About Kai Yeo

Zoe Wees

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By: Kai Yeo

Powerful vocal range, unguarded vulnerability, and great songwriting skills. All of that combined is Zoe Wees, 19-year-old German singer-songwriter who is creating a global imprint with her unbelievable vocal range and soulful rhythms.

If you’re new here: Zoe Wees made her stellar debut with her single “Control” in March 2020, a song she opens up about her child epilepsy, a traumatic, isolating condition that can cause severe seizures. “Before I wrote ‘Control’ I looked back to the past every evening. Like I was just sitting in my room and was just there and was just sad and looked at the wall… After I wrote ‘Control’ it was another feeling. Like the situation wasn’t even that bad no more.” The emotional ballad became a worldwide hit and entered the top 20 at Pop radio in the U.S.

A year after her debut single, Wees continued to magnify her presence in the mainstream atmosphere with her emotional release “Girls Like Us” – an empowering anthem of solidarity shared among girls fighting against the stereotypes and expectations of society. Not just about struggling with looks, it is also a song that talks about emotions and pressures of social media. Now at 13 million streams on YouTube, it is praised as “a vulnerable pop anthem that pushed for togetherness” as Wees encourages her listeners to find confidence within themselves.

Now, with her debut EP “Golden Wings” out, Wees continues to relay her personal narratives in her music to create an inspiring and safe space for her fanbase – her wings. Last week, I got the chance to speak with Zoe about the five-track EP and potential live shows, as well as her struggles and autobiographical songwriting.

In your interview, you stated that this EP is your “strength and wings.” Can you share any special moments in the process of making this EP that reflects your strength and wings particularly?

“I feel like the last song for the EP that I wrote, I think it was ‘Girls Like Us.’ The one special moment I realized was that for the first time in a session, I thought about – not just about me – also the other people. About my wings and my community, which I didn’t really have before. I was always thinking about writing my own stuff down and thinking of myself for now, because it was what I was going through. But in the end, I know my music helps a lot of people. So [the one special moment] is taking extra care to also write about what people and my listeners can relate to, especially because I know what they’re going through.

Just in your lyrics and voice, the execution of your message “just want to make people feel less lonely, make them feel stronger” is shown so clearly. How do you feel about your fans’ reactions to your EP?

“I’m so happy. Cause you know actually; one thing is we wrote together. And they’re here from the beginning, and we’re gonna grow together when I go on tour and when I’m in their city. They’re gonna come visit me and I’m gonna see them. This is what makes me happy because anytime I go back to a city, I’m gonna see them again and again and again, so we grow together, which is so nice.”

Known for your “raspy low to unbelievably powerful and sky-high” singing style, is there a personal favorite style when making this EP or did you just go with the flow?

“I actually just go with the flow. Really, I just go with the flow. Whatever comes out of my mouth.”

You wrote your first song on anxiety and epilepsy; can you tell us why this was important for you to show your authentic and true self?

“Because I never write about happy things. You know, I hate writing about happy things, cause it makes me sad. That’s funny, I know. But I really like… never thought this was something I was ever gonna release. But I was just in the studio, and it was the first session, and I was so nervous. And then I thought about because I struggled so much with my epilepsy, and I still do even though it wasn’t as intense at that time, I really wanted to write a song about it. For me, it was the most natural way to be honest to my wings and everyone around me. And a way for me to be real. And that’s just me.”

Thank you for showing us such personal aspects of your life and empowering us (especially women) to be comfortable in our own bodies. Can you tell us what inspires you to write music?”

“Jessie J and Billie Eilish… and especially just what I’m going through.”

Follow Zoe Wees musical journey

Author’s Notes

P.S.: If you can’t tell from her answers… Zoe was every bit as wonderful and charismatic with her words as she is with her musical talent. Zoe, I can’t wait to see what’s next for you and to listen to more of what you create! Your music is so inspiring and when we finally meet in real life (hopefully at one of your tour stops), please remember we promised to trade my skin for your brows. Cheering for you always, stay beautiful x

Bill Anderson – Grand Ole Opry

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BILL ANDERSON CELEBRATES 60^th ANNIVERSARY AS GRAND OLE OPRY MEMBER

The Grand Ole Opry presented by Humana honored Country Music Hall of Famer Bill Anderson on his 60th anniversary as an Opry member Saturday evening. Anderson made his Opry debut just a few weeks before his 21st birthday and became an official Opry member less than three years later on July 15, 1961, at 23-years-old, the youngest member at the time. Sara Evans and Opry members Mark Wills and Vince Gill joined other artists on stage congratulating Anderson on his milestone 60th Anniversary. The performances aired as part of Opry Live on the Circle Network.

In celebration of the Grammy-nominated and ACM Poet Award honoree, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued an official proclamation that July 17 is “Bill Anderson Day.” Nashville Mayor John Cooper also proclaimed July 17 as “Bill Anderson Day” in Music City. Backstage after the Opry performance, the country legend celebrated with friends, family members, and fellow artists in the Opry House’s backstage Studio A. Longtime friend and Opry member Vince Gill presented the State of Tennessee proclamation to Anderson on behalf of Governor Lee, while 54-year Opry member Jeannie Seely was on hand to present Anderson with a framed proclamation from the City of Nashville on behalf of Mayor Cooper.

“First of all, it’s really hard to imagine I’ve been at the Grand Ole Opry for 60 years,” shared Anderson. “It seems like yesterday they asked me if I wanted to be a part of this great family, and of course I couldn’t wait to tell them yes and be a part of this wonderful family. Because that’s what it is, a wonderful, wonderful family. I feel so blessed to have been a part of it for 60 years. I tell people all the time that the Grand Ole Opry is like Yankee Stadium to a baseball player, or Broadway to an actor, or Hollywood to someone in film. It’s the highest rung on the ladder. It’s as high as you can go in country music and I’m just thankful that I’ve gotten to be here for 60 years.”

Anderson’s music career started in 1958 when Ray Price recorded his song, “City Lights” and it stayed at the top of Billboard magazine’s country charts for 13 weeks. Soon after this success, he signed with Decca Records and began to have hits of his own such as “Po’ Folks,” “Mama Sang a Song,” “Still,” and “Bright Lights and Country Music.” By now he had affectionately been nicknamed “Whisperin’ Bill” because of his soft-spoken delivery and recitations. Through the years Anderson has written hit songs for numerous artists, including Lefty Frizzell’s “Saginaw, Michigan,” Conway Twitty’s “I May Never Get to Heaven” and many more including Kenny Chesney’s “A Lot of Things Different,” George Strait’s “Give It Away” and Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss’ “Whiskey Lullaby,” with the last two hits winning CMA Song of the Year honors.

On October 30, 2021, the Opry, the world’s longest-running radio show, will mark a historic, record-breaking milestone with its 5,000^th Saturday night broadcast.

ABOUT BILL ANDERSON
Country Music Hall of Famer and Grand Ole Opry titan Bill Anderson is the rare songwriter whose first major label cut went to No. 1 on the charts, was named Song of The Year and sparked a writing career that is currently in its seventh decade. The song, “City Lights,” was written when Anderson was a 19-year-old Georgia disc jockey and became a career-defining hit for Ray Price in 1958. The song opened doors for him in Nashville, leading him to signing with BMI and Tree Publishing. He was voted country Songwriter of the Year six times during his first decade in Music City. His success continued into the 1970’s with award-winning hits like “Slippin’ Away,” “The Lord Knows I’m Drinking,” “I May Never Get To Heaven,” and the disco-flavored, “I Can’t Wait Any Longer.” The 1980’s saw Anderson’s chart-topping career take a hiatus as he became a TV network game show host, spokesman for a national restaurant chain and a nonstop touring Grand Ole Opry performer. In the 1990’s he came roaring back with a vengeance, however, as he seriously turned to co-writing for the first time. Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001, his collaborations with the newer generation of Nashville tunesmiths resulted in hits like “Wish You Were Here,” the GRAMMY-nominated “Two Teardrops,” “A Lot Of Things Different,” for Kenny Chesney, “Which Bridge To Cross (Which Bridge To Burn),” for Vince Gill and two CMA Song Of The Year trophies for “Whiskey Lullaby,” with Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss and George Strait’s “Give It Away,” in 2005 and 2007 respectfully. He continues to write today with songs like Brad Paisley’s “Dying To See Her.”

ABOUT THE GRAND OLE OPRY
The Grand Ole Opry is presented by Humana. Opry performances are held every Friday and Saturday of the year, with Tuesday Night Opry shows running February 16 -December 13. The Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn. Celebrating nine decades of entertainment, the Opry can be heard on the official site, Opry and WSM mobile apps, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and its flagship home, 650 AM-WSM.

BIG30 – MISTA

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Rising NLess / Bread Gang Entertainment rapper BIG30 returns with the confrontational new track and video “Mista.” With vivid lyrics, a pummeling beat, and an intense delivery that reflects the gravity of life in the trenches, the song is more evidence that BIG30 is one of the most talented Memphis artists to surface in years.

Over throbbing trap drums and menacing piano, BIG30 slings relentless bars carved from the streets of his native Memphis. He raps about the realities of his life, both the successes he’s already attained and the gunplay it might take to stay at the top. Paired with the icy yet insistent instrumental, BIG30’s lyrics give a sense that there’s always danger lurking around the corner. “Take care of my killers on the daily, get whatever gun/We spin they block for fun,” he raps. Like the best tracks he’s released over the past couple of years, it’s exciting, combative, and intense.

The high octane “Mista” follows early July’s “Too Official,” an infectious single that features a guest spot from Yo Gotti, the reigning king of Memphis trap. That track’s lively video has quickly accumulated more than 2 million views, further building the momentum for BIG30, who’s already had an explosive 2021. While he’s been on a steady grind for a few years now, BIG30 began seriously rising after appearing on “Neighbors,” an RIAA Gold-certified Pooh Shiesty song that showcased BIG30’s blunt-force delivery and penchant for vivid lyrics. From there, he completed a trap artist rite of passage by appearing on “Shit Crazy” with Gucci Mane, garnering the attention of Complex, Vulture, and other tastemaking outlets in the process.

With those stellar singles already at his back and new tracks like “Mista” coming out by the day, BIG30’s wild rise is sure to continue across the rest of 2021 and beyond.

Watch Mista now.

AZRA – SOLO

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AZRA shares her upbeat and introspective new single, Solo. An anthem for independence, “Solo” celebrates not only self-empowerment, but also the journey we take to realize the powers that bind us and to break ourselves free from them.

“The process of creating this song was a mix of introspection and genuinely connecting with my listeners (aka Azradeities) about their own struggles in living their truth, finding self-worth, and dealing with societal expectations in the midst of all the external pressures,” shares AZRA. “It’s an empowerment song claiming that we own our individuality and path through our lives.”

LA-based AZRA is an independent Korean American substance pop artist, performer, singer-songwriter, hip hop dancer, model, published author and motivational storyteller with a mission to inspire people to be their authentic selves and to empower others to live out their dreams unapologetically and boldly. Through bewitching music and memorable performances, she creates an experience toward a whole new state of mind: the 6th Dimension.

Audacious, spirited, and limitless, AZRA sees beyond what meets the eye. She grew up on musical theater, church choir as well as playing the piano, violin and hip-hop dancing and wrote the inspirational book The Cupcake Theory. This same fiery determination is what compelled her to reinvent herself to pursue her music career, no holds barred.

Her first single “Dimension” (2019) reached #1 on the Digital Radio Airplay Independent Chart, while her single “Dangerous” (2020) charted #1 on the Independent Digital Radio Airplay charts. She was selected as a ’20 and ’21 GRAMMY NEXT Artist by the Recording Academy and has garnered acclaim from publications such as Hollywood Life, LA Weekly, Celeb Mix and more.

Citing Freddie Mercury, Whitney Houston, Cher, Madonna, and Michael Jackson as her influences, AZRA has collaborated with some of the best names in the industry. She has opened for Plain White T’s and has toured for Pride Festivals all over the country. Her magnetic stage presence and infectious energy undoubtedly captivate audiences wherever she performs.

The*gameHERs Launch Interactive Mobile App

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Women-Led Gaming Platform Launches Social Networking App for Women Gamers

The*gameHERs, a women-led online platform that supports and empowers women in the gaming industry, today announced the launch of the*gameHERs app, an interactive mobile and web-based application created to connect women in the gaming community. The new app will act as a social networking platform where gamers can interact through online groups geared toward gaming topics and general interests and will also feature a “Play Now” section where gamers can request players to join a game in real-time. Additionally, the app will include an “Events” section that will keep users up to date on the latest virtual events hosted by the*gameHERs.

The app is scheduled to launch its 8-week exclusive BETA in August. Users who sign up in advance will receive invitation-only access to experience and use the*gameHers app and all its custom features before it is available in the app store starting October 2021.

“We are thrilled to launch our first-ever app and create an even more accessible space where women, femme-identifying gamers and non-binary gamers who are comfortable in spaces that center women can feel safe and welcome,” said Laura Deutsch, Co-Founder of the*gameHERs. “It’s important for us to continue empowering women who game and with our new app, we are able to connect and support a wider community of women in the gaming world.”

“This is a groundbreaking day in the world of gaming,” said Todd Zander, Product Consultant at the*gameHERs. “Finally, there is an exciting and innovative way to connect women who game in a safe and supportive environment. The*gameHERs app is setting the bar in gaming for women seeking both community and entertainment.”

“The opportunity to partner with the*gameHERs team in building an app that both empowers and connects women around the world has been a unique and gratifying experience,” said Sara Melo, Chief Architect at Oxit. “The Oxit team is privileged to play a role in the development of a tool that will provide a safe and welcoming environment for those individuals who have often felt alienated and underrepresented historically. We believe the*gameHERs app will have a very successful road ahead and we look forward to being along for the ride.”

When creating a new account in the*gameHERs app, users have the ability to choose their interests, join groups, as well as mark their favorite games to build out their profile. The “Play Now” feature, which is the first of its kind, allows users to request players to join a game in real time. If accepted, the two players are automatically put into a chat thread where they can interact and connect before heading over to their game of choice, seamlessly combining the social networking and gaming experience for the users.

The*gameHERs app also has an “Events” section where virtual events will be held regularly on a wide range of topics hosted by exceptional women in gaming and experts in the gaming industry.

Users must be 17 years of age or older to join the app and must verify their age before creating a profile. For more information and to sign up to receive exclusive first access to the*gamehers app please visit the official site.

About the*gameHERs

The*gameHERs is one of the first and largest media platforms, social networking communities, and lifestyle brands for women who game and work in the gaming industry. With its women-led social networking and game matchmaking web and mobile app, coupled with their community generated content, the*gameHERs aim to provide a safe and easy way to connect, socialize and game with other women.

Of the 2.7 billion gamers worldwide, 46% of them are women, with most of them experiencing hate and toxicity while gaming. The*gameHERs provide a sexist-free space for all kinds of gamers – from the casual players to the hardcore gamers to the techies, the streamers, the designers, the cosplayers, the developers, and programmers. The gameHERs also host the*gameHERs Awards, professional development boot camps, charity gaming streams, collegiate esports tournaments/chapters and other live and virtual events.

Chrishell Stause × DSW Collection

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By: Kai Yeo

“I am thrilled to partner with DSW so I can show people how to get that designer look without the designer price tag.” – Chrishell Stause on her collaboration with DSW.

We got the opportunity to celebrate Chrishell Stause and her DSW curated collection last night at the Sunset Tower Hotel in Los Angeles. Decked out in the Mix No.6 Mesha Sandal from her collaboration with the brand, the Selling Sunset star was joined by celebrities and influencers including Katrina Bowden, Amanda Stanton, Ashley Wahler and more.

Guests admired the new collection at the carnival-themed cocktail party as they posed for photos at the shoe wall, played ring toss (where Chrishell saw us win a teddy bear!) and indulged in specialty cocktails and light bites. The cotton candy bar was also a fan favorite, and constantly had a line forming. The candy floss was shaped into funky animal shapes such as an elephants, unicorns, and even just fun rainbow swirls! Personally, the claw machine was the go-to hot spot. Reminiscent of carnivals and arcades, it was set up with $25–$100 gift cards and socks as consolation prizes; even if you didn’t win a gift card, you’d want to at least go home with some socks (guilty as charged).

Known for her feminine, fun, and flirty style, Chrishell ensured her curated collection was fashionable without sacrificing function– offering trendy as well as timeless options, and a touch of her signature sparkle. “I feel like we finally get to go out again and dress up. And so, I really wanted to have fun and pick colorful pieces that really reflect the summertime and just, you know, summer fun and color,” Stause told FN.

Within the collection, Stause picked a range of styles from slides to sneakers and strappy heeled sandals. The pieces are available on DSW’s ecommerce site and in all 500 stores! The curated capsule collections consist of footwear and accessories that will bring back high wattage glamour in a big way this summer.

Chrishell Stause × DSW Collection

We also got the chance to exchange a couple of words with Chrishell herself. She talked a little bit about wanting to be comfortable and having fun in whatever she wears, especially since we haven’t been able to do much in the past year. P.S.: She is so super sweet!

Not only were we served delicious hors d’oeuvres, but there were also classic sliders and truffle fries available (who can resist a good truffle?), as well as amazing Oreo ice-cream to perfectly end the evening. And we were even gifted a Shiraleah Ombre Lucia Tote goodie bag each to go home with! Perfect for the summer and so easy to pair with everything.

Click here to purchase Chrishell’s curated pieces.

Chinese Laundry × JuneShine

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By: Kai Yeo

Outstanding quality, unique designs, and an affordable price tag – our shoe choice for this season has got to be Chinese Laundry. With groundbreaking styles season after season, it is no surprise that this brand is also celebrity approved – Blake Lively and Miley Cyrus among the list – featuring trendy designs as well as refined classics perfect to transition from day to night. On Wednesday, we got to preview the new Chinese Laundry summer and fall collections at JuneShine, paired with hard kombucha and a floral arrangement session.

With the cutest balloon arch entrance set up, we were welcomed with hard kombucha and charcuterie boards along with the prettiest decorations. As I arrived ahead of time (in my Summer Rayva Sandals), I got the opportunity to mingle with the team and talk more about the current summer launch and upcoming fall collection, a mix of styles and trends ideal for today’s fashion-forward landscape.

If you’re new to Chinese Laundry, they have been in the shoes business since 1971. Growing to become a globally recognized fashion footwear distributor, the brand has now expanded into a family of four unique brands:

Chinese Laundry – Styles range from dress heels to casual flats, all designed to meet the season’s most desired trends
Dirty Laundry – Designed with edge in Los Angeles. Dirty Laundry is casual and vintage-inspired, with a twist of California rocker-cool. Iconic designs and bold silhouettes embody the brand’s timeless collection.
CL By Laundry – Responds to trends in the market and translates designs into affordable, easy-to-wear styles. The collection transitions seamlessly from work, weekend, and everything in between.
42 Gold – Destined to elevate any look for the busy on-the-go woman. Indulge in luxury inspired designs without breaking the budget. Quality craftsmanship and versatile silhouettes are designed to meet the needs of a modern lifestyle. Jamie Chung collaborated with them in 2019 for a 12-piece shoe collection launch.

In the mini preview we saw, Chinese Laundry has proven to us yet again that their style is on point. Their new collection of shoes ranges from classic formal to trendy, offering a great array of styles. With so many options to choose from, you’ll be sure to find something you love for the next season! As more guests started to trickle in, we decided to look around the space and found the entire backroom filled with a gorgeous array of flowers – aided by florist Tess, we even got to make our own special denim bouquet.

With so many conversations and activities going on, it was time for some food and a second glass of kombucha. JuneShine is an all-natural, organic, gluten-free hard kombucha made from green tea and honey. The primary fermentation is done by pitching yeast and honey to create a probiotic kombucha, and more yeast and cane sugar is added during the secondary fermentation (which brings the kombucha to 6% alcohol). If the alcohol percentage is a little overwhelming for anyone, JuneShine also offers flights of three which allows you to get a little sampler of everything. They also serve good empanadas (chicken, beef, and caprese) and a really mean vegan pizza haute pocket. While there are no meal options, eating a couple of those empanadas will have you fuller than you expect!

By the end of the Summer Launch Party with Chinese Laundry, we had our bellies filled and hands busy with flowers, kombucha, shoes, and even a little gift bag filled with local and sustainable goodies such as stainless steel drinking straws and my personal favorite – Lotus and Luna bracelets. Discovering that Lotus and Luna takes pride in making accessories and committed to helping their Thai artisans escape the cycle of poverty by providing them a proper wage and housing made the gift bag from Chinese Laundry very special.

Knowing that Chinese Laundry is not just a one-stop shop for vegan and fashionable footwear but that they also support small socially responsible brands has just increased our love for this brand, and we can’t wait to style our new shoes!

Highlights: Grapefruit Paloma Kombucha, Chicken Empanadas, flower bouquets wrapped with sustainable denim, and of course, shoes!

About the Author:

Kai Yeo is from Singapore and has traveled on various occasions to Thailand since she grew up in the area.

Phantom Tempus Collection Debuts in North America

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Beautiful Bespoke Phantom Collection Car debuts in Southern California marking a special occasion for its owners

Glenn and Gigi Moss celebrate 40th anniversary with a light and dark duo of Rolls-Royce commissions

Discreet message on each commission marks the time and place they met and the time and place they wed

Rolls-Royce delivers commissions in private ceremony in Orange County, California

“Rolls-Royce Phantom Tempus is a motor car for those who shape the world as they seek their own place in the universe. They understand that whatever our individual gifts, talents, and opportunities, we are all gifted time – and it is up to us to make the most of every precious moment. With Phantom Tempus, we have created a space in which the strictures of time no longer apply – as illustrated by the deliberate absence of a clock. Rolls-Royce clients are not bound by time; the outside world with all its pressures and demands are forgotten. We offer our congratulations to Glenn and Gigi Moss, not only on their years together, but also on these two beautiful Rolls-Royces, commissioned to mark this special occasion.” – Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

“I could think of no better way to mark a special moment in time in Gigi and my life together than with this duo of Rolls-Royce commissions. The beauty of commissioning a Rolls-Royce is in making it personal and intimate. Phantom Tempus provided us with a wonderful canvas to personalize the painting of our lives together. And the addition of the Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge commission is a statement to celebrate the fact that we will carry our passion for life long into the future. Some things are timeless, and this is what we celebrate.” – Glenn L. Moss Sr

Rolls-Royce Phantom, the marque’s pinnacle product, resides at the apex of the luxury world. Producing a Collection Car is always a seminal moment for the marque. With the Phantom Tempus Collection, the sources of inspiration are on an appropriately grand scale: time, deep space, and a theoretical physicist who changed the way to see the universe. Only 20 examples of this stunning Bespoke creation have been built at Rolls-Royce’s Global Center of Luxury Manufacturing Excellence in West Sussex, England.

To mark a very special moment in time, their 40th anniversary, Riverside California residents Glenn and Gigi Moss, have commissioned one of these rare and spectacular cars for themselves. Their Phantom Tempus was delivered to them at an exclusive celebration, together with a special Bespoke Dawn Black Badge. The beautiful pair of Bespoke Rolls-Royce’s were delivered to Mr. and Mrs. Moss by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Orange County.

The inspiration for this pair of Bespoke commissions arose from the Moss’ desire to celebrate the moment in time at which their life together began. The Phantom Tempus’ Bespoke Spirit of Ecstasy is made of solid silver, with the location and date the couple first met in 1976 engraved into the base of the statuette. Additionally, latitudinal, and longitudinal coordinates mark the precise location. Discreetly etched into the base of the black carbon fiber Spirit of Ecstasy which graces the prow of the Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge, is the date and location where the couple wed in 1981.

Phantom Tempus: One of 20 for Glenn L. Moss Sr

The exterior of Mr. Moss’ Phantom Tempus is presented in a bright and stunning Crystal over Arctic White. The couple chose the bright color to signify the light and infinite nature of time in their marriage. This brilliant finish is highlighted by a hand-painted black coachline, and detailing.

Upon opening the coach doors, an illuminated treadplate reads, ‘Phantom Tempus Collection — Hand built in Goodwood England for Glenn L. Moss Sr.’ The interior of the Moss Phantom Tempus carries over the ‘light’ theme with Arctic White hand-crafted leather offset by black highlights, piping, and contrast stitching. The fascia is finished in black Sparkle Piano reminiscent of the deep darkness of space glittering with the timeless brightness of the constellations.

Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge: Bespoke for Gigi Moss

In addition to creating a very personal Phantom Tempus, Mr. Moss asked the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars to create a singular Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge for Mrs. Moss. With an exterior finish of Crystal over Bright Red, the vibrant swathe of color stands in stark contrast to the bright white hues of the Phantom Tempus. Equipped with a Bespoke Aero Cowling, the four-seater convertible quickly and stylishly transforms into a sleek two-seater roadster.

The Spirit of Ecstasy that adorns the bonnet is milled from black, high-gloss carbon fiber. This transformation to a darker aesthetic extends to certain chrome surfaces including the front grille surround, luggage compartment lid finisher, exhaust pipes and air inlet finisher. The ‘Double R’ signifiers on the Rolls-Royce badges are inverted in color, a key signifier that this car is a Rolls-Royce Black Badge model, representing the alter ego of the brand. The car’s rims are created using 22 layers of carbon fiber folded and formed to provide an aggressive style.

Complementing the treadplate of Phantom Tempus, the treadplate for this Dawn Black Badge reads ‘Hand built in Goodwood England for Gigi Moss’. The hand-crafted interior of the car is finished in full natural grain leather with black highlights and piping. The Rolls-Royce monogram is embroidered on each headrest as is the ‘Unlimited’ infinity logo which is embroidered on the Dawn’s upholstery. The centrepiece of the Black Badge cabin is the aerospace-grade, aluminum-threaded carbon fiber composite surfacing material. The air vents are darkened using the Physical Vapor Deposition process. This surfacing method is utilized to ensure that the parts will neither discolor nor tarnish over time.

This Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge commission provides a stunning, darker ‘alter-image’ to the light and infinite nature of Phantom Tempus, leaving the couple with a lasting memory of their very special relationship.

Phantom Tempus Collection

The design of the Phantom Tempus Collection encompasses various aesthetic and intellectual themes relating to time and the cosmos. A key component is a rare astronomical phenomenon, the pulsar, unknown until 1967 and found only in the deepest reaches of space (the nearest yet discovered is 280 light years, or 1,680 trillion miles, from Earth). These very dense, white-hot stars emit electromagnetic radiation in extremely regular pulses, making them some of the most accurate clocks in the universe.

In the Phantom Tempus Collection, this remarkable force of nature is rendered as a centerpiece in a Bespoke Starlight Headliner consisting of fiber-optic lighting and intricate Bespoke embroidery, creating the unique and beautiful Pulsar Headliner.

Another aspect of time – the illusion of its standing still – is captured in the ‘Frozen Flow of Time’ Gallery. This unique artwork is housed in the fascia from which the clock is deliberately omitted to signify patrons’ freedom from time and its limitations. A single billet of aluminum is milled to form 100 individually contoured columns, representing the 100-million-year period of a rotational spin of a pulsar star. Each column is black-anodized and hand-polished to reflect the light and set against an Arctic White background. As the eye travels along it, the whole structure, though entirely solid, appears to ripple and flex.

A description of the Gallery can be found on an engraved plaque in the glove compartment, together with a quotation from Albert Einstein, “The distinction between past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion”.

A swirling, twisting pattern of stars is presented on the interior of the doors. Created by hundreds of illuminated perforations, additional perforations in contrasting leather add a greater depth and detail to the effect, providing an atmospheric aura even when not illuminated.

Pyer Moss

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Pyer Moss First Couture Show WAT U IZ: Historic Tribute To Black Inventors

By: Kai Yeo

“We are an invention inside of an invention. Inside of the creation of race, we made blackness. Uprooted from home and put in a foreign land, we made culture. And when they tried to strip our humanity, we made freedom so tethered to each other that it still shapes the world today.” – Pyer Moss show notes.

Kerby-Jean Raymond’s Pyer Moss label has unveiled his first-ever couture collection. The award-winning designer and creative director is the first Black American designer to be invited to present during Haute Couture Week, a historical achievement made even more successful by making his collection a tribute to Black inventors. All Pyer Moss shows attract interest, but this show had more buzz because of his exclusive invite by France’s Chambre Syndicale to show a collection, with officials in Paris extending the length of Couture Week to accommodate the rescheduled show due to Hurricane Elsa.

The Pyer Moss Couture 1 couture show, WAT U IZ, was opened by the last surviving member of Black Panther leadership and civil rights champion Elaine Brown. The setting was deeply significant: Villa Lewaro, an early 20th century mansion in Irvington, NY, built by Madam CJ Walker. Madam CJ Walker was American’s first self-made female millionaire and her estate served as a gathering place for leaders of the renaissance (her story is also on Netflix). Now, Elaine Brown’s words herald another landmark moment for black culture while celebrating the Black Panther’s 55th Anniversary.

The 28,000-square-foot estate, designed by Vertner Woodson Tandy (the first licensed black architect in New York State, and one of the seven founders of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity at Cornell University), was recently purchased by the New Voices Foundation for an undisclosed amount. The foundation is the nonprofit branch of the New Voices Fund, a $100 million investment fund dedicated to entrepreneurs following in Walker’s footsteps. Both the fund and the foundation were created by Richelieu Dennis, who was seated at the front row at Pyer Moss.

“Where do we go from here? Where does the freedom movement go from here?” activist Elaine Brown opens the show quoting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but she also seemed to be reflecting on the history being made at the very moment. Jean Raymond, whose shows always entwine his ideas about fashion with those about culture, race, and society, said in an interview that his goal was “to highlight inventions by Black people and show them in a non-traditional way,” involving 3D construction and sculpture.

And so, there was the peanut butter dress, literally a huge, soft sculpted jar honoring George Washington Carver. The stunning roller cape that took two weeks to create, featuring hot rollers from head to toe. Each one wound round and round with strands of fake hair. An air-conditioning unit, a kitchen mop, an old-fashioned mobile phone he remembers his father carrying, a childhood ice cream cone. There was a pastel pink lampshade dress with beaded fringes, a metal folding chair, every single costume a sophisticated work of culture. And there was a refrigerator with magnets that spelled out, “But who invented Black trauma?” Each soft sculpture in the Pyer Moss couture show correlated to an invention on a list that designer Jean-Raymond had seen at the Library of Congress attributed to a Black individual. All the inventions Jean-Raymond chose from to celebrate spoke to his lived experiences, a beautiful show reminiscent of a masquerade ball or art installation.

Jean Raymond talks about paying homage to his Black culture, “I want people to experience Black wealth in not a dirty thing. It is one of several means to an end – this house, inventions, creativity, ingenuity, all of those things are pathways to that sort of economic independence. I’ve said a lot of things at my shows. I’ve talked about mental health, multiple prong approaches to liberation, and this is just one of them.” Richelieu Dennis will help oversee the transition of restoring the villa and making it an incubator and center for Black women artists and women-run businesses. Just as once upon a time the villa was a center for the artists and intellectuals of the Harlem Renaissance, the sculptured garments of Pyer Moss will eventually be part of an exhibit inside Villa Lewaro.

Watch the replay of Pyer Moss Couture 1 here.

Pollen Presents Takes J Balvin NEON Experience Global

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Four Days in Punta Cana (Dec 8-12) with J Balvin, Rauw Alejandro, Sech, Arcángel, Nio Garcia, Mariah Angeliq, Zion & Lennox, Cazzu, and More

Follows Three Sell Out J Balvin NEON Shows in Las Vegas

Pollen Presents has announced the first international J Balvin NEON experience in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, which will take place from December 8-12, 2021, at the Meliá Punta Cana Beach Resort. NEON’s international expansion follows the sellout of three much anticipated J Balvin NEON weekends in Las Vegas this September.

J Balvin NEON, a Pollen Presents experience, is a multi-day musical journey curated by Balvin himself and will include performances from some of his favorite acts, representing some of the most influential voices in global music. This will include performances by Puerto Rican rapper and singer Rauw Alejandro, Panamanian vocalist Sech, reggaeton and latin trap artist Arcángel, Latin dancer and world-class choreographer turned rapper and film actor Nio Garcia, Miami-born American singer Mariah Angeliq, Puerto Rican musical duo Zion & Lennox, Argentinan singer Cazzu, and much more.

The Punta Cana experience will provide an incredible backdrop for NEON, as the weekend programming unfolds around pool parties, night swims, after parties, and a headlining show from J Balvin on the beach on the final night.

J Balvin NEON Punta Cana will take place at the beautiful beach-side adults-only Meliá Punta Cana Beach Resort starting Wednesday, December 8th and concluding on December 12, with all food and drinks included in ticket packages along with access to headlining performances on the beach, club nights, and more.

Tickets for the event are scheduled to go on sale on Wednesday, July 14th. Additional details can be found here, and those interested in receiving updates can sign-up on the site.

About Pollen
Pollen is a leading travel company building, curating, and delivering the best experiences for members all over the world. Members enjoy these experiences together with the people they love, creating stronger relationships and unforgettable memories. Members immerse themselves in multi-day itineraries that combine live entertainment, parties, and relaxation time in more than 50 popular destinations. Members can discover and book these experiences exclusively on the official website and the Pollen app. Pollen has already launched bespoke mini-breaks with mega stars like J Balvin, Marshawn Lynch and Ozuna.