J.Cole vs. Noname: The Conversation That Needed to be Heard

J Cole recently dropped a surprise song called the Snow on tha Bluff on June 16th, addressing the female activist, Noname and her recent tweet (that has since been deleted) calling out conscious rappers. My first natural reaction was to be angry because the understanding of the message for me came off as an attack on black women. The original message on how I understood it was, I am a black man and as a black woman you need to educate me on things going on because you didn’t struggle like us black men have, so stop nagging.

I took to twitter as well as I asked my black male friend to get a different perspective on what was going on. Now I don’t believe this is a time for this divide to happen between us in the black community because divide and conquer is the mentality that has been instilled for years within our community. Yet, the conversation is needed. Many state that J Cole’s message is being taken out of context.

My friend Larrion broke down Snow on tha Bluff and how the original was a movie from the perspective from a camcorder that was passed around. He states “ It looks authentic but it makes you question if it is real or not.” With social media, we are given a glance at what high profiled people do and create our own reality of what they do and this is J Cole’s perspective. Which is why he feels fake because the perspective in which we see on social media is just a glimpse. This conversation started with Noname addressing rappers who make music on social injustice but are silent outside of the music. But this started a bigger conversation.

Many women took the J Cole song as an attack of telling women specifically black women that we should watch our tones and attitudes and educate men correctly. Black women were asking black men to hold their friends and themselves accountable. Some black men understood and pledged to make a change. Others completely ignored what black women were saying. Women are sexually assaulted, assaulted, put into uncomfortable situations and more. Black women will stand in front of a black man and put her life at risk so that she can save him.

Black men need to see that all we are asking is that instead of telling us to be quiet and not nag but to actually listen. We need black men as much as they need us. We don’t mean just your friends, family or women that you are attracted to but all black women because we would protect you. In this time black men and women should not be divided but united together. Just take the time out to listen to each other and understand each other's point of view. You don’t have to agree but at least understand.

Photo Credit:

J Cole and Noname - insider.com

Noname's tweet - USA New Hub

J Cole's lyrics: Youtube

Tweet: Tumblr

Report: Maya Howard

3 Stripes, One Mini Palette

If love eating sweet’s listen up! I have found a new treat for you. Is candy, ice cream, or cookies bar your favorite treat? Need something new in your life. This treat will make into your collection. Propelled in 2011, Beauty Bakerie began as a meaningful venture by Nicole while she was fighting bosom malignant growth. At an opportune time, it was an imaginative outlet for her to investigate her aesthetic interests and love of excellence before it turned into a genuine undertaking. This new product from Beauty Bakerie is called Neapolitan Bar! This Neapolitan Bar is made up of 3 scoops to go, that is coming right up! Presents three new, complimenting and blend able shades of Blush, Bronzer, and Highlighter in a pocket-sized palette intended to be smooth and travel amicable. Consistent with our long-wear notoriety, the blur free equation keeps going the entire day helping your sweet beat stay pigmented. This adorable size is great for traveling so you won’t have to take a big palette. Fun fact about this product that it is cruelty, paraben, and vegan free. This is a new treat for all you makeup guru’s out there. Please check out this black-owned beauty business and this product today!

Photo Credits: Ice Cream Source and Beauty Bakerie

Report: Tykaia Rose

This New Retail Store Sells Only Consciously-Made Clothes

As the world becomes more socially aware, brands are beginning to cater to an activism-centered consumer base. This past week, American Eagle Outfitters Inc. announced it was branching out from apparel brands by launching a retail store named Unsubscribed. Unsubscribed is set to be a brick-and-mortar apparel and accessories retail store with only one location: 73 Main Street, East Hampton, New York. Depending on Unsubscribed’s success, others may follow.

Unsubscribed promises to promote quality over quantity, unlike the fast fashion its sister brands use. Fast fashion is a term that describes companies who capture short-lasting fashion trends and quickly produce cheap, unsustainable clothing to match. Unsubscribed is the fourth company in the American Eagle Outfitters Inc. portfolio, following Aerie, Todd Snyder, and American Eagle.

Unsubscribed is branching out to feature consciously-made garments, many of which were created by third party retailers. Touting their “slow fashion” mission, the company plans to feature only two annual collections. Brands such as Indigo Africa, Boyish, Veja, and Melissa Joy Manning will also stock the store, in addition to Unsubscribed’s private label. It’s a remarkable switch from American Eagle Outfitters’ previous brands.

Though it has been rather elusive on social media thus far, Unsubscribed is creating a website that will be up shortly. The website, however, will not sell products online as part of its deviation from fast fashion. It will instead feature content and apparel from the brand. You can also find the company at @Unsubscribed on Instagram. Be sure to give them a follow!

Photo Credit: @Unsubscribed on Instagram and Women's Wear Daily

Report: Rachel Attar

Current Fashion Trends That Need to Die Already

When it comes to fashion, nothing is a sure thing. Fashion trends come and go, but some fashion trends stay a little longer than needed.

1. The sneaker wedge: This trend started in 2012 and unfortunately still is around to this day. Almost every high street brand spawned their own knockoff version of this shoe. Although this shoe was extremely popular when it first came out, it’s time to let this trend fizzle out.

2. Dad sneakers: Yes, they’re comfy and make you feel like you’re walking on air. These sneakers don’t complete any outfit unless intended for running. They’re called dad sneakers for a reason, they’re not meant to be worn on with your best outfit. Keep them for your morning runs and that’s all.

3. Super distressed jeans: This is ripped jeans to the next level. The occasional ripped jeans are fine, but overly ripped distressed jeans are just too much, why not just wear shorts?

4. Puff sleeves or power shoulders: This 80’s fashion trend should be left in the 80’s. It doesn’t work for any situation or outfit. It recently tried to make a comeback, but we should keep the puffy shoulders where they belonged forty years ago, in the 80’s.

5. Mullet skirts: party in the front, business in the back is what the mullet is known for and unfortunately this skirt has the same motto. This skirt doesn’t work for parties or business and it has outstayed its welcome.

6. Fast food fashion: We love burgers and fries, but Moschino took it to another level. McDonald’s based dresses or shirts is a trend that needs to die.

7. Leggings as pants: If you’re going for a run or going to the gym, you get a pass, but anyone else needs to stop. Athletic leggings are thick enough to be worn as pants, but dress leggings are almost completely see through and not meant to be worn as pants. Unless you’re going to wear those leggings with a skirt, throw them out.

Report: Alycia Williams

To Be Black In An Anti-Black World

Source: Vox Media

To be black is certainly a privilege in that we’re given the opportunity to freely partake in a diverse culture that spans across the globe. However, there are number of inconveniences that we experience in various places and at various stages, that can make it incredibly difficult to be a black person in this world.

“You Talk So White.”

Oftentimes, if you’re a black person and you have an expansive lexicon or speak with a certain cadence, you’re told that you “talk white.” This occurs to black people both by other black people, along with whites. And it still happens to this day.

The Code Switch

Let’s take it a step further. When you’re a black person entering the workforce, specifically in corporate and academic spaces, there’s a tendency that is taught and developed called “code switching.” Code switching is an assimilated (socially affiliated with “white”) way of speaking that deviates from using vernacular and informal ways of speech that are commonly said within the black community.

Source: Travel Noire

“Do They Like Black People Here?”

I’ll never forget when I took my first international trip. It was a school trip to Italy, and I was the only dark-skinned black male there. Prior heading to the airport, I found myself googling questions such as “How are black people treated in Rome?” and “Is Florence, Italy black-friendly?” These are not questions that any 16 year-old should be googling before their first international trip.

Source: Pinterest

Black People Who Work At *Insert Here*

Most black people, again, specifically within corporate and academic spaces have had to cope with being the only black person in the room some or all of the time. Therefore, there’s an inclination for us to do research, whether on LinkedIn or a masthead, on black people who work at a specific organization. Appropriate and intentionally diverse hiring practices aimed at hiring black staff and leadership should be more common than it is.

Photo 3 - Vox Media

Photo 2 - Courtesy Travel Noire

Photo 1 - She's Single/Pinterest

Report: Julian Alexander Randall

A Martini That Lets you Have Your Cake and "Drink" It Too

Birthdays and Summertime are the perfect excuse to invite your friends and family over for a celebration. What better way to celebrate than with a signature drink for the birthday boy or girl? The Birthday Cake Martini can replace a birthday cake by how alike it tastes to a cake. For this drink, you will need the following ingredients:

1. 2 ounces whipped vodka

2. 1.5 ounces amaretto

3. 1 ounce white chocolate liqueur

4. 2 ounces half and half

5. Sprinkles

The sprinkles are a great addition to the drink as it serves the purpose of creating the "cake" look. In order to attach the sprinkles to the glass, the trick is to put honey on the rim of the glass and then proceed to add the sprinkles. Enjoy your birthday as you have your cake and drink it too.

Images: makezine.com and berries.com

Report: Hannah Zaremba

What Do Stores Look Like Now That They are Starting to Open Up?

Some of you may be concerned with going back to stores as they are slowly opening up. I had my suspicions going back shopping since contracting COVID-19 is still possible. However, many of them are attempting to keep control of the situation. They are trying to maintain clean and healthy environments as you shop. What does this look like and how can you be prepared?

You should be prepared to wear a face mask while you're in there as most stores won't let you in without one. I suggest always keeping one in your car or your purse, so you always have one at hand.

Some shops I went into have arrows on the floor to try and maintain the 6 feet away rule. It's your job to follow them the best that you can. If they don't have the arrows, you should still keep a reasonable distance from the people around you.

The majority of stores don't allow you to try on items in fitting rooms. And yes, you heard me correctly! I know it's incredibly difficult to buy things you can't try on, but for now, use your best judgment. Go home, try it on and if it doesn't look right, see if you can take it back!

If you decide to go to the store, maybe wear comfortable shoes. A lot of shops only allow a certain amount of people in them which causes long lines. Usually, they aren't that bad, but still, be ready, especially if you have to wait outside in this heat. Bring water just in case you're outside.

Long lines aren't just because of the number of people in the store. Often, the employees take a couple more seconds to clean off the entire counter before you ring up your items. Be patient. Maybe, you can bring a family member to keep you entertained while waiting!

At the end of the day, we must stay safe during these times.

Photo Credits:

@njdotcom on Instagram, Business Insider and Miami Herald

Report: Anna Levitus

Summer Isn't Canceled

Tabria Majors has broken barriers as one of the first plus-size models to cover Sports Illustrated Swimsuit in 2018, proving that sexy comes in all shapes and sizes. Tabria takes pride in her body and hopes to see more inclusivity in the fashion industry. She wants to end the narrative that being “fat” is wrong. Reminding all the thick girls at home that our rolls and curves are okay!

Tabira has partnered with Fashion to Figure to curate a line that embodies the spirit she exudes in every shoot. Just when we thought swim season was over the retailer has released a complete swimwear collection designed by the supermodel. Fashion to Figure’s motto is that fashion is a state a mind, not a size range. Which is why the collection's sizes range from 12-24! The collection includes a selection of string and high waist bikinis. As well as the perfect beach cover-ups. And you could never go wrong with a neon pink one piece!

This collection shows that plus-size women do not have to hide behind clothes. That size does not define who you are! That you could be sexy jiggle and all. The full collection could be found exclusively at Fashion to Figure.

Photo Credits: fashiontofigure.com

Report: Lauren Tucker

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

Woman-owned. Sustainable. Stylish. A triple threat in any industry. These characteristics serve as a description of the company Avid Swim- a luxury swimwear brand that is committed to designing sustainable and eco-friendly products. Their latest project titled “The Wild Escape” includes some of their most exciting and exotic styles to date.

Owner Gionna Nicole has mastered the combination of elegance and simplicity in her designs. Each piece is crafted with sustainable fabric, low impact dyes, heart, and soul. Avid Swim’s products are especially unique because of the effort being made during their production to reduce the carbon footprint. In addition, each piece is sold in a reusable bag in contribution to the effort of keeping plastic out of our oceans. The ability to mix and match different pieces also offers an extended lifestyle for every product.

Specifically, “The Wild Escape” collection allows customers to, as they say, take a walk on the wild side. Featuring classic animal prints such as leopard and zebra, leaf and floral inspired prints, these items are sure to give off a tropical summer vibe. These new designs are offered in classic bikini silhouettes such as triangle tops and string bottoms, as well as one pieces and cover ups. Similar to most items sold by Avid Swim, the items featured in The Wild Escape collection are interchangeable, offering a wide variety of combinations, making each one uniquely yours.

Avid Swim not only accomplishes luxury, sustainability, and being economically friendly, the brand also stands for inclusivity. The male and female models and ambassadors the brand has chosen to represent them are all uniquely beautiful, and do not exemplify just one single ethnicity or nationality. Different skin tones, different body shapes and curves, but all on behalf of one brand and one cohesive message.

If you’re looking for your new go-to swimwear spot, this is it. Avid Swim offers the whole package and then some.

All photo credit can be attributed to Avid Swim's website.

Report: Alexandra Donnelly

Grace Wales Bonner, the Trailblazing Menswear Designer

In recent years, more women have started to become prominent menswear designers as gender norms are broken and a larger space has been introduced for many to take part in whatever design aspect they choose. A select few women have created a remarkable path in menswear that give it new meaning, with one woman in particular being Grace Wales Bonner.

Originally in womenswear at Central Saint Martins, Grace’s focus eventually directed towards menswear. Entitled AFRIQUE, her graduate collection consisted of embroidered velvet jackets and crystal skull caps, leading her to win the L’Oreal Professional Talent Award in 2014. Grace presented EBONICS in 2015, her first collection under the name Wales Bonner at Fashion East and earned the title Emerging Menswear Designer at the British Fashion Awards. 2016 saw her first solo collection, Ezekiel, and went on to receive the LVMH Young Designer Prize. Grace released her first womenswear collection in 2018, as well as received the the British Land London Emerging Medal. Her recent accomplishments include the winner of the BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund and a Dior collaboration for their Resort 2020 collection.

Heavily influenced by the British Afro-Caribbean music scene, Wales Bonner can be found at such places as Net-A-Porter, Barney’s, and Galeries Lafayette. It has also built up a celebrity fan base that includes Meghan Markle, who chose to wear the brand for her first official portrait with Prince Harry and her son. Having an eye on representing gentle, black male figures, Grace sought to connect history and beauty through their identities. She wanted to create a space for the unrepresented, to show that they are as complex and beautiful as others portrayed in the media. History has always been interwoven into her collections with the presence of black poetry, music, culture, and films, and expanded into creating a space for black artists and creators alike to share their art as well. Artist Lynette Yiadom-Boakye created poetry for a 2017 Wales Bonner show, and Solange Knowles was one of the performers at Grace’s event Devotional Sound.

A female gaze on men and their complexities have helped Grace Wales Bonner to define what has made her brand today. She credits the people around her and the culture she consumes as to what drives her inspiration; to create a platform for those not represented.

Photo Credit: GQ, Dazed, Celebrity Style Guide

Report: Charlene Piccio

Hidden Gems

The escalating tumult of a country rife with racial injustices further stresses the importance of patronizing black businesses. Supporting the community most vulnerable to these societal ills is imperative, and there is an endless well of black talent and innovation. One niche commodity of an already overlooked population of merchants is fashion jewelry, an encompassment of literal hidden gems.

Black jewelers are abound with creative, wondrous designs that are often inspired by the richness of black culture. Jam + Rico embodies founder Lisette Ffolkes’s celebration of her Jamaican and Puerto Rican heritage through a brilliant assortment of earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. Jameel Mohammed strives to defy Eurocentric luxury fashion norms by imbuing his Khiry products with his reverence for the African diaspora. Hleziphansi Zita’s South African heritage is intrinsic to her brand Nandi Naya, and Cocoacentric was named in part after owner LaToya McInnis’s black and indigenous roots.

Black jewelers are not required to overtly represent ethnic backgrounds in order to honor the black community. While Lelia+Mae’s all-gold jewelry appears bereft of any consistent cultural signifiers, the brand’s founder sources the inspiration for her creations from her profound love for her fellow black women. Statement by Nadia’s signature product is lettered earrings, with the most recent addition being those aptly labeled BLM, the profits of which will be donated to Black Lives Matter. Even the very practice of black celebrities adorning black-owned jewelry is an inherent show of unity. Lizzo modeled Yam earrings in her “Good as Hell” music video, and Jlani jewels have ornamented such entertainers as Beyoncé, Issa Rae, and Taraji P. Henson.

Black fashion businesses are deserving of financial success and acclaim regardless of America’s racial politics, and the general public would be amazed by the treasures that await them if they expand their horizons.

Photo credits:

https://www.jlanijewels.com/collections/personalized-collection/products/14k-nameplate-necklace

https://www.jamandrico.com

https://leliamae.com/products/belle-hoops

Report: Nia Hunt

A Juneteenth Celebration

Juneteenth this year was such a lively celebration amongst the black community. Throughout this time, social distancing was still in effect. Verzuz TV has taken many artists on Instagram Live and made them go head to head in musical battles. On Juneteenth, Alicia Keys and John Legend were chosen to perform.

For this Versus battle, both competitors were in the same room, singing live and playing their own piano accompaniment to their hits on Instagram Live. They also were singing each other’s background vocals, fond memories, and sending happy Juneteenth wishes. Various viewers stated that it really doesn’t get more smooth-piano relaxing than this. The world is still reeling from the coronavirus pandemic. People are taking to the streets to protest police brutality against Black people, a heavily emotional battle. Juneteenth, is also the day to commemorate the end of slavery in America. All of these factors made Friday's battle on Instagram more of a call for unity. Each artist played hits from "Diary" to "Ordinary People." They also played new music with Legend premiering "Never Break" and Keys premiering "Perfect Way to Die."

"I think we need a lot of hope right now," Keys said as she played "Empire State of Mind.” John Legend stated, "We're happy to celebrate freedom and the fight for more freedom, I've been so inspired watching people march in this street playing this song ... It means so much that people play this song fighting to be more free.” To be honest, John Legend dancing to his music was the best part of the battle.

Photo Credits: @verzuztv

Report: Soila Douce (@soila.xx)

Aunt Jemima and Racism on American Shelves

The smiling face of the Aunt Jemima pancake mix is something many Americans have grown up seeing. Memories of syrupy sweet flapjacks during early morning hours speckle the childhoods of those familiar with the brand; it is both a cult classic and a fan favorite amongst the masses.

What many don’t know is that the brand is built upon deeply racist roots. Aunt Jemima’s name was taken from “Old Aunt Jemima”, a minstrel show song once sung by performers in blackface. The smiling woman on the box is a stereotype of the ‘mammy’ character from slave plantations. She serves as a representation of the happy slave– a representation of a black woman ready and willing to serve white people.

On June 17, Quaker Oats announced that they plan to rebrand Aunt Jemima. The brand has undergone a fair amount of minor image updates through the years, but the company decided that these changes were not enough. Instead, they announced that the brand would return in the fall with a new logo and name.

Many are relieved about this change. It is a step towards removing the normalization of black subservience that lines American grocery shelves. Following Quaker Oats’ announcement to change all Aunt Jemima products, other companies quickly followed suit. Brands such as Uncle Ben’s, Cream of Wheat and Mrs. Buttersworth have also decided to retire their marketing strategy and rebrand their products.

Systemic racism is not only powered by institutionalized hatred but also from everyday stereotypes and commonplace images. The origins of such symbols must be addressed in order to change society into a better one; by trying to revoke the normalization of racist imagery, the perpetual trauma born from such representation can be gradually slowed and hopefully stopped.

Photo 1: https://www.insider.com/best-pancake-mix-store-brand-2017-3

Photo 2: https://thekrazycouponlady.com/2017/12/18/aunt-jemima-pancake-mix-only-1-50-at-walgreens

Report: Nicolette Schneiderman

Juneteenth Flag: It’s Meaning and Symbolic Importance

Source: Dallas News

What comes to mind when you hear the words “red white and blue?”

I would assume the American flag. However there is another flag with the same exact colors and that is the Juneteenth Flag.

The banner with its bold star in the middle is a representation of the end of slavery in the United States.

Activist Ben Haith, founder of the National Juneteenth Celebration Foundation, created the flag in 1997 with the help of collaborators, and Boston-based illustrator Lisa Jeanne Graf.

The flag was later revised in 2000 into the version we know today, according to the National Juneteenth Observation Foundation. Seven years later, the date “June 19, 1865,” was added, memorializing the day Union Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas, and told enslaved African Americans of their emancipation.

Communities around the country have held flags in ceremonies on Juneteenth in celebration of their freedom, for two decades now.

According to Haith “This country has so many aspects to it that are spiritual, and I believe this flag is of that nature. It (the idea for the design) just came through me.”

Now that we’ve discussed the flag and it’s symbolic importance let’s break down what each element of the flag represents.

Source: CNN

The star

Represents Texas, the Lone Star State. It was in Galveston in 1865, where Union soldiers informed enslaved African Americans, that under the Emancipation Proclamation, they were free. It also represents the freedom of African Americans in all 50 states.

Source: CNN

The burst

The bursting outline around the star is inspired by a nova, a term that also means a new star. On the Juneteenth flag, this represents a new beginning for the African Americans of Galveston and throughout the land.

Source: KSL News Radio

The arc

Represents a new horizon: the opportunities and promise that lay ahead for black Americans.

Source: CBS

The colors

The red, white and blue represents the American flag, a reminder that slaves and their descendants were and are Americans.

June 19, 1865, represents the day that enslaved black people in Galveston, Texas became Americans under the law.

African Americans today are still fighting for equality and justice which takes us back to the meaning and symbols behind the flag, with Haith emphasizing that the colors symbolize the continuous commitment of people in the United States to do better and to live up to the American ideal of liberty and justice for all.

Report: Juana Norales

Instagram: @juana.n_

Fear of God and Barton Perreira's Friendly Collaboration

Fear of God’s groundbreaking collaboration with indie eyewear brand Barton Perreira was born of a particularly endearing mutual admiration for each other. Designer Jerry Lorenzo’s affinity for Barton Perreira glasses has earned him the opportunity to join his cherished optical brand in creating a limited-edition line of stylized eyewear.

Lorenzo’s adoration for Barton Perreira began in his late twenties, initially drawn to the glasses’ exceptional boldness and proceeding to incorporate them into his everyday style. Fear of God even featured pairs of these glasses in a previous collaborative shoot with Zegna. Lorenzo’s zeal for Barton Perreira shone through in an Instagram post in which he was flaunting their “Woody” and “Joe” frames, capturing the attention of brand co-founder Patty Perreira. Perreira was charmed by Lorenzo’s simultaneously classic and modern aesthetic and immediately requested his partnership, which he promptly accepted within 24 hours.

Lorenzo’s deep study of Barton Perreira’s vintage eyewear collection inspired him to brainstorm new ideas for color palettes and frame designs, resulting in an array of glasses with earthly hues and light gradient wash lenses. Fear of God’s optical design debut is now available for purchase on their website, as well the website and physical stores of Barton Perreira.

Photo credit:

https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/fear-of-god-eyewear-launch-1203652632/

Report: Nia Hunt

Kristen Stewart is Set to Play Princess Diana in New Film

The beloved Princess Diana will be back on our screens as Kristen Stewart is casted to play her in the new film, Spencer. The film is set to showcase the time in Diana’s life which led to her decision to leave the crown, as well as her husband. Spencer will begin production in early 2021, but many are not pleased with the casting of Stewart to play the worldwide known Royal. Even though the internet may not have reacted the best to the announcement, I still think we should give her a fair shot…you never know!

Princess Diana was known for more than just her title, she was the ideal woman that females of all ages looked up to. Her elegance was showcased at all times, her desire to be herself from the minute she was introduced to the Royals, the special type of mother she was to her two sons, and her love for every human are just some of the traits she carried.

Just as her overall demeanor was cherished by many, her style was always a statement the public loved to see. I’d say her most famous piece was the “revenge dress”. She wore an off the shoulder, fitted black dress the day her husband, Prince Charles, admitted to the press that he was unfaithful to his wife. What better way to say screw you to your husband then by making one of the most bold statements the fashion world has ever seen.

Of course, her wedding dress was a just as phenomenal as one might imagine. While her wedding was in 1981, and the dress isn’t completely in today’s style, any style connoisseur holds a special appreciation for this gown. It’s the dress little girls dream to be in.

In 1987 her baby blue gown that she wore at the Cannes Film Festival made her look like a real life Cinderella. Her casual sense of style may have shocked the Royal family, but she looked phenomenal in the simplest of outfits.

Princess Diana has been and always will be a fashion icon, as well as everybody’s favorite princess. Kristen Stewart definitely has big shoes to fill for this role, but the costume designers have an even bigger one!

Photo Credits:

https://theblast.com/103163/princess-dianas-revenge-dress-shocked-people-but-theres-a-story-

https://weddedwonderland.com/9-facts-you-didnt-know-about-princess-dianas-wedding-dress/

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/fashion/g4362/princess-diana-dresses/

https://www.insider.com/photos-of-princess-diana-best-most-shocking-outfits

https://people.com/royals/actresses-who-have-played-princess-diana/

Report: Kaitlin Gallagher

4 Brands Whose Pride Collection Proceeds Actually go to LGBTQ+ Advocacy Groups

It’s pride month. One of my favorite national months of the year because it's all about love, acceptance, and pride! Clearly. One of my favorite parts of this month is the way brands include the rainbow colors of the Pride into their clothing and logos in order to show support to members of the LGBTQ+ community. And although this gesture is nice to see, it got me thinking about how these bands are truly giving back to this community. It also made me question if these displays are actually sincere. Why should I spend my coin on a pride tee shirt if the brand has no affiliations with LGBTQ+ charities? So I went on a search to find brands that are actually giving the proceeds of its pride collections to LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.

ASOS pledged to give 100% of the proceeds from the pride collection to The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). This is the fourth year that the clothing brand has worked with them. This non-profit's goal is to accelerate the acceptance and equality of the LGBTQ+ community.

UGG Australia released the Pride edition of everyone’s favorite fluffy sandals. The Pride FluffYeah sandal will be sold year-round. Ugg has also pledged to donate $125,000 to GLAAD.

Nike’s BeTrue Collections is all about “The Power of The Team”. The collection includes the classic Air Force Ones with a 10 color Pride flag heel patch. They pledged to donate $500,000 to 20 organizations whose mission is to advocate for and advance the LGBTQ+ community. The grants will be $25,000 administered by Charities of America.

Aside from clothing, Morphe Cosmetics launched a “Free To Be” collection. All of the net proceeds from this collection will go to the GLSEN, which is an educational organization whose mission is to end discrimination and bullying based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression. The goal to raise awareness and tolerance of LGBTQ culture in K-12 education.

Photo Credit: Nike, ASOS, UGG Australia, and Morphe Cosmetics

Report: Lauren Tucker

In These Uncertain Times, Victor Glemaud is Still Hoping to Inspire People.

Safe to say, 2020 has been an interesting year. From COVID-19, to the unjust murders of George Floyd and other black people, most people aren't feeling that great.

Fashion designer, Victor Glemaud, has been working from his home for the past three months. Glemaud looks back amazed that his business has been able to adapt so quickly. “At the beginning, it was challenging because it was all so uncertain,” he says of the early days of lockdown. “I’ve done fittings virtually before, I’ve done sketch handoffs and line reviews virtually before, so it wasn’t about it being difficult to adapt. It was more getting used to the idea of not knowing when we would work together again, and when we would see each other again.”

Glemaud's biggest challenges have been more on the personal end, than on the business end. With his business celebrating 15 years soon, Glemaud started his career working with Patrick Robinson in New York. Glemaud later went on to work in PR for the likes of Versace, Marc Jacobs, and Helmut Lang, before returning to consult with Robinson during his time at Paco Rabanne, then launching his own label in 2006. After rebranding with a more stripped-back approach in 2015, Glemaud began focusing primarily on the bold, brightly-colored knits that have been a resounding hit with his long-time customers. They’ve also earned him a place as a finalist for the 2017 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and resulted in his first runway show back in February of this year.

While the development of his spring 2021 collection has been a little more tricky—Glemaud notes the technical intricacies of producing knitwear are more difficult to test without seeing the garments in the flesh—he has still been managing to find inspiration in less likely corners.

“Normally what I do is go to galleries or museums and get inspired or see so “Normally what I do is go to galleries or museums and get inspired or see something that sparks something that way. Since I can’t do that, I’ve been reading a lot more. It’s been more of a fluid process.”

When asked how the fashion industry can support black lead brands and businesses, Glemaud said, “I think it’s about having our industry truly support Black-owned businesses by paying us, by promoting us within their channels,” he continues. “Not just today or tomorrow, not just a tag here or there, but showcasing work in a meaningful way, really being true partners. Whether it’s a retailer, an editor, a stylist, a production partner. Things that are needed to actually grow a business. Things that a lot of young creatives that I’ve spoken to recently in the last two weeks have felt and have all told me they don't have access to.”

Report: Anna Bechtel

Lean, Mean, Cleaning Machines

Airports are one of the emptiest public spaces in the world ever since the rise of Covid-19. Thousands of people have ended up cancelling family vacations, summer get-aways, and honeymoon destinations because of the virus. It is a concern if traveling will ever be normalized after the outbreak and if people will revert back to feeling safe being closer than 6 feet and not wearing masks. This is detrimental to all airlines globally, because they profit off of people booking trips and flying their aircrafts to their destinations. One company in particular has been able to tackle the concerned travelers with their new and improved sanitization protocols that have been put in place recently this year. Delta Airlines launched their new standard for clean in February known as “Delta Clean”. As they are committed to the health and safety of their customers, they have adopted a new measure of cleaning, disinfecting, and inspecting the plane before and after each flight that takes off and lands. Just after a few short months of implementation, there has been a significant increase in flight bookings. By creating these new cleanliness plans, airlines like Delta are striving to make their customers feel at ease every time they fly, not just because of the virus.

Photo Credit: Youtube and delta.com

Report: Hannah Zaremba

Black Lives Matter: and That Includes Black Trans and Queer Lives

With the Black Lives Matter movement taking center stages, and June being Pride Month, these two causes have united to bring awareness to an underrepresented community.

On Sunday, in Brooklyn, a peaceful protest was held to support the transgender members of the black community. It was called "Brooklyn Liberation: An Action for Black Trans Lives." Several local organizations, including The Okra Project, Marsha P. Johnson Institute, For the Gworls, G.L.I.T.S. and Black Trans Femmes in the Arts, put this event together. The protest was put together to honor the lives of black trans women who were unjustly killed, and have not received a lot of media coverage. Some of the lives honored were, Layleen Polanco, Dominique "Rem'mie" Fells, and Riah Milton. Transgender activist Raquel Willis, author Ceyenne Doroshow, and the family of Layleen Polanco, were all among the featured speakers at the rally. Protesters chanted and carried homemade signs with the phrase "Black Trans Lives Matter."

Brooklyn was not the only American city that was putting on peaceful protests and gatherings supporting black trans lives. Los Angeles decided to hold a march supporting black trans lives, in lieu of their annual Pride Parade. The day before, volunteers painted the words "All Black Lives Matter," on the street, at the intersection of Hollywood and Highland Avenue. Some of the words were painted in the colors of different pride flags, including the non-binary flag, the transgender flag, and the original rainbow pride flag. The event itself, which was organized by All Black Lives Matter Los Angeles, was not just a plea for justice but a celebration that included music, dancing and performances by queer Black artists.

Report: Anna Bechtel