Jennifer Hudson Graces EBONY

EBONY, the iconic brand serving as the leading voice of the Black American experience for 75 years, today unveiled its September digital issue with Academy Award®-winning actress and GRAMMY Award® -winning recording artist Jennifer Hudson gracing its cover. This special fashion and style focused edition of EBONY includes exclusive interviews, photos and video packages in honor of the release of Hudson’s new film RESPECT and also features the best in fall style this season as well as spotlights the visionary artists and stylists pushing fashion forward today. 

In her role as the incomparable Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson embodies the style, grace and monumental genius of one of the world’s most iconic artists. For EBONY’s September cover, she serves equally epic fall fashion in head-turning glamourous looks inspired by some of the Queen of Soul’s classic songs including A Rose is Still A Rose, Still Waters Run Deep, Sparkle, Angel and Young, Gifted & Black – for which she dons a custom two-piece look by burgeoning Black designer Bishme Cromartie (the Project Runway Season 17 alum who has created looks for Lizzo, Ari Lennox and Leslie Jones, to name a few). Additionally, Hudson also wears a selection of fall runway designs from top global labels including Oscar de la Renta, Iris Van Herpen, Dolce & Gabbana and Cong Tri. 

Visually stunning and dramatic, the cover was shot in Los Angeles by celebrated photographer Keith Major, who recently joined EBONY as Photo Director and Visuals Lead. Hudson was styled by Micah McDonald of top celebrity styling duo Wayman+Micah, whose roster of A-list clients include Regina King, Tessa Thompson, Kiki Layne, and Mary J. Blige. Celebrity hair stylist Kiyah Wright created hairstyles to coincide with the artistic direction of the shoot. 

“The September issue is one of the most important in the publishing world and, as this is our first  out of the gate since the relaunch, we had to go big! Jennifer Hudson is one of the most important artists of our generation and, in RESPECT, she plays the role of one of the greatest and most influential artists of all time of any genre,” said Marielle Bobo, Editor-in-Chief and Senior Vice President of Programming, EBONY.  “For the cover, we really wanted to use fashion to tell that story, to convey the importance of this moment and I think we were really able to illustrate and capture the boldness and the brilliance of both of these incredible artists.” 

For the cover story, Hudson talks to journalist, content creator and personality Danielle Young about the responsibility of taking on the role of the Queen of Soul, how the experience of playing such an iconic figure in music inspires her to move forward in her own career and the importance of self-care.

On that front, the September cover story will be complemented by a series of ancillary editorial content and video packages. Highlights include: exclusive interviews with celebrity stylist Micah McDonald, RESPECT scriptwriter Tracy Scott Wilson, the movie’s Hair Department Head Lawrence Davis and Costume Designer Clint Ramos who talk about recreating Ms. Franklin’s iconic looks for the film. The packages will also include a one-on-one video interview with Jennifer Hudson and EBONY CEO Michele Ghee as well as a photo retrospective highlighting Aretha Franklin’s most legendary fashion looks.

“Beyond the cover, we also  really wanted to shine a light on the Black designers, stylists, and hair and make-up artists that bring everything to life and who are paving the way for a new generation of creatives in fashion,” Bobo continued. “This September digital issue is a comprehensive look at Black creativity and brilliance as seen through the lens of fashion.”

Excerpts from EBONY’s Cover Story Interview with Jennifer Hudson

On the Divine Moment of Portraying Aretha Franklin:

“All I can say is that it’s God. I can’t say that I necessarily know, but I know when I’m there, especially with this particular project. It really hit close to home. It was led by real emotion that came from a real place.” 

“Within my artistry, I go places that not everyone wants to go, [places] not everyone can handle, so it can be intimidating. It could be scary. And I think, at times, that’s the fear in people.”

“I feel as though I’m telling her story through my own pain. I don’t think I would have been able to do this when we first had a conversation about it. I needed to live. I needed to have my own experiences. Every tear, every emotion—it costs, so I [made sure to handle the role with care].”

On RESPECT:

“I know we all have respect for Aretha Franklin, but by the time we get to the end of this film, I want them to have a newfound respect for her.”

On Self-Care:

“I’m in a space where I’m all about self-care, and I feel like if folks don’t get it at this point, honey!” 

“I’m one of those people—always concerned [about] everybody else. But now, I’m almost 40 years old…I’ve done did everything that’s been asked of me. So whether folks like it or not, it’s my turn now. I’ve turned into a self-care therapist. I’m on a journey to consider me…to please myself.”

“You don’t realize how much of a stranger you are to yourself until you [spend] time with yourself.”

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