It’s official. I heart Michelle Obama. Mind you, this is not a new emotion for me. Everyday, I feel more and more inspired by the new First Lady. Each morning as I watch the news and peruse the Internet, I follow Michelle Obama’s daily schedule, latest appearances and public display of generosity of spirit. What is intriguing about Ms. Obama is that she is forcing us to look at ourselves, our lives and others in a new way. Michelle Obama is encouraging us to do community service, spend time with our families, consider going green, suggesting we eat healthy and, by example, teaching us to be better human beings.

Not only is she redefining the role of the First Lady, but she is also transforming the vision of a strong woman and upping the ante about what it means to be a role model. As Michelle Obama’s “public approval” and “popularity” increases, we become more optimistic and empowered. Right before Ms. Obama took the stage at the Time 100 celebration, John Legend Twittered how exciting it was that she was about to speak. “I stand here today because of people who loved me, pushed me and believed in me,” she said at the Time event. Now Michelle Obama is doing the same to us.

A year ago Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon surprised everyone with their secret wedding in the Bahamas. Last night the power couple celebrated their Anniversary with an intimate dinner at the Palms Resort and Casino Las Vegas. Some of the guest included L.A. Reid, Chris Lighty, BET’s Stephen Hill and Ronda Cowan, Andre Harrell, Keanan Thompson, Sanaa Latham, Tyrese Gibson, Floyd Merriweather, Sanaa Hamri and Affion Crockett. Cannon made a poetic toast to his beautiful wife telling everyone “she is the love of my life.” The menu for the seated dinner included steak and lobster followed by a cake with two love birds on top. After the dinner, the party was moved to Club Moon where Cannon presented Carey with a home video of their last year togehter — complete with an accompanying M.C. soundtrack. Then the roof of the nightclub opened up and hundreds of balloon were released into the sky as Tony!, Toni!, Tone!’s” “Anniversary” played. The couple shared tears of joy and lots of kisses. Then Cannon jumped on the turntables and deejayed the night away. Viva Las Vegas!!! Happy Anniversary Nick and Mimi. 

Mariah Carey is reportedly remaking the Foreigner classic “I Want to Know What Love Is” for an up-coming album. She already did a cover of Def Leppard’s “Bringing On the Heartache” for Glitter in 2001. What ever Mariah wants to sing, she can. With a voice like that she could sing this blog and make it pop. Here are some other remakes by some of our favorites divas.

Supermodel Naomi Campbell is gorgeous and sexy. Check. Naomi Campbell works the runway like a nobody’s business. Check. Naomi Campbell graces the cover of GIANT magazine. Check. With a checklist this long, what else could the black British beauty conquer. Well, Naomi Campbell is also a music video muse. Check out our exclusive Naomi Campbell video playlist.

 
Change Clothes – Jay- Z Ft Pharrel

Madonna is no stranger to remixing (read: stealing) other people’s great ideas. Think: Vogue-ing, Marlene Deitrich, Mrs. Robinson, Kabbalah, Bob Fosse, British accents…you get the point. And while we are not mad at her artistic interpretations of other people’s personas, style and art forms, it gets a bit more tricky when it comes to race, culture and human lives. Now that the Material Girl (that is 50 year-old Material Woman) is trying to adopt another African baby and open a school in The Republic of Malawi (where she adopted her son David), we questions her motives about creating her own Global Village and promoting her new documentary “I Am Because We Are”. All good stuff, but Madge let’s be careful when there are children involved. Or maybe she’s just doing her own thing, her own way. Josephine Baker + Audrey Hepburn + Benetton + Brangelina + Oprah Winfrey = Madonna. 

Less is more for Ryan Leslie. He has a unique sound and a very cool style. The Harvard prodigy and modern Renaissance man (writer, producer, singer) dresses with ease and confidence. Leslie takes R&B classics and remixes it with verve and confidence, just like his look. He pairs tailored suits with simple dress shirts, v-neck t-shirts with leather jackets and always rocks oversized shades to punctuate his savvy style statement. It’s the perfect mix of simplicity and swagger. Check it:

First Lady Michelle Obama is the new it girl and hot magazine cover subject. From Vogue to People, O the Oprah Winfrey Magazine to Newsweek, move over Nicole Kidman, Sarah Jessica Parker and Beyonce, Michelle O is coming to a newsstand near you and gaining celebrity status. Here is a look at some of the magazine covers (present and recent) featuring Michelle O. Could GIANT be next?

The Council of Fashion Designers of America will honor First Lady Michelle Obama with a Board of Directors Special Tribute for her personal style, mixing high-low and supporting avant-garde talent. Obama has been compared to Jackie O and Nancy Reagan for her interest in fashion. Ms. Obama was even featured on the March cover of Vogue. She has also taken risks by wearing clothing by young or virtually unknown designers like Jason Wu, Thakoon Panichgul and Maria Pinot. “We wanted to acknowledge her in a serious way for her commitment to American fashion,” said Steven Kolb, CFDA President. “A grant will be established in her name a young fashion company.” Work it out Michelle O.

Beyonce is on the April cover of Vogue magazine. Michelle O was on the March cover. Last year, Italian Vogue published a whole issue dedicated to black women. Then Barack Obama became President of the United States — change is in the air. In the Obama era, black (it seems) is beautiful again. Is black the new Vogue? Check out the other black women who have graced the cover of the “fashion bible” over the years.

Who do you think should be on the cover of Vogue? Tyra Banks, Chanel Iman or Kerry Washington?

For more Beyonce, click here to see her Italian Vogue spread!

Philippe on Manhattan’s Upper East Side is the place where all of the luminaries of music, fashion, film and media meet and eat. Chef/Owner Philippe Chow ran Mr. Chow for 27 years before opening his own restaurant in New York City and in Miami at The Gansevoort South along with his partner Stratis Morfogen. Chow takes traditional Chinese food and adds a modern and unique twist to the cuisine. Note: The chicken satay is to DIE for. Philippe is minimal, cozy and all about the delicious dining experience, of course the celebrities sightings adds to its mystique. Check out some of the famous patrons who dine at Philippe.

Chicagoland is the birthplace of some of the most talented and powerful singers, rappers, actors, athletes and cultural influencers of our time. Sure President Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey and Michael Jordan have settled there and kept The Windy City on the map, but Chicago is the birthplace of some of the hottest stars and celebs on the scene. Check out a few of the Who’s Who from the biggest city in Illinois and the third largest city in the United States. Chi-town!

Celebrities are making fashion (and political) statements with military inspired jackets and coats. Think of George Washington, the French or Russian Revolutions, Little Drummer Boy or Circus Boy styled jackets and you get the idea. From Beyonce to Cold Play, Michelle Obama to Kanye West, celebs are paying attention to military details. Check out some of style soldiers.

The New York Post ran this cartoon of a chimpanzee that was shot by the police. The policeman with the smoking gun is quoted as saying: “We’ll have to get someone else to write the next stimulus bill.” African Americans are outraged by the connection of the dead monkey to President Obama. The Post called the cartoon a parody. I don’t get the parody of a chimp that mauled it’s owner and the stimulus package. Here are some images that the cartoon conjured up in my mind. Parody, racism or insensitivity? You decide. Things that make you go hmmmmm.

Diesel is one of the hottest denim designers in the world. They presented their Fall 2009 Collection in New York and Common, who just inked a deal to be the face of a new Diesel fragrance, was there on the front row along with Nicole Richie and Kate Bosworth. Diesel showed it’s new Black Gold line which was a mix of innovative denim and tailored clothing. A live jazz band performed while models marched up and down the catwalk in looks that conjured up a flapper/Depression modern feeling. Old, new and stylishly disheveled, the Diesel show was inspiring and accessible for the fashion elite and the cool kids on the street. Check it.

Adidas Y-3 Collection is a collaboration with the sportswear company and the cutting-edge Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto. At the Y-3 Fall 2009 Presentation which was held at a soccer pitch in Manhattan, Tyson Beckford, Kanye West, Veronica Webb and Anthony Mackie were a few of the celebrities on the front row. Like his own Post-Modern creations, Yamamoto brought that sensibility to Y-3 but mixed it with innovative and youthful sportswear (literally there were children in the show). The result is a global combination of urban, fashionista, athletic and chic. Military jackets, ’80s Pop Art references, dressy denim, lot’s of black and Yamamoto’s own neo-classical influence created the perfect collection for the young, hip and cool.  Check out some of the looks.

The future is now according to Calvin Klein’s Fall 2009 Men’s Collection and Kanye West was there on the front row to witness the new. From the Matrix movies to the video game Tron, the Calvin Klein runway was a neo-George Orwell homage to the furture. Models wearing ultra-modern fabrics that resembled space suits remixed with snowboarding gear strolled robotically down the runway to sounds from the Broadway musical turned film West Side Story. Calvin Klein always keeps it clean, fresh and cutting-edge. This collection was no exception. Mr. West was in the building, taking notes.

Actress Joy Bryant was among the bevy of beautiful starlets on the front row of Herve Leger’s Fall 2009 Show. The bandage dresses favored by celebrities like Rhianna, Beyonce and Cassie got a new twist this season with a futuristic feeling. Max Azria for Herve Leger presented black, brown and sparkling form-fitting dresses that hugged the models as they paraded down the wood paneled runway. Some of the models took a spill (yes, fell down) on the catwalk in their ferociously, fierce platform heels. Regardless of the tumbles, the collection was a cut above. Check out some of the haute Herve looks.

R&B Star Chris Brown finally released a statement about the alleged altercation between he and his girl friend Pop Star Rihanna last week in Los Angeles the night before the Grammys. In a comment released today, Brown said (through a publicist Michael Sitrick): “Words cannont express how sorry and saddened I am over what transpired. I am seeking counseling of my pastors, my mother and other loved ones, with God’s help, to emerging a better person. Much of what has been speculated or reported on blogs and-or reported in the media is wrong,” Brown communicated. “While I would like to be able to talk about more, until the legal issues are resolved, this is all I can say except that I have not written any messages or made any post to Facebook, or on or any place else. Those posts or writing under my name are frauds.”

Grace Sun showed her Fall 2009 Collection of women’s wear at a party sponsored by GIANT at the L Gallery in downtown Manhattan. The event (which also celebrated Sun’s birthday) was hosted by Sun’s sister Julie Chang, Entertainment Reporter for Fox 5 New York News. Grace Sun Designs’ beautiful and easy-breezy separates are sold at Barney’s New York and Neimen Marcus and worn by celebs like Heidi Klum. Sun showed three groupings of her new collection (red, blue and pewter) in a gallery style installation while attendees sipped on cocktails and swayed to the beats of DJ Ampz. Check out some of the magic.

Happy Birthday Grace!

Lights! Cameras! Action! Today was the kick-off of the New York Fall 2009 Fashion Week and the celebrities were there to check out what’s next in style. Solange, Estelle, Ryan Leslie, Fonzworth Bentley, Faune Chambers, Lindsay Lohan, Chrisette Michelle and Joy Bryant were some of the celebrities who were sitting on the front rows. Check out a few of the stars on the scene.

When T.I., Jay-Z, Kanye West and Lil’ Wayne took the stage to perform “Swagger Like Us” at the 2009 Grammy Awards on Sunday in tuxedos, it was clear that hip hop is changing it’s stylo…at least for some artists. Then Jamie Foxx, Ne-Yo, Smokey Robinson and Abdul “Duke” Fakir did their Motown tribute in black-tie, it was officially a new satorial day. The look of The Rat Pack (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr.) is back. Check out some other fly guys in black tie.

Madonna does it again. Just when you thought the blond bombshell couldn’t possibly keep us interested or reinvent herself again, she does. Adopt an African baby: Done. Divorce Film Director Guy Ritchie: Done. Allegedly have an affair with New York Yankees Alex Rodriguez: Done. Go to Rio and become a Cougar: Done. The pop superstar poses in the new issue of W Magazine with her Brazilian model/boy toy Jesus Luz. The Queen of Controversy is showing everybody how to keep it hot…and sexy Madge. Drop it like it’s hot.

ABC announced the new season of “Dancing With The Stars”, which begins in March, and it promises to be the guiltiest of pleasures. Rapper Lil’ Kim, Comedian David Alan Grier, Singer Jewel and Actress Denise Richards have all signed on to compete in the intense, ball room, celebrity dance competition. The show has become the “go-to” television show for celebs looking to re-ignite their careers. Reality TV with faded celebrities who we still love, it’s perfect. Voyeurism at it’s finest. I can’t wait to see what Lil’ Kim is going to be wearing. What! What? What! Check local listings for times in your area.

Everybody wants to be a millionaire. And now everybody wants the actress Freida Pinto also.

The 25-year-old is a former model from Mumbai who is the new “it” girl in Hollywood starring in the critically-acclaimed movie Slumdog Millionaire. The Danny Boyle-directed movie follows three kids growing up in India’s underbelly who travel down parallel yet distinctly different paths. The through line of the film is one of the character’s appearance on the game show “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” and his love for Pinto’s character. Slumdog is nominated for 10 Academy Awards including Best Picture, Directing for Boyle, Soundtrack (including the songs “Paper Planes” and “Oh Saya” performed by M.I.A.) and Writing (Adapted Screen Play) it was based on a novel “Q&A: Slumdog Millionaire” by Vikas Swarup. (Pinto did not get nominated.) Like Boyle’s other films Trainspotting, A Life Less Ordinary and Millions, Slumdog mixes human condition, subculture and music. Aside from Slumdog’s beautiful cinematography and scenery, gritty and violent action and surreal modern Bollywood story telling, Pinto’s is absolutely radiant. Her acting is stunning, captivating and memorable. She did commercials, some Indian TV and traveling shows, but this is Pinto’s debut film. Her performance is challenging and captivating, and she is a natural. A glamorous star of India is born.

The Smithsonian Institute, purveyors of American history and pop culture, wants Aretha Franklin’s grey studded church lady hat for it’s permanent collection.

The Queen of Soul wore the custom-made hat when she performed “My Country ‘Tis Of Thee” at President Barack Obama’s Inauguration on January 20, 2009. Apparently, hat designer Luke Song has been swamped with orders of the bling-bowed hat which cost over $500. Song has been selling knock-off versions en mass for about $179 a lid since that historic day. Franklin has not decided if she will donate the hat to repository. Michelle Obama has given her Jason Wu Inaugural Ball Gown to The Smithsonian and it will go on display this Summer.

Fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier showed models in big, fluffy afros walking up and down the catwalk at his recent Fall 2009 men’s collection in Paris. As we begin to celebrate Black History Month, I thought what better time than now to pay homage to the afro. Check out this blow-out:

LeBron James is one of the best basketball players in the world and off the court he’s one of the best dressed men on the social scene. It’s not easy dressing a 6 foot, 8 inch and 250 pound baller, but the Cleveland Cavalier’s small forward does it with ease and confidence. When he’s not in uniform or sporting his LJ 23 Nike sportswear, you may find King James rocking Ralph Lauren, Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton or Gucci. James is now on the cover of GQ — a slam dunk recognizing his satorial swagger. Witness LBJ’s style.

For more Celeb Style, click here!

While millions of people celebrated Barack Obama’s Presidential Inauguration in Chocolate City, some New Yorkers kept it local and did their own thing. Pepsi hosted a Black Tie Blue Jeans Downtown Inaugural Ball at La Esquina, Serge Becker’s Mexican underground eatery. In Big Apple style Maxwell, Universal/Motown’s Sylvia Rhone, Artist Francesco Clemente, fashion advocate Bethann Hardison, Sean John’s Dao-Yi Chow, DJ Victor Calderone and many other taste makers basked in the glow of this historical moment. The menu: Delicious Mexican food, Don Julio Tequila, Pepsi floats (yes, the yummy mix of vanilla ice cream and soda) and hip hop beats by DJ Reach. What more could you ask for when celebrating one of the most important days in our lives? Caption: Happy Obama Day!

Check out my snapshots of the evening.

“It’s been a long, long time coming/ But I know a change is gonna come, oh yes it will” — Sam Cooke, 1964

Today I cried. I cried because it’s a great day in America and a great day in the world. I cried because a man that looks like me has risen to power in a country that has been burdened by racial intolerance and prejudice. I cried because my father was not here to witness this day. I cried today because in Barack Obama, the 44th President of America, we have a leader, someone who cares and is a real man who is making a difference.

Let me be clear. These are tears of joy, hope and endless possibilities. During the Presidential Inauguration, from Aretha Franklin’s soulful and gospel tinged rendition of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” to Elizabeth Alexander’s thoughtful poem “Praise Song for the Day” to Rev. Joseph E. Lowery’s reflective (and sometimes humorous) benediction reciting the words to “The Negro National Anthem”, it is clear that it is indeed a new day.

President Obama’s 22-minute address (watch the video below) was about hope, progress and, of course, change. What is remarkable about Obama is that he didn’t rest on his laurels or give a rah-rah speech about America the beautiful. Instead, Obama gave real talk about the challenges of the nation’s economy, education, health care, energy and war. In a bold and confident oration, Obama spoke about working hard, moving forward and taking responsibility for our actions. Most importantly, he talked about humanity, a global community and the future. “The world has changed,” Obama said, “And we must change with it.”

Now it is time to get to work. Obama is giving us the leadership, support and encouragement to make it through the difficult times but also to have faith in the future. He spoke of his mission (and now ours as well) of “the work of remaking America.” Yes, we can and Obama is proving that fact. So we move forward in this new America, on this new day and dry our tears. Like he quoted from the Bible scriptures, “the time has come.”

Today (January 19), America celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (January 15, 1929 — April 4, 1968). One of the most important figures in the Civil Rights Movement and U.S. history, today MLK is more significant than ever. Tomorrow, Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States and the first African American to hold the highest elected office in this country. Dr. King with his dreams of racial equality, diversity and non-violence helped pave the way for Obama and African Americans nationwide.

As we celebrate King’s vision coming to life and the Inauguration of President Elect Obama, here are some moments in history, music and culture that helped keep the dream alive.

Gandhi, the former political and spiritual leader of India, helped inspire MLK with his non-violence resistance philosophy. His words about change influenced Obama’s Presidential campaign slogan.

In 1963, King was one of the leaders of The March on Washington. There he delivered his famous “I Have A Dream” speech which is a prophecy for the year 2008 when Obama wins the Presidency.

On October 14, 1964 King became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize which he received for leading the non-violent resistance movement to end racial prejudice in the U.S.

Stevie Wonder releases Hotter Than July in 1980 which included the song “Happy Birthday” a dedication to MLK. The song becomes an anthem with African Americans.

Coretta Scott King established The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Change in the basement of the couples home a year after MLK’s assassination. In 1981, a multi-million dollar facility was opened on Auburn Avenue in Atlanta near King’s birthplace and Ebenezer Baptist Church (where King was a minister from 1960 until his death).

After several attempts to get MLK’s birthday recognized as a legal holiday, The King Center helped rally and six million signatures were sent in a petition to Congress to pass a law. On November 2, 1983 President Ronald Reagan signed a bill creating King’s birthday as a Federal holiday. It was first celebrated on January 20, 1985.

In 2001, actor Jeffrey Wright portrays King in the HBO film Boycott (which is now available on DVD).