Fashion
Essence
A Revolution on Canvas
BMike Odums is using his art to amplify unheard voices and preserve New Orleans's vibrant legacy
4 min |
May/June 2025
Essence
DAWN RICHARD RISING
The artist is a true original. Here, the singer and musician details her roots in New Orleans, her longstanding relationship with fashion, and how both grit and joy led to her breaking through barriers
7 min |
May/June 2025
Essence
Soul II Seoul
ESSENCE Senior Beauty Editor reveals how a wellness trip to the South Korean capital became a major part of her healing journey
5 min |
May/June 2025
Essence
Check In to Luxury
Our guide to the world's most opulent and unforgettable hotels and escapes
5 min |
May/June 2025
Essence
The New Africa
Uncover the culture, cuisine and charm of the Motherland's emerging hot spots
2 min |
May/June 2025
Essence
New Orleans Learned to Fly
The 20th anniversry of Hurricane Katrina feels particularly heavy as it forces us to confront the culmination of memory, emotion and reality
8 min |
May/June 2025
Essence
The Black Girl's Guide to Switzerland
Black women globe-trotters share why the country just may be the perfect destination for a European trip
2 min |
May/June 2025
Essence
The Wonders of Black Paris
Beyond the postcard image of the French metro area lies a world of Black excellence where history, cuisine and creativity intersect
2 min |
May/June 2025
Essence
The Joy of Getting Lost in Lisbon
Lose yourself in the Portuguese capital's soulful streets, where rich history, vibrant culture and unforgettable bites await around every corner
2 min |
May/June 2025
Essence
Beyond Beignets
Food is the lifeblood of New Orleans and these Black chefs are at the forefront of the movement to level up mouthwatering fare in the Big Easy
8 min |
May/June 2025
Essence
Résumé Rundown: Samyra Miller
From tackle to tassels and Tik Tok: the influencer who's leading the charge
3 min |
May/June 2025
Essence
James Mayes
How this self-taught designer built Emline into New Orleans's hottest fashion brand
5 min |
May/June 2025
Essence
Best Resorts for the Black-Girl Luxury Experience
From beachfront escapes to island hideaways, these resorts serve up luxury—with comfort, a touch of culture and unapologetic opulence
2 min |
May/June 2025
Essence
FLYING HIGH ON FLAVOR
Serving half-smokes, chicken and waffles, Lowcountry classics and more, these Black-owned eateries elevate your airport-dining experience
4 min |
May/June 2025
Essence
THE GREAT ESCAPE
These wellness retreats are a refuge for Black men to heal trauma, find community and practice self-care
3 min |
May/June 2025
Essence
A Newfound Home
Ten years after Queen Sugar brought him to New Orleans, Kofi Siriboe reflects on his love for the city and offers a peek at his new creative haven for local artists
5 min |
May/June 2025
Essence
Ready, Set, Travel!
The intrepid explorers of Team ESSENCE are all fired up to seek new adventures
1 min |
May/June 2025
Essence
YOU GO, GIRL
The travel writer who spotlighted the journeys of Maya Angelou, Audre Lorde and countless other sister globe-trotters reveals the destinations every Black woman should experience
3 min |
May/June 2025
Essence
Best Airlines of 2025
Offering exceptional service and seamless travel, these airlines have raised the bar
5 min |
May/June 2025
Essence
The New Voices Foundation Is Powering a Movement Through Community
Tariffs, DEI rollback, ongoing funding challenges, and all the changes sure to come that we haven't yet experienced.
2 min |
May/June 2025
Essence
A Nod to NOLA
The owner of Whitney J Décor, in the Big Easy, shares ideas for adding flair reminiscent of the city to your space
4 min |
May/June 2025
Essence
NOLA's Finest Flavors
New Orleans culinary stars and foodie content creators share their favorite Black-owned eateries and bars in a city full of stellar options
1 min |
May/June 2025
Essence
There's a New Sheriff in Town
The no-nonsense chief law enforcement officer of New Orleans, a Black woman, is making history and addressing the root causes of incarceration in the city
5 min |
May/June 2025
Essence
The Vessel of Change
Black, Indigenous and low-income communities are often left behind in disaster recovery. Roishetta Ozane is making sure that's no longer the norm
3 min |
May/June 2025
Essence
Healing From Hurricane Katrina, 20 Years Later
As the anniversary of the harrowing event approaches, New Orleans natives still grapple with its effects on their mental health
9 min |
May/June 2025
Essence
Better With Time
Singer-songwriter Teedra Moses opens up about her upbringing in NOLA, her beauty and musical eras, confidence lessons and more
3 min |
May/June 2025
Essence
HOW BLACK ART DEFINED OUR PARTY WITH A PURPOSE
Every year since 1995, ESSENCE’s Festival of Culture has called upon Black artists across generations to capture its energy, spirit and significance—turning each poster into a piece of living history
6 min |
July/August 2025
Essence
Beyond the Pages
Before it was a brand, it was a birthright. ESSENCE made space—then made history
7 min |
July/August 2025
Essence
BLACK WOMEN WERE SEEN
For five decades, we've challenged brands to see us intentionally, speak to us authentically and invest in us meaningfully. It wasn’t always easy
4 min |
July/August 2025
Essence
BLACK by DESIGN
Pamela Macklin, ESSENCE's former Fashion Director, called together a group of extraordinary Black designers, known and emerging, for a photo shoot celebrating Susan L. Taylor's commitment to providing space and place for Black creatives
4 min |