundance 2023 ! It tells the story of a tireless fight to change what got lost in maintaining racial diversity within the model and fashion industries. Mark your calendars for January 19-29. For info on how to attend @sundanceorg in person screening please visit here: festival.Sundance.org As you might know or not, this documentary has been on its own journey. The subject had changed, it became my story and no longer only about an industry that lost its way. Grateful for all who believed and stepped in to help me complete this circle. As time goes will let you know whats happens next to get this film seen by the world. In sha Allah. Just know I appreciate all of you and the support given me all these many years. More to come. #invisiblebeautydoc #frédérictcheng #bethannhardison 📷:@bruceweber
CREATIVE SPIRITS !!! This is the excitement and joy I am having like the Masaka Kids as we approach New York Fashion Week. Because so many designers of color are having the opportunity to present and share their creative spirit just like the kids here. Whatever it takes they are showing up. Congratulations to all with much success. A special shout-out to the Designers Hub community @codesignershub. BIG UP !!!! #masakakids #justinbeiber #designershub #nyfw2023 Video Courtesy of @masakakidsafricana
ITS’s A BEAUTIFUL THING !!!….
We are so proud of our NAACP IMAGE Award.
A great win…
As I had my eye on that prize and it prevailed .
Thank you NAACP for this acknowledgment and recognition.
Always grateful to the wonderful IB doc team.
I also want to thank ALL of you, the audiences who loved and shared your viewing experience with others, seeing it more than once and attending the theaters, keeping it there for eight weeks.
Now its home is Hulu and also still can be seen on Amazon Prime. Continue to share telling others. Thank you.
This is now the end of the awards season.
Happy to end it with what we often refer to it as “our Oscars”.
Its been a wonderful journey..and still going.
@naacpimageawards @naacp @invisiblebeautyfilm
For my International Women’s Day I cherish the memories of so many women in my life. From my grandmother Mama Carrie and mother Sophie who always had my back. All of my many girlfriends growing up including my best friend from 1st grade Patsy Ford and from the schools attended. I had the support of so many great girls and women and not because they were celebrated but because they inspired me, even in high school. I was truly a girls girl. Even as a “tom-boy” it was the girls in my life supported my early successes. Even if it was my tap dance crew as a pre-teen or cheerleading squad in high school. Having the two Jewish sisters in the garment industry that put me front and center. Being that runway model that made me one of “the Black stallions” with the joy of Pat Cleveland. Getting to the moment of having the exchange of both Iman and I in each others lives, that undying support for decades. Discovering the youth of a Naomi Campbell, my “buffalo soldier”. There are many to name that brought significant value and memories. But at this moment in time it’s Toni Morrison that has my current daily attention. As she saw the story in me that I needed to tell. She wanted me to write the book. Now I am writing. Surely she is happy. There are so many women who helped me up the hill of life that I appreciate and enjoyed so much and still do. If nothing more but for their character, humor and ethics. Now I marvel at a generation of women that would make Toni so pleased to see their intention for the greater all. I want to name names but some are not enough or I will miss someone. Often times people say “the door was left open by “them” for me to walk through”. In the case of Toni Morrison she left a house on fire that can’t be put out. It’s not just her written words but just how she saw things and spoke. The inner strength. Her brilliance remains bright. May I catch the beam of light that she never doubted I had. As she remains my North Star. International Women’s Day is every day. #tonimorrison @patcleveland @the_real_iman #naomicampbell
For my International Women’s Day I cherish the memories of so many women in my life. From my grandmother Mama Carrie and mother Sophie who always had my back. All of my many girlfriends growing up including my best friend from 1st grade Patsy Ford and from the schools attended. I had the support of so many great girls and women and not because they were celebrated but because they inspired me, even in high school. I was truly a girls girl. Even as a “tom-boy” it was the girls in my life supported my early successes. Even if it was my tap dance crew as a pre-teen or cheerleading squad in high school. Having the two Jewish sisters in the garment industry that put me front and center. Being that runway model that made me one of “the Black stallions” with the joy of Pat Cleveland. Getting to the moment of having the exchange of both Iman and I in each others lives, that undying support for decades. Discovering the youth of a Naomi Campbell, my “buffalo soldier”. There are many to name that brought significant value and memories. But at this moment in time it’s Toni Morrison that has my current daily attention. As she saw the story in me that I needed to tell. She wanted me to write the book. Now I am writing. Surely she is happy. There are so many women who helped me up the hill of life that I appreciate and enjoyed so much and still do. If nothing more but for their character, humor and ethics. Now I marvel at a generation of women that would make Toni so pleased to see their intention for the greater all. I want to name names but some are not enough or I will miss someone. Often times people say “the door was left open by “them” for me to walk through”. In the case of Toni Morrison she left a house on fire that can’t be put out. It’s not just her written words but just how she saw things and spoke. The inner strength. Her brilliance remains bright. May I catch the beam of light that she never doubted I had. As she remains my North Star. International Women’s Day is every day. #tonimorrison @patcleveland @the_real_iman #naomicampbell
Once again another one gone.
We are losing so many too often.
It’s important to recognize Claude Montana. Another designer who saw in me what he needed to add to his very first show in Paris.
It was my very first fashion week with other designers, Issey Miyake, Jean Charles Castlebajac, Kenzo.
A couple of others…they were all just starting out and having their first shows. I wasn’t everyone’s easy pick, so those who got me, were unique themselves.
Those were the days in Paris.
The girl in this photo with Claude was Wallis, his muse. And someone we all knew and adored.
Those were the beginning days of Montana.
Tragedy later struck Wallis and many blamed Claude, which was sadder in itself. Life goes on.
Once I left Paris I didn’t return for 10 years. I went back to prepare casting for a fashion show Stephen Burrows was invited to present by the Chambre de Syndicale.
While there I went to visit my old neighborhood where I always stayed with my French sister Sylvie Grumbach…3rd Arrondissement.
As I passed a cafe…I hear my name in a deep voice…I turned it was Claude, sitting outside, alone having a coffee. Who I had not seen since the late 70’s. This was now early 2000. It was an older version of Claude. Hadn’t aged well but it was clearly him. Same style and still smoking Gauloise french cigarettes.
I was so surprised that he recognized me…I asked “how did you recognize me ?”.
He responded, “I will always recognize you Bethann” in his deep French accent.
And I will never forget you and your belief in me, as you added to the Paris scene.
Thank you Claude for being the best you could be considering all.
Peace be upon you.
🖤🙏🏾
“Nothing Could be Finer then to be in Carolina”……
Wanted to share with all and say how proud we are to be recognized by the NAACP Imagine Awards.
As we tip-toed through the Academy Awards campaigning, my eye was on the Image Award which I thought would recognize us.
I often said, “I want to be sure we are submitted to the Image Awards” As I would be honored to be mentioned. My son, Kadeem would say as he would win for “A Different World” twice, and the
“Fantasia Barrino Story”…
”This is our Emmys/Academy Awards”.
I got the gist being there and watching. It always comes down to being in the right neighborhood. I often use “neighborhood” as a metaphor in many arenas to indicate being in the right place for many occasions.
I thank the NAACP Image Award for this recognition of Invisible Beauty, for best Documentary and best Directing. High honors as we sit in good company.
Last year I was recognized personally and received the NAACP Award but this feels more important.
Win or lose, I am ever so proud.
Disappointed that I cannot select many more images that I wanted to share. But being technically challenged, I could not download what I wanted, and this image was used by another (MJ) but wanted more of he images from @carlynecerfdedudzeele or @carlossouza1311 . But I am doing my best.
I needed to say and reveal something from one of my most favorite creative fashion design technician, who showed his FW 2024 collection yesterday eve, February 2. Marc Jacobs is celebrating his 40th anniversary in the garment industry . And his imagination remains lit and ready to share.
From the top to the bottom, hair to shoes, his imagination is lucid as he plays, creates and demonstrate his fondness to explore and commits to fashion as he feels and sees it. Entertaining it remains.
I have known Marc when he started out on his own when he would book my models from Bethann Management and won my heart with his good manners. I declare there are only a few designers that I do not want to ever miss what they would produce and present. I am proud of @themarcjacobs, as we have known each other a long time and I am always inspired and happy that he is still in the game.
Happy Anniversary mi amor. ONWARD !!!
❤️❤️❤️
July 4th is observed as a legal holiday in the United States in commemoration of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This country, my country, that I was born in, has struggled like any other. But in my lifetime I have learned of the struggles and then witnessed others. And progress prevailed. Of late we seem and are in reverse. Oppression and denial of rights seem to be progressing. Disappointing to see reversal of abortion rights. I have always felt the concern for Native Americans, as our country was progressing, what could I do to help them. My dear @deborahandersoncreative did just that, went into Pine Ridge Reservation and capture stories of the Lakota women and created the award winning documentary with wonderful reviews. It can be seen on YouTube through Google Play, Amazon Prime, iTunes Apple, Vudu. Please watch when you can. So on this day I think of independence denied, even in the “greatest country on earth”. I think of those suffering at the hands of the dominant. Women need support as we should run the world. But maybe the objective is to make it hard to do so. Either way our conscious support of our independence and right to choose is what we must fight for and all underserved. So no happy 4th if we ALL aren’t happy. #righttochoose #righttovote #betterjusticesystem #betterguncontrol #bettereducation #betterhealthcare #nativeamericanwomen #allwomen
Today is the day David Bowie was born to another name but still to have been David Bowie. I needed to have started this earlier but distractions are my at my feet. Any excuse to speak of or honor David is a blessing received. Unfortunately we recently lost so many wonderful souls to acknowledge. And we lost Sidney Poitier. There was the shock of Virgil Abloh passing as we witness that same shock of David’s . No one knew of any illness, so it becomes that feeling “of out of no where”, to the observer. 94years seems like a life well lived by Mr Poitier. In respecting all others, it was hard to hear of this lost as he was a pioneer in so many ways. But then again so were the others. As we recently lost Bell Hooks, Grace Mirabella, Peter Bogdanovich and Greg Tate to name a few. Theses times of interest and great lost. May all Rest In Peace. I am a day late posting this… Needed to share the brilliant David Bowie. A snippet and a reminder that Bowie has always been ahead of his time. He was so sure and here we are today. Thinking of you David, today and almost everyday. 🖤 #davidbowie #bowieforever
Our dear Edward Enninful’s memoir “A Visible Man” is available starting today. This is meaningful to me because Edward and I supported each other as we focused on putting the model of color back on the runway, editorials and advertising. He worked behind the scenes and his consciousness as a fashion editor aided my plight to change what had become a trend. We were soldiers of change and I made sure others recognize his help to make things better. The opportunity to have editorship on his own magazine gives him a stage to continue to diversify and include all as we believed should be. Please take time to read his story. It’s unique. And try to see him interviewed at the Apollo on Sept 8th and The Strand Bookstore on Sept 9th, while he is in New York. This is a special human. He has been awarded many times since his first award years ago, but to know his story is worthy A unique human being, for sure. @edward_enninful #avisibleman
Nothing more to say… Steve Kerr has said it all. Vaya con Dios niños. #stevekerr #schoolgunviolence #sadsacsenate #nationalterrorism
Willi Smith is/was a leap year baby…born February 29th. He remains so important to all who knew him. A special fella was he in so many ways. This video was created for his memorial after his sudden death from AIDS in 1987 by his business partner Laurie Mallet @lhmallet and PR/marketing manager Mark Bozek @mark.bozek. If you got up to @cooperhewitt Museum to see the WilliWear Exhibit last year, it was something I was most proud of…WilliWear/Willi Smith expressed by the curator, Alexandra Cunningham Cameron @acunninghamcameron. So rare are these occasions that a fashion designer gets a museum exhibition. An effort made and it was meant to be. When the moment in time to recognize the Black Designers and talk about the black moment in fashion (70’s) died down, he responded to being happy about it. He said he and others like him could get back to being just designers and get on with the work at hand. Happy Birthday dear Willi!!! #rememberwillismith @rememberwillismith
Let me say if I haven’t said before, this my friends has been a journey.
Before I go on let me thank each and everyone that has watched the film and encouraged others to see it, are still doing that, and voted for us when we asked.
Also our very cool, tell it like it was/is cast, those wonderful production teammates that brought their good character and great skills to the table. Our exceptional, no nonsense Producer Lisa Cortes, and my ride or die co-director Frédéric Tcheng, who is just an exceptional human that the spirits put in my life at the right time. And he has taken care of me and continues to do so.
We have gotten through most of “the mountains to climb” and now we can coast a bit.
We are at our new home HULU !!!
I feel like we are in a accelerate program from premiering Sundance January 2023, Tribeca FF, and through the year of the film festival circuit.
But I claim to make this a legacy film, not just for now , but in an eternal place that lives on to be seen at will.
As exhausted as I felt at the end of December 2023 I can only say we earnestly did it. I am simply proud of a story well told and embraced by all.
💯Rotten Tomatoes, 5 Stars, 8.1 IMDB and an almost 8 week theatrical run. Almost unusual.
All satisfied whatever I could have imagined and yet we managed to achieve.
Once again, I thank each of you and all others.
@invisiblebeautyfilm @cortesfilms @jpauldallas
@magnoliapics
I have been concern about the invasion of Ukraine for some time. Now it has happened. It’s all so telling which way strong arms of governments will begin to effect democracies. There are no words enough to explain…but this is the beginning of many democratic ends I fear. My heart goes out to the people of the Ukraine as they are being hit from land, air and sea. Prayers 💙💛!
And the beat goes on… President Putin spitting rhetoric. No doubt he is determine to flip the script. Let us continue to 🙏🏾 💙💛🇺🇦💙💛 Repost @carlossouza1311
