It wasn’t just the snow that made an impact on New York last week, traditional African culture also took center stage in Brooklyn for celebrity hairstylist Susan Oludele and her Lady: Empowerment Week, in partnership with digital media platform OkayAfrica.
Known for her progressively modern, African hair-braiding techniques, Oludele has worked with everyone from Beyoncé and Solange to Zoë Kravitz. The talented hair guru recently partnered with OkayAfrica to launch her new book, LADY: A Celebration of Women.
Afropolitans and fans of Oludele came out in strong support of the week-long event, attending health and wellness seminars, financial literacy classes, an eclectic fashion show and a creative, pop-up shopping bazaar supporting local and international fashion designers. Attendees were dressed in their Afro-chic best and of course, ESSENCE was on the scene to capture the hottest street style moments.
Scroll through to see a few of our favorite looks!
01
Hello, yellow! Her romper and broomstick braids gave us life!
Hannan Saleh
02
An oversized, belted-vest with plaid pants is on-trend for this season.
Hannan Saleh
03
Chalk-stripe denim plus a fanny pack equals cool leisure.
Hannan Saleh
04
Embellished denim jackets give an extra flair for menswear.
Hannan Saleh
05
Mixing a NASA tee with African print is out-of-this-world fabulous!
Hannan Saleh
06
Bundles, and browns, and green… oh my!
Hannan Saleh
07
This neon-green fringe ensemble was a hit. Peep the braids!
Hannan Saleh
08
Leather toe-print shoes for the win!
Hannan Saleh
09
This red-racer, asymmetrical pantsuit took the lead.
Hannan Saleh
10
Yaasss! For these cut-out denim pants, emblazoned crop-top and cute belt-bag!