Pierre Hardy x Lemlem Capsule Collection With Liya Kebede's Ethiopian Artisans Debuts June 1

Pierre Hardy x Lemlem Capsule Collection With Liya Kebede's Ethiopian Artisans Debuts June 1

Top model and activist Liya Kebede and designer Pierre Hardy are partnering on a new  footwear and handbag collection for Kebede's Ethiopian-heritage brand Lemlem. 

“It came about very naturally and very organically,” Hardy tells British Vogue ahead of the June 1 launch date. “Liya and I met three years ago, and I wouldn't say we were 'friends', but we were very happy every time we passed one another. As a designer I thought it could be a challenging and interesting experience to join our brands and see what the result could be. And basically, we matched because I love her!”

Lemlem was born a decade ago when Kebede met a group of traditional weavers in her native country who no longer had a market for their work. Fearful that their craft would become extinct, Kebede launch Lemlem. Starting small, her collaboration with Hardy could lead do a significant venture.  “I find him super original and super talented in what he does. It was wonderful to connect the artisans of Ethiopia with the artisans in France, and to create a bridge between these two worlds," the model says about Hardy. 

EYE: Aerie, Target Maintain Body Positive Ad Campaigns As VS Stock Price Slumps 50% In 2018

EYE: Aerie, Target Maintain Body Positive Ad Campaigns As VS Stock Price Slumps 50% In 2018

American Eagle's Aerie brand continues to resonate deeply with women, while the world's biggest lingerie brand Victoria's Secret struggles. Aerie maintains its no Photoshop, real women with great personalities positioning in their Spring/Summer 2018 campaign, shot in Panama by Ali Mitton. 

Aerie launched its #AerieREALgirls LOVE THE SWIM YOU'RE IN campaign, again donating $1 for each Instagram real woman lovin' her body post up to $25,000 to the National Eating Disorders Association as a followup to last year's $15K donation. VS won't touch these topics with a 10 ft pole, as I reminded us in the launch of Rihanna's new lingerie collection. 

CNN reported on May 10: 

Hey Victoria. This isn't exactly a secret. But nobody seems to be buying your lingerie. And that's a huge problem.

Far away from the glory days of being a young company on the move, L Brands -- the parent company of Victoria's Secret -- has the unwelcome honor of being the worst-performing stock in the S&P 500, down almost 50% in 2018, reported CNN.

VS is not the first brand to struggle with maturity and new competition. Consider what The Gap has endured. But there's a grave danger in thinking that you can create the most expensive bras in a mass market world, when income stagnation is as real as the #metoo movement. VS is off kilter from its brand positioning to its price points, and that's before many women call VS PINK's design too juvenile. PINK has been the growth engine for the lingerie revenue stream at L Brands. Now sales are down for the first time two months in a row for March and April 2018.

Will Vogue Arabia's June 2018 Celebration Of Saudi Women Speak To Current Arrests & Imprisonment Of Saudi Women Who Led Driving Campaign?

Will Vogue Arabia's June 2018 Celebration Of Saudi Women Speak To Current Arrests & Imprisonment Of Saudi Women Who Led Driving Campaign?

Vogue Arabia's June 2018 issue celebrates the TRAILBLAZING women of SAUDI ARABIA, featuring HRH Princess Hayfa bint Abdullah Al Saud on its cover. The image is meant to celebrate the and of the Saudi kingdom's ban on women driving that will take effect on June 24, applying to women of all nationalities. 

The entire June 2018 issue of Vogue Arabia will be dedicated to Saudi Arabia. HRH Hayfa bint Abdullah Al Saud, an artist, mother of three and the daughter of the late King Abdullah, who was the ruler of Saudi from 2005 until his death in 2015, sits behind the wheel of a vintage red 1980s Mercedes 450 SL, making it clear that she will join the new movement of Saudi women drivers.

Boo George shot the cover in the desert outside Jeddah.

There is a negative side to the celebrations around the new women drivers campaign in Saudi Arabia. In what feels like a giant contradiction to the new freedoms for Saudi women, the activists who made the movement happen are being arrested. 

Over the past two weeks, about 13 women's rights activists have been arrested. Including Loujain al-Hathloul, an activist with a large social media presence; Eman al-Nafjan, a blogger and activist; and Aisha al-Manea, a veteran driving activist. All three women were public leaders of the campaign, which AOC has long supported.

Slick Woods Chats Up British Vogue About Being A Mercedez-Benz Cultural Visionary

Slick Woods Chats Up British Vogue About Being A Mercedez-Benz Cultural Visionary

Model Slick Woods gets around town. In three years of modeling, Woods -- born Simone Thompson -- is known as a model with something to say. She's family in Rihanna's Fenty girl gang and the face of Fenty Beauty, Fenty x Puma and Savage x Fenty. Along the way she picked up contracts with Kanye West, Marc Jacobs and Jeremy Scott. 

Now at 21, Woods has been crowned a "cultural visionary" by Mercedes-Benz, joining musician Solange Knowles; Opening Ceremony founders Carol Lim and Humberto Leon; artistic director Hans Ulrich Obrist;  Hypebeast founder Kevin Ma;  and art curator Kimberly Drew in its #WeWonder campaign. The experience is "dope", Woods tells British Vogue. 

Thomas Whiteside Captures Five Movers In Third Annual Women In Hollywood Issue For Porter Edit May 2018

Thomas Whiteside Captures Five Movers In Third Annual Women In Hollywood Issue For Porter Edit May 2018

Female Hollywood ensemble Lisa Nishimura, Lilly Singh, Kathryn Newton, Karen Gillan & Marielle Heller cover the May 25, 2018 third annual Women in Hollywood issue for Porter Edit. Alison Edmond styles the totally not-intimidating pastel parfait for images by Thomas Whiteside.

Lindsay Kindelson conducts the interview. 

Ireland Votes 2-1 To End Ban On Abortion, Expecting Full Rights To Be Extended To Women Until 12 Weeks

Ireland Votes 2-1 To End Ban On Abortion, Expecting Full Rights To Be Extended To Women Until 12 Weeks

Voters in Ireland decisively decided to repeal one of the most restrictive abortion bans in the world, moderated only slightly after the death in 2012 of Savita Halappanavar who was mandated to die by the Catholic Church, rather than give her medical abortive treatment for the septic miscarriage that was poisoning her body and ultimately killed her. 

The referendum in Ireland was decisive, with two-thirds of voters overturning the ban on abortion. Ireland “is taking the proper steps to separate church and state and to move forward as a more progressive country,” said Conor Flynn, a 22-year-old student.

Until now thousands of Irish women had traveled to England or bought pills illegally to terminate their pregnancies, risking a 14-year jail sentence if discovered in Ireland. The Times  notes, and we confirm, that the willingness to challenge the sanctimonious demands of the Catholic patriarchy have accelerated in recent years, given the endless sex scandals that have dominated Vatican headlines in recent years. Ireland has the additional disgrace of not only their share of pedophile priests, but "thousands of unwed mothers who were placed into servitude in so-called Magdalene laundries or mental asylums as recently as the mid-1990s", writes The New York Times.  

Essentially, the law in Ireland has been so restrictive as to be a personhood law mandating that the legal rights of the mother are the same as those of the zygote or fertilized egg that she is carrying. Pro-life advocates prefer the term 'baby', but most women do not equate a fertilized egg with their own fully-developed selves and their expanded roles as mothers, wives, workers, and leaders. Historically fertilized eggs were not equated this status, not even when monotheism first planted its roots in the western world. 

Harvey Weinstein Arrested On Friday Morning & Now Under Arraignment In Manhattan

Harvey Weinstein Arrested On Friday Morning & Now Under Arraignment In Manhattan

Disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein is pictured by New York Magazine, arriving at a lower Manhattan police station early Friday, turning himself in to face a series of charges related to his aggressive sexual tactics with women.

Weinstein was immediately arrested, the NYPD confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter and then charged with rape, a criminal sex act, sex abuse, sex abuse and sexual misconduct for his behavior with two women. Arraignment will happen later today. 

A statement released by the NYPD thanked "these brave survivors for their courage to come forward and seek justice". 

Straight-Talkin', Fully Informed Amy McGrath Wins Upset In Kentucky 6th District Democrat Primary

Straight-Talkin', Fully Informed Amy McGrath Wins Upset In Kentucky 6th District Democrat Primary

AOC has been all-in with Kentucky District 6 House candidate Amy McGrath, jumping for joy over her stunning Tuesday night victory over Jim Gray, Lexington's well-liked and Democratic-party backed former mayor. 

The New York Times writes that Republicans immediately tried to paint the Marine fighter pilot and mother of three as a far left candidate, while the very national Dems who backed her opponent Gray rallied quickly around her. AOC has no such torn allegiances, as we have been for McGrath all the way. 

"I have never heard someone so persistent," her campaign's highly-credentialed ad maker Mark Putnam told the Times. 

Amy McGrath has a story about refusing to accept the word "no": No, you cannot compete against the boys in sports. No, you cannot serve in combat or fly fighter jets. And no, you certainly cannot defeat the popular mayor of the largest city in your congressional district as a first-time candidate.

What I personally love deeply about Amy is not only her feminism, but her willingness to stand up to Trump. Of all the candidates running for office -- female or male -- McGrath won my heart with her second campaign video by Putnam. 

Her third one about taking her kids to the doctor was pretty good, too. 

The Obamas Sign Multi-Year Netflix Deal To Produce & Perform In Series, Films & Documentaries

The Obamas Sign Multi-Year Netflix Deal To Produce & Perform In Series, Films & Documentaries

President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have signed a multi-year agreement to produce various series, film, and documentaries for Netflix, reports Politico. 

While the former president has said that the couple's intent is not to criticize the Trump administration or social conservatives, reality is that Netflix's almost 120 million global subscribers give the Obamas a significant platform for influence on key issues that matter to them -- like health care, immigration and nutrition. 

“One of the simple joys of our time in public service was getting to meet so many fascinating people from all walks of life, and to help them share their experiences with a wider audience,” Obama said in a statement. “That’s why Michelle and I are so excited to partner with Netflix – we hope to cultivate and curate the talented, inspiring, creative voices who are able to promote greater empathy and understanding between peoples, and help them share their stories with the entire world.”

Interview Magazine, Founded By Andy Warhol in 1969, Shutters Doors, Will Declare Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Interview Magazine, Founded By Andy Warhol in 1969, Shutters Doors, Will Declare Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Interview Magazine, the iconic arts and culture publication, is folding, handwriting that was on the wall a few months ago, when Interview abandoned its offices in a landlord-tenant dispute over unpaid rent, followed by a lawsuit filed in early May by Fabien Baron, Interview's former editorial director. Ezra Marcus, an associate editor at the magazine, said by email with the New York Times on Monday, that the staff was notified earlier in the morning that Interview, founded by Andy Warhol in 1969, was closing and filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. 

Interview was purchased by Brant Publications in 1989, two years after Andy Warhol died. Billionaire Peter M. Brant is a contemporary art collector married to former top model and Victoria's Secret pre-Angels muse Stephanie Seymour. 

The May 2 lawsuit filed against Interview by former editorial director Fabien Baron and his wife, stylist Ludivine Poiblanc, cited more than $600,000 in unpaid invoices. Baron -- the former creative director of Calvin Klein and now head of ad agency Baron & Baron -- resigned after nearly 10 years as editorial director. Sources say that Karl Templer, who left his position as Interview’s creative director, was owed at least $280,000.  Templer was also mentioned in the Boston Globe's winter expose on sexual harassment of models. 

Tippi Hedren Plays Fortune Teller In Gucci 2018 Timepieces + Jewelry Campaign

Tippi Hedren Plays Fortune Teller In Gucci 2018 Timepieces + Jewelry Campaign

Gucci assembles a fantastic cast starring actor Tippi Hedren, age 88, playing a fortune teller to models Emily Unkles, Tex Santos Shaw, Tom Atton Moore and Victoria Schons in the brand's 2018 Timepieces + Jewelry campaign.  While reading a gold crystal ball, Hedren wears several layered gold bangles and bracelets along with the brand's snake-inspired rings. She also wears an Alessandro Michele-designed Gucci print dress.

Before becoming a Hollywood actress (now many of us use the word 'actor'), working with Hitchcock, Hedren was a successful fashion model. She is the mother of Melanie Griffith and grandmother of Dakota Johnson, who previously starred in a campaign for Gucci's Bloom, fragrance and is known to be a good friend of Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele. 

Tippi Hedren is an original #MeToo, Time's Up girl, walking away from Alfred Hitchcock after making two films -- 'The Birds' and 'Marnie' -- with the famous director. 

Before becoming a Hollywood actress, working with Hitchcock in 1962-64, Hedren was a successful fashion model throughout the 1950s. 

Simply stated, Hitchcock was obsessed with Tippi Hedren, and if he couldn't have her (yes, he was married) no one would. Note that Hendren never sent mixed signals to Hitchcock, and his brutal treatment of her was known in Hollywood. When the actor walked away to save herself and her sanity, after Hitchcock assaulted her and stalked her, it was clear that Hitchcock's admonishment that she would never work again in Hollywood was true. 

Adwoa Aboah Named One Of 10 Next Generation Leaders By TIME Magazine

Adwoa Aboah Named One Of 10 Next Generation Leaders By TIME Magazine

Activist and model Adwoa Aboah is one of 10 rising activists, artists and athletes covering TIME Magazine as Next Generation Leaders, just another major achievement for a hard-working young woman with plenty of talent, a strong individualist bent, and a commitment to women and girls worldwide.

Growing up in London, Aboah, whose father is Ghanian, says she thought the fashion industry “had no room” for girls like her. Now she’s redefining what’s in vogue. “I put so many limitations on myself,” Adwoa says. “Now I set absolutely no boundaries.”  Reality is that Aboah was right about the fashion industry, but today she is a leader in change so pervasive, that I can't imagine turning back the clock to fashion models being primarily a white girls club. Of course, I never believed America would elect Donald Trump president either, so what do I know!!!

AOC has narrated Aboah's personal history multiple times. What we love the most about her is her activism and fierce feminism. TIME writes:

Grace Coddington To Host Sept Debut 'Face to Grace' On IMG's Made to Measure, M2M.tv

Grace Coddington To Host Sept Debut 'Face to Grace' On IMG's Made to Measure, M2M.tv

Legendary stylist and former in-house creative director, now creative director at large, of American Vogue Grace Coddington will host a new interview show. 'Face to Grace', a six-episode series of talks with fashion industry heavyweights like Nicolas Ghesquière and actor Ansel Elgort will debut in September on IMG's streaming network Made to Measure, aka M2m.tv. 

Coddington will host the show in the restaurant Mr. Chow on 57th street in Manhattan, owned by the stylist's ex-husband.

'Frida's Parlour' Opens In London Until June 16, 2018, Landmark Frida Kahlo Exhibition At V&A Follows

If you just happen to be dropping into London this weekend -- or anytime between May 19-June 16, 2018 take a stroll over to 141 Ebury Street and Frida's Parlour. 

Launched to coincide with Belgravia in Bloom, a week-long floral festival held across the district, as well as with the V&A’s landmark Frida Kahlo exhibition, the Parlour will serve as a social space throughout the day, with free entry for all visitors. During the evenings, the venue will play host to a series of hands-on evening workshops inspired by Kahlo’s unique style (booking essential here). Try your hand at floral embroidery with Lora Avedian, mix a Mexican cocktail with the Cubitt House team or craft your own jewellery with Luminaire Arts. 

Bowing to the need for a selfie, visitors can snap away inside the Wallpaper Room. The first 50 guests will receive a limited-edition tote bag designed by the artist Zabou, whose mural depicting the artist can be seen in Belgravia’s Eccleston Yards. via Town & Country UK

We're looking for the specific Zabou mentioned, but in fact Zabou has enjoyed a love affair with Frida Kahlo for some time. In these images, Zabou teams up with Mexican yarn artist Villana for some great Frida street art.

Bella Tells Gigi Photographers Want Her To Look Bored, In Solve Sundsbo Images For Harper's Bazaar US June/July 2018

Bella Tells Gigi Photographers Want Her To Look Bored, In Solve Sundsbo Images For Harper's Bazaar US June/July 2018

Top model Bella Hadid covers the June/July 2018 issue of Harper's Bazaar US. Solve Sundsbo captures Bella with styling of couture looks from Armani Prive, Giambattista Valli, Valentino, Chanel, Givenchy and more by Anna Trevelyan./ Hair by Sam McKnight; makeup by Peter Philips

Bella is interviewed by sister Gigi, and the first question cracks me up.  I am so sick of self-appointed curators of models criticizing Bella for always having the same facial expression, writing in comments that she has no talent and is a zombie. 

GH: Fans assume they know you because you’re in the public eye. But what is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

BH: That I never go a day without smiling. People always say I have the same facial expressions. But what they don’t realize is that for a long time I looked that way because photographers on set would direct me to look “bored” or “very nonchalant.” But it isn’t necessarily the way I really am. You’ve known me, of course, my whole life. And ever since I was a baby, I was always smiling.