Latest news with #TheConnieOrlandoFoundation
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sylvia Rhone, Ciara & More Honored at Inaugural Black Women in Music Dinner
Epic Records chairwoman/CEO Sylvia Rhone being presented with the Vanguard Award was one of several highlights that took place during the inaugural Black Women in Music dinner, held Tuesday evening (June 3) at the Audrey Irmas Pavilion in Los Angeles. The Black Music Month fete also honored Grammy-winning artist Ciara, music executive Phylicia Fant, creative director/costume designer June Ambrose, media personality DJ Kiss and photographer/photojournalist Florence 'FLO' Ngala. Celebrating the global impact of Black women in the music industry, the dinner also served as the first fundraiser for its presenter, The Connie Orlando Foundation, which supports breast cancer prevention, care and research in Black communities. More from Billboard Sylvia Rhone: Billboard Women in Music's 2023 Executive of the Year Young Thug Recalls Getting 'Stood Up' By Mariah The Scientist on Their First Date BE:FIRST's 'GRIT' Debuts at No. 1, CANDY TUNE's 'BAIBAI FIGHT!' Breaks Into Top 20 on Japan Hot 100 As the first Black woman CEO of a major record label, Rhone accepted her award from Grammy- and Stellar Award-winning gospel powerhouse Yolanda Adams. In making the presentation to the industry trailblazer — also known as 'The Godmother of the Music Industry' — Adams said of Rhone, 'You are a beacon of hope and a powerful champion for change.' Grammy-nominated artist Normani presented the Avant Garde Award to Ciara, saluting the Grammy-winning singer/songwriter/entrepreneur as 'the blueprint for leveling up.' Emmy-winning actress Niecy Nash stepped onstage to honor hip-hop and R&B style pioneer Ambrose with the Guardian of Vision Award. 'She taught hip-hop how to wear its crown — and how to do it in a fresh pair of heels,' Nash remarked. Grammy-winning singer and actress Andra Day, alongside co-presenter/entrepreneur Lori Harvey, paid tribute to veteran music executive Fant (Warner Bros. Records, Columbia Records, Amazon) and her work in music marketing and advocacy for equitable representation. 'Phylicia has a deep understanding of how crucial Black artistry is to the future of business, and her work stands as a testament to this,' Day said. HarborView Equity Partners founder/CEO Sherrese Clarke Soares — also founding partner of Black Women in Music — gave out special Guardian Angel Spotlight awards to aforementioned culture-shapers DJ Kiss and Ngala. Citing Black Women in Music as a 'platform to reshape narratives around Black artistry and leadership,' Clarke Soares further commented, 'At HarbourView, we believe artists deserve more than just a seat at the table. They deserve ownership of their stories and the freedom to build their own.' In thanking the audience as well as the evening's supporters and sponsors, Orlando addressed the call to action needed to fight the breast cancer crisis affecting the Black community. 'It is a privilege for me to curate this event to give these extraordinary women their flowers, to shine a light on how vital they've been to global culture and to just say, 'Thank You,'' added Orlando who is also exec. vp/head of specials, music programming and music strategy at BET. The inaugural Black Women in Music dinner/fundraiser was hosted by actress and comedian Zainab Johnson with performances by Giveon, Alex Isley and YULI. Hip-hop icon MC Lyte voiced the tribute videos, while DJ Midi Riperton provided afterparty entertainment. In addition to The Connie Orlando Foundation and founding partner HarbourView Equity Partners, the event's prestige partners were BET and BET HER; contributing partners included Jesse Collins Entertainment, Flavor Unit, Quality Control, CMG, Epic Records, Atlantic Records, OWN and Universal Music Group. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
The South African
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Ciara receives prestigious Avant-Garde Award in Los Angeles
Ciara and her daughter, Sienna Wilson, stole the spotlight at The Connie Orlando Foundation's inaugural Black Women in Music Dinner in Los Angeles. The dynamic mother-daughter duo turned heads with their perfectly coordinated power suits, proving that style and confidence run in the family. The event celebrated Black women's contributions to the music industry, and Ciara was honoured with the Avant-Garde award for her trailblazing work, according to WWD. The singer, known for hits like Level Up , embraced a sharp, tailored look that combined menswear elements with feminine flair. Her outfit was a masterclass in modern elegance. Ciara wore sleek black trousers paired with a structured blazer. The blazer was a standout piece, featuring a silky sheen on the lapels that contrasted beautifully with the softer fabric of the jacket. Little Sienna, just eight years old, matched her mother's style flawlessly. She donned a mini version of Ciara's suit, complete with a crisp blazer and tailored trousers. The young fashionista's confident stride on the red carpet was a joy to watch. Ciara shared a heartfelt moment about the experience: 'It's so special to share this with Sienna. Seeing her embrace her own style and confidence reminds me why representation matters.' Her husband, NFL star Russell Wilson, who shares Sienna with Ciara, expressed pride in the family's united front. 'They both looked incredible. It's amazing to see my girls shining together.' Ciara's style offers inspiration on blending boldness with elegance. The tailored suits reflect a global trend towards power dressing. The event also highlighted the importance of celebrating Black excellence, a message that strikes a chord locally. The Black Women in Music Dinner took place at the Audrey Irmas Pavilion, a venue known for hosting prestigious cultural events. The evening brought together influential figures from the music industry, all united in recognising the achievements of Black women. Ciara and Sienna's coordinated looks sent a clear message: confidence and heritage are the ultimate accessories. This mother-daughter moment was more than a fashion statement. It was a celebration of legacy, culture, and the unstoppable force of Black women in music and beyond. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ciara and Her Daughter Sienna Twin in Power Suits at the Inaugural Black Women in Music Dinner
Ciara and her eight-year-old daughter Sienna Wilson made the case for mother-daughter coords on Tuesday at The Connie Orlando Foundation's inaugural Black Women in Music Dinner in Los Angeles. The mononymous singer received the Avant-Garde award at the event. For the red carpet occasion, Ciara opted for suited styling, giving menswear an edgy spin with feminine touches throughout. The 'Level Up' artist opted for tailored black trousers, which coordinated with the singer's structured blazer. More from WWD Aimee Lou Wood Reunites With Patrick Schwarzenegger in New Campaign, Talks Astrology Fashion and Red Carpet Style The Best Beauty Moments at Gotham TV Awards 2025: Carrie Coon, Gabriela Hearst, Julio Torres and More Queen Letizia of Spain Embraces Burgundy Trend in Bleis Madrid Suit for Royal Engagement With King Felipe VI Ciara's blazer jacket featured fabric contrast with a silky sheen fabric for the sharp lapels set against the softer sheath fabric of the blazer. The blazer featured a cinched waist for added silhouette definition and rounded shoulders with long sleeves. Beneath the blazer, Ciara wore a crisp, collared white shirt with a silk black tie and a metallic silver tie clip. The singer's look was recreated in a miniaturized version for her eight-year-old daughter, who wore the exact same suited look with a pair of black kitten heel shoes. Ciara shares Sienna with husband Russell Wilson. Menswear, particularly suited looks, for women reached an apex between 2024 and 2025. Culturally significant figures like former Vice President Kamala Harris, as well as royal women like Queen Letizia of Spain and Kate Middleton, have embraced the power suit to mainstream relevance. Its ripple effect has been felt globally, with London-based brands 'expanding their offerings to cater to women's tailoring, with special care to detail and design,' WWD's Hikmat Mohammed reported in August 2024. For Ciara, the coordinated look with her daughter exemplifies much more than the trendy power suit for women. The coordinated red carpet moment also served as a reminder of the ways in which the singer enriches her daughter's life with fashion to sentimental ends. 'I definitely plan to collect things for her,' the singer told WWD in an interview from March 2018. 'I was in the closet the other day and I was putting on some heels and Russ was like, 'SiSi's [her daughter Sienna] gonna have those.' She was sitting around, so we were joking like, you're gonna have those when I get older — or when she gets older,' she said, adding, 'I definitely plan to keep a lot of cool things for her, especially jewelry pieces.' View Gallery Launch Gallery: Ciara and Russell Wilson's Chic Couple Shoe Style [PHOTOS] Best of WWD Mia Threapleton's Red Carpet Style Through the Years [PHOTOS] Princess Charlene of Monaco's Grand Prix Style Through the Years: Louis Vuitton, Akris and More, Photos Princess Charlene's Monaco Grand Prix Style Evolution at Full Speed: Shades of Blue in Louis Vuitton, Playful Patterning in Akris and More
