Chris Pratt’s family depended on a food bank when he was growing up.
The ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ star has teamed up with Feeding America to spread awareness about poverty and food instability in the aftermath of the Coronavirus pandemic, and in doing so, also opened up her own experience with the need to depend on food banks. to eat.
Chris insists there is “no shame” in needing help with food, and encourages those who can help during the holiday season.
He said: “I grew up in a small town, we had 7,000 people in our city, and we were going through tough economic times, and we had a food bank nearby and I’m not ashamed to say that there were times when my family needed to. eat from the food bank. There’s nothing wrong – especially now with what we’re going through. There’s help out there, and you can find that help and get that help, and there’s nothing wrong with needing that help.
“And if you are a person who doesn’t need help, there is a great feeling of serving others. This is a great thing to do this holiday season.”
The 41-year-old actor also called for “de-stigmatizing” the food bank, because he said people often feel as if they can’t ask for help when they need it.
He added: “With the combination of this pandemic and the subsequent economic downturn, we are seeing food instability for families, things we haven’t seen in this country for a long time.
There is no denying that Italian fashion is simply amazing. From Pucci to Valentino, Fendi to Bottega Veneta, this boot-shaped country has acquired a strong heritage in luxury craftsmanship. Today, it is home to 82,000 active fashion businesses with over half a million employees. Last year, Italy’s fashion industry grew 3.5 percent, making it the country’s second-largest manufacturing sector. For fashion, made-in-Italy is synonymous with tradition and quality. But despite all the splendor of fashion, Italian fashion also has a dark side. Often, when the media cites examples of fashion houses incorporating centuries of racist imagery, one commonality is often overlooked: even though they are global megabrands (and many have formed strong diversity advisory boards), the most visible racist perpetrators in fashion are often Italians. .
As a black fashion journalist born in Italy, I have experienced it firsthand over the years, from childhood to adulthood. In my experience, it’s not always racism you see – but what you feel and hear, the microaggressions in the room where I am the only person of color. When I walked into a luxury shop in Venice, I used to be asked about my job, origins and finances. I write an article following the George Floyd murder, and shortly after publication, I received a number of questions from acquaintances based in Italy such as: “But when you have you experienced racism? “The first thing that comes to your mind? They know nothing, of course. My consciousness has not developed the way it is today, but looking back at the racist incident, I have no obligation to justify who I am (and still am). I spoke with African-American activist and writer Veronica Costanza Ward who, on the topic of racism in Italy, said that “we are still battling cultural discrimination in the country, which stems from the idea that black people are somehow not fully evolved beings”.
Fortunately, the first step towards a change on the Italian fashion circuit has been taken with the launch of Black Lives Matter Italy, with a manifesto created by a Haitian-born designer, based in Rome. Stella Jean, the only Black member of the Italian Fashion Chamber, which dismantled racism in the country and reformed the fashion system. Stella joined in Afro Fashion WeekFounder Michelle Ngomo (who created a platform for championing young black talent), a designer based in Milan Edward Buchanan, and Carlo Capasa, president National Chamber of Italian Fashion (CNMI), Italian fashion governing council. Stella and Edward started by writing a letter to CNMI asking if “Black life is important in Italian style.” The request was explicit: reform of the topic of racial taboos across the country’s substantial industries.
“During the latest fashion week, we are determined to remove the misconception that being Italian means being white,” Stella explained. We do this by displaying their names and faces [Black] Italy which is already part of the system, but never fully represented by it. Stella herself opted out of the Spring / Summer 2021 calendar, saying she could no longer stand by for racial incidents around the world during protests in her hometown, Rome, when the BLM protests hit in June. In fact, the designer’s presence can be felt with a week-long event, Black Lives Matter Italy, which takes place as a substitute for Afro Fashion Week, during Milan Fashion Week in September.
A protester at the Black Lives Matter protest in Milan. Photography: Alessandro Amico.
In Italy, engaging in honest conversation about race is wishful thinking. Yet in Milan, on 7 June 2020 large crowds gathered in front of the central station showing an unprecedented level of solidarity during the protests, which then took place in cities such as Rome and Turin. Stella shows that her fashion and media industries are at a crossroads. “A mental decolonization is needed,” he continued. “We must be very grateful for the encouragement that the United States has provided [with Floyd’s case]. I went to Rome Square and asked people to stop and look us in the eye for the first time. We ask Made in Italy not to hide behind excuses and justifications anymore, but to give its own voice and a real commitment to serve as part of the largest civil rights movement in history, with efforts to increase the inclusion of people of color in them.
labor. ”
Together with its founders, Stella elaborated Italian BLMSix-point cultural reform is based on the following principles: education, cultural appropriation, databases, checks and balances, self-regulation, and insensitive conversations. Through this, the aim is to undermine the most common justifications used by Italian fashion companies for the lack of diversity in the Italian workforce. His intention was not to attack, but to formally demand honest dialogue, which he felt was necessary to create solutions to problems that had been neglected for too long. The following brands were present at the “Do Black Lives Matter in Italian Fashion?” The event (BLMIF) on Tuesday, September 22, was hosted by Camera Nazionale della Moda: Armani, Zegna, Kering, Bottega Veneta, Etro, Gucci, Prada, Valentino, and Salvatore Ferragamo. Three brand representatives also spoke at the event: Gucci (Antoine Philipps), Kering (Nicolo Moschino), Ferragamo (Linda Rosellini).
Part of the solution is the promotion of non-white Italian designers. Michelle Ngomo brought five designers forward during Milan Fashion Week, saying she felt “compelled” to give responsibility to young people of color in Italy, because their skills are, as she puts it, “very important and must be fought for”. The choice group consists of Claudia Gisèle Ntsama, Fabiola Manirakiza, Macodou case, Joy Ijeoma Meribe, and Karim Daoudi, who each presented their Spring Summer 2021 collections via digital exhibits.
A look from Claudia Gisèle Ntsama’s SS21 collection for Gisfab
As tasteful reverence for Afro-Black culture has spread around the world (be it Afro-beats, the popularization of Nollywood in mainstream culture, or European designers inspired by tribal references), this next generation of talent waves revere with great power and sensitivity. design. Their lines are vibrant and engaging, and their multicultural influence and talent for innovation are thrilling, following the topic of identity and heritage while doing an excellent job at it. Based in Italy (albeit with a culture that crosses any continent) this label avoids the predictable cliches associated with African style. Looking to celebrate their homeland, the bright palette shows in all of their obvious glory, taking on the exquisite Black tradition.
Claudia Gisèle Ntsama, originally from Cameroon and founder of the Gisfab label, believes Italian Black Lives Matter has become an integral part of its recent progress. Founded in 2016, Gisfab is inspired by contemporary art and Japanese references with a modern twist on volume (think the explosion of sculptural ruches) and sustainable hemp textiles. “This is an important starting point for paving the way to better social integration,” he said of the platform he is part of, adding that the Italian system can thrive from globalization. “Letting new designers from around the world get in touch with Italian companies can make a big difference.”
Two displays from the Macodou Fall collection for Mokodu.
Senegalese artist Macodou Fall, founder of Mokodu (whose debut focused on Renaissance African figures), agrees that a few years ago, this conversation was taboo because Italians tended to reject racism in Italy and its population tended to resist. act like it only exists in other countries. After meeting Michelle in 2017, she presented her “Jardin de L’amour” collection the following year, before officially launching her fashion brand this year. The collection he shows at MFW SS21 combines the worlds of art, photography and research that he delved into during the lockdown.
“It’s not easy,” says Nigerian-born designer Joy Ijeoma Meribe, who combines print and texture with her Modaf Design label. She spoke candidly about the hardships she faced as a black designer in Italy. “Despite limited financial concerns as not only an independent designer, but also a black independent designer, it was very difficult to convince the Italian fashion world that I was just as good.”
Modaf Designs SS21, designed by Joy Ijeoma Meribe.
Meanwhile, Burundian Fabiola Manikariza, founder of the Made-in-Italy label Frida Kiza, now living in the Marche region, came to Italy after her parents were murdered in Burundi in 1972. Founding her label in 2016, she won against all odds. and managed to establish its brand. An Italian lover, despite experiencing racism, he claims he is “adapted” to cope with the heaviest burdens. “I had to fight twice because of my skin color, but like I said, I’m used to challenges,” he said. “Diversity is an important value, but Italy must learn how to welcome rich cultures to drive real change to its system.”
The strength of these designers lies in their tenacity, dexterity and unrelenting determination, which, if the Italian system can recognize progress, can lead to long-term progress. Thanks to Italy’s BLM, the country now has the opportunity to recognize the Black fashion talent in its midst. This offers a glimmer of hope for a new generation of Italian color designers, who are essential in reframing the future of Italy’s fashion heritage.
A look designed by Fabiola Manikariza for Frida Kiza.
The dress Emma Stone wore at the 87th Annual Academy Awards at the Hollywood & Highland Center on February 22, 2015 in Hollywood, California, will be auctioned off for charity.
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The Elie Saab long-sleeved beaded dress that actress Emma Stone wore on the Oscar red carpet in 2015 will be one of the highlights of a Sotheby’s charity auction this December to raise relief funds for Beirut, Lebanon.
Dubbed “To Beirut with Love,” the only online auction will be open for bidding from December 7-15, offering a selection of handpicked donations from leading contemporary artists, fashion designers and jewelry designers.
“The explosion at the Port of Beirut this summer sent shockwaves across the city and the world, impacting every sector of Lebanon’s society with countless stories of loss, damage and displacement,” said Edward Gibbs, Sotheby’s Middle East chairman, at a news conference. statement. The auction was designed to “provide much needed aid and funds to aid the healing process,” he said.
On August 4, a large quantity of ammonium nitrate stored in the Beirut port exploded, causing at least 204 deaths, 6,500 injuries, 300,000 people homeless and US $ 15 billion in property damage.
In response to the disaster, the Lebanese diaspora formed two non-profit organizations, Creatives for Lebanon and Art for Beirut, which partnered with Sotheby’s in this charity auction.
Designed by Elie Saab, the first Arab designer to be accepted into the fashion industry governing body, Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, Oscar Stone’s dress is expected to sell for between £ 20,000 and £ 30,000 (US $ 27,000 and US $ 40,000).
The My Dior cuff is yellow gold, with diamonds and colored gemstones, designed by Victoire de Castellane
Thanks to Sotheby’s
Other fashion items contributed by the Middle Eastern icon include a haute couture silk dress designed by Egyptian actress Sherihan, with an estimated low of £ 18,000; and an embellished sky blue dress from Lebanese singer Majida El Roumi, with an initial bid of £ 8,000.
Taking the lead in the jewelery offering are the yellow gold woven My Dior cufflinks designed by Victoire de Castellane, Dior Joaillerie’s artistic director. The bracelet is estimated to be worth between £ 30,000 and £ 50,000.
Other artists represented with work in sales include filmmakers Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige, photographer Fouad Elkoury, and French designer Hervé Van der Straeten.
After the sale, the proceeds will be donated to five charities, including Nusaned, Beit El Baraka and Baytna Baytak, which focus on sheltering refugee families; Al Fanar, a venture philanthropic organization that provides support for social entrepreneurs and small businesses; and the House of Christmas, which will help preserve and protect heritage buildings.
NO CLOTHES embodying the early 2000s trash is more than the trucker’s hat-backed mesh. In 2003 alone, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie appeared on their reality TV show “The Simple Life” in orange camouflage Von Dutch trucker hats; 25-year-old Ashton Kutcher sits on the sidelines at a Knicks game with the trucker’s cap tilted deliberately “Teenage Millionaire”; and Justin Timberlake wearing one that refers to the infomercial empire of the famous “Girls Gone Wild”.
Trucker hats – their round crowns that swell like microwave marshmallows – were reviled by tardies, as Hollywood stars who had grown up during the height of the trend shed their teenage “sleazecore” looks. However, in 2020, as the new wave of dress-down fashion, heavy-sport trousers supported by celebrities surged, so did trucker hats. Pop culture paraphernalia from Hugh Jackman to A $ AP Rocky to Justin Beiber has taken over in the truck driver’s hat. Amiri and Rhude, two of Los Angeles’ rising fashion labels, hawk truck drivers for $ 290 and $ 165 respectively.Ice Cream, the skatewear brand that Pharrell Williams pioneered in 2004, has republished several truckers with the logo from aughts. .
Trucker hats may be on the rise as an alternative to the popular but fading “dad” canvas ballcap. (We’re definitely dealing with the little things here, but the difference between the two is that the dad hat sits low and offers a symmetrical six-panel crown, while the trucker’s hat stands out in the dome thanks to the large front panel.) Various people embraced the dad hat trend – from real dad in Brooklyn whose hat proclaims his loyalty to the musical “Hamilton” or the Odeon restaurant in New York, to celebrities like Rihanna or Pete Davidson wearing the lavish iteration of Balenciaga for $ 395. His style is, arguably, saturating the market. “I think people are tired of dad’s hats,” said John Arthur, 20, a student in Atlanta who has sold vintage trucker hats on fashion resale sites. Grailed for several months. At one point, Mr. Arthur rocked as many as three truck driver hats a day, at shoppers who wanted to be on the cutting edge.
In this case, being in front means looking back. Arnoldo Cisneros-Siller, 19, a student in Austin, Texas who resells vintage clothing as a complement, said he hopes he can get a more than a decade-old trucker hat from Japanese brand Bape, which can fetch $ 250 in today’s resale market.
Maki Welton, 22, works in social media marketing in Los Angeles and often appears in the hat of the new Von Dutch truck driver, the same hat style his mother wore when she was growing up. Driven by young buyers like Mr. Welton, Von Dutch – the brand that is perhaps most associated with trends then and now – has seen month-to-month growth in truck hat sales over the past ten months or so, according to Ed Goldman, general manager for Von Dutch North America. He notes that many young buyers are discovering the 21-year-old label (launched in homage to race car racing and pinstriping culture) for the first time thanks to the “2000s brand revival” across today’s industry.
Lisa Perry’s very fashionable midtown Manhattan penthouse is officially on the market for $ 45 million. The 6,600-square-foot unit, which sits atop one of the city’s most iconic residential buildings, includes five bedrooms and six full and one partial bathrooms, with approximately 7,400 square feet of terrace space accessible from nearly every room. The prewar limestone building, overlooking the East River, was built in 1927 but has since been refurbished contemporary aesthetics taste in mind.
The house has soaring ceilings and white gallery walls, with large windows that soak the place in natural light. This room is divided into two main wings – one for entertainment and one for privacy – with an industrial-looking kitchen connecting the two. A private lift opens onto the foyer, which offers skylights and white marble floors to match the clean white walls of the house. Perry’s aesthetics.
The dining room, part of the entertainment wing, boasts two accent walls painted in dramatic black, with a large mural of red lips on one wall.
Photo: Yoo Jean Han of Sotheby’s International Realty
The library has a darker color, with integrated black shelves lining the two walls and a black-and-white patterned rug. Today, the bright red cross section adds a burst of color to the space.
Photo: Yoo Jean Han of Sotheby’s International Realty
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The kitchen is made of stainless steel utensils, with three arched windows that face away from the water and towards the surrounding buildings, and there is an adjacent breakfast corner with a more unobstructed view of the river. The master suite, located in the northern part of the “private” house, features a unique wall installation that resembles a giant Lego piece (though made of soft cloth and not hard plastic, of course).
The bedroom is all about texture.
Photo: Yoo Jean Han of Sotheby’s International Realty
The en suite bathroom has a black and white motif, with two dressing rooms, well-lit wardrobes and a soaking bathtub. As for the other bedrooms, the two en suite guest rooms are located in the entertainment wing, while the rest are located in the privacy wing. A workspace, headquarters, and staff quarters complete the offering. Unfortunately, no art or furniture is sold with the house.
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