Beyoncé Fronts New House of Dereon Campaign
Beyoncé has only stepped in front of the cameras a couple of times since giving birth to her daughter, Blue Ivy, on January 7. But news that the newly made mum is getting geared up to get back to work is on the horizon as a new photo of the superstar is released for her latest campaign for her clothing label, House of Deréon.
Shot by famed celebrity and fashion photographer Tony Duran shortly before Beyoncé gave birth, the only image released so far features Beyonce looking stunning and sultry wearing a structured stud embellished bodice accompanied by a fierce lion mane for her spring/summer 2012 collection.
The collection comprises of edgy to elegant evening wear as well as contemporary casual tops and jackets with bold use of stunning prints and a color palette featuring soft pastels, nudes and pops of coral and blue.
Below are some of my favorite pieces as well as the promotional video for the collection. Currently the House of Dereon US site states that the shopping online feature is “coming soon.” However if you are across the pond, you can purchase pieces from Lipsy, Selfridges and House of Fraser.
Royal Couple Immortalized as Collectible Barbie Dolls
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are getting the royal treatment from Matetel and are becoming immortalized as collectible dolls. The maker of Barbie dolls announced the news that they will be releasing the special two-doll set in early April, in celebration of the royal couple’s first wedding anniversary.
The limited-edition dolls will be wearing replicas of what the couple wore on their big day last year — a miniature version of the infamous Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen gown for Middleton, and a red-and-blue military jacket for Prince William. Middleton’s doll will even include a tiny sapphire engagement ring and a version of the Cartier tiara she wore.
Of the doll treatment, a Mattel spokesperson said, “William and Catherine are like a modern day Barbie and Ken. The whole world watched as the two were married in what was a real-life fairytale wedding.” The rep added, “As a fashion icon, it is only appropriate that Barbie would pay tribute to this unforgettable fashion moment.”
The doll-set will go on sale for $155 on April 7 on Amazon.com U.K, but has been made available for pre-order online at BarbieCollector.com for $100. Unfortunately it has been reported that this collection will not be offered in the United States. Below, is BarbieCollector.com’s description of the couple’s miniature version of their wedding ensemble:
This Royal Wedding® Gift Set includes exquisite portrait dolls of the bride and groom now bestowed with the titles, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The Catherine doll wears an elegant, yet chic, gown inspired by the original and features lovely ivory taffeta trimmed with lace and faux pearl buttons. Also includes wedding bouquet, silvery tiara, earrings and engagement ring. Continuing the elegance is Catherine’s handsome prince. William is dressed in the brilliant scarlet uniform of the Colonel of the Irish Guards, proudly decorated with royal blue sash, metallic cummerbund with bow trimmed in golden fringe, golden buttons and medallions.
Remembering the Legendary Whitney Houston
During the eve of one of the biggest annual award celebrations in the music industry, comes the devastating news that legendary icon, Whitney Houston has died, she was only 48. The singer’s death was confirmed by her publicist, Kristen Foster, only hours before Houston was due to perform at music mogul Clive Davis’s annual pre-Grammy party at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
“I can confirm that Whitney Houston was pronounced dead at 3:55 p.m. at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. We received a call at 3:43 p.m. from hotel security and Beverly Hills fire and police responded minutes later,” Beverly Hills Police Lieutenant Mark Rosen tells PEOPLE. As to whether there was any evidence of drugs or foul play, Rosen responded: “At this time, there’s no obvious evidence of foul play or cause of death.”
The terrible news has come as a complete shock to all and reactions from fans and celebrities flood the internet:
Dolly Parton, who wrote “I Will Always Love You,” said, “mine is only one of the millions of hearts broken over the death of Whitney Houston. I will always be grateful and in awe of the wonderful performance she did on my song and I can truly say from the bottom of my heart, ‘Whitney, I will always love you. You will be missed.’”
Another entertainment legend, Quincy Jones, said he was “absolutely heartbroken” by the news. “She was a true original and a talent beyond compare.”
I’d like to take this time to remember Whitney Houston, she is a true legend and undoubtedly one of the greatest singers and performers of our generation. The world has lost an icon today, may she always be remembered for the amazing contribution that she gave us all, her music that became a soundtrack for us all as well as her unforgettable soulful voice, she was and will always remain a superstar in our hearts.
Size 6 Now Considered “Plus Size” in Fashion Industry
Plus Model Magazine has published a provocative issue sparking controversy which has shed insight into the disparity between real life women and models.
Although apparent for quite some time, it is clear that in order to model in the fashion world models must meet the standard criteria. The typical runway show comprises of models ranging between a size 0-4, (typically the latter of course) strutting what little meat remain on their bones in a bid to sell fashion. Does this vision of a dangerously waif like size echo the reality of women in today’s society?
This is the same question that Plus Model Magazine daringly raises. The heavy topic (so to speak) is featured in an 8 page editoral, featuring Russian plus size model Katya Zharkova along side a “straight size” model in the nude. The thought provoking photography displays the stark contrast paired alongside controversial headlines that voice staggering statistics discussing body sizes and stating how a size 6 is now considered plus size.
The magazine makes an attempt to add food for thought regarding the issue and had this to say:
The answer to the question is this, there is nothing wrong with our bodies. We are bombarded with weight-loss ads every single day, multiple times a day because it’s a multi-billion dollar industry that preys on the fear of being fat. Not everyone is meant to be skinny, our bodies are beautiful and we are not talking about health here because not every skinny person is healthy.
What we desire is equality to shop and have fashion options just like smaller women. Small women cannot be marketed to with pictures of plus-size women, why are we expected to respond to pictures of small size 6 and 8 women? We don’t! When the plus size modeling industry began, the models ranged in size from 14 to 18/20, and as customers we long for those days when we identify with the models and feel happy about shopping.
Statistics Printed With Photography:
- Twenty years ago the average fashion model weighed 8% less than the average woman. Today, she weighs 23% less.
- Ten years ago plus-size models averaged between size 12 and 18. Today the need for size diversity within the plus-size modeling industry continues to be questioned.
- The majority of plus-size models on agency boards are between a size 6 and 14, while the customers continue to express their dissatisfaction.
- Most runway models meet the Body Mass Index physical criteria for Anorexia.
- 50% of women wear a size 14 or larger, but most standard clothing outlets cater to sizes 14 or smaller.
Overall I appreciate what the editors are trying to accomplish, the notion of embracing oneself and accepting your body type as well as ultimately being comfortable in your own skin is a positive message that requires encouragement and reinforcement. I do however find it repulsive to discover that a size 6 is now considered plus size within the fashion industry. There is no secret on my stance on plus size, we all come in different shapes and sizes, fashion is intended for everyone and it makes little sense to solely display one certain type of image that is not accurately representative of everyday women in society. Evidently a size 6 is now deemed plus size, which raises the question of what are women at sizes 14 and above considered? Ultra Plus Size?
What are your thoughts on this controversial issue?
First Look: Johnny Depp in Dark Shadows
As a huge fan of Johnny Depp, its my pleasure to share a photo released earlier today by Warner Bros. of the 48 year old actor depicting his latest role as vampire Barnabas Collins in Tim Burton’s adaptation of “Dark Shadows.” The gothic horror tale “Dark Shadows,” based on the soap opera of the same name which ran from 1966-1971 is Depp’s eighth collaboration with his close friend, director Tim Burton. The film also stars Eva Green, Helena Bonham Carter, Jonny Lee Miller and Chloe Moretz. It’s set to be released in theaters on May 11.
Plot
In the year 1752, Joshua and Naomi Collins, with young son Barnabas, set sail from Liverpool, England to start a new life in America. But even an ocean was not enough to escape the mysterious curse that has plagued their family. Two decades pass and Barnabas (Johnny Depp) has the world at his feet-or at least the town of Collinsport, Maine. The master of Collinwood Manor, Barnabas is rich, powerful and an inveterate playboy…until he makes the grave mistake of breaking the heart of Angelique Bouchard (Eva Green). A witch, in every sense of the word, Angelique dooms him to a fate worse than death: turning him into a vampire, and then burying him alive. Two centuries later, Barnabas is inadvertently freed from his tomb and emerges into the very changed world of 1972. He returns to Collinwood Manor to find that his once-grand estate has fallen into ruin. The dysfunctional remnants of the Collins family have fared little better each harboring their own dark secrets. Matriarch Elizabeth Collins Stoddard (Michelle Pfeiffer) has called upon live-in psychiatrist, Dr. Julia Hoffman (Helena Bonham Carter), to help with her family troubles. Written by Warner Bros. Pictures
Barbie: Bald is Beautiful
A touching campaign is under way on Facebook urging Barbie manufacturer, Mattel to create a Bald Barbe to help serve as a role model for young children battling through chemotherapy or suffering hair loss due to conditions such as alopecia.
Because of a group of women whose lives have been touched by cancer, Beautiful and Bald Barbie facebook page was conceived and has since reached 77,000 likes, sparking controversy as well as support for the cause to do away with Barbie’s iconic blonde locks in favor of creating a Bald Barbie which is equally as beautiful. Founders described the cause on their facebook page:
“We would like to see a Beautiful and Bald Barbie made to help young girls who suffer from hair loss due to cancer treatments, Alopecia or Trichotillomania . Also, for young girls who are having trouble coping with their mother’s hair loss from chemo. Many children have some difficulty accepting their mother, sister, aunt, grandparent or friend going from a long haired to a bald.
Accessories such as scarves and hats could be included. This would be a great coping mechanism for young girls dealing with hair loss themselves or a loved one. We would love to see a portion of proceeds go to childhood cancer research and treatment. Let’s get Mattell’s attention!”
Little Genesis Reyes, who missed having her “princess” hair, inspired the parent of another patient in the hospital to ask the CEO of Mattel, who happened to be a personal friend, to create a special bald Barbie doll for Genesis.
Personally I feel this is a heartfelt movement that has the ability to encourage and provide a source of reassurance and acceptance to those who are directly and indirectly dealing with the disease. Creating a Bald Barbie would symbolize and demonstrate support through such a difficult period that must be an unimaginable loss.
The Bald Barbie doll has the potential to raise considerable awareness of the disease, this is already evident given by the volume of Facebook supporters alone. I’m hoping this recognition translates into action, the development of a Bald Barbie would serve as a reassuring welcome gift to cancer patients and begin to help children to still feel “normal” during the battle against such a vicious disease. I sincerely hope that Mattel realizes the amount of good that this could do and the shear amount of money that can be raised in order to aid cancer research further would be amazing.
Beyonce & Jay-Z Official Birth Announcement & Glory Debut
Blue Ivy is literally only two days old and is already featured on her proud daddy’s latest record. Jay-Z has written this song in order to honor his newborn daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, calling it “Glory”. In the latest song you can hear the newly made father gushing over his “greatest creation” as well as alluding to other details regarding Blue’s conception in Paris, and references the tragedy the couple endured regarding a previous miscarriage.
In a joint statement, Beyonce & Jay-Z set the record straight about some of the details of Blue Ivy’s birth, including that it wasn’t a scheduled C-section (as had been reported):
Hello Hello Baby Blue!
We are happy to announce the arrival of our beautiful daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, born on Saturday, January 7, 2012. Her birth was emotional and extremely peaceful, we are in heaven. She was delivered naturally at a healthy 7 lbs and it was the best experience of both of our lives.We are thankful to everyone for all your prayers, well wishes, love and support.
- Beyoncé & JAY Z
Personally I respect the way in which the couple dealt with terrible experience of miscarrying before their Baby Blue, just because they are celebrities doesn’t mean that they have to publicize every detail of their lives. I also feel that the way in which they have celebrated the birth of Blue Ivy as well as included the memory of what once could have been was done tastefully and brings tears to my eyes when hearing the lyrics. This illustrates the unbreakable bond and strength that the duo possess and I truly respect how positive and strong Beyonce has stood during all the negative press, she is truly one of a kind and will make an amazing mother, another reason to add why I continue to love and support her <3
Overall the song is very inspiring with heart felt lyrics that require you to have those tissues at the ready, check out the song below as well as those lyrics!
Once again Congratulations Beyonce & Jay-Z!
“GLORY” Lyrics
The most amazing feeling I feel
Words can’t describe what I’m feeling for real
Baby I paint the sky blue
My greatest creation was you
False alarms and false starts
All made better by the sound of your heart
All the pain of the last time
I pray so hard it was the last time
Your mama said that you danced for her
Did you wiggle your hands for her?
Everything that I pray for
God’s gift I wish I would have prayed more
God makes no mistakes
I’ve made a few
Rough sledding here and there
But I made it through
I wreak havoc on the world
Get ready for part two
A younger, smarter, faster me
Saw a pinch of hove
A whole glass of B
The most amazing feeling I feel
Words can’t describe what I’m feeling for real
Baby I paint the sky blue
My greatest creation was you
Your grandpop died of n*gga failure
Then he died of liver failure
Deep down he was a good man
God d*mn I can’t deliver failure
Bad*ss lil’ hove
Two years old shopping on Savile Row
Wicked *ss little B
Hard not to spoil you rotten lookin’ like little me
The most beautifulest thing in this world
Is daddy’s little girl
You don’t yet know what swag is
But you was made in Paris
And mama woke up the next day and shot her album package
Last time the miscarriage was so tragic
We was afraid you’d disappear
But nah baby you magic
So there you have it sh*t happens
Just make sure the plane you on is bigger than your carry on baggage
Everybody go through stuff
Life is a gift love open it up
You’re a child of destiny
You’re the child of my destiny
You’re my child with the child from Destiny’s Child
That’s a hell of a recipe
The most amazing feeling I feel
Words can’t describe what I’m feeling for real
Baby I paint the sky blue
My greatest creation was you
Beyonce & Jay-Z Welcome a Baby Girl!
Anyone who knows me, knows I’m a dedicated Beyonce fan, so it serves me with great pleasure to congratulate the newly made parents, Beyonce & Jay-Z on welcoming their baby girl, Blue Ivy Carter to the world.
Media reports have confirmed after weeks of speculation that Beyonce has indeed given birth to baby girl Blue Ivy Carter at New York’s Lennox Hill Hospital on Saturday (January 7th). Blue Ivy is the first child for the duo who tied the knot in April 2008 and have been together for 10 years.
The New York Daily News reported that Jay-Z, reportedly paid more than $1 million to rent out an entire floor in order to give the couple privacy and protect them from the media. Shortly after Blue Ivy’s arrival fellow celebrities have already taken to twitter to express the support of the new arrival for the couple.
Adrianna
