Tiffany and Co Recruit Elle Fanning and Lupita Nyongo For Reshaping Campaign

Written by. Chalise Macklin

Tiffany and Co is known for providing men with that special, little blue box and bringing joy to many women’s lives. But their signature jewelry and legacy is in jeopardy. The company is experiencing falling profits and stock prices, according to a business report from Business of Fashion. The jeweler is on a mission to turn things around and has enlisted some A-list celebrities to help do so.

Former American Vogue creative director, Grace Coddington, joined the jewelry house as a creative partner to help with rebranding. Coddington has signed teen star Elle Fanning and Lupita Nyong’o on to represent the timeless brand along with models Natalie Westling and Christy Turlington. A historic moment for the company because this marks the first time celebrities have starred in a campaign. Each lady showcases a piece of the brand’s new “Tiffany T” collection. Nyong’o posted a preview of her ad, which will be released nationwide in September.

The reshaped concept is titled “Legendary Style.” Upcoming campaigns will feature women in the studio instead of their iconic ads that are black and white and feature women wearing their jewelry on New York streets. A re-launch of the company’s affordable “Love” collection by designer Reed Krakoff with the slogan “#lovenotlike” will also be released soon.

Tiffany and Co are hoping to attract a younger buyer, particularly millennials. The company also intends to introduce it to new consumers and get skeptics to reconsider.

 

 

The Get Down Coming to Netflix This Summer

Written by. Chalise Macklin

You now have a chance to find out why your parents felt growing up in the 70’s was so cool. Netflix has announced a new show, The Get Down, which chronicles the lives of some teenage friends during the mid-1970s in the Bronx.

The Get Down is described as a coming-of-age story set during a time when New York City was near bankruptcy. A trailer for the show does not include much dialogue, but you get a sense of adventure, drama, disco and hip hop, and friendship.

The project is under the direction of Baz Luhtmann (Moulin Rouge!, Romeo+Juliet) and Nas has signed on as an executive producer and created music for the series. The Queensbridge rapper is not the only hip hop artist working on the show, DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and Afrika Bambaataa also collaborated. The show is highly anticipated and has a solid cast including: Jimmy Smiths, Shamiek Moore (Dope), Jaden Smith, and Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad).

The show creators hope to add to Netflix’s winning streak of hit shows such as: Orange Is The New Black and House of Cards. Netflix is trying something new with this series by airing the first half starting August 12^th and the second half of the season scheduled to be released sometime in 2017.

American Girl New Collection

Written by. Chalise Macklin

For the last 30 years, American Girl dolls have been a staple in little girl’s rooms. The company gained its popularity for providing unique dolls with diverse backgrounds, personalities, and well thought-out accessories that all girls can enjoy. Now Addy, Kaya, Kirsten, Samantha, Nellie, Molly, and the other original dolls are welcoming Wellie Wishers collection.

The new line of dolls can be personalized by skin tone, eye color and hair.

The President of American Girl, Katy Dickson said the decision to create a new line came from the overwhelming requests for a line of dolls for younger girls who may not be ready for their flagship doll line. She ensures the new dolls will still convey the valuable life lessons about what it means to be a good person.

“Wellie Wishers is the answer to that call, and we’re proud to continue partnering with parents to support their daughters’ development at all ages and stages,” said Dickson.

All the new characters are all wearing rubber wellie boots and love playing outside. Their storylines are focused on outdoor settings and their little playhouse. The new character’s storyline also emphasize understanding others by standing in their shoes or “wellies.”

In the past, American Girl dolls have focused more on the individual doll’s distinctive storylines, but the Wellie Wishers depict the relationship between five friends and how they navigate through lessons in empathy and compassion.

Over 29 million American Girl dolls have been sold and they don’t plan on slowing down any time soon. Check out the new collection below:

Willa – She is an animal lover.

Ashlyn –She is a princess-in-training and party-planner extraordinaire.

Kendall –She is creative and always inventing and she is known to patch up friendly mix-ups.

Emerson – She loves the spotlight and telling jokes to her friends and singing.

Camille – She loves the ocean and the listening ear for her friends.

The Wellie Wishers line goes on sale June 23. For more information go to http://www.americangirl.com.

New Artist Symon Gaining The Spotlight

Written by. Chalise Macklin

Establishing a name as a singer can be challenging, but up-and-coming artist Symon is making it look easy. She has been honing her craft since she was a teen. Once in a band and now a solo artist she is working hard to show you why she is the one to watch.

“I did plays and everything I could to break into the business. I have so much in my arsenal that people don’t know about, and I’m ready to bring it,” said Symon.

Her hustle mentality paid off. She and her former band, The New Officials, opened up for Demi Lovato on her Neon Lights tour.

“It was an incredible experience to see how she works,” said Symon.

The journey helped prepare her for the future. The band disbanded, but she landed a solo deal with Artbeatz Entertainment/Sony. Now, her first single, “Say”, is climbing the charts and is predicted to be a summer anthem.

“It is a great introduction song. A great pop, summer record,” Symon said.

Her debut single was strategically titled to take advantage on the phrase Simon Says. It is a playful record that combines sass with elements of her personality.

“I wanted (people) to feel my vibe, plus it doesn’t hurt that my name is included in the record,” said Symon.

The record’s infectious lyrics and her relatability have led to some major opportunities for Symon, including participating in a radio tour. She is also working on an EP scheduled for release this fall.

“The EP will include more mid-tempo and upbeat songs.  A personal song called “Lonely Girl” will offer a more intimate side of me and it is a true connection to a more vulnerable me,” Symon said.

Symon is currently working with Barletta, who is responsible for Daya’s hit song “Hide Away”

“I’m working with some amazing producers. I’m creating my sound being me, being Symon. I’m true to myself other people will hopefully connect,” she said.”

The singer has shown much promise and describes her signature style as heavily urban and tropical influenced. Bob Marley Lisa, Left Eye Lopes (TLC), and Gwen Stefani are some of her biggest inspirations. She said her music should make you want to go to the beach, drive with the top down, sip tropical drinks, and have a good time. The Southern California native has vocal range, and is more than just a pop artist. Symon is a singer –songwriter who is a trained musician and vocalists.

“I was trained in opera. I had different teachings of music and voice. I co-write everything I do, because I want listeners to connect with me and feel the authenticity,” said Symon.

Those planning to get to know her sound better should expect a lot of fun and to enjoy themselves. Her stage show channels the same energy as her records.

“Prepare to enjoy themselves (concert goers) and to feel immersed in the sound. I put on a show,” Symon said.

If the momentum she has gained continues, she is well on her way to a promising career and may cement her imprint into the music world.

Show Your Disney Love With These New Coach Bags

Written By: AbsolutViolette

The brand Coach is celebrating their 75th anniversary this year, and part of that celebration involves a new limited-edition collaboration with Disney. Whether you’re a Disney fan or a Coach fan, you’re sure to enjoy this collection. Besides, who doesn’t like Disney?

The bags all feature a specially-created Mickey Mouse sketch made by Disney animators, and one of the bags even features the iconic Mickey Mouse ears. This collaboration is the perfect marriage between style and childhood nostalgia.

On June 17th make your way to your nearest Coach store or coach.com which is when this limited edition drops. Take the opportunity to showcase your Disney love this summer with any of the various designs that satisfy a variety of styles.

The collection isn’t limited to just bags, but also includes a studded leather jacket, T-shirts, sportswear, and sneakers.  And it dosesn’t stop at apparel and accessories. There’s also leather display cases containing rare Mickey comic books, with a mouse on their spine, coasters, frames, a group of free-standing mice in black leather that come in various sizes, and beanbags!

All photos courtesy of Coach

Miss USA Pageant: More Than Just A Crown

Written by. Chalise Macklin

And the winner is….Miss District of Columbia, Deshauna Barber. Barber was crowned the new Miss USA Sunday night in Las Vegas. 52 contestants battled it out for the coveted crown and title. But Barber slayed the competition with her stage presence and strong interview skills. She made history as the first military member to ever snag the crown.

This year’s pageant seemed on the mend after the pageant endured a bit of controversy last year. Former pageant owner, Donald Trump, made some controversial comments about immigrants that lead to NBC and Univision cutting ties with the businessman and the organization. Following the Trump debacle, the organization experienced another hiccup during the Miss Universe Pageant when host, Steve Harvey, mistakenly announced the wrong winner.

The show made some changes to add a fresh feel and connect with the viewers. It was aired on its new home Fox, the organization added a new contestant, Miss 52 USA, and the fans at home served as the sixth judge. The unofficial theme of the night was “Confidently Beautiful” which all the ladies embodied. And showed the world the pageant is more than a competition.

            Perhaps the most recognizable change to the pageant was the background story of the contestants. It was not only a way for the viewers and judges to get to know the contestants better, it also allowed little girls, teens, and young ladies to see how relatable the women are. The contestants are more than just beautiful women with killer figures. The women are entrepreneurs, athletes, philanthropists, and highly successful and educated women. Some of the ladies’ personal stories really resonated with issues many young girls face today such as: body shaming, anorexia, depression, and defying the odds. Young girls sometimes experience low self-esteem and have a difficult time navigating through their teen years. Those women personal stories can provide inspiration and empower all while wearing high heels.

Barber will start her preparation for the Miss Universe pageant. She said she plans to use her time as the reigning Miss USA to support veteran’s causes and tackle the issue of suicide and post-traumatic stress disorder among military members.