NeNe Leakes Hits HSN and Sells Out

nene_leakes_headshotNeNe Leakes appeared on HSN on July 28th and can now officially add fashion designer to her list of accolades.   The Real Housewives of Atlanta star expressed her delight about the debut of her complete line, the NeNe Leakes Collection,  “After a year in the making I am finally here HSN with The Nene Leakes Collection! Catch me today LIVE in the studio @ 4pm to 4:22 pm then again @ 9pm to 11pm. Tune in!”
The day was far from over when the NeNe share more good news, “We have sold out of various styles and I thank you soooooooooooo much for all your support!!,” she continued.

Clearly NeNe knows how to sell and used all platforms available to her including posting a photo on Instagram while at the HSN studio with the caption, “…. Amy and I are wearing the cold shoulder tunic available in various colors & sizes. We only have a few left! I will be showing more of the line today from noon to 2pm. Then again @ 4pm for 15mins then @ 9pm to 11pm. Tune in!” she wrote on Instagram, captioning a photo of her in the HSN studio.

NeNe ‘s supportive husband Gregg Leakes went as far as to model a piece to show his unwavering support for his wife.
“My hunni Gregg came out on stage @ #HSN and modeled one of the Cold Shoulder Tunics LOL! We are having a ball selling The Nene Leakes Collection 2day!”   Indeed, they did!

The Place to Be: Russell Simmons’ Art for Life 2014 in the Hamptons

(Photo by Eugene Gologursky)
(Photo by Eugene Gologursky)

ART FOR LIFE is Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation’s primary fundraising event and is held every year.  Soledad O’Brien hosted the star-studded event this year which honored Michael Bloomberg, Valentino D. Carlotti, Jason Flom, Kimora Lee Simmons and Featured Artist Carrie Mae Weems for their career achievements and philanthropic work.

The event’s Honorary Chair was Star Jones; and Event Chairs were Jamison Ernest, Kimberley Hatchett, Rhonda R. Mims, Camilla Olsson and Josue Sejour (The Sejour Group); with music by DJ M.O.S. Events sponsors include Gold Sponsor BOMBAY SAPPHIRE Gin and Bronze Sponsor Target.

This year’s benefit celebrates the gala’s “15” year milestone; highlighting youth that have grownup through our Rush programs, and honoring exemplary individuals who have supported the Foundation’s mission throughout the years.

This year’s coinciding ART FOR LIFE online auction via Charitybuzz launched on July 17th and will run through August 7th. Highlights include: Dinner with Miss Universe Gabriela Isler, Be a Roadie for a day with John Legend, Meet and Greets with Heidi Klum, Michael Strahan and more!

Proceeds from ART FOR LIFE benefit the Foundation’s signature arts education and gallery programs, which directly serve over 3,000 inner-city youth each year. Founded in 1995 by brothers Russell, Danny and Joseph “Rev. Run” Simmons, Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation is dedicated to providing inner-city youth with significant exposure and access to the arts, as well as providing exhibition opportunities to under-represented and emerging artists.

For more information, visit www.rushphilanthropic.org

 

Fashion Brand “Rachel Roy” Inks Major Deal with Topson Downs

rachel-royTopson Downs has officially purchased a majority share of the Rachel Roy brand from The Jones Group. Under the terms of the agreement, Topson Downs, a privately held apparel and manufacturing company, will form a partnership with the fashion brand  to develop, market and license the collection. In the agreement, Roy will retain 100-percent creative control of her name. Topson Downs will assume all operations from The Jones Group, which was recently acquired by Sycamore Partners. Plans include the re-set of the Rachel Roy designer brand and category expansion of the contemporary RACHEL Rachel Roy collection.

“I’m thrilled to be working with Topson Downs in this next stage of the Rachel Roy legacy,” Roy said. “My partners and I share a vision on how to nurture and grow a brand through strategic investment to position it for great success and longevity. Topson Downs’ commitment to excellence in manufacturing, retail partnerships, the end-consumer and, above all, the people they employ make them the perfect partner to take the brand to the next level.”

Denise Johnston has been named president of Rachel Roy and RACHEL Rachel Roy, and will oversee all aspects of the lines, including growth and future licensing opportunities. She has more than 25 years experience running iconic companies such as Liz Claiborne, Emma James, Jack Rogers and GAP Adult North America. Her extensive background in both wholesale and retail has been cultivated from early management positions at Macy’s, Neiman Marcus and Dayton Hudson.

 

Tika Sumpter in “My Man Is A Loser” [TRAILER]

A new film being released by Lionsgate  written and directed by Mike Young and stars Tika Sumpter, John Stamos, Michael Rapaport and Bryan Callen. The movie’s plot  surrounds two married friends, Marty (Michael Rapaport) and Paul (Bryan Callen), who hire their single playboy friend Mike (John Stamos) to “help them get their mojo back” in order to save their marriages. Their plan backfires, leaving their wives unimpressed with their new personalities.

“My Man Is A Loser”  hits theaters and VOD on Friday, July 25.

Queen Latifah Set to Star in HBO’s Bessie Smith Biopic

queen-latifah-09_612x380Queen Latifah is set to play in the starring role of Bessie Smith in HBO’s upcoming biopic entitled “Bessie”.

The superstar will executive produce the project that will also star Michael K. Williams, Khandi Alexander, Mike Epps and Tika Sumpter.   The film will also feature actress Mo’nique, who will play blues legend Ma Rainey.

The film which is set to be released in 2015, will be written and directed by Dee Rees.

 

YaYa Dacosta Recreates Whitney Houston Album Cover for Biopic

yaya-whitneyThe first round of images for the upcoming biopic on the life of Whitney Houston are officially out.  Yaya DaCosta (left) poses as the late Whitney Houston, successfully recreating the singer’s 1987 album cover.

Yaya DaCosta and Arlen Escarpeta will portray Whitney Houston and Bobby Borwn in Lifetime’s biopic ‘I Will Always Love You: The Whitney Houston Story.’

 

Nicki Minaj: Smelling Like Money on HSN

We think it’s safe to say that Nicki Minaj is no one trick pony!  The Raptress recently made her HSN debut  to promote her ‘Minajesty’ Exotic edition perfume and raked in an estimated 1m in sales!   The leading lady of YMCMB showed the power of her growing brand when in about just an hour,  25,000 bottles were sold.   The perfume bottles were on sale for $60 each, so it we’re calculating that approximately$1.4 million in sales was earned.  Not bad for a side-hustle!!

Die hard Nicki fans can watch the replay of the show right here.  You can also enjoy watching Nicki being playful with the customers on the phone which even included R& B singer Usher!!

Kelly Rowland Reveals New Special Edition Timepiece with TW Steel

kelly-rowland-tw-steel-1Kelly Rowland continues to broaden her relationship with TW Steel.  She recently revealed the third evolution in her Special Edition series of timepieces with the company. The Kelly Rowland, TW312 Canteen Bracelet Watch, features an all-black PVD coated steel case and bracelet, complete with brushed finish and is 10 ATM water resistant, powered by chronograph Miyota 0S20 movement with rose gold colored numbering and indexes that adorns Rowland’s signature on the back case.

“I just love the simple, elegant look of my new TW Steel. While my CEO Tech editions screamed colour and fashion, I adore the classic design of the Canteen Bracelet model with the simplicity of the rose gold numbers and indexes off-set against the use of the black case and bracelet.  It’s such a comfortable fit and I think, as a highly desirable accessory, it will compliment a wide variety of looks and outfits.”

Kelly looks amazing in the promotional shots for “This Is My Time” campaign with acclaimed photographer Rahi Rezvani.

kelly-rowland-tw-steel-2

Amber Rose Secures a Spot on New ABC Sitcom Pilot

amber-rose-2012-billboard-music-awards-02Amber Rose is trying to make her mark as an actress.  The hip-hop personality and wife of rapper Wiz Khalifa  recently appeared in Nick Cannon’s directorial debut “School Dance”, and is reportedly working on other roles.

Rose has revealed that she landed a role in the upcoming ABC Sitcom pilot called “Selfie.” The show revolves around a woman who becomes a social media celebrity after an embarrassing video of her getting dumped by her boyfriend goes viral.  Rose will play the character of FitBrit and it is said to be a recurring role.