Listen to Fox News respond to the Solange interview situation. Not only is it tactless and unprofessional, its ridiculous. I have no words for this news station.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
T-Pain Turns Gospel Song Into 'Alcoholic Anthem'
I hope I'm not wrong for this but this just made my day.
MTV Reports a T-Pain cut called "Silver and Gold" leaked to the Internet a few months back, with the Tallahassee, Florida, native singing about the effects of blending clear and colored Patrón tequila together for consumption. "You'll be hanging, swanging, drinking two types of Patrón," he sings. "I done mixed up silver and gold/ I done mixed up silver and gold/ I'mma tryin' to get drunk before this party/ Somebody's gonna have to carry me home/ I done drank the silver and gold."Hmm... I'm guessing if T-Pain's song was about porno Mr. Franklin wouldn't have a problem... OH SNAP! I went there!
While Pain's following ate it up, non-secular-music kingpin Kirk Franklin had to put a call into the young singer. Franklin debuted the original "Silver and Gold" on his 1993 Kirk Franklin and the Family album. The gospel version goes: "Silver and gold/ Silver and gold/ I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold/ No fame or fortune/ Nor riches untold/ I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold."
Check out the T-Pain version and original below:
T-Pain - Silver & Gold
Kirk Franklin - Silver & Gold
Oprah Responds To Obama's Acceptance Speech
The Big "O" describes Obama's speech as the most power thing she has ever experienced:
“I cried my eyelashes off,” she said in the bowels of Invesco Field, moments after Obama accepted the nomination for president before an estimated 84,000 people. “I think it’s the most powerful thing I have ever experienced,” she added, calling Obama’s words “transcendent.” On the 45th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a Dream Speech,” Winfrey compared Obama’s words to those of the civil-rights leader, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln.Thoughts anyone?
“He’s not an African-American candidate,” she said. “He’s a candidate for Americans.” Winfrey threw her support behind Obama early — even before the Democratic primaries got under way last year. She’s stayed active since, hosting rallies and fundraisers that even Obama has acknowledged have given him a boost.Quote via: Bossip
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Fast And Furious 4 Trailer
I'm mad we had to wait for Fast and Furious 2 and 3 before they made a fourth installment. And judging by this trailer, this ish is about to be good!
Solange You Have No Made It Yet
Solange Knowles snaps on a news reporter after she thinks the reporter is trying to tie her success to her family.
News flash: You're ONLY famous because of your family. You're not that cute and your singing ability is average at best. You should stick to your previous profession as background dancer. Keyword, background.
Needless to say, I'm not a fan.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Diddy Flies Commerical?!?
Lord, I can not wait to be rich and crazy. Just like Diddy.
Quote of the moment:
"Shout out to all my Saudi Arabian brothers and sisters and all my brothers and sisters from all the countries that have oil, if you could all please send me some oil for my jet"
-Diddy
via: D-Listed
Check out the transcript from the video under the cut.
“Gas prices are too motherfucking high. As you know, I do own my own jet and I have been having flying back and forth to LA pursuing my acting career. Now, if I’m flying back and forth, like, twice in a month that’s like $200,000 or $250,000 round trip. FUCK that. I’m back on American Airlines right now. Ok? Your boy Diddy right now is on American Airlines. Look. I want to give a shout out to all my Saudi Arabian brothers and sisters and all my brothers and sisters from all the countries that have oil, if you could all please send me some oil for my jet I would truly appreciate it. But right now, can you believe it, I am actually flying commercial. That’s how high gas prices are ok, so I feel you. Look, I’m at the gate right now. This is proof that gas prices are too high, we need to do something about it, so tell whoever the next president is that we need to bring gas back down.”
Michael Strahan Wins Small Victory In Divorce Settlement
This chick is ridiculous. The judges would have been dead wrong for letting his ex-wives claims fly. $27,000 a year for new outfits so the children could see the father? Please. They're only 3 years old; it's definitely not too late to make new ones.
Retired New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan won the latest round in his lengthy divorce case on Tuesday when a state appeals court reversed a lower court's awarding of about $18,000 per month in child support to his twin 3-year-old daughters.Continue Reading...The three-judge panel found a lower court didn't adequately review the claims by Strahan's ex-wife, Jean, about the girls' needs.
For instance, among the listed expenses were a 10-day vacation to Jamaica for the girls' nanny and her family, allegedly as a gift from the children, and diamond jewelry given to their grandmother.
Strahan's ex-wife also claimed the toddlers needed $27,000 per year for clothing because she dressed them in a new outfit each time they saw their father.
"Some of the expenses claimed by defendant clearly should have been deleted by the court," the appeals court concluded.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Marc Ecko Shares His Inspiration
Marc Ecko sits down with Portfolio.com and shares how you can find a mentor and inspiration in unlikely places. A nice little video for those entrepreneurial readers out there.
Moment of Lenzism
Men are better than women. There you have it. I think he makes a pretty convincing argument.*
*J/K!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Video: Da Brat Gets Sentenced
Da Brat was sentenced to 3 years in jail after beating a waitress in the face with a rum bottle last year at a Halloween party. The waitress was rushed to the hospital to treat the numerous cuts she received on her face. I only have one question: How scary does your Halloween costume have to be to get hit in the face with a liquor bottle?
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Nike Sportswear Air Force One NY Collection
Check out this Air Force 1 x New Era collab from Clark Kent. All the sneakers were inspired by the popular New York sports teams and are made of top notch materials. The collection was released this weekend at the newly opened Nike Sportswear Flagship store in NYC.
Laila Ali Covers Pregnancy Magazine
Laila Ali covers the September issue of Pregnancy Magazine. Check out the interview she did with Entertainment Tonight.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Music Video:John Legend ft Andre 3000-Green Light
Here's the video for John Legend's new single from his new album "Evolver" out October 28th.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Secret Life Of Bees Trailer
Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, Dakota Fanning, Sophie Okonedo, and Tristan Wilds, I can't wait! The movie is out October 17th.
Rihanna's Broke?
We all know its not like Lenzism to gossip without a credible source but MTV news has reported over the last week that Rihanna may be in financial trouble. Rihanna recently fired her business manager, Patricia Williams, due to inconsistencies with financial reports. According to Ms. Williams, Def Jam does not properly finance Rihanna and because of such Rihanna's managament company, Rebel One Entertainment, uses endorsement money to fund albums, tours, and music videos. Because Good Girl Gone Bad only sold 150,000 in its first week, less than T-Pain's CD, Def Jam decided to stop funding future projects. Rihanna is rumored to have $20,000 to her name. This sounds like a TLC repeat if you ask me.
Bow Wow On Him And Angela Simmons
I know thought we have some readers that want to know about the whole Angela Simmons/Bow Wow relationship. Here's Bow Wow speaking to the Shade 45 morning show about his rumored "girls". Thank Me Later!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
FREE SH!T: THE SELF MADE B*TCHES GIVEAWAY!
Hey all you people out there, LENZISM along with Produce Aisle Clothing are giving away not one, but TWO, care packages which includes four of their hautest t-shirts! All you have to do is send me, Miss Yasmine, the reason why you're a SMB (Self Made B*tch) in 500 words or less!
A female who personify exceptional achievement by her own efforts.
While other females “try hard,” she’s got her business and her wardrobe
on lock. She appreciates the everyday hustle and grind, and detest
female insecurities and golddigging ways. YES ladies, she cashes her
own check! During the day, she reigns supreme in a male dominated
industry. At home, she throwsdown in the kitchen with her oven
mittens while rockin her 4” KILLA HEELS. She’s VERSATILE. She
manifest that BOSSLADY swag. She’s the “it-girl” around the way.
She’s a one in a million SELF MADE B*TCH!
You're time is up at 11:30pm on Friday, August 22nd- so get on it slackers- don't tweak! We've already got entries rolling in so be sure not to miss the boat!
please submit all entries to: missyasmine@lenzism.com
Haute Mess: The Designer of Jourdan Dunn's Dress
I'm sure this is all types of politically incorrect- but she looks craaaaazy in this dress. I'm sure some of you fashion fiends would find this haute couture ( I guess technically it is since it was in Cape Town's fashion week) but i find it a haute mess. She looks like someone from my nightmare in this .....maybe its the feathers..or maybe the lame? I don't know but it frightens me. Love it or leave alone, but this is my haute mess...
Just In Case You Need A Fix: The Hills Recap
Please don't pretend like you weren't waiting on this moment all summer?! The Hills is the best one of the best dramas on televion- and here's a recap for any of you under a rock. C'mon- you know that braid LC wears is haute...don't front ;)
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
WTF?!!! Moment
If I may interject. I would be mad as hell if I was in the Phillippines paying my taxes and this is what prisoners are doing!
Hip-Hop Millionaires
Forbes recently announced the top money makers in the Hip-Hop game. As expected 50, Jay, and Diddy top the list. But there are some question marks that popped up in my head as soon as I glanced over the list. Are you as surprised as me to see Lil' Jon and Chamillionaire on this list. I'm not hatin', I'm just saying I'm surprised...Check out the list below!
2. Jay-Z: $82 million
3. Diddy: $35 million
4. Kanye West: $30 million
5. Timbaland: $22 million
6. Pharrell Williams: $20 million
7. Swizz Beatz: $17 million
8. Snoop Dogg: $16 million
9. Dr. Dre: $15 million
10. Ludacris: $14 million
11. T.I.: $13 million (tie)
11. Lil Wayne: $13 million (tie)
12. Eminem: $12 million (tie)
12. Common: $12 million (tie)
12. Akon: $12 million (tie)
13. Jermaine Dupri: $11 million (tie)
13. Lil Jon: $11 million (tie)
14. OutKast: $10 million (tie)
14. Chamillionaire: $10 million (tie)
14. The Game: $10 million (tie)
[via:Forbes.com]
Monday, August 18, 2008
Haute or Not: Keds Shiny New Remakes
Today while searching for something to blog about I came across this series of Keds Champion OX sneakers, made for Japanese retailer Beams on one of favorite blogs Highsnobiety. Typically Keds is not a brand people are checking for but the patent finish definitely adds some flair to these classic kicks. I'm not too excited about the all white or the blue pair but the red pair really do pop. I'm going to give these a haute but as always...I want to know what you think!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
FREE SH!T: THE SELF MADE B*TCHES GIVEAWAY!
Hey all you people out there, LENZISM along with Produce Aisle Clothing are giving away not one, but TWO, care packages which includes four of their hautest t-shirts! All you have to do is send me, Miss Yasmine, the reason why you're a SMB (Self Made B*tch) in 500 words or less!
A female who personify exceptional achievement by her own efforts.
While other females “try hard,” she’s got her business and her wardrobe
on lock. She appreciates the everyday hustle and grind, and detest
female insecurities and golddigging ways. YES ladies, she cashes her
own check! During the day, she reigns supreme in a male dominated
industry. At home, she throwsdown in the kitchen with her oven
mittens while rockin her 4” KILLA HEELS. She’s VERSATILE. She
manifest that BOSSLADY swag. She’s the “it-girl” around the way.
She’s a one in a million SELF MADE B*TCH!
You're time is up at 11:30pm on Friday, August 22nd- so get on it slackers- don't tweak! We've already got entries rolling in so be sure not to miss the boat!
please submit all entries to: missyasmine@lenzism.com
Diddy Announced Another Reality Show. Yes..Another One..
Diddy & Mark Burnett are teaming up to find fresh new talent. One guy and one girl will be given the opportunity to compete on an upcoming reality show on MTV for a chance to be signed onto Bad Boy Records. The label’s next artist will be selected on the upcoming reality show, Starmaker, airing this Winter on MTV.
For more information check out the casting calls on MTV.com
Behind The Scenes: Ne-Yo - Miss Independent
Here are some shots from the taping of Ne-Yo’s new video “Miss Independent” with Trey Songz, Lauren London, Keri Hilson, and Gabrielle Union.
Ne-Yo made a right choice by picking all three of those ladies to be in his video!
Haute Flash: Keri Hilson for TRACE Magazine
Oooooh, how yummy is this? Two of my favorite entities as one. I love Keri (despite her fashion fumble at this year's BET Awards) and I love Trace. What a haute combo...
Jazmine Sullivan's Album Cover & Promo Pics
Jazmine Sullivan has been taking over radio waves with her hit sensation "Need U Bad". Jazmine's much anticipated debut album Fearless is set to release on September 23rd.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Jennifer Hudson's New Promo Pics
Take a look at Jennifer Hudson newest promo pics and remember her debut album is dropping September 30th.
There's more after the jump...
The Rundown
- Vibe magazine celebrated its 15th anniversary on Tuesday night in New York City. More pictures at Crunk & Disorderly.
- Upscale Swagger has the scoop on Mariah Carey's Summer Vacation Rental.
- Tyra Brings Together the Ladies of Vogue Italia's Black Issue. Check it out at Batch Please.
- Spike Lee Shoots Nas & LL Cool J For The Source 20th Anniversary. Spotted at Street Anthem.
Aubrey O’day on Wendy Williams Show
Aubrey and Wendy sit down and chat about everything from Danity Kane, fashion mishaps, plastic surgery, her clothing line and part in Hairspray, and the upcoming season of Making The Band.
Spotted: Beyonce At LAX
Beyonce was spotted arriving to LAX airport yesterday. I'm loving the casual look and yet she still looks fab.
Haute Flash: Commes des Garcons for H&M
H&M just doesn't stop- this fall they have a haute new line by Comme des Garcon's designer, Rei Kawakubo! I don't know you, but this is a line my closet has been yearning for!
If Swedish fashion chain H&M, with its affordable duds for the whole family, is from Mars, then Rei Kawakubo—maverick Japanese maker of clothes with humps and of fragrances named Tar and Garage—is most certainly from Venus. So if their work together this November on a Comme des Garçons for H&M collection falls short of a marriage made in heaven, then it’s at least an affair to remember between unlikely fashion bedfellows—and one that has produced some very fetching clothes.- Miles Socha, W Magazine
Aston Martin Unveils The One-77
Aston Martin has released the first images of its newest model the limited edition One-77. Although not much details have been released to the public, one thing that did catch my eye was the $1.5 million dollar price tag.
The Limited Edition One-77 will truly be a limited edition as there will only be 77 models made. There is some speculation that the model might revealed later this year and will go on sale shortly afterwards.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
FREE SH!T: THE SELF MADE B*TCHES GIVEAWAY!
Hey all you people out there, LENZISM along with Produce Aisle Clothing are giving away not one, but TWO, care packages which includes four of their hautest t-shirts! All you have to do is send me, Miss Yasmine, the reason why you're a SMB (Self Made B*tch) in 500 words or less!
A female who personify exceptional achievement by her own efforts.
While other females “try hard,” she’s got her business and her wardrobe
on lock. She appreciates the everyday hustle and grind, and detest
female insecurities and golddigging ways. YES ladies, she cashes her
own check! During the day, she reigns supreme in a male dominated
industry. At home, she throwsdown in the kitchen with her oven
mittens while rockin her 4” KILLA HEELS. She’s VERSATILE. She
manifest that BOSSLADY swag. She’s the “it-girl” around the way.
She’s a one in a million SELF MADE B*TCH!
You're time is up at 11:30pm on Friday, August 22nd- so get on it slackers- don't tweak! We've already got entries rolling in so be sure not to miss the boat!
please submit all entries to: missyasmine@lenzism.com
Monday, August 11, 2008
Rihanna In New Essence
The lady of the year, Rihanna is set to cover the pages of Essence in the new September issue. Girl definitely looks ON POINT!!! Check out the other pics below!
via RihannaDaily.com
DESIGNER LIMELIGHT: Produce Aisle Clothing
Our Chi-town homegirls from Produce Aisle Clothing are presenting their haute, new line, "Self Made B*tches" and since I am self made and respects others who are too, I decided they would be the perfect designer to give the Limelight to!
PS: If you like what you see, just write us in 500 words or less on why you are a Self Made B*tch and we'll send two winners four shirts from their haute collection! Get on this....don't tweak!
Continue after the jump to see what they've got up their sleeve.
Produce Aisle Presents...
Definition of....
A female who personify exceptional achievement by her own efforts.
While other females “try hard,” she’s got her business and her wardrobe
on lock. She appreciates the everyday hustle and grind, and detest
female insecurities and golddigging ways. YES ladies, she cashes her
own check! During the day, she reigns supreme in a male dominated
industry. At home, she throwsdown in the kitchen with her oven
mittens while rockin her 4” KILLA HEELS. She’s VERSATILE. She
manifest that BOSSLADY swag. She’s the “it-girl” around the way.
She’s a one in a million SELF MADE BITCH!
So if you think you're a SMB then hit me up at missyasmine@lenzism.com and tell me why!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Issac Hayes Passes Away At 65
Most of us know him as the voice of Chef on South Park, but he will be forever remembered as the "voice" behind the Shaft theme. Lenzism sends our prays to the family of Mr. Hayes.
Isaac Hayes, the pioneering singer, songwriter and musician whose relentless "Theme From Shaft" won Academy and Grammy awards, died Sunday afternoon, the Shelby County Sheriff's Office said. He was 65. A family member found him unresponsive near a treadmill and he was pronounced dead an hour later at Baptist East Hospital in Memphis, according to the sheriff's office. The cause of death was not immediately known. In the early 1970s, Hayes laid the groundwork for disco, for what became known as urban-contemporary music and for romantic crooners like Barry White. And he was rapping before there was rap.[via Associated Press]
Saturday, August 9, 2008
RIP Bernie Mac
Bernie Mac passed away this morning from complications due to pneumonia. Lenzism sends our prayers and condolences to his family.
Bernie Mac, the actor and comedian who teamed up in the casino heist caper "Ocean's Eleven" and gained a prestigious Peabody Award for his sitcom "The Bernie Mac Show," died Saturday at age 50. Actor/comedian Bernie Mac passed away this morning from complications due to pneumonia in a Chicago area hospital," his publicist, Danica Smith, said in a statement from Los Angeles.
[via Associated Press]
Friday, August 8, 2008
Haute Spot: DC Hellz Bellz Sample Sale
You are Cordially Invited to ::::
Hellz Bellz Sample Sale / Commonwealth / Stussy
"BLOCK SALE"
-Womens Clothing / Hoodies / T-shirts / Outerwear / Denim / Accessories
50-75% off of Wholesale Price
11am - 7pm
Saturday & Sunday
"this weekend"
Its all taking place in the heart D.C.::
1781 Florida Ave
Washington DC 20009
(next door to Commonwealth & Stussy DC)
www. hellz-bellz. com
Be sure to get yours asap, styles will be moving fast.
Street Style: Celebrity TV Edition
Happy Friday- enjoy! [Did anyone else notice they finally added a black girl???? yay!]
Moment of Lenzism
Whatever you do, don't talk about Austin's mom...
http://view.break.com/541309 - Watch more free videos
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
HAUTE SH!T: Fall Fashion Frenzy
his: triple5soul.105. hers: urbanrenewal.48.
It's that time again! Summer's quickly coming to an end and the tents are getting ready to go up. While it still may be steamy in your city, fall is coming and we have the fashion to prove it!
his: nike beautiful losers dunk collection. hers: melissa vinyl wedges.70.
Shoes are definitely going to be the root of any haute outfit. We have some blasts from the past coming back- the brand, melissa, has a new fall line of vinyl [and eco-friendly] shoes that have some heavy hitting guest designers like Alexandre Herchcovitch. Long gone are the days of clear sweaty plastic sneaks- their new silhouettes are very fashion forward>>>
left: cat eye readers.15. right: cynthia multi-layer cross necklace.198.
left: cat eye readers.15. right: cynthia multi-layer cross necklace.198.
I hope this is just enough to get your tastebuds sizzling for the hauteness coming this fall! Be sure to stay locked in and we give you all the freshness you want!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
WTF Beyonce
Is it just me or does Beyonce look white as hell in her new Loreal ad?? Let me know if I'm just seeing things!
Haute Flash: Chanel iPhone Application
Chanel has joined the iPhone revolution and added a Chanel application to the Apple Store!
This will be an especially haute look during the upcoming fashion week, you'll be able to see the runway right on your screen! The fashion house will be showing all of their Fall/Winter '08/'09 Haute Couture looks, video, and accessories — all for free!
Chris Brown Featured In The New Doublemint Commercial
In case you didn't know, Chris Brown & Ne-Yo were handpicked by Wrigley's to update their current jingles. They performed the new jingle at a concert in New York on July 29th.
Steeper Vs. Cheaper: Yves Saint Laurent Bustier Dress
Talk about ripped from the runway...These two dresses are practically twins! Check it out and thank me later :)
Lil' Mama, Are You Stupid?
Or do you think we're stupid? Because i'm confused. You couldn't possibly have thought that that was hot. Did you take a look around the room at the Teen Choice Awards? Did anyone else come dressed as a child clown? No! Were you tricked? Were you some how tricked into wearing that outfit? I don't think so. I think that you have some sort of reverse ADD where you need to have constant attention on you. Let's call it ClownAssNess. You have a couple of hit songs, the TV show; you do not have to be this thirsty.
I'm done. I know my post will fall on deaf ears. I'm sure next time we see you you will show up to an award show being pushed in a bedazzled stroller or literally crawl down the red carpet sucking a pacifier. Get the hell out of here. And take your poney tail out of your hat...
Cassie Covers Complex Magazine
More pictures below & a video teaser for her upcoming video "Offical Girl" featuring Lil Wayne.
Obama Is Disrespected In Florida
Well not exactly, but as you can see the people at the town hall meeting did not want to give our next president a chance to speak. Since Obama was born on the same day as me, I bet my life that his answers to our nation's problems are better than McCain's. Oh Yeah did I mention Barack and I have the same birthday...
Monday, August 4, 2008
2008 Black Weblog Awards!
It's that time of the year again folks! Nominations are now open for the 2008 Black Weblog Awards and this time we want win! Please, just take a few minutes out of your day to click the button below to nominate us. We're are shooting for 'Blog to Watch' and 'Best Group Blog'.
Also, don't forget the rest of the Cool Kids Society For Urban Freshness blogs:
-Batch!Please
-Keeping Up With The Huxtables*
-Me, Myself An I
-Blind I For The Kids
-Upscale Swagger*
*We've got some new blogs joining our network. I've been very busy these last couple of weeks so expect some interesting things to be coming from The Cool Kids Network very shortly.
So head over and vote! All the cool kids are doing it...
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Bow Wow Talks About His 'First Sex Scene'
MTVBow Wow recently sat down and spoke with MTV. In the interview he talks about his contract with Sony and his plans to venture out with his acting career. Bow Wow has been really trying to get this acting career poppin' off. With statements like "I wanna be the next Will Smith," it's clearly obvious that he's really trying to become focused.
From adult music to adult films? No, not really. Bow isn't doing X-rated movies, but he did have to take his clothes off and lay down with a porn star for role as a comedian on "Entourage."
"I know the girls, they're going to go crazy when they see it," he said of his appearance on the HBO series. "The ladies are gonna go crazy when they see Bow Wow's first sex scene. It's crazy 'cause for me, it was normal. It was normal, but I know when I look back at it, when I see it, I'm gonna be like, 'Damn! Look at this. This is crazy!' I stun myself sometimes, I can't even front.
"It was with a porn star. I don't know her name," he said of the actress. "She probably watching this like, 'What?! I did a scene with him, and he doesn't remember my name?!' Nah, I don't remember her name, but she was bad though. She was baaaaad! I was cool. I was comfortable with it. I was definitely comfortable with it. It is what it is — normal stuff that happens."
Bow Wow's next album will be titled "Pedigree" and it will be dropping later this year.
Friday, August 1, 2008
New Music: Whitney Houston Ft Akon - Like I Never Left
Haute or Not: Cavalli for Coke Light
Roberto Cavalli recently designed Coca-Cola packaging in his signature mix of animal print and sensuality for the Italian market (sidebar: why do they get all the random cool stuff?).
"For Fall 2008, the chic'est bevvy on the block will undoubtedly be Coke Light in bottles designed by Cavalli. The limited run of 300,000 bottles will be distributed exclusively in Italy from September through December. "I had a lot of fun creating three different "dresses" for the legendary silhouette of the Coca Cola Light Contour. They are seductive and feminine, in typical Cavalli style. They’re designed for the world of young people, which has always been a great inspiration to me," notes the designer." Via Fashiontribes.I definitely think they look cool but how pointless is this? Would you buy them? If you did, would you be drinking them or just keeping them as keepsakes? I mean I know I bought four copies of the Black Vogue Italia and only opened one, but aren't these Coke bottles a little frivolous...or is that what makes it haute? I don't know people...Even as a fashion maven I'm thinking this is a bit pointless and am going to say it's a Not but let me know your thoughts.
Spotted: Rihanna & Rocsi In NYC
Vicky's Secret Can't Miss the Homecoming At Howard?
photo courtesy of : Bryan Jones Photography
I guess this is the moment everyone's been waiting on...Victoria's Secret is launching it's collegiate collection. And if you think they're only doing Michigan State and UCLA...you're wrong. They are also launching an HBCU Line...As a proud alumna of Howard University - how haute is that????
...the first HBCU schools that will roll off the Pink line will be Howard University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, North Carolina A&T University, and Southern University. “We have agreements with the licensees who handle collegiate apparel for those schools, and this has been in the works for some time,” [Richard A. Dent III, CEO of the Pink brand] says.
Check out the entire article after the jump!
Victoria's Secret Pink Adds HBCU Flair
Collegiate apparel to showcase black colleges
by Marcia A. Wade
July 24, 2008 -- When Victoria's Secret Pink rolled out its nationwide collegiate collection in June, featuring the names and logos of some 33 universities on sweats, hoodies, football tees, and totes, the promotion didn't include any historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). This fall, the brand plans to include five HBCUs in the second phase of its collegiate collection.
But, for Amelia Reid, a sophomore at Howard University and a Pink fan, the initial omission was hard to take.
"Going to Howard, where the students are very into academics and also into fashion, I thought 'Wow, this is crazy,'" says Reid, who is studying political science and fashion merchandising. "Here is another company that doesn't acknowledge black colleges. A lot of girls from Howard wear Victoria's Secret and work there also. It shouldn't have been just those typical schools that come to mind when you think of college."
Reid e-mailed Victoria's Secret to express her dismay and was upset when she received a response that she describes as "sugar-coated" and dismissive. Her disappointment materialized into a crusade to bring Pink onto the campuses of HBCUs. Early in July, she started a Facebook group "HBCU Ladies Wear Victoria's Secret Pink Too" in an effort to encourage people to write to the company and complain about the HBCU oversight. By late July, the group had more than 400 Facebook members.
A few days after Reid's initial e-mail, Richard A. Dent III, chief operating officer for Pink, contacted Reid through her Facebook group after someone forwarded him her complaint.
"I reached out to her because she was a fan of the brand. I wanted her to know that we were not being insensitive, and we did have a plan," says Dent, a graduate of Florida A&M University's business school and a member of the school's board of trustees.
According to Dent, the first HBCU schools that will roll off the Pink line will be Howard University, Florida A&M University, Hampton University, North Carolina A&T University, and Southern University.
"We have agreements with the licensees who handle collegiate apparel for those schools, and this has been in the works for some time,"he says. Dent adds that the company plans to include students from the schools in internships at Victoria's Secret, and feature promotions at their homecoming events.
Pink, a collection of loungewear geared toward young, college-aged women, first appeared in Victoria's Secret stores in 2004. Since then, the brand has solidified its success within the parent company, Limited Brands, a retailing behemoth that includes Bath & Body Works and Henri Bendel. Dent says he didn't view Reid's Facebook group negatively. "We encourage people to be vocal [about our product]," he says. "Victoria's Secret and Pink's mission is to have relationships with our customers."
Pink used the size of the university's undergraduate and alumni population, geographical reach, and revenue from royalty sales to determine which schools would be included in the initial roll out, but Dent says that it was always his intention to eventually include HBCUs.
Using school size as criteria for the first round automatically excludes minority populations without considering their spending potential, says Bob Dale, CEO of Chicago-based R.J. Dale Advertising & Public Relations Inc.
"They might have been a little short-sighted."
"In terms of distribution through Victoria's Secret's website and catalog in millions upon millions of homes it will be a wider distribution than [HBCUs] have ever enjoyed in any other licensed program,"says Scott Bouyack, vice president of apparel marketing at the Collegiate Licensing Co.
Not using an HBCU in the first phase "sparks some interesting conversation," says Tina Wells, CEO of Buzz Marketing Group, who joined Reid's Facebook's group.
"Victoria's Secret has been very good to women like Tyra Banks and Latino models. I think we should look at the company's history when it comes to African Americans, and I don't feel that exclusion is characteristic to who the company is."'
"Black consumers are loyal to those companies and brands that are loyal to them," says McGhee Williams Osse, co-CEO of Burrell Communications. "African American consumers want to be recognized and respected by corporations where we spend money, and those corporations [must remember] that they are competing for our dollars."
"I can't say that it was unfair," Osse adds. "Clearly it was a business decision, and Victoria's Secret is in the business to make money. I know that we spend more, buy more frequently, and in casual wear, we buy more garments per purchase."
All agree that the Pink brand and all other retailers can't just compare population numbers. They maintain that companies need to look at the buying behavior of these young women, particularly African American women, who are graduates of these schools.
"From a trend standpoint, I would say [black schools are] a very viable audience for Victoria's Secret," Osse says. "It is the type of retail operation that young, socially active, fashion-involved, African American women would be attracted to. I think this oversight is very unfortunate."
As for Reid, she doesn't plan to patronize the company until she sees its promotional tour bus at Howard's homecoming and HBCU products on the racks.
"I hope my site's feedback shows that young black girls are major consumers of Victoria's Secret," Reid says. "When I can actually pick up my Howard sweatpants, is when I'll buy Pink again."
Copyright © 2008 Earl G. Graves, Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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