Last week, ESSENCE Magazine hosted it’s first ever UPFRONT preview in New York City. The full day included a
“Power of Confidence: Reflections on Black Beauty Now” panel featuring actress Gabrielle Union, fashion activist Bethann Hardison, legendary supermodel Iman, Patrice Yursik of Afrobella.com and moderated by ESSENCE Editor-at-Large Mikki Taylor.
Essence.com Fashion Editor Celia Smith and Style Superstar June Ambrose announced the first ever Essence Street Style Awards, honoring the everyday trendsetters in style. In addition to talking beauty, power and what it’s like to be a black in Hollywood, actress Viola Davis and Danai Gurira, star of “The Walking Dead” stopped by and talked about taking risks, being consistent and more.
During the UPFRONT, the ESSENCE revealed dates for its anticipated red carpet events, college tours and 20th Anniversary Essence Festival. One of the major features of the 20th anniversary of Essence Fest is “The Vault” which will look back on previous years of the festivals with photo galleries, video clips, reader submitter photos,celebrity memories and more in a special anniversary section on Essencefestival.com. It will also include original talent and line-up posters, concert photos, and interviews. The Vault will also be a feature on the revamped Essence Fest app.
Essence Magazine Upfront guests were treated to an Essence festival (super lounge inspired) performance by Grammy-nominated Marsha Ambrosius and were even gifted with their choice of beautifully personalized swag (like mine below).
I’m totally looking forward to seeing what Essence does next and experiencing an exciting 2014 of events to come.
Photos via Michael Rowe/ESSENCE/Diego Corredor/Picture Group
