The Black Fantastic: A Visual Odyssey with Melanie Charles

**Behind the Scenes for Melanie Charles Album Shoot- Universal/Verve - NYC**

Behind the Lens: A Makeup Artist NYC's Journey into the Black Fantastic

The "Y'all Don't Really Care About Black Women" album isn't merely a collection of songs; it's a sonic and visual testament to the Black Fantastic. As the hair and makeup artist for this project, I had the privilege of translating Melanie Charles's powerful message into captivating looks. Shot in New York City’s Brooklyn Navy Yard with Verve/ Universal Records we sought to redefine Black beauty, embracing the unexpected.

Bold colors, experimental textures, and unconventional shapes were used to disrupt the narrow beauty standards often imposed on Black women. We explored the idea of Afrofuturism, drawing inspiration from ancient African aesthetics and futuristic technologies. The result? Looks that were both defiant and celebratory, a visual testament to the resilience and creativity of the Black spirit.

Social media often presents a distorted and limited view of beauty, prioritizing trends and conformity over authenticity. However, this project challenged these narrow confines. We aimed to create looks that were a true reflection of joy, complexity, and artistry – a celebration of Blackness in all its multifaceted glory.

Click here to watch the full video.
xx Remi O.