In The Details
ELLE|February 2018

Behind the scenes at Shani Crowe’s studio, where she creates showstopping looks and explains how braiding can be an act of hope—and defiance.

Cotton Codinha
In The Details

Forget Pinterest inspiration boards—there are some hairstyles that are so inventive, the Louvre would be lucky to have them. Exhibit A: the intricate, braid-centric masterpieces crafted by fine artist Shani Crowe. After receiving a grant from Chicago based nonprofit 3Arts, Crowe launched Braids, a series of photographs capturing real women adorned with her elaborate hairstyles. Though she’s been commissioned by celebrities such as Solange to create custom works (you might have seen one on SNL), Crowe happily considers new models— who don’t pay for the service.

You’re trained in film, photography, painting, and pottery. Why choose braids as your medium?

This story is from the February 2018 edition of ELLE.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the February 2018 edition of ELLE.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ELLEView All
La Nuova BELLEZA
ELLE US

La Nuova BELLEZA

Confident, sexy, and at the height of the fashion world. Italian supermodel Vittoria Ceretti demonstrates how to dress for seduction in spring's sheer.feminine slipdresses and body-conscious looks from luxury labels in Italy and beyond.

time-read
7 mins  |
March 2024
Repainting Broadway
ELLE US

Repainting Broadway

Lempicka is changing the narrative by making room for a new kind of character.

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
KUNAWAY RLBOSS
ELLE US

KUNAWAY RLBOSS

She coined the term that inspired a generation of women entrepreneurs—and then sunk them. Ten years later, Sophia Amoruso is ready to cast off the label for good.

time-read
10+ mins  |
March 2024
YOUTH SERUM IN A SHOT?
ELLE US

YOUTH SERUM IN A SHOT?

My Roman Empire? There's this retreat the healthiest person you know as your guest, and then over the next few days, your plus-one donates their number two to gift you a health-boosting fecal transplant.

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
EVERYONE WANTS TO SMELL RARE AND DIFFERENT
ELLE US

EVERYONE WANTS TO SMELL RARE AND DIFFERENT

Niche perfumes are helping you to be less like the crowd— and more like you.

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
Take It OFFLINE
ELLE US

Take It OFFLINE

Instagram-famous artist Cj Hendry now wants fans to see and touch the work.

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2024
IMPERFECTION Is the New PERFECTION
ELLE US

IMPERFECTION Is the New PERFECTION

From artfully disheveled, on-the-run looks to everyday core, the rising runway aesthetic is one of considered undoneness. How will it translate in real life?

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2024
WHAT WOMEN DESIGNERS WANT
ELLE US

WHAT WOMEN DESIGNERS WANT

Women are the beating heart of fashion, but female designers remain underrepresented in the industry. Here, 13 of the best on how their identities shape them, and how they’re pushing for change.

time-read
6 mins  |
March 2024
Working for a Billionaire Worth It?
ELLE US

Working for a Billionaire Worth It?

What started as a dream job began to look increasingly like a nightmare.

time-read
5 mins  |
February 2024
The Compassion of Penélope Cruz
ELLE US

The Compassion of Penélope Cruz

The noted empath, devoted mother, and mesmerizing star of Ferrari is hard not to fall in love with

time-read
10 mins  |
February 2024