Once again the spring season is upon us. It’s customary for all creatures to respond to the change of seasons. Color in culture is a natural phenomenon! Plants, insects, birds as well as our furry friends, will take part in the celebration this spring by flaunting exuberant colors that lift one’s spirit and dazzles the onlookers. You too are invited to take part in seasonal celebrations styled with colorful fashions. For everyone who works in the fashion business, it is important to be able to recognize and to foresee any social, cultural and seasonal trends that pertain to colors. TeKay Designs salutes colors with an exciting array of fashion looks that display exuberant hues for this spring. The Houston, Texas fashion house is retailing its new collection for 2012.

“A very important aspect of human visual experience is color“, states Creative Director Ms. Kimma Wreh. “Color is powerful!  Colors are fraught with symbolism, and cultural influences. There is also a physiological affect when color is applied. For example, the color yellow has proven to stimulate the brain. This stimulation can make you more alert and decisive. This color actually makes muscles more energetic! Also, the color orange is known to have positive affects on your emotional state. This color helps relieve feelings of self-pity, a lack of self-worth and unwillingness to forgive. The color orange is mentally stimulating as well as socially inviting.”

For the spring season, TeKay Designs has introduced an ethnic-wear evening line of colorful sexy tops, skirts and dresses designed for the woman who is not afraid to show her curves. The garments are made with Aso-ake fabric, hand woven in Nigeria, and infused with gorgeous laces, trims, and scarves. The Aso-ake fabrics are limited edition and some are one of a kind. TeKay Designs offers an ethnic casual and semi-formal collection of multicolored jumpsuits, jackets, skirts, tops, and dresses made of Ankara fabrics and adorned with trims. Wreh added a few couture ethnic-designs, which may be worn to banquets, galas and red carpet events. Wreh’s inspiration for culturally inspired fashions stems from her desire to incorporate significant historic fabric into TeKay Designs ethnic-fashion line. “Historically, skilled Cloth Dyers and Fabric Weavers are revered throughout the West African region and beyond for their artistic creativity. Cloth Dyers and Kente Weavers have become a force for alleviating poverty and affirming identity across West Africa. They are the creators of colorful fabrics. They are a reflection of how colors can bring about positive change. Lifestyle trends can be influenced by social-cultural changes, such as artistic movements. As a tribute to African culture I’ve incorporated colorful hand woven kente fabrics into my line of bridal gowns. Today’s brides are demanding cultural elements that complement traditional European style wedding dresses” states Kimma Wreh.

The psychological power of color combined with the therapeutic power of gems is a complement to colorful fashions. “At TeKay Designs, we create ethnic inspired jewelry pieces that are designed to complement our ethnic-fashions. Our jewelry is created with a variety of high quality materials. We include Swarvorski crystals, vintage rhinestones, corals, tiger eye beads, glass beads, turquoise nuggets, wood and sea shells“, explains Kimma. Express your personal style statement with colorful accessories that accentuate your garment. To lift your spirits, try updating your wardrobe with cultural fashions and accessories to flaunt with exuberant colors.

http://www.tk-designs.com

Come out tomorrow night March 1, 2012 from 6pm-8pm and eat, drink and shop……..On The Corner Gifts in downtown Broken Arrow on the corner of Main and Commercial.  Check out a few hot items some by local designers

Jeweled Cuffs by Simply Unique Jewelry

Black Tank Maxi Dress with Silver Accent by Shimmer Tee

Sheer Lace & Ruffle Dress by Shimmer Tee

Glorious Cutting Board

Big Hoops and Sun Glasses

Riahanna & Jay Z

No two people have seemingly enticed, mesmerized and infuriated a nation of music fans by their reunion more than controversial exes Chris Brown and Rihanna. The two recently came together after a three-year musical separation for remixes to the songs “Birthday Cake” and “Turn Up The Music,” compelling many to voice their support and their anger over the reunion. Though both Rihanna and Brown have shrugged off any and all criticism over the collaborations, rumors are spreading that Rihanna’s mentor, Jay-Z, is none too pleased with the reunion.

According to Radar Online, in the days that followed Brown’s infamous 2009 assault on Rihanna, the Bajan pop star found solace in Jay-Z and the Roc Nation general has since been anti-Chris Brown.

“Jay was absolutely disgusted by what Chris did to Rihanna. Jay doesn’t understand how a man could ever lay hands on a woman; it just goes against who he is and about. Chris is absolutely dead to Jay, he wants nothing to do with him ever,” a source claimed.

But now that Rihanna is back to working with Brown – and possibly back in his arms and bedroom – Jay is allegedly disappointed by his protégé.

Rihanna & Chris Brown

“Now that Rihanna is hooking up with Chris and recording songs with him, Jay is deeply disappointed in her actions. He can’t fathom why Rihanna is doing the things she is doing. He understands the need for forgiveness, but he is adamant that Rihanna shouldn’t forget what Chris did to her. Jay wonders what kind of message this is sending to Rihanna’s young female fans. Rihanna knows how Jay feels about Chris, but she doesn’t care, she is going to do what she wants.”

The source also claims that the birth of Jay-Z and his wife, Beyonce’s, daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, has made him “even more protective of the women in his life. Jay has told Rihanna he will never give his blessing for what she is doing with Chris. He has told her, this isn’t going to end well, it never does. In Jay’s opinion, Chris has rage issues that he doesn’t think have been dealt with.”

It’s unclear whether the report is true, but if so, it will be interesting to see how Rihanna and Jay-Z’s relationship plays out in the coming months as she and Brown are sure to keep their reunion going. And as for Brown, well, though he may already have a number of enemies, adding an influential industry powerhouse like Jay-Z to that list is far from a good thing.

What’s your thoughts do you agree with Jay or should Jay change is view?

Tyler Perry

One good deed deserves another. In this case it’s a good deed from actor-director Tyler Perry that will allow Chicago’s “rooftop pastor” to end his vigil.

Rev. Corey Brooks camped out for months on an abandoned motel as part of a pledge to raise $450,000 to purchase the land and build a community center across from his New Beginnings Church in the 6600 block of South Martin Luther King Drive.

Perry announced during the “Tom Joyner Show” Friday that he would raise the remaining amount to help Brooks reach the goal and asked him to come down.

“Coming on Tom Joyner Morning show,” Brooks tweeted around 7:39 a.mTyler plans to take the pastor to see his new movie, “Good Deeds.”

Brooks left the roof only three times since the vigil began, most recently in January to officiate at the funerals of two teens killed in a shooting at a South Side Church’s Chicken restaurant.

In January, Governor Pat Quinn visited Brooks on his 56th day on the roof. After 92 days of camping out, Brooks was still short $98,000 from his goal and holding strong in his pledge to stay up there until the money was raised.

The intended community center is a part of Project H.O.O.D. (Helping others Obtain Destiny) and will feature mixed income housing, commercial spaces and the NewBeginnings Church’s “Master Academy.”

New York, NY – When it comes to finding harmony, singing’s often the easy part!  As the popular three-time Grammy® award-winning gospel duo Mary Mary, Erica and Tina Campbell are busy career women touring the country, promoting their sixth album Something Big, and walking Hollywood red carpets.  But offstage and away from the bright lights, they’re sisters, moms and wives striving to balance their superstar lifestyles with raising a family.  From diaper changes and awards ceremonies, to recording studios and school recitals, Erica and Tina’s dual lives pull them in many directions, as they go from “mommy mommy-ing to Mary Mary-ing.”  WE tv’s new series MARY MARY spotlights the famous singing sisters, revealing what life is like on the inside of this dynamic duo.  MARY MARY premieres in a special time slot on Thursday, March 29th at 10pm ET/PT, following the BRAXTON FAMILY VALUES REUNION Special at 9pm ET/PT.  New episodes then air in its regular timeslot Thursdays at 9pm ET/PT beginning April 5, with ten, hour-long episodes.  Photos available for download at http://press.wetv.com.

Mary Mary - Eric & Tina Campbell

Music is a family business for the Campbell sisters.  Erica’s husband Warryn is the group’s producer, and Tina’s husband Teddy is the drummer in Jay Leno’s Tonight Show band.   Balancing family life is a challenge all on its own - Erica and Warryn have two little children with a third on the way, while Tina and Teddy are raising a blended family of four kids.  Aside from their own broods, the sisters have a large extended family including:  sister Alana who’s on the verge of getting engaged; parents who’ve been married and divorced to each other three times (and are now currently separated); and sister Goo, who doubles as Erica and Tina’s stylist.  Goo may be skilled in transforming the ladies from moms to superstars, but the three often butt heads - namely because Goo believes she’s underappreciated and underpaid. Adding to the mix is the duo’s manager, Mitchell.  Overseeing everything Mary Mary, Mitch is in the middle of all…for better or worse!

Erica and Tina love the life that Mary Mary provides, but being a superstar comes with huge sacrifices and major challenges.  Faced with the daily decisions that being wives, mothers and career women come with, their lives are a balancing act as they constantly have to prioritize what’s more important.  As Mary Mary, Erica and Tina continue their meteoric rise in the music world, including two 2012 Grammy® nominations, a highly-anticipated tour, a new single and a special holiday performance for thousands of new fans.   Offstage, they face a different reality, revealing just how chaotic it can be bouncing between both worlds.

Life on the road as Mary Mary is taking a toll.  When Erica goes into early contractions, she’s ordered to limit travel, forcing the duo to deal with the repercussions of canceling their tour.  Meanwhile, Tina discovers she is unexpectedly pregnant and faces the consequences of what this means for her family and the immediate future of the group.  The pressure gets to the sisters when they start clashing with each other, causing them to seek therapy.  Adding to the chaos is sister and stylist Goo.  When Goo discovers the girls’ manager doesn’t think she has what it takes to be their lead stylist for the Grammy’s ®, Erica and Tina are caught in the middle of family and business.  For this dynamic duo, there’s never a dull moment to be had!

MARY MARY is produced for WE tv by Entertainment One Television.  Executive Producers for eOne Television:  Tara Long, John Morayniss, Eric Hoberman and Mitchell Solarek.  Executive Producer for WE tv:  Kate Farrell.

ENTER WE tv’s SINGING CONTEST ON WETV.COM, PLUS CHAT LIVE WITH MARY MARY ON WE tv SYNC  

Mary Mary is one of the leading gospel groups of our era.  Now viewers have the chance to showcase their own talent in an online competition!  Beginning March 12, visit www.WEtv.com and enter the Mary Mary Singing Contest.  Upload a 60-90 second video of you belting out Mary Mary’s “God in Me,” “Shackles” or “Yesterday.”  Applicants will be judged by WEtv.com voters and the winner will be hand-selected by Mary Mary, culminating in a special grand prize.  Plus, log on to WE tv Sync during new episodes for an all-access pass to exclusive content and chats with Mary Mary, all linked in real time to what’s happening on air.  Additional extras include exclusive videos, sneak peeks, photos, bios, blogs and more.

Octavia Spencer Oscar Best Supporting Actress 2012

Los Angeles, CA — Octavia Spencer won the supporting-actress Academy Award on Sunday for “The Help,” completing an awards-season blitz that took her from Hollywood bit player to star.

Spencer’s Oscar triumph came for her role as a headstrong black maid whose willful ways continually land her in trouble with white employers in 1960s Mississippi.

Spencer wept throughout her breathless speech, in which she apologized between laughing and crying for running a bit long on her time limit.

“Thank you, academy, for putting me with the hottest guy in the room,” Spencer said, referring to last year’s supporting-actor winner Christian Bale, who presented her Oscar.

Her brash character holds a personal connection: “The Help” author Kathryn Stockett based some of the woman’s traits on Spencer, whom she met through childhood pal Tate Taylor, the director of the film.

Before taking the stage, Spencer got kisses from “The Help” co-stars Viola Davis, a best-actress nominee, and Jessica Chastain, a fellow supporting nominee.

“I share this with everybody,” whose 15-year career includes dozens of small parts, often as a nurse, in such movies and TV shows as “Seven Pounds,” ”A Time to Kill” and “The X-Files.”

Diddy wins Oscar for ‘Undefeated’

Sean Combs "Diddy" Oscar Winner 2012

Diddy can now add being an Oscar winner to his list of accomplishments, taking home a gold statue Sunday night for producing the football documentary Undefeated. After the award was announced, his rapper and mogul tweeted “God is the greatest!!!! Thank you! #undefeated !”

Last night the Academy Awards were held in Los Angeles, California as Oscars were given to actors, producers, directors, and others involved in the creation of the Academy’s chosen films of the year.

Taking home best documentary was the film “Undefeated,” executive produced by Diddy, about a high school football team fromMemphis, Tennessee that undergoes the struggles of life in a rough Memphis area.

The film marks the first time an African American director has won an Academy Award.

Brad Pitt

Octavia Spencer, Michelle Williams, Rooney Mara, and Viola Davis

Oscar’s Royalty on the Red Carpet

Kelly Ripa

Regin King Oscar Vanity Fair Party 2012

Mila Jovovich

Shaun Robinson

Zoe Saldana

Pharrell Williams

Jennifer Lopez

Angelina Jolie

The stars rock the red carpet on one of Hollywood’s premier events.  The NAACP Image Awards is the nation’s premier multi-cultural awards show celebrating the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in the arts (television, recording, literature, motion picture and writing & directing), as well as those individuals or groups who promote social justice through their creative endeavors.

Co- Hosts Sanaa Lathan and Anthony Mackie

Vanessa Williams

Taraji- Henson

Ne-Yo

KeKe Palmer

Alfre Woodard

James Pickens

Best Actress Winner Viola Davis

Harry Belafonte, Pamela Frank

Anika-Noni Rose

Vienne Milano Designer

VienneMilano – the first luxury hosiery brand and online store in the USA devoted entirely to thigh highs stockings made in Italy. VienneMilano’s first collection features a variety of premium materials that are used, including classic and exuberant colors and models. All products are made in Italy exclusively for VienneMilano and are imported directly from Milan. VienneMilano caters to all women who want to reveal their style and confidence by being elegant, playful and sexy in every occasion.

VienneMilano’s first collection embodies the brand’s idea that thigh highs are appropriate for every occasion. In the first collection, consumer will find reinterpretations of classic colors and patterns brought to a new luxurious life with the sapient use of innovative materials. However, VienneMilano’s center stage will come from its daring pieces that are crafted in vibrant fashion colors, including the brand’s signature purple and are made with materials that have never been seen before in thigh highs, such as an incredibly plush cashmere and silk blend.

VienneMilano’s is a story of love for fashion. Vienne Cheung, the Founder of VienneMilano, traveled throughout Italy to select the best suppliers and to source the most exquisite materials. She put relentless care into designing each product as well as their innovative packaging. “Stockings are a true fashion complement as they can define the outfit in every occasion” says Vienne Cheung. “By wearing thigh highs, a woman gains a little glamorous secret that provides her with that extra boost of confidence.”

Prices will range between $39 and $79 per pair, positioning VienneMilano in the luxury department. At the same time, this price range also allows it to be more affordable than the incumbent top hosiery brands. VienneMilano’s products will be sold exclusively online on www.viennemilano.com and will ship free to all customers in the USA.

Vienne Milano Stockings

Thursday, February 16th, 2012

David Tlale (Left)

Glam-intersections is the latest collection from South African designer David Tlale which was shown on Valentines day during New York Fashion Week today.

The range characterised by sheer blouses, pencil skirts detailed jackets and shiny pants  was accessorised with crocodile belts and his latest signature DT handbags. The 15 designs appeared very restrained in comparison to  past collections, with most garments screaming some conservative 1950s and 1970s trends. Hues were limited to browns, greys, red wines and black with fabric ranging from wool and silk to brocade chiffon and satin.

Though it wasn’t one of the favourite collections from this talented designer, he definitely drew in the crowds and impressed audiences with yet another one of his creative deliverances for Fall/Winter 2012/13.

Snapshots from the night below:

[Show as slideshow]