Posts made in June 2021

illustration by Mina Tocalini for use by 360 Magazine

THE BUFFET AT BELLAGIO REOPENING

After much anticipation, The Buffet at Bellagio makes its return on Friday, July 16. Open for brunch seven days a week, guests will be able to indulge in Bellagio’s aspirational dining experience filled with fine cuisine and live-action stations. Bellagio’s Buffet presents a variety of stations to satisfy any craving. Highlights include the resort’s beloved Omelet Station, traditional breakfast items, pasta and pizza as well as extensive Eggs Benedict options, Fried Chicken and Waffles and a Toast Bar.

A premier seafood selection of Alaskan King Crab, Poached Shrimp, Smoked Salmon and Scallop Ceviche will complement Far East delicacies such as Hong Kong BBQ Buns and Shrimp Shu Mai. Those who prefer a heartier brunch can enjoy the Carving Station slicing up Marinated Flank Steak, Rotisserie Chicken and St. Louis Style Ribs. To cap off the feast, discerning dessert fanatics will be able to lose themselves in fresh pastries and a personalized gelato stand.

Beginning July 16, The Buffet at Bellagio will be open seven days a week from 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Pricing:

  • Monday-Thursday: $39.99
  • Friday-Saturday: $45.99
  • Children 5 years of age and under eat complimentary
  • Children 6-11 years of age eat for 50 percent off
photo by Lake Mead Mohave Adventures for use by 360 Magazine

Lake Mead Mohave Adventures Announces New Boats

LAKE MEAD MOHAVE ADVENTURES ANNOUNCES ARRIVAL OF NEW SUNCHASER PONTOON BOAT FLEET AVAILABLE TO RENT THIS SUMMER

To meet increased visitor demand, Lake Mead Mohave Adventures announces the arrival of 20 brand-new Sunchaser Pontoon Boats. Available now at three of its marina destinations, including Callville Bay Marina, Cottonwood Cove Resort & Marina and Willow Beach Marina & Campground, these new boats offer guests an incredible way to experience Lake Mead National Recreation Area this summer.

Demand for outdoor recreation, especially boating, continues to skyrocket this summer,” said Chad Taylor, director of sales and marketing, Lake Mead Mohave Adventures. “We are thrilled to be able to offer our guests a larger number of boats to rent so they can get out on the water and enjoy all the lake has to offer.”

Each Sunchaser Pontoon Boat can accommodate up to 12 guests. They come equipped with surround-sound stereo systems, large canopies, and comfy, lounge-style seating, and are available for daily rentals beginning at $400. They provide a relaxing way to spend the day on the lake with family and friends. Lake Mead Mohave Adventures also has personal watercraft available, which can be rented alongside the pontoon boats to add even more opportunities for fun and adventure on the lake.

This summer, it is also imperative for guests to plan ahead by arriving early and checking the status of boat launch destinations and marina facilities on the official Lake Mead National Recreation Area website.

ABOUT GUEST SERVICES
Since 1917, Guest Services, Inc. has earned the reputation as a premier hospitality management company and national and state park concessionaire that has taken great care and pride in delivering best-in-class food, lodging, retail and recreation services. The Fairfax, Virginia-based company and its subsidiaries employ more than 3,500 staff at more than 250 facilities, which welcome approximately 30 million guests annually across the United States. Guest Services, Inc. is proud to welcome visitors at Mount Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park and Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area in Washington, several parks in the Washington, D.C. area, and state parks such as Bear Mountain in New York, in addition to Missouri’s newest state park in the Ozarks – the much-anticipated Echo Bluff State Park.

Medical illustration by Heather Skovlund for 360 Magazine

The Hot Trend of Personalized Vitamins

THE HOT TREND OF PERSONALIZED VITAMINS

Based on an online survey of Influence Central’s Consumer Insights Panel, with responses from 500 consumers, May 2021. 

COVID HAS USHERED IN AN ERA OF PROACTIVE WELLNESS

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, nutritional supplement sales grew at unprecedented levels. Largely driven by vitamin, minerals and supplements (VMS) and products aimed at boosting immunity, 88% of consumers share that they now take at least one vitamin or supplement daily. 47% of consumers take two to three vitamins/supplements each day, while 36% take four or more as part of their daily regimen.

The vitamin industry has thus begun rapidly shifted from filling nutrient gaps to proactively enabling consumers to optimize their health and wellness. 83% of VMS users say that they embrace a proactive approach to health and wellness: in addition to focusing on fitness and diet, they take preventative products to help them to stay healthy.

BRAND DIS-LOYALTY

Despite increased use of vitamins and supplements, brand affinity has yet to develop in the market. Only 10% of consumers purchase from one vitamin brand to which they stay loyal. More than 50% of consumers will turn to at least two or more vitamin brands for their regular purchases. When it comes to selecting a product, all-natural ingredients (63%) and cost (62%) most impact purchasing decisions. 46% seek out multiple products combined as one, such as a multivitamin or a vitamin pack addressing multiple deficits.

MOVE TO E-COMMERCE FOR VITAMINS

When it comes to e-commerce growth categories, health leads as an industry where consumers have been moving their purchases online. As we head into the rest of 2021, 50% of consumers plan to increase their frequency of online shopping for vitamins and supplements during the remainder of this year.

THE NEW PERSONALIZATION: BESPOKE VITAMINS

The millennial preference for customizable and personalized products is allowing new and innovative brands to create services that tailor to wellness goals and deliver to your front door. Only 10% of consumers have ever subscribed to a subscription vitamin brand and only 8% are currently using one. The key reasons that lead them to initially start: Their own research (39%), a discount offer (33%), a sponsored ad from the vitamin brand on social media (28%) and a personal recommendation from friend or family (19%).  82% of subscribers took an online quiz to help personalize their recommendations.

For those who have not tried a personal vitamin subscription service, 56% share that they are interested in considering using one.  The key factors that would drive subscription are a discount offer (62%), their own online research (51%), doctor recommendation (35%), recommendation from friends or family (31%), and a trial period (30%). 96% of consumers share they would be willing to complete an online quiz to personalize their vitamin and supplement recommendations, and 55% would share results of a DNA test or blood test.

CONSUMERS KNOW THE VMS SPACE, BUT NOT THE VMS BRANDS  

Surprisingly, most consumers are not very familiar with the top five brands currently leading in the personalized vitamin market:

This leaves a vast untapped market within the realm of vitamin/supplement shoppers. It’s a space where consumers need a lot of education and every brand has a chance to become the go-to personalized subscription-based vitamin/supplement destination.

MARKETING PERSONALIZED SUBSCRIPTIONS

In order to best recommend a personalized regimen to consumers, these wellness brands are utilizing various tactics to tailor offerings to the individual’s health needs and goals. Of consumers already utilizing personalized vitamin subscriptions already, 82% did so by submitting an online quiz to best curate their shipment. 96% of overall vitamin users are willing to participate in an online questionnaire to ascertain the right regimen for them should they go the subscription route in the future. Less consumers are willing to submit a DNA sample such as a blood test to reach this optimal point of personalization, however more than half would do so to find the products right for them. 24% of consumers currently subscribe personalized product subscriptions. This is very telling in how far consumers are willing to go to find truly personalized products, especially in the food and beauty categories. The top categories for these subscriptions include:

  • Skin-care or make-up(e. Curology, Mask ID) 50%
  • Food (e. Hello Fresh, Blue Apron, Thrive Market) 44%
  • Fashion (i.e. StitchFix, FabFitFun) 38%
  • Haircare (i.e. Prose) 28%
  • Household (i.e. Glove Collaborative) 26%
  • Fitness (i.e. Peloton, The Mirror) 14%
  • Alcohol (i.e. wine clubs, such as Winc) 13%

Consumers will consider subscribing the below categories in the future:

  • Food (e. Hello Fresh, Blue Apron, Thrive Market) 45%
  • Skin care or make-up(e. Curology, Mask ID) 32%
  • Household (i.e. Glove Collaborative) 28%
  • Haircare (i.e. Prose) 28%
  • Fashion (i.e. StitchFix, FabFitFun) 25%
  • Fitness (i.e. Peloton, The Mirror) 24%
  • Alcohol (i.e. wine clubs, such as Winc) 14%

When it comes reasons that personalized products appeal to consumers, 60% want products to address a particular issue or ailment they’re experiencing, while 40% feel that are unique and thus want products unique to them.

DRIVING NEW SALES

Aligned with the trend in personalization, a discount offer is the most likely tool to motivate consumers to try a subscription vitamin service (62%). 51% trust their own research, which also means getting your brand name and information out there is more important than ever. 31% would trust a friend or family’s recommendation and 35% their doctor’s recommendation. 30% would prefer a trial period before committing to a vitamin service. Activating discounts and trial period promotion is most organic through partnerships with influencers actually using the products and providing authentic feedback. Unlike other categories, people are likely more hesitant to experiment when it comes to products that will impact their overall health.

Luis Vazquez — Tu Fan for use by 360 Magazine

LUIS VAZQUEZ — “TU FAN”

Luis Vazquez, Salsa music newest sensation, peaks #1 on Billboard Tropical Airplay chart

The newest tropical music sensation, Luis Vazquez, celebrates the big success of his first single “Tu fan,” after receiving one of the biggest and most exciting news of his life: his song peaked #1 on Billboard magazine.

This dream becomes a reality thanks to the great success that his first promotional single “Tu fan” has obtained on all digital platforms, showing that the tropical genre is still on trend, and this young Puerto Rican has come to refresh the image of the most iconic music genre for Latinos around the world: La Salsa.

“Tu fan” debuted on the Tropical Airplay chart of Billboard magazine, staying for more than six consecutive weeks in the top 10. Today, the singer woke up to a dream come true, seeing his name in the # 1 position on the same list for the first time, which for so many years has been headed by his greatest idols.

Luis Vazquez, a Jak Entertainment artist, put his emotions into words: “This is a true dream come true, which would not have been possible without the support of salsa fans—I am infinitely grateful to them and to the Jak Entertainment team, who guide me on this path every day. Thank you, and let me tell you something: this is just the beginning.”

The single “Tu fan” belongs to Luis Vazquez’s first studio album “Comienzos,” which is available through all digital platforms, and includes his hits “Me tienes mal,” “Para siempre” and “Comienzos.” You can listen to the album HERE.

photo by Violet Teegardin for use by 360 Magazine

FUTURE CRIB – FULL TIME SMILE

BOMBASTIC NASHVILLE QUINTET FUTURE CRIB ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM

FULL TIME SMILE OUT SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

SHARES NEW TRACK MOST LIKELY NEVER GOING TO DIE WITH ACCOMPANYING VIDEO

Rising Nashville indie quintet Future Crib are excited to announce their fourth album Full Time Smile, due September 10, 2021. The announcement is heralded by the release of rollicking lead single Most Likely Never Going To Die and its accompanying video. Both debuted in an extensive interview feature with American Songwriter, who called the song “a catchy, nostalgic-sounding indie-rock bop that effortlessly expresses the euphoria of youthful love in modern times.” Stay tuned for more music and news in the coming weeks, including the announcement of U.S. tour dates and festival appearances, such as the already-announced Treefort Music Fest in Boise, ID.

This tune is kind of a tongue in cheek realization that nothing lasts forever, even when you feel like you and the people in your life are invincible,” says vocalist Johnny Hopson. “Its been elating to see people at shows singing along with the song without it even being released. It feels surreal to have a room full of people singing to each other ‘you and I are never gonna die!’ At least right then and there in that moment, youre indestructible.”

On the tail end of a pandemic that stunted artistic production around the globe, the sentiment chosen to open Future Crib’s Full Time Smile may seem at first listen a bit untimely. “Happiness is going out of style / pretend you are miserable for a while,” croons multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Johnny Hopson as keys and synths swish into a lush, blissful crescendo.

For the five-piece Nashville-based band, happiness isn’t so much pass as it is a process, or the result of a transitional and sometimes tumultuous period. As drummer and vocalist Noah Pope puts it, the record’s central theme revolves around recontextualizing the parts of life that are less than pleasant. It’s about searching and having the guts and strength to move on and explore new territory.

Recorded in the outskirts of Atlanta in December 2020, the band gave themselves the self-imposed limitation to record Full Time Smile in the span of a week. While challenging, the method of building a makeshift studio with analog gear was a testament to the friendship that undergirds how Future Crib operates on the regular. “We were in a state of being open and communicative about where we were in our lives and I think that comes off in the record,” says bassist and vocalist Julia Anderson. “We all weighed in because these songs were important to all of us.

Whereas the band’s second LP, Silverdays, was, in the words of multi-instrumentalist Bryce DuBray’s words, “a reimagining” and a “polishing up” of previously produced demos, Full Time Smile is a more carefully crafted affair, a concerted effort to reflect the band in the most accurate way possible. It’s the first record by the band that features contributions of guitarist and vocalist George Rezek, who joined the group in a full-time capacity after filling in for Pope on a series of dates in 2019.

This retreat approach to making the record took the already-established bonds within the band to new levels. “When you make a record at home, it’s going to be pretty predictable,” says Hopson. Though bands are rarely a democracy, Future Crib sought to develop Full Time Smile without any particular member having absolute authority over a song’s final form. Blending electronic or synthesized instrumentation with organic sounds gives the album a balance so rarely found in even the most modern of releases.

Indeed, the band made a point to put egos aside during the production and craft something that transcended any one member’s preferences. “We decided to stay away from doing anything that would make the record sound like any particular band or influence,” says Hopson. “We were making all of the choices that were best for each song. The influences come no matter what.”

Though there was a conscious effort to avoid sounding like anything in particular, the result draws on a range of influential artists that dominated rock clubs and college radio in the 90s and early aughts. It comes as no surprise then, this alt-pop masterpiece dares to be embraced by fans of Built To Spill, Modest Mouse, Dr. Dog, and other acts of their ilk.

We all really enjoy listening to records front-to-back,” says Pope. “We put a lot of effort into arrangements and how songs flow.” Though dynamic, the album retains an obvious cohesion that is owed to the band’s reliance on self-recording and making a point to avoid more traditional studio setups. “There’s a lot going on and a lot of room for error, but we trust each other with sounds and creative decisions because we know that ultimately we will do what’s best for the song,” adds Hopson.

The album’s lead single, Most Likely Never Going To Die, is an aptly-named earworm that is representative of the band’s penchant for writing indelible melodies with punchy guitar licks that will surely resonate with fans of the aforementioned acts. Hopson is at his best when he waxes philosophical about what constitutes the good life without coming off as pretentious.

On Horses, Leaves, and less-rollicking numbers, the tempos may slow down considerably, but the emotional weight and maturity remains. While these songs may be closer in presentation to the outsider art of Bill Callahan and Daniel Johnston than radio-rock, they’re no less effective. The record’s title track also trades raucous sing-alongs for a reflection on how to find happiness in spite of ever-present struggles.

Despite its ecstatic moments and joyful performances throughout, Future Crib exercise a stunning amount of humility on Full Time Smile – perhaps most especially on the record’s closing track, Forever Aint A Long Time And We Still Have A Lot To Do. As Hopson sings, “Were kidding ourselves if we ask for a three-minute rocker to last forever.” With songs as crafty as those found on Full Time Smile, though, it’s very possible that these three-minute rockers may stick around for quite a long time.

FUTURE CRIB FULL TIME SMILE

RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 10, 2021

  1. Miserable
  2. Together Together
  3. What’s The Use In Waiting
  4. Horses
  5. Cherry
  6. Fluff = Nothing
  7. Full Time Smile
  8. Leaves
  9. Most Likely Never Going To Die
  10. BG
  11. Forever Ain’t a Long Time and We Still Have a Lot to Do
Never via The Thom Brand for use by 360 Magazine

Lady London – Never

Drumming up critical acclaim as an illustrious artist in a few short years, with destiny for greatness, Lady London shares with the world her new single and accompanying cinematic visual “Never.” The Nigel Uno-produced track serves as a therapeutic release from the New York-born, New Jersey-raised rapper chronicling the vast amount of trials she’s endured that ultimately shapes her to be the resilient woman that she is today.

“Never” is now available to stream/ purchase /share on all streaming music service platforms now. The official music video premiered on YouTube last week.

London shared a special note to fans and followers last week as she unveiled details of today’s momentous release: “This record is my first child—the very first song I recorded the day I landed back in LA & discovered I had lost two years’ worth of my only material on my hard drive. Every song I recorded in my entire career was on that disk. I bled my soul on this record. I speak of my journey through this vicious industry. I speak on the horrors of social media notoriety and even my past relationship. God placed his hand on this record because, for the very first time, I made it for me.”

Earlier this year, Lady London released her heavy-hitting track “Money Over,” which takes on an infectious Barrington Levy sample and pays homage to her West Indian/ Caribbean roots. Rap icon Cardi B praised the track as she took to social media and stated London is “the most slept on.” “Money Over” is currently at 500,000 + views on YouTube. Watch HERE

A few short months ago, the world got a chance to meet the rising star on a national level for the BET Awards as she delivered an empowering message rooted around the Black Lives Matter movement made to inspire the world—and so it did. The Genius presented performance caught co-signs immediately after from Diddy, Revolt TV, and more as most became immediately captivated by her distinct and dynamic flow. 

About Lady London

Having earned her Bachelor of Science from Howard University, and Master of Science from the University of Southern California, Lady London is both a noun and an adjective: a person, a feeling, and state of being. An innovator, tastemaker, emerging songwriter, and published author, making her way through Los Angeles with East Coast style. A true pioneer of academia paired with street witt and style, fully dedicating her works to the women not constricted by boundaries, and the men who aren’t discouraged by that.

filmfest via Gabrielle Archuletta for use by 360 Magazine

Planet Class Podcast Reviews ‘One Leg In One Leg Out’ Film

International youth guests discuss the acclaimed film One Leg In One Leg Out and the misconceptions about sex workers and the trans community on the Planet Classroom Podcast.

Resilience and dedication pave the path for those willing to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. In the new episode of the Planet Classroom Podcast entitled Pride and Prejudice, Orb, the show’s virtual host, unites the creator of the acclaimed film, One Leg In One Leg Out (now screening on the Planet Classroom Network YouTube Channel), along with international youth voices to explore the human rights of sex workers and transgender people. What happens when a transgender woman wants to become a social worker so she can help other girls in her position stay safe and turn away from that way of life? I think what really makes this film so inspiring is that it shows the gritty reality of those marginalized in society, particularly transgender individuals. says Julian from California. I have to admit that before watching this film I didn’t have a good image of people with these kinds of jobs, but the film made me realize that in some cases they don’t have these jobs because they want it, it’s because they need it, notes Natalia from Mexico.

Listen to the Podcast

The Planet Classroom Network, organized by CMRubinWorld, brings together musicians, dancers, video game creators, filmmakers, learning innovators and emerging technologists from all over the world to entertain, educate and engage youth, and to provide a rich cultural experience at a time when art and learning institutions everywhere are not accessible. Curators and content contributors include Global Nomads, Global Oneness, the Martha Graham Dance Company, Commffest, KIDS FIRST!, Dream a Dream Foundation, OddWorld Inhabitants, Psyon Games, Challenge 59, LXL Ideas, Alliance for Young Artists & Writers/Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, Creative Visions Foundation, Battery Dance, SIMA Classroom, Young Voices for the Planet, Bard Conservatory, Taking It Global, Materials for the Arts, Book Creator, XTalks, NFFTY, Young People’s Chorus of New York City, The International Forum for the Literature and Culture of Peace, Ryan Wong Classroom, The Global Search for Education, Voice America, Addiction and Art, Rocketium and Brandartica. Young people from around the world played a significant role in conceptualizing, creating, and producing the network’s vision and programming.

Learn about Planet Classroom via their Twitter and YouTube

Image via The Purple Agency for 360 Magazine

Swizz Beats Recieves Culture Creators’ Icon Award

SWIZZ BEATZ ACCEPTS THE ICON AWARD AT THE 5TH ANNUAL CULTURE CREATORS INNOVATORS & LEADERS AWARDS BRUNCH IN PARTNERSHIP WITH YOUTUBE

Celebrating leaders throughout the creative community and upholding a commitment to diversity, Culture Creators hosted its 5th annual Innovators & Leaders Awards Brunch at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in the International Ballroom on Saturday, June 26. It was hosted by media personalities Tanika Ray and DeMarco Morgan, co-anchor of CBS2 News This Morning. The  ceremony will be broadcast on the Culture Creators YouTube Channel on July 1st at 5pm PST/8pm EST.

Of the fifth annual Innovator & Leaders Awards Brunch, Culture Creators founder Joi Brown stated, I am so elated that we were able to come together after a very challenging year to celebrate Black Excellence. Reflecting on Culture Creators from its infancy to now is truly a testament to not only our resilience as people of color, but a reminder that we can and will continue to break boundaries.

This year, musician, super-producer, art collector, philanthropist, and co-founder of VERZUZ, Swizz Beatz accepted the Icon Award from his son and actor, Nasir Dean a.k.a. Note Marcato. His acceptance of the honor was followed by a Culture Chat that engaged attendees, moderated by DeMarco Morgan.

Actor and comedian Royale Watkins presented Derrick D-Nice Jones with the Innovator of the Year Award, while D-Nice spoke to the crowd about the idea of becoming an overnight success. D-Nice proclaimed, I’ve been in this business 35 years, this is the longest night ever, to thunderous applause from the crowd of entertainment industry titans.

Guests were also treated to electrifying performances by Jenson McRae and Yung Baby Tate.

Check out the full list of honorees, below.

In addition to YouTube, the event graciously welcomed corporate partners such as CIROC, Procter & Gamble, Coin Cloud, Lexus, and Ellis Isle Tea Company. The exclusive invite-only gala maintained its status as one of the most sought-after and influential events of BET Awards Weekend for the fifth year. 2021 saw the event expanded and evolved as it highlights the achievements of thought leaders, philanthropists, executives, entertainers, artists, and other pillars of African American culture in an intimate setting among key players.

Talent from this year’s gala included: Past Icon Honoree Sylvia Rhone, Jimmy Jam, H.E.R., Todd Gurley, Andre Drummond, Mya, G Herbo, Pink Sweat$, Jemele Hill, Shenseea, Tai Beauchamp, Sevyn Streeter, Symphani Soto, Jourdin Pauline, actor Lodric Collins, Chaka Zulu, Kosine, YSB Tril, songwriter Kameron Glasper, fashion designer Brandon BJ Gray, actor Jay Reeves, Ryan Destiny, Kenneth Faried, Sam Austins, and more!

These Culture Creators continue to set the pace for diversity in the fields of entertainment, music, sports, and beyond.

Innovators & Leaders Awards 2021

ICON AWARD:

Swizz Beatz

INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR:

Derrick D-Nice Jones

BUSINESS:

Baron Davis

FASHION:

Zerina Akers

FILM/TV:

Rikki Hughes, Magic Lemonade

FINANCE:

George Wells

HEALTH & WELLNESS:

Shanti Das, Silence the Shame

MEDIA:

Cari Champion

MUSIC:

Jeff Robinson & Jeanine McClean, MBK Entertainment

SOCIAL JUSTICE:

Stefani Brown-James, Collective PAC

SPORTS:

JaVale McGee

TECHNOLOGY:

Kudzi Chikumbu, Tik Tok

KEEP UP WITH CULTURE CREATORS!

Keep up with Culture Creators via their website, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

ABOUT YOUTUBE

YouTube announced a multi-year $100 million fund dedicated to amplifying and developing the voices of Black creators and artists and their stories. The fund, now officially named the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund, will invest with an intention: to present fresh narratives that emphasize the intellectual power, authenticity, dignity and joy of Black voices, as well as to educate audiences about racial justice. It’s been seven months since we announced our Black Voices Fund Class of 2021, and each of our grantees has been partnered with a dedicated YouTube Strategic Partner manager who is working with them to optimize and grow their channels. More than 132 creators & artist teams across six countries have participated in our inaugural three-week Black Voices Creator Fund Incubator Camps, where industry experts covered everything from Pre-Production 101, lighting, and digital storytelling, to alternative monetization, media coaching, and wellbeing. On June 21, 2021, YouTube opened grant applications for the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund Class of 2022. YouTube has also worked with Project Level, The Gathering Spot and Since the 80s to launch Future Insiders, to date reaching over 180 at-risk and underserved youth aspiring to enter the music and creative industries.

ABOUT CÎROC ULTRA PREMIUM VODKA

CÎROC Ultra-Premium Vodka is gluten-free and distilled from fine French grapes; a process inspired by over a century of wine-making expertise and craftsmanship, providing a crisp, clean taste and citrus nose. Launched nationwide in January 2003, DIAGEO, the world’s largest spirits and beer company, made spirits history in October 2007 by entering into a strategic alliance with entertainment entrepreneur Sean Diddy Combs, in which Mr. Combs and Combs Enterprises assumed the lead on all brand management activities for CÎROC. The flavor portfolio includes CIROC RED BERRY, CÎROC COCONUT, CÎROC PEACH, CÎROC PINEAPPLE, CÎROCC APPLE, CÎROC MANGO, CÎROC SUMMER WATERMELON, and Limited-Edition flavor CÎROC SUMMER CITRUS. In June 2018, Sean Diddy Combs and Makers of CÎROC entered the brown spirits category with the introduction of CÎROC VS, Fine French Brandy. Please drink responsibly. Must be 21+ to enjoy.

ABOUT PROCTER & GAMBLE

P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always, Ambi Pur, Ariel, Bounty, Charmin, Crest, Dawn, Downy, Fairy, Febreze, Gain, Gillette, Head & Shoulders, Lenor, Olay, Oral-B, Pampers, Pantene, SK-II, Tide, Vicks, and Whisper. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit P&G’s website for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands. For other P&G news, visit their website.

adidas x IVY PARK “FLEX PARK” Swimwear Capsule illustration by Alex Bodgan

Beyoncé × adidas Flex Park

adidas x IVY PARK has returned to present the latest offering in their ongoing adidas x IVY PARK collaborative partnership. This is the brand’s first foray into swim wear, marking an exciting new venture for adidas x IVY PARK. The FLEX PARK swimwear capsule collection emphatically celebrates the empowered spirit of confident self expression and individuality — positively and boldly. This summer, show up and show off in this neon, nostalgic, muscle-beach inspired swim wear.

FLEX, by definition: A boastful statement or display.

Capturing the true essence of summer, the swim-centric collection seeks to inspire anyone and everyone to fearlessly FLEX their best selves. Crafted with self-confidence in mind, the capsule’s ethos is defined by the pursuit of an unabashed representation of who you are.

FLEX PARK brings the nostalgic muscle beach culture to life. The campaign features beauty entrepreneur and fashion influencer, Kristen Noel Crawley, as well as creative multihyphenate and actor, Quincy Brown, alongside body-positive influencer Tabria Majors.

The Collection

Rooted in a mission that continues to push style, functionality, and inclusivity, the FLEX PARK collection is the collaborative partnership’s first foray into swimwear. Boasting a bright neon color palette with contrasting white stripes and accents, the summer capsule serves up the perfect vibe for pool parties or sweltering beach days. Standout pieces include one-piece bathing suits, beach ready cover ups, and sleek two pieces available in sizes XS-4X, as well as a men’s matching shirt and short set, a pair of slides, a bucket hat and bag. Designed to be mixed and matched, the FLEX PARK collection offers something for everyone.

Thoughtfully functional, boldly stylish, and always inclusive, the FLEX PARK capsule launches on July 22nd on Adidaswebsite and will be available in store and at select retailers globally from July 23rd.

adidas x IVY PARK just flexed. How do you flex?

The stylish adidas x IVY PARK Drop 3.5 includes swim wear for all sizes and genders. Clothing sizes range from XS-XL / 1X-4X

Whether you’re looking for bathing suits, coverups, or swim accessories, this capsule collection has someone for everyone. The drop consists of the first adidas x IVY PARK unisex slides, priced at $75. These unisex slides size range in whole sizes from 5 – 15 US.

The collection boasts women’s swimsuits and coverups, as well as men’s swim shorts + shirts. All clothing is priced between $45 to $75. The drop also showcases beach-ready accessories, including unisex hats, a towel, a water bottle, and a tote bag. Accessory prices range from $40 to $120.

Stand out this summer in vibrant colors, including Solar Orange, Screaming Orange, and White. Fun prints, such as the IVY PARK monogram, make for more eye-catching collection details. Fabrics used within the launch include polyester swim materials containing a minimum of 85% recycled content, performance stretch woven, chiffon, and performance mesh fabric.

adidas x IVY PARK “FLEX PARK” Swimwear Capsule image via Kathryn Stelmack at PaulWilmotCommunications from Byl Thompson at Park Wood Entertainment for use by 360 Magazine
adidas x IVY PARK “FLEX PARK” Swimwear Capsule image via Kathryn Stelmack at PaulWilmotCommunications from Byl Thompson at Park Wood Entertainment for use by 360 Magazine
adidas x IVY PARK “FLEX PARK” Swimwear Capsule image via Kathryn Stelmack at PaulWilmotCommunications from Byl Thompson at Park Wood Entertainment for use by 360 Magazine
adidas x IVY PARK “FLEX PARK” Swimwear Capsule image via Kathryn Stelmack at PaulWilmotCommunications from Byl Thompson at Park Wood Entertainment for use by 360 Magazine
illustration by Alex Morgan for use by 360 Magazine

Lil Nas X Breaks Internet at the BET Awards

Lil Nas X took the BET Awards red carpet by storm. The Old Town Road rapper stepped into the runway in not one, but two gender-fluid looks at the awards show on Sunday evening, and fans are going crazy.

The 22-year-old rapper arrived in a full scale, blue and white toile-print skirt with a matching corset, suspenders and jacket by designer Andrea Grossi. The look was featured in the designer’s debut collection, where Grossi explored themes and prints around Catholicism – the same theme that Lil Nas X touched on his latest single MONTERO (Call me By Your Name). According to Vogue, the first look Lil Nas X donned featured graphics that reflect Grossi’s feelings on politics and religion. He later posted a picture of him in the outfit on Instagram with the caption “doll.”

The rapper re-appeared on the carpet in a full body floral and lace suit by Richard Quinn from his 2021 fall collection. The flared pants, crystal embellishments and baroque-style florals allowed Lil Nas X to really make an Elton John-esque appearance.

Later on, Lil Nas X further stunned him fans as he took the stage with a golden ancient Egyptian theme, perfectly matched with his dress and dancers and stage. The rapper paid tribute to Michael Jackson’s hit song Remember the Time when he performed MONTERO at the awards show. What really stole the show, though, was sharing a passionate kiss with one of his male dancers at the end of the performance. BET described this as “a boundary-breaking gesture particularly fitting during Pride Month, when the gay community is encouraged to show solidarity for the community and to advance LGBTQ rights.”

MONTERO has been platinum and hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in April. Lil Nas X previously opened up about the release of the track to his fans, dedicating the song to his childhood self (birth name Montero Lamar Hill), “Dear 14-year-old Montero, I wrote a song with our name in it. It’s about a guy I met last summer. I know we promised to never come out publicly, I know we promised to never be ‘that’ type of gay person, I know we promised to die with the secret, but this will open doors for many other queer people to simply exist. You see this is very scary for me, people will be angry, they will say I’m pushing an agenda. But the truth is, I am. The agenda to make people stay the f— out of other people’s lives and stop dictating who they should be. Sending you love from the future.”

While not everyone is supportive of his actions, the rapper remains unbothered and unapologetic, taking time out of his day to clap back at haters on Twitter. Fans are taking it to social media platforms to praise and celebrate Lil Nas X, “On the last day of #pride 2021 @LilNasX got on the #BETAwards stage and kissed another guy. If you grew up Black and gay, you know how major this is.” Lil Nas X has been under scrutiny and criticism ever since coming out as gay on Twitter in 2019. One of the biggest controversials was when Lil Nas X tried to explain why he came out as gay, and then Kevin Hart interrupted him with a “so what?”

As Pride Month comes to an end, the pressure to highlight the importance of respecting someone’s decision in coming out (or not) is bigger than ever. In a viral Instagram post by feminist, “When someone comes out, it’s important to remind them that they’re loved, and that you don’t view them as a fundamentally different person because they’re queer. But it’s also important to acknowledge – and validate – the struggles they’ve endured while being in the closet, and the courage it took them to come out.” As Pride Month comes to an end, the pressure to highlight the importance of respecting someone’s decision in coming out (or not) is bigger than ever.

And Lil Nas X’s BET Awards kiss is without a doubt, a historical moment for the LGBT+ community.