In the whirlwind of Hollywood, actress Stacey Dash has navigated her share of ups and downs. From her provocative persona on political views to her tumultuous personal battles offscreen, Dash’s journey has been anything but ordinary. However, in a recent revelation on TikTok, the Clueless star opened up about a significant milestone in her life: nearly eight years of sobriety.
It’s a stark contrast from the controversy that surrounded Dash eight years ago when, as a vocal far-right conservative, she famously joined comedian Chris Rock in a trolling stunt targeting Black people at the Academy Awards. Yet, as the dust settled on those tumultuous times, it seems Dash was battling her own demons behind closed doors.
In a candid TikTok video, Dash addressed concerns raised by social media users about her well-being, particularly speculation regarding drug use. Dispelling the rumors, she proudly declared, “I am 7 years and 9 months clean. Yayy!” Her declaration wasn’t just a proclamation of personal triumph; it marked the beginning of her journey to share her experiences with addiction and recovery openly.
Acknowledging the support and concern of her fans, Dash expressed her intention to shed light on her journey, emphasizing the transformative impact on her “mind, body, and spirit.” “I hope by doing this, I help somebody else. Cause I know the struggle’s real,” she added, a testament to her newfound commitment to advocacy and support.
Dash’s path to sobriety hasn’t been easy. She revealed her history with drug use during a 2016 interview, tracing it back to her upbringing in a household where both parents were drug users. Her mother’s initiation into cocaine use at just 16 years old marked the beginning of a long and arduous battle with addiction. It wasn’t until the birth of her son, Austin Williams, in 1991, that Dash found the resolve to confront her demons and commit to sobriety.
However, the road to recovery has been fraught with challenges. In 2021, Dash candidly admitted to relapsing after being prescribed Vicodin by a doctor, sometimes consuming up to 20 pills a day. Her honesty about her struggles resonated with many, creating a platform for open dialogue about addiction and mental health.
While Dash’s journey to sobriety is deeply personal, her decision to share it with the world reflects a newfound sense of purpose and resilience.
I’m going to start sharing more about my recovery journey and what I do to stay healthy (mind, body and spirit) I hope that my story can help someone who might be struggling right now. God bless.
Mary J. Blige, the undisputed Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, has made a mark not only in music but also in the world of fashion. On Saturday night at her “Strength of a Woman” festival at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., Blige unveiled her latest venture—a collaboration with renowned shoe designer Giuseppe Zanotti. The highlight of the collection? The ‘Giuseppe for Mary J. Blige’ boot, an over-the-knee style boasting a bold block heel and a striking mirrored rose gold finish.
Mary J Blige rose gold slouchy boot
Blige, known for her signature style and penchant for statement boots, expressed her excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing the significance of this project for her fans and community. “My fans have been waiting for a boot from me for a long time, so I knew when I did it, it had to be right,” Blige stated. “From start to finish, Giuseppe just understood what I wanted and helped make this idea a reality.”
Priced at $1,295, the ‘Mary’ boot is set to hit stores on May 11, available for purchase both online at giuseppezanotti.com and at the Giuseppe Zanotti boutique in Atlanta. For Blige, boots have always been more than just a fashion statement—they symbolize strength and confidence. “Boots have always made me feel strong,” she explained. “There is something about putting on a statement boot that makes you feel ready to take on your day.”
Giuseppe Zanotti, renowned for his skill and creativity in footwear design, echoed Blige’s sentiments about the collaboration. “Mary is fierce, and she has a strong personality and unique sense of style,” Zanotti commented. “When I create something for Mary, I focus on enhancing her creative mood with designs that align with her music and her persona.”
This collaboration marks a significant moment in the fusion of music and fashion, showcasing the power of two icons joining forces to create something truly special.
In a fusion of urban style and timeless elegance, Simone I. Smith Jewelry has teamed up with fashion visionary Misa Hylton to unveil an extraordinary collaboration: the SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds Collection. These new doorknockers offer an upgraded sophistication set to become the ultimate statement pieces for all the fashionable around-the-way girls. Available in two distinct shapes, these earrings are revolutionizing contemporary jewelry with their unique blend of denim and diamonds.
The Simone Doorknockers
The Misa Doorknockers boast brilliant simulated diamonds set in 18K yellow gold-plated triangle bamboo designs, adorned with hand-crafted denim enamel stations. On the other hand, the Simone Doorknockers feature the same dazzling simulated diamonds, this time set in 18K yellow gold-plated rectangle bamboo designs, also accented with denim enamel stations.
This groundbreaking collaboration seamlessly merges Simone I. Smith’s signature craftsmanship with Misa Hylton’s innovative designs, resulting in a collection that exudes sophistication, glamour, and urban flair. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, each piece in the Denim and Diamonds collection offers a refreshing take on contemporary jewelry, blending the rugged charm of denim with the luxurious sparkle of diamonds.
The Misa Doorknockers
The ladies held a press preview for their new collection filled with sophistication and entertainment, as guests dressed in their finest Denim and Diamonds attire. From custom bedazzled denim hats to a gift bag of Simone I. Smith goodies, attendees were treated to an inspiring and uplifting evening. Delectable bites, including lobster rolls, crab cakes, and steak bites, paired with special cocktails, added to the ambiance of the event.
The Source Magazine, journalist Courtney Brown had the opportunity to chat with Simone I. Smith about her inspiration behind the collection and her passion for representing the community.
Courtney Brown (CB): When I looked at your site I instantly caught the inspiration. But when I saw the dolphin earrings, I was like, ‘yo, she was there.’
Simone I. Smith (SS) You know I was there. (laughs) I was there. I was there.
CB: What made you go that route to put hip-hop staples and include them within your line?
SS: Well, first of all, when I designed, so when me and Mary partnered, she’s one of my best friends, just like Misa, and we partnered up, we have a partnership and we have a business called Sister Love. And because Mary grew up in Yonkers, I grew up in Queens, we both grew up in the hip-hop era. And it was all about those big statement pieces. So I was like, we need to bring back all of the door knockers from back in the days. I don’t know how many of them we’ve launched now. I don’t know, maybe 20 pair, but we keep finding them. And then we just modernize them. They’re like sterling silver, 18 karat gold, but they’re high polished. You know, like back in the day, they were more kind of like a dull. It was like a dull gold.
CB: I love the quality too.
SS: Yeah, but it’s because those earrings just never went out of style. I always had a pair of bamboo earrings, always had a pair of triangle earrings. And you know, when we just decided to do it, we were both two girls from New York that grew up in the hip-hop era. You know, and she’s the queen. She’s the queen of hip-hop R&B, I think is what Mary’s title is. And me, I’m the queen of hoops. So, you know, so, but Mary was my number one, so like her and Misa, when I launched sis, Mary and Misa, they always wore my earrings.
CB: Is she wearing them on the hit series Power?
SS: Absolutely. That’s all Sister Love on power. Right. And then, so then, we just, you know, it was our goal to just bring the big, bold, pay homage to the late 80s, the mid to late 80s, and just continue to do that because, you know, we want women to feel good and also to show that women can work together. Because so many women, women can be very catty, you know that.
CB: Yes, yes.
SS: But women can work together. So Mary and I have our partnership. Misa and I, we have our collaboration. Our first drop is Denim and Diamonds. That’s the one that we have named Denim and Diamonds. And then these are Simone.
CB: These are my favorite!
SS: These are Simone.. And the triangle ones that Misa has on, those are the Misas.
CB: And when I saw the Nefertiti pendant! I just asked my friend, ‘Why aren’t the men repping us anymore?’… Remember how the men used to wear the Nefertiti?
SS: They used to rock us.
CB: The men used to rock us.
SS: What’s my boy on Power? Neek! Neek is rocking the Nefertiti. We got to give him props for that.
CB: Yes, we got to give Neek props.
After exchanging a few dabs like the cool girls did back in the day—I was instantly connected to Mrs.Smith’s grace, kindness and charm.
With its blend of urban edge and timeless elegance, the SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds collection is set to revolutionize contemporary jewelry, offering statement pieces that resonate with the spirit of the hip-hop era.
Reebok’s latest foray into the fashion world has landed, unveiling their Spring/Summer 2024 ” Sport Classic ” collection. Embracing a vintage-inspired aesthetic with a modern twist, this dual-gender assortment aims to capture the essence of sporting culture both on and off the courts.
The collection, launched today, draws inspiration from the current ‘tennis core’ trend. It offers a range of apparel and footwear designed to resonate with enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds. Notably, the apparel lineup boasts inclusive sizing options from 2XS to 4X, ensuring a diverse range of consumers can partake in the sporting spirit.
Highlighting the importance of values like fair play and community, Reebok’s Sport Classic range features heritage-driven court footwear alongside stylish apparel. New iterations of the iconic Reebok Phase Court and Club C Revenge sneakers are set to be key attractions within the collection.
Adding star power to the launch, Latin music sensation and Reebok partner Anuel AA was recently spotted donning pieces from the SS24 lineup, including the Sport Classic Crew Sweatshirt and Shorts.
Fashion enthusiasts won’t have to wait long to get their hands on these court-inspired pieces. The full collection is slated for release on May 3rd and will be available online at Reebok.com and through select retailers.
With its blend of vintage charm and contemporary flair, Reebok’s Sport Classic collection elevates style while promoting the timeless values of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
While Beyoncé has been known to change up her hairstyle almost as much as she changes costumes over the years, she’s letting everyone know that her real hair is every bit as amazing as her singing talents.
On Sunday, Bey took to IG to show her full wash, dry, and style routine as part of a promotion for her haircare line, Cécred. The video begins with her stylist brushing out her hair and then washing and conditioning it with a variety of products from her line and then combing through with a detangling comb before drying, flat-ironing, and styling it. Throughout the video, she narrates some aspects of her routine (she uses medium heat rather than high heat) while also dispelling the myth that women who wear wigs and extensions don’t have healthy hair- addressing some of the criticism she has received over the years.
She captioned the minute and a half long video with the following:
It has been such a special experience seeing all of your #cecredwashday rituals all over my timeline… I just had to join in with something I had in the archives
Being disruptive and challenging everything people feel should be the process has always been exciting to me. My hair and music seemed to do that a lot over the years…
Maintaining 25 years of blonde on natural hair through all the experimenting I do has played a huge part in developing @cecred’s products. It’s the hardest to keep color-treated hair healthy and strong, but @cecred is here. All quality, with NO shortcuts. Congratulations to the entire CÉCRED team for contributing to developing award-winning products.
Cécred is a partnership between Beyoncé and her mother, Tina Knowles. Tina ran a successful beauty shop in Houston, making her a natural subject matter expert for the pair’s line, which caters to a variety of textures and hair types.
Today, AMBUSH® unveiled a limited edition “Cowboy Carter” tee in celebration of the launch of Beyoncé’s new album, Cowboy Carter, in Japan. The exclusive tee pays homage to the iconic artist’s latest release and reflects AMBUSH®’s commitment to innovative fashion collaborations. Available for a limited time, the “Cowboy Carter” tee is set to become a coveted collector’s item among fans of both Beyoncé and AMBUSH®, uniquely merging music and style.
As Black History Month draws to a close, we turn our attention to a new fashion line making waves in the USA: Fort Mose 1738. Designed for US audiences by Maurice Gattis, a professor of social work at Virginia Commonwealth University and a prominent LGBQT advocate, Fort Mose 1738 aims to “shine a light” on the remarkable artistry discovered during Maurice’s visit to Ghana in 2021.
A Journey of Friendship and Partnership
Maurice’s journey to Ghana began as a vacation but evolved into a transformative experience. A chance encounter with a local taxi driver led to a friendship that blossomed into a business partnership. Inspired by the exquisite craftsmanship and vibrant textiles he encountered, Maurice embarked on a mission to bring Ghanaian artistry to a global audience.
An Exclusive Interview with Maurice Gattis
In an exclusive interview, Maurice Gattis shares insights into the inspiration behind Fort Mose 1738 and the unique partnership that brought it to life.
Fulfilling a Mission Through Fashion
“My experiences as a Fulbright Scholar and my background in social work have profoundly influenced my approach to fashion design,” Maurice explains. “I wanted to create a brand that not only celebrates African artistry but also educates consumers about the rich history of Fort Mose, the first free black community in America.”
Empowering Skilled Artisans
Fort Mose 1738 is more than just a fashion brand; it’s a platform for empowering skilled artisans in Ghana. “Our collaboration with local couturiers in Ghana ensures that each garment is meticulously crafted using traditional techniques,” Maurice emphasizes. “By supporting ethical sourcing and sustainable production practices, we aim to promote economic empowerment and cultural preservation.”
Celebrating Diversity in African Fashion
“African fashion is not one look, one style, one textile, it is diverse,” Maurice notes. “With Fort Mose 1738, it is our goal to reach people who are interested in combining contemporary Western looks with Ghana’s stunning textiles.”
Honoring Cultural Heritage Through Design
Kente, a traditional Ghanaian textile, plays a central role in Fort Mose 1738’s designs. “Kente has played a very important role in Ghana’s history,” Maurice explains. “The fabric, as well as the bold, colorful prints abstracted from Ghana’s natural surroundings, demonstrate an authentic, local influence.”
Prioritizing Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
“Fort Mose 1738 exists to help bring American attention to the work of these skilled artisans,” Maurice emphasizes. “Our pieces are produced in small batches to minimize waste, and we prioritize ethical sourcing practices to support local communities.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Fort Mose 1738
“I’m currently working on designing the Fort Mose 1738 Spring/Summer 2025 collection,” Maurice shares. “Our goal is to continue designing versatile cotton and Kente pieces that celebrate Ghanaian heritage while offering contemporary, wearable designs for everyday life.”
As Maurice Gattis continues to blend Ghanaian artistry with contemporary fashion, Fort Mose 1738 promises to be a beacon of inspiration for fashion enthusiasts around the world. With its commitment to celebrating cultural heritage, promoting sustainability, and empowering local communities, Fort Mose 1738 represents more than just a fashion brand—it’s a celebration of creativity, diversity, and collaboration.
In a bold departure from the traditional Fashion Week schedule, Darucci Leathers & Furs closed out NYFW ’24 with a spectacular showcase that left attendees in awe. Held in a secret location, the exclusive event was a testament to the brand’s commitment to redefining luxury in the fashion world.
The evening was magnified by the presence of notable influencers, actors, and industry moguls who gathered to celebrate Darucci’s latest collection. From Daniel Jean, Ms. Emmanuel, Peter Gunz, celebrity publicist Lynn Hobson, celebrity Realtor Jiton Greene, actress Katherine K. Nunez, and actor Tyler Lepley, the event boasted a diverse mix of talents and personalities.
As the runway came to life, models including Tahiry Jose and blogger itsBizkit captivated the audience with their confidence and poise, showcasing Darucci’s latest offerings with unparalleled elegance. The collection, featuring a breathtaking array of coats and furs, highlighted the brand’s exquisite craftsmanship and unwavering dedication to luxury.
Front row, music and business mogul 50 Cent watched intently, his presence serving as a testament to the event’s significance in both the fashion and entertainment spheres. His endorsement underscored Darucci’s position as a leader in the luxury fashion industry.
“We had an amazing turnout and time,” reports Brandon Alexander, Darucci’s Marketing Director. His words echoed the sentiment of the evening, reflecting the collective effort that made the event a resounding success.
The choice of a secret location, coupled with the decision to showcase the collection a week after the main Fashion Week festivities, further emphasized Darucci’s commitment to creating an exclusive and unforgettable experience for attendees.
With the support of prominent figures from various sectors and a successful turnout, Darucci Leathers & Furs has set a new benchmark for what a fashion show can be outside the conventional schedule. As the fashion world eagerly anticipates what’s next, Darucci has firmly established itself as a brand that exceeds expectations and continues to push the boundaries of luxury fashion.
Check out more looks from the epic close of NYFW 24′
The Newark Museum of Art (NMOA) is proud to announce the highly anticipated opening of its latest exhibition, “The Story of Newark Fashion: Atelier to Runway,” set to debut on February 22, 2024. This landmark exhibition, in development since 2021, marks the museum’s first large-scale showcase dedicated to contemporary American fashion, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and enduring legacy of Newark’s fashion scene.
Featuring the works of 11 fashion designers with strong connections to Newark, including iconic names such as Narciso Rodriguez, Stephen Burrows, and Project Runway finalist Shavi Lewis, the exhibition pays homage to the city’s deep roots in the garment and jewelry industries. Through a curated selection of designs, archival footage, and oral histories, “The Story of Newark Fashion” highlights the city’s pivotal role in shaping the global fashion landscape.
At the heart of the exhibition lies a simulated runway display, showcasing the groundbreaking designs of Newark-born Stephen Burrows. Renowned as one of the defining designers of disco-era fashion, Burrows’ influence reverberates through the fashion world. Nine of his garments, symbolically “walking” the runway in Paris, pay homage to his historic presentation at the Battle of Versailles in 1973, a watershed moment in fashion history.
In addition to Burrows’ contributions, the exhibition explores Newark’s rich history as a hub for creativity and innovation in the world of contemporary fashion for over 75 years. From the ateliers of trailblazing designers Wesley Tann and Emily Miles in the 1950s and 1960s to the contemporary designers shaping the industry today, Newark’s fashion legacy is celebrated and contextualized within the global fashion narrative.
Guest-curated by Kristen J. Owens, a historian of Black fashion, with Tracey “Africa” Norman serving as a curatorial advisor, the exhibition offers a comprehensive look at Newark’s fashion evolution. Norman, an international star of the runway and Newark native, lends her expertise and personal insight to the project, further highlighting the city’s enduring influence on fashion.
“It’s our great pleasure to bring together 46 stunning looks by two generations of Newark’s own fashion pioneers,” says Catherine Evans, Deputy Director, Collections & Curatorial Strategies, The Newark Museum of Art. “The heart of the exhibition installation will be a simulated runway with Stephen Burrows’ garments ‘walking’ the runway, a reference to his extraordinary role at The Battle of Versailles in 1973. Their vibrant originality speaks to Newark as a defining player in the industry.”
“After years of planning, we are thrilled to unveil a landmark exhibition celebrating Stephen Burrows and the role Newark talent has played in fashion over seven decades,” adds Linda C. Harrison, Director and CEO, The Newark Museum of Art. “If fashion is history in fabric, major threads have been woven by under-recognized designers who have lived and created in the neighborhoods of Newark. We are delighted to present these dazzling designers at the Museum, where community is at the heart of all that we do. It’s participatory culture: building social bonds, a shared identity, a sense of agency, an attachment to place, all serve as a foundation for community power. Come join us!”
“The Story of Newark Fashion: Atelier to Runway” is made possible by generous support from the New Jersey Council on the Arts, The Coby Foundation, Ltd., and McKinsey & Company. The exhibition is a testament to the creativity, innovation, and resilience of Newark’s fashion community, showcasing the bold innovators who have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Join us as we celebrate the vibrant tapestry of Newark’s fashion heritage and honor the designers who have shaped the city’s distinctive style for generations to come. “The Story of Newark Fashion: Atelier to Runway” invites visitors to explore the intersection of fashion, history, and culture in a groundbreaking exhibition that promises to leave a lasting impact on the fashion world.
Basketball season is in full swing and the Air Jordan brand is paying homage to WNBA players with their most recent drop, “First Class,” a WNBA player-exclusive colorway with gold hardware accents.
The shoe’s base tonal palette is a soft mint green shade with darker green accents on the support wings, pull tab, and parts of the outsoles and seafoam mesh design quarters panels. In addition to the unique color scheme, the shoe also features a gold Jumpman logo holding a diamond in place of the basketball as well as gold accented hardware on the lace tags, tips, and hangtag. The hashtag is designed to mimic a luggage flight tag, a nod to the shoe’s “First Class” namesake.
Pictures of the shoe were shared by Kelsey Amy, Jordan brand senior designer on her Instagram, with the caption “Made exclusively for our WNBA athletes who continue to pave the way for change both in their sport and in the world around them. Continuously setting the benchmark for women in sports and leaving a lasting legacy for the future generations to come.”
No word when or if the shoes will be available to the general public.
Air Jordan “First Class” WNBA Exclusive ColorwayAir Jordan “First Class” WNBA Exclusive ColorwayAir Jordan “First Class” WNBA Exclusive ColorwayAir Jordan “First Class” WNBA Exclusive ColorwayAir Jordan “First Class” WNBA Exclusive Colorway
