Meet The Designer Behind This Megan Thee Stallion "Hiss" Video Look
When Megan Thee Stallion dropped “Hiss,” a shift happened. From the audacious lyrics to the striking visuals, there was no doubt that the song and video would go viral. The opening of the video shows the H-town hottie rocking a barely there Shibari red dress, showing off her voluptuous frame. It was a sexy moment created by Timeekah Murphy of Alani Taylor. The designer exclusively tells us how the opportunity came about and what it was like seeing her design on Megan for the first time.
Timeekah Murphy
Photo courtesy
xoNecole: How did the opportunity to create such an iconic look for Megan Thee Stallion's "Hiss" video come about?
Timeekah Murphy: The opportunity came from a DM from celebrity stylist Zerina Akers. She asked for a unique Shibari piece for Megan, and I needed to get it done in two days. So, of course, I did everything in my power to make it happen. I've always wanted to design for Megan, so this was an awesome opportunity for me.
xoN: What was that initial feeling of seeing the dress on her for the first time?
TM: I was shocked because, at first, I thought it hadn't been used. I saw Megan's last video and thought, damn, maybe it didn't fit. So, to see it on such an amazing video was breathtaking. I was beyond excited to finally say I designed for her.
xoN: Did you meet her? If so, how was that moment?
TM: I didn't meet Megan during the shoot, but during my time in LA, I got the opportunity to meet her at LA Pride with Tiffany Haddish, Common, and EJ King (stylist). Megan is such an amazing person, so it made it even better to know that my designs were going to be worn by her. I was shocked because, at first, I thought it hadn't been used. I saw Megan's last video and thought, damn, maybe it didn't fit. So, to see it on such an amazing video was breathtaking. I was beyond excited to finally say I designed for her.
"I was shocked because, at first, I thought it hadn't been used. I saw Megan's last video and thought, damn, maybe it didn't fit. So, to see it on such an amazing video was breathtaking. I was beyond excited to finally say I designed for her."
Photo courtesy
xoN: Walk us through the creation of the dress. How did you come up with the look, and how long did it take to make it?
TM: I was the co-designer for a brand called Deviant in 2018-2020, and we used to make custom Shibari pieces. That's how Zerina knew me. So I'm very familiar with making these types of pieces. We made plenty for Beyoncé, Cardi B, Tiffany Haddish, Tyra Banks, and so many others. So Zerina knew exactly what she wanted.
To get it done, it took me a day and a half. It's very intricate and time-consuming, so I spent about six hours making it then I sent an image of it to Zerina, and she didn't approve the first one, so I had to start from scratch again after getting my guidance and understanding of what was needed. The next day, I went to The Lab and created another version, and she approved it. I had to get it shipped overnight so that she would get it in time and fast forward to seeing it on the big screen.
xoN: What's next for you?
TM: Everything. The sky is not my limit, so the Alani Taylor brand is expanding into so many different avenues. We are getting involved in the community more, offering sewing classes to the youth. I've opened up a store for my brand in Atlanta and now preparing for fall/winter Fashion Week.
Megan Thee Stallion "Hiss" video/ YouTube
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London Alexaundria is the contributing editor for xoNecole. She is an alum of Clark Atlanta University, where she majored in Mass Media Arts and has worked in journalism for over ten years. You can follow her on Instagram and TikTok @theselfcarewriter
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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Taraji P. Henson Sheds Light On Her Work To Destigmatize Mental Health Within The Black Community
Since 2018, actress Taraji P. Henson has used her platform to advocate for mental health within the Black community. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the co-founder of the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (BLHF) spoke to Verywell Mind about her work to destigmatize mental health in the Black community.
For Henson, her journey with mental health hasn’t been an easy one to share publically, however,The Color Purplestar says she hopes her speaking out about her experience will empower others to share their stories and receive support.
“I broke my silence to free someone else to share their story and ultimately get the support they need. It wasn’t easy, especially when you’re in the public space, but it was worth it,” she reflects. “When I get DMs on social media from people who have actually received the free therapy and resources my foundation offers, it fills my heart more than anything I’ve done as an artist.”
Henson’s foundation, Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (BLHF), named after her grandfather, is dedicated to providing culturally competent therapy referrals and wellness resources while, “chipping away at that mistrust by offering culturally relevant, barrier-free services in traditional trusted spaces like barbershops, HBCU campuses, and with providers and practitioners who practice cultural humility,” she says.
According to a study by the National Mental Health Association, 63% of Black individuals perceive a mental health issue as indicative of personal “weakness” — a stigma that can consequently, lead to individuals feeling ashamed of their mental health condition and fear discrimination based on it.
With this in mind, the award-winning actress stresses that strength can be found in vulnerability; and advocates for breaking the cycle of suffering through transparency.
“Cultural humility in caring for BIPOC communities. We all show up in the world with cultural norms and historical contexts that are often missed,” she says. “What services may work for one group can actually be detrimental to another at that goes even deeper into layers of experiences and zip codes. We are not a monolith.”
She continues, “Vulnerability is your strength, not a weakness. We have to break the cycle of suffering so that we can live healthy whole lives without being shackled to our trauma. There are free services out here whether it’s therapy or yoga or African dance that can help you at least start your journey to healing. Joy is our birthright and you deserve that.”
Despite the ongoing challenges in advancing mental health efforts for marginalized communities, Henson maintains her motivation through the significant progress achieved over time.
“We still have a lot of work to do, especially given the cuts in funding to DEI initiatives. The progress we’ve made in such a short period of time, keeps me fighting for us.”
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Featured image by Greg Doherty/WireImage