InStyle February 2021

editor’s letter

This is the sixth edition of our Badass Women issue. It’s become one of InStyle’s greatest platforms. And one of our greatest joys. I mean, look how happy Sigourney Weaver is (right), just thinking about it. Or perhaps she’s excited about our excellent collection of Badass Goods (opposite page). You can see her in the socks—am I right? More seriously, though, one of the keys to being a badass is consistency, and that is what unites these women. Cover star Regina King, who has been acting for over 30 years (her first movie was Boyz n the Hood, 1991), is now making her feature-film directorial début with the brilliant One Night in Miami. “What works for me is that I am not making lateral moves, that I am on an upward…

we made stuff

La DoubleJ The ultimate badass quality? Having an open heart. This ’70s-inspired sweatshirt and T designed by InStyle pal J.J. Martin send that message with just the right amount of cheek. Mother Channeling a heavy dose of disco-roller-girl sass, our capsule collection with denim brand Mother also has a sweet element: A percentage of profits will benefit the Loveland Foundation, an organization working to bring opportunity and healing to communities of color.…

contributors

Who Is the Gutsiest Woman You Know? “Me. I’ve worked hard on my craft, my self-esteem, and my self-love. I’m proud of myself, and, hopefully, my journey inspires other women to chase their dreams.”SAWEETIE Rapper, “An Original,” p. 66“My mom. She taught my siblings and me, not just with her words but with her actions, to be determined and to work hard.”UZO ADUBA Actress, “Uzo,” p. 110“I just discovered Sky Brown on Instagram. Nothing like the youngest professional skateboarder in the world to remind you to take a few more risks.”SAM CADE Baker, Table for One: A Piece of Cake, p. 82“Without a doubt, Mother Earth.”DOUGLAS LYLE THOMPSON Photographer, Table for One: A Piece of Cake, p. 82“My mom. Not always right, but always convinced. Stubborn as a mule, but a…

my likes

FICTIONAL STYLE ICON? Tracy Chambers, played by Diana Ross, in Mahogany. EVERYDAY STAPLES? “A dope pair of sneakers and cute jewelry.” QUARANTINE WARDROBE UPDATE? “I changed up my earrings due to wearing a mask. I don’t wear hoops as often anymore.” FAVORITE RED-CARPET LOOK TO DATE? “How could I possibly choose? My glam team does an incredible job. But I’ll go with my most recent: the blue Schiaparelli [Haute Couture] gown I wore to the Emmy Awards last year.” GO-TO DESIGNERS? Prada, Christopher John Rogers, Versace. SKILL YOU’D LIKE TO LEARN? “Spanish! Still haven’t mastered it.” DIAMONDS OR PEARLS? Diamonds. BEAUTY ESSENTIALS? Vaseline’s Lip Therapy tins in Aloe and Rosy Lips. FIRST-EVER DESIGNER SPLURGE? A Rolex watch. MOST WORN ITEM IN YOUR CLOSET? A boilersuit. See behind-the-scenes video from our cover shoot at instyle.com/king…

the start: the news in style

NICE ICE The legendary diamond brand De Beers and 10 female jewelers at the top of their game have teamed up to create this season’s dreamiest engagement rings. The only problem? We can’t possibly commit to just one. Graphic Novel Louis Vuitton taps Swiss conceptual artist Urs Fischer for a capsule collection of wardrobe-making masterpieces. Good Sport Upgrade your threadbare sweatsuits with Banana Republic’s answer to athleisure: a relaxed line of off-duty basics made of wrinkle- and water-resistant fabrics. Fit Picks Consider these sleek silhouettes from Wolford’s collaboration with Adidas just the motivation you need to get moving this winter (or at least take more gym selfies). Shoe Ins Some of Birkenstock’s coolest slides to date come courtesy of London’s Central Saint Martins, where students were asked to reinvent the brand’s iconic sandals for a panel of industry experts.…

the badass 50

1 Bridgett Floyd “The world knows him as George Floyd, but to me, he was my big brother,” Bridgett Floyd says. His devastating death in May at the hands of the Minneapolis police ignited protests around the world. Floyd and her siblings have bravely turned “pain into purpose,” establishing the George Floyd Memorial Foundation to uphold their brother’s legacy of mentorship and service, as well as to fight for nationwide police reform. Since its inception, the foundation has handed out hot meals to the homeless in Fayetteville, N.C. (where George was born), and also created an internship program geared toward Black men at his alma mater, Texas A&M University. Floyd insists these steps are just the beginning. “I believe that’s what it means to be a badass–remaining confident and standing in…