2023 ESSENCE Festival Street Style Was Hotter Than New Orleans
The scorching heat in New Orleans during the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture didn’t stop folx from bringing out their best looks. From bright colors to dramatic headpieces, there was absolutely no shortage of fashion on full display as thousands braced the extreme heat and humidity.
Presented by Coca-Cola, this year’s celebration was held from June 29 to July 3, highlighting 50 years of hip-hop music –– from in-person to virtual experiences showcasing its impact throughout every aspect of culture. Ms. Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliott and Megan Thee Stallion were among the festival’s iconic line-up of headliners, with fans having the option to also livestream the Superdome performances on Hulu. Other performers also included Janelle Monáe, Jill Scott, Tems, Wizkid, Coco Jones, Juvenile, Eve, Lil Wayne, Monica, Ice Cube, and more.
Vice President Kamala Harris, Oprah Winfrey, and Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams were among the notable attendees over the course of the four-day event.
Dollie Michelle of Philadelphia, P.A. was one of many fashion standouts as she rocked bantu knots paired with a shirt from her brand, Cocoa Canvas, during ESSENCE Festival. The podcast host told Unbothered that she is grateful for the opportunity to showcase her brand while also being “immersed in Black culture and Black joy.”
Michelle, who describes her style as “bold and whimsical,” added that she had the chance to meet various artists during the festival such as Tank, Maino and Elle Varner. “I like to think of my fashion as an extension of my art that I can wear on display,” Michelle said.
Malissa Anthony, who served as an Associate Producer for the ESSENCE Stage in the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, told Unbothered that a plethora of “personal style was on full display,” adding, “the heat didn’t even hold us back.”
While working the festival, the New York City producer and Creative Director helped oversee the ESSENCE Stage with host Jessie Woo along with panel discussions and performances by LaKeith Stanfield, Angie Martinez, Taraji P. Henson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and more.
Anthony said the festival represents the full scope of Black culture, including the brand’s “New & Next'' opportunity for upcoming artists — like Don Knock, RKHTY and JxHines — to perform on the ESSENCE Stage.
Whether it was through music, film, fashion, beauty or food, the nuances of the African-American experience was certainly exhibited throughout the festival. From colorful kimonos to Afrocentric accessories, here’s a round-up of some of the best looks from the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture. An ESSENCE Festival of Culture attendee rocks colorful dreadlocks paired with a floral accessory at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Photo: Courtesy of Mariya Moseley.An attendee rocks flared pants, an Afrocentric top, and big hat sitting atop of braids with beads during the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture.Photo: Courtesy of Mariya Moseley.An ESSENCE Festival of Culture wears an Afrocentric outfit and large hat at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Photo: Courtesy of Mariya Moseley.ESSENCE Ventures’ President & CEO Caroline Wanga poses for a photo during the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture. Photo: Courtesy of Mariya Moseley.A vendor working a booth at the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture rocks a colorful outfit with a bold headwrap and draping kimono. Photo: Courtesy of Mariya Moseley.Aevin Dugas of Louisiana attends the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture. She currently holds the title for the largest Afro on a living person, according to the Guinness World Records. Photo: Courtesy of Mariya Moseley.Music Artist Don Knock of New York City by way of Jamaica made his debut on the ESSENCE Stage during the festival. Photo: Courtesy of Mariya Moseley.An attendee rocks a jean jumper paired with colorful details, a yellow purse, and crown-styled braids during the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture.Photo: Courtesy of Mariya Moseley.MY-kell Williams, a Georgia native, content creator and aspiring actress, attends ESSENCE Fest rocking a “Clueless” top coupled with various pops of color from top to bottom.Photo: Courtesy of Mariya Moseley.A vendor during the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture rocks a stylish hairstyle while working her booth. Photo: Courtesy of Mariya Moseley.Vanessa La Rose, Founder and Creative Director of Venus Island, traveled from London to attend the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture. She wore a customized jean skirt that she designed.Photo: Courtesy of Mariya Moseley.Amber Anderson, an HBCU alumna who served as the 65th Miss Hampton University, moderated an ESSENCE Girls United panel discussion. Photo: Courtesy of Mariya Moseley.Paige Medlin of New York City rocks a monochromatic all-white outfit during the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture.
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