Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and is stepping out and making big waves during Black History Month.
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UTS is on a mission to revamp tennis by launching a global series of showdown events aimed at drawing in younger fans. They believe traditional tennis lacks personality and hasn’t kept up with the times, leading to a need for fresh rules and formats to appeal to modern audiences. It’s all about injecting new energy into the sport and making it more engaging for the next generation.
Chef Alton Brown & Neuriva’s All New 30-Day Brain Health Challenge Kick-Off
Wednesday, February 21st, 2024, Hearth Restaurant. Manhattan, New York —What if I told you 40,000 people in the US know of a clinically tested way to boost memory, learning, focus, reasoning, accuracy, concentration and mental alertness in one dose of a naturally sourced dietary supplement? Well, they have, and I am here to share the secret with you.
It’s been determined through a national study of 40,000 American shopper’s that Neuriva is the Most Innovative Product in Wellness Supplements of 2024. Championed for its efficacy in enhancing cognitive performance, each capsule of Neuriva contains naturally sourced ingredients that include, Neurofactor (Coffee Berry, 100 mL) a natural extract derived from Coffea arabica coffee cherries that contains a unique profile of polyphenols shown in clinical studies to stimulate production of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), a vital neuroprotein involved in overall brain health; and Plant Sourced PS (Phosphatidylserine, 100 mL) a compound now made from cabbage or soy. Phosphatidylserine, Plant Sourced PS, is used for Alzheimer disease and normal age-related decline in memory and thinking skills.
To celebrate its launch, Neuriva, the leading brain health supplement, along with renowned TV Personality, Food-Scientist, Cinemotographer, Voice Actor and Chef, Alton Brown, hosted the “Neuriva 30-Day Brain Health Challenge Kick Off”, an intimate dinner party highlighting brain-boosting foods at the Hearth Restaurant in Manhattan, New York. Chef Alton Brown, a longtime user of the brain-support supplement, partnered with the brand to support the 30-Day Brain Challenge by highlighting his favorite Butterfield Chicken recipe and some of the best brain-boosting foods to add to our diets.
Before our brain nutrient rich dinner began, Alton and I sat to discuss his new partnership with Neuriva, and what it meant to him to be a part of the mission to fuel the 7 major indicators of brain health.
Danielle Niecey, The Knockturnal: What does Brain Health mean to you and how did you come to partner with Neuriva?
Chef Alton Brown: Brain health means to me, ‘being able to continue working; working better; working more efficiently and working more creatively,” more so now that I moved into my 60’s’. I started thinking, especially since I’ve worked so much in nutrition, and coming to a full understanding of what food does to the body, I realized that I’d never done anything for my brain besides feed it alcohol on a regular basis. And it’s [my brain] has held me up thus far, so I thought, maybe it’s time that I ask my brain what it wants.
I delved into research, because that’s the thing I do, and I began reading a lot of purity papers and learning how to say words with 10 syllables, [laughing], so by the time Neuriva knocked on the door and said, “Hi!” I could say back to them, “Hey, I know what’s in there [referring to the Neuriva’s Brain Health Dietary Supplements], because I’d seen the same ingredients in the papers.” So I was able to get with their science officers, and quickly move through large amounts of technical research and white papers, and all of their compiled research. I realized, almost immediately, ‘Neuriva, you’ve done your due diligence’.
There were two supplemental substances that I wanted for my brain. The first, Neurofactor, Coffea Arcabica coffee cherries, not from the seed, but from the fruit. It is a highly tested and well documented activator for making mental synapsis and aiding the traffic flow of the brain, so that it works well. And the other one is, Plant Sourced PS (Phosphatidylserine, which used to be taken out of pig brains)…it’s kind of a bummer, from their brains to our brains. Its different now, it’s plant-based now. But it helps to maintain and rebuild cell membranes; especially the ones in the brain. I told them, I want that [the Neuriva supplement], and that was the Original Neuriva Formula that had that. Then they added Neuriva Plus, with an addition of vitamin B6 and B12, supporting 6 functions that indicate brain health; and now, more recently, the launch of Neuriva Ultra, which fuels the 7 indicators of brain health that include: memory, learning, focus, reasoning, accuracy, concentration and has a new clinically tested ingredient, CogniviveTM, which helps support mental alertness from just one daily serving!
Danielle Niecey, The Knockturnal: That’s incredible! I am so excited to try these supplements for myself. What tips can you share with The Knockturnal readers on how to incorporate brain-boosting ingredients into everyday meals?
Chef Alton Brown: Welp, our first line of defense is our food. There’s no way around it, our medicine is our food. So first thing, we’ve got to lay off the crap. Can you occasionally have some potato chips? Of course you can! But, you cannot live off of them. I mean you can, but not well, and likely, not very long.
Chef Alton expounded on the The MIND diet (Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay), created in 2015, that combines the Mediterranean diet and the DASH diet to create a dietary pattern, focusing specifically on brain health. The MIND Diet emphasizes increased consumption of fruit and green leafy vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, nuts, poultry and fish and reduced intakes of fats.
Chef Alton, continuing, states: The diet recommends more consumption of dark fruits, especially blueberries; olive oil was noted to be amazing for the brain; green leafy vegetables, the darker, the better; and this diet actually puts chicken over fish…
Danielle Niecey, THE KNOCKTURNAL: That’s surprising! Fish is always praised as the ‘king’ of proteins because of the omega-3’s and its brain boosting compounds.
Chef Alton Brown: Yes, extremely surprising! But Chicken contains choline, a chemical substance that we do not make ourselves but it sustains our brain structure and function. These nutrients are crucial for memory retention, cognitive function, and mood regulation. Above all else, eat real, whole foods; if it has a strong color, eat that; oh, and take a shot of olive every day, it’s good for you!
Danielle Niecey, The KNOCKTURNAL: How can our readers join the Neuriva’s 30-day Brain Health Challenge to redefine their cognitive potential?
Chef Alton Brown: Oh, It’s super easy. It’s actually an app with super addictive games that are a lot of fun! You can download it on the App store or Google Play and the games track your progress.
Danielle Niecey, THE KNOCKTURNAL: Last question, what are some brain-friendly ingredients that make up your favorite brain healthy recipes?
Chef Alton Brown: Well tonight, the main course we’ll be having is one of my recipes, the Butterfield Roasted Chicken. Its a butterflied chicken, slow roasted and served with sesame glazed greens. That’s an example of finding fun ways to feed my brain; I’m not going to eat something that tastes like crap, just because it’s good for my brain and that’s what my brain wants. I like dark leafy greens, but I don’t want to sit down and eat a bowl of just kale. I just don’t. But I’ll eat kale with some sauteed quinoa with some other type of grain. So, I’ll usually take the things I am not crazy about and marry it to the thing I am crazy about. Then I can get what I like, with what I need. Because, hey life’s short!
The cuisine starters, compliments of Hearth Restaurant, consisted of slices of whole grain french bread with a cold-pressed olive oil dipping. Bread, and the pastas served, both carbohydrates, have been proven to increase serotonin levels which contribute to feeling happier; a great boost for our dopamine addicted culture. The olive oil, on the other hand, contains oleic acid, a compound that protects the brain, improves memory and reduces Alzheimer’s biomarkers.
Presented next was, Ribollita, a hearty and savory Italian soup, consisting of a tuscan bean and vegetable soup with breadcrumbs and thyme further complimented the bread and oil pairing. Encouraging us to take the in the scent of the aromatic dishes before indulging, Chef Alton Brown drew our focus to the brain boosting luteolin, found in the thyme, carrots and celery, all ingredients in the Ribollita soup, that benefit cognitive abilities, aiding in memory. Next on the list, the Pizzocheri pasta, mushrooms (a nerve boosting food), cabbage (a vegetable that aids in the proper functioning and conditioning of the brain, nervous system, and endocrine system), and a light dusting of fontina (a cheese rich in calcium, zinc, and vitamin B-12 that stimulates brain function).
The main dish consisted of Alton Brown’s Butterfield Chicken with Aleppo and Za’atar and lemon sesame glazed-greens. Chicken, Alton’s favorite protein, has also been known to be one of the best proteins for the brain, along with fish and beans. Chicken, he states, has been known to support healthy brain function and development; it also includes choline and vitamin B12, a key ingredient found in the Neuriva and is packed with nutrients that are crucial for memory retention, cognitive function, and mood regulation. The savory dinner came to a close with a dessert of Tangerine Almond Cake, dressed with kumquats, whipped creme fraiche. Besides being absolutely satisfying, the health benefits pack a punch as Almonds, the main ingredient in the cake, contains L-carnitine and riboflavin that helps in the growth of brain cells; and kumquats which are high in vitamin C and aid in overall brain health. The meal was paired with dark red and white wines, Verdicchio Dei Castelli Di Jesi, brunori “san nicolo,” 2022, Marche, Italy; and Etna Rosso, villagrande, 2021, Sicily, Italy. Resveratrol, found in wine, increases the level of serotonin in the brain, which might help reduce the symptoms of depression. Other compounds contained in wine may regulate serotonin transmission within the brain, a mechanism that tends to malfunction in cases of mood disorders.
After the end of our informative and delightful meal, guest were given gift bags containing a stress brain ball, a complimentary supply of Neuriva PLUS Dietary Supplements, a Star Puzzle – a Wooden Puzzle Brain Teaser from Kiyuba Games and the Author of the New York best-selling GOOD EATS Series, Alton Brown’s, “GOOD EATS 4” the fourth Good Eats cookbook installment in his series, compliments of Neuriva and Chef Alton Brown.
So, here’s how you can get into your Brain-Health bag for 2024 with Neuriva:
- Choose Neuriva Original, Plus or Ultra (I’m currently reaping the brain boosting benefits of Neuriva Plus)
- Take the Neuriva daily dietary suuplement to support the 7 indications of brain health, including memory
- Download the Neuriva Brain Gym app and play stimulating Brain Games daily (this includes 30 + games and personalized training plans; assessments to receive your brain age and cognitive score; earn points, climb in ranks and track your progress to achieve various levels of cognitive mastery
- Most importantly, embrace a healthier lifestyle by following up with Neuriva’s assessment tips and tools
For more information, visit www.Neuriva.com and download the Neuriva Brain gym App available in the Apple and Google Play app stores.
This past Tuesday evening, on February 13th, the fashion world was treated to an unforgettable experience as LoveShackFancy unveiled their Autumn & Winter collection at the illustrious venue, The Box. Founded by Rebecca Hessel Cohen and known for their ultrafeminine and maximalist designs, LoveShackFancy did not disappoint with a show that blended high fashion with awe-striking lives performances, creating an atmosphere of pure indulgence.
The venue, a favorite in New York City and its fashion elite for its intimate setting and avant-garde performances, provided the perfect backdrop for LoveShackFancy’s latest collection, fittingly decorated with long, drooping pink bows, glitter & stunning flower arrangements, and over-the-top dessert decorations sponsored by Dunkin Donuts. The AW24 collection, aptly named Bowquette Burlesque, showcased the brand’s signature romantic aesthetic, featuring cascading bows, intricate laces, and opulent fabrics that transported attendees to a world of romance and elegance.
What set this event apart was not only the stunning displays of fashion, but also the immersive experience curated to maximize the glamorous, romantic, and elegant ambiance that is the essence of LoveShackFancy. Throughout the night, the audience was treated to live performances by iconic personalities, with the legendary Amanda Lepore taking the center stage. With flawless combinations & transitions between the models’ catwalks, dance performances, and mime shows, the event made for a truly eye-captivating spectacle.
The festivities were not limited to the runway and the stage; guests were treated to a wide array of culinary delights. Dunkin Donuts coffee and treats satisfied the sweet cravings, while the bar served up Pink Espresso Martinis, a wine selection from J Vineyards, as well as tequila-base cocktails sponsored by 21 Seeds to add a spirited flair to the event.
The LoveShackFancy event not only provided a platform for fashion enthusiasts to witness the latest designs, but also created a space where creative expression flourished. In a world where fashion is not just about the clothes, but the entire experience, LoveShackFancy’s AW24 Bowquette Burlesque at The Box stood out as a celebration of femininity, extravagance, and the artistry hallmarked by the brand, leaving a lingering sense of magic as the night came to a close.
Notables in attendance included: Rebecca Hessel-Cohen, Chloe Bailey, Amanda Lepore, Rachel Zoe, Alexandra Richards, Ivy Getty, Amy Lefevre, Isan Elba, Lachlan Watson, Xandra Pohl, Tefi Pessoa, Campbell Hunt Puckett, Jett Puckett, Drew Jessup, Lexi Wood, Faith Jaggernauth, Luca Mornet, Nikki Kynard, Carolyn Angel, Bukunmi Grace, Rachel Hilbert, Harry Hill, Janelle Lloyd, Ella Mendelsohn, Xunami Muse, Kaye Bassey, Clara Perlmutter (Tiny Jewish Girl), Morphine Love, Arianna Margulis, Jenna Rennert, Jessica Belkin, Priya Shukla, Jill Kargman, Sasha Exeter, Audrey Hilfiger, Dr. Macrene Alexiades, Greta Louise Tomé, Gabrielle Richardson, Sharina Gutierrez, Tara Thomas, Romilly Newman, Sophie Auster, Mckaelyn Guidry, Mckinley Guidry, Elizabeth Kurpis, Griffin Maxwell Brooks, Jo Rosenthal, Emmanuella Asabor, Isabel Timerman, Maryah Ananda, Molly Ford, Melvin Lawovi, Deja Foxx, Nya Grace, Stephanie Horton, Connor Holloway, Darianka, Chantal Monaghan, Kornelia Ski, Mieke Visser, Nastasya Generalova, Morgan Rhodes, Avrey Overd, Alessia Merzlove, Isabella Di Stefano, Hannah Harrell, Gezelle Renee, Djouliet, Noot Seear, Theresa Hayes, Paloma Brey, Megan Williams, Alioune Badara Fall, Violet Manners, Dawn Sterling, Luana Barron, Drew Jessup, Kelly Bensimon, Kate Applepie, Elizabeth Tamkin, And More…
Photo Credit: BFA
New York Men’s Day is a bi-annual event that serves as a platform for nurturing emerging talent and showcasing contemporary menswear and genderless collections. This season, NYMD once again took the spotlight, featuring a diverse array of brands in a group presentation format over two-hour periods. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout designers and their captivating collections from NYMD 2024.
Pas Une Marque
Designer: Sean Coutts
Location: Paris, France
Year Founded: 2018
Pas Une Marque, hailing from Paris, France, made its NYMD debut with a collection that bridges the gap between philosophy and fashion. Founded in 2018, the brand is known for its commitment to promoting a deeper sense of meaning through clothing. Each piece is crafted in Peru, with collaborations with various artists enhancing the brand’s storytelling. Drawing inspiration from philosophy, Pas Une Marque’s collection encourages introspection and questioning, offering a unique perspective on design and craft.
Y.Chroma
Founder: Max Israel
Location: Lisbon, Portugal
Year Founded: 2023
Y.Chroma, a newcomer to NYMD, captivated audiences with its bold approach to menswear. Founded in 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal, the brand focuses on male midlife reinvention, offering vibrant colors and unique textiles to individuals seeking a change from the mundane. Recognized for its commitment to craftsmanship and education, Y.Chroma aims to accompany its customers through every stage of their style transformation, making fashion accessible and empowering for all.
Tarpley
Designer: Brooks Jones
Location: Nashville, TN, USA
Year Founded: 2022
Tarpley, a brand rooted in Nashville, Tennessee, returned for its second season at NYMD with its Ready-To-Wear mens and womenswear collection. Known for its commitment to sustainable practices, Tarpley seeks to transcend the boundaries of fashion by fostering consciousness and spreading positivity. Inspired by the theme “ANON: Maybe you see me, maybe you don’t,” the collection explores the concept of anonymity and self-expression through fashion.
Bulan
Designer: Beam Ratchapol Ngaongam
Location: Bangkok, Thailand – New York, USA
Year Founded: 2023
Bulan, a brand with roots in Bangkok, Thailand, and New York, USA, showcased its unisex knitwear collection for the second season at NYMD. Founded in 2023, the brand is the brainchild of Beam Ratchapol Ngaongam, whose passion for knitting and sewing inspired him to explore 3D knitwear design. This season, Bulan pays tribute to Beam’s mother, highlighting the sacrifices she made for her family and celebrating her resilience and strength.
The Salting
Designers: Michael Ward & Manel Garcia Espejo
Location: New York, US
Year Founded: 2018
The Salting, founded in New York City in 2018, returned for its second presentation at NYMD with a sportswear collection inspired by the 1954 film “On the Waterfront.” With a focus on classic silhouettes and rugged fabrics, The Salting captures the power, grit, and sensitivity of the film’s characters. Through its Fall/Winter 2024 collection, the brand aims to evoke the spirit of the dock workers and longshoremen, offering a contemporary take on timeless menswear.
Sivan
Designer: Jack Sivan
Location: Brooklyn, USA
Year Founded: 2021
Sivan, a sustainable menswear brand based in Brooklyn, New York, made its NYMD debut with a collection inspired by the historical figure of the dandy. Founded in 2021, the brand draws inspiration from traditional tailoring techniques and aims to redefine menswear for the modern era. With a focus on sustainability and gender-expansive design, Sivan offers a fresh perspective on classic menswear, embracing individuality and self-expression.
Terry Singh
Designer: Terry Singh
Location: New York City
Year Founded: 2014
Terry Singh, a seasoned veteran of NYFW, returned for his fifth season at NYMD with a menswear collection inspired by his transformative journey in India. Drawing on themes of liberation and self-discovery, Terry’s collection celebrates individuality and the transformative power of clothing. With each garment, Terry seeks to convey a sense of liberation and empowerment, inviting wearers to embrace their true selves.
Landeros New York
Designer: Andre Landeros Michel
Location: New York City, USA
Year Founded: 2013
Landeros New York, founded by Andre Landeros Michel in 2013, made its debut at NYMD with a genderless collection inspired by the music of the 80s New Wave era. Known for its dark, romantic aesthetic and commitment to gender inclusivity, Landeros New York offers a fresh perspective on contemporary fashion. With its bold silhouettes and eclectic designs, the brand celebrates individuality and self-expression, inviting wearers to embrace their unique style.
NYMD 2024 showcased the diversity and creativity of emerging talent in the world of menswear and genderless fashion. From Paris to New York City, designers from around the globe came together to celebrate self-expression, individuality, and the transformative power of fashion.
Day One of New York Fashion Week kicked off with a bang! Libertine, a luxury read- to- wear brand unveiled their F/W24 collections for men and women. With lines stretching down the block full of industry professionals and influencers trying to get into the Starrett-Lehigh, I knew it was going to be good! When I finally got upstairs it was packed with some of EVERYBODY! Designer Thom Browne was spotted and there was lots of jockeying to speak to him and get a photo.
Creative Designer Johnson Hartig did not disappoint. The collection was filled with luxurious details. The runway was a washed in sequin, colorful flowers, black and white checkered pants and veiled headbands. Also incorporated into this collection is our favorite, the embellishment trend. Vibrant colors, lively prints and crystal embroidery reigned supreme.
Drawing inspiration through deep hypnosis creatives Jean Cocteau, Mary Quant, Peggy Guggenheim and Lord Bryon emerged! The designer says, “Peggy Guggenheim emerged three times, suggesting a strong kinship between them while expressing a desire to wear Libertine and jazz it up a bit”.
Embellished blazers and Graphic prints are what the brand is known for and allows the wearer to go from daytime to nighttime in the same look! Make sure to check out the Libertine X Le Sport Sac Pop-up Shop at Bergdorf Goodman.
Written by Renessta Olds
Instagram @reneeostylelab
Photo Credit: Dan Lecca
Fashion lovers and gaming enthusiasts alike were treated to a mesmerizing show on Tuesday, as designer Evan Hirsh unveiled his Fall 2024 runway collection during New York Fashion Week. Drawing inspiration from the richly imagined world of Last Epoch, an action role-playing game by Eleventh Hour Games, Hirsh showcased a collection that seamlessly merged the realms of fantasy and fashion.
The Last Epoch universe provided a canvas for Hirsh’s creativity, with its diverse cast of characters serving as muses for his designs. From the primal and rugged Primalist to the mysterious and enigmatic Acolyte, each character class within the game lent its unique essence to the collection.
“When I first came across the game, the first thing I noticed was the highly stylized characters and how they each had a distinct look that made each one unique,” Hirsh said. “Working with Last Epoch has allowed me to embrace the fantasy and fantastical elements that I love when designing.”
The collection is a testament to Hirsh’s attention to detail and innovative design. An eclectic mix of textures, fabrics, and silhouettes brought the characters to life on the runway. Fur stoles reminiscent of the Primalist’s hides, quilted brocade inspired by the Rogue’s weaponry, and lux velvet reflecting the regal garb of the Mage were just a few highlights from the stunning lineup.
What sets Hirsh’s collection apart is not just its visual appeal but also its conceptual depth. Much like the dynamic nature of Last Epoch, where characters evolve and grow in power throughout the game, Hirsh’s designs evolve on the runway, each piece telling a story of transformation and empowerment.
“I am so thankful to the Eleventh Hour family for being so amazing through this entire process,” Hirsh added.
Evan Hirsh is no stranger to pushing the boundaries of fashion. With a background in theater and a degree from Drexel University’s fashion design program, he has consistently impressed audiences with his dramatic and transformative designs. His senior collection, featuring captivating black to silver transforming gowns, earned him acclaim as the “Most Creative Senior Collection” at the 2019 Drexel Fashion Show and went viral on social media, propelling him into the fashion spotlight.
Collaborations with brands like Joann and Twix, as well as appearances on Live with Kelly and Ryan’s Oscars Special, have further solidified Hirsh’s reputation as an up-and-coming designer with a knack for captivating audiences with his innovative creations. With his latest collaboration with Last Epoch, Evan Hirsh continues to push the boundaries of fashion, captivating audiences worldwide with his unique designs that blur the lines between reality and fantasy.