Sunday, May 22, 2011

Trendy Buzz Kill of The Week - Satoshi Kanazawa


Dr. Strangelove, Satoshi Kanazawa, a London-based psychologist, recently concluded after "throrough" research at the London School of Economics, that black women are the less attractive of all the races. Based on his findings, he concluded that thanks to a "genetic mutation" and excessive amounts of testosterone, black women tend to have manly features that ultimately stifle the feminine features of all women of African desecent. Thereby making them distinctively more male than female. Obviously his findings are ludicrous and baseless and any self-respecting African-American female will not allow such a claim to influence how they feel about themselves or threaten their sexuality. Its painfully clear that being attractive or considered attractive has nothing to do with race or sex. It based on whats visually pleasing to the eye of an individual. Every race has features that are distinctive and even though we are constantly bombarded by images that seem to celebrate caucasian beauty, that isn't because they are superior. Its simply because most caucasians are in a position to be influential; they own the top cosmetic companies in the world and of course mostly causcasian models/actresses are hired to represent them. Thats only logical. Whats not logical, is having an influential scholar like Kanazawa using his talents to perpetuate negativity instead of trying to encourage hope and positivity. Black women have always been an easy target when it comes to ridicule and disrespect so this is just another nail in the coffin. For those of us that are self-assured and confident, we don't need any science experiment to dictate our self-worth. But for those women of color that are damaged and constantly seeking universal approval, Kanazawa's comments and conclusions pose a great threat. It just goes to show that no amount of education guarantees common sense and immunity to ignorance. 

Trendy Music Artist - RETTA Interview



Trendy - When did you first feel the urge to become a singer and how did your background influence you?

RETTA – The urge started in my mother’s womb (Laughs) ok it was more like how it started because 'when' can't be recalled anymore. To what I know I have always wanted to be a performing artist. Loved art from day one, mum says I started clarifying that when I was 5 but to what I can remember I can fairly say I was 6-7years. I was born and raised in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, well, it wasn't so easy then cause every parent wanted their kids in high potential courses like doctors, lawyers or engineers but it didn't take so long for my family to see that I was made for the stage. Plus, I am born into a musically inclined family so acceptance became very easy with time...Super thanks to Michael Jackson, he made me fall in love with the stage. (Smiles).

Trendy - Where do you draw inspiration for your songs and how would you describe your musical style?

RETTA - I am a soul artist but most of my songs are infused with pop...so you can call me a soul/pop artist...The new breed of extreme soul (Laughs). I get my inspiration from earth and its subjects...basically I write about everything I see, feel or hear that inspire me. I also write about my personal experiences in life as a whole or in the lives of others... there's always a message to be passed across in my music...a couple of artists inspire me as well, namely  Dido, Tracy Chapman, Adele, Noisettes, etc.

Trendy - Which musical artists do you admire and who would be your dream collaboration?

RETTA - hmmm! For admiration there are a lot of them but I'll pick 3 out and give reasons… Adele, she's an intense vocalist, a soul perfectionist. Beyonce, she's a great performer. There are no dull moments with her. Lastly Michael Jackson' a Legend, may his soul rest in perfect peace. And as for my dream collabo artist…that would be BRUNO MARS. (Smiles) love him!

Trendy- Are you surprised by the success you are enjoying now and how far do you hope to go?

RETTA - Oh well! I wouldn't say I am surprised…more like Super Assured for a better tomorrow which is now anyways. As to how far I hope to go, all cannot be put on papers, because your magazine wouldn't have enough space to contain what I'll have to say (laughs) all I can say is I am going to go far above the skies. That's the dream (smiles).

Trendy - What are your goals for the future? Where do you hope to be in 5 years?

RETTA - Oh well after taking all the Grammies and Oscars, cause I would go beyond singing, like I told you, I love the stage. I would like to build the biggest music school in Africa and see to it that music is being taken more seriously and is not being looked down on. My dream for Africa music is to ensure that those coming up to take over from us add more value to what we leave off for them.  In five years I'll still be on your TV screen and all up in your papers and magazine as the queen of soul. We only hope for the best and strive for it as well.

Trendy - What advice do you have for young hopefuls that are trying to break into the music industry?

RETTA - Always take your time and do it right, and strive for perfection and never go with average. Secondly, if you have a dream and you like what you see then live it. Never give up on yourself. Thirdly, Put God first in all you do and he will straighten your path.

Thanks to complete fashion for this opportunity. Stay blessed!





Thursday, May 19, 2011

Trendy Look of The Week - Naomi Campbell



Wow! If this is what 41 looks like, then let me at it!! Naomi Campbell continues to stun as she makes her rounds during the Cannes Film Festival. She definitely knows how to put her best legs forward!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Trendy Fashion Buzz - Fave Looks From The Cannes Film Festival


Uma Thurman in Dolce and Gabbana
Paz Vega dazzles in an Azzaro jumpsuit and Chopar jewels
Naomi Campbell Strutting her stuff in Marchesa
Tilda Swinton conquers the Red Carpet in her two-toned ensemble

Sarah Jessica Parker is gorgeous in Elie Saab
Salma Hayek brings the sexy in Gucci
Zoe Saldana decked out in a Vionnet gown

New mom Penelope Cruz is stunning in Stella McCartney

The Cannes Film Festival is in full bloom and so far there are very few if any disapponiments in the fashion department. From Salma Hayek's Gucci ensemble to Uma Thurman's black Dolce and Gabbana lacy confection, the Red Carpet has been RED HOT with sexiness and elegance and the kind of chicness that only the French Riviera can inspire.

Trendy Buzz Report - Don Lemon Comes Out!


CNN Anchor, Don Lemon has a new book out, Transparent, a memoir that details his life journey that includes growing up fatherless and the sexual abuse he endured when he was a kid. But most importantly he admits that he is in fact gay and has been in a stable relationship for the past four years. Wow! Didn't see this one coming! So many poor girlies including me are heartbroken! But kudos to him for courageously owning who he is no matter the consequences. Anderson Cooper take note!

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Trendy Model Alert - Nyasha Matonhodze


Our model of the moment is Zimbabwean born Nyasha Matonhodze. Born in 1995 (yeah, no joke). She became a finalist in the Elite Model Look competition at just 14 and went on to secure a contract with the prestigious agency in their Paris and Milan offices. And now the sky is the limit for this ingenue who recently graced the catwalk this past February during Fashion Week, walking for Marc by Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors and Louis Vuitton among others. She was just featured as a face to watch by Teen Vogue and we have to say that we agree.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Trendy Report - The Birther Issue



Donald Trump has been collecting and dispersing insults over the whole birther issue. He seems convinced that bashing President Obama's intergrity and background is the only way he can shine as a worthy Presidential candidate. From comedian Jerry Seinfeld to late night host, David Lettermen, tons of celebs have expressed their disgust at the way Trump has diligently disrespected the President by knocking down his creditials and challenging him on whether or not he is actually a US citizen. Trump has made a career talking "big" and throwing his weight around, but will that be good enough when it comes to the 2012 elections? Sure, he will appeal to those Americans who fell under the spell of Sarah Palin. The small town, small-minded citizens who are threatened by anyone with an exotic and sophisticated upbringing, and comes perfectly packaged speaking a language they don't quite understand. I can see how President Obama can seem scary, he scares me too. But in a good way. He is scarily brilliant and seems too good to be true. Its obvious that he scares the Trumpster too, thats the only reason why he is going overboard to discredit him. Donald Trump needs to stop being a bully and rely on his own merits to get him into the White House.