Author Archives: Sidney Sterling

Model, 56, changes her industry

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By SIDNEY STERLING

What do SLiNK, the only plus-size fashion magazine in print and Sports Illustrated have in common? 56-year-old British supermodel, Nicola Griffin.

This past month, SLiNK’s Passion Issue hit the stands featuring Griffin. Instead of just focusing on plus-size models they decided to take the publication a step further. If size does not matter in the fashion world, why should age?

Following her feature in SLiNK, Griffin also flaunted her physique for a Swimsuitsforall campaign inside the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.

Once consumers and readers caught a glimpse of Griffin’s pieces, an equal amount of positive and negative opinions immediately created waves in the fashion industry.

However, at the end of the day, Griffin was not trying to offend anyone. Instead, she intended to make a bold statement and raise awareness.

In an interview with People magazine, Griffin stated, “”Young girls open magazines and it influences them so much about body image. I particularly think it is very good for them to see different sized women, because otherwise they can feel bad about themselves if they do not look like the models they are constantly viewing.”

Social media outlets and various respected fashion news sites are praising Griffin for her brave statements.

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In an article, Bustle.com stated, “I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that if anyone were to become the next mature supermodel, it would be Griffin. Her positive attitude towards body acceptance, age, and her beautiful gray mane are inspiring, to say the least. Here’s hoping that she will star in another editorial very soon.”

To my surprise, after searching Twitter and various news sites I could not find one negative comment about Griffin’s pieces.

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People on Twitter fell in love with Griffin, her body and everything she stands for.

Do you think our society will benefit from including a more diverse group of models in everyday publications?

NC enforces ‘bathroom bill’

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By SIDNEY STERLING

This past week, North Carolina’s General Assembly proposed and passed the House Bill 2 which is also known as the “bathroom bill.” The HB2 Bill was signed and approved by Gov. Pat McCrory.

The HB2 Bill appealed the Charlotte ordinance and prohibited cities and local governments from expanding employment or public accommodations protection regarding sexual orientation or gender identity.

Due to the HB2 Bill, local governments are now prohibited from setting their own minimum wages and must comply to the state standard.

This new mandate affects the fashion industry in major ways. However, many chain brands that have stores in North Carolina are vowing to ignore this enforcement.

According to WWD.com, stores like Brooks Brothers and Hanesbrands are making bold statements against the HB2 Bill.

Screen Shot 2016-04-08 at 1.49.41 PMBrooks Brothers made a statement on social media stating, “North Carolina’s HB2 is inconsistent with our longstanding values of fairness, equality and respect for all.”

Hanesbrands also spoke out against HB2 through digital outlets by saying, “HB2 will have no effect on how we run our business and our very strong anti-discrimination policies and practices, including protection for sexual orientation and gender identity.”

This new bill will hinder North Carolina’s overall image and economy.

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Many fashion bloggers and tweeters are outraged and are unleashing their opinions through various mediums.

What does this mean for the fashion industry on a national scale? Do you agree with the HB2 Bill? Do you think North Carolina should flush this “bathroom bill?”

IMG hires male ‘brawn’ model

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By SIDNEY STERLING

A few months ago, Ashley Graham, a 28-year-old plus-size model, rocked the cover of Sports Illustrated’s 2016 swimsuit edition and forced the fashion world change the perspective regarding the typical model prototype.

Flash forward to this week. Male plus-size models are also revamping the fashion field.

Zach Miko, 26, a male plus-sized model from Stratford, Conn. with a 40-inch waist, signed to IMG’s “brawn” line this past week. IMG is one of the most prestigious modeling agencies in the world and manages models like Lara Stone, Freja Beha and Gigi Hadid.

In his attempt to stray away from words such as “large” or “plus,” Miko likes to be referred to as a “brawn” model. He has also urged IMG to call their plus-size female category “curve.”

In an interview with The Guardian, Miko stated, “I don’t find “plus size” offensive, but I think it’s the same [as fat] in that plus size has grown to have a negative connotation. Plus, means additional, outside; it keeps pushing that label of not being “normal”. If you see the word “brawn”, you think about physical strength and power, just as “curve” suggests sexy and confident, as opposed to “big.”

When taking a look at Zach Miko’s modeling resume, one might notice that he has only modeled for Target. However, Target is a big retailer in the United States and Miko immediately got attention from bloggers and various sites when his work hit the stands.

In an article about Miko, Teen Vogue stated, “As the fashion industry continues to try and diversify the body types, genders, and skin tones of the models it hires, more and more people are finding themselves represented on the runway and in magazines.”

Fashion outlets are calling this shift in the modeling world “genius” and “captivating” because it embodies the average person.

The Toronto Star also stated, “He’s blond, blue-eyed and his size-13 shoes are leaving big footprints on the fashion industry.”

People just cannot get enough of Miko and his brave actions are inspiring others to break the barriers our society self imposes.

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However, people will always have negative things to say. Many bloggers and social media consumers are calling Miko “fat” and deeming women plus-size models as “fat chicks.”

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Although our society and the fashion world we live in has come a long way, thanks to strong willed people like Miko, there will always be critics to any advancement in culture.

Do you think people should stop using the term plus-size and use names like “brawn” and “curvy?” Because of this revolution, do you think this will change the perception and dynamic of the fashion world?

Beyonce hires model with disease

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By SIDNEY STERLING

This past week, Jillian Mercado, a 28-year-old model and blogger, was chosen to be the face of Beyoncé’s new “Formation” clothing line. And I know what you are thinking. In the news media we hear about models every day, so how is this different?

Mercado was born with muscular dystrophy, a hereditary condition marked by progressive weakening and wasting of the muscles. She is permanently confined to her wheelchair and often faces limitations due to her disease. However, she has not let her condition hinder her hopes and aspirations to be a model and fashion blogger.

Beyoncé and Mercado fans can access her work by going to Beyoncé’s online store (shop.beyonce.com). On the site, the world can see Mercado showcasing her talent for modeling while wearing famous Beyoncé phrases.

For example, on Beyoncé’s online shop, Mercado poses in a grey sweater that says “I twirl on them haters” and a black hoodie that says “smack it smack it smack it.”

Beyoncé hand picked Mercado to showcase her new “Formation” line because she wanted to emphasize the need for diversity and acceptance in the modeling and fashion world.

Vogue gave Beyoncé and Mercado their stamp of approval by saying in an article that they think “Beyoncé is making a statement with this move, giving light to the importance of including more models with disabilities.”

Screen Shot 2016-03-23 at 10.20.02 AMThe Today Show stated that models like Mercado “continue to break barriers in the fashion world, proving that diversity is a good thing.”

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Beyoncé, Mercado and fashion fans are praising Beyoncé for this groundbreaking choice proving the acceptance by the social media world.

However, the news media are making it seem like this is Mercado’s first rodeo. She also modeled for Diesel and Nordstrom earlier this year

Nike releases HyperAdapt 1.0

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By SIDNEY STERLING

Nothing is more agitating than trying to get to your targeted destination and your shoe laces suddenly become untied. Usually, there is no table, bench, chair or raised surface to rest your foot on when disaster strikes. Leaning down and getting in the way of oncoming pedestrian traffic is so passé. On Thursday, Nike released their solution to this common issue.

At the Nike Innovation 2016 in New York City Nike announced the debut of the HyperAdapt 1.0, a self-lacing designer sneaker that does all of the “tedious” work of tying your laces for you. When you step in the shoe, your heel will hit a sensor and the shoe laces will automatically tighten. On each side of the running shoe, there are buttons to tighten and loosen the grip.

Nike still has not released how much these bad boys will cost. However, they are expected to be ready for purchasing during the 2016 holiday season.

“Sneaker Head” social media accounts and common fashion websites are eating this idea up. Many call it “revolutionizing” and “beyond innovative.”

Popsugar, a popular fashion and lifestyle blog stated, “If you thought fashion was already sneaker-obsessed, this may just send the style — and the rest of the world — over the edge.”

Popsugar also compares these outrageous kicks a “blast of the past” because these sneakers resemble the Marty McFly’s shoes in “Back to the Future.”

CNN even threw in its two cents by simply stating, “How does a sneaker tie itself? Duh!”

On the other hand, Wired raised some concerns by saying, “It’s a compelling vision for sure, but as with all technology there are potential trade-offs.”

Shoe enthusiasts and Nike fans are in awe and projected their feelings all over Twitter.

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However, some Nike lovers are upset that there is no reference to “Back to the Future” and Marty McFly.

Screen Shot 2016-03-17 at 10.40.16 PMWhat do you think about the latest Nike announcement? Do you think these shoes reflect the laziness in our society or optimal innovation?

Hair swap of the century?

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By SIDNEY STERLING

The apple really does not fall far from the tree. Last year, Kim Kardashian nearly “broke the Internet” when she sported her newly dyed golden hair at Paris Fashion Week.

Now, her sister, Kendall Jenner, concealed her luscious brown locks in a bright blonde wig to strut down the runway in Balmain’s showing at the 2016 Paris Fashion Week.

Balmain had some of the top supermodels in the world change their hair color to the opposite hue to walk the runway for her clothing line.

For example, blonde bombshells, Gigi Hadid, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Devon Windsor rocked brunette wigs. While, brown haired beauties, Kendall Jenner and Alessandra Ambrosio, showed off their new platinum locks.

It is safe to say that the news media went insane about the hair swap of the century.

Even ABC News gave its two cents. In an online article, ABC stated, “Adding to the hairstyle drama, Hadid, who’s also 20, strutted out straight after Jenner, and in the place of her enviable blond locks she sported dark hair with a chic center parting.” However the news outlet also observed that, “The playful hair confusion was cheered by front row attendees Kanye West and mother-in-law Kris Jenner.”

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Entertainment and fashion gurus at eonline.com simply said, “Kendall Jenner, you look different …”

Even NBC Miami could not resist covering this “extremely important” news break. In an article they stated, “It was a tongue-in-cheek move on the part of Balmain designer Olivier Rousteing.”

It is interesting to think why a local station found it imperative to cover a story that contains zero relevance to South Florida news, interest or safety.

Just like the credible news sources mentioned above, fans of Balmain and Jenner, love the bold hues and stylistic choice by the designer.

Once again, to no surprise, the Kardashian empire somehow finds a way to steal the spotlight in the news media just by slapping on a wig.

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We have more important issues to worry about and do not have time to “break the Internet” when supermodels change their hair color.

What do you think of the news media’s reaction to the swap? How do you feel about NBC Miami taking the time to cover this “extremely important” story? Is our media focusing and reporting on irrelevant news?

Designers support Clinton at NYFW

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By SIDNEY STERLING

As the iconic New York Fashion Week (NYFW) came to a close on the 19th, style gurus, designers and models were buzzing about something other than the latest haute couture.

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Big name designers like Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch and Maxwell Osborne and Dao-Yi Chow of Public School revealed campaign shirts in support of democrat presidential candidate Hillary Clinton on and off the runways of NYFW.

These shirts are a key part of Clinton’s “Made for History” project and all of the profits go directly to her presidential campaign.

The goal of “Made for History” is to include more upscale merchandise to Clinton’s online store, provide an additional way for supporters to express themselves and help gain traction for Clinton’s campaign.

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Each designer was reportedly given free rein for their personal designs and all three t-shirts are priced at $45 and can be purchased on hillaryclinton.com.

After seeing the shirts all over NYFW, celebrities are sharing their comments about the designs on social media.

Kendall Jenner posed in her Marc Jacobs deigned Hillary shirt and posted on her Instagram saying, “Shirt by @themarcjacobs. History by @hillaryclinton. #MadeforHistory #ImWithHer @voguemagazine.”

The New York Times thought the campaign idea was “brilliant” and stated, “Fashion Week is not normally the first event that comes to mind when one thinks of the perfect time to hold a political fund-raiser.”

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However other fashion blogs like Digiday are criticizing Clinton for an “elitist” move.

Adam Wray, the curator of Fashion ReDef newsletter, told Digiday, “My main issue with the t-shirts is simply that they’re ugly and in addition to other millennial-pandering items like the “Chillary Clinton” beer koozie, is not going to help her flagging standing among young people.”

Like it or hate it, people are still talking about Clinton’s latest fashion statement (no, not a different color pantsuit) and chatter creates momentum for political campaigns, which is the ultimate goal.

Controversial Yeezy re-release is Friday

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By SIDNEY STERLING

Adidas will restock Kanye West’s personally designed Yeezy Boost 350 Pirate Black shoes on Friday to retailers and consumers around the world. Anyone who follows sneaker news and Kanye West in general knows this is a huge deal for the “sneaker head” community.

Landing Yeezy’s during a scheduled release, for their retail value of $200, could entail reselling the shoes for around $800 to $1,000. However, due to high demand, most shoppers just want to flaunt that they were lucky enough to snatch a pair.

Prior to this release, Adidas first debuted this design in August 2015 and it immediately flew off the shelves. Due to high demand and West’s exposure, they are re-releasing the Pirate Black color for a second time just six months later.

Retail stores like Champs, Footlocker and Adidas held raffles to avoid overcrowding, long lines and potential safety hazards on the actual release day.

Social media platforms, fashion bloggers and mainstream sites have been raving and taunting West for weeks regarding the re-release of his shoes, his new album and recent twitter rants/tangents. Maybe the timing of all these events is not a coincidence.

News outlets available to the everyday consumer are exposing West for “broken promises” to his loyal fans.

In a story, GQ stated, “Despite Kanye’s intentions to make the sneakers available to a wider audience, the only big box stores that will be carrying them are Finish Line, Foot Locker, and Champs. And you can only claim a pair at those stores through raffles you either already had to wait in line to get or should be currently in line to get.”

In lieu of the drop of the Yeezy’s, West conveniently claimed he was $53 million in debt from launching his own clothing line.

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In response CNN said, “Oh, Kanye West. Wow. Even by your attention-grabbing standards, this was a weekend to remember.”

On another note, fans of West and his designs had a more positive take on the situation.

SI debuts plus-size swimsuit model

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By SIDNEY STERLING

Every year, males and females alike, anxiously await the release of the annual Sports Illustrated swimsuit Issue. This year, the magazine is set to hit stands on Feb. 17. However, this year the aura surrounding the launch is different from the past.

In the 1990s, women craved to look and dress like Kate Moss. Her size zero physique and luscious blonde hair consumed the minds of women and men around the world. Girls wanted to be her, guys wanted to date her.

Flash forward to our digital society in the 21st century; out goes Kate Moss and her tiny frame and in comes Kim Kardashian taking up the entire lens with her behind.

Bottom line, with our constantly evolving society our idea of the ideal body type rapidly changes and with that, so does the Sports Illustrated magazine’s swimsuit edition.

Screen Shot 2016-02-12 at 12.11.55 AMThis year’s magazine will feature the first plus-sized model in all of Sports Illustrated swimsuit history. Ashley Graham, a 28-year-old Lincoln, Neb., native and seasoned plus-size model, will show her voluptuous curves inside the coveted yearly edition.

When she heard the news, she immediately declared her excitement and anticipation for her big break on Instagram.

However, others were not exactly “welcoming her with open arms.”

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Graham is no rookie when it comes to modeling. Her resume includes modeling for Screen Shot 2016-02-12 at 12.24.42 AMmagazines such as Vogue, Glamour and Latina. She has also appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Entertainment Tonight” and “CBS News” with regards to her career in modeling and breaking social barriers.

Many news outlets like ABC and CNN speak positively about Sports Illustrated’s decision to revamp its image and stray away from the stereotypical skinny swimsuit models.

Sports Illustrated and Graham fans seem supportive of this progressive move.

Do you think society is headed in the right direction based on this move by Sports Illustrated? Do you think it was simply just a publicity stunt or will it continue to have plus-sized models in every yearly issue?

Dolce & Gabbana releases unique line

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By SIDNEY STERLING

Dolce & Gabbana has released a new fashion statement within its Spring/Summer 2016 line including a stylistic twist on hijabs and abayas (ankle-length robes) designed for Muslim shoppers in the Middle East.

The new line, meticulously designed by Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, is called The Abaya Collection: The Allure of the Middle East. These pieces can only be purchased on Style.com/Arabia and at select boutiques in the Middle East, Paris, London, Milan and Munich.

These hijabs and abayas contain a neutral hue containing black and beige accents. Other patterns include luminous daisies, crisp lemons and luscious red roses.

CNN’s fashion section reported the line in a positive light calling the hijabs and abayas “a signature sexy silhouettes for something a little more modest.”
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Dolce & Gabbana released a statement and said their new line is intended as “an enchanting visual story about the grace and beauty of the marvelous women of Arabia.”

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regarding their new line.

Others, think Dolce & Gabbana is simply “fashionably late.”

Fashion gurus are also raising crucial questions testing the Italian fashion line about the motive of its designs.

Amani Al-Khatahbeh, editor-in-chief of the fashion blog MuslimGirl.net raised the question of whether Dolce & Gabbana is “finally catering to Muslim women, or if they exploiting them?”

Due to social media platforms, word is traveling fast and everyday
consumers, fashionistas and reporters are getting their hands on this groundbreaking story.

When style meets controversial religious issues, we must remember people are entitled to their own opinions and belief systems.

What do you think of Dolce & Gabbana’s latest “haute couture”? Do you agree with Amani Al-Khatahbeh?