The ESSENCE brand has been a pillar in the black community for five (5) decades and counting. Not only did the brand and the supermodel make history but also placed Steve French, Ghanaian designer and illustrator in limelight.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Essence Magazine, super model Naomi Campbell graced the covers of its May/June edition.
It marks a milestone for both as they turn 50 this May.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Naomi Campbell, isolated like the rest the worlds population shot her own Essence cover using an Iphone. You heard it right! she was her own photographer, did her own hair, make up and styling for the shoot. A first for both the magazine and Naomi.
Since 2010, the African print has gained popularity globally It just an icing on the cake to have an international star wear the indigenous design by Steve French.
In an instagram post the young designer and illustrator couldn’t contain his joy
‘NAOMI CAMPBELL IS WEARING ME
She’s wearing me 😢💃🏾🤎🐥💕 (@stevefrenchofficial_ )
💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾
Naomi your surprise has left me speechless!!! Thank you soo much !!! I’m just speechless
Thanks
Love
Steve”
ASHASIE3 (The Beginning)
ONYINI ( Growth)
OHEMAA K) N’AHINiFIE (Death)
In a tweet Naomi described the circumstances leading to the shoot “a very special honor and unusual experience for me to be able to shoot and style my own cover for the Essence 50th anniversary issue”
With the COVID-19 pandemic still a global issue, she noted
”While it was a sad reminder for me of all the people in the media and production who are not able to work due to the coronavirus it also brought me hoe and encouragement to know that our people and our infrastructure are resilient”
The cultural icon had previously closed Nigerian fashion designer Kenneth Ize debut at the Paris Fashion Week
