Mary J. Blige Collaborates with Simone Smith for Jewelry Line

Mary J. Blige is rebuilding her empire. The R&B singer and her long-time friend and wife of LL Cool J, Simone Smith, are joining creative forces to launch a jewelry line called Sister Love. The ladies will debut their “Queen Hoops” earrings as the first of many styles to come at the 2018 ESSENCE Festival on Friday, July 6.

“The collection is designed to symbolize strength, edge, sassiness and style for all women of all ages,” Smith told ESSENCE. “People can expect to see big, bold fly pieces, that can transcend into any one’s own personal style.”

Blige added, “Simone also has an amazing fashion sense. I wanted to add to that by sharing some of my fashion sense and creating things I’ve dreamed about and I know other women are dreaming about.”

Last month, Blige signed on for a leading role in Body Cam. In the horror thriller, she will play an LAPD police officer who is tormented by visions after two white officers kill a black youth and destroy the disturbing footage.

Before Blige hits the ESSENCE Festival Mainstage on Saturday, July 7, she and Smith will be available for meet and greets at their Sister Love booth on Friday afternoon at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.