Showcasing to an audience of 750 per seating of Vietnam’s leading celebrities, influencers and high-profile fashion personalities, the event spanned over 4 nights, from Thursday, March 26th to Sunday, March 29th. Its focus was the central theme #ReFashion, pertaining to the adoption and development of sustainable fashion in Vietnam, post pandemic.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has made a dramatic impact on all our lives, and of course there have been significant changes within our fashion community because of it. Having finally emerged from what felt like seemingly endless lockdowns and stringent restrictions, I feel we should all try and shift our way of thinking (ReThinking), our way of doing (ReInventing) and our way of operating (ReGenerating). My hope is that our industry manifests a new and transformative commitment to the sustainable development of fashion (Sustainable Fashion), and this season’s event theme #ReFashion was implemented to relay this messaging to our Vietnamese fashion populace as our ‘new normal’.”
Wrapping its 13th season, Aquafina Vietnam International Fashion Week has been positioned as the premiere international fashion event in Vietnam. Its mission is to share the country’s leading fashion talent with a global audience and has earned the reputation as the principal international fashion week in the Southeast region, ranked 4th in Asia, behind Tokyo, Seoul, and Shanghai International Fashion Weeks.
The designer schedule was as follows:
THURSDAY: Aquafina x designer Võ Công Khanh, Camicissima & Valenciani by Adrian Anh Tuấn.
FRIDAY: Tuyết Lê, Tracy Studio, I.H.F, Ivan Trần & Nguyễn Tiến Truyển.
SATURDAY: Tiny Ink by Hoàng Quyên, 21Six, Lý Giám Tiền, PhuongLyly by Phương Hồ & Nguyễn Minh Công.
SUNDAY: Hoàng Hải, Zimmermann, Happy Clothing by Thảo Nguyễn, Linh San Couture & Hoàng Minh Hà.
Photos courtesy of Aquafina Vietnam International Fashion Week
Miami’s iconic fashion festival, Miami Swim Week™ The Shows, is returning to Miami this Summer from July 13th to July 18th at the SLS South Beach Hotel spotlighting the latest swim and resort wear fashion designs along a stunning, brand new virtual fashion swimwear Metaverse like never seen before.
Powered by D.C. Swim Week, this year’s swimwear festival will take place over the course of five days on Miami’s notorious South Beach and feature dozens of fabulous runway shows, VIP events, dinners, parties and showcases, creating the largest fashion swimwear gathering in the world. This year’s events will showcase top designers, innovators and hundreds of stunning models while debuting beautiful swimwear, resort-wear fashion, virtual fashion-tech, and beauty and summer fashion trends. Over 100 new and top swimwear designers are flying into Miami from around the world to debut their Summer 2023 collections.
“From sustainable and eco-friendly fashion, to Metaverse digital fashion and fashion NFT collections, this year’s Miami Swim Week™ The Shows will be unlike anything the fashion industry has ever seen. We have designers flying into Miami from over 70 countries who will be a part of 50 live fashion shows and pop-up events,” said Moh Ducis, founder & CEO of Miami Swim Week™ The Shows.
Noteworthy Florida-based swimwear brands like Tiare Hawaii, DAYZ DAZE, Maxine, Bikinilista, Onalaja, Dobikinis, and Supermodel Swimwear are showcasing new collections with runway shows at this year’s Miami Swim Week™ The Shows. The complete list of registered designers participating and exhibiting at this year’s week-long series of events is available online with more to be added.
One of the biggest highlights of this year’s Miami Swim Week™ The Shows will be introducing a fully interactive Web 3.0 luxury swimwear fashion runway Metaverse and first-of-its-kind social impact swimwear fashion NFTs. In addition, select events and shows will be ticketed with exclusive collectible NFT tickets, available for sale to influencers, VIP guests and industry professionals.
Miami Swim Week™ The Shows is creating the first-ever swimwear fashion-centric Metaverse experience for a global fashion swimwear audience, ultimately eliminating traditional barriers to entry found in the traditional fashion industry. “Digital swimwear fashion in a decentralized Metaverse provides a leveled playing field and equal opportunity and empowerment to designers and artists around the world— No one has ever seen these kinds of graphics or digital world we have created,” said Moh Ducis.
VIP tickets for the Grand Opening of Miami Swim Week™ The Shows, scheduled for July 13, 2022 from 7PM to 10PM EST at the SLS Hotel South Beach, will go on sale in the form of NFTs starting mid-June. This first star-studded first show will kick off a series of week-long fashion shows, parties and VIP dinners bringing together the most creative, brilliant and innovative swimwear fashion & tech minds from around the world. In fact, Miami’s very own top talented designer, Ema Savahl, will debut an innovative, new wearable art design collection with live NFT drops.
Miami Swim Week™ The Shows is partnering with innovative fashion commerce app, RUNWAY BUY, making every runway show shoppable in real-time via its proprietary, cloud-based interactive video marketplace platform.“This is Miami’s big moment where all these innovative sectors merge together to spotlight talented designers and models while introducing new swimwear trends and technological experiences that the fashion world hasn’t seen before. This year’s Miami Swim Week™ The Shows will also include partnerships with well-known brands such as Runway Buy, Hammock Shows, JOOR.com, Fashion Innovation NYC, and the City of Miami Beach,” Ducis said.
About Miami Swim Week™ The Shows:
Miami Swim Week™ The Shows is owned and managed by D.C. Swim Week Shows™ and is the fastest growing luxury fashion show production company specializing in innovative fashion concepts, production, and execution. The company has over 10 years of experience producing fashion shows at DC Swim Week, Miami Swim Week, and Hammock and shows at New York Fashion Week. For more information, please visit the Miami Swim Week™ The Shows websiteand follow the brand on Instagram.
Singer-songwriter Nicole Zignago presents her first EP “Asi Me Siento Hoy” and launches a new single “7 Letras,” available NOW on digital platforms. “This is how I feel today” includes his hits “Karate,” “Who would say ft. LAGOS,” “Questions (?),” ”Feelings” and “I Like That I Like You”. Each of the songs that are included in this EP details some of the facets that we face when being in a love relationship.
Her new single “7 Letras” , which accompanies the release of this EP, is a song produced by Manu Lara , Venezuelan producer behind the successes of Bad Bunny, Kali Uchis, Rauw Alejandro and Sebastián Yatra. This song talks about the moment when a message with seven letters, “call me” anticipates the end of a love. It is a song that singer – songwriter Nicole Zignago wrote alongside Marcos Mares , Manu Lara and Borja García Nieto .
“7 Letras” is the second theme in a third of songs that review the phase of falling in love: “Me Gusta Que Me Gustes” and “7 Letras” with the stage in which it ends and finally the moment in which that love is overcome. “7 Letras” is accompanied by a video directed by director José Lupercio , which was filmed in Mexico City in one of the most emblematic former convents, located in the Desierto de los Leones. This is a video that conveys that fear we feel when we are about to lose that love for that person that matters so much to us, and the more we hold on, the more we push that person away. This video clip is now available on Nicole Zignago‘s YouTube channel.
Nicole Zignago is a singer-songwriter of Peruvian descent, born in the United States and a graduate of Berklee College Of Music. She draws the attention of the public for the various covers that she uploaded to her YouTube channel and for being the co-author of the hit “1,2,3” performed by Sofía Reyes .
Nicole Zignago is a singer and songwriter who has spent most of her time between Peru, Los Angeles and Boston; making her musical proposal a refreshing mix of current Pop. She began singing and writing songs since she was little and upon graduating from Berklee College of Music in 2019 she is signed by Warner Chappell Latin .
She has a captivating voice and a special sensitivity when writing; well, she describes stories in a unique way and comes to revolutionize pop with his musical project this 2020. She has written “1,2,3” (Sofia Reyes ft Jason Derulo and DeLaGhetto), “Taxi” (Mariah ft. Guaynaa), “Balada para perrear” by Las Villa, among others, and has collaborated with various international artists such as “La Ola” with Marco Mares, “Miento” with Leonel García and the most recent “Mirar back” with the Spanish Vic Mirallas.
In May 2020, she officially released his first single, entitled Questions (?), entering Peru’s Viral 50 with a month of release. Then in August she continued on the charts of the 50 most viral in El Salvador, Costa Rica, Mexico, Honduras, Uruguay and Nicaragua with “Ella (Remix de Ellas)” together with Pitizion and Kenya Os. Subsequently, the launch of “Feelings” again enters the Viral 50 of Spain, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Uruguay. In February 2021, a month after the launch of “Who would say it” together with LAGOS, they enter the 50 most viral in Peru and Colombia.
Forty candles. The “big four-0.” The Toyota 4Runner will reach the 40-year mark with the 2023 model year… and, to celebrate, Toyota is offering a distinctive 2023 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition. Appropriately, Toyota will make 4,040 of these special editions available for the U.S. market. Over the past four decades, 4Runner has amassed more than 4 million cumulative sales while carving out its place as the ready-for-anything SUV that’s equally at home on pavement or trail.
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition is based on the SR5 Premium grade and will be available in three colors: White, Midnight Black Metallic and Barcelona Red Metallic. It will stand out from the lineup thanks to bronze-colored 17-inch alloy wheels, a body-color-matching TOYOTA heritage grille and a bronze-colored 40th Anniversary exterior tailgate badge.
The biggest eye-catcher, though, is likely to be the heritage graphics package created especially for this anniversary model. The first 4Runner was built on the Toyota pickup platform, which itself founded the heritage of Toyota’s illustrious success in off-road racing. As an homage to those early racers, the 4Runner 40th Anniversary Edition will be wearing some very cool, retro-inspired yellow/orange/red body graphics.
The anniversary theme continues inside, where the 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition gets exclusive badging on the center console and features a bronze-colored cross-stitch shift knob, bronze-colored seat stitching, 40th Anniversary floormats and a 40th Anniversary logo on the Black SofTex-trimmed seats. Topping it off is a standard power moonroof.
Fun facts: When the first 4Runner arrived, “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” was the top-grossing movie in America, and “Every Breath You Take” by The Police had ended the year at #1 on the Billboard 100. (Yep, that was then “Jedi” was the third Star Wars movie, not “Episode Six.”)
A 4Runner for All Seasons and Reasons
The 2023 4Runner lineup covers a broad range of tastes and needs in a high-capability SUV. The line includes grades SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited and TRD Pro. The 4Runner exudes a rugged look in all grades yet maintains a timeless SUV style all its own. The SR5 and TRD models ride on 17-inch alloy wheels that are available in three designs: 6-spoke for SR5 models, 7-spoke for TRD Off-Road models and flow-form matte black alloy wheels for TRD Pro.
The TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium grades are distinguished by color-keyed bumpers and overfenders, hood scoop and silver-colored painted front and rear bumper accents. “TRD Off-Road” badges adorn the C-pillars. The Limited is the only 4Runner with a chrome-plated grille insert and chrome-finished exterior trim. All 4Runner models have LED fog lights as standard equipment, with the TRD Pro featuring Rigid Industries LED fog lights.
The Ready-for-Adventure SUV
The 4Runner’s inherent strength starts with its tough-as-nails, body-on-frame construction featuring a four-link rear axle and coil-spring suspension. The robust chassis is also the foundation of 4Runner’s comfortable ride quality.
A 270-horsepower DOHC 4.0-liter V6 engine with 278 lb.-ft. of peak torque gives 4Runner plenty of get-up-and-go. The engine’s Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) helps optimize torque across the engine’s operating range, enhancing responsiveness in a variety of driving conditions.
The five-speed ECT-I automatic transmission features a sequential shift mode for manually shifting when desired. All 4Runner grades are standard-equipped with an integrated tow-hitch receiver and wiring harness, and all models can tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds.
The 2WD 4Runners provide an ample 9.0 inches of ground clearance, while 4WD models offer an even more generous 9.6 inches. All 4Runner 2WD models feature standard Automatic Limited Slip Differential (Auto LSD), a function of the traction control (TRAC) that allows some wheel slippage to help the vehicle dig out from sand or snow, for example.
4×2 and Two Kinds of 4×4
The available part-time 4WD system uses Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) and bolsters off-road capability with a two-speed transfer case with selectable low-range. By distributing drive force to any one wheel in contact with the ground, A-TRAC can help maintain traction when it senses wheel slippage occurring on terrain irregularities and slippery patches.
Exclusive to the 4Runner Limited, a full-time 4WD system uses a Torsen center differential with locking feature and a three-mode, center console-mounted switch. The system employs a 40:60 torque split in most driving situations and alters that in response to slippage. In addition, if the front wheels are slipping while the vehicle is turning, the Torsen® differential changes the torque split to 30:70. If the rear wheels slip while the vehicle is turning, the split changes to 53:47.
Maximum Traction Tech
The Toyota 4Runner offers a variety of tools to suit different off-road missions. An array of technologies enhances the capability provided by the 4Runner’s high-strength chassis and available 4WD. Standard Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) provides additional control when accelerating from a stop on a steep incline. The system helps to briefly hold the vehicle stationary while the driver transitions from the brake pedal to the accelerator.
Limited and SR5 models equipped with 4WD also feature standard Downhill Assist Control (DAC). This feature augments low-speed descending controllability by helping to maintain a constant slow speed and preventing wheel lockup, therefore allowing the driver to concentrate primarily on steering.
The 4Runner TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro models add the capability of an electronic-locking rear differential and Toyota’s Crawl Control (CRAWL) feature. With the transfer case shifted into low range, CRAWL is designed to regulate engine speed and braking force to slowly move the vehicle forward or in reverse at one of the five driver-selectable, low-speed settings. This function allows the driver to focus on steering without having to also modulate the throttle or brake pedal in challenging terrain.
As trail conditions change, the driver can adapt the vehicle using the standard Multi-Terrain Select system using a dial (located overhead along with CRAWL settings) to choose a mode that matches prevailing surface conditions. The system will then adjust wheel slip control accordingly.
Both 4Runner TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro feature the Multi-Terrain Monitor on the list of off-road tech features. Using strategically placed cameras, the system lets the driver check surroundings on the trail, with the ability to spot potential obstacles not easily seen from the cabin. The TRD (and Limited) models also add a premium Multi-information Display.
Road-Hugging TRD Sport
The 4Runner TRD Sport grade, which first joined the line for 2022, focuses less on the trail and more on road focused features while adding style and flair. For an emphasis on everyday comfort and road dynamics, the 4Runner TRD Sport employs the Cross-Linked Relative Absorber System (X-REAS) suspension to enhance onroad handling. The X-REAS system adjusts the damping force of shock absorbers when driving over bumpy surfaces or when cornering. A center control absorber cross-links the shock absorbers on opposite corners of the vehicle, like an “X,” to help reduce pitch and yaw by offsetting opposing inputs.
The 4Runner TRD Sport is available with either 2WD or part-time 4WD with a 2-speed transfer case. Based on the SR5 grade, the 4Runner TRD Sport swaps the SR5’s 17-inch wheels for machine-faced 20-inch wheels with Dark Gray accents. Notably, all 4Runners come equipped with a full-sized spare tire, regardless of wheel size.
The TRD Sport gets its own look with color-keyed accents on the grille, rocker panels and body molding, plus the signature TRD-style hood scoop and a front spoiler and black roof rails. Inside, TRD Sport replaces the SR5 grade’s cloth seat surfaces with power-adjustable black SofTex-trimmed seats. The seats feature unique graycolored contrast stitching, and the front headrests have gray-colored TRD stitched logos. TRD Sport floor mats are included, and a standard TRD shift knob completes the cabin makeover.
TRD Pro Earns Its Name
The TRD Pro badge on any Toyota truck or SUV signifies the most off-road-capable vehicle in its respective Toyota lineup. The 2023 4Runner TRD Pro is also a bold looker, offering Solar Octane, White, Magnetic Gray Metallic and Black color options. Leading the way for off-road upgrades are some of the features not as easily seen, because tucked away at each corner are specially tuned Fox internal bypass shocks and TRD-tuned coil springs yield an inch of front lift for improved trail-tackling capability. The rear Fox shocks feature piggyback style remote reservoirs to maintain damping performance over demanding off-road terrain. Delivering the best of both worlds, the shock tuning improves trail driving isolation and high-speed performance without compromising on-road comfort and steering response.
Like other Toyota TRD Pro vehicles, the 4Runner TRD Pro features a 1/4-inch-thick aluminum front skid plate with red TRD lettering. The TRD roof rack is exclusive to 4Runner. Black TRD alloy flow-form wheels come standard on TRD Pro and are fitted with Nitto Terra Grappler tires.
A standard TRD-branded cat-back exhaust gives this trail star a powerful-sounding growl for the V6 engine. Inside, the TRD Pro features upgraded HVAC controls like those found in the Limited grade, plus a standard moonroof and Premium Audio with JBL speakers and Clari-Fi™ technology for enhancing digital music formats.
For 2023, TRD Pro will offered in the exclusive exterior color of Solar Octane, which is available alongside staples Black, White and Magnetic Gray Metallic.
On and Off-Road Suspension
For even greater off-road prowess, the TRD Off-Road grade can be equipped with Toyota’s optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which allows extended wheel travel at slow speeds for greater off-road capability and control. The KDSS system hydraulically adjusts the lean resistance provided by the stabilizer bars. Sway resistance is reduced for off-road driving to help minimize any tendency for wheel lift. On pavement, KDSS enables the bars to work conventionally, reducing body lean to enhance agility and control.
The 4Runner Limited, while certainly off-road capable, emphasizes everyday comfort and pavement handling with the X-REAS suspension system also shared with the TRD Sport.
Adventure Expert With Emphasis on Safety
With room for up to seven, the fifth-generation 4Runner offers room for the whole family. All 2023 4Runner models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense-P, an advanced suite of driver-assist technologies that includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Sway Warning System, Automatic High Beams and High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.
Blind Spot Monitor + Rear Cross Traffic Alert is standard on SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro and Limited (and part of an available package on TRD Sport). All models have standard LED high beams, in addition to the LED low beams and fog lights on most grades.
Along with TSS-P, all 2023 4Runner models also come equipped with Toyota’s Star Safety System that includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control (TRAC, or A-TRAC with 4WD) and Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA) and the Smart Stop Technology (SST) brake-override system.
Eight standard airbags include driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System; front seat-mounted side airbags; driver and front passenger knee airbags; and all-row, roll-sensing side curtain airbags. All 2023 4Runner models add Rear Occupancy Alert. When operational parameters are met, the system does what its name suggests, it reminds the driver to check the rear seat for a child or pet before exiting the vehicle.
Space for People and Gear
For carrying gear, 4Runner offers multiple options. With the second-row seats in use, the cargo area offers up to 47.2 cu. ft. of carrying space. If it’s just two people hitting the road or trail, folding the second row opens a cavernous 89.7 cu.-ft. cargo area. The second-row seats fold flat without having to remove the headrests.
The 4Runner SR5 and Limited grades offer available third-row seating, with a split 50:50 seat that folds flat. When so equipped, the 40:20:40 second-row seat has a one-touch walk-in function to provide easy access to the third row. The seats can be folded from the side or at the rear, using separate one-touch levers. The second-row seats, which include a center armrest, individually recline up to 16 degrees in four steps.
For power on the go, the 4Runner has a standard 120V outlet and two 12V outlets. The available pull-out cargo deck can support up to 440 pounds to make loading and unloading heavy items easier. It also provides seating for tailgating and campsite relaxation.
Toyota Value from Bumper to Bumper
All 4Runner grades are equipped with Smart Key with Push Button Start. The SR5 Premium and TRD Off Road Premium add a significant comfort upgrade with SofTex®-trimmed seats, heated front seats and an auto dimming rearview mirror.
The 4Runner Limited delivers a luxury experience with leather-trimmed, heated and ventilated 8-way power adjustable driver’s seat (with memory) and 4-way power adjustable front passenger seat, along with dual-zone automatic climate control. Limited grade’s standard front and rear clearance sonar system helps make parking maneuvers easier and safer. The Limited’s Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) provides a 360-degree bird’s-eye view to help the driver see objects around the 4vehicle.
The Premium Audio system in the 4Runner Limited and TRD Pro adds 15 JBL speakers including a subwoofer and amplifier, Dynamic Navigation with 3-year trial, Dynamic POI Search, Dynamic Voice Recognition, Destination Assist with 1-year trial, Remote Connect with 1-year trial and Wi-Fi Connect with up to 2 GB within 3-month trial.
Limited Warranty and Toyota Care
Toyota’s 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation. The 2023 4Runner also comes with Toyota Care, a plan covering normal factory scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years, unlimited mileage.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs more than 39,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 32 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, a quarter of the company’s 2021 U.S. sales were electrified.
To help inspire the next generation for a career in STEM-based fields, including mobility, Toyota launched its virtual education hub Tour Toyota with an immersive experience and chance to virtually visit many of our U.S. manufacturing facilities. The hub also includes a series of free STEM-based lessons and curriculum through Toyota USA Foundation partners, virtual field trips and more. For more information about Toyota, visit HERE.
From the revolutionary solar-powered watch gamechangers Solios comes their second installment of the Curve model. The luxurious watch piece is not only sustainable and environmentally friendly; it sports an edgy, timeless design.
Established in 2016, Solios’ founders Samuel Leroux and Alexandre Desabrias set out to build a one-of-a-kind accessory that would be both chic and eco-friendly. Solios succeeded in this, generating only the finest of watches that attract sophisticated, innovative and environmentally aware individuals.
Let’s dive into what makes the Curve just so special.
With an array of new adjustments, Solios elevates their time wear while introducing new elements that have contributed to the success of the Curve.
The Crown
Shifting from 3 o’clock to 4 o’clock, the crown is now conveniently situated to enhance proportion of the piece. This, in return, allows for an easier time-telling experience for all.
Seconds Hand
The updated design of the Curve utilizes a second hand.
Date Window
Adjacent to the crown is a small circle that conveniently shows off the date.
The watch itself showcases a modest, refined design. The uniqueness of the watch blended with its rich environmental consciousness sets the timepiece above the rest.
Lounging in the Sun or strolling down the street for a walk, your watch effortlessly charges to a heightened potential. Each Solios generates the same power as 20 disposable batteries, reducing previously needed single use batteries. The solar technology in the Curve ensures your power will last for decades to come.
The Curve platforms vegan leather and metal mesh straps that are interchangeable, allowing for an assortment of design sequences. while the case is created from certified recycled stainless steel, add to Solios’ sustainability effort.
A special Rainforest Edition Solios Curve model utilizes a lush emerald, green coloring, in support of the Rainforest Trust. With every purchase of the exclusive style, Solios donates 10% of its profits to the Trust.
After crafting an entrancing debut, headlined by his gripping issues with anxiety and self-doubt, North Carolina MC Lute quenched fans’ thirst for more music with his deluxe release of Gold Mouf, including “Luther’s Freestyle,” “Run It Back,” and “Like Wine.” The latter receives the visual treatment from 12VY as GRAMMY-Award winner DJ Drama bolsters Lute’s lyrical exercise with his braggadocios adlibs. Standing in front of a fleet of cars, including a cherry red BMW, Lute’s confidence reigns supreme as he barks at his detractors with a series of jabs: “Shit, so fuck who ain’t believin’ me/ Can never say I’m wack, ’cause you rap niggas never seein’ me.” “Like Wine” comes on the heels of Lute’s recently released videos “Eye to Eye” and “Changes.” Check out Lute’s latest offering HERE.
The GRAMMY-nominated rapper’s newest project is just one of many exciting developments in recent weeks. Lute performed at the long-awaited return of the annual Dreamville Festival last month, with his set praised in a shoutout from Complex. He also joined his labelmates for two cuts on the D-Day: A Gangsta Grillz Mixtape compilation, which debuted in the top 5 of Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Top Rap Albums charts.
With Gold Mouf Chronicles, Lute gets vulnerable about his battle with anxiety, and the toll it had on his family. He also shares his bout with open-heart surgery that left his future up to fate. While the procedure was successful, Lute’s experiences have a lasting mental and physical impact. But rather than succumb to his fears, Lute valiantly wears his vulnerabilities on his sleeves, advancing his skills as an MC and deepening his connection with his fans
Gold House—the leading Asian and Pacific Islander (API) changemaker community that unites, invests in, and promotes API creatives and companies— debuted its first-ever Gold Gala, a historic gathering of API leaders and allies, on May 21, 2022.
The Gala celebrated 2022’s A100 List, the definitive honor that recognizes the 100 APIs who have most significantly impacted American culture and society in the last year. The evening was hosted in collaboration with Meta — to further a long-standing partnership with Gold House thathonors and supports the API community through innovative programming, such as Meta Gold Talks, and convenes distinguished API voices in conversation as well as trains API-led start-ups in-depth.
500+ API celebrities, cultural leaders, and business executives rounded out the guest list, including: Mindy Kaling, Michelle Yeoh, Henry Golding, Daniel Dae Kim, Ashley Park, Stephanie Hsu, Auli’i Cravalho, Jimmy O. Yang, Kelly Marie Tran, Harry Shum Jr., Bella Poarch, Lisa Ling, Prabal Gurung, Jeannie Mai Jenkins, Phillip Lim, Musa Tariq, Chloe Kim, Jay Shetty, Versha Sharma, Michelle Phan, Andrew Yang,the casts of Never Have I Ever and Pachinko, the CEOs and founders of DoorDash, Match Group (Match/Tinder/Hinge), Hulu, Twitch, Classpass, Patreon, Airtable, Forbes, P&G, Brooks Brothers, Ancestry, Droga5, Publicis Groupe, Paramount, East West Bank, and more.
These guests are at the forefront of “The New Gold Age,” the evening’s theme, which represents unparalleled API brilliance and defiance amidst continued violence and racism against the community. The theme was embodied in the modern Asian couture attire, which featured several custom outfits created specifically for the gala.
A100 A1 honorees Henry Golding, Simu Liu, Chloe Kim, Michelle Wu, and Payal Kadakia were recognized for being the most impactful individuals in their respective industries over the past year.
A major highlight of the Gold Gala was Mindy Kaling accepting the A100 Legend award for her lifelong dedication to creating and embodying affirming API characters and content. Maitreyi Ramakrishnan presented the award to her mentor in a heartfelt speech.
To round out the historic evening, A100 Legend Michelle Yeoh was the first-ever recipient of the SeeHer award at the Gold Gala for defying gender stereotypes throughout her career. SeeHer, the leading global movement of media, marketing and entertainment leaders committed to the accurate depiction of women and girls in advertising and media, presented the award along with filmmakers Jon M. Chu, Destin Daniel Cretton, and Jonathan Wang.
The awards were custom designed by artist Maia Ruth Lee, an inaugural Gold Art Prize Awardee.
Throughout the evening, Gold House unveiled a suite of new initiatives to further its focus on uniting, promoting, and investing in API creatives and companies including:
Unity March: in partnership with Asian Americans Advancing Justice, APIAVote, and a dozen other major nationwide organizations, Gold House announced a historic slate of policies and a convening event in Washington, D.C. on June 25, 2022.
Gold Storybook: Gold House launched the definitive guide and resource hub on authentic API portrayals in media, based on years of cultural consultation expertise with every major studio, streamer, and network. The guide was created with support from key partners like The Walt Disney Company and features additional resources through work with SeeHer, P&G, and more.
#WriteHerRight AAPI: SeeHer and Gold House also announced a major partnership to develop a guide focused on the importance of increasing accurate portrayals of AAPI women and girls in advertising and entertainment. A number of studios and networks, including AMC Networks and Paramount, are committed to participating in the guide, which will launch later this year.
Gold House Venture Network: on the heels of launching its $30M fund, Gold House Ventures, Gold House announced a new vehicle for executives, cultural leaders, and founders to invest in sought-after venture deals and procure prominent Board Director and Advisor positions.
Gold Rush Accelerator Food & Beverage and Women Tracks: as part of their community-leading accelerator, Gold Rush (whose alumni have raised $400 million+ in follow-on capital), presented two new tracks that provide funding, promotion, and distribution to culinary and women founders in partnership with Panda Express and Julia Gouw, respectively.
Gold House specially recognized Meta as a long-time supporter of advancing opportunity for all, and shared updates regarding their ongoing partnership to amplify, educate and grow influential voices across the Asian diaspora with a focus on unlocking economic opportunity. This included the launch of Meta’s SMB-focused channel — Meta Prosper — a new program to empower and uplift AAPI small businesses.
“We are proud to partner with Gold House on inspiring a new generation of API voices. It’s an honor to be a part of the inaugural Gold Gala and recognize some of the most influential change-makers in the community,” said Cat Coddington, Head of North American Gaming Creator Partnerships at Meta.
Onsite experiences for attendees showcased an array of cross-industry excellence, featuring: an exclusive Super Bowl Vince Lombardi trophy viewing (generously loaned by the NFL in celebration with Taylor Rapp); crafted drinks, afterparty, and a towering ice bar hosted by Hennessy X.O; curated playlists spotlighting API artists by Spotify; interactive programming and special announcements with longtime partners like Disney; and meaningful resources to highlight the importance of API names from Procter & Gamble‘s pg.com/names campaign. Guests also got to watch the 2022 APAHM video featuring A100 honorees, produced by Gold House and Google as part of Google’s efforts to put Asian community and culture in focus.
After the gala, guests stayed on for the afterparty, hosted in collaboration with Hennessy X.O, with a curated late-night bites menu from Panda Restaurant Group and custom boba drinks from Bopomofo Cafe.
Both the gala and the afterparty were held at the historic Vibiana in downtown Los Angeles. Accommodations for award recipients were provided by Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown and exclusive rides by BMW. The gala partnered with We Can Do This to amplify their vaccine and booster resources, without which, an in-person event would have been impossible. The evening was also made possible by Nordstrom, East West Bank, Warner Bros. Discovery, AMC Networks, and other partners featured HERE.
About Gold House
Gold House is the leading Asian and Pacific Islander (API) changemaker community, fighting together for socioeconomic equity. Through a suite of innovative programs and platforms, the organization unites, invests in, and promotes API creatives and companies. To learn more, visit HERE or follow @GoldHouseCo on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Online gambling has been on a constant rise since its genesis. Several factors have made it so popular. However, in recent years, Covid-19, although a pandemic, has expeditiously spurred its global appeal.
According to worldwide online gambling statistics, an immense number of people gamble. That has raised the revenue generated from the iGaming niche incredibly. Notably, casinos with the highest traffic generate more revenue, making such platforms viable since they offer an outstanding gambling experience.
But what are high-traffic casinos? This article will examine what these casinos are and the importance of prioritizing them while gambling. Continue reading to learn more.
High Traffic Casinos
The iGaming niche is exceedingly competitive. Therefore, to stay in business, casino operators need to forge best-in-class marketing strategies to help them attract more customers to their establishments. Most of the time, it’s a daunting task due to the dynamic nature of gamblers’ tastes and preferences.
Nonetheless, operators must consider various casino variables and statistics to attract high volumes of players. So, in a nutshell, high-traffic casinos are gambling establishments with high customer volumes and regular visits. These platforms can often be referred to as Reputable or Big Brand casinos.
What makes them so popular is their recognizable brand that offers players out-of-this-world features and services that impact the overall gambling experience. These features can stretch from something as simple as a casino’s website usability to support services and games. So, why is it so important to play at these high-traffic casinos?
Importance of Selecting High Traffic Casinos
The overall importance of gambling at platforms that receive vast numbers of visitors is to enjoy a quality gaming experience. However, essentially, it involves so much more to deliver that authentic gambling experience. The importance of selecting these Popular, Reputable, or Big Brand casinos- call it what you may, is as follows:
1. Friendly and Intuitive UI/UX
First impressions matter a lot, and one main reason for choosing high-traffic casinos is that you’ll have a smooth experience while playing. These casinos have a fast-loading website with an intuitive user interface that makes navigation through the site straightforward.
The layout and design of casino elements and features are always bold and categorically arranged. So, you can constantly find games quickly and use different filters and search functions to help you sort games through various criteria.
2. Frequent and Lucrative Bonuses and Promotions
Due to the massive number of players at these venues, you’ll enjoy a great line-up of promotions and bonuses. These casinos frequently fashion lots of bonus rewards to keep all players entertained. Some of the most popular bonuses include welcome bonuses, cashback, and reload bonuses, which may have prizes such as free spins and match rewards.
Also, you can get free cash or spins for just signing up (no deposit bonus). You can use this reward to try out the casino’s games while still being able to win from the bonus. You can try out any of our recommended high-traffic casinos.
3. Superb Loyalty Programs and Tournaments
How about earning extra cash? These casinos continuously engineer races and competitions in different game categories, mostly slot games, to up the ante of gambling. So, you’ll get rewards ranging from cash gifts and free spins to loyalty points, depending on the casino.
In addition, you can be awarded for playing at these casinos through their loyalty VIP program. The loyalty schemes give gamblers extra playing motivation due to the inclusive offers. For example, you can get rewards ranging from cashback and free spins to even an all-paid expense holiday vacation.
4. An abundance of Casino Games
Probably, this is the most important reason for selecting high-traffic casinos. As a consequence of having many players frequenting these casinos, you’ll find an intergalactic array of games to play. These casinos have partnerships with leading iGaming software vendors, meaning you’ll have at your disposal high-quality casino titles.
You can find everything from slots, jackpots, table games, and poker to video poker, scratch card games, bingo, instant win, and live dealer games. Additionally, most of these venues have eSports and sports betting sections, increasing the variety of games.
5. Top-notch Security and Licensing
You need to play at safe, secure, and licensed casinos for an exquisite gambling experience. The global appeal these high-traffic casinos enjoy is attributed to their rigid security protocols and licensing. Safe platforms will protect your sensitive information like card details from fraudsters and provide tools like 2FA to strengthen your privacy further.
Additionally, casino licensing means a site is credible and offers secure and fair gambling activities. So, you can enjoy services like sure payouts and dispute resolution from the iGaming licensing authorities. Some of the best license regulators on these casinos include the UKGC, MGA, and Curacao Gambling Commission.
6. Diversity of Payment Methods
High-traffic casinos accommodate a considerable number of players from different parts of the world. For that reason, they tend to offer a massive array of payment methods to match their player volumes, hence making them an express choice.
What’s more, you can enjoy fast and free deposits and withdrawals with these casinos. The diversity of payment options will differ depending on the casino and your country of residence. Nonetheless, the best methods you can use include Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard, PayPal, Trustly, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, etc.
7. Reliable Customer Support
Lastly, high-traffic casinos provide excellent customer support services to players. You’ll enjoy friendly and heartwarming support from eloquent agents in multiple languages. Notably, help in these venues is available around the clock and on various channels.
The standard options include Live Chat, Email, and Telephone. You can have platforms providing support via social media channels, which is a bonus. Also, most of the time, you can find great assistance through the FAQ section.
Conclusion
Unquestionably, high-traffic casinos enjoy high volumes of players due to their fantastic marketing strategies. However, it’s their customer retention techniques that make these casinos the best option for online gambling. Think of it as a yardstick when deciding to visit a casino- the one with the highest traffic offers the best services.
In our high-traffic casinos’ article, you can read more about tracking online casino traffic. Thus, select high-traffic casinos and enjoy a galactic array of games, bonuses and promotions, customer support, and trustworthy payment methods to get more bang for your buck.
Red Bull Culture Clash, the innovative live music experience where four crews face off to win over the crowd and celebrate Jamaican sound system culture, returned to New York Thursday May 19.
Crews and their participating artists were given the reins to take over each corner of a venue and faced off for a four-round bout, bringing big sound, heavy tunes, and fierce competition all in an effort to outshine their competition and win over the crowd. The winners were selected based on crowd response.
Everything was left on the stage as APOCALIPSIS was crowned the winner of the East Coast showdown.
APOCALIPSIS, featuring Dana Lu, Riobamba, Bembona, LITA, Nino Augustine, Dos Flakos and JFuse, is a NYC-based record label founded by Ecuadorian-Lithuanian artist Riobamba. APOCALIPSIS amplifies the stories of artists de aquí y de allá (from here and there), doing everything in its power to re-distribute equity in the music industry.
The HISTORY® Channel announces the launch of HISTORY Travel™, a curated touring experience that will lead adventure seekers and history-enthusiasts on unique journeys inspired by some of history’s most fascinating events. Each trip will be designed and led by world-renowned historians and local experts to lend critical context and historical perspective to the places and events that have shaped our collective past. HISTORY Travel™ is created and managed by Academic Travel Abroad™. Adventures begin November 2022 and are available to reserve now HERE.
With a robust domestic and international slate, HISTORY Travel’s first trip kicks off in colorful jazz epicenter New Orleans in November 2022, followed by Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in December. Additional destinations include England, Greece, Italy, France, Gettysburg & Antietam and Yellowstone National Park. With new destinations expected to be added each year, multiple departures of each trip itinerary will typically be offered and will include stories and perspectives of the people that made these locations notable. Curious travelers will participate in a variety of unique experiences, including experiencing the rhythms of jazz in its birthplace; visiting war sites and memorials that provide a deep understanding of the pivotal battle that plunged the U.S. into WWII; walking in the footsteps of Winston Churchill’s England; standing on the same battlefields as Abraham Lincoln’s handpicked generals; traversing the ruins of ancient Greece; or gazing upon the Medici art treasures of Italy. HISTORY Travel’s historians and guides will lead guests on a once-in-a-lifetime experience accentuated by unmatched knowledge and expertise that allows for travelers’ inquiries to be explored and satisfied in the moment.
Tour prices range from $2995-$6595 exclusive of airfare. Full itineraries and more detailed information about each unique adventure can be found at HERE.
Experience the rhythms of New Orleans on a five-day musical journey with The HISTORY Channel and ATA. Once home to jazz legends like Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton, and Wynton Marsalis, experience jazz in the city where it was born. On this experience, explore New Orleans’ musical past on a customized walking tour, including a visit to Louis Armstrong Park’s Congo Square; indulge in an exclusive cooking demonstration with a master chef and sommelier on Algiers Island; go behind the scenes at the Jazz Museum; meet a member of the Mardi Gras Zulu Krewe, and enjoy hearing beloved jazz standards performed by a Grammy-award-winning local musician. Return from New Orleans with greater knowledge and a deep appreciation for the city’s rich musical heritage, which continues to echo throughout the city today.
Commemorating Pearl Harbor — December 3-8, 2022 and March 6-10, 2023
The attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, brought World War II close to home and turned the nation’s attention to the Pacific. Journey to Hawaii and visit seminal sites of the war, see its impact and the remnants of the battle, and hear from experts about how the attack on Pearl Harbor changed the course of the war. Honor our fallen heroes with visits to the USS Arizona Memorial, the USS Bowfin, and the USS Missouri. Experts will provide background about the events leading up to the Pearl Harbor attack to give you a deeper understanding of the context for this pivotal event.
Winter in Yellowstone – January 11-16, 2023 and February 8-13, 2023
Yellowstone is America’s first national park and one of its busiest – but not in winter. Journey deep into Yellowstone over snow-packed roads, stopping often to explore the wilderness and learn about various local animals & ecosystems. See the dramatic iced-over Upper Falls at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River and watch Old Faithful’s dramatic eruptions. Hike the boardwalks and trails around the Upper Geyser Basin to see colorful thermal pools and steaming fumaroles. Take in the breathtaking views on the drive from West Yellowstone to charming Bozeman through Big Sky, Montana. Admire the spectacular landscape – and the extraordinary foresight of our leaders to preserve and protect this vast wilderness more than 150 years ago. This is your chance to explore a winter wonderland away from the crowds.
The Medicis in Italy – March 20-27, 2023 and October 7-14,2023
The Medici Family is synonymous with Renaissance Florence. Through their successes in business in the 15th century, they amassed fortunes and gained significant power in Florentine civic life. They began to invest in the arts and humanities, including an extensive patronage of artists such as Brunelleschi, Botticelli, Michelangelo and da Vinci. The historic legacy of buildings, monuments and great works of art created under the Medici in the city, led to Florence flourishing into the epi-center of the Renaissance. In addition to wealth and artistic patronage, the Medici also held significant influence and family ties throughout Italy and the continent; producing four popes and being linked through marriage and strategic alliances to many rulers and European royal families. will look at the impact the family had on the artistic world, sciences, thought and religion of 15th-century Florence, the legacy of their wealth and their political power while placing it in the context of daily life in Renaissance Florence. In-depth talks, behind-the-scenes visits, excellent Italian food (some of it inspired by historic recipes) this tour is likely to appeal to any history buff fascinated by one of the key families of Europe.
The Life & Times of Winston Churchill – April 14-19, 2023 and October 13-18, 2023
World War II is one of the most important events in modern history, as it posed an existential threat to the basic principles of civilization. During that tumultuous time, Winston Churchill stepped onto the world stage as a voice of courage and statesmanship, and his influence and leadership remain relevant today. On this unique trip, delve into Churchill’s role as a war leader and peacetime politician in London, as well as his early life in Oxfordshire. Explore Churchill’s childhood home, considered one of England’s greatest treasure houses, and see the public school where he spent his formative years. Travel underground to view the bunker complex Churchill used to orchestrate his war machinations and visit Bletchley Park, where crucial work was done to decrypt enemy communications and help end the war. End the trip with a firm understanding of how this towering historical figure’s spirit still lives on in present-day England.
Remembering the Great War – April 18-26, 2023 and September 5-13, 2023
On this nine-day journey, walk the most famous battlefields of World War I with a military historian. You’ll discover how the French and British stopped the German onslaught, and how the U.S. entry into the war helped turn the tide. Visit Ypres and Reims, whose great medieval architectural treasures were badly damaged during the war but have been restored, and visit the Paris memorial honoring America’s first combat aviators. Also, visit the Champagne region of France to learn how the iconic export is made.
The Road to Antietam & Gettysburg – May 15-19, 2023 and October 16-20, 2023
This five-day journey from Washington D.C. to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania will relive two of the Civil War’s fiercest battles—Antietam and Gettysburg. Learn how earlier skirmishes set the stage for Union victories at these crucial battles and pay your respects to those who never left the battlefield. Walk the sacred landscapes that marked the single bloodiest day in American military history, prompting Abraham Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, changing the focus of the war, and altering the course of history. Dine at historic inns that have hosted presidents and military leaders. Meet with local historians to gain insights about military strategy and to help place these critical battles in context. And learn how the battle cries for a lasting union still echo through history.
The Glories of Ancient Greece – May 19-29, 2023 and October 13-23, 2023
Trace 5,000 years of Greek history while exploring the country’s well-preserved archaeological treasures. Explore the iconic ruins of Athens, and then travel west across the Corinth Canal to visit the beehive tombs and the Palace of Agamemnon in Mycenae and the historic stadium at Olympia. Stroll the streets of ancient Delphi, discover the cliff-top monasteries of Meteora, and see the legendary Spartan battlefields at Thermopylae. Along the way, meet with local archaeologists and agriculturists. And, of course, there will be delicious Greek cuisine, and dancing!
All trip participants (including staff) 5 years and older must show proof of being up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations — including boosters — at least 14 days prior to the start of the trip. More info regarding Covid Health and Safety can be found HERE
ABOUT ACADEMIC TRAVEL ABROAD (ATA)
Academic Travel Abroad™ is an educational travel provider for some of this country’s most prestigious organizations. Riding the post-war wave of interest in travel to Europe, ATA launched operations in 1950 by assisting universities and cultural institutions in the creation of group travel programs for their members. Today, ATA is a leader in cultural and educational group travel with over 70 years of experience and an expansive network of experts worldwide, ATA curates travel experiences for intellectually curious adults that delve beneath the surface, access the authentic, and shun the touristic. HISTORY Travel™ is created and managed by Academic Travel Abroad™. Connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn.
ABOUT A+E NETWORKS
A+E Networks® is a global content company comprised of some of the most popular and culturally relevant brands in media, including A&E®, Lifetime®, The HISTORY Channel™, LMN®, FYI®, and VICE TV®. A+E Networks’ portfolio extends across platforms and genres with a scripted production division, A+E Studios™; unscripted production studios, Six West Media™; and Category 6™; and independent film unit, A&E IndieFilms®. A+E Networks Digital™ includes watch apps, games, FAST channels, AVOD, and SVOD products, including Lifetime Movie Club® and HISTORY Vault®; and podcasts such as History This Week™. A+E Consumer Enterprises™ includes experiential/branded live events such as HISTORYTalks™; AlienCon™ and an E-commerce division. A+E Networks International® Includes global branded channels, content distribution and co-productions. A+E Networks’ content reaches more than 335 million households in over 200 territories in 41 languages. A+E Networks is a joint venture of Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst. Follow A+E on Twitter and Facebook.
