by: Akeem J.

Yet another fashion brand bites the dust in the world economic crisis! Designer Betsey Johnson, known for her bright and eccentric aesthetic filed for bankruptcy protection. Citing “severe liquidity problems” and 4.1 million in debt, this filing will result in the closing of Johnson’s 63 stores and the dismissal of 350 of the company’s employees.

While things are looking gloomy for Betsey Johnson LLC, this isn’t necessarily goodbye for the brand. Sacs Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdales will continue to carry the brand and Johnson’s flagship stores will remain in operation. Ms. Johnson will also to continue to design sportswear for the label.

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Sultry singer Tank was the special guest Friday for the Mother’s Day workshop hosted by Grammy.com blogger Arjan Writes at the Microsoft Store in Lenox Square.

With 15 years in the music game, he recently released his fifth solo album, “This is how I feel.”

The singer performed some of his memorable hits “I Deserve,” and “Please Don’t Go,” along with his new single “Next Breathe.”

The event was very mellow, getting to know the more personal side of Tank, discussing his mother and his take on being a parent, teaching his children respect for others. Very down to earth he talked about his most memorable Mother’s Day of when he sang a song to his mother that he wrote for her.

 He told us about how strong his friendship is with his mother and how much respect his has for her and all mothers.

The event also gave the audience a more personable and intimate performance listening to Tank with just the piano no band or background singers.

Make sure to look out for Tank in Kontrol’s Sexy Body Issue.

Arjan Writes

Tank and Kontrol Entertainment Editor Jeasca

Tank with Kontrol Blogger Milia G.

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Carol’s Daughter  adds dimension to their natural hair support by  recruiting SOLANGE KNOWLES (who is already a staple ambassador for the hair care brand) for a new hair blog on Carol’s Daughter’s  web site, called the Transitioning Movement. (transitioningmovement.com)

Beyonce’s baby sis did the “big-chop” almost three years ago and her  hair transition has literally made her a natural hair icon. Every Monday, Solange will post a new blog about her experiences in transitioning and caring for her natural hair, while other posts will address varied care hair issues.

Inspiration for the new site is based on the idea that every woman should celebrate her own unique beauty.

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by: Jovel Roystan

Donned as the Fashion Oscars or the Superbowl of Fashion, the 2012 Costume Institute Gala took place this Monday at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and it brought out some of the biggest names in popular culture, as well as some of the most brilliant (and not-so brilliant) garments imaginable. Needless to say, the Met Gala is a huge deal every year, but what is it really all about?

This annual event is a fundraiser that serves as the Costume Institute’s main source of annual funding for exhibitions, acquisitions, and capital improvements. More importantly, it serves as an opening event of sorts to kick off the Costume Institute’s upcoming annual exhibit. Regularly hosted by Vogue, Anna Wintour serves as a regular co-chair for the Ball and oversees the star-studded guest list. It’s important to be on her good side. Just ask Kim Kardashian…

This year, in honor of the Costume Institute’s new exhibit, “Impossible Conversations,” the event honored Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada, two of fashion’s most iconic figures. These two Italian designers lived in largely different eras, but their work shares so many similarities. The exhibit is broken down into three sections, each highlighting these designers’ styles and influences, and it opens to the public tomorrow. If you’re in the New York Area between May 10th and August 19th, be sure to stop by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and check it out.

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By: Britany White

The news lately has been swirling around Opening Ceremony and various other sites that the famed fashion brand KENZO, has teamed up with VANS to release the cutest sneakers of the 2012. These were shown before, but were at a very limited edition. Now, they’re becoming available for pre order at Opening Ceremony’s site at $125 dollars. Releasing for the second time in July, these sneakers are truly a must have. Of course they are more expensive than the normal retail price, but come on! These sneakers are a great collaboration AND conversation piece. Happy Shopping!

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WASHINGTON, DC – Grammy award-winning rapper, Common, joined Dr. Maya Angelou in support of the 15th Annual Celebrate the Maya WayFundraiser.

The See Forever Foundation and Maya Angelou Schools awarded leaders, students and staff with “Maya Way” Awards. Among the honorees were the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, Howard University, and See Forever Foundation Board Member Jack Davies, founder and former president of AOL International.

Guests also enjoyed performances from Patti Austin,  Jeff Majors, Lil’ Mo,  Kindred, Anwan Glover and Black Alley.

The See Forever Foundation and the Maya Angelou Schools support more than 600 students across its campuses with the mission to help students reach their potential and prepare for college, career, and a lifetime of success. For more information, visit www.seeforever.org.

(photos courtesy of S.Deneen Photography)

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The Met Gala hosted a slew of celebrities and fashion insiders. The Met Gala gives designers a chance to give sneaks peeks of their lastest designs. This year the Gala showcased “Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations,” the museum’s new exhibition.

The Stars that Stole the Night

Solange wearing a canary yellow peplum gown from Rachel Roy

Sarah Jesica Parker in Valentino

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony , LaLa in Zac Posen

Rosario Dawson in Calvin Klein

Now for the Hmmms of the Night

Not bad, but not Rihanna’s normal showstopper gown.

Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz both in Givenchy. Swizz looks very daper, but Alicia a bit to Matrix looking.

KUDOS! Not wearing the normal Tux, but the satin is a little unflattering.

Other Looks of the Night

 

 

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WASHINGTON, DC – It is all joy for Wintley Phipps and the U.S. Dream Acadamy, as the 11^th Annual Power of a Dream Gala, presented by Amway, raised more than $1 million for national Dream Academy learning centers.  The annual fundraiser is the foundation’s capstone event.

Hosted by ABC7 news anchor, Cynne’ Simpson and Lamman Rucker, star of Tyler Perry’s “Meet The Browns,”  the evening featured performances by the Dream Kids and Grammy Award-winning duo Mary Mary. Keynote speaker and Celebrity chef, Jeff Henderson, inspired the audience with the narration of his transformation of being an inmate to now being the star of the Food Network’s “The Chef Jeff Project.” It was in prison, he stated, that he learned he needed to build character and integrity.

Heisman Trophy winner and New Orleans Saints running back, Mark Ingram Jr., shared that he is the son of an incarcerated father. He told the audience that, “Because you have a parent incarcerated doesn’t mean you can’t still have a great relationship with them. If they just put their mind to it they can accomplish anything they want.” Additionally, Miss America Laura Kaeppeler, whose platform is to mentor children of incarcerated parents, spoke of her experiences with having a father who served 18 months in federal prison for a white collar crime.

Amongst the many that attended the gala were U.S. Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD) and Susan Taylor.

The U.S. Dream Acadamy serves to empower children who are at risk of incarceration to maximize their potential by providing them with academic, social and values enrichment though supportive mentoring and the use of technology. For more information visit www.usdreamacademy.org.

(photos courtesy of S. Deneen Photography)

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A couple of months ago we had the pleasure of dressing Emily B for our  Shape Issue. Our editor-in-chief  Julian Lark had the pleasure of styling Emily B in Yigal Azrouel. She carried the dress and many viewers complimented her on the look.  We notices that she’s not the only one who is wearing the designer. In this months People’s Magazine  Khloe Kardashian graces the cover with the same dress.  Who do you think wore it better?  Emily B or Khloe K.

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By: Adia Dightman

A few months ago Aubrey O’ Day, former Danity Kane member graced Kontrol’s Shape Issue. The fire affect on the magazine translated in her eyes. On May 2, she hosted a event in San Diego, California at Hollywood Tans. A few fans spotted Aubrey and asked if she could take pictures and autograph their Kontrol Magazine copies.  We are elated that they remembered the issue we shot with her.

We thank you Aubrey for gracing the cover and still showing us LOVE!

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