The air crackled with magic at the inaugural Black Women in Music Dinner, where the who’s who of entertainment gathered to honor the unstoppable force of Black female artistry. Hosted by the Connie Orlando Foundation ahead of the BET Awards, this wasn’t just another industry event – it was a symphony of sisterhood, style, and social impact that left everyone in attendance spellbound.
Setting the Stage for Greatness
Connie Orlando, the evening’s radiant host, embodied executive realness in her peach sequined Givenchy cocktail dress, proving that leadership and glamour aren’t mutually exclusive. Her foundation’s dual mission – celebrating Black excellence while raising funds for breast cancer research – transformed the soiree into something far more meaningful than your typical awards season schmooze-fest.
Honoring a Living Legend
The night’s emotional crescendo came when Niecy Nash, resplendent in gold Andrew Gn, presented the Guardian of Vision Award to fashion architect June Ambrose. The iconic stylist-turned-Puma-creative-director accepted her flowers (and trophy) in a Bibhu Mohapatra power suit that screamed “I built this” without saying a word.
Front Row Fashion Moments
The red carpet became a masterclass in Black girl magic:
- Ciara & mini-me Sienna served matching Bishme Cromartie black suit perfection – proving the apple doesn’t fall far from the style tree
- Lori Harvey floated in like a modern Aphrodite in textured Alexander McQueen
- Muni Long‘s Hanifa bodycon and glass heels combo had everyone seeing (style) stars
- Fashion Bomb Daily’s Claire Sulmers turned the venue into her personal runway in a liquid mercury Christian Siriano gown that moved like poetry
More Than a Dinner – A Declaration
Between the clinking champagne flutes and Instagram-perfect moments, something more profound transpired. This gathering of creatives, executives, and culture-shapers sent a clear message: Black women aren’t just participating in the music industry – we are the industry.
As guests departed into the LA night, the air hummed with possibility. If this is what the Connie Orlando Foundation delivers in its first year, imagine what’s coming next.
🎤 The BET Awards have officially been put on notice – the real magic happened at this dinner.
📸 Swipe for more looks that had us hitting the heart button all night
