The Sweet and Salty Salad That Should Be At Every BBQ!

In need of a refreshing summer salad? I’ve got just the thing. This easy and delicious watermelon prosciutto salad is exactly what you need to take that summer barbecue to the next level. With watermelon being in its prime season, it’s only right to use it as much as possible.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 Package of Baby Arugula

Fresh Watermelon

1/2lb Prosciutto di Parma Thinly Sliced (You’ll definitely have leftovers!)

Shredded Parmigiano Reggiano

Balsamic Glaze

Salt

1 Lemon

EVOO

Side Note:

This salad can be paired with any melon, but the refreshing appeal from the watermelon is my favorite part about this recipe!

How to Make it:

Take the full package of baby arugula, and throw it in a bowl. Squeeze half a lemon, throw a pinch of salt, and a teaspoon of EVOO to gently coat the arugula. Now, toss it!

Take the watermelon and cut it into bit size cubes/chunks. In your favorite bowl lay the arugula down, and as much as prosciutto as wanted! Once the watermelon and prosciutto are added, add a quick layer of balsamic glaze and garnish with parmigiano reggiano. That’s it!

It seriously can’t get much easier than this, and trust me it’ll be a crowd favorite. The sweet taste from the watermelon being paired with the saltiness from the prosciutto is too good to be true. Just take my word for it!

Photo Credits: Kaitlin Gallagher

Report: Kaitlin Gallagher

Jacquemus Debuts His Latest Collection, “L’Amour”

Since the outbreak of Coronavirus, many fashion brands had to consider how to proceed operations when runway shows were temporarily put on hold. This led to industry-wide investigation into brands’ sustainability efforts and activism platforms, of which quite a few were criticized for. Although some fashion weeks have been cancelled and designers announce their own plans for collection calendars, there are a select few that are able and continue to do shows in person. One of the brands happens to be Jacquemus, who on July 16 debuted the collection, “L’Amour.”

Incorporating both menswear and womenswear, the show was held in a field of wheat just outside Paris in Us with the walkway winding through the fields. Invited to this exclusive event included close friends, family, and even editors, who all abided by the universal six-feet apart rule. The collection itself features the staple neutral palette Jacquemus has become known for, adorned with the strappy details that have been seen in past collections. It also showcased summer staples such as crop tops and midi skirts. The menswear of the show had similar hues and prints, reflective of their motive to be more sustainable. In doing this, Jacquemus has been able to slow down the process of making both menswear and womenswear for their team and reduce shows overall. The majority of the in-person fashion events were held in Milan, as the only other Parisian designer to hold a live show was Olivier Rousteing for Balmain.

The location for “L’Amour” has drawn similarities from Jacquemus’ Spring/Summer 2020 collection “Coup de Soleil.” This collection was also in a field, but full of lavenders, a touch that has defined a part of what makes Jacquemus the way it is. With simple, but universal designs in a mostly neutral palette and the occasional color, the brand’s designs have become popular among celebrities, influencers, and fashion lovers alike. Not only are their designs popular, but Jacquemus’ efforts when it comes to activism are also praised. Vocal during the recent Black Lives Matter events, Jacquemus has put themselves up there as a brand that is willing to fight for the cause and will continue to do so. A living aesthetic in itself, combined with its focus on being conscious about the world has helped Jacquemus become the brand it is today, and will continue to rise as the years go on.

Photo Credit: Hood Couture Mag, Galerie Magazine.

Report: Charlene Piccio

Long Brushes Turning Short

Need a little color in your makeup collection. Your beauty blender not doing the trick? Your face brushes getting hard? Looking for something new/popular. Look no further I have the perfect brush for you. Shiseido, the most seasoned and fourth biggest beautifying agents organization on the planet was established in 1872 by Yushin Fukuhara. Arinobu Fukuhara, previous head drug specialist to the Japanese Imperial Navy acquainted Japan with it's first Western-style drug store in Ginza, Tokyo in the wake of going to the United States and Europe. Shiseido's initial achievement showed up through structure a demographic of sovereignty and high society through which it's notoriety spread and prevalence developed. This new/very popular product from Shiseido is called Hanatsubaki Hake Polishing Face Brush. This brush is inspired by the Shiseido camellia bloom ("hanatsubaki" in Japanese), this remarkably planned brush highlights four particular petal segments that shape the face to keep in touch while polishing skin into a smooth and cleaned finish. With Hidden Core innovation, this brush controls pressure on application for a consistent cosmetics finish. This brush is made from a covetable and creative plan. The best thing about this brush it is considered portable and very soft. Find this new/unique makeup brush on Shiseido website this summer.

Photo Credits: Shiseido Polishing Brush

Report: Tykaia Rose

The Copper Collection

If like the shiny, brown or gold look. This expensive collection will look great in your makeup collection. This collection name speaks volume and you can get now. If you love the makeup company MAC. Listen up this new collection will be the best one yet. Macintosh Cosmetics, adapted as M·A·C, is a beauty care products producer established in Toronto, Canada in 1984 by Frank Toskan and Frank Angelo. The organization is headquartered in New York City and turned out to be a piece of the Estée Lauder Companies in 1996. Macintosh is an abbreviation for Make-up Art Cosmetics. This new collection from MAC is called the bronzer collection. This new collection brings another assortment of tanned shades for the eyes, lips, face and body brings sun-kissed shading to you for a brilliant hour shine you can accomplish quickly, anyplace. Thwarted Shadow returns in new hot shades, while all-new Strobe Face Glaze conveys the dewiest sparkle. Uncommon release metallic-bronze bundling is doused in a selective water bead structure. This collection goes well with some of your original favorites such as studio fix foundation, prep + prime fix, and prep + prime lip you can never go wrong with these OG favorites. This collection will bring you natural glow for hours.

Photo Credits: MAC Cosmetics

Report: Tykaia Rose

5 Ways to Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health Throughout the Years

Life is uncertain and you never know what’s around the corner. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t look after your physical and mental health throughout the years. 

Practicing self-love is essential if you want to live a healthy life. But working out the ways that you can care for your physical and mental health might feel a little daunting. To help guide you, here are 5 suggestions of ways you can do this:

Seek Additional Help When You Need it 

Although it’s easy to put others ahead of yourself sometimes, it’s important not to neglect yourself. If you notice a problem, whether it be with your physical or mental health, it’s vital that you speak to a health professional as soon as possible. There’s no shame in asking for help if you require it – and in the long term, you’ll be far better off by doing this. 

This is important over the years, no matter what your age. From talking to a doctor to looking into assisted living benefits when you’re older, whatever outside help you need, research into what options are out there. 

Keep Up an Exercise Regime 

This might sound obvious, but it’s surprising how many people don’t prioritize this. By keeping up an exercise regime, you’ll ensure that your mind and body stays strong and healthy. Giving you a break from the stresses and strains that every day brings, you’ll wake up in the mornings feeling refreshed and ready to start your day. 

Focus on Keeping a Balanced Diet 

By focusing on keeping a balanced diet, your mind and body will thank you in the long run. Physically, this ensures that you’re feeling energized and that you’re at lower risk of developing health problems – from diabetes to high blood pressure. Mentally, it will guarantee that you feel motivated and determined to take on any task that comes your way. 

Prioritize Sleep

Sleep plays a huge part in your physical and mental health. Therefore it’s something that should not be ignored. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body and mind will start to shut down. So make sure that each night you’re going to bed at a reasonable time and waking up at least 8 hours later. 

If you suffer from insomnia, there are natural supplements you can take to help you fall (and stay!) asleep. Melatonin, a hormone that your body naturally produces to make you drowsy, can be boosted by taking it in supplement form. If anxiety is preventing you from getting regular sleep, check out CBD store products to treat your insomnia.

Socialize, Socialize, Socialize 

At the moment, socializing in person is still not really the norm. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t talk to your loved ones virtually – through Zoom or a similar software. By doing this, it will ensure that your mental health is kept in check. No matter how long you talk to them for or what about, having a catch up will make you feel a lot better in yourself. 

So, there you go. Those are 5 simple methods you can use to help take care of both your physical and mental health. Of course, what you decide to do is up to you. But whatever proactive steps you take towards a healthier you, the more wonderful your life will be.

How To Take the Next Steps In Your Career

Everyone reaches a stage in their career where they feel its time to do more. As easy or as enjoyable as your current role is, motivated and ambitious people aren’t satisfied merely with staying in the same place for the rest of their professional life. They want more. But it’s tricky to work out what that next step could be, and it’s even more challenging to figure out how to take it. 

Ask For More Responsibility

If you know you want to stay in your industry, then asking to take on more responsibility will start you on your path towards a more satisfying career. This will allow you to demonstrate you are management material, and you can get the chance to lead a team, carry out interviews, or head projects. You can also take this opportunity to learn more about the company, so you have a better overall understanding of how things work, which is something managers require. You cannot wait to be asked, though. Instead, be the one to initiate a conversation with your managers. 

Gain the Skills You Need

Gaining the skills you need to take the next step in your career will allow you to work on your confidence and competence in specific roles before making the step itself. You could undergo additional training at work, or you can look into further education. Obtaining a Master in Integrated Design Management is a popular way to become more qualified in your current role. Still, there is also a range of other possibilities available for you to enhance your education and obtain the tools to succeed in more significant roles. 

Embrace Networking

The idea of it’s not what you know but who you know is a cliche, but it’s a cliche for a reason. Your network can open up a wide range of opportunities for you, so don’t be afraid to meet people at business events or conventions to find out what possibilities await you. There may be senior staff from other firms in attendance looking for someone with your talents, and if you feel your chances of promotion at your current job are slim, then it’s worth entertaining their offer. 

Consider Different Options 

Sometimes a career just isn’t for you, and that’s okay. It’s best to find that out as soon as possible, though, so you can consider alternative career options. While this can be intimidating and even terrifying in some ways, it can also be liberating. Whether you elect to follow a creative dream or enter an industry you’ve always wanted to be a part of, you will find out that you’re happier, more engaged, and more excited about your future than ever. 

One Step at a Time 

You can’t expect to be promoted to your dream role overnight. Like anything in life that’s worth having, it takes determination, grit, and even a little risk taking in some cases. If you’re serious about taking on more responsibility and boosting your career, these tips will help you take it one step until you are finally satisfied.

Diet Tips for Boosting your Immunity

Boosting your immunity is crucial during these times, especially in light of the pandemic. You want to have the best immune system you can possibly have, and the only way you'll be able to do that is by getting some health advice. We have some health tips for building your immune system.

1. Colorful fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are the go-to for building your immune system. They contain all the essential vitamins that will give a boost to your immune system and help keep diseases at bay.

2. Carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes: These foods contain good compounds that help in cell proliferation, or rapid growth of new cells in the body. This is a key component of the immune system's health and thus these foods are important.

3. Vitamin C-rich foods: Vitamin C is very beneficial in the quest to keep the immune system functional and healthy. Citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons can help with inflammation and prevent infections from occurring in the body.

4. Omega-3 fatty acids: These good fats are found in nuts and seeds such as flax or chia seeds. They help build a good and healthy immune system, according to research.

5. Probiotics and fermented food: These foods are loaded with good bacteria which help in maintaining a healthy gut. The gut is where 70% of our immune system is housed, which is why probiotics such as yogurt or kombucha can be a wonderful addition to the diet.

6. Limit added sugars: Emerging research suggests that added sugars and refined carbs may contribute disproportionately to overweight and obesity. Obesity may likewise increase your risk of getting sick.

7. Stay hydrated: Hydration doesn’t directly protect you from germs and viruses, but preventing dehydration is important to your overall health. Dehydration can cause headaches and hinder your physical performance, focus, mood, digestion, and heart and kidney function. These complications can increase your susceptibility to illness.

Report: Alycia Williams

Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon

Pop Smoke’s (real name: Bashar Barakah Jackson), posthumous album titled, “Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon” has taken over social media. The Brooklyn, New York artist recently was tragically killed in his home in Hollywood Hills, California, back in February. Pop Smoke was an upcoming artist with a whole new sound. His drilling beats that have mostly been produced by Axel, have made many all over the world, mostly New Yorkers, fall in love with his artistry. He was only 20 years old when he passed away and he had so much talent.

Pop Smoke’s rise to fame started with the New York anthems, “Welcome to the Party” as well as “Dior.” His two mixtapes “Meet the Woo” as well as “Meet the Woo 2” had all the fans heavily anticipating his debut album. According to his management, the plan was to release 3 mixtapes and then release the debut album.

Unfortunately, his life was cut short and it was not able to happen this way. Soon after the announcement of the release of the album, it was said that Pop Smoke wanted a famous designer named Virgil to design the cover of his album. When the cover was released, all of New York protested the artwork due to it not being up to par and did not meet the fans expectations. 50 Cent, as the executive producer, gave the fans an opportunity to submit artwork to be featured as the cover of the album. In the end, the fans were satisfied.

Pop Smoke’s Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, giving the rapper his first chart-topping effort. The Billboard 200 chart ranks the most popular albums of the week in the U.S. based on multi-metric consumption. News of Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon’s rise to No. 1, comes shortly after five people were arrested on July 9 in connection with Pop Smoke’s murder on Feb. 19.

Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon is the first posthumous album to reach No. 1 since 2018. Pop Smoke and XXXTentacion are two of the four hip-hop artists with posthumous No. 1s. They follow The Notorious B.I.G. and 2Pac, who each have three posthumous leaders. R.I.P to the Woo.

Photo Credits:

Album cover: @50cent

Red shirt: @realpopsmoke

Report: Soila Douce (@soila.xx)

To Be Black and Well

Glow

One of the biggest investments that a black person can make for themselves, is a consistent and healthy skincare routine. And to top it off, there are plenty of black owned organic skincare brands for you to choose from. For starters, just make sure that you have a cleanser, toner and moisturizer.

Mental Wellness

Another healthy habit that I’ve gotten into is daily meditation. Day and night. The first thing that I do when I wake up is focus my attention and energy before I even start my day. Resist the temptation to reach for your phone as a first activity in the morning!

Eat Well

This could go without saying but eating healthy is another investment that is guaranteed to pay off in the short and long term. It helps with your skin, digestion, mood and even energy levels! Even though we’re in quarantined due to COVID-19, don’t eat too much junk food. You’ll thank yourself later.

Exercise

The single most important act of self-care that I’ve implemented into my routine is exercising. Even if you don’t necessarily have a fitness goal, make sure that you’re going for a run, doing a few sit-ups, or whatever you have to do in order to make sure that you’re your healthiest self. After all, if you aren’t well yourself, you won’t be of much service to others.

All Photo Credits: Buttah Skincare Website

Report: Julian Randall

Loss During a Quarantine

As quarantine progresses, it dawns on us that our lives won’t be normal and it makes us miss the times where we can be outside. The times in which we could hug our family and friends without the thought of being the cause of them contracting this virus that can be deadly. The mental toll this takes is significant.

As someone who was dealing with a great loss right before the lockdown and then another one during the lockdown, it severely plays a strain on your mental health. Being locked in your home alone while trying to heal is hard. Not many can handle the silence around you. Finding ways to distract you is harder because now you have no choice but to sit with yourself and deal with the pain. It can put you in a damaging space and you can lose yourself. Just remember it's okay to seek help.

Some tips I can give those who are struggling like I am is to call a friend or a family member. Pick up a new habit or use this time to invest and put your all into a passion you have been neglecting. Most of all, reach out to a therapist. Having someone to talk to helps and being able to release that pain and have a healthy way to express yourself is always the best option.

So many of us are dealing with loss during this time of quarantine, so check on your friends and family. If you are going through the emotion of losing someone it’s okay to get help and talk to someone and just know you are not alone.

Photo Credit:

Loss picture: jfcsmpls.org

Therapist picture - Verywellmind.com

Report: Maya Howard

Bathing Suit Trends

Are you trying to look trendy at the beach and pool this summer? I got you! Bathing suits are very hot on the market right now for obvious reasons. Some people struggle with finding the right ones for themselves; I know I do all the time. The goal is not just to feel physically confident, but emotionally confident as well. This summer, nothing is standing in our way from achieving that. I know I get immensely insecure about my stomach when I head to the beach. However, I try to find bathing suits that make me feel beautiful inside and out but are still trendy.

One of the trendiest bathing suits that you could get right now is high waisted bottoms, which I'm obsessed with. It just covers all the right places for me. If you're feeling bloated that day, you won't have to worry about it! It looks beautiful on all body types and I see girls everywhere wearing them. There are so many pretty patterns that you could get them in. Tie-dye and animal print are two that I wear all the time. You can get a strapless top to match, so when you tan, you won't get awkward tan lines! It creates a perfect combination.

Another one is a one-piece! They are incredibly chic and so stylish right now. You can get ones with slits or ones that cover up more. There's a lot of different options and I love it! They come in so many different colors. I have two in black and one in light pink. It's a great suit to wear for a beautiful pool day. You can find reasonable priced bathing suits at Target, Kohls or Amazon! No matter what bathing suit you decide to wear, you are going to rock it! Strut your stuff, girl.

*Photo credits to Target and Kohls website*

Report: Anna Levitus

Ib Kamara Celebrates "Future, Community, Beauty, and Blackness" in Browns' "Family Affair"

London-based retailer Browns launched its “Family Affair” initiative back in April, and now it revisits the project with help from the Sierra Leone-born stylist Ib Kamara.

Kamara has guest-edited, styled, and shot the latest series of photos for Browns, creating imagery that celebrates “future, community, beauty, and Blackness.” The result of the series is stark yet stunning, as the only limit was the boundaries of the current pandemic. Despite this, Kamara captures “a portrait of the future as it should be,” as Browns says.

“For every contributor I shot, I wanted them to feel their most beautiful; their most comfortable and most importantly, to let them speak to the camera. After all, with all that we have collectively gone through, there are so many questions I can ask,” said Kamara, adding that, “This project felt like a community of people coming together to have a celebration, to reconnect and to find a middle ground for love and acceptance. To re-tie the beautiful bond we all have and share.”

Browns added, “When we launched ‘Family Affair’, our aim was to champion our creative communities in the times we need one another the most. Ib’s work is a true testament to this goal. It is thus timely that in the midst of this project’s execution, we witnessed the dawn of the largest civil rights movement in recent history;” referring to the Black Lives Matter movement.

The photography spotlights numerous young Black people in pieces from JW Anderson, Alexander McQueen, Jacquemus, Martine Rose, Off-White™, and even headpieces from Ib Kamara himself. Take a look at the fourth and final “Family Affair” series captured by Ib Karama for Browns in the gallery above, and find out more about the project on Browns’ website.

Report: Amanda T Lou

Kylie Jenner Faces Criticism for Not Crediting Black-Owned Brand

By now, you’ve probably heard about Kylie Jenner’s Instagram controversy when she neglected to tag black-owned buesiness LoudBrand Studios in a recent Instagram post. Once fans started calling her out for seeming to only ever tag highly recognizable brands like Gucci or Dior, Kylie clapped back by claiming she had nothing but support for the brand-- and later went back to add LoudBrand’s tag to her original post.

Loudbrand Studios is a London-based brand owned by Judidiah Duyile. The brand, as its name might suggest, works to empower women and push traditional beauty standards by embracing one’s curves. Duyile was quoted in Vogue UK, saying, “We want Loudbrand to reflect a confident Black woman, her talent, and what she has to offer to the world.” Kylie’s casual promotion of this brand did wonders for the business, even without the explicit tag. All items on loudbrandstudios.com are now completely sold out, and the dress Kylie wore in her post is only available for preorder. Duyile is reportedly already working to restock pieces and tweeted to express her gratitude to both Kylie and her stylist, Jill Jacobs.

People’s criticisms of Kylie crediting Loudbrand Studios come on the heels of a great social push for consumers to support Black-owned businesses as a way to combat racial and economic inequalities. In light of recent protests against police brutality globally, now more than ever conversations are being sparked about how to eradicate racial injustice. Supporting Black-owned brands is one of the many ways positive change can be made, and from the looks of this story, it’s clear that promoting independent, Black-owned businesses has the potential for success—especially when coming from beauty mogul Kylie Jenner.

Photo Credits:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-8499499/Kylie-Jenner-slams-accusations-refused-support-black-owned-brands.html

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCbuHfJFlJU/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CALdJA0JIlq/

Report: Grace Carlos

Patrick Mahomes Signs Record-Setting Contract, And He Deserves It

Patrick Mahomes has secured a retirement plan for his great grandchildren. The star quarterback of the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs recently signed a 10-year extension worth $477 million, plus a potential $26 million in bonuses for a whopping $503 million. The contract ensures Mahomes will remain in Kansas City through the 2031 season.

This is the most lucrative contract in American sports history, a title previously held by Mike Trout’s 12-year $426.5 million deal with the Los Angeles Angels. Mahomes is the first professional athlete to sign a contract worth half a billion dollars, and this doesn’t even include endorsements.

It’s fair to be angry at the fact that a football player is earning half a billion dollars, especially during a global pandemic and unprecedented unemployment. Although it should be noted that artists, such as actors and musicians, who are being paid similar amounts of money are seemingly immune to the same criticism. But there is no denying that half a billion dollars is a lot of money, and, at least from a pure sport standpoint, Patrick Mahomes is one of the few professional athletes playing today who deserves that type of money.

He has only played two full seasons in the NFL, and yet he already has a Super Bowl ring, a Super Bowl MVP, a regular season MVP and threw for 50 touchdowns in a single season. He is a classic gunslinging quarterback who is considered by many to be the best in the league, and at the ripe old age of 24 it’s likely his best seasons are ahead of him. Chiefs fans aren’t upset at the amount of money he’ll be making and for good reason. Mahomes brought a championship to a franchise that hadn’t won a title in 50 years, and he looks poised to bring a few more Lombardi trophies back to Kansas City.

But just because Mahomes is locked up for the next decade does not guarantee a dynasty for Kansas City. There are plenty of elite quarterbacks, past and present, who have only one Super Bowl to their name; Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees just to name a few. There’s also the fact that the Chiefs are going to be working with a tightened budget when trying to sign other players. Kansas City is not a huge market and having around $50 million dedicated to Mahomes each year for the next decade means the Chiefs probably won’t be handing out too many more huge contracts for a while. Locking up a generational talent like Mahomes was the right move, but the challenge now becomes maintaining and building upon the core around him while staying under the salary cap.

Photos courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Report: Michael Rosen

Celebrity Politician

Over this past week, rapper Kanye West announced on Twitter that he is running for President in the upcoming 2020 election.

West has been seen mingling with President Trump making his stance on certain matters known for some time now. He has continued to show his public support for the President while wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat.

Kanye West is the latest among a list of celebrities who have claimed to be running for President in the last few years. Others who have previously announced or discussed the possibility of running are Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Chris Rock, Ron Perlman, Katy Perry, and Paris Hilton.

Since Donald Trump went from his television show “The Apprentice” to President without any legitimate political background, this is now a trend. While it's important for all celebrities and major social influencers to show support and embrace a better world and justice, it's also important to have the best possible candidate for the job. Many celebrities with their famous status and their stance on justice assume that they automatically qualify, but it takes more than that.

There is a big difference between President Trump’s agenda and former President Obama’s agenda. Trump has used the advantage of his “MAGA” supporters, taking pride in racial superiority. This presidency is one that is putting this country in reverse of the direction it needs to be in as time evolves.

Former President Obama, as an African American, embraced all people and provided opportunities for the people of color who needed everyday resources that in any other time would be unthinkable. Obama used his presidency to push the country forward into a better world.

Although Kanye West has claimed he is not in support of President Trump as he plans to run for President, his continued public support for Trump says otherwise. While Kanye is Black, he wouldn’t stand for the black voters. The right candidate has to be one who is for keeping a stable country and making necessary changes to end the daily injustices of the nation. A candidate with a background in politics and a sense of community is a necessity.

The fate of the United States should not rest on Hollywood’s A-list. A celebrity isn’t necessarily presidential material. Showing support, making donations, and getting involved in the community isn’t the same as running a country.

Photo Credit:

https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/kanye-west-announced-running-president/story?id=71614805

https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/74b40c5bdf6a9a8a7ca8472b9f9135de88b064a7/0_0_3644_2187/master/3644.jpg?width=1200&height=900&quality=85&auto=format&fit=crop&s=3f29ef15f195683c935d819b2ec88c80

https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2020/07/05/USAT/1278a2ae-1e98-47d8-957b-a78bab8f4c0d-AFP_AFP_1AG519.jpg?width=660&height=447&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp

Report: Josephine Coiscou

Masculine While Feminine

French womenswear designer Simon Porte Jacquemus has ventured outside of his comfort zone by branching out to men's fashion. Not only will he be designing clothing for a different gender, but he will also be diverting from the more extravagant styles that defined his female garments. Jacquemus understands that menswear prioritizes utility above fashionability, as exemplified by his own wardrobe. Dating back to his humble beginnings as a farm boy in southeastern France, his own everyday wear has since often consisted of casual articles of clothing like ragged hoodies, unbuttoned shirts, and baggy shorts. Now, he has translated his personal style into a menswear line dominated by rolled-up shirts and cozy hoodies.

Jacquemus added one more personalized touch to his new male fashion: his own gayness. Despite the emphasis on durability, he has been rather liberal with his use of floral patterns and bright colors for his clothes. These design choices are simultaneously reflective Jacquemus’s own tastes while, intentional or not, defiant of toxic masculinity. This new line has the potential to set a trend, as it is respondent to men’s typical shopping habits while tacitly encouraging consumers to embrace their femininity. Better yet, Jacquemus’s menswear may prove that masculinity can be colorful and flowery.

Photo credit:

https://hypebeast.com/2020/7/jacquemus-menswear-collection-masculinity-design

Report: Nia Hunt

How Romeo Hunte Is Quietly Redefining What It Means to Be an American Brand

Romeo Hunte’s journey since launching his namesake label in 2013 may have been impressively considered, but even he wasn’t prepared for the challenges that the current pandemic would bring. Hunte says, “There were a lot of ups and downs over the past few months. My grandfather passed, and a few other members of the team had family members pass too. We just kind of huddled together, working from home, working very odd hours, and I think it built us up to be a stronger team—as a family, we understood everyone's going through this, and were always checking in on each other.”

After all, if there’s one thing that defines Hunte’s ascent since launching his label in 2013—aside from his signature deconstructed outerwear—it’s the strong sense of community he’s developed. This doesn’t just include the illustrious list of celebrities, from Beyoncé to Zendaya, who have stepped out in his pieces, but the regular clients for whom he makes custom looks on a made to order basis. “We really don’t like to waste, so that on its own meant we weren't sitting on stock,” he says. “We started asking, what does our customer actually want right now?” The natural answer, aside from the more flamboyant pieces still available on his website, was a range of face masks—a product that, for Hunte, fulfilled more than just a practical need. “The feedback from the masks has simply been that they’ve brightened up their day when they come in the mail, and I felt that’s the best thing I could do at this moment.”

As Hunte and his team began to plan their next steps post-lockdown, however, another national tragedy occurred; namely, the killing of George Floyd. Throughout the Black Lives Matter protests that followed, Hunte has been keenly observing the fashion industry’s reckoning with its historic underrepresentation of Black designers and creatives. “I think there’s a lot more work to be done,” Hunte says. “When I was a child, fashion was something that I always dreamed of doing, but it's challenging to step into an industry and feel like there aren't that many people that look like you, or share the same inspiration, to feel like you’ve been in the industry delivering each season and it’s overlooked. A lot of things are not so inclusive as they're promoted, sometimes it feels like, as a designer, you only really get noticed during Black History Month on those things. It can be frustrating, but I think I’ve learned to try not to bring emotion into the business. Hunte says, “I'm just hoping that it opens up doors for younger designers to feel like there's a place for them. Not just me, but the Kerbys, the LaQuans, the Victors, and the Telfars of the world. We can inspire a whole generation of designers to feel like: Wow, I could actually do it. When I was a young designer, I didn't have that many designers to look up like to really inspire me.”

Escapism or Hope?

With the world engulfed in more turmoil with each passing day, people naturally turn to online entertainment for a reprieve from the chaos surrounding them. Musicians, actors, and performers across all industries have taken to social media to put on shows for mass audiences. These efforts were met with mixed receptions from the public, with many finding genuine comfort in the videos and others dismissing them as vanity projects in which wealthy celebrities condescend their significantly poorer viewers. Counteracting the skepticism, however, is the growing popularity of once-hidden talent.

A prime example of a lesser-known entertainer bringing joy with her online videos is roller skater Oumi Janta, whose skating lessons have gained traction on Instagram. Reminiscent of the roller disco scene of the 1970s, Janta performs various skating feats to upbeat music, interspersing impressive dance moves throughout the spectacle. After years of uploading these instructional videos, she has garnered adoring fans who are awed by her skills and enticed to begin skating themselves. Janta’s relationship with her audience truly feels reciprocal, as she engages viewers in a manner that uplifts them rather than attempt to placate them with hollow platitudes. Now that online content creators have more eyes on them than ever before, each of them has the opportunity to cultivate even larger followings.

Report: Nia Hunt

Shopping For Your Maternity Wardrobe

When shopping for maternity clothes, the number one priority is to make sure you’re comfortable in what you wear. As the weeks go on there will be more discomfort due to weight gain, bloating and your body just overall changing. It's nice to have clothes that hug your body, but in all the right places. The key to finding a great outfit is to find something that will grow with your cute baby bumps. Try to buy items that you can mix and match with other pieces of clothing so that you can wear with other pieces you have. Jeans While it is very comfy to wear leggings while you're pregnant because of the elasticity, sometimes a girl just wants to wear a cute pair of jeans.

Bloomingdale's and A Pea in the Pod are great places to buy a good pair of maternity jeans. A Pea in the Pod Frame Secret Fit Belly LE High Skinny Triangle Raw Maternity Jeans $104.98

Bloomingdale's Nom Maternity- Soho Over-the-Belly Skinny Jeans in Dark Blue $128.00 Shirts Do not hide your bump! Show off those beautiful curves and adorable belly! This is the time to get away with it without feeling weird about it!

Loft Maternity Clean Cami $24.50 Maternity Floral Ruffle Mixed Media Shell $54.50 Maternity Ruffle Split Neck Top $59.50

Being pregnant is such a beautiful moment where you are holding so much joy inside of you, but it can come with a lot of body insecurities. It can get stressful for mothers to wear something that makes them feel good while they are going through such big changes in their lives. Don’t lose yourself or your style. Plus your children will look back on pictures of you while you were pregnant to see what a cool and stylish mom they got!

Photo Credits: Pinterest, Bloomingdale's, A pea in the Pod, Loft

Report: Melissa Adragna

Stay at Home, Even In The Summer.

On July 1, the European Union officially re-opened their external borders to nonessential, non-EU passport holders. The borders have been closed since mid-March, when lockdown procedures were officially being enacted. Europe was not the only country to do so. 27 other countries have announced that they will be opening up their borders as well. However, not everyone will be allowed in. Only residents from 15 countries, all of which have the coronavirus under control, will be allowed entry. This means that residents from the US, which currently has the highest amount of cases, Russia, and Brazil, will have to continue staying at home. While the EU is expected to reanalyze the list of banned countries every two weeks, that doesn't mean European vacations are back on.

According to a CNN report, two EU ambassadors said that the US would need to have "a dramatic turnaround" in cases before their residents would be allowed entry. All the current countries who's residents are allowed into Europe have the same, or fewer, average new cases as the EU has had in the past 14 days. The EU has reported 16 per 100,000 cases in mid-June. In the US, the average in mid-June was 107 new cases per 100,000 people, so it's safe to say we might not be going to Europe this summer. While tourism is likely to suffer, as the US brings in a lot of vacationers annually, this is a serious matter, and the benefits are not worth the risk on both ends.