Beauty

Meet Melyon, a New Skin-Care Brand From Stockholm With Inclusivity at Its Core

Roger Dupé aims to make the beauty industry more inclusive with his new skin-care line, Melyon….

Model and entrepreneur Roger Dupé was taught early that skin care was a form of self-love. Now, he’s passing that learning along through Melyon, his new inclusive beauty line from Stockholm. Operating with a “less is more” approach, Dupé has launched with four products to start. All are vegan, ecological, cruelty- and paraben-free, and have a base of nutrient-rich baobab oil, which pays homage to Dupé’s roots in Ghana and Togo. The baobab also inspired the dramatic design of the recyclable glass product bottles.

With Melyon, Dupé wants to expand the definition of beauty and uplift those who have often been ignored by the industry. Designed for dark skin tones, Melyon products are unisex and can be used by anyone. “I think beauty has different shades and should speak to everybody,” says Dupé. He talks to Vogue about being scouted, his dreams for the future, and the need for top-down change in the fashion and beauty industries.

Roger Dupé

Photo: Courtesy of Melyon

Let’s start from the beginning: How did you start modeling?
I grew up in a small town called Västerås. It’s like 15 minutes out from Stockholm. My dream was to become a soccer player. When I was 18 or 19, I injured my knee, and after that I didn’t feel the same energy to continue. I always went to Stockholm because I have an interest in clothing. So I went to a store called Top streetwear and I had two people following me. I thought in the beginning that they thought I was stealing something, but they came up to me and they were asking, ‘Are you a model?’ It was so strange because the model industry was so far away from me as a soccer guy from the suburbs. I didn’t have any references about that, so it was kind of weird for me, but they insisted, so I took the business card and after I couldn’t leave the thought. I called them back around two months later, and then from there it’s history. I’ve been in the industry now for 11 years, and am like the first Black model from Sweden to make a successful international carrier. I mean, it’s fantastic, and it’s a blessing, of course.

What is it like being in the modeling industry?
For me it was weird because it was something I didn’t know when I was young. Also, I got bullied because I looked different. I was in a really, really white school when I was young. So I always had that kind of feeling that I didn’t fit in anywhere. When I came into the fashion industry I thought it was opposite. I was like, maybe I fit here because I look different. But there were other issues under the surface, like the white privilege and the idea of white skin [being] more beautiful and the main subject of what beauty is in the fashion industry. So then I felt it was a bit strange because they wanted me, but…. And I didn’t see many Black people in the shows as well; I didn’t see diversity. I can also see that there’s been a change, but there needs to be a change in the whole pipeline. You cannot start to build the roof, you need to start from the ground.

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Celebrity

Vybz Kartel’s Engagement To Sidem Öztürk From Behind Bars, A Tale Of Love Forever

In a story reminiscent of a romantic movie script, Jamaican dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel, after nearly a decade of resilience defying the odds, has taken a heartfelt leap in his relationship with longtime girlfriend Sidem Öztürk. Engaged since his days in incarceration, Kartel’s recent proposal to Öztürk exemplifies a bond that’s been tested, strengthened, and made all the more resilient by love, loyalty, and redefined devotion.

Vybz Kartel was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2014, a development that significantly altered the trajectory of his life and career. While many presumed that his influential voice would be silenced within the confines of his cell, an unexpected turn of events unfolded. Öztürk emerged as a beacon of dedication, captivating music fans worldwide during this challenging period. As Kartel articulated on social media, she provided steadfast support throughout his most difficult times, conveying messages of encouragement and affection across the barriers of incarceration. Their relationship, sustained through regular phone calls, prison visits, and unwavering loyalty, evolved into an unconventional yet profoundly impactful love story.

Following his recent release, Kartel didn’t miss a beat in reaffirming his commitment to Öztürk. On November 4, he took to Instagram to share a deeply personal, celebratory video, flashing a ring with excitement before kneeling in a hotel room to officially propose. With Öztürk visibly stunned, the moment encapsulated years of shared devotion, further enriched by Kartel’s caption: “You were there when I needed you most, and I’ll never leave you, baby.” He reminisced on moments they laughed together, cried together, dreamed together, and now celebrate together even during periods when freedom seemed unattainable.

The genesis of their romance dates back to a bold move by Öztürk in 2015 when, as she later revealed, her admiration for Kartel’s music and persona led her to track down his Instagram profile. What started as admiration quickly evolved into a profound connection, one she describes as an “obsession” that felt decidedly destined. Almost a decade later, her instincts have proven right, and the two are now engaged, looking forward to building a life beyond the confines of prison walls together in a love forged through extraordinary circumstances.

This evolving saga reflects a resilience that mirrors the trajectory of Kartel’s music career. Vybz Kartel and Sidem Öztürk are ready to start their future together, not constrained by bars but united by a promise reaffirmed multiple times.

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Artist Spotlight

Edie Yvonne shared a vibrant sound “Sometimes”

Edie Yvonne released a vibrant force, infusing her youthful spirit into the familiar strains of No Doubt’s “Sometimes.” As the Coachella buzz electrified the air and whispers of No Doubt’s reunion tantalized fans, she stepped onto the scene with a bold reinterpretation.

With a nod to her roots in the City of Angels, this 15-year-old singer-songwriter imbues “Sometimes” with a fresh energy that resonates beyond generations. What begins as a tribute to her mother’s era morphs into something entirely her own, a fusion of funk-infused rhythms, pulsating drums, and intricate guitar licks that propel the listener into a whirlwind of sound.

Above all, her voice soars, effortlessly capturing the essence of youthful exuberance and raw emotion. Her seamless transition from her original compositions to this inspired cover demonstrates her talent and versatility as an artist.

Edie Yvonne is a beacon of sincerity and innovation in a world where authenticity sometimes feels elusive. Her rendition of “Sometimes” covers a bold statement, a declaration of her artistic prowess, and a promise of what’s to come.

For fans old and new, “Sometimes” is a rediscovery of a beloved classic through the lens of a rising star. With its infectious groove and undeniable charm, this track will find a home in playlists everywhere.