Ciara Says Russell Wilson 'Speaks Life' Into Her Independence In Response To Recent Backlash Over New Song
Singer and entrepreneur Ciara isn't holding anything back regarding the criticism she's received on social media for her single "For Da Girls" and the infamous dress she wore at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
For context, the reason surrounding the "For Da Girls" controversy, a song that praises women’s independence and self-love, stemmed from many feeling that the message Ciara was promoting could be observed as a contradiction because she is happily married with three children.
As for the sheer metallic ensemble that the 37-year-old wore at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in March, Ciara faced backlash because some people felt that her dress was inappropriate --especially for a married woman-- despite the fact she went to the event with her husband Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson.
That same month, Ciara addressed the adverse social media reaction during an interview with Essencemagazine while attending SXSW in Austin, Texas. In the discussion, the "Goodies" vocalist opened up about her initial intentions for her latest single and how her husband motivates her to be herself.
Ciara on "For Da Girls" Backlash
Ciara revealed that "For Da Girls" is about empowering women, commemorating their independence and ability to tackle anything.
"It's really about female empowerment. It is about celebrating our independence as women and that inner strength that we have and how we're so capable," she said.
When the subject shifted to the track's online scrutiny, the songstress shared that she didn't harbor any bad feelings toward it because she knew the right people would enjoy the song.
"I think those that may not be so confident may feel a certain kind of way, but those that are confident in themselves, especially [regardless of] a male's perspective, know what that is," she stated.
"And they love what that is, and they celebrate what that is, and they support what that is. They uplift what that is in us. So that's like a good bit of my inspiration and where I'm coming from with this record."
Ciara On How Russell Wilson Embraces Her Independence
Later, Ciara disclosed how the negative attention had impacted her marriage. The "Ride" singer expressed that because Russell knew who she was beforehand and "respected" her independence, he continued to speak life into it when they decided to get together.
"The thing that I love about my husband is that he speaks life into my independence. Before I came into his life, he knew who I was. And he's always respected that from day one," she explained.
As the conversation went on, the mom of three shared that she considers being an independent woman a wonderful thing as it attributes to many things such as knowing your worth.
"I think there's something really beautiful about the woman that knows who she is and is confident in who she is. She's fearless. She goes after what she wants," she said. "Even if you're a stay-at-home mom, there's still an independence that you have to make the house go round to make things happen. Or the girl that's out there grinding, trying to get it. I've been that girl since I was a little girl. I mean, I had to do a lot on my own. Whether it was from the vision of the songs I would write, starting with 'Goodies,' or whether it was from running my own label – that's who I am."
Regardless of what anyone thinks, Ciara continues to inspire her millions of followers by unapologetically being herself.
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Feature image by Monica Schipper/Getty Images
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Sheila Rashid's Androgynous Approach To Unisex Clothing Is A Lesson In Embracing Individuality
The ItGirl 100 List is a celebration of 100 Black women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table.
For Sheila Rashid, it all started with some free-hand drawings and a few strokes of paint.
The Chicago-based clothing designer and creative director of Sheila Rashid Brand recalls using her spare time in high school to hand paint designs on t-shirts and distressed hoodies, distributing them to classmates as walking billboards for her art.
Rashid sought to pursue fashion design at Columbia College in Chicago but eventually took the self-taught route to build upon her knack for crafting one-of-a-kind, androgynous pieces.
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Thanks to the mentorship of local designers taking her under their wings, Rashid was able to gain valuable experience in putting together collections and creating patterns; equipping her with them with the necessary skills to pursue her own collections.
After two years of living in New York, Rashid returned home to the Chi and uncovered the unique flair she could offer the city. “I moved to New York after that because I wanted to be in the fashion capital world,” she tells xoNecole. “That's when I really got a leg up. I found myself when I moved back to Chicago after moving to New York.”
For the Midwest native, inspiration comes from her time around creative peers and the city’s notorious winters — known to be a main character in many Chicagoans stories. “It's a different perspective and mindset when I'm making stuff because of the weather here,” she explains. “When we get summer, it’s ‘Summertime Chi’ — it's amazing. It's beautiful. Still, I find myself always making clothes that cater to the winter.”
"I moved to New York after that because I wanted to be in the fashion capital world. That's when I really got a leg up. I found myself when I moved back to Chicago after moving to New York.”
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Many designers have a signature aesthetic or theme in their creations. In Rashid’s design story, dancing between the lines of femininity and masculinity is how she’s been able to distinguish herself within the industry. Her androgynous clothing has garnered the eye of celebrities like Zendaya, Chance the Rapper, WNBA star Sydney Colson, and more — showing her range and approach to designs with inclusivity in mind.
“I think I do reflect my own style,” she says. “When I do make pieces, I'm very tomboyish, androgynous. My work is unisex because I feel like everybody can wear it. I cater to everybody and that's how I try to approach my clothes.” From denim to overalls, and color-drenched outerwear, Rashid has mastered the structure of statement pieces that tell a story.
“Each collection, I never know what's going to be the thing I'm going to focus on. I try to reflect my own style and have fun with the storytelling,” she shares. “I look at it more like it's my art in this small way of expressing myself, so it's not that calculated.”
"My work is unisex because I feel like everybody can wear it. I cater to everybody and that's how I try to approach my clothes."
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Still, if you were able to add up all the moments within Rashid’s 20-year career in design, one theme that has multiplied her into becoming an “ItGirl” is her confidence to take up space within the fashion industry as a queer, Black woman. “Being an ItGirl is about being yourself, loving what you do, finding your niche, and mastering that,” she says.
No matter where you are on your ItGirl journey, Rashid says to always remain persistent and never hesitate to share your art with the world. “Don’t give up. Even if it's something small, finish it and don't be afraid to put it out,” she says, “It's about tackling your own fear of feeling like you have to please everybody, but just please yourself, and that's good enough.”
To learn more about the ItGirl 100 List, view the full list here.
Featured image Courtesy