September / October 2022 Issue
Table of Contents

Sept/Oct Cover: Ciara

“As women, we have a special gift to love.”

Ciara
NOTES FROM THE

Editor

 
Marielle Bobo

September is all about fall fashion, and this month we’re doing it big, with a double issue featuring Ciara, a trailblazer known for her ever-evolving style. Through her company The House of LR&C, the entertainment powerhouse has founded fashion brands that are rooted in purpose and inclusivity. This month, she debuts OAM, a new skincare line, which celebrates the beauty in all of us.

In her exclusive cover story, Ciara talks the importance of self-care, the power of manifesting her dreams, and how she uses fashion as a form of expression. Check out our cover story, behind-the-scenes videos, and a special package dedicated to all things fall fashion and beauty.

 
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Cover Story: Ciara’s Divine Mission

It’s been 18 years since Ciara stepped onto the music scene. The entertainer quickly gained worldwide recognition after her first single “Goodies” went triple platinum, and has been gifting the world with her music ever since. Although the global icon is R&B royalty, she feels like she’s just getting started.

Draped in creations from designers like Dolce & Gabbana, Sacai, Laquan Smith and more for EBONY’s September cover shoot, Ciara radiates confidence and power.

Ciara in red

“My philosophy is to run towards my fears and the things that make me uncomfortable.”

– CIARA
Ciara
Video: Behind-the-Scenes with Ci

On an unseasonably chilly Saturday in May, Ciara ascended upon New York for the MET Gala, fashion’s glitziest night. The pop star arrived that morning on a red eye flight from LA, jetting straight to a fitting for the gala before heading to Yonkers, New York for her EBONY cover shoot. The location, Greystone Court, is a stone castle built in 1890. Perched high on a hill with river views, it’s no stranger to celebrity shoots.

Beyoncé shot her “Irreplaceable” video here. Martin Scorcese used the house as a backdrop in his HBO series “Boardwalk Empire.” Jennifer Lopez shot here, and Julia Roberts and Kirsten Dunst spent seven days at the house in 2002 to film scenes for “Mona Lisa Smile.” Watch this exclusive video, where Ciara gives us an intimate look at the making of her epic EBONY cover shoot at the storied location.

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A Timeline of Ciara’s Best Beauty Looks

From her first appearances in the early 2000s, Ciara has made a name for herself with her style. Ever the chameleon, the stunner’s look is ever-changing, experimenting with a range of beauty trends in a genuinely fearless manner. Risk-taking, in many ways, is central to her lasting impact.

From extra large waves, to intricate box braids, Cici’s hair is always laid. The singer is also not one to shy away from bold beauty looks: from an electric blue lip to a fierce cat-eye. On the red carpet she may rock waist-length tresses, or a sharp bob. In her videos she may stun with glowing skin.

On the heels of Ciara’s forthcoming beauty launch, we countdown the stunner’s most iconic beauty looks.

Ciara Collage
Evolution
Ciara dancing
Introducing OAM Skincare, Ciara’s ‘Secret Sauce’

Catering to all skin types and skin tones, Ciara’s debut product line represents the next chapter in her growing fashion and beauty empire. “I always say that I’m a woman of ambition on a mission,” she tells EBONY. Fittingly, she used that mantra as inspiration for the name of her collection, OAM (for “On A Mission”). Launching Sept. 15th, individual product pricing ranges from $28 to $62, with bundles costing from $75 to $160.

“It all started with my own journey and realizing that I needed to take better care of my skin,” she adds. “Being a mom and an entrepreneur, you’re going through the motions. But at the same time, we’ve got to love on ourselves in the process. So this is a part of my journey of loving on myself. I wanted to create a collection that was made with amazing products to help give your face a glow up and level up your skincare routine.”

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CIARA LOVES RUSSELL: THE WILSON’S BLACK LOVE STORY IN IMAGES

Since getting married in 2016, EBONY’s September cover star Ciara and her husband Russell Wilson have displayed a love that is true#BlackLoveGoals.

With over twenty years experience singing love songs that hit our heart strings, the songstress has been publicly open about being able to find a different kind of peace in her partnership in Wilson. So much so, many have asked her to drop her prayer routine that made her so blessed. Outside of their love and family, the Wilsons make boss moves as entrepreneurs and philanthropists that not only establish generational wealth but speak to the strength and stability of their union as partners—and, we love to see it.

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Video: Inside the Issue with EBONY Editor-in-Chief Marielle Bobo

For our September/October cover shoot, the EBONY Team headed upstate New York, where we photographed Ciara in a gorgeous mansion, embracing all of the grandeur and fantasy of this season’s fall fashion. We went back to the roots of Ci-Ci, by reimagining her early tomboy aesthetic. From menswear inspired silhouettes, to skin-baring cutouts, the singer makes a bold statement. In her exclusive cover story, Ciara talks the importance of self-care, the power of manifesting her dreams, and how she uses fashion as a form of expression.

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Video: Ciara on the Beauty of Aging and Feeling ‘Worthy at 30’

In this inaugural edition of EBONY’s new video series, ‘Worthy at 30’, Ciara takes a trip down memory lane and reflects on how life has changed in her thirties while examining themes around love, marriage, motherhood and artistry. Learn how life the pop star’s life has truly gotten better in her thirties in this exclusive video, where Ciara tells all.

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EBONY Style Studio: A Look at the Best Runway Shows, Designers and Trends of the New Season

September marks the beginning of fashion month and we’ve got your all-access pass. For the first time in the history of New York Fashion Week, over 28 Black and Brown designers will activate via runway shows and presentations. Meet some of the standout visionaries, from legacy brands to new school talents. Plus, experience NYFW through the eyes of menswear stylist and EBONY Studios’ Host of The Manual, Ini Ikpe, from dressing clients, to attending shows, parties, and presentations. Also, discover the best street style from Paris to Milan.

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FeNoel Spring 2023 Collection Look 5. Image: courtesy of TIAA.