Paris Fashion Week: ALIANNA LIU Runway Show Spring Summer 2020 Collection

The designer’s cats inspired Alianna Liu’s SS2020 collection. This time, she explains to the world by using her way of inspiration. The silhouette is the key between the collection and the female body. It has given the audience the sensation to represent a confident and independent woman image, as the brand identity described. By combining luxurious soft fabric with a touch of transparency, this collection is trying to bring out the natural beauty of modern femininity, a certain softness, and grace, or an ambitious and inspirational figure.

Recognizing the emotional impact that the right colors can have in design work, the color was enriched by the intensity of rainbow senses, leading to a more balanced and vibrant feeling. The embroidery technique and hand drew prints connected directly to the personal aspect of the collection. The ruffles are everywhere, communicate a romantic attitude that highlighted each attire.

Every piece from the SS 2020 collection is designed particularly to stand out from the crowd. The shapes of the pieces perfect for striking a look that people will notice and appreciate. Each detail gives the audiences for femininity sophistication, elevating them to the status of luxury fashion, that is a belief from the brand designer.

 

Neutrogena® Launches New Bright Boost Collection to Address a Leading Skin Issue for Millennial Women: Dull, Uneven Skin

According to a recent Neutrogena® survey* conducted online by The Harris Poll among over 1,100 U.S. women age 18+, nearly twothirds (66%) of U.S. millennial women age 23-38, have noticed a shift in their skin’s brightness. Neutrogena, the #1 dermatologist-recommended skincare brand, announced today the launch of a new collection, Neutrogena Bright Boost™, to help women fight dull skin.

Neutrogena has cultivated a skin-first approach to science and innovation, which is based on technological advances, expert research and most importantly a deep understanding of women. This approach includes addressing the concerns of millennials seeking new options for bright and radiant skin.

“We uncovered that the majority of millennial women (84%) believe that healthy skin is glowing skin, and nearly 4 in 5 (78%) wish there were more products on the market that gently exfoliate skin,” said Kerry Sullivan, Vice President of Neutrogena, U.S. Skin Health at Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. “The Bright Boost line is the perfect opportunity to deliver on this unmet need. We tapped into our global network of the brightest young female scientists at Neutrogena to develop a breakthrough solution, leveraging the power of resurfacing ingredients like Neoglucosamine® technology to boost the skin’s natural renewal process. The result is our powerhouse new offering for brighter, more even skin tone.”

Anna Rose, Carine Hardy, Anna Trondoli and Diyana Sudarsono, four Neutrogena talented millennial scientists paired their firsthand personal skincare experiences with their scientific expertise to develop the four-part collection for brighter skin.

Anna Rose, Principal Scientist, R&D Skin Health, Johnson & Johnson, explains, “We as women know what women need, so we designed these products with those needs in mind. To counteract the ‘skin sins’ of our 20s, like late nights, lack of proper sunscreen use, poor food choices and even dehydration, we needed to look beyond simple formulations.”

After rounds of prototyping each formula, communicating across different time zones, and coming together for two weeks in the lab, the team of millennial scientists brought Bright Boost to life. The scientists merged Johnson & Johnson research with premium ingredients known to resurface and retexturize to develop a line that would deliver radiant, healthylooking skin.

NEW Neutrogena Bright Boost™

The new Bright Boost collection is made up of four key products including A Resurfacing Micro Polish, an Illuminating Serum, a Gel Cream, and a Facial Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 30. The Neutrogena Bright Boost daily regimen can reveal brighter, wide-awake skin in just one week.

Three of the products are powered by Neoglucosamine technology, a gentle, non-acid amino sugar exfoliant. It helps boost surface cell turnover, which slows over time, and works in harmony with other powerful skin-brightening ingredients, resulting in brighter, more evenlooking skin. This multi-tasking collection also features other efficacious ingredients such as Mandelic Acid and Glycolic Acid to brighten skin. Additionally, Neoglucosamine can help minimize the appearance of fine lines.

The collection is available now at mass merchandisers nationwide. Learn more about Neutrogena Bright Boost and our powerful skin brightener, Neoglucosamine by visiting www.neutrogena.com/bright-boost.

About Neutrogena®

Neutrogena®, #1 dermatologist recommended skincare brand, has brought groundbreaking skincare solutions to consumers for more than 60 years. Today the brand offers more than 650 products worldwide in the face, body, acne, sun protection, makeup, men’s care, and anti-wrinkle categories. By creating, innovating and rethinking what is possible, Neutrogena® products consistently deliver real results without compromises. www.neutrogena.com

Survey Method:

*This survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Neutrogena from September 5-9, 2019 among 1,107 U.S. women ages 18 and older, among whom 347 are Millennials ages 23-38. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables and subgroup sample sizes, please contact Tasia Langston / Laura Quinones.

© Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. 2019

Under $100 : The Perfect Comfy Jacket For Fall From Marstè Fashion

Fall is in the air and it’s officially transitioning into Sweater Weather.  We have the perfect high-quality hoodie and it’s flattering on all body types. The Seattle High-Lo Sweater by size-inclusive brand Marstè is the perfect fall staple, comes in 4 beautiful colors, and is available for under $100 on MarsteFashion.com (Retail Price: $90)

 

This cowl neck jacket makes a sophisticated top layer for an ultimate chic look. It comes in Marstè’s 4 signature colors: Mystique (Black), Mystique (Deep Teal), Bloom (Blush Lavender), and Flourish (Olive Green)
This sweater is available in Small, Medium, and Large and offers a flattering look for multiple figures, and consumers are able to shop with different models to see the look.

ESSENCE FULL CIRCLE FESTIVAL LAUNCHES IN SUPPORT OF CULTURAL OWNERSHIP AND ECONOMIC COLLABORATION IN AFRICA AND BUILDING BRIDGES BETWEEN AFRICANS ON THE CONTINENT AND IN THE DIASPORA

Essence Ventures, an independent Black-owned consumer technology company merging content, community, and commerce to meet the evolving cultural and lifestyle needs of people of color and the parent company of Essence Communications, Inc., today announced that it has partnered with Full Circle Festival, LLC to create the ESSENCE Full Circle Festival.  The ESSENCE Full Circle Festival partnership will focus on a three-part mission: (1) supporting cultural ownership and economic collaboration among Africans on the continent and people of African descent in the Diaspora; (2) connecting Black communities globally for the exchange of ideas and shared objectives that leads to cultural monetization and community reinvestment; and (3) facilitating the learning and discovery of the many facets of Africa’s beauty, excellence and opportunity globally.  In addition, the annual ESSENCE Full Circle Festival experience will focus on showcasing African nations increasingly as global destinations by highlighting their critical roles as ancestral, spiritual, cultural and commercial epicenters.

 

“As someone born and raised in West Africa and who has spent adulthood in the U.S., there is no greater joy than forging partnerships with a purpose rooted in the elevation and the promise of the people of the African continent and the Diaspora,” said Richelieu Dennis, founder, and chair of Essence Ventures.  “My family and I spent three decades building a global beauty business and business model that empower, among others, women Shea butter processors in Northern Ghana – women just like my grandmother.  We believe economic inclusion is a human right, and now with ESSENCE Full Circle Festival, our continued goal is to be catalysts and connectors for long-term economic empowerment, growth and cross-sector job creation in Black communities globally through increased engagement, innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment.”

 

The 2019 ESSENCE Full Circle Festival will take place in Accra in December and complete the Year of Return commemoration – marking 400 years since the first slave ships left Ghanaian coasts for the transatlantic slave trade.  This specially-curated, week-long immersion will enable engagement between U.S.-based cultural influencers and business executives with Ghanaian and regional leaders and communities, including explorations of history, cuisine, music, fashion, beaches, nightlife, commerce and more.

 

“This partnership recognizes Ghana’s role as a beacon for people of African descent in this Year of Return,” said Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo.  “The Year of Return, Ghana 2019, is a conscious effort to cement our pan-African legacy.  Throughout the Year, the Tourism Authority has worked with several partner organizations to welcome home our brothers and sisters from the Diaspora.  The Essence Full Circle Festival is a welcome addition to the activities and will hopefully become one of the legacies of the year which celebrates African resilience.”

 

The inaugural Full Circle Festival also included the participation of President Akufo-Addo and took place in Accra on December 2018, led by Full Circle Festival, LLC partners Boris Kodjoe, Patrick Kodjoe, Bozoma Saint John – all of Ghanaian descent – and Nicole Ari Parker.  More than 120 invited guests including business executives, influencers, and celebrities from the United States traveled to Ghana for cultural engagement and ancestral reconnection, resulting in nearly 10,000 positive social media posts and half a billion media and social impressions, as well as an estimated economic impact of more than $70 million in tourism revenue.

 

The 2019 ESSENCE Full Circle Festival will include the first ESSENCE Global Black Economic Forum: Africa, which will convene entrepreneurs, executives, entertainers and government officials to discuss how new opportunities for economic development and cultural exchange can be created.  This inaugural international Global Black Economic Forum will explore topics including connectivity within the African diaspora, environment and sustainability, post-colonialism, contemporary racial dynamics, entertainment and fashion industry growth, and other themes via a series of panel discussions, keynotes, and interactive sessions.  A solution-driven dialogue will be at the core of this event, which will include ESSENCE Full Circle Festival guests as well as local and regional participants.

 

“In furthering our mission to serve Black women deeply across the globe, ESSENCE is honored to answer the call to ‘Return’ with the creation of the ESSENCE Full Circle Festival, beginning with Ghana and subsequently extending across the continent,” said Michelle Ebanks, CEO of Essence Communications, Inc.  “We are grateful to be able to use the power of our platforms and the influence of our networks to positively impact narratives about Africa, as well as positively impact the people of Africa and the Diaspora through cultural and economic exchange.  We are thrilled to celebrate the Year of Return and our African ancestry, culture, and achievement in the vibrant country of Ghana as we reconnect over our heritage, connect over new experiences and co-create viable opportunities for the future.”

 

To capture the diversity of images and narratives that truly reflect the country and culture, ESSENCE Full Circle Festival participants are encouraged to share their first-hand experiences via their social and digital platforms.  In addition, select events will be live-streamed for broader community participation, engagement, and input.  Lastly, with the goal to inspire, encourage and assist as many people of African descent to visit the continent as possible, ESSENCE Full Circle travel packages will become available to the public in 2020.

 

“It’s so important that as people of African descent, we see and feel the beauty of the continent and the majesty of our people for ourselves,” said Full Circle Festival, LLC co-founder Boris Kodjoe.  “There isn’t a more transformative and empowering experience than to honor the Year of Return and its 400-year history while in Ghana reconnecting with our cultural heritage, celebrating our ancestry and co-creating our future with our brothers and sisters on the continent.  I hope that our ESSENCE Full Circle Festival partnership will ultimately encourage more people to visit nations across Africa, as well as serve as an example of the impact that can be made when we join in the spirit of collective purpose and progress.”

 

About Essence Ventures

Essence Ventures is an independent Black-owned consumer technology company merging content, community, and commerce to meet the evolving cultural and lifestyle needs of people of color.  The company began in 2017 and is chaired by its founder – entrepreneur, investor and social impact innovator Richelieu Dennis.

 

About Essence Communications Inc. 

Essence Communications is the number one media company dedicated to Black women and inspires a global audience of almost 25 million through diverse storytelling and immersive original content.  With a multi-platform presence in publishing, experiential and online, ESSENCE encompasses its signature magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; as well as live events, including Black Women in MusicBlack Women in HollywoodStreet Style and the ESSENCE Festival.  Essence Communications is owned by Essence Ventures.

Creating The Perfect Wardrobe According To Your Lifestyle

The purpose of my Instagram account is to share affordable outfits for the everyday woman.  I am a firm believer that the way you dress communicates your mood, profession, and outlook on life.

Although I have my favorite designer brands, I believe that anyone can look fabulous at any price-point.  If you follow my page, then you already know I shop everywhere!  Thrifting is one of my favorite hobbies while I adore the beauty of visual displays at Saks Fifth Avenue.

One shopping tip that I always give is that fashionistas should create a wardrobe according to their lifestyle.  For example, a stay at home mom should have a variety of classic pieces while the workout diva could select on-trend Athleisure.

Some of my personal outfits are shared based on civic meetings, church service attendance, mom events, clients meetings, etc. Remember, when working with a personal stylist, it’s important to create the best lookbook or closet cleanout according to your individual interests.  For this to be done, you must discuss your weekly activities!

If you have style questions, feel free to email me at kim@stylelifefashion.com or schedule a Personal Style Session.

 

Blouse: New York & Company

 

Dress: Amazon

 

Blouse: Ann Taylor

 

Kimono: Amazon

 

Dress: Who What Wear Collection from Target

BETTY BOOP™ X IPSY Unveil Fun And Flirty Beauty Collaboration

IPSY, the largest beauty subscription in the world, in collaboration with King Features Syndicate, a division of Hearst, and Betty Boop proprietor Fleischer Studios, unveiled a line of Betty Boop inspired cosmetics and accessories today.  In supporting their mission of inspiring individuals around the world to express their unique beauty, IPSY has developed a limited edition line of fun and flirty products to be included in an upcoming subscription box featuring the always glamorous icon, Betty Boop.

The BETTY BOOP™ x IPSY Collection features a robust line of 13 Betty-approved items including:

  • Signature Betty red lipstick shades and finishes in matte Boop-Oop-A-Doop™ ($14), satin Mauve it, Baby ($14), satin Hotsy Totsy ($14) and shimmer All Jazzed Up ($14) shimmering lip glosses
  • Knock-out eyeshadow shades in That’s So Betty ($30) eyeshadow palette or single shadows in Flip Your Lid ($8) and Up Past Midnight ($8)
  • Bold liquid eyeliner in Drawn to You ($16) and daring mascara in Blink and Wink ($12) to complete a bold and fearless look
  • Dazzling nail polish in Little Red Dress ($8)

“Betty Boop is a timeless beauty and fashion icon, and we are so excited by the collection with IPSY, a brand that is all about confidence and being bold – just like Betty,” said Carla Silva, VP, and GM, Global Head of Licensing for King Features. “We are thrilled by this latest collaboration and bringing Betty’s signature look and feel to new beauty consumers.”

“Betty Boop is one of those iconic female figures that spans multiple generations,” said Jenna Habayeb, IPSY’s Chief Brand Officer. “She translates so naturally into beauty, and we’re thrilled to bring this collection to our members.”

The BETTY BOOP™ x IPSY collection will be available in IPSY’s October Glam Bags and for purchase on IPSY.com from October 1 – 31 or until the collection sells out.

About IPSY:
IPSY, the largest beauty subscription in the world, has more than 3 million active members and has shipped over 1 billion products. IPSY’s signature Glam Bags deliver personalized beauty products that fit each member’s lifestyle. Founded in 2011 with the mission of inspiring everyone to express their own unique beauty, IPSY strives to make beauty more inclusive and welcoming to all. With an avid community over 25 million strong, more than 160 million product reviews, and more than half a billion content views every month, IPSY has created the ultimate beauty discovery platform. Learn more at IPSY.com.

About King Features:
King Features, a member of the Hearst Entertainment & Syndication Group, is one of the largest and most experienced organizations in classic consumer product merchandising and licensing as well as the world’s premier distributor of comics, columns, puzzles and games to print and digital outlets worldwide. King represents some of the most recognizable iconic property franchises, including “Popeye,” “Betty Boop,” “Flash Gordon,” “The Phantom,” “Mandrake the Magician” and “Hägar the Horrible.” For more information, please visit www.KingFeatures.com/licensing.

About Betty Boop and Fleischer Studios:
First introduced in 1930, Betty Boop was created by Max Fleischer for his “Talkartoons” series, the first “talkies” of animation, which Max’s company, Fleischer Studios, produced for Paramount. Mae Questel provided Betty’s distinctive voice. By 1932 Betty, considered to be the first and only female animated screen star, had taken the country by storm. Betty starred in more than 100 cartoons, 90 of which are included in the official “Betty Boop” series, which ended in 1939. Since then, Betty has appeared in dozens of hit movies, television specials, and commercials. She was the first cartoon character to be profiled by A&E’s “Biography” series.

As the worldwide exclusive licensing agent for Betty Boop, King Features works closely with Fleischer Studios (www.fleischerstudios.com) to keep Betty entertaining millions of fans and collectors worldwide. Betty Boop‘s popularity today shines through her prevalence in pop culture. She is one of the most popular and successful licensed characters in entertainment history, with licensees in the United States and around the world that produce quality products bearing Betty’s likeness in virtually every category. Betty Boop will celebrate her 90th Anniversary in 2020 and her official website is www.bettyboop.com.

Breast Cancer Awareness Best Gift Ideas from CaringBridge Community

When you find out someone you love has cancer, you won’t always know exactly what to say or do to make their experience easier.

Giving a thoughtful gift is one of the many ways you can show support to a loved one going through cancer treatment.  For inspiration, we asked members of the CaringBridge community who have been touched by cancer to share the best gifts they’ve ever given or received.

1. Supply Meals

Offering meals is a gift-giving staple for a reason: it takes a huge burden off a patient. Finding the time to cook regularly is a challenge even for those with no health issues, let alone someone struggling with cancer.

2. Throw Them a Party

What makes someone’s mind off of things better than a party? When a loved one has cancer, it can feel difficult to get in the party mood, but it’s important to remember there are still so many positives to celebrate. Whether it be a birthday bash or anniversary party, your loved one shouldn’t have to miss out because of their illness.

3. Make a CaringBridge Site

CaringBridge is a personal health journal that lets you easily share your health journey with all your loved ones. Creating a site is a great way to help your loved one easily communicate and receive support, which makes it an awesome gift to give someone battling cancer.

Three Brands Giving Back This October for Breast Cancer Awareness

Did you know that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives? With Breast Cancer Awareness month coming up, it’s important to give back. During the month of October, The Better Skin Co.Belli Skincare and Sterling Forever jewelry will be donating proceeds they earn from the items to iGoPink.org.

iGoPink is a national non-profit focusing on educating, empowering and encouraging all men and women to become proactive in preventing breast cancer and, if diagnosed, surviving breast cancer. Through their free program services, iGoPink is able to educate, teach and provide the latest accurate information about integrated cancer care, cancer prevention, recovery, treatment, early detection, and survival.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

The Better Skin Co. is donating 100% of their October proceeds from the sale of Better Skin Super Shield Serum.

THE BETTER SKIN CO SUPER SHIELD ANTI-POLLUTION SERUM (TheBetterSkinCo.com, $38): Guard your skin against air AND computer pollution. The Better Skin Super Shield is a natural pollution defense system powered by White Horehound (herb) designed to fight visible and invisible pollution damage while creating a more youthful-looking, radiant skin. ▪ Naturally fortified with Turmeric, Eggplant, Aloe, Henna, and Pearl Powder ▪ Scented with aloe and Rose ▪ Assist in protecting against blue light (computer light pollution) ▪ Hydrates quickly for more supple skin and assists in renewing skin for a healthier glow Belli Skincare is donating 25% of their October proceeds from the sale of Pure Radiance Sunscreen SPF 30.

BELLI SKINCARE PURE RADIANCE SUNSCREEN SPF 30

Belli’s Pure Radiance Sunscreen SPF 30 ($24, belliskincare.com is clean, moisturizing shield protection and primer for your skin with a mineral-based formula, allowing it to be one of the healthiest sunscreen options you can choose. Think of the harmful rays of the sun like a beach ball being thrown at your skin over and over, with the protection of Belli’s Pure Radiance Sunscreen SPF 30 Broad Spectrum, it allows those rays to bounces right off your skin.

Sterling Forever is donating 25% of their October proceeds from the sale of their Pink Jewelry Collection.

Diner En Blanc Exclusive Event: Guide To The Official Dress Code

Diner En Blanc Birmingham is scheduled for Saturday, October 5, 2019.  Everyone’s excited about attending the event!  But, there’s one common question, “Kim, what should I wear?”

Featured Photo from Pinterest

One of the rules is that participants must wear all-white attire (not cream) and accessories.  This rule applies to both men and women. Items that are prohibited include T-shirts, colorful sports shoes, baseball caps, gym shorts.

To help guests prepare and plan their outfit choices, take a look at the three options below:

Lace Tailored Jumpsuit – ASOS
Eyelet Dress – Amazon
Off The Shoulder Crepe Dress – Macy’s

 

Local Retailers With All-White Attire:
  1. Saks Fifth Avenue
  2. Ann Taylor
  3. White House Black Market

Ladies, it’s suggested that you wear comfortable shoes while transporting items to the official location.  Also, Le Diner En Blanc attendee’s must participate whether it’s rain or shine.

Don’t forget to pack your chic umbrella or raincoat!

About Diner en Blanc International 

Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Dîner en Blanc International is responsible for developing this secret posh picnic in over80 cities in 30 countries around the world. Each event is headed by passionate local organizers who fell in love with the concept and wanted to bring it to their city, giving this rendezvous a local flair. For more infophotos and videos of Dîner en Blanc events from around the world, visit dinerenblanc.com.  

 

About the Hosts of Le Dîner en Blanc – Birmingham 

As the city’s only Destination Management Company (DMC), Destination Birmingham is the destination liaison for meeting planners and special event clients. We are logistic gurus and our passion is showcasing Greater Birmingham. We specialize in event production, meeting management, and tours. Our expertise is logistic solutions, venue selection, and itinerary planning. We apply our creativity to your vision and engage our community connections to produce a memorable event.

Cantu Beauty: Official Hair Sponsor of The LaQuan Smith Show for New York Fashion Week

Leading multicultural hair care brand, Cantu Beauty, is the official hair sponsor of The LaQuan Smith Show for SS20. Partnering with LaQuan and celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble, the brand worked with the team to create runway-ready natural hair looks.

Featured Photo from LaQuan Smith Instagram

Cantu is bringing their fans backstage to fashion’s biggest week with one of the industry’s top designers whose collections have been seen on the likes of Rihanna and Kylie Jenner. From the dressing room to the front row, the partnership will provide Cantu consumers an up-close and personal look and experience into the world of New York Fashion Week through LaQuan’s show on Cantu‘s digital properties. The partnership will also entail Kimble using Cantu‘s award-winning products such as Cantu Coconut Curling Cream, Cantu Curl Activator Cream, and Cantu Edge Stay Gel in styling the models’ hair for the show.

Cantu is excited to partner with such an amazing and unique talent as LaQuan in helping create beautifully textured hairstyles to complement his Spring-Summer collection,” said Cantu Beauty Global Marketing Director Dametria Mustin. “We love how edgy and real LaQuan is as a designer and believe this partnership connects perfectly with our Cantu audience – she wants real beauty and fashion. We can’t wait to see his bold and innovative take on hair.”

Over the years, Cantu has partnered with other designers such as Tracey Reese to bring a spotlight to natural hair on the runway during New York Fashion Week. On Sunday, September 8, brand fans expected to see Cantu correspondent and lifestyle influencer Kia Davidson, who goes by @TheNotoriousKia on Instagram, go behind-the-scenes with live moments and interviews with LaQuan, Kimble, the show’s key celebrity makeup artist Sir John and models while viewing the actual runway show. Viewers can anticipate seeing various curl types to body types, the collaboration between Cantu and LaQuan will celebrate every woman.

Consumers can learn more about The LaQuan Smith Show and Cantu‘s collaboration during New York Fashion Week SS20 by following the brand on Instagram at @cantubeauty.

Cantu products are made for all hair types – curly, coily, and wavy textures – and readily available at major retailers including Walmart, Target, Walgreens, Amazon and more.

About Cantu Beauty

It’s Cantu Beauty’s mission to celebrate you in all your glory. Whether you’re rocking coils, curls, waves, or straight tresses, Cantu designs products specifically with you and your hair’s versatility in mind. Cantu‘s collection of award-winning products is inspired by beautifully textured hair to help you achieve any look you desire. With one-of-a-kind formula, Cantu helps achieve everything from cutting-edge looks to classic styles.