NEW YORK, NY – To many dining enthusiasts, the Mr. Chow restaurant brand symbolizes upscale Chinese-American cuisine.
NEW YORK, NY – Fall, the season when New Yorkers admire the changing of the leaves, exchange their summer clothes for wool overcoats and down jackets, and assemble inside for gala season.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 08: A guest attends CultureCon NY 2023 on October 08, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
Saturday, October 7, 2023. Duggal Greenhouse, Brooklyn, New York. โ Saturday morning rain showers fell hard and heavy in the borough of Brooklyn; but it didnโt stop the main event from happening on Flushing Avenue.ย The annual cultural mecca for Black and Brown creatives, CultureCon, opened its lines to the likes of designers, brand influencers, culture benders, film talents, small business owners, media press outlets and many more. CultureCon, founded in 2019, is the fastest growing conference and brings together creatives and changemakers of color that aim to elevate their social and professional networks. These bountiful creatives intend to make a mark on the culture and within the communities they serve. In an effort to keep the focus โcommunity centeredโ the conference sets its sights on celebrating prominent and innovative voices leading the way. It is their hope to inspire attendees to make notable impacts in their respective lanes, creative causes and to become an infectious impact on the world at large, as a BIPOC creative-thought leader.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 08: A guest attends CultureCon NY 2023 on October 08, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
This yearโs CultureCon presented by Creative Collective included presenting partners: Max, Amex, Shea Moisture, Amazon PRIME, Freevee, Clinique, Google, Ciroc, Bullet Bourbon, Seedlip (Non Alcoholic Spirits), Patreon, Paramount (Content For Change), KickStarter, NBCUniversal,Spotify, Walmart, Tubi, School For Experiential Education in Design, The Startup Collection | Aveeno, Ben & Jerryโs, Coca Cola, LTK, Visible by Verizon, Dotdash Meredith, LCKR, Getty Images, Nielsen, TikTok, #CultureTags, NPR, and The Tillary Hotel- Brooklyn.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 08: (L-R) Simone Jordan, Laura Stylez and Jacob Lattimore speak on stage during CultureCon NY 2023 on October 08, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
CultureCon encourages the creative collective body by honoring notable influencers, industry trailblazers, tastemakers and celebrities. The two day event featured panelists that discussed navigating and managing the pressures in the film and entertainment industries; obtaining careers in the growing field of tech and various degrees of corporate spaces. Other major topics offered insights on personal branding; overcoming the socio-economic factors that impede or inspire creativity; investments, crowdfunding for business and managing personal finances with financial gurus such as Financial Educator and New York Times Bestseller, Tiffany โthe Budgetnistaโ; as well as discussions on maintaining self care while launching brands and building empires.
This year the 2023 CultureCon brought on a new facet to their ever growing pilgrimage, now including in its activation booths, a Creative Career Job Fair that allowed the attendees to meet one on one with recruiters from: Amazon Studios, Clinique, Max, NBCUniversal, Google, Walmart, Shea Moisture, and Kickstarter. Career hopefuls had the opportunities to provide or upload their digital resumes within the talent submission pool for further consideration and a chance to land their dream jobs.ย
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 07: Issa Rae speaks onstage during How to Find Your People Brand: American Express panel at the CultureCon NY 2023 on October 07, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
Day one of the CultureCon event included the prolific and legendary American Actress and Writer, ย Issa Rae (Insecure, Rap Sh!t, The Photograph, The Lovebirds, Barbie) discussed her organization, ColorCreative, and how it cultivated its initiative, the Find Your People Program (FYPP), to mentor aspiring creatives of color through an intensive creative program.ย
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 07: Issa Rae speaks onstage during How to Find Your People Brand: American Express panel at the CultureCon NY 2023 on October 07, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
Emmy-Award winning actor and rapper, Jharrel Jerome (When They See Us, Moonlight, Full Circle) sat down with podcast host and entrepreneur, Bimma Williams to share his creative process in music and his career journey. Sharing insights on โWhen They See Usโย and providing more insight on his new album โIโm a Virgoโ, inspired the crowd who remained engaged during his interview with Bima.ย
Actress and Film Producer, Marsai Martin (Blackish, Little, Fantasy Football), at the blossoming age of 18 years, took to the stage to share her newest venture as the global brand ambassador for Clinique and shared her creative evolution in beauty after partnering with the high-end beauty brand. Marsai spoke on her numerous achievements, multiple NAACP Image Awards, BET Awards, her historic role as the youngest executive producer in Hollywood, and founding her company Genius Entertainment.ย
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 07: Teyana Taylor and Eric Jones Jr. speak onstage at CultureCon NY 2023 on October 07, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
This yearโs CultureCon honoree, was the illustrious superstar, Teyana Taylor(A Thousand and One, Coming 2 America, The Breaks). The multihyphenate shared the stage in an intimate discussion with Emmy-Award winning journalist, Eric Jones, to discuss her incredible career and was rightfully presented with the CultureCon 2023 award by her mother and children. Teyana dazzled the crowd with her star studded aura. She handed out pearls of wisdom to the attendees; mentioning that her faith in God kept her strong in mind and spirit; and reminding us that the waitย for our promise is actually ourย time of preparation for a great outcome and to learn to give ourselves flowers by being our own glade plugin; further exemplifying why she earned the right to be acclaimed as a cultural icon.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 07: Ziwe speaks onstage at CultureCon NY 2023 on October 07, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
TV host and internet icon, Ziwe closed day one with a hilarious conversation alongside, DeAndre Brown ย AKA The Corporate Baddie. โBlack Friend: Essays,โ and her journey from being an intern with big dreams to a certified boss in the midst of her dream career.ย
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 07: Lola Brooke speaks onstage at CultureCon NY 2023 on October 07, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
On day one, I found myself richly inspired by panelist, Rap recording artist, Lola Brooke, who eagerly shared her love of performing on stage. The โDonโt Play Withโ lyricist lit up as she discussed that she knew in her heart sheโd always wanted to perform; she saidย that before bed at night, she recalls falling asleep with music in her ears and dreaming that she was on stage. She expressed staying grounded and knowing that every decision that sheโd made โfell on meโ and that remaining centered was above all else, priority for her.ย
Day one of CultureCon lunch consisted of jollof rice ( a tomato and rice-based dish that is widely eaten across West and Central Africa) sweet plantains, gold coast slaw,ย grilled peri-peri chicken with a Bissap Hibiscus juice from African Chop House, and yes it was delicious. Other featured restaurants included the Crabby Shack, Ras Plant Based, OxKale, Cafe Rue Dix, File Gumbo Bar, Aunt Et uncles, Charles Pan Fried Chicken, the James Beard nominated chef and Harlem iconโs soul food for the soul pick, and Chef Kwameโs Patty Palace.ย
By the close of Day oneโs festivities, myย black mesh CultureCon tote was full to the brim with goodies.ย I collected my goodies from Clinique whose volumizing mascara and skin moisturizer has instantly become a new favorite in my makeup arsenal; magazine giveaways (and cookies) from the largest publisher in North America, Dotdash Meredith; free beverages from CocaCola and SmartWater; and an adorable โBlack Men We Love Youโ menโs care kit from Shea Moisture.
Let me know, did you get your Culture on this weekend or are you planning to attend the Fourth Annual Culture Con? Let me know your thoughts and stay tuned for Day 2 of Culture Con!
The NYSCF Gala and Science Fair event shed more light on the field of stem cell research with an open science fair, scientist educators, and a gala where members and honorees shared their stories with the Foundation.
On a rainy evening in New York City I stepped into a cozy and lively Paint and Sip event at the 33 Seaport Hotel!
New York City has so many Italian restaurants that it’s often a challengeโand sometimes incredibly frustratingโto choose the right one to dine at. If you’re looking for hearty pastas with the freshest seafood, locally produced veggies, affordable prices, and a cozy atmosphere, then make a reservation at Osteria 57.
The City of Angels recently played host to a lavish celebration as the Campari Group unveiled its latest masterpiece to the world: Mayenda Tequila.
Malan Breton headlined London Fashion Weekโs “This Is Icon” fashion show. His Spring/Summer 2024 collection impressed viewers. The event occurred at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms near Covent Garden and supported prostate cancer research. Breton presented his innovative line at the show’s start.
Elton Ilirjani, Gaia Wise, and socialities Lady Victoria Herveyย andย Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin walked in the show. Wise’s mother, actress Emma Thompson, cheered from the audience. Breton discussed the inspiration for his clothes.
Irina Pantaeva (Photo Credit: Chris Daw)
โThe inspiration comes from my formative years in NYC – the 1990’s. We are creating a show that inspired much of the world at that time. Sitting in Juniors booth at the sound factory, meeting some of the most influential people in music, film fashion, etc.,” said Breton. He described his start in the fashion world.
He remarked, “At the time I was brought to NYC as a model, with sixty dollars and a suitcase of suits I tailored for myself, and a dream.” He trained under a Savile Row Tailor. Since then, he has styled high-profile celebrities.
Celebrities include Lorde, Janelle Monae, Priyanka Chopra, and Saweetie have worn items from the collection. Other notable clients include Little Mix, Vivica A. Fox, Paula Abdul, Sean Young, Brenda Song, and Bebe Rexha. Breton starred in television shows.
Lady Victoria Hervey (Photo Credit: Chris Daw)
He hosted his own Bravo TV show called “The Malan Show.” He guest-hosted ย “MTV”, “Project Runway,” and the international “Top Model” franchise. They mentioned the fashion company’s future leadership.
He said, “This will be my last design as the collection will bring in a new creative director next season.ย We are excited to be opening the voice of Malan Breton to the next generation of designers bringing in new opportunities to the new generation of designers.โ The show had many notable attendees.
Malan Breton, Elton Ilirjani, Julia Haart, Dame Emma Thompson, and Gaia Wise applauded the immaculate outfits. The fabulous styles were admired by Zandra Rhodes, Lady Victoria Harvey, Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin, Olivia Arben, Irina Pantaeva, and Leesa Rowland.
Lady Victoria Hervey, Downtown Julie Brown, Crystal Waters, and Kristine W. Gaia Wise posed for photographs in stunning clothes. Fashion entrepreneurs Heather Small of M People, Downtown Julie Brown, Aiden Brady, Jessica Alves, and Jimmy Choo OBE also attended the event.
Gaia Wise (Photo Credit: Chris Daw)
Downtown Julie Brown emceed the live performances. 1990s dance hit-makersย Crystal Waters, Heather Smallย of M People,ย andย Kristine W sang. Breton Muse and 90โs Supermodel Irina Pantaeva performed during the finale. The spectacle celebrated Vogue’s recent supermodel cover. Pantaeva paved the way for the next generation of Asian models.
Consuelo Vanderbilt-Costin (Photo Credit: Chris Daw)
After the performances and shows, This Is Icon presented the 2023 Icon Award recipients. Brenton, TV personality Julia Haart, and model Elton Ilirjani won awards. This Is Icon co-founder Helen Georgio commented on the event’s impact.
โThis Is Icon sets out to deliver another star-studded and glamorous event where we offer the stage to some truly talented people from the worlds of fashion and music,” said Georgio. Similarly, Breton dedicates himself to educating the next generation.
They lectured and mentored students from Pratt, FIT, Parsons, Cedim, Otis, and Institute Margioni. Through extensive philanthropic work, he made significant differences in the healthcare world. His brand, Malan Breton, received over eighty International Awards and global government honors.
Known as one of the most diverse fashion brands, Malan Breton saw breakthroughs in a variety of categories. Product classification includes beauty, accessories, fine jewelry, fragrance, menswear, womenswear, shoes, optical, textiles, housewares, film, handbags, swimwear, underwear, skates, music, TV production, lingerie, and even artificial intelligence. Innovative genius Breton made history as the first designer to synthesize 3D VR within the industry and introduce a crypto fashion shop. Breton is truly a technological pioneer.
Model (Photo Credit: Chris Daw)
Model (Photo Credit: Chris Daw)
The elegant Paris Cafe brought the timeless class of Paris to New York Cityโs seaport.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks were a classic staple of my childhood. I mean, what five-year-old boy doesn’t have even the smallest desire to throw his meaty little paws around a toy truck of doom named Boneshaker or Gunkster? These toys dominated my early years, and it was absolutely fantastic to still see how profound an impact the same brand had on today’s children. As I walked into Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn for the Hot Wheels: Monster Trucks Live Glow Party event, all I could see were little kids streaming past me with their families, thrilled to see their favorite toys come to life. It was a magical moment.
Taking a seat, I took a minute to marvel at the way the arena had been decorated. I had been at Barclays before for several concerts, but now, it had been completely transformed to include the wide-open space needed to drive several gas-guzzling behemoths. The Hot Wheels iconic branding was draped all around the walls, and there was a massive set of screens hanging from the ceiling that would allow for a closeup on the action no matter what. What was really stealing all attention, however, was the stack of dilapidated vehicles arranged on the ground. This might have perplexed some, but everyone in the audience knew: by the end of the night, these cars would be a remnant of what we were currently seeing. The show was about to begin.
The performances were astounding. Sure, I was a bit old for some of the crowd interactions (like when all the kids were asked to get up and dance like their life depended on it, and every five-year-old around me burst into their favorite Fortnite dance), but seeing the trucks themselves was a joy. They were loud, abrasive, and pure machines of destruction. I was able to see Mega Wrex, a dinosaur-themed truck, Tiger Shark, which looked like a tiger but had a shark fin, Boneshaker, which was made up of old boneyard parts, and others. Each truck had its own story and own quirks, and each took turns competing in a series of challenges that would be scored and ranked. For instance, one of the first was a bid for the best wheelie that could be performed by the trucks,ย on top of the bed of cars. What followed was a glorious cacophony of crunching steel and deep, screaming engines. I felt giddy.
After several more fun competitions such as best burnout and longest airtime, we were in for a treat for the “halftime show”, which I could never had anticipated. A giant box with wheels slowly rolled into the arena amidst heavy rock music and a huge applause from the audience. I watched as the top opened up like some Transformer, and a metal dinosaur, complete with evil eyes and a razor-sharp grin, unfolded out. The screens everywhere were emblazoned with its name: MEGASAURUS. It picked up an old car, andย completely bit it in half. The kids around me were jumping out of their seats maniacally as pieces of old sedan dropped from the mouth of the ferocious beast. Even their parents had giant smiles plastered on their faces as it breathed a burst of fire.
After that show-stopping interjection, I was eager to see whether the next act would top it. When I saw workers rolling out a giant ramp, I knew I was in for a delight. Suddenly, I was witnessing several thrillchasers launching themselves on dirt bikes into the air, and landing on a giant inflatable pad. I was starstruck. As I watched, the motocross team circled back and relaunched, performing flips and aerial stunts that seemed to defy gravity. I was suddenly a kid again again amongst kids, and my attention was glued.
I was left walking out of Barclays Center wondering at what point in my life I had turned into such a boring adult. Reflecting on ancient times when Hot Wheels and Thomas the Tank Engine were the peak concerns I had in life, I came to realize that this night had helped me step back, albeit only for a couple of hours or so, into my older, smaller shoes. The fact that some force managed to achieve that is no small feat, and if one is able to experience this Monster Truck show from Hot Wheels even once and manage to unlock a memory from a small pocket of their childhood, I will consider that a win.
Hot Wheels: Monster Trucks Live Glow Party is currently touring the U.S, and is 100% a can’t-miss event.