Author: worthymagazine

New music from Ahmir “Music Issue” Sneak Peek

Featured, News

Worthy magazine is currently assembling two issues at the same time. Following the “Health Issue” will be our “Music Issue.”  The issue will be packed with artists who you may already know and love along with a few that you should get to know and love.

Boston-based R&B/Pop group,Ahmir, will be one of the featured artists in the issue. A new generation of artists are emerging and this crop of talent is a force that can not be ignored. Their masterful command of lyrics and melody are just the tip of the iceberg. The group created a solid platform and loyal following by utilizing YouTube to its fullest potential. They are not just a group singing in front of the computer camera and inserting the seamless Apple computer transitions into their video. Whenever you view their videos, the time and effort that was put into each video is apparent and appreciated.

The musical renditions of chart-topping hits and the groups original work make it almost impossible to tear your eyes away from the screen. The group has had over 60 million views on their YouTube channel. Despite landing a record deal the group continues to push themselves and remain loyal to the platform that broadened and strengthened their fan base, YouTube.

Their new single, “War,” is available on iTunes. Make sure you check it out and visit their YouTube channel and get lost in the music- AhmirTV

 

Dwayne Wade’s stylist shares secrets to her success

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Barnett for a style panel

The editor-in-chief of Worthy magazine had the opportunity to sit down and interview the woman responsible for the style behind the man who is known as Miami royalty.

 

Calyann Barnett is the stylist who single-handedly elevated Dwayne Wade’s style. However there is more to Barnett than Dwayne Wade.

Barnett’s work can be seen on the cover of B.O.B latest album as well. The stylist has worked with countless stars, creating her own galaxy of style. Barnett has worked with everyone from Michael Vick, Shaggy, Tyrese and Keyshia Cole. Her resume of work even branches all the way out to coveted magazine editorial spreads.

 The winning equation

“It all comes down to integrity You must always consider what your client wants but stay true to your style as well,” Barnett said. “What has contributed to my success is doing what feels real to me. I am always myself.”

Barnett describes her style as being a reflection of her culture and surroundings.

“I draw inspiration from my surroundings: New York, Miami, Los Angeles as well as caribbean colors and textures,” Barnett said. “I would describe my style as very eclectic, kind of all over the place- an effortless mess.”

There is no denying that Barnett’s groundbreaking work with Dwayne Wade has catapulted the stylist’s name into the limelight and resulted in a new outlook on athlete’s style.

“Designer’s are realizing how involved athletes are becoming in fashion,” Barnett said. “They are changing their silhouettes and patterns to consider them. You are seeing a lot more tailored suits and longer sleeves.”

While the stylistic pairing of Wade and Barnett seems like a match made in heaven, it is a rapport that was not easily earned.

“He was a little stand-offish at first,” Barnett said. “But he started trusting my opinion and now he even puts in his own suggestions.”

In the end the formula for success is simple. According to Barnett, it’s all about staying true to one’s self and and knowing when to be persistent.

“I push a lot. He (Wade) knows if I push, it’s because I believe in it.”

-Ju’lia Samuels

 

Original article by Ju’lia Samuels for The Miami Times

Selective trends: Are some things off limits?

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In a recent post from Fashion Bomb Daily, an interesting concept came up in the comments portion of the post, are there just some fashion statements that are off limits to certain ethnic groups?

Dolce and Gabbana recently presented a flawless collection at New York Fashion week filled with patterns and textures that dreams are made of.

The area of concern however, is centered around the earrings that were also in the show but seemingly went unnoticed.

Interestingly, the earrings once given the second glance, provided that one can get past the immediate assumption the accessory appears to be mammy inspired do not seem to look offensive.

Comments on the Fashion Bomb Daily actually stated that the earrings had they been in another location, or a local store perhaps, would’ve been sure purchase.

The issue then became are the earrings simply offensive because they are being worn by a model who is not Black? So the question is slowly coming to the forefront of discussion, are some things just off limits to certain ethnic groups? Is one thing more acceptable than the other, depending on your ethnic background?

Grand Opening Welcomes High-End European Salon Ton Vangard

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Tön Vangard celebrated the Grand Opening of its

South Florida location, a stylish new venue that will offer clients high-end hair styling, body esthetic services, artistic ink and a beverage bar all under one roof, on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Guests enjoyed a sneak peek at the salon’s classic 70s-inspired atmosphere while indulging in light bites, Sweet & Tipsy alcohol-infused cupcakes and 42 BELOW Vodka cocktails. The evening also included an art exposition with artist Vitaly Rusakov from the Montresso Foundation of Marrakech, Morocco. The featured “Marilyn Monroe / JFK / Ché Guevara” collection combined political satire with the Pop Art.

Tön Vangard is a high-end salon, incorporating [Hair] [Ink] [Body] and [Drink] in a format that offers the most talented stylists, spa estheticians and body artists under one roof. The Tön Vangard goal is to create an edgy, alternative atmosphere with an exceptional collection of art and profoundly modern interior spaces that allow the client to feel like a rock star or celebrity. The menu of services starts at $20. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. For additional information, please visit www.tonvangard.com.

 A refreshing venture

The emergence of a salon like Vangard is a concept that can be welcomed with open arms.  After a quick chat with one of the salon owners, Anthony Lordi, during the opening night, it became clear that the salon’s sole desire is to create an atmosphere that cultivates creativity and produces quality results for its clients every time. Lordi promised that every trip to his salon would be packed with rhythmic music that bounces off the walls, vibrant and hypnotic artwork and genuine hair care treatments.  Ton Vangard will certainly be a place South Florida residents can go to let their hair down, relax and have some fun.

Conde Nast Names First-Ever Black Editor-in-Chief, Keija Minor

Culture, Editorial, Fashion, Featured

 

According to recent reports, Condé Nast has named it’s first editor-in-chief for one its publications in its 103-year-old history. Some are calling the move for the former Uptown magazine editor a step in the right direction and inspiring given the industry’s often racially divided disposition. What are your thoughts about Minor’s move up at Brides magazine?

 

 

Worthy magazine interviews SAV

Culture, Editorial, Fashion, Featured, News, Worthy TV

SAV, a new Atlanta hip-hop artist, who released his debut mixtape, DROP DEAD, on August 8th 2012.

The originality of his lyrics is punctuated by intelligently interlacedhistorical references to pieces including Harlem Renaissance poet, LangstonHughes’ “A Dream Deferred”, which SAV refers to in his song “Cats and Hounds.” Similar to poetry, SAV’s music alludes to a bigger picture than the words actually represent.

“He’s a wordsmith with the ability to accurately capture the emotion of an instrumental at a level of lyrical prowess that few can exhibit,” said The GM, who produced SAV’s track“Up in the Sky.”

The up-and-coming artist describes his music in two simple words, “It’s dope.” He continues, “My music has a lot of value to it,” which listeners will find evident when they press the play button on the mixtape’s first track “The Adoration.” SAV draws some of his musical inspiration from André 3000, who he deems to be his favorite rapper.

SAV has made an effort to ensure a perfect release ofDROP DEAD, which took two years to produce. In conjunction, SAV will release the music video for “Confu-Zang Wu-Tang” which was filmed in Chinatown, New York City and Atlanta, Georgia.

“SAV works to make good songs. He refuses to abuse a hot beat by throwing a bunch of random unfocused bars on it with a catchy hook; as a southern gentleman, it’s not in his nature,” said The GM.

G-Dragon Ambush 2012 “Screw It” Collection

Fashion, News

 


Koreanpop star, G-Dragon, has collaborated with Tokyo-based jewelry brand Ambush to create a special series of accessories in celebration of the artist’s birthday and approaching album entitled “One of a Kind.” The collection will include a limited number  of 88 pieces which will consist of  pins, rings, hats, belts and necklaces. According to recent reports, only eight pieces will be made for the more elaborate and decorative hexagonal neck piece — a gesture that ties in with G-Dragon’s lucky number. Releasing will be at select AMBUSH locations. Thoughts? Worthy or not?

Editor’s Note: Aaliyah’s Significance

Culture, Editorial, News, Slider

 

The singer Aaliyah

 

Being that I have been under the weather literally (Isaac) and figuritively, I have been reduced to being confined to my computer even more than usual. I was reminded yesterday that August 25th marked the anniversary of the passing one of R&B’s most influential icons from the 90s. My Facebook newsfeed was inundated with pictures of the songstress that I once and always will find hypnotically alluring and indescribably beautiful. It has been 10 years since Aaliyah passed away and fans are still posting original handsketches and paintings of the singer.

What caught me off guard was a question posted by Complex magazine, which I believe was intended to be more of a conversation piece than a profound statement or anything incendiary in nature. As an avid listener of Aaliyah, I automatically go on the defensive when anyone challenges her contribution to R&B. The question that Complex magazine posed was: “Would Aaliyah still be famous if she were still alive “(something along those lines). I couldn’t even bring myself to comment. Not that it was really that offensive of a question, but mostly because if anyone commented after me challenging my opinion, it would have been a debate- a drawn out debate.  So instead, I have decided to take to Worthy to do my part as a fan of Aaliyah.  Instead of just answering the question, I will write as a fan who is still effected by her music and inspired by the personal legacy that she left behind.

For me, I remember the singer standing out in a sea of oversexed R&B songstresses looking undeniably young and comfortable in her petite frame and humble physique. Behind an angelic voice that song lyrics that seemed to astutely describe the generation of the time, was an individual who seemed to be completely comfortable with who she was. She didn’t have the coveted wide “hips for days” and the overflowing bosom that guys always seemed to be chasing after. She rocked sweats that always seemed to swallow her. And with a humble bosom and all -wore tight fitting tops that celebrated her petite frame. She was simply Aaliyah not appearing to compete with other belting R&B singers. She knew her voice and she stuck to her style in an industry where a singer would pick up any trait to remain a factor. Aaliyah’s choice to maintain a signature sound conveyed volumes about her personality. Small in physical stature she appeared to have a firm opinion on who she was and who she wanted to be. To someone like me, who regarded the creative minds that created and/or song the songs that I loved as heavenly remnants who walked the earth, Aaliyah was as close to unique as anyone could get.

For me, she was the first public figure I looked towards to accept that my appearance could still be alluring and mysterious. I didn’t have to have the body of Tyra Banks or any other woman that I found myself wishing I could look like. I didn’t need to stock pile on make-up to be beautiful and every article of my clothing did not have to be painted on.

I look at artists today and I still see the influence that Aaliyah had on them. Ciera’s style as comfortable as she may have been in sweats when she first came on the scene- will always be compared to Aaliyah. Whenever I see Solange Knowles or Rihanna adorned in a midriff of any kind, I will always think of Aaliyah and wonder how she would’ve worn it. Good grief even Drake’s tracks feature the singer’s melodic voice.

If she were still here, I believe there would’ve been a place for her music and her presence. Even with fans being as fickle as we can be sometimes. Aaliyah was the poster child for girls of all shapes and sizes who were trying to be comfortable in their own skin. For me, Aaliyah was the first person who showed me that all women have their own unique beauty, which makes them worthy. Everything about her image in the industry was signature. She had a signature sound that stayed with you days after hearing her songs, it always seemed like she had a signature personality that was mysterious and inviting all at once and there was her signature look.

Her life, although it was too short, left its mark on the world and the people in it. Especially with someone like me. She is remembered just as much for her music as she is for her beauty. She defined a style that most women and artists still aspire to today.

Much Love,

Ju’lia Samuels