Justice Calls for Breonna Taylor as Her Killers Remain Free

Imagine dying in the comfort of your own home, in the hands of police officers and over something that you did not do. This is what happened to Breonna Taylor.

On March 13, 2020 Breonna Taylor, a 26-year old African American emergency medical technician was shot by Louisville Metro Police Department officers Jonathan Mattingly, Brett Hankinson, and Myles Cosgrove.

The three officers, not in their uniform, entered Taylor’s house executing a no-knock search warrant.

Ms. Taylor and her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker were in bed but got up, after hearing loud banging at the door. After a brief exchange, Mr. Walker fired his gun. The police also fired several shots, hitting Ms. Taylor.

Taylor coughed and struggled to breathe for at least five minutes after she was shot, according to The Louisville Courier Journal. She received no medical attention for more than 20 minutes after she was struck, The Courier Journal reported.

The police were investigating two men who they thought were selling drugs out of a house that was far from Ms. Taylor’s home. However, a judge had also signed a warrant allowing the police to search Ms. Taylor’s residence because the police believed that one of the two men had used her apartment to receive packages. The judge’s order was a so-called no-knock warrant, which allowed the police to enter without warning and without identifying themselves as law enforcement.

According to Mr. Walker’s lawyer, no drugs were found in the apartment. City officials banned the use of “no-knock” warrants on June 11.

Breonna Taylor’s death has sparked outrage around the world. There have been calls for justice. Her killers remain free and have not been charged with any crimes.

Taylor’s case took long to receive national attention and as weeks go by her story has dwindled. What first started off as a posting spree and call for media attention has now quickly turned into something that no one wants to talk about.

This could be because charges were dropped against the officers who took part in her killing, however her killers need to be held accountable and her family needs justice after this dreadful killing.

Ever since the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Rayshard Brooks, Elijah Mcclain, Breonna Taylor, Sha-Asia Washington and (the list goes on), Black people around the world have spoken up on racism, sexism, and systematic and institutionalized racism within the healthcare system.

We must do all that we can to make sure that Breonna Taylor’s killers don’t get to walk free again. Whether its signing petitions, voting in November, reading more information on her case, or also reaching out to politicians, we must make sure that our voices are being heard and that these officers are held accountable for their actions.

According to Ms. Taylor’s mother, Tamika Palmer, Taylor had big dreams.

“Breonna had her head on straight, and she was a very decent person. She didn’t deserve this. She wasn’t that type of person.

Don’t forget to sign this petition.

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/arrest-killers-breonna-taylor

Pictures are from:

1. bbc.com

2. vox.com

3. abc7ny.com

Report: Juana Norales

Instagram: @juana.n_

Inside Taylor Swift’s Surprise Album Release

This year has been difficult for so many people amidst the COVID 19 pandemic. Plans have changed, events cancelled, and schools closed. Among the numerous concerts that have been cancelled is Taylor Swift’s Lover Fest, in which she had planned to perform songs from the album she released in August of 2019.

On July 23 Taylor shocked the world revealing that at midnight she would be releasing a new surprise album. On social media she shared, “Most of the things I had planned this summer didn’t end up happening, but there is something I hadn’t planned on that DID happen. And that thing is my 8th studio album, folklore.” On midnight of July 24 the 16 track album was released, much to the excitement of fans all across the globe.

This alternative Indie album has been an instant success and begs the question; what can’t Taylor Swift do? She has released hugely successful country and pop albums over the years and now has an impressive Indie title to add to her versatility. Although the album itself was recorded in isolation, Taylor collaborated with some amazing artists including: Aaron Dessner who helped co-write and produce numerous songs, and Bon Iver who helped write and sung with her on the song, Exile.

The album boasts emotional tracks including Exile, which is about a toxic or struggling relationship and the guy is simply wondering where everything went wrong. Epiphany is an emotional piece as well, which some have speculated to be about the doctors and nurses during this pandemic. One of the lighter hearted tracks is, The Last Great American Dynasty, which tells the story of how American composer Rebekah Harkness apparently dyed her neighbor's dog green after an argument.

Report: Rebecca Vanderkooi

7-20 is A1

Until the creation of the Fenty brand, she was known as the unprecedented pop star, Rihanna. Robin Rihanna Fenty is one of the most successful musicians of her time, as her passion for making music, talent for performing, and ability to connect with fans have made her a nonstop sensation in the industry.

It was not until she dipped her toes in a new pond that we realized there is much more talent than meets the eye. Rihanna has recently ventured into a new industry; fashion. With the conception of her fashion brand Fenty, in addition to her cosmetic brand Fenty Beauty, Rihanna explores her appetite for makeup and luxury fashion. The collections are just as unique and tasteful as you would expect them to be coming from Rihanna, with flavor and spunk that are too irresistible to pass up.

Thus far, Fenty has been known for its show stopping lingerie collection, titled Savage Fenty. The sexy, sophisticated yet fun pieces are high quality and compliment any body type. But, there’s a new Fenty in town, and her name is 7-20. In collaboration with Amina Muaddi, this fierce female duo captures the boldness and strength of women in modern shoe designs. The collection is especially admirable as it celebrates the creativity and genius of artistic women, and embodies the electrifying energy maintained throughout the entire Fenty brand.

With designs that include square toe soles, braided straps and mesh fabrics, the collection has the ability to fulfill the desire of every woman’s closet. One of the most admirable aspects of the 7-20 collection is the heel itself, the only piece of the different silhouettes that remains the same, designed to hold up each shoe and support the strong woman who is wearing it.

Though this is the last release of the Fenty Summer collection, it is the first ever release of shoes for the brand. The designs are breathable and allow the wearer to remain comfortable in the heat of summer, but by no means fall short of attraction or originality. It comes as no surprise that Rihanna and Amina’s creativity and brilliance have created Fenty’s newest, and perhaps most desirable, collection.

All photo's originate from the Fenty website.

Report: Alexandra Donnelly

Always Fresh. Never Frozen

It’s a hot summer afternoon. You go into your pantry looking for food. You can’t find a snack no problem! Looking for something sweet. With this new snack I am willing to share it will savor your taste buds for the time being. In 1964, 100,000 French ranchers blended their territorial dairy cooperatives to sell broadly. In 1965, two co-agents, "Yola" and “ Coplait” , combined , turning out to be “Yoplait” They decided to branch out from Yoplait into Oui is roused by our customary French formula, which is as yet sold in France today. General Mills collaborated with Yoplait in 1977, and bought a dominant part stake of Yoplait in 2011. Right up 'til the present time, Yoplait keeps on having tasks in France just as numerous different nations all around. This new treat from Oui By Yoplait is a Dairy Free Yogurt is contains a smooth white cream with the hit of flavor of coconut. It comes in there signature glass jar with 4 new delicious choices which are mango, raspberry, strawberry and vanilla. This new food is great if you are lactose intolerant and will make a great summer snack or quick breakfast meal. You can find this new treat online or at your local grocery store.

Photo Credits: Oui By Yoplait

Report: Tykaia Rose

Morphe's Newest Venture, Morphe 2 is Teaming up with D'Amelio Sisters, Charli and Dixie

Mega beauty brand, Morphe Cosmetics, has officially announced their newest collaboration with Tik Tok stars Charli and Dixie D’Amelio. Morphe 2, the sister brand aimed for teens and adolescents, will be debuting the D’Amelio sisters in their new campaign on July 30th.

Charli, who is best known for her dancing, and Dixie, who recently debuted her first single “Be Happy”, are seriously all over Tik Tok, and now the beauty industry! With the D’Amelio sisters having millions of followers on Tik Tok, Charli with 74.3M and Dixie with 31.4M, it’s a great marketing tactic to get these two Tik Tok sensations on board with the growing cosmetic brand. The line will consist of easy to apply makeup products such as jelly eye shimmers and foundation tints. These products are perfect for the young teen learning how to apply makeup, or honestly for any age appropriate Gen Z going for the natural look.

This is the first step Morphe 2 is making, and rather a big step I might add. The D’Amelio sisters have a following that continuously grows, and with the hope of their fans taking part in the new collab, Morphe 2 featuring Charli and Dixiei may easily be a hit. With their campaign being known as, “Light, Multipurpose Makeup”, it’s safe to say that Morphe 2 is wanting their customers to feel beautiful with their natural face. I don’t think we’ll find any caked faces or smokey eyes in the Morphe sub-brand.

I know almost every celebrity, or influencer, thinks they can become a makeup mogul, but I think this collaboration is a great opportunity to teach young girls (and boys) to feel comfortable in their skin. Makeup is to enhance the beauty that you were born with, and I hope Charli and Dixie continue to be a positive influence for Generation Z. You can find all the information for the campaign here.

Photo Credits:

https://www.dazeddigital.com/beauty/head/article/49879/1/charli-and-dixie-d-amelio-team-up-with-morphe-on-a-new-make-up-brand

https://www.insider.com/charli-dixie-damelio-makeup-morphe-date-products-line-2020-7

https://wwd.com/beauty-industry-news/beauty-features/charli-dixie-damelio-morphe-1203682213/

Report: Kaitlin Gallagher

How Inspiration from Fall 2020 Ready-to-Wear Collections Revealed Today’s Society

Collections during fashion week have always been known for setting the trends for the upcoming seasons. They defined the landscape of style for years and have turned out some of the most iconic fashion statements of all time. However, with what we are experiencing now it has become a time in which designers are forced to become more conscious about their work, both politically and sustainably. Around late January to early March, shows were held for the Fall 2020 ready-to-wear collections. The themes, however, displayed a more serious and darker tone, ranging from saving our planet, to feminism and the switch between predator and prey, coincidentally resembling the current time we are experiencing.

Marine Serre’s Fall 2020 collection perfectly captured the essence of a world going into flames, but still revealed the hope she had in society into turning the tables to save society before the brink of destruction. She especially emphasizes the calm she tries to upkeep while the world is going crazy and trying to distract her from being creative. Serre’s focus for this collection was on the planet burning, both in the aspect concerning sustainability and the current chaos. The moon logo that defines her brand has been altered for this collection, as if it was affected by heat. The looks continued to personify a world burning with the use of sandy denim for even more of a burnt effect. Although Marine Serre’s collection was meant to personify how the world is currently bubbling, it is meant to be a transformation into a new community from this destroyed world. Similar to how society is right now, Coronavirus has made a huge impact on the world and now we live in a time where health and safety are the priority in order to reduce those infected and even killed.

Another Fall 2020 collection that resembled a more darker, serious tone was Rodarte, helmed by Laura and Kate Mulleavy. Drawing inspiration from Francis Ford Coppola’s Dracula, they put the emphasis on the prey instead. The show originally did not appear dark, invoking dainty polka-dot day dresses and pouf sleeves. As the show went on, however, the dainty quality turned up a notch and even turned a bit uncomfortable with the designs being bolder in their feminine and pastel colors. All of a sudden, the tone was changed and out came the dark, goth vibe consisting of capes, fringe, and blood red. This symbolized the transformation of prey into predators, which can be applied to many issues going on in today’s world. This collection was meant to represent a woman becoming “furiously alive,” aware of her surroundings and taking control. Especially with what’s going on right now, women have the power to take control of their lives and decide what's best for them.

Although no one could predict how the world and society would turn out right now, it is evident that these two Fall 2020 collections coincidentally revealed the more serious, yet powerful time that we are living in today.

Photo Credit: The New York Times, Vogue.

Report: Charlene Piccio

The CFDA Awards Are Still On

The COVID-19 global pandemic took a massive hit to the fashion industry, with shows and events being cancelled, and brands forcing to permanently close stores and file for bankruptcy. But as things start to reopen, some events are back on. This week, the CFDA awards announced that they would hold a virtual ceremony on Monday, September 14. They also announced that they would be adding two new categories to the ceremony, both celebrating international achievements. They are, Global Women's Designer of The Year, and Global Men's Designer of The Year. This is replacing the International Designer Award. There is one other change to this year's ceremony. Since this is a virtual event, and there is no red carpet, no honorees will be names. Past honorees have been massive stars in the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Janelle Monae.

“In this time of unprecedented challenge and change for our industry, we feel very strongly that it is important to recognize the nominees representing the best of fashion creativity,” Tom Ford, chairman of the CFDA, said in a press release. “We look forward to returning to an in-person celebration honoring the American fashion industry in 2021.”

Report: Anna Bechtel

Tanaye White: Sports Illustrated's Dynamic 2020 Model

Departing from her prestigious career in aerospace to finally pursue her dream of becoming a supermodel, Tanaye White is a paragon of combined brains and beauty. After auditioning for Sports Illustrated for the second time, White has officially become the publication’s flagship 2020 model.

White’s journeys through her endeavors are testaments to her resilience in the face of adversity, and she has thus broken ground in on multiple fronts. While she initially had to suppress her childhood interest in modeling, she nonetheless excelled in academia by earning her Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of Maryland and her Master's in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Georgetown University. These scholarly achievements launched her into a position with the world’s third-largest defense and aerospace agency. Now equipped with job security, White gained the confidence to audition as a model for Sports Illustrated. Rejection from her first audition did not deter her, either, and it was this very perseverance that made her childhood dream into a reality.

White profoundly understands the significance of her latest milestone. She is a dark-skinned black woman proudly flaunting a voluminous afro who is being exalted as a beauty icon, the kind of representation that will undoubtably empower other girls and women of her complexion and phenotype. Additionally, she wishes to challenge the falsehood of attractiveness and intelligence being mutually exclusive. Despite her demonstrably high intellect, White was constantly underestimated by her colleagues due to her appearance, a nuisance further compounded by her burgeoning modeling career. While she has left her field of study, her continued active defiance of such sexist expectations remains to be seen.

Photo credits:

https://www.popsugar.com/fashion/sports-illustrated-model-tanaye-white-interview-47624848

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/tanaye-white-left-her-defense-191936603.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAAMUHifBmn6PmuIKoMrC9sPlx7mELyA4vLE9ZPAWjLpD4wUaTyFV5sp89VpfCcf7mb0gldSy1MSY3s3HrbIFgIUk1zdGIAQfOOpU2HIkyU_2jpP0bvTRyqZx9WOlP5lLE06Uf9AlxgFYWFfPmuu7wt0sRVHb5e_mJCcDxpnr54jE

Report: Nia Hunt

One of the NBA's greatest traditions is back on.

The current global pandemic might have put almost everything on hold. However, several things have started to open back up, the most recent one being different sports. Baseball and the WNBA started their seasons this week. Unfortunately, not all sports have good news. The NBA has been hit with one bad news story after another. But the worst story? Probably the canceling of the pre-game fashion show, where the players would walk down a tunnel, showing off their ensembles. A new policy has forced players to show up to the games in their team uniforms.

"Considering the unique environment on the NBA Disney campus and warmer weather conditions, a different policy was put in place for players' arrival and entry into the arenas," a league spokesperson said, according to ESPN.

Many are not happy. “That is crazy," Chris Tucker told ESPN in reaction to the news. "I think that takes away [from] originally what getting dressed was all about. It wasn't even about the tunnel walk, it was more about getting dressed up and going to work. To me, it's like a mindset, getting dressed and getting ready to go to my game. It puts me in the mindset that I'm ready to work and helps me find my focus."

However, the disappointment was short-lived. On Monday afternoon, ESPN reported that it was initially “misinformed by a league spokesperson" about a final ruling on the dress code. Players actually will be allowed to wear…clothing from their own wardrobe to games, which would be an astounding sentence to read under any other circumstances. The bottom line: NBA pregame fits, briefly taken from us, are back, albeit with a modified dress code. The rule was enacted with the requirement that players wear more relaxed clothing.

Report: Anna Bechtel

Black Women are Human Too

In society today the toughest job to be is a black woman as we are currently on a daily fight to end societal injustices that we’ve taken for so long. As the fight continues we face battles against hatred from the world, within our families, in the workplace, and within our relationships.

In all the progress of time we've made as black women to stick together and be on the same side empowering each other, there are still those who haven’t grown into the movement for the betterment of themselves.

As we know domestic violence is no laughing matter; rapper Megan Thee Stallion has recently been through a traumatic ordeal of being shot in the foot by rapper boyfriend Tory Lanez having dealt with being in a toxic relationship. As many celebrities have shown their love and support, influencer and former Basketball Wives star Draya Michelle has received some backlash for going on the Wine&Weed podcast and joking about it.

Draya’s comments were encouraging of treatment that so many women today are fearful of daily either currently dealing with abuse and domestic violence or recovering from it. She went on to say she wants a man to scare her into acting right in a relationship and it can only be assumed that she is ignorantly speaking from lack of experience because no woman in their right mind would wish for such toxicity in their life.

Currently, Draya makes her fortune as an Instagram influencer while also having her own small business running a swimsuit line MintSwim. She has modeled for many fashion brands including SavagexFenty owned by mogul Rihanna.

As the world knows and still remembers the domestic violence Rihanna faced in 2009 with ex-boyfriend Chris Brown, the mogul found no humor in Draya’s comments following Megan Thee Stallion’s ordeal and ended the partnership with Draya then sending a heartfelt note to the rapper showing her love and support for the trauma she is currently facing.

Shortly after being released from the Fenty brand, Draya took to social media to post a message saying she’s “fighting through the tough days”. Fans took this to mean she had lost her Fenty partnership as they continue to show disapproval. While Draya Michelle is the most noticeable for her comments, it is still disgraceful to see a couple of other celebrities make humor of the ordeal including Chrissy Teigen and 50 Cent who have since deleted their comments on social media and issued apologies for their insensitive remarks.

For black women, it is a trend to be mistreated and desensitize as the most disrespected in relationships including abuse and infidelity. Black women are rapidly the butt of the joke then turned into a meme. Although black women are strong, they are not bulletproof. Black women don’t receive medals for surviving, they just have scars; physically and emotionally.

Photo Credit:

https://www.distractify.com/p/what-did-draya-michele-say

https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2020/07/memes-of-megan-thee-stallion-shooting.html

https://pagesix.com/2020/07/15/megan-thee-stallion-says-she-was-shot-prior-to-tory-lanez-arrest/

Report: Josephine Coiscou

Life is Short, Purchase The Bag

With the summer still going on, you are probably still looking for that perfect summer purse. I have just the purse for you. With just the right size and name it will sure make it to your purse collection. The Jimmy Choo organization was established in 1996, with Mr Choo's niece, Sandra Choi, who had been going up plan in the East End atelier, going ahead board as Creative Director, a position she holds right up 'til the present time. Jimmy Choo's snapshot of popularity came in 1990, when the Princess of Wales, Lady Diana was spotted wearing his shoes, and nothing was ever the equivalent for him again. Although Jimmy Choo is known for his shoes his purses are even better. This new purse is called Mini Paris. The mini purse is sack in latte croc-decorated calfskin is as adaptable as it is exquisite. Built with a long chain crossbody tie, snap conclusion and metal clasp that frames the front central element, it in a split second includes a note of modernity and immortal intrigue to both your day and night gatherings. This mini purse comes in three different colors snow bunny white, bubblegum pink and hunter green. This purse would be great for a gift or even for yourself this summer.

Photo Credits: Jimmy Choo

Report: Tykaia Rose

NYC in Phase 4

New York City has finally reached the end of a long race. Phase 4 began in New York City on Monday July 20th. This is the last phase in the process to recovery from the pandemic which killed hundreds and infected thousands in the city just three months ago.

While much of the rest of the state was able to jump into Phase 4 much sooner, getting to this stage in “the city that never sleeps” has always been a challenge. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo called Phase 4 a “hallmark.”

“There are no more phases,” he said. “We are all in the final phase of reopening. And that’s great.”

Phase 4 does sound great, but in a city like New York things have been far from normal. People are still required to wear masks at all times, social distance, some stores are allowing shoppers inside while others are choosing to do curb-side pick up, and restaurants/bars are only allowed to dine outside. Doesn’t sound normal to you right?

Some states have suffered consequences from opening up too quickly resulting in a limited number of daily activities. So what does Phase 4 look like? Heres’s a full breakdown on openings and closures.

What’s allowed:

For the most part, cultural venues, like zoos and botanical gardens, can open for outdoor activities at 33 percent of the venues’ total capacity. Four city zoos and the New York Botanical Garden have announced that they will open to the public by the end of the month, while the Brooklyn Botanic Garden will open to the general public in early August.

Pools have also reopened with masks and social distancing rules still in effect.

Professional sports can resume, but without fans. Media production has also resumed. That’s in addition to all of the other things that have reopened in previous phases such as outdoor dining, offices and personal care services, including hair and nail salons.

What’s left out Indoor dining is still not permitted, this comes since there has been a spike in outbreaks raging elsewhere in the country.

Restrictions have gotten tighter with officials last week banning the sale of alcohol to customers who do not also buy food, in an attempt to crack down on crowds of outdoor drinkers.

The reopening of gyms, malls, movie theaters and museums have been left out of Phase 4.

So what’s next?

There’s no timetable in sight for when and how those venues might reopen. Governor Cuomo clarified last Friday that the state is bracing for the “potential for a second wave.

Let’s just hope and pray that doesn’t happen.

All pictures are from: https://nypost.com/2020/07/24/the-city-heats-up-and-reopens-more-in-phase-4-the-posts-week-in-photos/#1

Report: Juana Norales

Instagram: @juana.n_

Black-Owned Swimwear Brands to Support This Summer

Want to look and feel your best this summer? Here are some great black-owned companies to make sure you are hot and ready for summer. All made by talented and gorgeous African American women.

Castamira Swim:

Founded by former model Chantel Davis, Castamira was made to magnify the beauty of your body. There are a large amount of one pieces, but there are plenty of two pieces as well. Made to fit your body like a glove and leave you looking fabulous.

Gia $198

Asherah Swimwear:

This collection is made to let your confidence radiate through you. Inspired by summer, designer Cheryl “Cejae” Jones creates a line that fits a woman's natural curve along with one-of-a-kind prints. Her collections set her apart from other collections and bring out a new idea of sexy to enjoy your summer the right way while looking good.

HENNA BIKINI COLORSCAPE FULL TOP: $105 BOTTOM $120

Xhaleswim:

Professional model, owner and designer Jessica Lee Wong is the founder of this handmade swimwear collection. This swimwear company is one of the best because of its variety of choices. They have pieces that are daring and sexy and some that are more modest yet still beautiful.

XhaleSugar Neon Yellow $95

MBM Swim:

Designer Marcia B. Maxwell’s pieces scream elegance. With her combination of clean cut lines and silhouettes, her suits are all about sophistication. Just like MBM Swim’s page says, “Swimwear for sophisticated women who never ask for attention, they command it.”

Discovery $140

Sixtwentyone Swim:

Afro-Caribbean swimwear made in Jamaica and inspired by its culture by founder Christie Harridon. Each and every swimsuit has beautiful intricate and unique designs, such as bright colors, animal print and more.

The Peak Monokini $68

Support these companies and look good while doing it. Happy summer!

Photo Credits: Pinterest

Report: Melissa Adragna

Brows Like A Boss

If you are looking for affordable brow pencil? Look no further because I have just the brow pen for you. So, watch out Anastasia Beverly Hills! There’s a new brow pencil making its way up to the charts. I am sure this new product will sure be added to your makeup collection. Milk Makeup was established by Milk fellow benefactor Mazdack Rassi, item designer and COO Dianna Ruth, prepared Milk Girl and imaginative chief Georgie Greville, and magnificence + style editorial manager and E! News journalist Zanna Roberts Rassi. All parts of the line are created in-house at Milk Studios, our midtown NYC home. Milk Makeup is known for their mascara but they are trying to expand their makeup products by coming out with new products. This new product from Milk Makeup is called Kush Triple Brow Pen. This brow pen is an angled, triple-tipped felt utensil makes filling in and feathering foreheads snappy and simple. It comes in 8 unique shades so your brows will have color to last you for a while. This product has three main ingredients to help your brows grow which are plant oil, sunflower oil and aloe for soothing. A fun fact about this product that is vegan and cruelty free. Try this new product out today in your brows will be thanking you later.

Photo Credits: Milk Makeup

Report: Tykaia Rose

The 2020 CFDA Awards

The 2020 CFDA Awards were originally slated for June 8 and would have been the first of its kind to be spearheaded by council chairman Tom Ford, but the COVID-19 outbreak has, of course, disrupted much of the event’s plans. Gone is the trademark opening ceremony, and with it the anticipated announcement of celebrity honorees.

The award show will be still be taking place online, however, and Ford has proceeded with accommodative changes. Efforts typically expended towards maintaining a physical venue will instead be channeled into supporting the countless designers affected by mandatory quarantine measures. The most radical change is the new dedication to racial equity in the fashion industry moving forward. A lack of diversity persists even in this year’s CFDA Awards, in which only four designers of color were nominated in the top American categories. CFDA and Vogue have begun remedying this issue by donating $1 million from their A Common Thread fundraiser to Icon 360, an organization providing relief to designers of color. Additionally, the emerging designer category has become more diverse, most notably with Christopher John Rodgers winning last year’s CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.

The CFDA will announce this year’s winners on September 14 via their website and social channels. The council’s own Tom Ford has thus far been nominated for American Designer of the Year for both menswear and womenswear.

Photo credits:

https://www.vogue.com/article/2020-cfda-awards-nominees-announced

https://cfda.com

Report: Nia Hunt

The NCAA is in Trouble, and Players Shouldn't Have Any Sympathy

The COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating for a lot of industries, including sports. Each league is trying to find a way to play games that don’t blatantly put the health of its players, coaches and other staff members at risk. A big reason for this is that, even during a pandemic, there is money to be made from games, and no sports organization is as desperate to generate revenue than the NCAA.

While the organization was one of the first to address the pandemic back in March when it restricted fans from attending March Madness games, before scrapping the entire tournament, it faces an even bigger challenge in the coming months: football.

The cancellation of March Madness had devastating financial consequences on the NCAA, but the cancellation of an entire football season could be even worse. The sport is a huge revenue generator for a lot of colleges and universities that are going to see a decline in attendance, and therefore tuition dollars, this fall. But while schools may be left in a very difficult situation if there is no season, by no means should any NCAA athlete for any sport have to play in the midst of a pandemic.

It makes sense that professional athletes would want to play because playing their respective sports is how they make a living, and even with that being said many across different leagues have opted out of playing. College athletes do not get paid for playing their respective sports, an entirely separate issue, therefore the only incentive for them to play is to keep their scholarships. One could argue that some student athletes would want to play anyway for simply the love of the game, but that will almost certainly not be the case.

According to the Los Angeles Times, 30 UCLA football players wrote a letter to the university last month which condemned the school for failing to protect their health and safety. This came after certain schools, like Alabama and Auburn, began training camps early and saw a surge of COVID-19 cases among the players.

Certain conferences are taking matters into their own hands. Earlier this month the Ivy League announced that no sports would be played during the fall season. Some smaller Division III conferences have also cancelled fall sports.

But schools that generate a lot of money from football and are dependent on that money, like Alabama and Auburn, are likely going to try to find a way to play. The NCAA is already staring down a very uncertain future with all of the revenue lost, so it will encourage anyway to bring in money even if it means making unpaid student athletes put the health and safety of themselves and of their families on the line.

Whether or not the NCAA will, or can, force student athletes to play has yet to be seen. We will find out come the fall, and if early training camps were any indication then resuming games guarantees many players will get infected with COVID-19. The consequences of that could be dire, and that, combined with the huge loss of revenue from March Madness, puts the NCAA’s future in uncharted territory.

Photos courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Report: Michael Rosen

More Lipstick Please

Looking for affordable makeup? Is money tight right now? Going out with friends this weekend. Want a new look on your lips. Look no further I have just the lip product! Everything expressed in 1863 the first manifestations were waxy cosmetics sticks in quite a while, with entertaining names like Jealous or Lovesick, extraordinarily made for theater, by Josepeph-Albert Ponsin an incredible cosmetologist. These days, Bourjois is presently available in around 78 nations and more than 25,000 retail outlets. The brand keeps on engaging ladies to find easy Parisian magnificence. There new product is called Rouge Fabulex. This product is an ideal opportunity to have a genuine rendez-vous with Paris because of Bourjois Rouge Fabuleux Lipstick. Just here you can discover hues as serious as those seen late around evening time over the Seine. Rouge Fabuleux gives you the full understanding – it's so velvety, yet light-to-wear. Saturating, yet conveys exact application. So delicate, yet dependable. So, make the most of your 12 PM in Paris! These lipsticks have some amazing features and benefits which are accessible in a wide scope of conceals to look over, ss long as 10 hours of dependable escalated shading and High effect shading in one stroke with exact application. This new lipstick will be in your lipstick collection this summer.

Photo Credits: Bourjois Paris

Report: Tykaia Rose

Flawless Foundation

Foundation is the base of every great makeup look. It can make or break your entire look if not done correctly. Finding out new beauty tricks when it comes to applying your foundation can be great, but once you have the correct beauty tips for applying foundation, you may not need any tricks.

1. Start with a clean canvas: Your foundation will only look as good as the skin underneath, so maintaining a consistent skin care routine is key. Right before applying foundation, it’s important to cleanse your skin to help prevent clogged pores and remove any dirt that may be dulling your natural radiance. Next, gently exfoliate your skin to sweep away any dry, dead skin cells that may cause foundation to go on unevenly or look flaky. Finally, apply moisturizer; foundation sinks best into hydrated skin.

2. Take the time to prime: A primer may add an additional step to your makeup routine, but it will go a long way to ensure that your foundation looks flawless because it turns your skin into a perfectly smooth surface.

3. Be conservative: Always start by applying just a little bit of foundation, and then add more until you have just the right amount of coverage. The goal is to only apply foundation where you need it, so that your skin still looks like skin. If you have to apply foundation all over your face for it to look even, then you’re using the wrong shade.

4. Work from the inside out: Concentrate the foundation in the center of your face where redness and blemishes tend to be more problematic. Apply just a dab of foundation on each side of your nose, and in the center of your forehead and chin, then blend outward. After it is all blended in, pinpoint any other areas of the face where blemishes are visible and apply an additional light layer of foundation in those specific areas.

5. Stipple, don’t rub: Whether you’re using a foundation brush or your fingertips, apply foundation in a stippling motion, which means gently tapping it into your skin. Avoid any wiping or rubbing motions because that will only push the foundation around and cause streaks.

6. Don’t forget your ears!: Often overlooked, your ears are a part of your face, too. If you’re prone to red lobes, lightly sweep your foundation brush over them so that they blend in with the rest of your face.

7.Set it and forget it: Most people associate powder with a matte, cakey look, but dusting a silky loose setting powder, like Blended Loose Powder, over your foundation will ensure it won’t budge without dulling its finish.

Report: Alycia Williams

Reese Cooper’s Spring 2021 Collection

Reese Cooper has always been a designer with pure talent since his young age. He’s someone that filled his past with solo lunches at school, researching and saving up money to buy from one of his favorite fashion brands BAPE. From there he began to create a bright future for himself. Now today we are looking at his Spring 2021 fashion line that holds very unique pieces. There were designs filled with pockets, splashes of hunters orange and forest greens; a lot of outdoor wear vibes. Let's take a closer look at them, shall we? One favorite design of mine was this light blue dress that looked as if there was a scene in the woods imprinted on it. Truly stunning and different from your usual.

Other than the bright and beautiful hunters orange and dark greens we saw, there were also a lot of blues as well. We saw several long sleeve blue cover ups along with cargo pants that just scream outdoors. Each and every design was inspired by what he was feeling during the lockdown, after Cooper was feeling a little overwhelmed like many of us were feeling as well. He would drive down to a lake to clear his mind and soak up some nature and he wanted to represent that in this collection. This collection is a mix of street wear fashion, but also flexible enough to wear and enjoy the outdoors.

Interestingly enough, because of the recent pandemic, Cooper was unable to do the runway he originally planned. But it turned out to make it more real than it could’ve ever been. He was able to gather people closest to him, friends and collaborators and have this “runway” take place at a small steam in Thousand Oaks, California. Hence, the name of his collection being called “River Runs Through”. The turn of events went well with the theme of his collection.

A great documentary that may be worth the watch and shows Reese Cooper’s drive and dedication to his work is called “We’re not particularly talented, we just try hard.” Despite the name of the documentary, Cooper is most definitely talented. His collection is opening up doors to endless possibilities of what the world of fashion can look like. I believe this is only the beginning for Reese Cooper. Looking forward to more of his work!

Photo Credits: Vogue

Report: Melissa Adragna (@melissa_adragna)

Supporting Black Fashion Designer

Black fashion designers have played an integral role in the fashion history, from Patrick Kelly and Willi Smith, to Pyer Moss and Dapper Dan. However, these creative visionaries have not always had the moral and economic support that their white counterparts have. This is a common issue that a lot of minority designers have in the industry. In fact, some brands that had the potential to be sustainable ended up having to close their doors simply because a lack of funding, wholesale opportunities, etc. Think about it, how many black-owned brands hanging on the racks of Nordstrom, Barney’s and Neiman Marcus. They’re disproportionately outnumbered.

Nonetheless, I think that in addition to racially discriminatory practices, celebrities and other lovers of luxury brands should do a better job at supporting black designers. Instead of parading around in Chanel, Gucci and Givenchy, why don’t we start rocking Pyer Moss like it’s the best thing since Yves Saint Laurent? I think that “the culture” has done an excellent job at supporting brands like Telfar but we still have a long ways to go. Industry powerhouses play a significant role in the disproportionate success rates of black brands, but consumers play a more integral role in this issue than they think.

Photo Credit:

SB Shades - Celebrity Scope

Cushnie - Women's Wear Daily

Pyer Moss - Vogue

Report: Julian Randall