Vivica A. Fox has a new role -- as a real life magazine editor.
The '1-800 Missing' actress recently assumed the position of Editor At Large of the new beauty magazine, 'Jolie.'
Based in New York City, the bi-monthly magazine, which has its second issue arriving on stands on Nov. 29, brands itself as "the ultimate beauty guide for women of color." The word 'jolie' means 'pretty' in French.
"I want to do more than just act, I want to be multifaceted," Fox, who appeared on the cover of the premiere issue, told Black Voices. "'Jolie' is another platform for me."
'Jolie's' founder and editor
Alicia Marie Rivers said having Fox as a celebrity spokesperson is good business. "The reaction to her involvement as well as the magazine has been wonderful," she told us. In September, Fox --who has been involved in the magazine since last spring-- debuted the magazine on national television with her appearance on 'The Tyra Banks Show.' "The reaction was phenomenal," Rivers continued. "We've received tons of emails and letters from women wanting to know more about the magazine and where they can get a copy."
Rivers said "Vivica is quite involved' with the magazine and is not just a front woman."I think I bring a lot to the table," Fox continued. "I have a lot of relationships with celebrities and major corporations that I know will benefit the magazine greatly as well as give them exposure. I'm glad that I can bring my relationships together for 'Jolie.'"
Aside from penning an advice column, she also interviews the celebrity cover subjects. In a Q&A featured this month with cover girl
Ciara, the 'Soul Food' actress talked to the 'Goodies' singer about adjusting to the music business, lessons learned and life in the spotlight. Even the public scrutiny the singer recently endured -- rumors about her "true" gender-were touched upon: "There are those times where people invade your privacy when you don't want them to, but it comes with the territory," Ciara commented. "People are going to say whatever they want about you, but you just have to remember your worth and at the end of the day, it's between you and God."
And how can 'Jolie' fit into a marketplace which already has an abundance of similar titles?
"[By] guiding women to own their beauty from the first page to the last," Fox concluded. "The concept of 'living pretty' is truly a state of mind not just in a lipstick."
Rent OverdueThe long awaited film adaptation of 'Rent' will arrive in theaters on November 23, starring
Rosario Dawson, newcomer
Tracie Thoms and cast members from the original Broadway production:
Taye Diggs,
Jesse L. Martin,
Anthony Rapp ,
Adam Pascal,
Wilson Jermaine Heredia and
Idina Menzel.
The film version, directed by Harry Potter helmer
Chris Columbus and co-produced by
Robert DeNiro's Tribeca Films, stays close to the Pulitzer Prize winning musical's true form, tackling issues such as interracial love, homosexuality, poverty and AIDS.
"We as a country has taken a huge step backwards since 1989 when this play was written, and we need to see a film about acceptance and tolerance and particularly diversity," Columbus said this past weekend in New York. "We're ignoring that and we've become too isolated for our own good. So that's why I think the time is right for this film."
Spike Lee was initially attached to the big screen remake, with names of pop stars such as
Justin Timberlake,
Usher and
Christina Aguilera bandied about as leads. With the support from the family and estate of late playwright
Jonathan Larson (who died of a brain aneurysm the day before the play debuted in 1996), 'Rent' features all of the original material from the theatrical project. "I've been waiting nine years to do this movie, so I was obsessed," Columbus added.
The movie's soundtrack --executive produced by
Green Day producer Rob Cavallo-- was released via Warner Bros Records in a double disc format. It's available in eight special edition formats, each with cover art featuring a different cast member. Tomorrow, a single disc collection will arrive in stores.
Beyonce In The House Beyonce Knowles launches her clothing line --House Of Dereon-- this week.
Following in the footsteps of other new-school pop icons
Jennifer Lopez and
Gwen Stefani --who have their own J. Lo, Sweetface and L.A.M.B. clothing lines, respectively-- on the market, the Grammy Award winning singer is active in the designing and the marketing of the line, which is named after her maternal grandmother, the late
Agnes Dereon. The collection, which is the brainchild of
Tina Knowles --the singer's mother and longtime designer-- includes jeans, gowns, dresses, and blouses.
The line made its official debut on 'Oprah' last Friday. The designing women currently appear on the December issue of 'Ebony' magazine.
As of today, the line's official website (www.HouseOfDereon.com) was selling jeans (prices ranging from $98-$118). A record company spokesperson says the line will expand and that retailers such as Macy's, Dillard's and Marshall Fields are carrying the line in New York, Chicago, Miami, Houston and Los Angeles.
More Legends, More ProblemsAt Saturday's taping of the 'Vibe Awards,'
Mary J. Blige silenced an audience of thousands. The Grammy Award winning singer, who is this year's VLegend Award honoree, took the podium and vocalized her displeasure about her December Vibe cover.
She alluded to a much-needed sit-down with the Editor-in-Chief
Mimi Valdes, a former intern who has been helming Vibe since style-maker
Emil Wilbekin exited his award winning post to work in fashion last year.
"You could hear a pin drop," a record executive who witnessed the spectacle told Black Voices today."Everyone's mouth was wide open in disbelief. It was Mary being Mary. She always speaks her mind, and that's why we love her. That cover did not do her justice or reflect her current positive and confident state."
Is this latest drama on par with last year's VLegend drama? Not quite. At last year's taping, VLegend award honoree
Dr. Dre was embroiled in a chair-throwing melee which led to a stabbing involving
G-Unit rapper
Young Buck, who is awaiting trial.
The Vibe Awards will air on UPN on Nov. 15.
