How does Mercedes Jackson's approach to beauty and fashion set her apart at the Essence Festival?

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When I step into spaces like Essence Black Women in Hollywood and Essence Fest, I treat beauty and fashion as storytelling. I’m not just getting dressed, I’m curating a look that says: Black women in media belong in every luxe, red-carpet room.

I lean into bold, feminine, body-conscious pieces (like my dresses from @hellobarbie and @themiraclelifestyle) that highlight Black girl luxury while still feeling approachable and relatable for my audience. I want women to be able to see a look and think, “I could really wear that,” not just “That looks good on her.”

And because I’m covering the events as media, my fashion has to work on camera, on carpets, and on the timeline. That balance of glam, function, and representation is what really sets my approach apart at Essence.

What part of Essence Fest style are you most interested in—red-carpet glam, day-party chic, or media girl-on-the-move looks?