What do men want? It's the age-old question women have been asking themselves for years! After what may seem like an eternity, super-producer Will Packer descends from movie heaven with the verdict.
In the highly anticipated film, What Men Want, Will Packer teams up with Hollywood's newest Walk of Fame star Taraji P. Henson, Tracy Morgan, and Erykah Badu to flip the script on a classic plot.
In the film, Henson delivers a hilarious performance as Ali Davis, a successful sports agent who can't seem to connect with men. In order for Ali to become the first black female partner at her male-dominated firm, she must crack the unspoken man code. While attending a risqué bridal shower, Ali receives the ultimate read from a slightly unorthodox psychic, played by none other than Ms. Erykah Badu. After drinking a heaping portion of jasmine tea (mixed with a few illegal substances), Ali can now hear men's inner thoughts.
Related: Taraji P. Henson's 'What Men Want' Sends A Powerful Message To Women
Taraji P. Henson at the 'What Men Want' Special Atlanta ScreeningMarcus Ingram/Getty Images
During a special Atlanta Tastemaker Screening, xoNecole caught up with the film's star Taraji P. Henson and co-producer Will Packer on the red carpet to find out what they believe is the biggest misconception most women have about men.
"I think the biggest misconception is thinking they want something totally different than we want," Taraji revealed. "I think all humans want security when it comes to relationships. They want unconditional love. They want a mother's love. That's what everybody wants - to feel safe, to have a home to go to. To have somewhere to share their darkest secrets, to feel vulnerable."
Producer Will Packer and wife Heather Hayslett at the 'What Men Want' Special Atlanta ScreeningMarcus Ingram/Getty Images
Super-producer Will Packer assures women everywhere that understanding men isn't rocket science, it's actually quite simple:
"Women probably think men are more complex than we are. I think you guys know that we are pretty simple. I don't think you know how simple we are. That's all I am going to say. Men are simple and easy. We have to counterbalance the complexity that you guys have. All we do is try to get through life with the least amount of work possible."
'What Men Want' Special Atlanta ScreeningMarcus Ingram/Getty Images
It's clear Taraji knows a thing or two about what men want, considering the glacier on her left hand from fiancé Kelvin Hayden. We asked the bride-to-be to spill the tea on her big day.
"I haven't even set a date yet," Taraji shared. "I'm not going to stress myself. When I have a date, I'll let you know."
As for her dress, the color white is the furthest option from Taraji's mind. "I'm just thinking color. I don't want to wear white," she divulged.
What Men Want is a woman-centric cinematic event that you don't want to miss, so make sure you catch it in theaters February 8th!
Click below for a slideshow of the screening's attendees.
Tyler Noell
Marcus Ingram/Getty Images
All images by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images.
- Taraji P. Henson's 'What Men Want' Taps Director Adam Shankman ... ›
- Paramount developing woman-centric 'What Women Want' remake ... ›
- Tracy Morgan Joins Taraji P. Henson in 'What Men Want' – Variety ›
- 'What Men Want' Trailer: Taraji P. Henson On A Trip To The Male ... ›
- Will Packer Speaks On “WHAT MEN WANT” With Taraji P. Henson ... ›
- 'What Men Want' Movie: Taraji P. Henson To Star In 'What Woman ... ›
- Will Packer's What Men Want Is More Than a Mel Gibson Reboot ... ›
- EXCLUSIVE: Taraji P. Henson and Will Packer on 'What Men Want' ›
- Will Packer & Taraji P. Henson Break Down The Magic Of 'What Men ›
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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With Galentine's Day soon approaching, what better way to commemorate the bonds that brighten up our lives than to show love to the women in our circle? To our chosen sisters everywhere, we’re helping to make the day a little sweeter by providing a few gal-pal-approved date ideas to show our appreciation for the women who bring joy and understanding and make life richer.
Siri, play “Best Friend” by Brandy.
Pasta and Wine Night
It’s time to bring your culinary skills to the table. For the girls who are looking to host an intimate dinner party from the comfort of their home, a pasta and wine night just might be the plan for you. No matter the level of your cooking expertise, pasta is a no-brainer cuisine that’s going to hit every time. Grab your favorite pasta sauce, pick up the fanciest wine on the shelf, and drizzle over some extra olive oil, and your girlfriends will be in awe of your cheffing skills.
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DIY Matching Charm Necklaces
If you’ve been anywhere on TikTok these days, charm necklaces are the latest hot, nostalgic accessory that the girls can’t get enough of. This trendy statement piece has become a crafty DIY project that makes jewelry-making that much more meaningful. Go for a personalized charms arrangement that you can create as your own personal treasure or lock in a matching piece so you and your bestie can twin together.
Host a Floral Arrangement Party
Flowers are truly a girl's best friend. And there’s just something about putting your hands to work to create the perfect arrangement of lilies, hydrangeas, daisies, and roses. The art of crafting flowers in a thoughtfully arranged manner holds a universal language for expressing love, and if your friends are anything like you, they definitely deserve to be given their flowers. Go to Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, or your local flower market and gather a few different flower styles for you and your friends to get crafty and share in the beauty of your blooms together.
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Get Permanent Friendship Bracelets
Friendship bracelets have gotten a whole new upgrade with permanent bracelets. These permanent jewelry pieces are the perfect, low-stake representation of long-term commitment without the pain or pressure of regular tattoos. You and your bestie can seal the deal on your friendship with the permanent reminder of your love and commitment to one another. Plus, we can’t get over how cute they are.
Cocktail and Mocktail Drink-Off
We all know that a good time with the girls is not complete without the right libations. And if you’re looking to host a party of more than four of your favorite ladies, they can bring their personalities and flavors to life by whipping up their very own cocktails or mocktails. No matter if you’re a lemon drop kind of girl or a margarita lover, give your friends the task of concocting their own drink recipes and bringing them to the party. Bonus points for the competitive type: vote on whose drink was the tastiest.
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