début daily

Wimbledon 2008 Week In Review

Week one of Wimbledon 2008 was full of drama and surprise upsets with early exits for tennis' top-seeded talents. Maria Sharapova débuted her latest outfit from her Nike Sharapova Wimbledon White/Gold collection, a tuxedo-inspired sleeveless top and woven shorts during her first round victory. After her win, Sharapova was asked five questions about her match with Frenchwoman Stephanie Foretz, versus thirteen questions about her outfit. Style wise, Sharapova's outfit was game point. Unfortunately in the second-round the buzz of her custom-designed sport threads proved to be her fashionable demise. Sharapova was ousted in the second round by fellow Russian Alla Kudryavtseva who credited Sharapova's outfit as the prime motivation for her win. "I don't like her outfit. Can I put it this way? It was one of the motivations to beat her," stated Kudryavtseva.

Defending champ Venus Williams, who earlier in the week celebrated the début of her coffee table book, advances to the fourth round after she defeated Spaniard Maria Jose Martinez on Saturday. Williams broke record books with a 129 mph serve- the fastest serve ever recorded by a women in Wimbeldon's history. For her on-court attire, Venus opted for a halter tennis dress and sneakers available from her EleVen sports line.

Serena Williams entered the court in style. Sporting a white trench coat that was chic enough for play off the court and underneath a dainty tennis dress with a flounce skirt. Clearly, Ms. Williams is a style leader who takes risks on the green as she sets out on her "ultimate goal" to win her third Wimbledon championship. Judging from her outfit, Serena means business. Williams is set to play fellow American Bethanie Mattek on Monday.

Not long ago Mattek's (left) tennis skills were upstaged by her widely miscalculated flashy outfits. Her style on the court has included a leopard-print tank top and shorts that revealed some serious cleavage at the U.S. Open in 2007; a metallic gold dress with matching headband; and a tube top with skimpy gym shorts paired with knee-high soccer socks at Wimbledon that drew gasps from the crown and upstaged fashion-experimenter Serena Williams. Mattek seems to have tired of the flash- presenting a new classier image for her third Wimbledon appearance. When asked why the sudden change of style, Mattek responded, "I really wanted to have my tennis come through. That's why I've kind of toned down some of my outfits for this tournament. I get players coming up to me and they're all disappointed in me. I'm like, Guys! You know, it's still something I like to do. I still have a bunch of outfits. I have a clothing sponsor now. You know, it's just for right now I'm focusing on my tennis."

   

Bethanie Mattek's fashion (mis) takes: (clockwise from top) Mattek gives the ballboy a view of cleavage at the Wimbledon 2007; old-school style at Wimbledon; a low plunging metallic gold dress.

The men are traditionally more straight-laced when it comes to fashion than the women- although they do not disappoint when it comes to athletic eye-candy. But a few, such as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal know how to have a little fun on the green. Federer opted for a preppy look, entering the court in a buttoned cardigan and snappy shorts. Nadal is the bad boy of tennis, reminiscent of young Andre Agassi. On the court, sixth-seed Andy Roddick "pretty much choked it" in his second-round defeat to Janko Tipsarevic. James Blake the ninth-seed was dismissed by Germany's Rainer Schuettler. Top-seed and defending Wimbeldon champ Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal (French Open winner since 2005) live to play another day on England's grass-court classic.

- Laina Whitney Faber

Kings of the court: (clockwise) Roger Federer goes for the preppy look; Rafael Nadal bad-boy attire; James Blake (l) and Andy Roddick opt for classic appeal.

Desperately Seeking A Comeback

début daily recently profiled Gwyneth Paltrow's return to the spotlight (read article, High Times) and her current affection for towering heels and how-high-can-you-go hem lengths. Well it seems, Paltrow's not afraid of much higher lengths- right to the bum to be exact. Paltrow snagged the July cover of Harper's Bazaar and if you're a subscriber to the style mag, you get a view of the actress in Proenza Schouler's sequined T-shirt styled as a barely there dress. Paltrow is showing major leg and bum curvature. Sexy it may be to some to see a mother of two in relatively good shape (Could there possibly be such a thing?!), but it strikes me as a contrived attempt to evoke sex appeal and resurrect a career that has diminished a tad. True sexiness is effortless and innate. It is not a commodity you can pay a stylist to achieve with stripper-eqse heels and barely below the crotch dresses. Gwyneth in Gucci during the Tom Ford era was pure, simple elegance and oozed more sex appeal than any outfit the actress has been spotted in recently. Message to Gwyneth and her stylist: Go back to your roots and there you will find success.

-Laina Whitney Faber

 

From top left: Paltrow on the July cover of Harper's Bazaar. Paltrow at the Iron Man premiere in New York; Paltrow at the Iron Man premiere in London; Paltrow at the Iron Man premiere in Berlin; Paltrow in 1996 at the MTV Movie Awards.
Photo: Harper's Bazaar Cover, Peter Lindbergh. (below) Getty Images

"Sex" Sells

Compared to the worldwide media barrage of the long-awaited premiere of the Sex and the City movie, début daily has been absent in coverage of the new SATC movie. Not covering fashion's most highly anticipated movie was not intentional. But to be bluntly honest, there was little interest on my part.

I lived in New York City during the original heyday of SATC, therefore I will skip the SATC NYC bus tours, thank you. Been there, done that, and got a postcard. I can recount the time the jingle of SATC's theme song (taken from the 1994 movie "Eat, Drink, Man, Woman") grabbed my attention that all calls where sent to voicemail and my life literally stopped. What would Carrie and Co. get into this week (meaning whose bed, what outfits, the romantic plots)? My friends and I would faithfully watch and spend the rest of the week sipping on Cosmos discussing the men in our life, and Carrie's madcap fashion sense at a revolving list of New York hot spots. We would even try to match our personalities with the characters. I was always the 'Carrie' of the group- I figure it was the journo thing and a similar sense of style (sometimes, I question if that's a good thing). Besides that, the similarities end there. Samantha was always my heroine of choice. It wasn't so much that I identified with her revolving cast of bedmates and sex adventures, as it was her joie de vivre and sense of humor that attracted me.

The once witty banter about men, sex, and fashion that fixated my social psyche grew lame and a little shallow. Plus, the lack of racial diversity in the film screamed "middle America" and not the multicultural microcosm that is New York City. As an answer to this, the producers used the stereotypical tactic of adding the Oscar-winner, Jennifer Hudson, as Carrie's assistant. While good-girl Charlotte, took the route many wealthy white couples head when pregnancy seems hard to come by: the adoption of a Chinese baby, now a toddler in the film, seems to soften the whispers of the "too white" accusations. Despite my noted gripes, the FASHION was the linchpin that kept my nerves from completely fraying of SATC.

SATC was revolutionary- it's the late 90s to early 2000's version of Dallas. Pure fashion and total camp. The three years that have passed since the series ended, has created a complete disconnect with the characters. Plus, sometimes things are better left in the past. Then there goes that darn jingle again, creeping back. Fergie's remix of the SATC theme, "Labels Or Love" is pretty damn catchy. And before you know it, the SATC mojo has worked its magic. Do I at least get points for hesitation, no matter how futile?  I guess times change, but some things stay the same. The glitzy fashion will give me an excuse to sip a Cosmo and catch up with the girls. That is what friends are for, right?  -Laina Whitney Faber

photo credits: New Line Cinema 

A Stone's Throw Away

Sharon Stone has offended and angered many regarding her controversial remarks on China's recent catastrophic Sichuan province earthquake at the Cannes Film Festival. The resulting fallout over Stone's comments incited Dior China to remove and recall all advertisements featuring Stone. Stone stated the earthquake may have been a result of bad karma following China's treatment of Tibetans.

“In light of Sharon Stone’s inappropriate comments and their negative impact, Dior China has decided to withdraw [her ads] immediately and stop using Sharon Stone’s image in any advertising, marketing and commercial activities," the company said. A spokeswoman said Stone had only been used for limited advertising on select cosmetic product lines and plans were in place before this controversy to use a different model.

LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuttion, managing director Toni Belloni implied the company may be forced to disassociate itself from the actress. "I think that it was an unfortunate comment from her," he said. "If she doesn't agree, I think we have to, you know, acknowledge that she doesn't agree and detach us from her. But there's a possibility of putting things in the right perspective."

Watch the Cannes interview that started the furor.

My Name is Prince and I Am...

 

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all? Why, it's Prince of course. I came across Prince's self-titled 1979 album and the cover image of a young, handsomely dashing Prince had me seriously transfixed. Prince was smokin'! There's something manly and natural about this shot. Although I must admit, Prince was a primped to perfection- sporting the Farrah Fawcett flip that few men, including some women could flaunt and a full swipe of makeup. But oh, does he wear it well. Prince gains another star because the mane is all his, no weave or extensions for the future Purple Wonder. Confidence is the key here. I know few men that could pull off this look and still look manly. Absent also is any attire- just a bare chest accessorized with a curly mound of chest hair. Can chest hair be considered an accessory? Prince oozes style without an inch of clothing on his lithe frame. All you metrosexual men out there, take style notes! My personal suggestion is to pass on the hairstyle- that's simply for Prince and he's the ruler of his kingdom. Boy, how time flies...Prince turns 50 this year and continues to funk on. - Laina Faber

Fashion as a Political Statement

Rapper Nas and his wife, singer Kelis arrived at the 50th Annual Grammy awards this past February outfitted in ensembles emblazoned with a widely used racial epithet (see photo). I immediately dished their red-carpet spectacle as a foolish PR move from the otherwise high-minded lyricist. Was Nas pulling Britney Spears/ Paris Hilton type antics- recently usurped by the Mariah Carey/ Nick Cannon marriage fiasco? Has everyone sold their soul masquerading in this world called celebrity?

During a concert at New York's Roseland Ballroom this past October, Nas announced that his ninth studio LP would be entitled, Ni**er. The news effectively set off a blaze of controversy with Nas’ label Island Def Jam, a unit of Universal Music Group, the NAACP, and both the Reverend's Al and Jesse denouncing the album title. "The title using the 'N' word is morally offensive and socially distasteful," Jackson said in a statement. "Nas has the right to degrade and denigrate in the name of free speech, but there is no honor in it."

Admittedly, the album's title is a tad perplexing- albeit very provocative. Even in today's hip-hop climate where the repetitive use of the N-word is a prerequisite for all rap songs, just as essential as a finger-snapping beat. Nas' controversial title commands attention. After pushing the album back twice, Nas recently released the début single "Be A Ni**er Too," from the highly anticipated album. The track takes its hook from the catchy 70s Dr. Pepper jingle. With those ingredients Ni**ger has all the makings of a magna opus, and in loftier pursuits may recapture the soul of rap and its audience through a verbal trajectory via art.

- Laina Faber

In the video clip below, Nas and Kelis explain the rationale behind their attire.

Vogue’s LeBron James Cover Not in Vogue

Criticism of Vogue magazine's April cover featuring LeBron James and supermodel Gisele Bundchen has been spreading like wildfire with commentators decrying the Annie Leibovitz cover shot has intense racial overtones. James is featured striking a snarling pose with one hand dribbling a ball and the other around Bundchen’s waist. Commentators such as Samir Husni, a well-known magazine analyst, have likened the photo to a modern day “King Kong” and Fay Wray. Husni feels the cover shot was deliberately provocative adding, “When you have a cover that reminds people of King Kong and brings those stereotypes to the front, black man wanting white woman, it’s not innocent.” Vogue spokesman Patrick O’Connell released a statement saying, “Vogue sought to celebrate two superstars at the top of their game. We think LeBron James and Gisele Bundchen look beautiful together and we are honored to have them on the cover.” LeBron James expresses similar sentiments telling The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer he was “just showing a little emotion.” It’s pertinent to mention James is the first African American male to grace the storied fashion glossy cover, joining the prestigious line up of actors George Clooney and Richard Gere. Vogue’s annual April issue celebrates size and shape. Début Daily staffers collectively feel the Leibovitz cover offer hints of “King Kong”. Noting the famous Napoleon Bonaparte quote, “A picture is worth a thousand words”, rings true in this case.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Remembered

Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who fought against the injustices of racism, poverty, economic disparities, the Vietnam war and for his tireless devotion of love and non-violence to conquer society’s ills and the misguided actions of men. Forty years after his assassination his words still ring true.

King’s Quotes:

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." 

"The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?" But... the good Samaritan reversed the question: "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?"

"The time is always right to do what is right." 

"A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual doom."

"I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word." 

"At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love."

Photo credit: Howard Sochurek/LIFE

Letterman Appearance Too Hot for Hilton

Paris Hilton appeared on the David Letterman show last Friday. Letterman promptly bombarded the heiress with questions concerning her stint in the jail this summer. Ms. Hilton couldn't seem to take the heat and appeared uncomfortable, squirming throughout the interview. Another missed opportunity for Paris to prove there's substance behind the image. This clip is Letterman at his finest.

Watch the entire interview:

Missing in Fashion: Models of Color

As the Spring 2008 collections continue in London new trends emerge from the catwalk. A feminine sophistication is taking shape for spring. Hats are the hottest accessory; high-waist pants reign supreme; dresses remain wardrobe staples; and the new erogenous zone is a bare shoulder. Judging the current crop of models from the catwalks, the favored look is lithe Eastern European models with sharp features, porcelain skin, and unified looks. Its hard to distinguish one from the other. While beautiful in their own right, the elusive, hard to find model on the catwalk is one of color.