Muse

Cicely Tyson and Me: A Relationship Forged in Fashion

B Michael, B. Michael

• Publisher: Amistad
• Year: 2024
• Print ISBN: 9780063221741
• eBook ISBN: 9780063221642
• Topic: Conception
• Subtopic: Stylisme

“Friendship, love and a beautiful sense of togetherness sew together this gem of a book. B Michael...presents to us a portrait of a woman who was a rare gift to fashion and culture.” —EDWARD ENNINFUL, OBE, Editor-in-Chief, British Vogue & European Editorial Director, Vogue

A poignant and glorious photographic memoir that pays homage to the lifelong friendship between the legendary Cicely Tyson and acclaimed fashion designer B Michael, who worked with her to make her gorgeous through her last bow.

What greater act of friendship is there than making someone dear look and feel their most beautiful and powerful? That was the priceless gift acclaimed designer B Michael gave to one of Hollywood’s greatest actresses, Cicely Tyson over the course of their close, decades-long relationship. In this glorious four-color visual memoir packed with stunning photographs, many never before seen, B Michael recalls the bond they shared and what it was like to dress the Queen of Hollywood for all the extraordinary events of her life.

In 2005, B was summoned to create a suitable wardrobe for Ms. Tyson for a high-octane weekend hosted by Oprah Winfrey. That first successful interaction led to a nearly twenty-year-long personal and professional collaboration that defined the Hollywood star’s personal aesthetic and showcased her impeccable personality and style. B was with Ms. Tyson for the most glamorous times—the Academy Awards, the Emmy Awards, White House functions, glittering galas, high-profile funerals—as well as the tenderest days. Their circle included a who’s who of Black celebrities, including Sidney Poitier, Barack Obama, Common, Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, Lenny Kravitz, Viola Davis, Oprah, Tyler Perry, Valerie Simpson, Phylicia Rashad, and many more, most of whom are featured in personal and paparazzi photographs in these pages.

Throughout their time together, B and Cicely enjoyed shocking the fashionistas, shattering inane rules limiting what a woman of a certain age should wear, devoted themselves to changing the world for the better through philanthropic efforts, laughed, cried, and inspired and celebrated each other’s excellence. In this stunning book featuring studio photos, candids from the author’s personal collection, and paparazzi shots, B shares every aspect of their time together—from the drama of a good sleeve to how to be the best friend possible to those we love.

Whether you’re a fan of pop culture, couture, Hollywood, B, or Cicely Tyson, Muse is a reminder that we all have the power to be showstoppers in our own lives.

Includes written contributions from Lenny Kravitz, Bridget Foley, Susan Fales Hill, and Valerie Simpson.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Dedication
• Contents
• A Note from Lenny Kravitz
• A Note from Valerie Simpson
• Foreword
• Prologue
• Friends at First Sight . . .
• My First Ball Gown for My Muse
• The Importance of the Grand Exit
• Celebrating Those Who Serve
• Feathers, Sequins, and Leading Men
• A Surprise Win
• Dressing My Own First Lady
• Thrilled by Life
• The Kennedy Center Honors, Part II
• A New Stage of Life
• Women Dressing for Other Women
• Legend Living in the Moment
• Hope, Healing, Love, and Pride
• Our Cover Girl
• Getting the Call
• The Red Carpet Moment
• A Portrait in Elegance
• A Deeply Personal Honor
• Cicely Pays Tribute to Two Thirds
• Thank You
• About the Author
• Copyright
• About the Publisher