Already amassing nearly 60 million views, the Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion collaboration “WAP” was easily the most anticipated release of the summer. For four days, Cardi B dropped hints about the song on her social media, teasing her fans with promo shots, a vinyl release, and even a small trailer that previewed the first few seconds of the song. Finally, on the 7th of August, fans were put out of their misery. Since then, it has been a constant talking point on all social media platforms.

For some, it was a controversial song. But, for many, it became an anthem of embracing female sexuality. The music video itself has been a phenomenal success. From fashion to glam to an abundance of cameos, it checks all the boxes, and the message of empowerment that comes with it has been not only accepted online but welcomed with open arms. In a world that seems to be dominated by bad news and tragedy, fans welcomed the moment that was given to celebrate women, and to show them that they don’t have to feel ashamed about their sexuality. Cardi B also wanted to use the music video to uplift other artists, giving them a platform. “I feel like people be wanting to put female artists against each other,” she said on the New Music Daily show on Apple Music. Instead of allowing the media to create feuds between female artists, Cardi B created an environment where every woman coming into the video gets her moment to shine.

The music video is set inside a mansion, each room different from the last. Throughout the song, Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion are seen perusing the hallway, peering into the different rooms wearing one-piece suits designed by Nicholas Jebran. These outfits- adorned with matching, long-sleeved opera gloves, are a nod to the movie B.A.P.S(1997). From the beginning, there’s a subtle pattern of animal images that run through it. From a room with tigers to snakes, it is a constant in the video that ties it all together.

Cardi B- WAP feat. Megan Thee Stallion Official Music Video

The cameos kick off with Kylie Jenner, strutting down a hallway alone, in a look custom made for her by Rey Ortiz. She takes centre stage in her leopard-print bodysuit- with thigh-high boots and a train that follows her as she holds her head high, looking purely regal. Some fans were confused about her presence as she doesn’t actually sing or dance, but it’s clear to me that she’s setting the tone of the video: powerful women that Cardi B personally admires. The last sixty seconds are dominated by videos of female artists dancing in their own rooms, the aesthetic designed to match who they are. “These are the girls that I personally like,” Cardi B said in the same interview, “That I like their music. That I feel like they’re going to go mainstream.” Despite having told us that there will be cameos in the video, who would be in it had remained a total surprise until the video was released three days ago.

Normani and Rosalia seem to get the most screen-time during this part of the video. Normani can be seen in a houndstooth two-piece set and knee-high gladiator heels, an overcoat with a matching print resting on her shoulders. Around her, the room follows the same monochromatic style. The outfit- designed by Azzedine Alaia- may be a homage to Naomi Campbell, who modelled similar look for Alaia’s 1991 collection. A throwback to yet another prominent woman in an artistic area.

On the other hand, Rosalia is positively vibrant. She is clad from head-to-toe in red latex. Her hair- styled into a myriad of braids- are twisted around her head like a crown. She stands in a room that mimics the colour of her bodysuit. From the ceiling, a golden chandelier hangs, giving the room a lavish feel to it.

After that, we see Mulatto, Rubi Rose, and Sukihana gave their own time, too. And it becomes a portion of the video where Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion are shown praising them, excitedly watching these women that they personally admire showing off their skill and talent to the world.

Cardi B was right- there is too much of a divide between women in this world. With some media outlets often putting female artists against one another through comparisons or even fandoms online creating feuds, the world can feel like a very lonely place for powerful women. But the “WAP” music video perfectly presents what the world can be like if women lift each other up and share their platform. When women work together and elevate one another, beautiful moments like the ones in this video can be created anywhere. Words by Abigail Forrest

Graphics by Georgia Walters

The post Style Highlights from Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s “WAP” appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Last week, Urban Decay introduced three more daring women to join their Global Citizens program. The new ambassadors include singer Normani, as well as Camila Mendes and singer G.E.M to act as spokespeople for the brand. All to champion diversity and to recognise individuality in the beauty industry. Hell yeah.

The trio join Lizzo, CL, Joey King and, Karol G in the campaign, acting as ambassadors for the brand, celebrating their individual uniqueness as artists and, to preach Urban Decays philosophy. To “challenge the status quo by celebrating differences and embracing unapologetic individuality.”

Speaking to Elle.com about the new campaign, Normani said: “I want to amplify Black stories to help dismantle systematic racism. I wholeheartedly believe that through this collaboration, I have a real opportunity and obligation to the black community, not only to lift my voice but all of theirs through this mission.

She also took to her Instagram to commemorate the brand for their efforts in diversity, writing: “They have trail-blazed and challenged the industry’s definition of beauty since the beginning. They stand with marginalized groups by showing that makeup should be and can be inclusive for everyone.”

Alongside their Global Citizen campaign, the brand have introduced another palette to the NAKED family. In keeping with their signature purple shade, the new Ultraviolet palette houses 12 super pigmented shadows that, like the new ambassadors, are not afraid to show off their colours.

While this palette certainly packs a punch in its shade range, its versatility of matte, shimmer and metallic shades offers something for everyone. For every day, peachy neutrals are ideal for a simple base and can be amped up with a deep purple shimmer in the crease. For real, the possibilities with this palette are endless.

Normani, Mendes, and G.E.M all feature in the new promotional video and images, rocking a vivid purple eye look, blowing a gum bubble, boogying on the table, and partying the night away. Ugh, post-lockdown vibes right!

Remember back in the day when the o-g NAKED palette was launched? It was all about the neutrals and achieving that “no makeup makeup look.” Well, ten years on and neutrals are no longer. Keep on coming with the colours please.

So, with summer on our doorstep, it’s the perfect makeup opportunity to inject a bit of colour and experimentation into our everyday eye look. Agree?

You can shop the palette now for £43 on the Urban Decay website.

Words by Clare Stephenson

Graphics by Georgia Walters

The post Normani Introduced As the Newest Global Ambassador and Face of Urban Decay appeared first on Voir Fashion.