Rihanna is back! Her hot new single, "Umbrella," launched today and I have a feeling that you're going to be hearing it on the radio for a long time to come—especially since it features a guest-rap from Jay-Z (who refers to Rihanna as "Little Miss Sunshine" on the track). Plus, you'll be seeing Rihanna all over the place in Cover Girl ads, as she's their latest celebrity spokesmodel.
James and Rihanna
Photo By Rihanna
I recently got to hit the beach with Rihanna in her native Barbados (where the lifestyle—like the Cover Girl ad campaign—is easy and breezy) and fortunately we didn't need any umbrellas during our photo shoot for In Style.
Rihanna kindly snapped this photo of the two of us and you'll be seeing more fabulous photos of her in In Style's July Music Issue as well as in the summer issue our our spinoff magazine for style-savvy young adults, Your Look.
-- James Patrick Herman
You’ve gotta love a mother of three who opens her show with a song called “Sex-O-Matic.” That’s Macy Gray for you. The raspy-voiced R&B singer performed this and other hits as well as material from her latest album, Big, at the brand spanking new Gramercy Theatre last night. After the show, she headed over to the Meatpacking District club PM, while I skipped the party so that I could go home and blog about her concert. Macy’s publicist, Christine Wolff, told me that a car would be picking her up from her hotel at 8 A.M. (!) for an appearance on The View. (She’ll perform her current single, “Finally Made Me Happy,” which reminds me a bit of R.E.M.’s "The One I Love" because it sounds like such a beautiful love song…until you listen closely to the lyrics and realize that it’s actually a hate song.) Let’s hope that Macy called it a night before PM turned into AM!
Macy Gray
Photo By Daniel Cho
Bombay Sapphire and Geffen Records Celebrate Macy Gray's 'BIG' album release
Photo By Rowena Husbands
Macy and I have something in common—we both had recent run-ins with the police in Barbados! My crime was wearing a pair of camo shorts in public; meanwhile, Macy got in trouble with the local the authorities for using a certain expletive that, again, you would be surpised to hear a mom shout (especially when she was performing in front of a packed audience at the Barbados Jazz Festival). Apparently that's against the law, too. Who knew they had so many laws on a Carribean island? They need to chill out.
-- James Patrick Herman
Project Runway’s Tim Gunn is never at a loss for words when talking about fashion, but when Hilary Duff presented him with a GLAAD Media Award for best reality show, his response was: “I’m verklempt!” Miss Duff was dressed to impress on this night; later she breezed past my table in a Vivienne Westwood frock and glittery Miu Miu heels, accessorized by burly bodyguards—she’s kicked her style up a notch and she sure knows how to make a glamorous exit. Her effort wasn’t lost on this crowd: The event was the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation’s annual celebration of positive role models, and guests were impressively fit, fashionable and, you know, fabulous. When the “beautiful” Julianne Moore was introduced, she quipped: “Not as beautiful as my friend Tom Ford! He’s made the world a lovelier—and sexier—place,” she said before presenting him with the Vito Russo Award. The iconic designer has always had distinctive signature look, but somehow Rosie O’Donnell confused him with a Hollywood hairdresser. “I have to apologize to Tom Ford,” she admitted during her acceptance speech (she won for her documentary, All Aboard Rosie’s Family Cruise). “I mistook him as the Blowout guy from Bravo!”
Hilary Duff Photo
By Patrick McMullan
Julianne Moore and Tom Ford
Photo By Patrick McMullan
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Christina Aguilera may be settled down and happily married to Jordan Bratman, but this girl still loves a good time. She showed up at Marquee at around midnight on Friday (this is New York, after all) to celebrate her “Back to Basics” tour stop at Madison Square Garden. Christina held court on the mezzanine (which had been decorated with red roses, balloons and, of course, the beautiful people) and knocked back a little vodka with her entourage. But that’s about as wild as things got. Sure, Christina once rocked a pair of leather chaps in the video for “Dirrty,” but she’s learned that it’s sexier to show a little bit of skin (as in a sheer white dress, which she accessorized with a YSL belt and Balenciaga shoes) than a lot (i.e., all the young stars who have made too-revealing exits from cars when the paparazzi are lurking). And Christina knows that the most important basic of all is underwear. Hopefully she’ll start a new trend in Hollywood.
Christina Aguilera photo by Dave Allocca
Special thanks to my old friend Dave Allocca of StarPix for the fun photo!
-- James Patrick Herman
In Barbados, everyone loves cricket, rum and, of course, Rihanna. But while all of the other tourists I met flew in for the Cricket World Cup, I came to interview the stunning 19-year-old music sensation about her new album and the Caribbean island that she calls home. I also had the long-overdue opportunity to catch some rays at our photo shoot on the jaw-droppingly beautiful Harry Smith beach—it's one of the best-kept secrets in Barbados. Or at least it used to be.
Photo by Rihanna
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From In Style's Ali Forman in Los Angeles: “Coming back here is like coming home for me,” NY based designer Phillip Lim told me the other day at Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills. “I am a hometown boy.” Lim, who grew up in “The OC” was back in Southern California during LA Fashion Week for an informal showing of his spring ’07 collection—3.1-- at the famed department store.
It was the first LA showing for the line, a hit with stars such as Kate Hudson, Emmy Rossum, Jacinda Barrett and Jamie King, and I was lucky enough to get some one-on-one time with the ultra cool, laid-back 33-year old designer.
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Did you know that camouflage was illegal in Barbados? Me neither! A local police officer pointed out that my favorite pair of camo shorts are a serious fashion risk on the island (apparently only members of the military are allowed to rock this look). Talk about the Fashion Police! Fortunately I got away with just a slap on the wrists (so to speak) and didn’t have to do any hard time, so I got to spend the night at the fabulous House hotel as opposed to The Big House. Aside from offering sartorial advice, I’m grateful to the officers for giving In Style’s team a police escort to the remote beach where we photographed Rihanna—how fabulous is that?
James and police officer
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When I heard that Rihanna was staying at The House in
Barbados, I assumed it was her house. After all, the R&B singer
hails from the Caribbean island and she recorded much of her new album
there. (Which explains why Barbados proved to be the perfect location to
photograph Rihanna for In Style's July Music Issue, but more about that
later.)
As it turns out, The House is actually a 31-room, all-suite hotel that
goes to great lengths to make guests feel right at home, even though this place
looks nothing like anywhere I've ever lived. Then I found out that there was
a room available for me, too--and like Rihanna's songs, this news
was music to my ears. What a sight The House is to behold: Imagine an imposing
stone facade that resembles a medeival castle with a
drawbridge-like wooden entrance lined with fiery tiki torches. Inside,
meanwhile, is pure low-key glamour: There's no front desk; just a cozy
open-air seating area filled with tuberose-scented candles and white slipcovered
chairs and couches beyond which you can see and hear the crashing waves of the
Caribbean. I can see why celebs like Rihanna and Alicia Keys love to stay here.
Also, the fact that the staff delivers nightly treats (think:
coconut cookies, strawberries dipped in chocolate, a shot of homegrown
Mount Gay rum) along with a note inscribed with inspiring words from
the likes of Shakespeare, further enhances the homey vibe.
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It was the opposite of calm before the (snow)storm last night in N.Y.C.: Kanye West and rapper Consequence rocked designer Marc Ecko's showroom on West 23rd Street at an album release party for Consequence's Don't Quit Your Day Job! Meanwhile, over at hotspot The Plumm, nightlife lover Lindsay Lohan tore it up on the turntables for a model-heavy crowd.
May Anderson, Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson
Photo courtsey of Wireimage
I certainly hope that Lindsay doesn't have any plans to quit her day job, but she spins like a pro, that's for sure. LL was sporting a chic Spring dress from Chanel and—what with all the crazy snow today—the actress/singer/DJ is hardly the only one here with Spring on her mind!
-- James Patrick Herman
Consequence, Marc Ecko and Kanye West
Photo courtsey of Marc Ecko
Marc Ecko and friends
We cover a lot of parties in the pages of In Style, and fortunately the hostesses are always on their best behavior. That's rarely the case on My Super Sweet 16, MTV's train wreck of a reality show featuring some of the most spoiled kids on the planet and their over-the-top affairs. It's one of my favorite guilty pleasures.
James and Nikki Flores
I was thrilled to meet newcomer Nikki Flores, a singer and actress who told me that she's currently filming My Super Sweet 16: The Movie. Not only has Nikki landed a major role in this film (she wouldn't reveal much but I have a hunch that she plays one of the mean girls) but she's also scored a record deal with Epic: Her debut album, This Girl, will be out this summer.
Nikki Flores and Benny Medina
Lucky Nikki has found herself in the capable hands of mega-manager Benny Medina. Benny has guided the careers of everyone from J. Lo to Prince and the last time I interviewed one of his clients, I found myself getting a tour of Mariah Carey's epic shoe closet. So I have no doubt that a big future is in store for Nikki—and, unlike the villian she'll embody on the big screen, she really is super-sweet.
-- James Patrick Herman
I've known Beyoncé since she was a teenager, and I've seen a lot of fabulous costumes changes over the years. I remember gowns that were personally fitted by the likes of Giorgio Armani and Donatella Versace but also outfits that were bought at the mall and came from Contempo (B. has always been a fan of mixing high and low.) But even I wasn't prepared for the daring look she rocks in the new video for "Upgrade U": She dresses up as Jay-Z. And in a behind-the-scene moment from the shoot, she swaggers from her trailer to the set, all blinged out, waving her fingers and boasting in a husky voice: "Yo! I'm Jigga!"
Beyonce in "Upgrade U"
This is just one of the eight videos that Beyoncé's dad and manager, Mathew Knowles, recently screened for me at Sony Studios. (The B'Day Anthology Video Album will be available April 3rd exclusively at Wal-Mart.) Her other upcoming clips are for the songs "Suga Mama" (in a sure-to-be controversial scene, she gets into character by smoking), "Get Me Bodied" (she's bound to start a dance craze with the number she performs with her sister Solange and Kelly and Michelle from Destiny's Child) and, of course, "Beautiful Liar," her bellydancing duet with fellow superstar Shakira.
I've always been impressed with Beyoncé's work ethic, but this time she really outdid herself: She filmed all eight videos—and endured endless hours in hair and makeup—in a mere two weeks. Even Madonna never attempted anything this ambitious.
-- James Patrick Herman
People tend to feel the same way about Leonardo DiCaprio that they feel about the environment: Hey, what’s not to love? I’m used to seeing Leo walking down red carpets in sunny L.A., so it was both surprising and impressive that he was willing to brave the freezing weather in New York just so that he could put in appearance at a benefit for the Natural Resources Defense Council. I, for one, did not seem to feel the effects of global warming on this night.
Leonardo DiCaprio
Photo By Patrick McMullan
“My next film is going to be a documentary,” Leo said before previewing a clip from 11th Hour, which will feature stars from the scientific community talking about ways to save the planet. I couldn’t help noticing Leo’s hair—he was going for the natural look (complete with a goatee) but I think I prefer the clean-shaven and slicked-back style he sported during award show season. Either way, though, everyone adores Leo, and unlike me, this lucky guy does not need any help from Photoshop. (Special thanks to Patrick McMullan for the great pic.)
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One of the best parts of my job is the chance to get a sneak preview of hot stuff: Hot films, hot fashion and—my personal favorite—hot music. And since I'm stuck in snowy NYC, I need all of the heat that I can get.
I just came back from a visit to the midtown offices of Interscope Records, where I listened to the new album from Eve, Here I Am. I have all of her CDs but this one is by far the best—it's packed with blazin' club bangers and even a few reggae numbers. It's the perfect soundtrack for summer, which is probably why Eve isn't dropping her album until June. She’s really found her voice—not only does she deliver her typically fierce flow, but she also sings on several tracks. Her girlfriend Gwen Stefani doesn't duet with her this time out, but special guests include Sean Paul and sexy soul man-of-the-moment Robin Thicke. And check out Eve's all-star lineup of producers: Dr. Dre, Timbaland, Swizz Beats and Pharrell.
Eve
Photo By Mark Peterson
I have a feeling that when Gwen hears this CD, she's gonna be a little jealous. It's the most accessible album of Eve's career, but the songs are still hot enough to make the clubs go crazy. I remember the first time I interviewed Eve. It was 1999 and she was straight outta Philly, making her debut as "the first lady" of the otherwise male rap collective Ruff Ryders. She was a tough gal back then, and it’s been fun to watch her get in touch with her inner girly-girl and embrace high-fashion. She killed it when she performed at the Miss Sixty show during New York Fashion Week. I almost felt sorry for the beautiful models—Eve is a tough act to follow.
-- James Patrick Herman
I recently got to meet the Pussycat Dolls in person—and also their lucky male manager. "My job doesn't suck," he told me. No doubt, dude! Don't cha wish you were a freak like my new friend Jessica Sutta? Is she a knockout or what? And check out the back of her similarly gorgeous Emanuel Ungaro dress.
James and Jessica Sutta from the Pussycat Dolls
Photo by Dave Tomberlin
I can hardly wait for Tuesday night's premiere of Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll . Aside from the fashion-loving, Grammy-nominated group, Lil' Kim appears as one of the reality TV show's judges. Genius!
Perhaps the only thing I'm looking forward to more than this show is seeing the Pussycat Dolls live when they open for Christina Aguilera next month. Actually, since Jessica invited me to come backstage, the scene in their dressing room should be even more entertaining than what fans will see on stage. Imagine all of the crazy costumes, the fabulous shoes, the tons of makeup—and the inevitable drama! I'm sure that they all get along like sisters but I have to wonder if any, you know, catfights ever ensue.
Who is your favorite Pussycat Doll?
-- James Patrick Herman
I've gone to many different kinds of theme parties over the years, but I was surprised to get an invite to an "Absinthe party"—this was a first for me. The host was fashion designer Marc Ecko, whose mega-office in Chelsea is my new favorite place to party. And not just because of the Absinthe. (I actually chickened out at the bar and ordered a Heineken instead.)
Marc's office is super-spacious yet homey and anything but corporate. The vibe was like an old-school New York club meets the Moulin Rouge (thanks to the alcohol sponsor). DJ MOS was spinning hot tracks from back in the day, and the crowd was full of gorgeous models sipping champagne and puffing away—not something you see in Manhattan hotspots anymore. But nicotine, not yogilates, remains the fashion industry's favorite stay-skinny secret.
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