Entertainment

Paris couture climbs Mount Olympus, plumbs marine depths

Published

7 years ago

January 20, 2020

PARIS (AP) — Female empowerment, controversies about race, and designs that plunged to the depths of the seas then climbed Mount Olympus were just some of the themes to grace Paris Fashion Week on its drama-filled first day.

Here are some highlights of Monday’s spring-summer 2020 couture shows.

DIOR: WOMEN RULE AND GLIMMER

Dior’s first ever female designer, Maria Grazia Chiuri, is onto something.

Her feminist logo-emblazoned T-shirts have famously been among the house’s biggest sellers — and so she went back on the girl power charge to capitalize on this popular unique selling point in the Rodin Museum collection.

The starting idea was a question posed by the artist and set-designer Judy Chicago, blown up as text at the show: “What if Women Ruled the World?”

Chiuri’s answered it herself by basing the shimmering Greco-Roman designs around the theme of “The Female Divine.”

Though at several points Chiuri strayed into heavy-handedness, the overall result was an archetypally couture collection that harked back to the couture origins of draping and strapping.

Athena, the ancient warrior-goddess, was evoked in a tightly-strapped gold bodice and sections of gold fringing.

And the Hellenistic sculpture “The Winged Victory of Samothrace,” that stands in the Louvre, provided inspiration for long billowing silk skirts and rope-like straps that pulled tightly around the busts and waists of several looks.

But looks sometimes fell victim to their own ambition — such as an iron-colored goddess-version of the house’s signature bar jacket. Though it nicely captured a feeling of chain mail, accordingly, it proved clunky at the hips.

DIOR FRONT ROW

Alongside Uma Thurman, “Alien” star Sigourney Weaver, who’s rarely spotted on the fashion scene, led the celebrity pack.

Weaver, who’s known for her feisty and feminist roles, had something to say about couture — and Dior — empowering women.

“It is always an ideal,” she said, before entering the show.

“Haute couture is very strong, and assured, which I think women sometimes need help being as assured as we should be. And we need to have a little Christian Dior inside us to sort of step out, you know?”

SCHIAPARELLI’S PERFECT BALANCE

Daniel Roseberry seems to have the winning formula at Schiaparelli: Less is more.

The Texas-born designer managed on Monday to include all the Surrealist references of the late, great couturier Elsa Schiaparelli, without them straying into the kitsch or the overpowering — as has been the case in the past. He used them sparingly, carefully giving each bold object the necessary space to breathe.

A large gold earring resembling a human ear, for instance, was placed above a bare chest and dark tuxedo. Not only did that allow the statement earring to be the sole dominant feature, Roseberry very cleverly re-enforced the idea of the human body being literally on display. The same idea was repeated on a statement sheeny royal blue leopard skin print tuxedo twinned with the model’s bare skin.

The couture itself was simple, but deceptively so. A raisin – black tuxedo with four gold buttons had a monochromatic giant ruffled fabric hood that enveloped the model’s face. The design was visually arresting yet handled subtly as it was in a monochromatic dark hue.

In the final flourish, Roseberry tackled shocking pink — the color name Schiaparelli was said to have coined. What was shocking about it was its tastefulness, on, for instance, a giant dropped – waist full skirt that contrasted stylishly with a bodice in ultramarine, royal blue and a flash of orange.

Adding to reasons to love this show: 23 of the 36 looks were modeled by non-Caucasian models and women of color, in a rare moment on the Paris catwalk.

COMME DES GARCONS RACE CONTROVERSY

Comme des Garçons has ended men’s fashion week trying to defend itself against accusations of racism after its show last week by designer Rei Kawakubo featured white models wearing braided wigs.

Critics of the show, which AP didn’t attend and only saw photos of, said it smacked of racial appropriation as the wigs resembled hairstyles of the black community, and some black models in the same show walked with just their natural hair.

The hair stylist Julien d’Ys said on social media he was influenced by Tutankhamun and Ancient Egypt.

In a statement sent to AP, the house said “It was never , ever our intention to disrespect or hurt anyone – we deeply and sincerely apologise for any offense it has caused.”

Race is a hot topic at fashion weeks all over the world, after a host of recent controversies including an ad campaign by Dolce and Gabbana that was deemed racist against China.

IRIS VAN HERPEN

Another season of Dutch wunderkind Iris Van Herpen, another moment to delve into her unique world of visual poetry.

Floating jelly fish and skeletal underwater crustaceans are often evoked visually in the designer’s award-winning couture, but rarely referenced explicitly by the house as inspiration.

This season, that changed — it acknowledged that spring-summer’s designs channeled “the sensory processes that occur between the intricate composition of the human body, mirrored with the fibrous marine ecology of our oceans.”

It made for one of the designer’s most beautiful collections ever.

Twisted silk strands on a gown descended down a model’s body in pastel blues, grays and coconut white , like the tentacles of a deep – sea creature , with the floating feeling of suspended gravity.

A black floor – length gown with undulating straps could have been a poisonous medusa, with coral – red dye bleeding down its multi-layered skirt.

Toward the end, one of the most beautiful pieces of couture in memory appeared — a brilliant white structured three-dimensional gown made of thousands of interlocking petals of white fabric that evoked a swan, or perhaps a section of human bone under the microscope.

Entertainment

Kym Whitley, Yvette Nicole Brown to Headline First Ladies Health Initiative Brain Health Luncheon

Published

4 weeks ago

September 15, 2026

FNN NEWS

Side-by-side headshots of actresses Yvette Nicole Brown and Kym Whitley, speakers at the First Ladies Health Initiative brain health and caregiving luncheon.

Emmy-nominated actresses Yvette Nicole Brown, left, and Kym Whitley will participate in the First Ladies Health Initiative’s “Mindful of the Memories: A Path to Better Brain Health” luncheon Sept. 19 in Marina del Rey, California.

The Sept. 19 luncheon in Marina del Rey will spotlight Alzheimer’s, dementia, caregiving and brain health as the First Ladies Health Initiative celebrates new grant support for programs empowering girls.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (FNN) — Emmy-nominated actresses Kym Whitley and Yvette Nicole Brown will headline a First Ladies Health Initiative luncheon focused on Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, caregiving and brain health on Saturday, Sept. 19, in Marina del Rey.

The First Ladies Health Initiative, or FLHI, will host its leaders summit luncheon, “Mindful of the Memories: A Path to Better Brain Health,” beginning at 11 a.m. at The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey.

Whitley, whose credits include Act Your Age and Raising Whitley, and Brown, known for Community, Act Your Age and The Mayor, will participate in a fireside conversation moderated by Dr. Shalonda “Sunshine” Crawford, co-pastor of Experience Christian Ministries.

The discussion will address the experiences of families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia, including the demands placed on caregivers and the challenges of balancing caregiving with careers and other responsibilities.

Personal Experiences Bring Caregiving Into Focus

FLHI Co-Executive Director Marquisé Alston-Allison said Whitley and Brown were selected in part because both have personal experience caring for their fathers.

“Alzheimer’s disease has a devastating impact on the African American community, where individuals are approximately twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia,” Alston-Allison said in the organization’s announcement.

The luncheon takes place two days before World Alzheimer’s Day on Sept. 21.

Brain Health and Prevention Take Center Stage

FLHI is also partnering with the INSPIRE-Faith program at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, led by neurologists Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai.

The program emphasizes lifestyle factors associated with brain and overall health, including nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management and social connections.

The initiative brings prevention-focused health education into faith and community settings while addressing conditions such as dementia, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and stroke.

Luncheon to Feature Music and Special Honors

Radio personality Aundrae Russell of 102.3 KJLH-FM will serve as emcee, with a musical performance by recording artist David Daughtry.

FLHI will also pay tribute to its founding president, Tracey Alston, who died last year.

Dr. Betty Ruth Price, former first lady, co-founder and matriarch of Crenshaw Christian Center, will also be honored during the event.

FLHI Among Organizations Receiving Girls Opportunity Alliance Support

The event comes as FLHI celebrates its selection for support through the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance.

According to the announcement, a total of $500,000 will be distributed among 10 organizations working to empower girls, with FLHI among the selected recipients.

FLHI is currently led by second-generation co-executive directors Marquisé Alston-Allison and Taylor Alston-Cleveland, alongside co-founder and National Chair Jamell Meeks of Salem Baptist Church in Chicago and Los Angeles Chair Crawford.

The organization also acknowledged support from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Healthy Mind Initiatives, Black Girl Vitamins and The Ritz-Carlton.

For additional information, visit First Ladies Health Initiative.

Central Florida News

Orlando International Fashion Week 2026 Opens Early Bird Pass Sales for November Runway Shows

Published

4 weeks ago

September 15, 2026

FNN NEWS

OIFW returns Nov. 8-15 with fashion, entertainment and cultural events across Orlando, culminating in a runway weekend at Caribe Royale Orlando.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Orlando International Fashion Week is opening early bird access for its Fall 2026 “The Shows Pass,” giving guests an opportunity to secure admission to the event’s final weekend runway experiences before individual show tickets go on sale.

Orlando International Fashion Week, or OIFW, returns Nov. 8-15, 2026, with a week of fashion, art, music, entertainment, runway shows and cultural experiences throughout Orlando.

Select events will be invitation-only, while public ticketed programming will be offered throughout the week. The celebration will culminate with runway programming at Caribe Royale Orlando, the host hotel for OIFW’s final weekend experiences.

Early Bird Shows Passes

The Shows Pass is designed for guests seeking early access to OIFW’s featured runway experiences during the final weekend.

Early bird options include:

2-Day General Access — Nov. 14-15: $275
2-Day Preferred Access — Nov. 14-15: $425
2-Day Front Row Access — Nov. 14-15: $650
3-Day Front Row Access — Nov. 13-15: $750

Two-day passes include access to featured OIFW runway experiences on Saturday, Nov. 14, and Sunday, Nov. 15, at Caribe Royale Orlando.

Select three-day pass options also include FEN Social on Friday, Nov. 13, at Society Orlando, along with the final weekend runway experiences.

Individual show tickets are expected to be released at a later date.

Fashion, Entertainment and Tourism Come Together

“Orlando International Fashion Week continues to grow as a platform where fashion, entertainment, culture, and tourism come together,” said Rob Henlon, co-founder of Fierce Entertainment Management. “The Shows Pass gives our audience a first opportunity to be part of the final weekend experience as we prepare to announce more designers, models, featured guests, vendors, and special programming.”

OIFW is a Fierce Entertainment initiative produced and coordinated by Fierce Entertainment Management LLC.

Fall 2026 Model Casting Set for Sept. 26-27

Ahead of fashion week, OIFW will hold its Fall 2026 Model Casting on Sept. 26-27 in continued collaboration with the Global Peace Film Festival.

The casting will give models an opportunity to be considered for fashion, media, festival, promotional, live-event and runway opportunities connected to the Global Peace Film Festival and OIFW’s November 2026 shows.

Fierce Entertainment Management will manage and coordinate the casting.

Vendor Opportunities Available

Vendor opportunities are also available for select Fall 2026 events, including FEN Social at Society Orlando and the OIFW runway weekend at Caribe Royale Orlando.

Participation is subject to approval, space availability, venue guidelines and production needs.

OIFW Vendor Registration

Additional designers, models, featured guests, performers, vendors, partners and special experiences will be announced as details are finalized.

Early bird Shows Passes are available through the Orlando International Fashion Week official website.

Entertainment

Chaka Khan, Q Parker to Lead Living Legends Foundation’s 35th Anniversary Gala in Atlanta

Published

1 month ago

September 12, 2026

FNN NEWS

Chaka Khan and Q Parker, honorary ambassador and honorary gala chair for the Living Legends Foundation’s 35th Anniversary Awards Dinner & Gala.

Ten-time Grammy Award winner Chaka Khan, left, will serve as honorary ambassador, while Grammy-winning singer and founding 112 member Q Parker will serve as honorary gala chair for the Living Legends Foundation’s 35th Anniversary Awards Dinner & Gala on Oct. 2, 2026, in Atlanta. Chaka Khan photo: Nick Nelson; Q Parker photo: Quadir Thomas

Milestone celebration will recognize the executives, radio personalities, entrepreneurs and cultural leaders who helped shape Black music and entertainment

ATLANTA, Ga. (FNN) — Ten-time Grammy Award winner Chaka Khan will serve as honorary ambassador and Grammy-winning singer and founding 112 member Q Parker as honorary gala chair for the Living Legends Foundation’s 35th Anniversary Awards Dinner & Gala, the organization announced.

The milestone celebration is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 2, in Atlanta and will bring together artists, music executives, radio personalities, creatives, entrepreneurs and cultural leaders to recognize the people whose work has helped shape Black music, media and entertainment.

For Khan, the role marks a return to an organization that recognized her more than three decades ago. She was among the artists honored by the Living Legends Foundation in 1992.

“When you cross a bridge, you don’t think about all the hands that built it. Some of the most important contributions are the ones we never see,” Khan said in the announcement. “Thank you, Living Legends Foundation, for seeing that every story matters and for honoring those hands and hearts that helped build the way for all of us.”

Chaka Khan Returns for Milestone Anniversary

Living Legends Foundation Chairman David C. Linton said Khan’s connection to the organization makes her participation especially significant during its 35th anniversary.

“Having Chaka Khan serve as our Honorary Ambassador during this milestone year is incredibly meaningful,” Linton said. “Chaka’s history with the Foundation reaches back to our earliest years, and her extraordinary career represents the excellence, longevity and cultural impact we have worked to celebrate for 35 years.”

Khan’s appearance also comes as she prepares for another chapter in her recording career. According to the foundation’s announcement, her new album, “Chakzilla,” is scheduled for release Sept. 18. The project, described as her first full-length album in seven years, includes collaborations with Sia, Snoop Dogg and Lenny Kravitz.

The combination of Khan’s new music and her honorary role highlights one of the gala’s central themes: connecting the legacy of Black music with the people continuing to move the industry forward.

Q Parker to Serve as Honorary Gala Chair

Joining Khan is Q Parker, a founding member of Grammy-winning R&B group 112. Parker will serve as honorary gala chair and help promote the foundation’s work recognizing and supporting music industry professionals.

“Black music has given me a career, a community, and an opportunity to use my gifts to impact people around the world, so serving as Honorary Chair for the Living Legends Foundation’s 35th anniversary is truly an honor,” Parker said.

Parker said the industry’s success extends far beyond the artists audiences see on stage.

“This organization understands that our industry is bigger than the names we see on the marquee,” Parker said. “There are countless people behind the scenes who have dedicated their lives to moving our culture forward.”

Parker recently released the single “Stare,” from his forthcoming album, “Evolution of Romance, Volume Two,” expected this fall, according to the announcement.

Honoring the People Behind Black Music and Culture

Founded in 1991, the Living Legends Foundation has built its mission around recognizing professionals whose work has helped bring Black music and culture to audiences around the world.

Beyond its annual honors, the nonprofit provides support to music industry professionals with confirmed needs and invests in future generations through mentorship, scholarships and other assistance.

The anniversary gala will continue that mission by placing executives, broadcasters, advocates, entrepreneurs and other behind-the-scenes leaders alongside some of the most recognizable figures in entertainment.

2026 Living Legends Foundation Honorees

This year’s honorees include:

Ray Harris Lifetime Achievement Award: Louis Carr, president of BET
A.D. Washington Chairman’s Award: Black Promoters Collective
Jerry Boulding Radio Executive Award: Kenny Smoov, vice president of urban programming, Cumulus
Frankie Crocker Radio Personality Award: Greg Street, air personality, V-103 Atlanta
Impact Player Award: Juliette Jones, COO, Alamo Records
Music Executive Award: Tim Reid, senior vice president, repertoire and marketing, BMG Recorded Music
Mike Bernardo Female Executive Award: Phylicia Fant, global director, Black Music + Culture, Amazon Music
Kendall Minter Entertainment Advocate Award: James McMillan, Esq., CEO, ART@WAR Entertainment
Hip-Hop Visionary Award: Ted Lucas, founder and CEO, Slip-N-Slide Records
Entrepreneur Award: Ralph McDaniels, executive producer, “Video Music Box”

Why the 35th Anniversary Matters

The anniversary reflects more than three decades of recognizing people whose contributions to Black music and entertainment have not always received the same public attention as the artists they helped build, promote and sustain.

That history is reflected in Khan’s return. After being recognized by the foundation in its early years, she will now help honor another generation of industry leaders.

The 35th Anniversary Awards Dinner & Gala will continue the Living Legends Foundation’s tradition of celebrating achievement, leadership, innovation and service while preserving the stories of the people who helped build the business and culture surrounding Black music.