Haitian born and self-taught musician Jerry “Wanda” Duplessis is the genius and creative power behind some of the classics in hip hop and R&B today. Before his first hard hitting collaboration “Ready or Not”, with the Fugees, Jerry had no idea he would be one of the most astounding producers of our time. With 3 Grammy Awards and 150 hit songs, Jerry is proving talent overcomes all challenges. His humble beginnings have helped to keep him focused on his passion for music. Jerry along with his cousin Wyclef and friends Lauryn HIll and Pras Michel knew they needed to bring an extra edge to hip hop, which led to one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time, “The Score” .

Mixing his Haitian background with his love for hip hop and soul, he helped to create an innovative group, who tested boundaries of music with their love for old school samples and fresh energy. From that point on Jerry has dominated the music industry by creating hits for everyone from Whitney Houston to Mick Jagger. To add to his astounding list of accomplishments he owns one the most in demand studios, Platinum sounds, which frequently has visits from LL Cool J and U2.  Like Jerry says “In my studio, there is not one star, everyone in the studio is a star.” This drive and focus has helped him stay humble and stay true to what he believes in. What makes Jerry stand out from the rest is his constant focus on the music and the passion behind it.   – Jasmine Hampton and Zania Black

Following his lead single “Featha N Da Fitted”, multi- talented rapper and entrepreneur B.A.S.K.O. has created a new wave of style in urban fashion. Setting new standards of cool, the classic fitted hat, with the addition of a handcrafted detailed feather, brings an upscale vibe to the athletic scene. The Co- Founder of FashionFitted, and “So Fly” Movement, presents an all -grown- up feel with his savvy and intricate hat designs, which are produced by order and available at www.baskomusic.com.

Zania Black

New Era Cap and TRADITION, an Atlanta based apparel design company teamed up to launch “New Era presents TRADITION,” a full line of caps and apparel that will support “the Yard” program for HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) in 2008.  The partnership between New Era and TRADITION is, and will continue to be , a long-term relationship with the HBCU community as a whole.

“the Yard” is an initiative dedicated to advancing the tradition, culture and aspiration of HBCUs.  The program will leverage the rich and compelling history of America’s HBCUs to create a “give-back” mechanism through royalties generated from licensed product sales.  A portion of all “New Era presents TRADITION” sales will be paid as a royalty to the institutions to be used towards scholarships or other worthy investments on campus.

I got a chance to check out the collection, and as a Howard alum I was ecstatic to see us Bison represented well!  The line supports various HBCUs including the following, Howard University, Clark Atlanta, Florida A&M, Grambling State, Hampton, Norfolk State, Morgan, North Carolina Central University and Southern to name a few.

With homecoming a month away, be sure to get your paraphernalia and rep your school!

As the new face of Diesel’s Only The Brave fragrance, the well-known conscious rapper, Common performed at NYC’s Capitale Wed night.   The crowd was full of both male and female fans pumping their hands in the air, nodding, and rapping along to his medley mix of tracks from “Testify”, “Punch Drunk Love”, “UMC”, “The Light”, “Love of My Life”, “The Corner” and “I used to love H.E.R” naming a few.  Common’s energetic movement across stage casued a brief wardrobe change after his shirt was completely drenched from sweat.  The women gazed, trying to make flirty eye contact.  Ladies, this is your warning, BACK UP…cause Serena ain’t havin’ it!

Last night…at midtown’s Lord and Taylor department store, tennis phenom, James Blake and his cute self showcased his collaboration with FILA.  The collection was designed by James and has been inspired by his life and interests while incorporating FILA’s heritage brand.

ME, James, and GIANT’s Fashion Manager Laura Fernandes

SPOTTED: Shingai Shoniwa  at Webster Hall NYC

OCCUPATION: Lead singer of the Noisettes

BIO: English and Zimbabwean descent is the vocalist and bassist for the UK indie rock band.  Her name means ‘preserve’ in Zimbabwean Shona language.

This WEDNESDAY in NYC

DIESEL’s new fragrance, Only The Brave Presents COMMON performing tomorrow @ 9pm.  In order to gain access you must have a ticket to this private event.

DOWN MEMORY LANE…

It’s been 8yrs to the day since Aaliyah’s death and we’re still celebrating her life.  RIP Babygirl.

FILA Celebrates with James Blake

This Thursday Fila launches it’s new collaboration with the tennis phenom at Lord & Taylor in NYC.  I’ll be sure to fill you in on the apparel, stay tuned!

DAY 26 IN STORES TODAY!

SPOTTED: Chioma Nnadi @ Neyo’s Alfani clothing event in NYC

OCCUPATION: Style Editor

ORIGIN: London, England

WEARING:

dress by Laura Ashley

shoes by Dolce Vita

FASHION ICON: Bianca Jagger

FASHION QUOTE: “I wasn’t naked.  I simply didn’t have any clothes on.” – Josephine Baker

FANTASY DINNER PARTY WOULD INCLUDE: Diana Vreeland, Katharine Hepburn, Shyne, Anderson Cooper, and NeNe (Housewives of ATL)

In 2008 the footwear brand Rockport Established 1971 did an ad campaign with world famous deejay, DJ Cassidy.  Since then they’ve remained friends.  With much admiration for the Bridgeport boat shoe, Rockport offered him the opportunity to design his very own pair.

Cassidy looked to his musical and fashion influences for inspiration.  Most often found sporting Adidas shelltoe sneakers made famous by Run DMC, Cassidy paid homage to the Hip Hop icons by designing a special elastic component under the tongue so the boat shoe may be worn comfortably without laces.

For the colorway, Cassidy looked to Michael Jackson’s ensemble in the “Billie Jean” video – a black leather suit, red bow tie, pink shirt and socks.  Celebrating this legendary look the Bridgeport boat shoe is constructed of soft pink perforated leather, a red canvas upper, and a black pin stripe.  The shoe also features unique gold eyelets and a custom pink terry cloth footbed.

In reverence to the King of Pop, Rockport is only producing 50 limited edition pairs numbered 1-50 to commemorate each year of MJ’s life.   Not to mention, the exclusive shoes come packaged in a custom DJ Cassidy shoe box complete with pink tissue paper, a red satin bow tie and a personalized card from Cassidy detailing his inspirations.  Sounds sexy, huh?  Beginning this month Rockport is offering a limited number of pairs for sale at NYC’s Blue & Cream.  Be sure to get yours before it’s too late.

Last week was a fun filled, true Summer in NYC week for me.  I spent nearly every evening out celebrating something.  Besides my sister and brother’s birthday at Mr West, a couple of my other highlights were Mel Debarge’s birthday at Hotel Rivington w/ a performance by Ryan Leslie and Ron Brownz, PLUS The Microphone Fiend himself, RAKIM put on a show at Highline Ballroom.  Though I’ve seen him a few times before, each time, especially when he does “Know the Ledge”, gets me hyped.  U-God opened the show and Ricky Ross made a surprise appearance.

“Cause I get loose and I got troops… and crazy JUICE!”

Saturday, I found myself at a cookout in Long Island.  The house look like something on MTV Cribs.  Took a trip to the bathroom and…say word, the wall paper is GUCCI.  I had to share.

a portrait of our lovely hostess, Esther

Last weekend Nike sent about 65 editors from all over the world to Cleveland for the Lebron James Nike Summit.  Folks from Italy, London, Sweden, China, Spain, Boston and good ‘ol NYC gathered in Ohio to check out the empire of arguably the best baller in the game right now.  At just 24 Lebron’s life is truly inspiring.  I arrived Saturday morning and was rushed over to Akron’s Ed Davis Community Center for the the unveiling of the  Nike Air Max Lebron VII (which, in my opinion favored the Jordan 11 with the patent trim), hosted by comedian Kenan Thompson.  Although, I absolutely adore footwear, I’ve never been a sneaker head, yet I could tell from the amount of media and energetic camp kids that this launch was major.  I was just happy Nike invited me to witness.  We toured Lebron’s old high school, community centers where it all began, viewed the documentary “More Than a Game” of him and his boys, but the highlight was an exciting game against, ahem, Lebron himself.  Whoa…

Casio G-Shock hosted a party at NYC’s Cipriani on Wall Street.  Just like the party last year, Kanye put on a great performance.  Well, at least from what I could hear.  Even after climbing on a couch with my girls, and leaning on some guy who was kind enough to share his shoulder, I still couldn’t see.  The turnout was full of gems, all in support of the “Louis Vuitton Don”, Ha!  As the drinks kept flowing, there must have been something in those Patron popsicles that can explain my morning headache.

In honor of Team Jordan athlete Chris Paul’s trip to China, Jordan Brand released a special China edition of JORDAN CP3.II.  Fusing the elite performance technology from the CP3.II with a fresh and unique colorway inspired by Chinese culture.  The China Edition takes its visual model from Zhao Yun, a character that demonstrates the qualities of charisma, fearlessness, intelligence, calmness, invincibility and selflessness.  Exactly what Chris embodies both on and off the court.  On the heel, Chinese characters signify personal details form Chris’ life, including his parent’s names and nods to his faith on the outsole.

Available now the suggested retail price is 990 Yuan and in the U.S. at House of Hoops for $135.

For additional info, visit  www.jumpman23.com

SPOTTED: Malcolm Harris on 8th Ave and 24th St. in NYC

OCCUPATION: Fashion Designer

ORIGIN: Born in Jamaica, raised in Miami, FL

WEARING:

jumpsuit HELMUT LANG

shoes: BALENCIAGA

hat: vintage

beads:  SALVIATI (custom made)

FASHION QUOTE: “Too much good taste can be boring.” – Diana Vreeland

DC TAKES OVER!

From July 30 – August 2 downtown LA will be coming to a grinding halt as DC Shoes holds The Gold Standard event.  This will be the 2nd year that DC has taken over The Standard hotel; however this time around it’s a lot bigger and most defiantly better.  DC has come together with Monster Energy, Codemasters’ DiRT™ 2, New Era and presenting media partners FUEL TV and TransWorld Media to takeover all 12 floors of the upscale hotel.  Held during this summers 2009 X Games “The Gold Standard” event was step up as a tribute to DC’s X Games athletes over the past 15 years. DC X GAMES athletes have managed to take home 75 medals, since the start of the Summer X Games.

DJ Clark Kent

While all the action is taking place at the STAPLES center down the street; guests receive full VIP treatment,  rooms filled with entertainment, games, gifting, and amenities.  There’s more than enough to see and do.  Each evening The Gold Standard 2009 will host exclusive events, where guests can enjoy cocktails, music, live entertainment, and hang with the athletes.

Here is a little bit of what you should expect from the evenings events during these 4 days.

Thursday: Peanut Butter Wolf Vjay set,
Friday: party at the Fantasy Factory with DJ Clark Kent, Clipse and Fabolous
Saturday: DJ Tina T will be finishing the nightly parties off with a Dj set.

TUESDAY MUSIC

Grammy Award nominated rapper, Fabolous will be  releases his fifth studio album titled, “Loso’s Way” on Tuesday. Many critics have already tipped this album to be his best to date. With a heavy hitting roster of guest appearances by artists such as Jeremih, Keri Hilson, The Dream, Lil Wayne, Ryan Leslie, We here at GIANT defiantly have high hopes.  Fabolous has also gone on record, and has said that this is his most personal album yet.  Touching on such issues as fatherhood, relationships and his career.  Brace yourself for a side of Loso you may have never seen.

***EXCLUSIVE*** DIESEL PRESENTS DRAKE, THE ROOTS…AND MANY MORE

This Thursday Diesel has managed to bring together a very eclectic and exciting lineup, with such artists as Drake, Passion Pit, Theophilus London, Cobra Starship, Grammy Award winning The Roots and many more artists, all performing their hits for free. Yes, FREE! But like I said, this is an exclusive event; and only a selected few will get to witness what is sure to be a memorial show!

To be one of the lucky few in attendance, be sure to show up at one of these Bloomingdale’s locations/times wearing a pair of Diesel jeans.

July 27th and 28th 5th Avenue and 54th Street: 5pm*
July 29th and 30th Union Square at 14th Street: 5pm*

* while supplies last

SPOTTED: Justin Brown leaving Courvoisier’s exclusive “The POWER 40″ event at The Gates in Manhattan

OCCUPATION: Bottega Veneta’s Associate Communications Manager

FROM: “The D” (Detroit, Michigan)

WEARING:

jacket GUCCI

jeans LEVI’S

shoes BOTTEGA VENETA

bag BOTTEGA VENETA

FASHION MOMENT: “My father circa the 60s”

Live from their 5th Avenue store windows, Diesel U Music present… producer, songwriter, singer and rapper RYAN LESLIE @ 8pm TONIGHT!!!  Diesel is the first ever fashion label to have a radio station.  The program consists of over 50 programs with 10 LIVE musical performances.

If you’re in the area, be sure to stop by!

THIS TUESDAY… Jordin Sparks RELEASES

Sixth season America Idol title holder Jordin Sparks is to release her sophomore album Battlefield, tomorrow, JULY 21!

FILM FRIDAY!  Here’s a cute movie to check out this week.

Katherine Heigl stars in yet another sappy comdey as ‘The Ugly Truth releases JULY 24th.  Heigl will play an entertainment professional whose unlucky streak takes an unexpected turn for the better.  Sound familiar??  Perhaps she’ll get knocked up in the one too.  HA!

A life long dream, fulfilled!

With a resume that reads like a veteran athletes’ back catalogue twice his age; Dwayne Wade is showing more than a few people, how things are really done.

Wade has pretty much been a top athlete ever since first touching a basketball; both setting and breaking numerous basketball records even before leaving his high school. Becoming an All-American at Marquette University, 5th draft pick overall (2003 draft), five-time All Star, named the finals MVP in 2006 and led his team to a world championship in the same year. All of his dedication and hard work to the game he loved then culminated in Wade receiving a gold medal in the summer Olympics (as part of U.S. Men’s Basketball Team).

Now you would be mistaken for thinking that GIANT has become nothing more than a Dwayne Wade fanzine; but like all go stories you first have a beginning, middle and end!  While this is in no way shape or form the end, this is most defiantly a chapter worth noting.

Dwayne Wade has recently inked himself a deal to become apart of one of the most recognized sportswear brands in America, the Jordan Brand. Wade will become a member of a great roster of Team Jordan athletes; with fellow All-Stars such as Derek Jeter, Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony (to name a few).  Wade is in nothing but good company.

“For me, the move to Jordan Brand is a dream come true!” said Dwayne Wade. “As a kid, I grew up on the south side of Chicago idolizing Michael Jordan and have worked hard to achieve the same success that he’s had on the court.  I have enormous respect for this brand and all that it stands for. I’m humbled to be a part of the Team Jordan family and I’m looking forward to a great future.”

‘Team Jordan athletes embody the principles that have defined Michael Jordan’s athletic and professional career – dedication, excellence, innovation, and achievement.’

“I’m thrilled to have Dwyane Wade join the Team Jordan family,” said Michael Jordan.  “In his short time in the league, Dwyane has transformed himself into one of the game’s best and is the embodiment of leadership both on and off the court, a signature trait of our athletes.  As the Jordan franchise approaches its silver anniversary, Dwyane will become a pinnacle member of the Jordan roster poised to help lead the Brand for years to come.”

Hard work has been the main thread through-out Dwayne Wades’ career, and has forwarded him the success he deserves and has allowed such dreams like this to come to fruition.

From all of us here at GIANT, Congratulations D-Wade!

To learn more about the Jordan Brand, visit www.Jumpman23.com

by Hakeem Balogun

RED Model Management introduces some of their newest black, male models.

Contacts:

George@rednyc.com  rednewyork.blogspot.com

Dave@rednyc.com  redmodelsnyc.blogspot.com

When was the last time you made a purchase that possibly changed the course of history?  OmniPeace, charitable fashion brand based in Los Angeles is begging a deeper question, “Can fashion save lives?”

On June 11, 2009, Courtney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, and Sheryl Crow hosted the launch of OmniPeace’s new t-shirt line, created to raise money and awareness as part of their most recent campaign “Stamp Out Violence Against Women and Girls in the Congo.”

The conscious label won’t just stop at graphic tees either. OmniPeace has collaborated with designers to produce lines of boots, bags, and even yoga mats adorned with the Africa/peace sign hybrid logo, that was originally inspired by drawings done by Congolese children victims of violence.  What’s more interesting is 25% of all proceeds go to programs and organizations committed to spreading international awareness and peace throughout the continent of Africa.

Mary Fanaro, party planner turned humanitarian and founder of OmniPeace is figure heading multiple projects fashioned to help end the devastating effects of violence against children in Africa, such as the OmniPeace /Kitson Primary School in Senegal, Africa (the first school in the village of Longhor in more than forty years) in cooperation with Kitson Boutique in LA.

Fanaro’s diligence hasn’t gone unnoticed, as her tees are sported nation-wide by celebrity royalty from the likes of Naomi Campbell and Sienna Miller to Common and Alicia Keys.

However, OmniPeace’s ultimate goal is to end the illegal trade of minerals in Africa, which begets the woes.  African women and youth are suffering. It’s been said that the conflict in the Congo is the deadliest in the world since the Holocaust and it hosts the highest rate of violence against women and girls anywhere. The time to act is now. If you’re not a part of the solution, you’re a part of the problem.

To find out where to purchase OmniPeace products, please visit www.omnipeace.com

by Jamal Hansberry

This past week, HBO and Belvedere presented “Dinner With Bevy”. The event was held in the intoxicating and vibrant city of Miami. Amongst the swamp of bronzed gods and goddesses, a  constellation of stars came out to play.  Guests ranged from Directors Lee Daniels and Robert Townsend to Athletes.  Baltimore Ravens Terrell Suggs and NBA All Star Dwayne Wade.  Other guests included Micheal Beach, Eric LaSalle, Gabrielle Union and Tamara Tumie.

What, or who, I hear you ask; could bring out such an array of stars to the same place, none other than the heavenly body which is Sanaa Lathan.  Ms Lathan is the Jury Ambassador of the 13th Annual American Black Film Festival; an occasion which is both a celebration and reinforcement of the hard work being exhibited within black cinema, an art form that constantly pushes to champion the beauty and diversity in African American culture.

Sanaa Lathan was honored for her diligent nature and hard work in helping promote such positive images. The event was hosted by, you guessed it, “Style Maven” Bevy Smith.  Guests dined in the grand private dining room of the Mondrian Hotel; the beauty cuisine was proved custody of Asia De Cuba, and was just as exquisite as the guest of honor.

Hakeem Balogun

Ladies, it’s that time of year!  Whether lying by the pool, lounging on a yacht (if your Jay and B), or catching the wave of the ocean at the beach, there’s the perfect swimsuit just for the occasion.

Clipse X Kanye – Kinda Like A Big Deal Behind The Scenes from Malice of the Clipse on Vimeo.

The Clipse are behind the scenes with their new video ft. Kan-The Louis Vuitton Don with ‘Kinda Like a Big Deal’.

POO-POURRI is the first bathroom spray made to eliminate bathroom odors before they occur.  Made of all-natural essential oils,  it releases an odor-neutralizing formula into the air leaving your bathroom smelling fresh and clean.  The POO-POURRI collection includes about 6 different scents in adorable packaging so you’re not embarrassed to leave in your bathroom or even carry in a handbag.  There’s even Royal Flush, a must for all distinguished gents.  Each bottle ranges from $9.95 – $19.95 depending on size, and if you’re not pleased with your purchase the product comes with a 30-day unconditional money-back gaurantee.  Who said a trip to the restroom couldn’t be so classy?

This Fall, designers seem focused about their footwear.  It’s more than a pair of shoes, but an investment in a piece of art.

It went down in NYC last night!  The American Ballet Theater celebrated their 69th year at the Metropolitan Opera House.

IT’S GRADUATION SEASON!

Some of your favorite folks recently gave commencement speeches that gave  encouragement and inspiration for those ready to soar.

I was down in ATL this past weekend celebrating my brother’s graduation at Morehouse College.  Actress Cicely Tyson passionately recited Langston Hughes’ famous “Mother to Son” poem as Henry Louis Gates gave an excellent commencement speech, and Hank Aaron received an Honorary Degree.

Henry Louis Gates

NBA PLAYOFFS

As we’re still betting on ‘Where amazing will happen?’ the Conference Finals include…

CAVALIERS vs MAGIC

Wednesday @ 8:30pm

LAKERS vs NUGGETS

Tuesday @ 9pm

GOSSIP GIRL FINALE TONIGHT!

@ 8pm (EST)

Will Blair and Chuck finally…?

In celebration of Mother’s Day this year MrSkin.com compiled a list of stars saluting their moms by following in their career…and, in a nude scene!  Their “skinspiration” comes from the work of their own mother’s.

Click HERE to check out the video!

The List includes:

Kate Hudson & Goldie Hawn

Lisa Bonet & Zoe Kravitz

Gwyneth Paltrow & Blythe Danner

Drew Barrymore & Jaid Barrymore

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

RIHANNA HOME HUNTING IN NYC

Whether hitting the Red Carpet at the MET, apartment hunting or attending Derek Lam’s party Rih Rih has certainly turned the city into her runway.  With a few blond streaks in her new do Rihanna is stepping out and hurting feelings.

LIL KIM BIONIC BOOTY BOOTED FROM DWTS

Honestly, I haven’t been following since the first episode this season, but I hear Kim was doing well.  What happened?  The crowd seemed to be a little upset.

CIARA’S ALBUM RELEASE PARTY IN NYC

Ciara’s Fantasy Ride release party was last night at M2 Ultra in NYC.

with La La

Ludacris showing some ATL love

Designer Matthew Williamson’s second collection for H&M hits stores May 14th!  CUTE.  Check out some of the pieces.

HER

HIM

Paul Labrecque is a hair visionary and entrepreneur.  His newest Salon & Spa expansion in Manhattan  has opened in the exclusive CORE: club.   CORE is New York’s premier members-only lifestyle club in which Paul is extending his luxurious services to non-members as well.  On a rainy Friday in the city I got a wonderful and gracious tour of the club and Spa from the manager Brian.  Other Manhattan locations are in The Chatham and Reebok Sports Club.

The Salon & Spa offer a full menu of award winning treatments which comprise of haircuts, custom color, massage, mani/pedis, facials, a variety of men’s grooming services plus more.  My 60 min full body massage by Claudia was absolutely amazing!  One of the best I’ve had.  I nearly melted into a puddle after leaving.  The sleek and modern design aesthetics are that of CORE: with a bit of additional comfort and relaxation.

There’s a private women’s hair and nail salon, beautiful terrace, private lounge and fitness studio, as well as the Paul Labrecque Signature Apothecary.  You truly get your own personal space while there.  A stall for each client including shower, sink, robe, slippers and toiletries.  The experience was definitely enjoyable.

www.paullabrecque.com

Paul Labrecque

A FEW OF PAUL LABRECQUE’S CLIENTELE INCLUDES

Michelle Obama

Alex Rodriguez

Tyra Banks

Taye Diggs

Rihanna

Mark Consuelos & Kelly Ripa

Queen Noor of Jordan