Ruby You
I decided to create this lookbook, “Ruby You,” after hearing about the public response to Rocquelle Porch’s photo that appeared on Essence Online’s Facebook page last month. Rocquelle, whose own blog Consider Me Lovely encourages others to tap into their own individual style, was photographed for Essence’s StreetStyle series. She wore red lipstick. While the photographs were meant to highlight natural hair in Houston, the large majority of the comments focused on Rocquelle’s lip color. The long and short of it – most commenters offered their opinion that red was not her color. 150 comments later, Rocquelle responded:
“If I were still that young lady with horrid self- esteem who didn't come to gain confidence and learn how to be comfortable in my own skin until around age 21, the things you all have said about me would hurt me deeply. Thankfully, I've learned to drown out the opinions of others and continue to live by the rule, "If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all." Thanks Essence Online for including my picture in your roundup from the event!”
As much as this lookbook is inspired by Rocquelle, it’s not for Rocquelle. Not necessarily. I admire her ability to maintain a positive attitude through something that would have likely brought most of us to tears. While this is indeed a show of support for her, this lookbook is a show of support for all of us. For years, no matter how many of my friends or how many make-up artists encouraged me to try some color, because I hadn’t seen anyone with my complexion wear color(s) like that, I wasn’t convinced. Take a look at this lookbook and be convinced.
Last week, I put out a call to my social media networks and asked for 10 volunteers – women who aren’t afraid to wear bright lipstick and WERK it – and I asked them to send me a photograph of themselves. Without telling them what I would use the photographs for, they sent them to me en masse. I asked for 10, I received nearly 200! Although I was only able to use a fraction of the photographs, the very fact that so many women sent in their photographs shows that sisters really do and CAN wear color!
Whoever came up with the idea that bright colors bring attention to dark skin was right. Isn’t that the point? There’s freedom in color – FREE UP!!