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Published in PODCAST DIRECTORY
Designer Accuses Khloe Kardashian of Copying her Work
VIDEO DISCUSSION: Khloe Kardashian's newest fashion venture brings claims of intellectual property infringement by designer Destiney Bleu
Designer Destiney Bleu, the woman behind dbleudazzled, which specializes in custom crystallized clothing, says Khloe Kardashian's Good American clothing line is too similar to dbleudazzled.
Re-tweeting Kardashian's video, which shows off Kardashian's Good American clothing line, Bleu wrote, "When someone buys 1 of everything on your site, has you make them custom @dbleudazzled work, never posts it or wears it, then copies it."
Ms. Bleu is not only mad, she's taking action, her work is trademarked and she has lawyered up.
We hope these ladies can work it out, cooperation is better than strict competition.
Published in Fashion, Beauty & Style News
French Government Bans Ultra-Thin Models
Could a ban on ultra-thin models take hold in the U.S.?
Against the backdrop of a global movement to rid the fashion industry of emaciated-looking models, France has become another country to ban the practice. The French government recently passed legislation to ban ultra-thin models. Instead of using BMI as some advocates wanted to determine the health of a model, in France a doctor's examination is the final say in whether a model is healthy enough to work.
Marisol Touraine, France's Minister of Social Affairs and Health, stated:
"Exposing young people to normative and unrealistic images of bodies leads to a sense of self-depreciation and poor self-esteem that can impact health-related behavior."
France is not the first country to introduce legislation of this kind. Similar laws are in effect in Italy, Spain, and Israel all of which require a minimum BMI.
THE NYLON PROJECT FIGHTS HOMELESSNESS DURING NYFW FALL 2017
Jordana Guimaraes, founder of the Nylon Project; combined philanthropy, fashion, beauty, and entertainment at launch event during NY Fashion Week 2017
The Nylon Project, an undertaking created to aid the rapid homeless epidemic in NYC, founded by Jordana Guimaraes, CEO of ACL PR & Marketing and Cosmo Life, held its buzz-worthy philanthropic launch event at the popular nightlife spot, The Delancey in Manhattan during NY Fashion Week Fall 2017.
This Nylon Project during NYFW was no ordinary affair. The show combined philanthropy with entertainment, beauty, fashion, celebrity, and influencers. Not to mention that it was filled with plenty of excitement, anticipation, live performances, plenty of networking, and sponsored brands aplenty.
Celebrities ripping the runway for this important cause were Christina Milian, JWoww, Peter Madrigal of Vanderpump Rules, and Miss New York 2016 Nicole Kulovany, just to name a few. The fashion portion of the show ended with performances by the FAULKNER, Che'Nelle and Wé McDonald of The Voice, Season 11.
After the show, I spoke with Jordana about the Nylon Project's fight against the homelessness epidemic in New York.
Q. What inspired you to create The Nylon Project?
A. I was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. It's a place with lots of poverty. From when I was a little girl, there was something innate within me that always made me want to ask my parents for money or to buy gifts to give to the less fortunate. I remember walking down the streets with my parents, and them telling me I'd never have money in my account, as I would always give it away to the needy. Now that I'm older and have been in the fashion/entertainment world for 13 years, I've decided to take the three things I love, lifestyle and helping others, and creating relationships, and create The NYLON Project.
Q. The Nylon Project's launch event mixed charity/philanthropy with fashion, music, the arts, and entertainment. We don't generally see the charity-fashion mix often during NY Fashion Week. Why did you choose NY Fashion Week for a launch event for the Nylon Project?
A. I created The NYLON Project and created the launch event surrounding NYFW since the initiative is: aiding the homeless - giving a face to homelessness - via fashion/entertainment tactics surrounding a viral #ItCanBeYou campaign. It goes hand-in-hand because fashion/entertainment is one of the largest industry where the masses - whether it's those who are in it or those who appreciate & follow it - connect and relate! If you get those millions of people to start posting + conversing about the homeless problem, they will stop being invisible (which is what has come to happen), and we will start to show them that we are behind them!
Q. The event was a success, is there anyone you would like to thank for their participation and involvement?
A. Yes!! It wouldn't have happened without the support and love of my husband who helped me with making my ideas come to fruition, as well as encouraged me when everyone else said, "it's a big job... you sure you can do it?". Of course, the sponsors and influencers/celebrities who gave their time were fundamental! Rodrigo Faustino of CommGroup who branded and created the logo design for the project!
Q. Do you have any more events coming up in the future?
A. Yes! It starts with New York City (since it's where I reside) but it will go internationally! June 2017, we are joining a magazine in L.A. for their one year anniversary (taking the project to L.A. next year in 2018) and a bigger NYFW show in September 2017.
Q. How can someone donate or become involved?
A. Simply follow us on IG @thenylonproject1 or visit www.thenylonproject1.com. All of our contacts are on both; drop us an email and become a part of history!
Women Ruling Runway at New York Men's Fashion Week
Males weren't the only models found on the runway at this year's 2015 Men's Fashion Week NYC.
Last week, after several years of a hiatus, the 2015 Men's Fashion Week NYC took place over four exciting days. A new vibe was brought to the streets as fashion bloggers; editors; models; buyers; stylists; and fashionistas attended each show. The focus was finally on the men's fashion, a change from large crowds driving the Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week, which features primarily women's fashion.
Buyers and press had a taste of the beautiful male, female, and celebrity models on the Men's Fashion Week runways. Several models projected androgynous and co-ed looks.
Supermodel Naomi Campbell strutted in a skimpy black bikini, and thigh high boots, paired with a blazer for the Givenchy show. She turned a man's blazer into a sexy piece that any man would overlook as her own. It seems that will most likely be the case for now since the unisex style is trending. Men, brace yourselves, for you might find your significant other rummaging through your closet before work in the morning.
Using female models enabled the designer to show more pieces in one show. Models styled in co-ed clothing makes the clothing line more versatile and mysterious.
The gorgeous Kris Gottschalk blended seamlessly in Public School's Spring/ Summer 2016 lineup. From a glance, you would've thought she was one of the guys, rocking a short haircut with a tomboy style.
Jeroen Teerlinck & Kris Gottschalk Photo: Courtesy of Theory
Gottschalk said about the co-ed fashion trend, "I've heard people talking about the new gender ambiguity. You see it, now a lot of the guys have very long hair, and then I'm in there with the short hair. It's interesting. Since fashion is such a creative industry, I think people like to play with perceptions and expectations."
Model Kris Gottschalk. Photo: Courtesy of Public School
It's not surprising that fashion is moving towards gender ambiguity. Models will be given a broader spectrum of work. With the less conservative approach towards fashion, people are breaking boundaries and wearing what they see fits. Isn't that what fashion is all about?
This evolving world creates new practices and less tradition every day. More people are open to being who they truly are. Caitlyn Jenner formerly known as Bruce Jenner is a prime example. Jenner's move into the transgender world has made her a popular figure in the LGBT community for becoming a transgender. Some schools are now promoting LGBT clubs to help make LGBT people comfortable with who they are and to show that the environment is accommodating.
Acknowledging different sexualities gradually forms a custom of acceptance by many people and an influence on some.
When it is all said and done, fashion is a reflection of you. It should be exactly how you want it, no matter if your feminine, or a tomboy. Remember to stay true to yourself, regardless of what you see glamorized in the media.
Halle Berry Puts Her Name on a Lingerie Line
Lingerie is a hot and celebrities seem to be scurrying to put their imprint in the industry.
The latest celeb entrant with a lingerie line is Halle Berry.
The Academy Award-winning actress announced Thursday that she has invested in the iconic French lingerie label Scandale Paris, marking her as co-owner of the 80-year-old brand. Berry will partner with Erik Ryd, owner of Hong Kong-based manufacturer Hop Lun, to re-launch the luxury label.
"I fell in love with Scandale while I was in Paris, because the brand reminded me of the city itself — beautiful and inspiring" Berry said in a statement, adding that the brand will launch globally in 2015. "I look forward to giving more women the chance to enjoy what European women have come to love for more than eight decades."
"It is a fantastic opportunity to have this relationship with Halle Berry where she is a true partner in the business," Erik Ryd, fellow co-owner of Scandale Paris, said via press release. "We are delighted that she discovered Scandale and wanted to be a part of the brand's future. Her knowledge of what women want matched with our lingerie expertise and Scandale's rich heritage is what makes this collaboration so special."
Scandale Paris is set to launch in select Target stores and Target.com on October 27. According to an official release, the range of undergarments is "designed to uniquely celebrate the many roles woman play [...] as well as the desire to feel her best self." The debut collection will feature 10 pieces, including bras ($16 to $18) and panties ($7).
Move over, Victoria's Secret, there is a new girl in town.
Serena Williams' Triumphant US Open Journey to Grand Slam History
Flushing Meadows, NY - The air is filled with anticipation, as kids from Elmcor Youth & Adult Activities Community Center from Corona, Queens, fill the Grandstand court waiting to meet the reigning US Open Women's Champion, Serena Williams.
The Back Story at the US OPEN 2014
It is Thursday afternoon of "Qualies" week and after participating in the Open "Draw Ceremony", the No.1 Women's Player in the world who had already appeared on Dave Letterman the day before, will be front and center during Arthur Ashe Kids Day in two days on Saturday. I mention these activities because I think we take for granted the Williams Sisters and Serena especially and the hefty responsibilities that she and her sister have carried for the better part of 15 years as the best of American tennis and never more so than now. It's amazing to watch them handle their media and philanthropic obligations, play singles and doubles in the same day, and on consecutive days. It really shows how strong-willed they are, their incredible commitment, sacrifice and desire to win and how important it is to have that strong family bond that their parents created from the start. It's also been a real boon, as fan favorites, to the entertainment value of each day's US Open ticket, to have them as part of the daily draw.
An unfortunate casualty of the first round draw was pitting the defending champ against American Junior Champion, Taylor Townsend of Chicago. The eighteen year old lefty, as an American and African American, may have made some noise in the tournament, if not for playing her mentor and friend in the opening round. That is correct, I said friend, as we confirmed in Serena's first interview, when asked What was your initial reaction when you found out you were opening against top ranked junior, Taylor Townsend?
"Yeah it's going to be a great match for me," said Serena. "She's such a great player. Extremely young, I have been able to see her play a little bit. She does everything really, really well. We're really good friends. We always talk and always text each other. It's going to be a really tough match for me."
I followed by asking about her thoughts on the history that lay ahead.
"You talked after winning the Western & Southern, you feel like you could play for a long time," I said. "If you get to 22 or 23 Grand Slam titles might you decide to hang them up?"
"Well, that would be just really amazing if I can make it that far,' she said. "Competition is a little stiff now, so I have to do the best I can and I can't even think that far to be honest."
Watch Video: Serena Williams on Getting to 22 or 23 Grand Slams
"Well would you consider it an unsuccessful year if you don't win a Grand Slam," I asked.
"Probably, yes," Serena stated. "But there's always next year and the year after, so I don't necessarily – you don't give up. You just keep going and you keep fighting to continue to win more."
Watch Video: Serena Williams on If She Didn't Win a Grand Slam This Year
How is your school in Kenya going," I asked switching the subject.
"It's going good," responded Serena. "We just had a great update. We built a new building. It's been really, really amazing".
A reporter asked Serena that a couple of people had heard that she was having a show for Aneras in a couple of months and asked if she could talk about it.
"Yeah, no; I'm having a fashion show for Serena's Signature Statement and I'm launching Aneras," Serena Williams responded. "They are two totally separate fashion lines. This show we are doing for fashion week, New York has always been a dream of mine to have a fashion show at NY Fashion Week. We are doing the collection that sold on HSN for Serena's Signature Statement. We have casted the models and it's been a really great experience. I'm really excited and nervous at the same time to see the reactions and hopefully we'll get a full house."
Watch Serena Williams talk about her fashion line, Serena's Signature Statement
During her early matches Serena's biggest challenge was the unpredictable winds that made consistent serving difficult, until adjustments could be made, but her opponents never really threatened her, as she never conceded more than 3 games in any set, winning each match in straight sets as she did in two previous title wins. Although she hadn't really been tested in the singles and unfortunately lost in the doubles with sister Venus, this is the first Grand Slam all year that she had reached the Singles Quarterfinal round and it showed as she raised her arms in victory over Kaia Kanepi in the 4th Round and gave a ball to an adoring fan and emphatically declared to the cheering crowds "I made it to the Quarterfinals!" And with all that was riding on it, it seemed like destiny, here's what was at stake.
The milestones are historic:
-15th Anniversary of her first Grand Slam victory, and US Open - the 1999 US Open.
-18th Grand Slam Title which ties her with Chris Evert & Martina Navratilova, for fourth all time. Margaret Court (24), Steffi Graf (22), Helen Wills Moody (19)
-She is a three-peat US Open Champion, winning the Open 3 years in a row.
-Her 6th US Open Title overall, tying Chris Evert for top honors.
-At 32, Serena continues to extend her reign as the Women's Champion with the greatest number of years between her first and last titles (15)
-She is the 2014 Emirates Airlines US Open Series Champion winning an additional $1MM and Serena's prize money has made Women's Tennis history, taking home a record $3MM check for a new highest payday in tennis and wining $4MM total after clinching the title. She already holds the previous record at $3.6MM, with Rafael Nadal, for winning it last year.
In our last interview we asked her what we know everyone's been dying to know.
"Does the new leopard print outfits mean the "catsuit" might be making a comeback," I asked.
"That's a good question," said Serena. "We all loved the catsuit; at least I did."
"Gives us hope," I responded.
"Keep hope alive," Serena added.
"Where is the catsuit," another reporter inquired.
"Yeah, I have all of my outfits. I saw it the other day actually in my closet, Serena said.
"Sounds like a hashtag campaign," I added.
"Right," Serena concurred and then added, "Of course hashtags didn't exist back then."
So please hit us up at #411SportsTV and join the #BringBackSerenaWilliamsCatsuit campaign.
Watch Serena Williams Talk About Her Famous Catsuit
All jokes aside, Serena Williams' victory in the US OPEN 2014 Women's Final over close friend Caroline Wozniaki (6-3, 6-3) was another seminal moment in arguably the greatest female athlete's career ever and it makes us even more excited about 2015 and going down under to Australia...we'll see ya there.
Published in Tennis
Celebrity Fashions at the MTV VMAs 2014
Jacinda Motton, aka Ms. Fashionista J, tells you which celebrity was HOT and who was NOT at the MTV Video Music Awards 2014. Ms. Fashionista J's celebrity picks were: Common; Nick Young and Iggy Azalea; Kendall and Kylie Jenner; Jennifer Lopez; Jordin Sparks and Jason Derulo; Katy Perry; and Nicki Minaj.
WATCH VIDEO: Who do you think was "HOT" or "NOT"?
Published in Red Carpet Fashions