New York City Foie Gras Ban Awaits Mayor's Pen | Alternatives Do Exist

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Image Credits: Top Photo by Gary Bendig on Unsplash; Bottom Culinaria.

It appears that New York will ban foie gras but now on a three-year phase-in schedule to help upstate farmers retool, writes Food & Wine. Down about six paragraphs, I note that Councilwoman Carlina Rivera -- the bill's sponsor -- references an alternative way of feeding the geese, which is considered to be acceptable. She said

"I also encourage all foie gras-producing farms, many of which purport to use sustainable practices, to pursue other methods of foie gras production, such as those done by farmers in Spain that employ different methods using highly dense foods.” '

So foie gras doesn't have to be banned as a food, suggests Rivera. It's being banned over a force-feeding process that is generally considered to be disgusting, the most involved one becomes in understanding the story behind the delicacy. Apparently, there’s an alternative feeding process for the geese used in Spain that is much more humane.

Note that restaurants can "give away" the foie gras, based on the new law. But it's interesting to know that there is an alternative, more humane process that could end this entire food fight. I believe this same philosophy of fundamental to the functioning of a democracy, so this article has me reflecting.

Long ago activist ,upstate New York Blue Hill Chef Dan Barber launched the conversation around an ‘ethical’ fois gras alternative and the issue has received considerable attention. Listen to Barber speak to the issue and see related reading links below.

Dan Barber’s Foie Gras TED Talk

Iris Strubegger Fronts 'Drama Lady' by Giampaolo Sgura for Vogue Germany December 2019

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Iris Strubegger Fronts 'Drama Lady' by Giampaolo Sgura for Vogue Germany December 2019

Model Iris Strubegger is styled by Christiane Arp in ‘Drama Lady’, voluminous, formidable fashion looks lensed by Giampaolo Sgura for Vogue Germany December 2019./ Hair by Franco Gobbi; makeup by Luca Cianciolo

Blanca Padilla Wears 'Playful Attitudes' Sharp Dressing Clothes In Vogue Taiwan

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Blanca Padilla Wears 'Playful Attitudes' Sharp Dressing Clothes In Vogue Taiwan

Model Blanca Padilla is styled by Aleksandra Markovic in ‘Playful Attitudes’, a casual, polished fashion editorial lensed by Caleb & Gladys for Vogue Taiwan November 2019./ Hair by Ty Shearn; makeup by Joseph Carrillo

Mert + Marcus Flashes 'Tickled Pink' Color Pattern Fashion for Vogue UK December 2019

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Mert + Marcus Flashes 'Tickled Pink' Color Pattern Fashion for Vogue UK December 2019

British Vogue’s December 2019 issue delivers ‘Tickled Pink’ a bold, modern and festive fashion editorial styled by Benjamin Bruno. Fashion photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott are in the studio, capturing a large model cast that includes Cara Taylor, Carolina Burgin, Janaye Furman, Kris Grikaite, Mariam de Vinzelle, Meghan Collison and Sara Grace Wallerstedt./ Hair by Ryan Mitchell, makeup by Lucia Pieroni

New Ancient Ape Species Rewrites the Story of Bipedalism and Humans

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New Ancient Ape Species Rewrites the Story of Bipedalism

When Madelaine Böhme, a researcher at the University of Tübingen in Germany, unearthed the partial skeleton of an ancient ape at the Hammerschmiede clay pit in Bavaria, she knew she was looking at something special. Compared to fragments, an intact partial skeleton can tell paleoanthropologists about a creature’s body proportions and how its anatomy might have functioned. A relative newcomer to the field and a paleoclimatologist by trade, Böhme enlisted Begun’s expertise in analyzing the fossil ape.

Böhme and colleagues determined that the bones they found came from a dryopithecine ape, an extinct ancestor of humans and great apes that once lived in the Miocene epoch. The fossils are approximately 11.6 million years old and came from at least four individual apes, including one partial skeleton. The team described the newfound ancestor, named Danuvius guggenmosi, in a study published today in Nature.

‘D. guggenmosi’ was likely a small primate about the size of baboon, with long arms like a bonobo. The creature had flexible elbows and strong hands capable of grasping, which suggests that it could have swung from tree to tree like a modern great ape. But the similarities with known apes stop there. The animal’s lower limbs have much more in common with human anatomy. With extended hips and knees, D. guggenmosi was capable of standing with a straighter posture than that of living African apes, and its knees and ankles were adapted to bear weight. The animal’s locomotion would have therefore shared similarities with both human and ape movement, and D. guggenmosi may have been able to navigate the forest by swinging from tree limbs and walking on two legs.

Christopher Ferguson Flashes Jasmine Dwyer in Beach Clothes for ELLE Australia

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Christopher Ferguson Flashes Jasmine Dwyer in Beach Clothes for ELLE Australia

Australian model Jasmine Dwyer enjoys a day seaside, styled by Sara Smith in Altuzarra, Louis Vuitton, Prabal Gurung and more in ‘Wish You Were Here’. Christopher Ferguson captures the fashion editorial for ELLE Australia November 2019./ Hair by Charles McNair; makeup by Justine Purdue

Chiara Scelsi Poses in Michelle Alessandra's 'Hortus Deliciarum' Jewelry Collection

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Chiara Scelsi Poses in Michelle Alessandra's 'Hortus Deliciarum' Jewelry Collection

Model Chiara Scelsi poses in ‘Tesoros Ocultos’ (Hidden Treasure), a Gucci editorial focused on Gucci’s first high jewelry collection ‘Hortus Deliciarum’. Alessandro Michele personally selected unique gems and motifs that express his poetic vision of fine jewelry in a collection that includes two-hundred jewels, mainly one-off pieces, and evolves around three main themes viewed through the prism of a mythical garden.

The ‘Hortus Deliciarum’ jewelry collection finds its place in Gucci’s new boutique in Place Vendôme. It features the three themes of Alessandro Michele’s vision: 1) paying homage to eternal love’s classic emblems. 2) honoring the majesty of the animal world; and 3) a focus on the solitaire ring, reinterpreted according to a flamboyant allure.

Anya Holdstock captures the Gucci sensory extravaganza for Vogue Espana November 2019./ Hair by Christoph Hasenbein; makeup by Marion Robine

Moschino x Budweiser Gives Midwest Beer an Italian Makeover

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Moschino x Budweiser Gives Midwest Beer an Italian Makeover

Here’s one blogger in Trumplandia who really appreciates this moment of Jeremy Scott, smile-worthy wit. Moschino has joined forces with Budweiser, collaborating on a 15-piece limited-edition capsule collection. The event celebrates the launch of two limited-edition beer bottles — one for “their iconic aluminum bottle” writes ES Standard UK, and the second for their new amber lager, Budweiser Pulse.

According to a press release, the collaboration "showcases Moschino's iconic play on cultural cornerstones and encapsulates the strong visual impact of the integration of both seminal brand logos," recalling the dress and cape look previously designed by Scott that was put on display in the MET's Costume Institute Spring 2019 exhibition, "Camp: Notes on Fashion."

Note that it was the Budweiser cape over a McDonald’s dress that ended up at the MET’s Costume Exhibit.

Nike Signs (No) Arctic Shipping Pledge, Joining H&M Group, Kering, PVH Corp

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The truth is that many large corporations have no problem that the Arctic is melting. They want the new shipping route as a terrible example of corporate greed and self-interest. Still, corporate interests are salivating to ship through the Arctic year-round.

It’s very important that NIKE has teamed up with the Ocean Conservancy to launch the Arctic Shipping Corporate Pledge, inviting businesses and industry to join in a commitment against shipping through the Arctic Ocean.

Ships are responsible for more than 18 percent of some air pollutants. It also includes greenhouse gas emissions. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) estimates that carbon dioxide emissions from shipping were equal to 2.2% of the global human-made emissions in 2012 and expects them to rise 50 to 250 percent by 2050 if no action is taken.

The Arctic Shipping Corporate Pledge invites companies to commit to not intentionally send ships through this fragile Arctic ecosystem. Today's signatories include companies Bestseller, Columbia, Gap Inc., H&M Group, Kering, Li & Fung, PVH Corp., and ocean carriers CMA CGM, Evergreen, Hapag-Lloyd and Mediterranean Shipping Company.

"The dangers of trans-Arctic shipping routes outweigh all perceived benefits and we cannot ignore the impacts of greenhouse gas emissions from shipping on our ocean," says Janis Searles Jones, CEO of Ocean Conservancy. "Ocean Conservancy applauds Nike for recognizing the real bottom line here is a shared responsibility for the health of the Arctic—and believes the announcement will spur much-needed action to prevent risky Arctic shipping and hopes additional commitments to reduce emissions from global shipping will emerge." 

For Nike to take a lead in advancing and promoting awareness of the Arctic Shipping Corporate Pledge is an excellent victory. With all the moves to track how products are made and transported, we can check a product on our phones and see if it's been transported through the Arctic. If the environment means enough to us -- this is where consumer power comes into action. But it takes business leaders like Nike to talk to other corporate leaders on some of these topics. At least, it's a collaborative effort of business and activism like this one.

Anna de Rijk's 80's Inspired Modern Glamour Suits, Dresses, Evening tops for Porter Edit

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Anna de Rijk's 80's Inspired Modern Glamour Suits, Dresses, Evening tops for Porter Edit

Model Anna de Rijk is styled by Helen Broadfoot in Bottega Veneta, Georgia Alice, Materiel, Miu Miu, Proenza Schouler, Saint Laurent and more. Mark Kean captures Anna for Porter Edit November 8, 2019.

The Dutch model chats with Megan Logue about her signature style, interiors obsessions and throwing the perfect party. Read on at Porter Edit.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge Covers Vogue US December, Lensed by Ethan James Green

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Phoebe Waller-Bridge Covers Vogue US December, Lensed by Ethan James Green

Phoebe Waller-Bridge covers the December 2019 cover of American Vogue. Ethan James Green is behind the lens with styling by Tonne Goodman. Lauren Collins conducts the interview.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge is a high roller right now. Season two of ‘Killing Eve’, which she developed and serves as executive producer is winning rave reviews on BBC America. Season two of her risqué British sitcom ‘Fleabag’ is on Amazon PRIME just won three Emmys including Best Comedy, Best Actress in a Comedy Series, and Best Writing for a Comedy Series.

Amazon Prime Video locked down an exclusive overall deal reportedly for three years and valued in the “mid-eight-figure range.” The Vogue article pegs it at $20 million, lower than other estimates. Whatever the number, Waller-Bridge is one of the most sought-after creators alive right now.

Oliver Hadlee Pearch Eyes Grace Elizabeth for Vogue Italia November 2019

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Oliver Hadlee Pearch Eyes Grace Elizabeth for Vogue Italia November 2019

Top model Grace Elizabeth is lensed by Emilie Kareh in ‘Voice It’, lensed by Oliver Hadlee Pearch for Vogue Italia November 2019./ Hair by Cyndia Harvey; makeup by Daniel Sallstrom

Fernando Gomez Flashes Ayak Veronica Bior in 'Art Freedom' for Harper's Serbia

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Fernando Gomez Flashes Ayak Veronica Bior in 'Art Freedom' for Harper's Serbia

Model Ayak Veronica Bior delivers a visual punch to our style senses in ‘Art Freedom’, styled by Daniel Gonzalez Elizondo. Photographer Fernando Gomez makes an exciting visual capture for Harper’s Bazaar Serbia November 2019./ Makeup by Rosa Matilla

Giselle Norman In Louis Vuitton Resort by Jackie Nickerson for W Magazine 7, 2019

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Giselle Norman In Louis Vuitton Resort by Jackie Nickerson for W Magazine 7, 2019

Giselle Norman is styled by Max Clark in Louis Vuitton’s new Resort 2020 Art Deco collection, inspired by Nicolas Ghesquière’s first trip to New York and the reopening of the historic TWA Flight Center at JFK. Photographer Jackie Nickerson captures ‘Taking a Stand’ for W Magazine 7, 2019./ Hair by Shingo Shibata; makeup by Emil Kaneko; set design by Gerard Santos

Hugo Comte Flashes Bold, Creative Overload Images for Moncler Genius FW2019

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Hugo Comte Flashes Bold, Creative Overload Images for Moncler Genius FW2019

Document Journal presents a wide range of luxury skiwear key pieces from the Moncler Genius FW2019 collection. Moncler’s part-owner and CEO Italian billionaire Remo Ruffini is reinventing the luxury sport paradigm without a single design director. Pieces featured in the current collection come from collaborations with Pierpaolo Piccioli, Craig Green, Richard Quinn, 1017 Alyx 9SM, Simone Rocha, and more. Robbie Spencer styles the ensembles on a model cast the includes Sara Grace Wallerstedt, Xie Chaoyu, Hannah Motler, Maud Hoevelaken, Annibelis Baez, Jonas Gloer, Alexander Carey Morgan, and Malick Bodick. Photographer Hugo Comte captures the exciting editorial lineup./ Makeup by Vanessa Bellini; hair by Jawara

Natasha Poly by Jackie Nickerson in 'Stance' for Vogue Italia November 2019

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Natasha Poly by Jackie Nickerson in 'Stance' for Vogue Italia November 2019

Top model Natasha Poly is styled by Charlotte Collet in a spectacular floral mix with an urban grit attitude from Alexander McQueen, Emporio Armani, Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Max Mara, Michael Kors and more. Photographer Jackie Nickerson is behind the lens, capturing Natasha in ‘Stance’ for Vogue Italia November 2019./ Hair by Soichi Inagaki; makeup by Lotten Holmqvist

Queen Elizabeth II Says "Faux Fur Only Going Forward"

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Queen Elizabeth II via W Magazine

Queen Liz is onboard: no more fur. Faux fur only on very cold days. Her Majesty has already had all the mink trim -- and any other animal fur -- removed from her most favorite coats, replaced with faux fur.

Stella McCartney has a marvelous new faux fur that is impossible to distinguish from the original — although the Queen’s longtime personal adviser and official dresser Angela Kelly says that Her Majesty’s preference is to move away from fur entirely.

The Humane Society International formally announced that it's "thrilled" before calling on the British government to make the U.K. the first country in the world to ban the sale of fur. The UK branch of PETA, hardly known for low-volume press messages on the subject of animal rights, tweeted "we're raising a glass of gin and Dubonnet to the Queen’s compassionate decision to go fur-free".

After a quick sip, the organization then suggested that perhaps the Queen’s Guard, known worldwide for their enormous bearskin hats could follow Her Majesty’s lead. PETA has been lobbying for faux fur hats to replace the current ones for almost three years, even sending her prototypes from Only Me in 2017, writes Town and Country.

We all curtsy to a modern woman very concerned about protecting heritage and protocol, while keeping British royalty relevant with evolving values.

Met Gala Theme 2020: 'About Time: Fashion and Duration' Honors's Virginia Woolf's 'Orlando'

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Surreal, David Bailey, 1980 Photo: Courtesy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Photo © David Bailey

Andrew Bolton, Head Curator of the New York Met’s Art’s Costume Institute has announced the theme for next May’s event. Acknowledging the advent of a new decade of the 2020’s, Bolton announced the next Costume Exhibit exhibition called ‘About Time: Fashion and Duration’.

According to the New York Times’ Vanessa Friedman, this year’s theme is “inspired in part by the novels of Virginia Woolf and the theories of the early-20th-century French philosopher Henri Bergson, whose admittedly somewhat obscure but also important musings on time posited it as a constantly mutating stream rather than a series of discrete moments.”

“I wanted to do an exhibition focused on the collection, but not a traditional masterworks exhibition,” Bolton said. “Something that connects to the zeitgeist, and what people are talking about now.” Then he had an idea. And then he thought, “it’s about time.”

“Fashion is indelibly connected to time,” Bolton continued, talking to the Times who announced the upcoming exhibit. “It not only reflects and represents the spirit of the times, but it also changes and develops with the times.”

The Clock, Sarah Moon, 1999Credit...Sarah Moon, via The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Friedman says the upcoming 2020 show “may be the most conceptually abstract blockbuster the Costume Institute has attempted, toggling between what Mr. Bolton calls the ‘objective’ time of the calendar and the ‘subjective’ time of creativity – will take the form of 160 pieces of women’s fashion created over the past 150 years.

This topic is front and center in the fashion industry, as creativity is increasingly subordinated to the demands of more, more, more and give-it-to-me-now collusion of business and consumers.

The Times notes that the show, itself, will be designed by Esmeralda ‘Es’ Devlin, who was responsible for the sets for Beyoncé’s “Formation” tour, as well as many Royal Opera House productions. The catalog will contain a new short story written in the show’s honor by Michael Cunningham, the author of the “Mrs. Dalloway”-inspired novel “The Hours.”

The show will be chaired by Nicolas Ghesquière of Louis Vuitton, who is also underwriting the May 4, 2020 event. Ghesquière will be joined by Vuitton ambassador Emma Stone, actor Meryl Streep , who starred in ‘The Hours’, Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda and Anna Wintour, of course.

Richard Phibbs Eyes Grace Bol in Splendid Images for Vogue Greece November 2019

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Richard Phibbs Eyes Grace Bol in Splendid Images for Vogue Greece November 2019

Model Grace Bol soars in voluminous looks from Bottega Veneta, Comme des Garcons, Gucci, Moncler X Pierpaolo Piccioli, Sacai, Vetements and more styled by Nicholas Georgiou. Richard Phibbs is on location in Mesolóngion, Greece for Vogue Greece November 2019.