Beauty

These Intimate Portraits Celebrate the Beauty and Versatility of Black Men’s Hair

A look at Kadar Small’s new series, To the Root. “From Afros to coils, cornrows to twists and locs to everything in between; these are just a few of the many different styles Black men practice that represent freedom and value.”…

Image may contain Human Person Face Clothing Apparel Female and Head — Gladimy Fleurejuste
Photo: Courtesy of Kadar Small

“My Trinidadian roots have always made me explore and be interested in hair,” says New York-based photographer Kadar Small. “I have always seen articles on Black hair, but particularly for women. Not a lot embracing Black hair on Black men.” To help address this gap, Small—who has shot for Essence, i-D, and Calvin Klein, among others—got to work on a photo series, To the Root, which aims to reconstruct what society thinks when they see a Black man’s hair.

“Identity for Black men is something we have always struggled with, not because we don’t understand who we are but because of what society tries to make us out to be,” he says. “From the way we walk, to the way we dress, we are highly stereotyped and profiled by White supremacy.” In a declaration of beauty and celebration of versatility, Small shot a number of portraits of men he street-casted around his New York City neighborhood of Bed-Stuy, aiming to show them in various settings that evoke joy—at the basketball court, on a swing set.

“From Afros to coils, cornrows to twists and locs to everything in between, these are just a few of the many different styles Black men practice that represent freedom and value,” Small explains. “For years, we were and still are left to feel less than human. By wearing our hair in these different styles, it speaks volume to our identity and roots.”

Small’s own hair journey has had an influence on his work and this series in particular. He loved his hair from a young age, and would experiment often with different cuts and colors, but he experienced prejudice at school. “When I was younger, my mother added beads to my cornrows. She got complaints from the teacher that it was ‘distracting’ to the other kids. It was very confusing to me how it was distracting to them when it was just different,” Small remembers. His Trinidadian family members are always changing up their looks, and embracing their culture. “It was very surprising and upsetting to me when I heard someone call locs ‘dirty’ for the first time in 4th grade while attending school in America,” he says. He realized the same hairstyles that Black men and women were condemned for, i.e. cornrows, were idealized when worn by white celebrities.

“It has been long overdue for us to start embracing everything about our culture as Black men,” Small says. Hair is just one place to start. “Don’t allow anyone to write your story. You are in control of the beginning, middle and how your story ends.”

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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.

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Beauty

Eva Zuk: Striking Beauty and Charismatic Influencer on Every Glossy Page

In the glimmering world of fashion, Eva Zuk is a name that needs no introduction. A model, an influencer, a woman whose ethereal beauty and awe-inspiring journey captivates everyone who comes across her story. She is not just a pretty face; she embodies grit, tenacity, and unbounded ambition.

Eva’s foray into modeling commenced when she was a wide-eyed teenager. She began her career with Fashion TV in France, a starting point that would soon lead her on a path of renown. With her exceptional talent and striking features, she quickly garnered attention from elite agencies, leading to collaborations that allowed her to shine in TV advertisements and films.

After some time, her career led her to London where she joined forces with Premier Model Management, widely recognized as one of the most reputable modeling agencies globally. With an exceptional platform at her disposal, Eva stepped into the world of high fashion, a realm where her beauty would be forever immortalized on glossy magazine pages.

Her dazzling beauty, a harmonious blend of delicate features, and statuesque physique made her an undeniable choice for multiple magazine cover appearances. Forbes, Vogue, and Golden Wings, FHM, L’Officiel, and New York Fashion Magazine have all been graced by her captivating visage, further solidifying her status in the industry.

However, the runway and the glossy pages were just the beginning for Eva. A passion for business and an entrepreneurial spirit carried her to the luxurious city of Dubai. It was here, in the heart of the Middle East, that Eva’s career underwent a dynamic shift, expanding from successful modeling to influencer marketing and business ventures.

As an influencer, Eva is nothing short of a sensation. She has become a beacon of luxury fashion, using her extensive following to promote brands and inspire her audience. With over a million followers on Instagram, Eva’s sphere of influence is truly remarkable. Her followers greatly admire her impeccable fashion sense, as well as her keen eye for luxury. They are particularly impressed by her ability to make a statement with her bold and distinct style.

Eva’s transition to an influencer wasn’t a serendipitous accident; it was a calculated move reflecting her savvy business acumen. Eva has leveraged the power of social media and the influence of digital marketing to establish a strong personal brand. Her brand not only connects with her followers but also serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring models.

Her influential status isn’t limited to her modeling and influencing endeavors. Eva’s allure extends to her successful business ventures in Dubai, specifically in the diamond trade and real estate sectors. With these ventures, she has shown that beauty and brains are an irresistible combination, an inspiration for women everywhere.

Women across the world can look at Eva and see more than just a beautiful woman; they see a role model, an icon. They see a woman who harnessed her beauty and intelligence to make a name for herself, a woman who carved her own path in a world that often prefers to mold women to their liking.

Eva Zuk is not just a successful model, a distinguished cover model, or an influential social media personality. She is a woman who embodies the essence of self-confidence, determination, and resilience, traits that inspire and empower other women. She is a reminder that beauty is a powerful tool when wielded with intelligence and ambition.

In essence, beauty is more than skin deep, and success requires more than just good looks. It requires passion, ambition, and resilience, traits that Eva embodies with grace and elegance. Her story exemplifies the true essence of success for women in the fashion and influencing industry. Eva’s journey serves as an inspiring testament to all women who aspire to make a significant impact in the world. It sends a clear message that with ambition and determination, there are no limits to what can be achieved.