Friday, January 22, 2010
Do West Indian Women Get A Bad Rap?
Many have chosen to single Rihanna out as hot headed, irrational, and Caribbean. But since when did "Caribbean" become an insult? Peruse the comments following stories related to the Chris/Rihanna beat-down and you're sure to find one, if not many, angry bloggers insulting Rihanna and attributing her actions to her West Indian nationality. Fine, people are going to blame the starlet for playing some part in the scandal. But why not separate the girl from the nationality before judging her? Rihanna might be West Indian, but are all West Indians like Rihanna? No.
In fact, it seems like people of Caribbean descent get a bad rap within the industry and in the media as well. Recently, one of Chris Brown's dancers made a viral video in which he called Rihanna a "West Indian slut." The problem is, a generalization like that goes beyond Rihanna and encompasses all West Indians. While this could be chalked up to a misuse of words, it seems like there is a negative connotation connected to people, and in particular women, who identify them selves as West Indian.
In a recent episode of the popular Bravo show The Real Housewives of Atlanta, cast-mate Lisa visits her mother who declares that she is West Indian. At that point Lisa comments on how "spicy" such women are. Yet another generalization, albeit not as severe as the previous with regard to Rihanna. Throughout the media it seems like such stereotypical opinions are the standard for this vibrant, diverse group of people. The West Indies is comprised of several independent island countries beginning near the southernmost tip of Florida and continuing to the coast of Venezuela. Considering this, it is strange that so many people from so many different countries are so often lumped together and pigeonholed.
So is this the standard? Do West Indian women really get a bad rap, or are these two instances isolated?
Your thoughts?
Rihanna's Top Throwback Hairstyles
Rihanna is quite the chameleon when it comes to her ever changing hairstyles.
Many times it seems like she draws inspiration from past celebrity icons and pop culture idols. Here is my compilation of Rihanna's top throwback hairstyles.
They say that history repeats itself, and in the case or Rhianna's hair, this is certainly true. If TMZ's comparison above doesn't convince you, then have a look at my gallery at
HELLO BEAUTIFUL!!!
Jay-Z: "I Believe In God, But Not Christians or Muslims"
Jay-Z went on Hot 97's Angie Martinez radio show to officially address rumors that he is a member of the super-secret Illuminati, and a “devil worshiper.”
He definitely did tackle the rumors head on, instead of dancing around the issues like these celebrities so often do. He also spoke candidly about his views on other religions (which he doesn't believe in). Check out his interesting perspective below:
“I don’t know where it started. I don’t know where it came from. I really think it’s really silly. For the record, I of course believe in God, but I believe in one God. If people must know my religious beliefs, I believe in one God. I don’t believe in religion. I don’t believe in Christians or Muslims. I think all that separates people. I think it’s one God. I think it’s all the same God, and I don’t believe in Hell. But as far as God, of course I believe in God. Am I a part of some sect or cult? That sounds stupid to me. It’s like ignorant to even say, and umm… I guess that’ll be the last time I address that. It’s ignorant to me”
I can’t even get in a golf club in Palm Springs. I’m from Marcy Projects. Just think about that? People that control the world?
Do you believe that those sort of organizations exist?
I think there are cliques of friends that control things. I don’t if there is a devil worshipping sect. That’s a little Tom hanks. I believe there are cliques of people that control the world…but that’s just natural process. I’m sure Obama has his people and everything is good but as far as how far people are taking it…
So you don’t intentionally do this to put people in a frenzy?
I’m an entertainer at the end of the day. Maybe I’ll push your buttons but you know…
What do you think? Is Jigga really down with the devil?
For the rest of the interview and the audio, go to Rap Radar.
STYLE PROFILE: Swimwear Designer Johnny Vincent
Superstar Rihanna has been spotted vacationing in fabulous bathing suits by a brand new designer that you should definitely get to know.
Swimwear is one of the most frustrating clothing items to purchase. It is easy to feel like your options are ridiculously limited while browsing through rack after rack of the bikinis or one pieces that are distinguishable from each other only by their differing colors or patterns. True, swimsuits are meant to be minimal, but they all tend to look alike, and for the individualistic girl, a plain old bikini just isn't going to cut it.
Check out Rihanna's sombrero look in Mexico!
Enter Celeste Johnny, a new designer that is infiltrating the swim wear game one couture bikini at a time. Celeste's sexy design sensibility is transforming the way we look at the typical swim suits (ie, the "3 piece" bikini seen on a yachting Rihanna recently). If you are looking to crank up the temperature of your beach look this year, then Johnny's new swimwear line under the moniker "Johnny Vincent" is just the thing to help you keep it hot!
Take a look at her line HERE!
According to her website:
"In 2007 Celeste launched her first collection, “Paradise”. This collection paid tribute to the Hollywood of old with an explosion of glamour on the runway. With her eye for vibrant color, majestic fabrics and glamorous accessories she has made JOHNNY VINCENT the “must have” item for any woman’s summer collection.Get to know her fashionistas!
Since the launch of Paradise, Celeste has participated in fashion shows all over the world, landed the cover of NOIR magazine, a European publication launched this fall and now has her pieces available in St. Vincent (the island behind the name), Aruba, Barbados, Jamaica, New York and in 2009 Barcelona.
With the launch of the “See You Watching” collection Celeste plans to have all eyes on JOHNNY VINCENT."
Ugg & Jimmy Choo To Collaborate
To our dismay, Ugg is set to smear the reputation of the impeccably fashionable house of Jimmy Choo with its oversize fur obnoxiousness.
According to Fashionista, the two mega-brands are set to collaborate on a set of boots ranging in price from $595 to $795. The collection should debut this fall, and will be sold in Jimmy Choo boutiques, Ugg stores, online, and select department stores.
While the Ugg brand will definitely benefit from the Jimmy Choo brilliance, the relationship appears to be extremely one-sided. It's smart to capitalize on the Ugg mania, but the high fashion shoe brand is nonetheless slumming it with this collabo. (Plus, Ugg-Choo sounds more like a sneeze than an all-weather uber-fab shoe hybrid.)
We are so not looking forward to the day when Jimmy and Ugg have a baby. Are you?
10 Reasons Why You Should Abandon Uggs
2010 Trend: How To Rock A Fierce Ponytail
V Mag Asks: Thick Or Thin Models, Which Do You Prefer?
A Fashionable Cause: Help For Haiti
By now we are all aware of the earthquakes that rocked Haiti recently, leaving the small island nation in complete turmoil. Well, fashionistas, here is another way for you all to lend a helping hand.
Kimora, Djimon & Baby Kenzo Cover Ebony
One of my favorite Hollywood families just posed for the February 2010 cover of Ebony Magazine.
The cover features Kimora, Djimon and their newest addition baby Kenzo.
In the issue she discusses her new life and family. She states:
Make sure you pick up this issue!
Check out the cover in its entirety here:
The cover features Kimora, Djimon and their newest addition baby Kenzo.
In the issue she discusses her new life and family. She states:
“I feel like my life has fallen into the right place in a great way. I’ve been very slow and deliberate, and I feel like it has paid off for me in ways that I could not have imagined.”
Make sure you pick up this issue!
Check out the cover in its entirety here:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)