Muse

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.

Reviews

“If, like me, you treasured the many gifts Cicely Tyson gave the world during her remarkable career, you’ll be fascinated by B Michael’s loving tribute and grateful for another chance to spend some time with her. Muse is a beautiful book, full of life--and what a life!” —    Former President BILL CLINTON "A warm, visually stunning recollection of a remarkable friendship forged through fashion" — Kirkus Reviews"Filled with stunning photos and original sketches, this is a breathtaking love letter to Tyson, to couture, and to a powerful collaboration. Fashionistas and fans of either Michael or Tyson will be mesmerized." — Library Journal“Starting with the vibrant painting that’s the book’s cover, artist Chaz Guest prepares us for this very intimate perspective of a Muse and Designer. I applaud Cicely Tyson and B Michael who, together, went against fashion’s ageism, and with grace, glamour and couture, show us what could be achieved. I think this is a wonderful book.” — AGNES GUND, President emerita of the Museum of Modern Art and Founding Patron of the Art for Justice Fund “Friendship, love and a beautiful sense of togetherness sew together this gem of a book. B Michael has so elegantly captured the inimitable spirit of Cicely Tyson and presents to us a portrait of a woman who was a rare gift to fashion and culture. Whilst the spectacular gowns worn by Cicely live on in archives and the history books, B Michael has assured she lives on in our hearts.”— EDWARD ENNINFUL, OBE, Editor-in-Chief, British Vogue & European Editorial Director, Vogue“Muse is equal parts inspiration and celebration—a powerful tribute to style icon Cicely Tyson by master couturier B Michael. Amid the gorgeous full-color photographs and poignant reflections, their decades-long friendship lives on. This volume is no ordinary book. It’s a moving portrait of a legend, and a forever keepsake for readers.”— MICHELLE BURFORD, #1 NYT Bestselling Collaborative Writer ?“This fashion memoir invites us to experience the shared gifts of creativity and mutual respect nurtured by two beloved and trusted friends. B Michael is a vivid storyteller and he brilliantly leads us to consider the important meaning of, the ties that bind.”— DR. JOYCE F. BROWN, President, Fashion Institute of Technology “Muse is magnificent! B Michael shares the "give and give" of his friendship with Miss Cicely Tyson in a very special, intimate way. The esteem in which he held her is evidenced in every design – in each stitch of every garment. This is a treasure.”    — PHYLICIA RASHAD, Award Winning Actor of Stage, Television and Screen