From New Hair to a New Album, 2021 Is Billie Eilish’s Most Transformative Year Yet

Billie Eilish is an icon of her own making. Despite reaching mega-stardom at a young age, she has always been in control of her own image and sound. Unlike most stars, Eilish did not become famous thanks to an engineered persona and breakout hit. Instead, she was catapulted into the spotlight almost accidentally when she wrote the song Ocean Eyes at 13 years old with the help of her brother, FINNEAS, after her dance instructor asked her to write a song to perform to. She uploaded it onto the music streaming site SoundCloud and it quickly went viral. Since then, she has worked closely with her brother on almost all of her music, resulting in an organic sound that is uniquely hers.

2021 has been a transformative year for the 19-year-old artist. From her new bombshell blonde hair, to her lingerie shoot with British Vogue, to being chosen as one of the co-chairs of this year’s Met Gala, Eilish 2.0 has been everywhere as of late.

Here’s a look at how this year has brought a whole new era for Eilish, through beauty, fashion and music.

Billie Eilish’s bombshell blonde moment that started it all

 

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Eilish had become well-known for her signature black hair with bright green roots — a look she first sported in July 2019. But over the past few months, fans began to suspect it was a wig, having discussions on TikTok about how the parting of her hair was off, and noticing that Eilish was wearing a lot of hats.

When she revealed her platinum blonde shag via Instagram this past March, it sent fans into a frenzy, quickly becoming the third most-liked picture on the platform. The look is symbolic of not only her forthcoming new album, but an entirely new style for the artist.

Her internet-breaking lingerie shoot

In her photoshoot with British Vogue for the magazine’s June cover, Eilish trades her signature baggy clothes for a more form-fitting, lingerie-inspired look. One of the shoot’s outfits is a custom Alexander McQueen corset dress paired with latex stockings and gloves by Atsuko Kudo. The provocative look is in direct contrast to what Eilish has worn for so long, and she says she feels “more like a woman, somehow.”

 

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The artist’s oversized clothing had become an extension of her image: representing not only her genre-blurring style, but a literal shield from media and public scrutiny, which disproportionately targets young women in the spotlight. Despite hiding her curves, her body was still a fixation of media attention. Like so many young women, Eilish says that for a long time her body was her deepest insecurity. In the past, when explaining her decision to wear loose-fitting clothes, she said, “The only reason I did it was ’cos I hated my body.”

By openly embracing her sensuality with this shoot, she is yet again pushing back on the societal pressures that are forced upon women and the way they chose to present. Eilish makes it clear she is doing this for herself only, and that this should not affect the way others see her. “Showing your body and showing your skin — or not — should not take any respect away from you,” she says.

Eilish’s sophomore album — and new single

Last week, Billie Eilish released Your Power, a single from her forthcoming album, accompanied by a music video that is now at the top of YouTube’s music trending page. The song is about an abuser taking advantage of a minor, with mellow guitar acoustics accompanying Eilish’s recognizably soft vocals.

Similar to her Grammy-winning debut album When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, her sophomore album was written solely by Eilish and FINNEAS, who produced it. Titled Happier Than Ever, the cover features a blonde Eilish looking upward, with a tear running down her cheek. When asked whether this tear was sad or happy, she shrugged nonchalantly, offering only, “It’s a real tear, I’ll tell you that.”

 

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Being catapulted into super-stardom as a young teen is something very few people experience, and Eilish continues to handle it seemingly as well as possible, by setting boundaries and doing things her own way. As she enters into a new era of style and artistry, she continues to promote self-acceptance while using her powerful voice as a tool for change.

A new fashion era for Eilish, too?

Equipped with her new look, Eilish is set to be one of the co-chairs of this year’s Met Gala, also known as “fashion’s biggest night.” This will be Eilish’s first Met Gala, and she is already breaking records by being the event’s youngest co-host ever. In their announcement on Monday, Vogue expanded on their choice to include the star, saying, “Eilish’s willingness to embrace an aesthetic as innovative as her music has pushed emerging brands into the limelight and challenged old rules about how a pop star should dress.”

This year’s Met Gala will be done in two parts. The first, in September 2021, has the theme, “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” and is meant to “explore a modern vocabulary of American fashion.” The second, in May 2022, is called, “In America: An Anthology of Fashion.” On their choice to appoint Gen-Z co-chairs (Timothée Chalamet, Amanda Gorman and Naomi Osaka share the job with Eilish), Vogue says: “They may be young, but each of the night’s co-hosts has made their mark on fashion.”

We can’t wait to see how Eilish owns the Met Gala red carpet this September!

The post From New Hair to a New Album, 2021 Is Billie Eilish’s Most Transformative Year Yet appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

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Tiffany & Co. Just Introduced Its First Engagement Ring for Men

With more and more high-profile celebrities, from Michael B. Jordan and Timothée Chalamet to Pharrell Williams and Harry Styles, embracing the allure of jewellery like strands of pearls and blinged-out brooches, it goes without saying that men are feeling more comfortable expressing themselves with accessories. Tiffany & Co. is meeting this moment with the debut of the Charles Tiffany setting — its first engagement ring for men.

Named after the luxury brand’s founder Charles Lewis Tiffany (who introduced the women’s solitaire diamond engagement ring in 1886), the new design plays off the arresting silhouette of a signet ring — which has also had quite a moment in fashion circles in recent years. Featuring either a round brilliant or emerald-cut diamond in the middle, which can range up to five carats in size, the Charles Tiffany setting has a knife-edge band inspired by the New York-based company’s initial engagement ring style for women. Beveled edges around the diamond set in these platinum and titanium styles give it a sense of gravitas.

Photography courtesy of Tiffany & Co.

Along with the novel stylistic components of this new ring, Tiffany & Co. continues to strive for transparency with its designs. Thanks to its ability to register each newly sourced diamond, customers can glean information about a stone’s region or country of origin, as well as where it was cut, polished, graded, quality assured and set from any sales associate; a printed certificate will also boast a piece’s credentials.

With a recent report stating that engagement ring sales in the U.S. are forecasted to grow in the coming years, the launch of the Charles Tiffany setting seems perfectly timed; expect to see it in flagship stores this month.

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How Basma Hameed Turned Her Scar Camouflage Clinic Into a Beauty Brand

Basma Hameed is a scar camouflage and micro-pigmentation specialist who has worked with celebrities like Jordyn Woods, Anastasia Karanikolaou and more. After a burn accident when she was two years old left her with a large scar on her face, she became deeply invested, for personal reasons, in the world of scar camouflaging and paramedical tattooing. Eventually, her research in medical aesthetics (as well as tons of trial and error at home) prompted her to open the Basma Hameed Scar Camouflage Clinic in Toronto, and later open a second location in Beverly Hills.

Today, Hameed unveils Basma Beauty, a new brand whose first product is a buildable foundation stick that comes in 40 shades. “The Foundation Stick is suitable for all skin types and everyday use,” says Hameed. “It’s an ultra-hydrating, creamy formula with lots of feel-good ingredients like aloe vera extract, apricot butter and vitamin E. The best way to describe [the texture] is butter — it just melts into your skin leaving this flawless, satin-like finish.”

We chatted with Hameed on Basma Beauty’s launch day to learn how she became the celeb-favourite scar camouflage expert.

What led you to the concept behind Basma Beauty?

“It was a lifelong dream of mine. When I was two years old, I burned half my face in a kitchen accident. Despite countless surgeries, doctors were unable to conceal the bright red scar that spanned my face. As a result, I started wearing makeup at an early age. My relationship with makeup first started out of necessity, but quickly bloomed into a passion. I was obsessed with colours, undertones, ingredients, and the chemistry behind makeup formulas.

“Makeup played a very important role in my life growing up. It helped me feel confident on the days I didn’t feel my best. My childhood was anything but normal, but putting on makeup made me feel less like ‘the girl with the burn,’ and more like a regular, high school student. But there were always things that bothered me about the beauty industry. I remember when I used to ask for help when buying makeup, I’d immediately be pigeon-holed into the “scar-friendly” category. The options were extremely scarce and everything felt thick and cake-y on my face.

“I also felt like I couldn’t relate to any beauty brand. I never saw myself — or anyone I knew, for that matter — in the images and ads for beauty companies. It was always these impossibly ‘perfect’ girls. In 2018, I was finally able to bring my dream of developing a beauty brand to life. Basma Beauty truly is a brand for everyone — no matter your skin type, skin tone or undertone. We develop versatile, truly buildable and portable formulas that fit into your lifestyle.”

 

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You’ve said that at 17 you started experimenting with different dermal techniques to mitigate the discolouration of your skin. What worked and what didn’t?

“I tried everything to reduce the discolouration of my scar — from lasers to surgery to creams — but nothing worked. At the time, permanent makeup was slowly becoming popular and I had a thought: If colour could be implanted in the skin to mimic makeup, why couldn’t the colour of my skin be implanted in my scar? I presented the idea to every doctor, but each one told me it was impossible. They said scar tissue wouldn’t hold the colour and I’d be wasting my time. I had nothing to lose at that point, so I decided to test my theory.

“One night, I developed a pigment that matched my skin tone, looked in the mirror and implanted it over my scar. The results were remarkable! I kept practicing on myself and learned a lot about colour correcting along the way. And although perfecting the procedure took a while, the results kept getting better and better each time I tried. Eventually, I got to a point where I was very confident in not only how my scar appeared, but also how to perform the procedure itself. That gave way to the opening of my first clinic.”

Had you been in school for medical aesthetics and planning to go down that path already?

“I am an entrepreneur at heart. I’ve always loved to create and bring new ideas to life. After I saw the results of the Scar Camouflage treatment on myself, I knew I wanted to use it to help others who, like me, struggled with scars and their skin. I opened my first clinic in Toronto and once the demand grew internationally, I opened my second location in Beverly Hills.

“Although I had studied Medical Aesthetics prior to opening the clinics, the best training I’ve had is from my life experience. Because of my accident, I had to learn so much about skin and how to treat it. Also, a procedure like the one I developed never existed, so being able to work on myself and study the results each step of the way was very beneficial.”

You work with a lot of celebrities at your clinic. How did that happen?

“I was really fortunate that my story went viral. I was featured on CNN, Vogue, Cosmo, CBC, The Doctors and more. It was crazy! From that point on, word quickly spread about the effectiveness of the procedure I’d developed. I noticed a lot more high-profile clients coming in after all the media attention and of course, opening a clinic in Beverly Hills just made the procedure much more accessible to them.”

 

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What was the process of developing the Basma Beauty foundation stick like?

“It took over three years to develop The Foundation Stick for Basma Beauty. It truly was a labour of love. We developed the formula from scratch because I had a very specific vision: I wanted the formula to be ultra-hydrating and easy to apply, like a tinted moisturizer, but have buildable coverage to match a liquid foundation. It took 15 iterations over the span of one year to get the formula just right. I’d use my skin as the baseline — if I couldn’t wear it myself, we’d go back to the drawing board.

“Once we created the formula itself, the real challenge started: developing custom shades. From the onset of this project, we were committed to having 40 shades. I always felt like there was a gap in the shades available for foundation formats other than liquid foundations — whether it’s pressed powder, stick foundations or tinted moisturizers. We are proud to be one of the few stick foundations on the market that offer 40 shades! This shade development process took another year.

“And then just as we were about to start production, the pandemic hit. We were essentially at a standstill. This was a really tough time because we were so close to the finish line but had to stop everything. In hindsight, it taught us the importance of being able to adapt to whatever circumstance or scenario is in front of us. The pandemic not only changed the role beauty and makeup played in the people’s daily lives, but also how we shop. We used that time to bolster our website and focus on developing features and content aimed at helping people buy foundation online — without ever trying on the makeup. Being flexible in how we operate is a fundamental part of how I now conduct business.”

What has your personal experience with using makeup to empower yourself vs. using makeup to hide been like?

“I am a firm believer that you should do what makes you happy — period. We’re all different and makeup is extremely personal. So I guess the question is: Why does it matter how or why one chooses to wear it?

“I remember wearing a full face of makeup to school everyday and getting asked why I wear so much makeup. Whether or not it came from a place of genuine curiosity, there were always judgemental undertones. From the outside, people just saw the makeup itself. But what they didn’t see was the emotional and physical pain stemming from my scar. It’s really hard to know where someone else is coming from, and to know their traumas or their insecurities. That’s why I think it’s irrelevant if I — or anyone else — wears makeup to hide or empower.

“My experience has taught me the importance of being unapologetically true to yourself. And that’s what this brand is all about. It doesn’t matter how much or how little makeup you wear. Beauty on your own terms!”

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Paris Jewellers Launched a New Collection With Proceeds Going to Fight Anti-Asian Racism

As director of operations at Paris Jewellers, Chau Lui — who co-owns the Edmonton-based company along with her sister, Trang — has quite a legacy to maintain. The duo’s parents, who moved with their young children from Vietnam to Canada, founded the business after training as goldsmiths once they had arrived in their new home country. Honouring this endeavour, as well as their ancestry, has motivated the sisters to launch The Asian Heritage Hope collection, a new set comprised of stud earrings and a pendant necklace that both boast a rose quartz detail. In an effort to address and quell a surge in anti-Asian racism in the past year, 100 percent of net proceeds from sales of the set will go to the Canada-based Asian Solidarity Fund and Stop AAPI Hate, an American non-profit.

“I saw so much hard work growing up,” Lui says of what inspired the collection and its initiative, and she adds that her mother would communicate with customers via a Vietnamese-English dictionary once the first Paris Jewellers store opened in St. Albert, Alberta. Yet despite the accomplishment of launching and growing a small business (which now has 23 stores in four provinces) — and the realized ambition of “building a better life and future,” as Lui says about her parents — the family has had their experience demeaned by incidents of racism they’ve continually encountered while in Canada. It’s an issue, she points out, that’s been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Growing the business, we’d hear that our brand has to be more ‘Canadian,’” she recalls. “And around a year ago, we started getting messages saying, ‘Please don’t use the Canadian flag. You’re not a Canadian company.’ We felt really discouraged. These are things I try to forget, but I’ve learned through the power of being honest and vulnerable and sharing our story, we can make a difference.”

 

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Until recently, you wouldn’t find photos of Lui and her sister in any marketing materials produced for Paris Jewellers. “It felt like for every person that celebrates [our background], there’s another person who says, ‘Don’t say you’re a Canadian company if your owners aren’t from here.’” But Lui goes on to say that she and her family have made a commitment to sharing their story in order to inspire and uplift. “We have this company and this platform — how do we use it to do good? I want to set an example for my own kids.”

This is one of the reasons behind the creation of the Asian Heritage Hope collection and devising its give-back element; the pieces were introduced today in honour of May being Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month here in Canada, as well as to recognize the birthday of Chau and Trang’s mother, Thu. And the petite pieces are enriched with symbolism, Lui notes. “Rose quartz is one of my favourite stones; it’s known as [a symbol] of universal love and deep inner healing. And we used a hexagon [because] all sides and internal angles are equal. I choose to believe that’s how people should be treated regardless of their shape, their size, their race.”

While this offering honours the fortitude Thu demonstrated to her daughters throughout her life, this isn’t the first time Paris Jewellers has honoured this notion through design. Last year, the brand launched the Resilience collection, which was created to recognize the sacrifices and tenacity possessed by front-line and essential workers of all walks. “We’re so inspired by them,” Lui says. The collection highlights the 2020 Pantone Colours of the Year, yellow and grey, and is composed of artful items rendered with citrine and grey moonstone accents; a portion of proceeds from sales from this collection are donated to The Frontline Fund.

“We want people, when they put these pieces on, to remember their own strength,” Lui says, adding that working on the aforementioned collections was a “life-saver throughout this past year. They gave me hope.”

Photography courtesy of Paris Jewellers

Paris Jewellers has responded to other issues instigated by the pandemic, including extending financing options for customers who are encountering difficulty after losing a job. “The world has changed, so we have to change and adapt as well,” Lui notes.

One thing she’s noticed that hasn’t changed, but rather evolved, is what jewellery fans are gravitating towards buying these days, including pieces done in yellow gold rather than rose gold (which has captivated customers for several years). And she’s enthused by the notion that once we emerge from the COVID-19 crisis, “people will be super comfortable being bold,” mixing it up and making a statement with their way of dressing. Style is a way of communicating emotion, after all.

And that’s precisely why Lui and her family have taken the approach they have to running their business and being so mindful of the meaning behind their work; she highlights how jewellery, if even purchased for one’s self, is a celebration of some kind. “Jewellery is an emotional buy,” she says. “People have to connect with it.” They have to maintain it, too, and the brand offers a range of care plans for customers to keep their precious pieces clean and in good repair. “We believe jewellery represents a special milestone,” Lui says. “You may have it for your entire life and pass it down for generations to come.”

In this way, the creations found at Paris Jewellers embody the matter of importance at hand with the launch of the Asian Heritage Hope pieces; that history and the future have a through line that must be tended to in order to thrive.

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Good Light Founder David Yi on the Difference Between K-Beauty Appreciation and Fetishization

Multi-talented journalist, brand founder and author David Yi is a beauty industry powerhouse. With over a decade of experience under his belt in the New York media space (where he’s written for publications like WWD and Mashable), Yi launched his own inclusive beauty site, Very Good Light, in 2016. His latest ventures include a new genderless skincare brand called Good Light and an upcoming book called Pretty Boys (to be released June 22).

Kicking off our series of brand founder interviews for Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we caught up with Yi to chat all things beauty, including why he’s launched not one but two inclusive beauty brands, and how consumers can appreciate Korean beauty without fetishizing cultural practices and rituals.

How did you make the transition from journalism to product development?

“I’ve been a journalist for over a decade, mostly in the fashion and beauty space, working for places like the New York Daily News, WWD and Mashable. Along the journey, I felt the beauty space was so gendered. For instance, why are beauty aisles so separated by the gender binary when there are, and have always been, more expressions of gender than just male or female? It also felt so alienating walking down both aisles knowing that neither catered to someone like me — a consumer who shaves but also likes to beat their face once in a while. One section is hyperfeminine while the other is hypermasculine, but I don’t think most consumers identify by either. It made me think there was room for more gender inclusivity and for the beauty industry to truly be a space for all.”

How did you first get into journalism?

“I started in high school at my school’s newspaper, The Lever. I always wrote about Asian American issues or centred my experience around being Korean American, which didn’t go down well with my editors. I remember one white woman editor telling me that they could no longer publish stories on Asians because they didn’t want to be labeled an ‘Asian newspaper.’ The xenophobia is real, folx. It made me realize that this person didn’t see Asians as Americans — and I had to fight for every single one of my stories to be published. It was an uphill battle but I’m so grateful for these experiences that truly prepared me for the hardcore journalism world in New York City.”

The democratization of beauty is a major pillar of your brands. Can you tell me why that’s important to you?

“I grew up in Colorado Springs as one of the only Asian Americans in a predominantly white city. I’ve always felt othered and as if I didn’t belong. There was also this notion that I wasn’t beautiful because of my almond eyes, my jet black hair, or my golden skin tone. Because I faced racism early on, it was essential for me to become an advocate and activist at a young age — to fight for others as well as for my own people. This early experience allowed me to feel a great sense of empathy towards others, and is the main reason I became a journalist. I wanted to tell stories from all perspectives and uplift others’ stories and their voices so they feel empowered.”

What has it been like launching a brand during the pandemic?

“It’s both rewarding and challenging. I was also simultaneously working on my first book, Pretty Boys, which is non-fiction and a deep dive into the history of men, masc-identifying folx and their relationship with beauty and power. I also worked on our campaign, BIDEN Beauty, which was instantly viral and raised funds for the DNC. I was so busy and distracted with productivity that I coped with my pain and anguish through suppressing it. I’m now decompressing, reflecting and also uplifting during this time. And healing — I’m definitely trying to heal.”

You’ve said before you never felt represented in the beauty community because you liked sheet masks and makeup, but also facial hair grooming etc. Can you elaborate on that and how Good Light addresses that duality?

“Good Light is a beauty brand that’s all about unleashing your own good light from within. First and foremost, it’s about self-actualization and love, self-worth and owning your beauty. If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, be that beholder. Only you can set the tone when it comes to power and agency. I hope that Good Light can continue being a safe space to explore who you are, your identity and your power. And we want to create products for all, no matter your gender identity, race, size, skin tone, skin texture, sexuality.”

What has it been like to witness so many Korean beauty rituals and practices become a part of North American beauty? Does it bother you to hear these practices be called “trends”?

“It bothered me when I was younger that Americans would discover other cultures and label them ‘trends’ as if we were discoveries for them to uncover. In reality, we’ve always been here. We’ve always thrived. We’ve always been beautiful; it’s just that others were slow to recognize centuries of our rich ancestry. While I am all about sharing cultures, I am not for fetishization or objectifying anyone based on their race or background. I love that K-beauty is democratized for all — it’s because Korean technology is the world’s best. But I am also for appreciating cultures as well. Appreciate Korean cultures, stand with Koreans, and be an ally to us. As much as you love our beauty [rituals], you better love our people, too.”

If Good Light was around when you were growing up in Colorado Springs, how would it have changed your approach to beauty? What would a brand like this have meant to you?

“It would have been so transformative. It would have been everything. To feel like seen, heard and validated would have meant the world. Representation matters — and I still cling onto Very Good Light and Good Light selfishly in times when I, too, need community.”

Growing up, what was your relationship to beauty like?

“I grew up with a Korean mother and father who both emphasized beauty products. My father would groom himself by slathering his pores with essences, toners and creams. My mother would do the same, inculcating to a young, impressionable me how important sunscreen is. I didn’t know this at the time but now after reflection, I understand how that was their way of coping against American racism and surviving through hardships. With every drench of their pores, they were practicing self-love. Five minutes every morning and night was a routine just for them, where they could quiet the world and be conscious, present and in the moment.”

What are your goals Good Light?

“My goals for Good Light are to continuing championing diversity, inclusivity and understanding that we have so much work to do! I’m rolling up my sleeves daily and seeing how I can help.”

What do you want the brand to say to people who feel like they don’t belong?

“I hope that Good Light portrays beauty beyond the binary. There’s so much power and beauty out there. We — collectively, all of us — are worthy and I hope this beauty brand shows that yes, a brand can give a damn!”

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The 2021 Met Gala Has Some Very Gen-Z Co-Chairs

This article was originally published on April 13. 

Fashion’s biggest night had to be cancelled last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the 2021 Met Gala is back. And while the show must go on, the star-studded fundraising event will look a bit different than it has in previous years.

Here’s what we know about the 2021 Met Gala so far.

When is the 2021 Met Gala?

Traditionally, the Met Gala is held on the first Monday in May at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. That’s not the case in 2021, however. Instead, the event will be held in two parts: A smaller, more intimate ceremony will take place on September 13, coinciding with New York Fashion Week, which will hopefully also be able to occur live (instead of completely virtually, as it has in recent seasons) in some capacity. This is all TBD based on evolving public health guidelines.

The 2021 event will be followed up with the 2022 gala returning to its usual first Monday in May spot on the calendar (in this case, May 2, 2022). The two events will be linked thematically.

What’s this about a 2021 Met Gala theme?

Every year, the Met ball helps launch a new exhibition at the museum’s Costume Institute, which determines the dress code for the event. (A notable example, for instance, was 2019’s “Camp: Notes on Fashion.”) The 2021 Met Gala takes its theme from “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,” a new exhibit that will open in the Anna Wintour Costume Center in September. According to a press release, the display will be built around a fictional American house and will feature 20th and 21st century fashion pieces that “reflect the customs and behaviors of the imagined occupants.” Part one is also meant to celebrate the Costume Institute’s 75th anniversary and will “explore a modern vocabulary of American fashion.”

The second exhibition, which will open in May 2022, is called “In America: An Anthology of Fashion,” and will offer a more historic look dating back to 1670. Both shows will run at the Met until September 2022.

“I think that the emphasis on conscious creativity was really consolidated during the pandemic and the social justice movements,” Andrew Bolton, the curator in charge of the Costume Institute, told Vogue about settling on the theme. “And I’ve been really impressed by American designers’ responses to the social and political climate, particularly around issues of body inclusivity and gender fluidity, and I’m just finding their work very, very self-reflective. I really do believe that American fashion is undergoing a Renaissance. I think young designers in particular are at the vanguard of discussions about diversity and inclusion, as well as sustainability and transparency, much more so than their European counterparts, maybe with the exception of the English designers.”

Of course, how the celebs in attendance will interpret these themes for their elaborate outfits is yet to be seen — but that’s all the fun of the Met Gala.

Who will be at the 2021 Met Gala?

As of right now, we don’t actually know who will be in attendance at the small September 2021 event. Of course, we can count on Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour to be there as she’s been the long-time chair of the event (and handpicks the guests herself). Wintour also usually asks a few celebs to help co-host the evening every year, though the lucky few have yet to be confirmed yet. We can hopefully expect an official announcement soon, however, according to the New York Times, Tom Ford and poet/activist/recent Vogue cover star Amanda Gorman are rumoured to scored the gig at the September gala.

Who are the 2021 Met Gala co-chairs?

 

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This is an exciting one — Vogue announced on May 3 that actor Timothée Chalamet, newly minted British Vogue cover star Billie Eilish, tennis dynamo Naomi Osaka, and poet (and recent Vogue cover model) Amanda Gorman will serve as the gala’s co-chairs, while designer Tom Ford, head of Instagram Adam Mosseri, and global editorial director of Vogue Anna Wintour will be the evening’s honorary chairs. “Each of the Met’s four co-hosts embodies the defining factor of American style: individualism,” writes the publication. The 2019 Met Gala was co-chaired by Anna Wintour, Serena Williams, Lady Gaga, Harry Styles, and Gucci’s Alessandro Michele.

What is the 2021 Met Gala dress code?

The dress code on the Met Gala invitations is reportedly “American Independence.” Vogue elaborates: “For a gala that’s known for its timely dress codes, ‘American Independence’ feels particularly meaningful. After an isolating and challenging year, we are celebrating a newfound sense of freedom: to gather, to travel, and to get utterly dressed to the nines—or better yet, into the double digits.” We can’t wait to see how the guests interpret the dress code on the Met Gala red carpet!

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The Fallout From Suzanne Rogers’ Photo With Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago

On the morning of Saturday, May 1, Suzanne Rogers posted an Instagram Story posing with former U.S. President Donald Trump at his private club, Mar-a-Lago, in Palm Beach, Fla. Given that Rogers has positioned herself as the fairy godmother of Canadian fashion, members of that community reacted immediately with condemnations, citing Trump’s lack of support for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ people. In 2016, a $1 million donation from The Suzanne and Edward Rogers Foundation established the Suzanne Rogers Fashion Institute at Ryerson University to support emerging designers. Last November, the Foundation provided another gift of $1 million to the SRFI. But Rogers’ post seems to have trumped, so to speak, her previous financial goodwill.

Here is what we know so far:

A since-deleted Instagram Story from Rogers’ evening at Mar-a-Lago. Photography via Instagram.com/suzannerogerstoronto.

Suzanne Rogers, her husband Edward and two sons dined at Mar-a-Lago on Friday and posed for a photo with Trump at the end of the evening. Rogers posted the photo with the caption, “A Special Way to End the Night!” By midday Saturday, after outrage began circulating online, Rogers took down the post.

Toronto designer Michael Zoffranieri was one of the first to express his dismay on social media, by reposting Rogers’ post, adding the caption, “Will Canadian fashion accept this?”

A screen capture of the since-deleted Instagram post first shared by @ryersonfashion. Photography via Instagram.com/ryersonfashion.

Phones began buzzing all over the city with members of the fashion community voicing their disapproval on social media and encouraging others to do the same. The Ryerson School of Fashion also posted a statement inviting “Suzanne Rogers to enter into a dialogue with our faculty, staff and students to discuss the impact that Trump and his community has had on further harming members of the fashion industry who are low income, Black, brown, Asian, disable, Indigenous, trans, queer, and/or part of other systemically marginalized communities.”

The post was later removed and replaced with a message from Ryerson University which includes the following: “We do not believe social media is the appropriate platform to judge the actions of others.” It also goes on to say, “We will be respectful of differing viewpoints,” which does little to quell the ire, especially among those associated with the Ryerson School of Fashion.

An Instagram Story shared by Ben Barry. Photography via Instagram.com/bendrakbarry.

Ben Barry, the Ryerson School of Fashion’s Chair and Associate Professor of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, shot back on Instagram Stories with a message that the Ryerson University statement “are Ryerson’s words not mine or our school,” referring to the School of Fashion.

Various observers begin questioning the integrity of Ryerson University, and whether they are motivated by the Rogers family’s deep financial contributions to the school, including the Ted Rogers School of Management.

Members of the SRFI Advisory Board begin resigning, including Hudson’s Bay Vice-President and Fashion Director Tyler Franch and communications consultant Lisa Tant.

Where things stand regarading the Suzanne Rogers Donald Trump backlash as of Sunday afternoon:

 

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A post shared by Anjli Patel (@anjlitoronto)

Toronto lawyer Anjli Patel, who teaches a fashion law course at Ryerson, writes a three-part letter to Mohamed Lachemi, president of Ryerson University, and posts it on her Instagram account, @anglitoronto. It notes that the School of Fashion’s guiding principles are inclusion, decolonization and sustainability. She encourages others to write to the head of the school as well.

The post The Fallout From Suzanne Rogers’ Photo With Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

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Knix Introduces Leak-Proof Swimwear + More Fashion News to Know

Sunnier days are ahead, folks. And in addition to new leak-proof swimwear styles from Knix, you can look forward to scooping up sneakers from eBay more confidently thanks to its upcoming Authenticity Program launch. Read on for all the fashion news you need-to-know…

Knix just introduced its broadest swimwear collection to-date — and it includes leak-proof features

Photography courtesy of Knix

Coming in hot with 18 different styles, the 2021 swimwear assortment from Knix includes an array of important details including fade-, chlorine- and salt water-resistance and UPF 50+ protection. Several looks also boast leak-proof technology — a win for those who want to hit the water without hesitation. Sizes range from small to XXXL+ and come in printed and solid pieces, proving that variety is indeed the spice of life.

Obakki launches an organic cotton Essentials collection that has a sweet charitable component

Photography courtesy of Obakki

On May 3, Vancouver-based lifestyle brand Obakki introduces its new Essentials collection, comprised of t-shirts, tank tops and sweatshirts that are made from landfill and pesticide-free organic cotton. And for one week after the launch, the label will donate 100 percent of net profits towards the Obakki Foundation Basic Needs Kits; the kits support women in Bidi Bidi, Uganda — the largest women’s refugee settlement in the world — by supplying them with much-needed items like reusable menstrual pads, laundry detergent and everyday sundries like soap and dental care items.

“This tumultuous year has led us all to re-think the things that are truly essential to us,” Obakki founder Treana Peake said in a statement about the launch. “We wanted to create basic wardrobe staples that are comfortable and versatile, and that you can feel good about wearing every day. All of our basics are created consciously with a low carbon footprint, and made using 100% organic ingredients.” To celebrate the collection, the brand has photographed its pieces on women living in Bidi Bidi, as well as Vancouver locals like model and activist Krow Kian.

eBay Canada begins a sneaker Authenticity Program in May

Photography courtesy of eBay

Did you know that eBay’s domestic sneaker sales grew a staggering 325 percent last year? That’s a lot of kicks. And whether you’re a sneakerhead or just starting to get serious about collecting, the platform’s soon-to-launch Authenticity Guarantee is a game-changer in terms of snapping up sneakers priced at $100 (or more) with confidence. The Program includes the opening of an authentication centre in Toronto that’s dedicated only to sneakers, and covers covetable brands from Nike to Yeezy — all vetted and verified by an independent team of experts.

Frank And Oak will offer intimates starting next week

Photography courtesy of Frank And Oak

If this past year has taught us anything, it’s that comfort is key to living well. So, Montreal-based label Frank And Oak is launching an intimates collection on May 4. Three underwear styles and two bralettes are found in the mix, which is made from a combo of certified organic cotton and spandex. Breathe easy and stretch it out, friends.

Looking for more fashion news?

Prabal Gurung’s decor collection for Etsy is available now

The finalists for this year’s LVMH Prize have been announced

Here’s what to know about Christian Allaire’s new book, The Power of Style

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Charlotte Tilbury Launches New Love-Themed Collection + More Beauty News This Week

Emma Chamberlain is named Mane Addicts’ new “Mane Muse”

 

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Gen Z fave Emma Chamberlain was named Mane Addicts’ newest “Mane Muse.” The online hairstyling publication, which was created by celeb hairstylist and Ouai founder Jen Atkin, taps “celebrities and influencers that are standouts and trailblazers in the Gen-Z community,” so multi-hyphenate Chamberlain makes perfect sense as the brand’s first muse of 2021. (Previous title holders include Zendaya, Yara Shahidi and Addison Rae.) Chamberlain’s muse status comes with a fun photo shoot that features the YouTube star in a glam, early 2000s-inspired look (beaded choker included).

Vitruvi launches its most complex oil blends yet

 

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Canadian essential oil brand Vitruvi just launched two dreamy new blends inspired by spring that will definitely have your diffuser working overtime. Moonbeam, which is designed to expand your mind, features top notes of wild orange, jasmine and rose and a bottom note of ho wood to evoke a garden right after it rains. Sweet Water, on the other hand, is reminiscent of a sunny park picnic thanks to citrusy top notes of grapefruit and palmarosa and warm bottom notes of cinnamon and caraway.

Charlotte Tilbury launches the Look of Love collection

 

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A post shared by Charlotte Tilbury, MBE (@ctilburymakeup)

Calling all lovers of love: Charlotte Tilbury has the collection for you. The luxe brand’s much anticipated new line, Look of Love, launched online this week with a range of appealing new products. There are two new palettes (one in a pretty rose and one in a glowing bronze-gold), four soft and delicate lipsticks — including three hydrating matte shades and a peachy nude that will have fans of the cult-fave Pillow Talk swooning — housed in chic rose gold refillable packaging, and six shades of ultra moisturizing lip and cheek tints. Wear them for a boost of romance on your wedding day, or whenever the mood strikes.

Neal’s Yard launches Frankincense Intense Hydrating Essence

Neal’s Yard Frankincense Intense Hydrating Essence, $79 at nealsyardremedies.ca

Made with purified pomegranate extract, plumping sodium hyaluronate, argan oil and frankincense essential oil, the new essence by Neal’s Yard encourages the natural flow of water in the skin and actually binds moisture to your skin, helping to retain hydration and keep your complexion looking plump. Our favourite part? The soothing aroma of frankincense that makes it nearly impossible not to feel zen after doing your full skincare routine.

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