I know! I previously mentioned the fact that BGLH seems to feature Solange on a weekly basis. (In fact, maybe the blog will be retitled “The Life and Times of Solange” soon.) Some Solange stans tried to chew me out too; but don’t care because I am still allowed to express my personal opinion.
The outfits from this photoshoot suck. Just my personal opinion…
I like it too. And I’ll say again, I loooove seeing her shoots. But I don’t think it’s “hating” to acknowledge that the online natural community was at this same level a few years ago. The only thing is none of us have publicists and invitations to go these hot events. Take the “chictopia?” lady for example….there were others before her too. I don’t think that anything Solange is doing is SO new and SO fresh but I looooove seeing it presented in the “mainstream” media.
Some of the criticisms here are silly. What is a more legitimate reason to go natural, other than because you can. What exactly is a legitimate reason to go natural? Natural hair gets exposure in the media through a famous face, and people already start slamming it as a contrived move. Not everyone goes natural for some deep spiritual soul searching journey.
Thank you! It’s a bit too much. I love what anon said above about beautiful images. I could care less about what motives a person had for going or staying natural, or how “genuine” their style is. If I like it, I like it. And Solange is one of the most visible, mainstream naturals out there, like I said before…if her images serve as inspiration for natural hair to be valued in the beauty and entertainment industries, then by all means, let’s share them! Her personal motivations are not our problem, and frankly, all we know about a celeb is what is portrayed through the media. Go ahead Solange. No one is making natural hair as popular as she is right now.
Hmmm…I guess I’m not alone in thinking that her whole image change is completely being “handled”. I wish she would say who inspired HER to go natural, who’s youtube she’s watching etc. because in my opinion she used a trove of resources that have helped the rest of us. It’s a perfect time to go natural and what ELSE could have gained her such exposure. Little sis of unbeWEAVEable Beyonce can’t get a longer weave or a brighter colored one. Who would really care. She can’t get a funky cut cuz Rihanna’s all over that. That leaves….natural and vintage. I love seeing her shoots but I highly doubt that this was all just because she was inspired. She NEEDED to change to stay relevant and WE provided her with just the right resources :-).
I really like this photo shoot. She looks so chic. I have to say I really like that she has grown into her own person. She’s not Beyonce’s annoying little sister. She’s grown and a lot more mature now.
I don’t mind that people are annoyed of seeing her so much, but it sounds like some people on here are just starting something for the sake of it. I would agree that it would be great to see more celebrities with natural hair.
“You guys do know that there are other natural celebs, right???”
My Time Out NY(finally)arrived today(LATE!!)so it was nice to see the preview of Solange and the outfits(completely loving the orange sweater/printed skirt combo, and that is flattering on many body types/sizes/ages. I’d rock it with a slightly longer skirt though, I’m much taller and a bit older than Ms. Knowles). She has definitely emerged as a very stylish young woman, and even when I’m not feeling her look, she pulls it off(definitely a sign of a stylish person). I’m enjoying her because she’s not stuck in ‘safe’ mode, only wearing outfits that will get praised by the fashion po-po’s of the media world, and is working with stylists who understand that showing some individuality is actually a good thing. I hope she does come out with some new music soon…or a clothing line…
ALWAYS feeling her style. She is my number one style icon these days. I am not quite as thin as she is so I can’t pull off *all* the looks, but every time I see a new photo shoot, I feel like the gauntlet is thrown down again.
That said, I’d like to hear about her doing something other than just traipsing around the world looking fabulous with her beautiful son in tow. I heard she was a singer but I haven’t any new tracks in years. She is clearly a well-connected and inspired girl, I’m hoping to hear or see that something (ANYTHING!) of her exploits has borne fruit.
To be honest have never been feeling solanges new change of style. Her first attempt as coming out as an artist she never dressed like that and her hair either. I can’t jump on the solangefan boat. I wont even tolerate her music
I concur totally. I feel like Solange’s new look is so contrived. I think this is all a calculated effort to separate her image from her sisters’. The eclectic clothing and natural hair to me is just a part of a bigger plan. A gimmick to ensure Solange has a new fan base when she does release new music. And while I do like some of her looks other times I feel as if she’s trying really hard to be different and it’s just not authentic.
I like the first two looks. Honestly I don’t think I could pull those other looks off! LOL! I was just wondering though..Is Solange part owner/ editor for this website. It seems like every week there is at least 1 article/ photo shoot about Solange. You guys do know that there are other natural celebs, right???
Mainstream? Forgive me…I must not remember when her last album came out? And other than Viola Davis during her Oscar run, I’m also having a hard time remembering other celebs on here…Nothing against Solange. I applaud her for being so bold and confident, but it’s just really weird to me that every week there’s a new Solange photoshoot on here.
Maybe it’s because Solange is always doing new photo shoots… And she has a new album coming out this summer and I personally can’t wait for it because her last album was amazing. I still listen to it when I’m getting ready in the morning!
Yes, mainstream. Perhaps she’s not as well known for her own music, but she has certainly become a fashion star. Lots of stars with scant professional resumes, stay relevant for the same reason (Kate Bosworth!). So she’s known for showing up at events looking great and taking really cool pictures… Nothing new. That’s called hustling. Also, the fact that she is Beyonce’s little gives her automatic visibility. So I’d say she’s pretty mainstream. Certainly one of the most visible celebs with natural… plus she’s young and pretty and that definitely helps keep the cameras around. I’d challenge you to come up with a list of 10 more famous AND more photographed.
As far as whether her transformation into a natural hair and “alternative” fashion star is contrived, I don’t think it is any more contrived than anyone else’s public image. I’m not Solange and therefore will never know what her motivations for doing anything are… I’ll never know what is authentically Solange. So quite frankly, I don’t really care. She looks fantastic and I happen to be inspired by beautiful images, so that’s all I care about.
I went natural around the same time as Solange and I remember reading an interview about why she did it. She said she went natural before, and she did it because she was going through a lot of things and it was time for a transformation. I think to be mainstream you have to be a household name and I don’t think Solange is that (I have a lot of non-black friends and they didn’t even know Beyonce had a sister and Solange hasn’t been on the cover of Cosmo, Elle, or even Essence). I like Solange though, but I would also like to see other naturals besides her (ie Esperanza Spalding, Corrine Bailey Rae, Traci Ellis Ross, Janelle Monae to name a few).
I didn’t realize that being mainstream required one to be household name. There are lots of celebs who are mainstream, but who have not reached a level of fame to be household names. So, I’m not sure I agree with your definition. Love Tracee Ellis Ross, but she’s neither a household name, nor would I say she is more recognizable to the mainstream than Solange. Also Janelle Monae: mainstream, but not a household name.
I think that Solange has a very niche fan base. I had my last relaxer in 2009 and never even visited this website until I would say last fall. Until then, I didn’t know what the heck Solange was doing with herself. I had heard she was a dj and I had seen her cameo appearances in a few of Beyonce’s videos but that was it! Frequenting this website, one would think she’s a huge celebrity! AND SHE’S NOT! The fact of the matter is, it seems as if people follow her because of her hair; and natural haired, black women only make up a very small percentage of the total population, giving her not mainstream appeal but niche appeal. AND THAT’S OK!!! Really it is! And as I mentioned in my original posts, I like her looks and how bold she is. I was just wondering if this site was backed by some Knowles cash…that’s all. Don’t believe me? Where else is Solange Knowles a topic of discussion???
Also, I’m currently rocking a very Janelle Monae-ish style right now and you’d be surprised just how many people know who she is (from all demographic groups). Even when I rock a fro and go for a vintage look…I never get compared to Solange, even though that’s her thing…Jill Scott maybe…but never Solange. Again, only WE talk about her.
I think the shoot is fabulous! Solange is amazing for showing black girls everywhere that you don’t have to fit into the cookie cutter mold in order to be beautiful. Black beauty has so many dimensions. Some black people need 3D glasses.
by
Black Girl With Long Hair
37 Responses
I love the one with her against the floral wallpaper.
I know! I previously mentioned the fact that BGLH seems to feature Solange on a weekly basis. (In fact, maybe the blog will be retitled “The Life and Times of Solange” soon.) Some Solange stans tried to chew me out too; but don’t care because I am still allowed to express my personal opinion.
The outfits from this photoshoot suck. Just my personal opinion…
Those pics of her look really good. Did you also see the latest of her from the UK mazagine? I saw this while viewing curlynikki forum and she looks gorgeous on it as well.
http://www.curlynikkiforums.com/celebrity-gossip-other-chatter/1163-celebrity-news-180.html
I love it! I think she looks great and is rocking the natural fro! To truly embrace your beauty gives a since of freedom!
Go Ahead Solange 🙂
*bored* there are other natural celebrities and models….
I like it too. And I’ll say again, I loooove seeing her shoots. But I don’t think it’s “hating” to acknowledge that the online natural community was at this same level a few years ago. The only thing is none of us have publicists and invitations to go these hot events. Take the “chictopia?” lady for example….there were others before her too. I don’t think that anything Solange is doing is SO new and SO fresh but I looooove seeing it presented in the “mainstream” media.
Some of the criticisms here are silly. What is a more legitimate reason to go natural, other than because you can. What exactly is a legitimate reason to go natural? Natural hair gets exposure in the media through a famous face, and people already start slamming it as a contrived move. Not everyone goes natural for some deep spiritual soul searching journey.
The greatest battle is that with your mind!
Thank you! It’s a bit too much. I love what anon said above about beautiful images. I could care less about what motives a person had for going or staying natural, or how “genuine” their style is. If I like it, I like it. And Solange is one of the most visible, mainstream naturals out there, like I said before…if her images serve as inspiration for natural hair to be valued in the beauty and entertainment industries, then by all means, let’s share them! Her personal motivations are not our problem, and frankly, all we know about a celeb is what is portrayed through the media. Go ahead Solange. No one is making natural hair as popular as she is right now.
Agreeeeeeeeeeeeed!
+1 beautifully stated
adreed!
I don’t think her style is particularly vintage. In fact, I think she’s very fashion forward.
Hmmm…I guess I’m not alone in thinking that her whole image change is completely being “handled”. I wish she would say who inspired HER to go natural, who’s youtube she’s watching etc. because in my opinion she used a trove of resources that have helped the rest of us. It’s a perfect time to go natural and what ELSE could have gained her such exposure. Little sis of unbeWEAVEable Beyonce can’t get a longer weave or a brighter colored one. Who would really care. She can’t get a funky cut cuz Rihanna’s all over that. That leaves….natural and vintage. I love seeing her shoots but I highly doubt that this was all just because she was inspired. She NEEDED to change to stay relevant and WE provided her with just the right resources :-).
Love love love Solange!
She’s beautiful, like her music too! That said, stylistically I hate this shoot. Great hair and skin as usual.
I really like this photo shoot. She looks so chic. I have to say I really like that she has grown into her own person. She’s not Beyonce’s annoying little sister. She’s grown and a lot more mature now.
I don’t mind that people are annoyed of seeing her so much, but it sounds like some people on here are just starting something for the sake of it. I would agree that it would be great to see more celebrities with natural hair.
“You guys do know that there are other natural celebs, right???”
Yes…
My Time Out NY(finally)arrived today(LATE!!)so it was nice to see the preview of Solange and the outfits(completely loving the orange sweater/printed skirt combo, and that is flattering on many body types/sizes/ages. I’d rock it with a slightly longer skirt though, I’m much taller and a bit older than Ms. Knowles). She has definitely emerged as a very stylish young woman, and even when I’m not feeling her look, she pulls it off(definitely a sign of a stylish person). I’m enjoying her because she’s not stuck in ‘safe’ mode, only wearing outfits that will get praised by the fashion po-po’s of the media world, and is working with stylists who understand that showing some individuality is actually a good thing. I hope she does come out with some new music soon…or a clothing line…
She has an effortless swag! Love Solange!!!
Get it Solange!!!
Definitely feeling it! I love her style.
More than feeling it…LOVE it! She’s doing her and that’s all that matters.
ALWAYS feeling her style. She is my number one style icon these days. I am not quite as thin as she is so I can’t pull off *all* the looks, but every time I see a new photo shoot, I feel like the gauntlet is thrown down again.
That said, I’d like to hear about her doing something other than just traipsing around the world looking fabulous with her beautiful son in tow. I heard she was a singer but I haven’t any new tracks in years. She is clearly a well-connected and inspired girl, I’m hoping to hear or see that something (ANYTHING!) of her exploits has borne fruit.
To be honest have never been feeling solanges new change of style. Her first attempt as coming out as an artist she never dressed like that and her hair either. I can’t jump on the solangefan boat. I wont even tolerate her music
Agreed…I don’t get the fascination.
I concur totally. I feel like Solange’s new look is so contrived. I think this is all a calculated effort to separate her image from her sisters’. The eclectic clothing and natural hair to me is just a part of a bigger plan. A gimmick to ensure Solange has a new fan base when she does release new music. And while I do like some of her looks other times I feel as if she’s trying really hard to be different and it’s just not authentic.
I like the first two looks. Honestly I don’t think I could pull those other looks off! LOL! I was just wondering though..Is Solange part owner/ editor for this website. It seems like every week there is at least 1 article/ photo shoot about Solange. You guys do know that there are other natural celebs, right???
I was wondering the same thing she is always on here. And never a bad word is said about her in the articles.
She’s probably one of the most visible. As in, mainstream wise. It’s not like other celebs aren’t featured on here.
Mainstream? Forgive me…I must not remember when her last album came out? And other than Viola Davis during her Oscar run, I’m also having a hard time remembering other celebs on here…Nothing against Solange. I applaud her for being so bold and confident, but it’s just really weird to me that every week there’s a new Solange photoshoot on here.
Maybe it’s because Solange is always doing new photo shoots… And she has a new album coming out this summer and I personally can’t wait for it because her last album was amazing. I still listen to it when I’m getting ready in the morning!
Yes, mainstream. Perhaps she’s not as well known for her own music, but she has certainly become a fashion star. Lots of stars with scant professional resumes, stay relevant for the same reason (Kate Bosworth!). So she’s known for showing up at events looking great and taking really cool pictures… Nothing new. That’s called hustling. Also, the fact that she is Beyonce’s little gives her automatic visibility. So I’d say she’s pretty mainstream. Certainly one of the most visible celebs with natural… plus she’s young and pretty and that definitely helps keep the cameras around. I’d challenge you to come up with a list of 10 more famous AND more photographed.
As far as whether her transformation into a natural hair and “alternative” fashion star is contrived, I don’t think it is any more contrived than anyone else’s public image. I’m not Solange and therefore will never know what her motivations for doing anything are… I’ll never know what is authentically Solange. So quite frankly, I don’t really care. She looks fantastic and I happen to be inspired by beautiful images, so that’s all I care about.
Rock on…
I went natural around the same time as Solange and I remember reading an interview about why she did it. She said she went natural before, and she did it because she was going through a lot of things and it was time for a transformation. I think to be mainstream you have to be a household name and I don’t think Solange is that (I have a lot of non-black friends and they didn’t even know Beyonce had a sister and Solange hasn’t been on the cover of Cosmo, Elle, or even Essence). I like Solange though, but I would also like to see other naturals besides her (ie Esperanza Spalding, Corrine Bailey Rae, Traci Ellis Ross, Janelle Monae to name a few).
I didn’t realize that being mainstream required one to be household name. There are lots of celebs who are mainstream, but who have not reached a level of fame to be household names. So, I’m not sure I agree with your definition. Love Tracee Ellis Ross, but she’s neither a household name, nor would I say she is more recognizable to the mainstream than Solange. Also Janelle Monae: mainstream, but not a household name.
I think that Solange has a very niche fan base. I had my last relaxer in 2009 and never even visited this website until I would say last fall. Until then, I didn’t know what the heck Solange was doing with herself. I had heard she was a dj and I had seen her cameo appearances in a few of Beyonce’s videos but that was it! Frequenting this website, one would think she’s a huge celebrity! AND SHE’S NOT! The fact of the matter is, it seems as if people follow her because of her hair; and natural haired, black women only make up a very small percentage of the total population, giving her not mainstream appeal but niche appeal. AND THAT’S OK!!! Really it is! And as I mentioned in my original posts, I like her looks and how bold she is. I was just wondering if this site was backed by some Knowles cash…that’s all. Don’t believe me? Where else is Solange Knowles a topic of discussion???
Also, I’m currently rocking a very Janelle Monae-ish style right now and you’d be surprised just how many people know who she is (from all demographic groups). Even when I rock a fro and go for a vintage look…I never get compared to Solange, even though that’s her thing…Jill Scott maybe…but never Solange. Again, only WE talk about her.
I think the shoot is fabulous! Solange is amazing for showing black girls everywhere that you don’t have to fit into the cookie cutter mold in order to be beautiful. Black beauty has so many dimensions. Some black people need 3D glasses.
Solange is just gorgeous.Stuns me everytime.