BV Life & Style: Celebrity Fragrances
2008 Deaths
Odetta Holmes
"The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement" was a singer, actress, guitarist, songwriter and activist.
December 31 1930 - December 2 2008.
Ray Tamarra , Getty
Bernie Mac
Comedian, Actor
Oct. 5, 1957 - Aug. 9, 2008.
AP
Isaac Hayes
Singer, songwriter, record producer, composer and actor.
August 20, 1942 - August 10, 2008
Reuters
Miriam Makeba, "Mama Africa"
South African folk singer and anti-apartheid activist.
March 4, 1932 - November 10, 2008.
Reuters
Jennifer Hudson's 57-year-old mother, Darnell Donerson, brother, Jason, and 7-year-old nephew, Julian King, were killed in 2008.
AP
Shakir Stewart
The Island Def Jam executive who became head of the legendary rap label following Jay-Z's departure, killed himself on Nov. 1. He was 34 years old.
Getty
George Carlin
Stand-up comedian, actor and author.
May 12, 1937 - June 22, 2008
Getty Images
Madelyn Dunham
Barack Obama's grandmother
October 26, 1922 - Nov 3, 2008.
Getty Images
Levi Stubbs
Oct. 17: The iconic lead singer, second from left, who gave voice to Four Tops classics like "Reach Out I'll Be There" and "Baby I Need Your Loving" died at 72 from complications of cancer and a stroke. Abdul Fakir, far left, is now the sole living member of the original quartet.
Corbis
Dee Dee Warwick
Oct. 18: The soul songstress died after months of declining health. Warwick, the sister of soul legend Dionne, also achieved a great deal of success, both as a solo artist as well as with her sister.
Corbis
In addition to their main gigs, celebrities are cashing in with their own clothing lines, production companies, record labels, and restaurants. But based on how many entertainers and athletes are jumping into the perfume game, nothing beats having your own celebrity fragrance line. Just ask superstars like Diddy, Usher, and Jennifer Lopez.
Gallery by Lauren Williams, Photo Editor: Monica Washington
BV on Style
BV on Style covers black style, urban fashion, and hot celebrity looks; everything the urban fashionista or fashionisto could want!
Filed under: Photos, Fashion News
It's that time of the year again. Last night, in a flurry of feathers, hair extensions, glitter and uncomfortable underwire, the Angels once again strutted half-dressed down a diamond-crusted runway in the annual over-the-top Victoria's Secret Fashion Show.
Before a star-studded audience that included a tuxedo-clad Jay-Z, Dr. Dre and Keri Hilson, models Selita Ebanks, Chanel Iman and Sessilee Lopez, among others, worked the runway in lingerie outfits that weren't the sorts of things any woman in her right mind could or would wear under her clothes. But they were pretty to look at nonetheless!
Heidi Klum, who had a baby daughter just five weeks ago, opted for hosting the event in an elaborate dress-leaf corset costume instead of actually modeling the goods on the runway. 
Dominican-American model Lopez had fun with a green velvet holiday-themed lingerie set paired with matching boots.
Chanel Iman donned this racy lace bodysuit during the show.
You can catch the full event, which took place at New York's Lincoln Armory and featured a performance by the Black Eyed Peas, Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 10 p.m. Until then, tide yourself over by clicking through the fashion show pics.
http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,entry&id=779436&pid=779435&uts=1258736748 http://cdn.channel.aol.com/cs_feed_v1_6/csfeedwrapper.swf 10 Family Films
'Akeelah and the Bee'
Directed by Doug Atchison, this 2006 film stars Keke Palmer as a young girl from Los Angeles trying to make it to the National Spelling Bee. Reuniting again for third time are Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne, who play her mother and her mentor, respectively.
'Crooklyn'
Directed by Spike Lee in 1994, and starring Alfre Woodard and Delroy Lindo, is this vibrant semi-autobiographical portrait of a school teacher, her stubborn Jazz musician husband and their five kids living in Brooklyn during the '70s. Also starring in the film are Isaiah Washington, Vondie Curtis-Hall and RuPaul.
'Claudine'
Diahann Carroll received a best actress Oscar nomination for her role in this 1974 film about a black woman who tries to provide for her six children in Harlem while on welfare. Directed by John Berry, the film also starred James Earl Jones as her love interest, Roxie Roker and Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs. Curtis Mayfield wrote and produced the film's score and soundtrack, and the vocals were performed by Gladys Knight & the Pips.
'Lean on Me'
Morgan Freeman star in 1989's 'Lean on Me,' which was loosely based on the story of Joe Clark, a real-life inner-city high school principal in Paterson, NJ, whose school was at risk of being taken over by the state. This film's title refers to the 1972 Bill Withers song of the same name. Also starring in the film are Beverly Todd, Alan North, Robert Guillaume and the late Lynne Thigpen.
'Roots'
Probably the greatest African American miniseries aired on television, 'Roots' is a 1977 dramatization of author Alex Haley's family line, from ancestor Kunta Kinte's enslavement to his descendents' liberation. The series featured household names such John Amos, LeVar Burton, Ben Vereen, Louis Gossett Jr. , Edward Asner, Leslie Uggams and Cicely Tyson.
'School of Rock'
Jack Black scored a hit in this 2003 Richard Linklater film about a wannabe rock star in need of cash who poses as a substitute teacher at a prep school and tries to turn his class into a rock band. Also starring in the film are Mike White, Joan Cusack and Miranda Cosgrove of 'iCarly.'
'Sister Act'
Whoopi Goldberg starred in this 1992 comedy hit about a lounge singer who enters protective custody in a San Francisco convent after a mob boss puts her on his hit list. Also starring in the film are Maggie Smith, Kathy Najimy and young Lauryn Hill. The film was followed by a 1993 sequel, 'Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.'
'The Lion King' & 'The Incredibles'
Two of Disney's blockbuster animation films were the 1994 chart topping 'Lion King,' which is the highest grossing 2-D animation film of all time in the United States, and the 2004 computer-animated superhero film 'The Incredibles.' In 'Lion King,' a guilt-ridden lion cub flees into exile and abandons his identity as the future king after being tricked into thinking he killed his father, while 'The Incredibles' features a family of undercover superheroes forced into action to save the world.
'The Pursuit of Happyness'
Will Smith and his son Jaden scored a monster hit in this 2006 film, in which a struggling salesman takes custody of his son as he's poised to begin a life-changing professional endeavor. Directed by Gabriele Muccino and also starring Thandie Newton, the film is based on the true story of Chris Gardner.
'The Wiz'
With an all-star cast that included Diana Ross, the late Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, and Ted Ross, this 1978 adaption of 'The Wizard of Oz' captured the essence of the African American experience.
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Filed under: Celebrity Style , Trends
Though underwear worn as outerwear was a huge trend on the Spring 2010 runways, several actresses, including Zoe Saldana, are jumping on the "visible bra" bandwagon a little early:
For a Prada book launch cocktail at the Prada store in Beverly Hills, the sultry actress accented a long, high-waisted maroon skirt with a simple sheer turquoise top that visibly revealed a nude-colored bra:
Stars have long been huge fans of the 'peek-a-boo bra' trend, with some like Teairra Marie going so far as to match their lace bra to their accessories:
But one must ask: Is this an alluring, classy look? Or should your undergarments simply stay where they were intended...under your clothes?
Find more Fashion Discussions on Claire's blog, The Fashion Bomb.
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Filed under: Photos, Fashion News
What's your reaction? My eyes, imagination and very soul are thoroughly refreshed by these images. Behold African beauties, Mey Bun, Rila Fukushima and Ai-li Wang, all of whom are awash in bold rich makeup and a masterful mix of European couture pieces and traditional African accessories. These lush visuals can be seen in the latest issue of D Mode magazine, based out of -- of all places -- Buenos Aires, Argentina. Kudos to the creative team behind this shoot: Laurean Ossorio (stylist), Bryan Zaragoza (makeup), Brian Buenaventura (hair) and photographers Herring & Herring. See more of these images after the jump, then let me know: are you as into these images as I am?
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Filed under: Celebrity Style
Melanie Fiona. The Canadian born R&B singer is at that brief stage in an artists career where she's not instantly recognizable but vaguely familiar. Her debut album, The Bridge, which is already racking up rave reviews is about to change that - soon. Born to Guyanese parents in Toronto, the 26 year old, found her way from Canada's inner city to Kanye Wests tour - where she led as his opening act all summer. Since then, Fiona's slowly been building buzz - and landing magazine features - for her eclectic, soulful singing style. Just as interesting is her style of dress, which is a hybrid between couture and casual. I grabbed her for a quick chit chat on my style questionnaire. I'm still smiling at her answers, which included her latest splurge (mortgage worthy Louboutin's) and a brand new word she created: Tom Goddess.A lot of us are still discovering your style. You float easily between Tom Boy and Glam Goddess? Which defines you most?Tom Godess!!! I never want to be too on the nose of any style, and I feel comfortable and confident in both worlds. They're my fashion alter egos!
How has transformed since you launched?
I feel like recording and preparing to launch as an artist has been a great learning experience about myself. I've come into my own identity, so I want my style to reflect who I am when people see me. I've naturally become a lot more fashion conscious about trends and new designers.
Are you loving the fashion aspect of being a celebrity, from red carpet to photo shoots?
Yeah definitely, although its a lot of work! I love getting dressed up and I love to perform. So I look at red carpet and photo shoots as performances in front of the cameras.
What designers have you been exposed to lately that you absolutely die for?
I LOVE ALEXANDER MCQUEEN!!! I recently did a Paper Magazine Cover Shoot for their 25th Anniversary, and I wore this amaaazing red a-line mod patterned dress for the spread. It was definitely a unique and standout piece! I felt great!
What's been your priciest wardrobe splurge since signing your deal?
They would have to be my Ruby Red Christian Louboutins... Almost 6 inches high!! I performed in them while on tour with Kanye West. Some might say they were a mortgage payment... I say, a great fashion investment. I feel like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz... These ruby slippers will take me all around the world!
Off stage - when you are just hanging out with friends and family - what are your favorite things to wear?
Comfy clothes...I'm a sucker for leggings and knit sweaters!
Melanie Fiona's new album, The Bridge, is available now on Amazon.
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Filed under: Celebrity Style , Fashion News
It's quite possible that the term "one of a kind" was crafted expressly for J. Alexander -- also known as Miss J, but best known as the outspoken judge on the CW's 'America's Next Top Model.' After all, how many boys from the Bronx grow up to become international fashion icons, beloved reality show judges and best-selling authors? Alexander's latest book, 'Follow the Model,' charts his journey from New York to Paris and back with lots of feel-good advice and a fashion dictionary thrown in for good measure. By the time you reach the end, you'll understand how Miss J single-handedly worked his way from messenger boy to a television personality as famous for his sexy legs as his sassy mouth. Of course, you have some questions for the fashion diva -- but we took care of that for you in this one-on-one Q&A. Check it out after the jump!
What inspired you to write this book?
I talk too much as it is, and I am a great storyteller. I thought telling stories would be great in a book about my journey. With a push from agent Nancy Josephson and a shove from agent Suzy Unger, we all made it happen!
You reveal a lot that your fans don't know about you. Was writing about your life therapeutic?
Maybe I revealed too much! In a way it was therapeutic. I got my mind to think about other things, other than designer ball gowns and the latest pair of this season's heels. It opened up a thought process of memories, which made me relax and smile.
I love little touches like the designer pronunciation guide and the guide to Karl Lagerfeld. What made you include these instead of doing a straight bio?
Because the average person outside of fashion who buys this book may not know who some of the latest designers are, let alone how to pronounce their names!
I was shocked to read that you once considered becoming an accountant. What made you think it was a good idea at the time?
My sister, who I idolized, Barbara Ann, who died of breast cancer, worked at an accounting firm. That is where I had my first job in Manhattan as a messenger. I was fascinated by calculators and key-punch machines. Calculators because of totaling up my future earnings and key-punch machines because the cards that came out of the machine reminded me of perforated leather jackets. Plus, I knew one day I would need to know how to manage my money and to make sure I get every penny owed and promised to me!
Ultimately, what do you think empowers us to unleash presence, poise and power?
Presence is when you enter the room. Poise is when you are standing there being photographed in the room. And power is owning the room.
'Follow the Model' is available on Amazon.
Read more from Zandile on The Blay Report!
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