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BLACKPINK Born Pink Experience: K-Pop Fandom Meets NYC Pop-Up Reality

by Branda Ayo
written by Branda Ayo

 

This week, American Express unveiled a magical collaboration, joining forces with Japanese designer Verdy and K-Pop sensation BLACKPINK. The NYC drop comes days before their performance at the Met Life Stadium on August 12, featuring an exclusive capsule collection designed by Verdy.  Located conveniently at 541 W 25th St, the pop-up is just a short distance from Hudson Yards and offers easy access to the High Line, making it a must-visit destination for both BLACKPINK devotees and pop culture enthusiasts. The exhibit is open for a limited time, providing a unique opportunity to experience the synergy between music, art, and fashion that defines BLACKPINK’s global influence

Upon entering the pop-up, visitors are greeted by a captivating sight: a larger-than-life BLACKPINK bear named KRUNK, exclusively designed by Verdy. This iconic centerpiece sets the tone for the entire experience, symbolizing the fusion of BLACKPINK’s trendsetting aesthetic with VERDY’s distinctive artistic touch. The atmosphere exudes energy and excitement, resonating with the vibrant spirit of the K-pop phenomenon. As visitors continue their journey, a dedicated merchandise section awaits. From trendy dad hats and heart-shaped pillows to stylish tees, jackets, and a distinctive bike priced at $3,500, the collection lets fans own a piece of BLACKPINK’s magic. VERDY’s artistic touch is evident in every detail, harmoniously fusing the pop-up’s theme with BLACKPINK’s global influence.

As you explore further, the rear of the pop-up reveals an interactive wall adorned with captivating images of the Born Pink bear. A life-sized Born Pink BLACKPINK heart takes center stage, delighting fans with its visual charm. This interactive feature creates an immersive experience, bringing fans closer to the beloved K-pop sensations. For an added dose of fun, a photo booth area awaits, allowing fans to snap playful shots and have them printed out as treasured mementos. The BLACKPINK Born Pink Pop-Up experience encapsulates the essence of K-pop culture, uniting music, art, and fandom under one roof. Don’t miss your chance to explore this limited experience.

 

To learn more about BLACKPINK’s Born Pink pop-up experiences, including opening hours and additional details, please visit www.blackpinkmusic.com/amexpopup.

 

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Fashion & BeautyUncategorized

On The Scene: Torus Eyewear & Monza Design Press Preview

by Talya Bendel
written by Talya Bendel

This month Torus Eyewear launched their debut collection at Soho Works NYC.

Torus is a sunglass/eyeglass brand brought to you by the minds of Sheila Vance, Jeff Smith and Nima Nejat. The Collection called Cosmos specializes in the technological and luxurious. Cosmos being a very apropos name as their style names are Aurora, Cosmic, Luna, Nebula, Twilight and Zenith (I would 100 percent watch anything with characters that have those names.) It is like they plucked the colors straight from the northern lights with soft blues, amber, taupe, green and smoke. The frames are lightweight and almost clear with just a touch of color. The best part about this collection is their technological innovation and how the lenses reflect and refract when in the sun, giving the wearer optimum uv protection making these shades chic, innovative and protective!

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From racing stripes, mixed metals and materials like lacquers and enamel techniques, you will live out a racers dream with the new Monza collection perched front and center.

If Transformers were real they would obviously turn into cars. They would also turn into any of the styles from this latest Monza Design Eyewear drop. Every single pair has as many details as a car that just came out of the shop and is ready to race. Created by jeweler and Ferrari collector David Lee and Sama Eyewear chief engineer Ross Vance. Both Lee and Vance are experts in their fields of luxury and design making for a great collaboration. This collection is a true ode to elevated style in sunglass wear. Each pair goes through a 20 step technical process and has 100 hand applications throughout its meticulous construction. From racing stripes, mixed metals and materials like lacquers and enamel techniques, you will live out a racers dream with the new Monza collection perched front and center.

 

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Roc Nation x PUMA Presents “Parking Lot Pimping”

by Tamerras Leonard
written by Tamerras Leonard

Roc Nation and PUMA came together for an explosive celebration of hip-hop culture with “Parking Lot Pimping.” This extraordinary event united hip-hop enthusiasts, creatives, and music aficionados for a day-to-night extravaganza of pure energy and talent. With a dynamic lineup featuring a heart-pounding cypher freestyle, engaging hip-hop trivia, delectable food truck delights, an outdoor DJ, and a vibrant indoor studio, “Parking Lot Pimping” left an indelible mark on the hip-hop community.

Setting the Stage

From day to night, the venue buzzed with hip-hop energy as Roc Nation and PUMA came together for “Parking Lot Pimping.” The atmosphere was charged with excitement as attendees gathered early, eager to experience an all-day homage to hip-hop. Colorful stations, including a graffiti-style shirt spraying station, added an authentic touch to the celebration. As the event unfolded, the venue transformed under the glow of vibrant neon lights, creating a magical ambiance that further enhanced the experience. The event brought together hip-hop enthusiasts, artists, and industry insiders for a vibrant and immersive celebration, leaving a lasting impact on the hip-hop community.

Cypher Freestyle

The heartbeat of the event was the electrifying cypher freestyle, where the mic was handed to both emerging talents and established stars from the Roc Nation roster. Each artist showcased their lyrical prowess, igniting the crowd with their infectious energy. The seamless flow and camaraderie between performers epitomized the spirit of unity within hip-hop.

Hip-Hop Trivia and Prizes

Hip-hop knowledge was put to the test during the interactive trivia contest. Participants engaged in a battle of wits, answering questions about legendary artists, iconic albums, and the genre’s historical milestones. The winners were rewarded with exclusive PUMA merchandise and coveted Roc Nation collectibles, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.

Food Truck Delights

While the artists delivered lyrical fireworks, a single food truck lined up to provide delectable delights to keep the crowd fueled and energized. Attendees savored the mouthwatering treats, which added a flavorful touch to the hip-hop festivities.

Indoor Studio Experience

Inside the captivatingly curated studio, guests got an up-close look at the creative process behind hip-hop. Art installations, musical instruments, and graffiti murals adorned the space, offering an intimate glimpse into the world of hip-hop production and expression.

Roc Nation Artists in Attendance

Throughout the day and into the night, Roc Nation artists made surprise appearances, adding an extra layer of excitement and star power to the event. Fans had the unique opportunity to connect with their favorite artists, and the artists themselves reveled in the genuine admiration and support from their dedicated fanbase.

“Parking Lot Pimping” by Roc Nation and PUMA proved to be a spectacular celebration of hip-hop culture. This event’s fusion of music, art, and community united people in a shared love for the genre. From the earliest hours of the day until the late hours of the night, the day-to-night journey took attendees on an unforgettable experience that will forever resonate in their hearts and minds. As the moon rose high, “Parking Lot Pimping” left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to be a part of this cultural extravaganza.

 

 

 

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EntertainmentFilmTheaterTVUncategorized

New York Asian Film Festival Review: ‘Flaming Cloud’

by Julia Mazza
written by Julia Mazza

“Flaming Cloud”As we know them, fairy tales often involve a protagonist lacking control over her or his fate. Snow White and Sleeping Beauty were driven into hiding, yet were doomed with a sleeping curse anyway—curses that could only be broken had their true love decided to awaken them. Rapunzel is locked away in a tower with no doors, needing a hero to rescue her. It’s exactly this what Siyu Liu set out to deconstruct in her directorial feature debut (and original screenplay) Flaming Cloud.

There are no villainous characters with wicked intentions to be found in Siyu Liu’s fairytale story, but Gods and Goddesses with voyeuristic tendencies and penchants for placing wagers pulling the strings. The story begins when two of the deities boldly place the most consequential wager any of them have ever witnessed—the existence of true love. Because of the wager, a randomly chosen baby, and the story’s hero, Sangui (played by Hu Xian Xu), is doomed to a curse of putting whoever he kisses to sleep, stripping him of agency over his destiny (or so we think?)

Branded a freak by his fellow villagers and socially ostracized at a young age, Sangui sets out on a hero’s journey, albeit one of a long period of loneliness, to the idyllic White Stone City. On his journey, he meets two women who represent fairy tale archetypes we’re well-acquainted with, each with their own wishes, but also unfulfilled needs.

Instead of making their own fairy tale wish come true, each character instead finds satisfaction in growing—by learning what they needed all along. For Sangui, this means finding the courage to confront his fears, and for the “wicked witch” character, who is very much the heart of this story, means facing her regrets. “Regrets can be curses too.” she whispers to Sangui in between exhausted breaths. In using surrealism, Siyu Liu reminds us that realizing what we needed all along can better than anything we can wish for. 

Siyu Liu’s use of anachronisms in the costumes beautifully speaks to the timelessness of fairy tales, from 1920s flapper headbands to 1970s boho dresses—even the 1950s Philco Predicta televisions, which the Deities huddled around in sport to watch Sangui for a long period of his life. Combining the motifs and lessons of European fairy tales (and classic Disney films, by extension) and Chinese mythology, she masterfully tells a cross-cultural story, as seen from the moment the story begins with a kingdom of deities placing a wager on a “flaming cloud.” 

Perhaps the biggest lesson of all from Flaming Cloud is that true love does indeed exist, but it does come to die one day—and yet, we all still reach for these stories for comfort. “Not everyone believes in true love,” Siyu Liu writes in the final frame of the film. “But we all long for that moment when it arrives with its magic.” Yes, yes we do.

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LifestyleUncategorized

Unleashing the Flavors of Summer: Refreshing Recipes with Whispering Angel and Mezcal UNIÓN

by Avyana Chapman
written by Avyana Chapman

As the sun shines bright, it’s time to revel in the delightful rosé season! While National Rosé Day in June may have already passed, there’s no shortage of reasons to continue sipping on this beloved pink drink throughout the summer. Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering, planning a beach picnic, or simply enjoying a lazy afternoon, these must-try summer recipes will elevate your rosé experience to new heights.

The Beach and Whispering Angel: Stellar Rosé Picks for the Occasion

When it comes to selecting the perfect rosé for your summer escapades, two bottles stand out as true stars – The Beach and Whispering Angel. These exceptional rosés are tailor-made for warm-weather enjoyment, boasting flavors that dance on your palate and a refreshing crispness that quenches your thirst.

The Beach and Whispering Angel are more than just wines; they’re a state of mind that embodies the essence of summer. Whether you’re lounging on sandy shores or having an intimate rooftop soirée, these rosés set the mood for a blissful celebration

Watermelon Rosé Cooler

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz The Beach Rosé
  • 1 oz Vodka
  • 2 oz Fresh Watermelon Juice
  • Ice

Method:

  • 1. In a blender, combine 2 ounces of The Beach Rosé, 1 ounce of vodka, and 2 ounces of freshly squeezed watermelon juice.
  • 2. Add a generous amount of ice to the blender.
  • 3. Blend all the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and slushy consistency for that perfect summer frosé.
  • 4. Alternatively, you can skip the blending step and pour the mixture over ice for a more straightforward, yet equally satisfying, Watermelon Rosé Cooler.

Beat the heat with this tantalizing Watermelon Rosé Cooler! Just blend 2 oz of The Beach Rosé, 1 oz of Vodka, and 2 oz of Fresh Watermelon Juice with ice for a delightful frosé. Alternatively, enjoy it over ice for a quick and refreshing sip.

Sunset Rose

Ingredients:

  • 3 oz Whispering Angel Rosé
  • 1.5 oz Belvedere Vodka
  • 0.5 oz Lime Juice
  • 0.25 oz Honey Water
  • 3 Blackberries
  • Mint Sprig (for garnish)

Method:

  • 1. In a shaker, place the blackberries and muddle them to release their flavors.
  • 2. Add Belvedere Vodka, lime juice, and honey water to the shaker.
  • 3. Shake the mixture vigorously with ice.
  • 4. Strain the contents into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
  • 5. Top the cocktail with 3 oz of chilled Whispering Angel Rosé.
  • 6. Garnish with a sprig of mint for an aromatic touch.

Indulge in the Whispering Angel Rosé Blackberry Smash, where the essence of Whispering Angel Rosé beautifully harmonizes with the rich flavors of muddled blackberries and a hint of lime. With a touch of sweetness from the honey water, this vibrant cocktail is a true celebration of summer in a glass. 

Drink Your Mezcal (UNIÓN) + Eat It Too

As the summer sun blazes on, Mezcal UNIÓN is turning up the heat on traditional BBQ classics by infusing them with an authentic Oaxacan twist. This season, it’s not just about sipping your Mezcal (UNIÓN), but also savoring it on your plate with delectable recipes that bring out the balanced and complex spirit’s true essence in vinaigrettes and marinades.

Step aside, conventional grilling – Mezcal UNIÓN offers a whole new world of diverse tasting notes that extend beyond the glass and tantalize your taste buds. Get ready to take your culinary journey to new heights by pairing these one-of-a-kind mezcal-infused recipes with complementary mezcal cocktails for an unforgettable summer feast.

Tamarind-Lime Vinaigrette with Mezcal UNIÓN Uno

A simple dressing with bold and bright flavors gets an enticing upgrade with the addition of Mezcal UNIÓN Uno. This tantalizing vinaigrette adds a delightful kick to your salads, grilled vegetables, and more, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a unique tasting experience.

Pair this zesty vinaigrette with the Hoja Santa, and your palate will be taken on a captivating ride through Oaxacan cuisine. The rich flavors of Mezcal UNIÓN Uno harmonize perfectly with the Hoja Santa, elevating your dining experience to a whole new level of indulgence.

Mezcal UNIÓN-Marinated Barbacoa

Prepare to elevate the star of your summer meals, the barbacoa, with a Mezcal UNIÓN marinade that will leave your guests craving for more. The carefully curated marinade enhances the smoky flavors of the barbacoa, transforming it into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

To complement the irresistible barbacoa, don’t miss out on the Coriander Paloma, a mezcal cocktail that perfectly complements the marinade’s nuances. This cocktail is a match made in heaven, highlighting the intricate notes of Mezcal UNIÓN and enhancing your dining pleasure.

The culinary magic behind these mezcal-infused delights comes courtesy of the talented Chef Scarlett Lindeman, owner of Mexico City’s esteemed restaurant, CICATRIZ, and the accomplished José Luis León, owner of the award-winning bar Licoreria Limantour.

This summer, it’s time to savor every moment with a culinary celebration that brings the essence of Oaxaca to your plate and glass.

So fire up the grills, pour yourself some Mezcal UNIÓN, and relish the flavors of a summer that promises to be truly unforgettable. Cheers to a summer filled with authentic Oaxacan flair and mezcal-infused delights!

Recipes: 

Tamarind-Lime Vinaigrette with Mezcal Union

Servings: 4 to 6

  1. 1 tbsp tamarind pulp
  2. 1 ½ tbsp hot water
  3. 1 lime, zest and juice
  4. 2 tsp sugar
  5. 2 pinches of salt
  6. 1 pinch of ground chile flake
  7. 2 tsp Mezcal UNIÓN Uno
  8. 3 tbsp vegetable oil

 

In a bowl, melt the tamarind paste with the hot water, whisking to combine. Add in the lime zest and juice, sugar, salt, chile and whisk to combine. Add in the vegetable oil, whisking to combine.
Mezcal UNIÓN Hoja Santa 

1 oz Mezcal UNIÓN Uno

0.5 oz Riesling Wine infused with tarragon 

1 oz green tomato juice

Instructions: Add all ingredients to a shaker. Add ice and shake. Double strain over a glass with ice. Use hoja santa as a garnish. Enjoy!

 

Garnish: Fake Hoja Santa

Rim: Hoja Santa Sugar 

Glassware: Old-Fashioned

Ice (for shake): Cube 

Ice (for serve): Big Cube

 

Barbacoa Lamb Marinade with Mezcal Union

Servings: 4 to 6

  1. 4 tbsp Mezcal UNIÓN Uno
  2. 3 tbsp kosher salt
  3. 8 lbs of goat meat, leg and shoulder, bone-in
  4. 4 garlic cloves
  5. 1 small white onion, chopped
  6. 4 dry chile de arbol, de-seeded
  7. 2 chile morita, de-seeded
  8. 4 chile guajillo, de-seeded
  9. 1 tbsp dried oregano
  10. 3 dried bay leaves
  11. 2 tsp ground allspice
  12. 2 tsp ground black pepper
  13. 1 tsp ground cumin
  14. ½ cup white vinegar
  15. ½ cup water

First, mix the mezcal with the salt to make a paste. Rub this paste all over the goat meat and let sit for an hour or so. Meanwhile, toast the garlic, onion and the dry chiles in a dry saucepan until fragrant. Separately, in a pan, toast the allspice, black pepper, bay leaf and the cumin until fragrant. Combine all remaining ingredients (besides the marinating goat) together in a blender until smooth and homogenous. Massage this paste into the goat and let it sit overnight, covered for 8 to 24 hours. When ready to cook, place the marinated goat in a roasting pan with 4 cups of water, cover tightly with aluminum foil and roast in a 300F oven for 4 hours.
Mezcal UNIÓN Coriander Paloma 

1.5 oz Mezcal UNIÓN Uno

1 oz Coriander Cordial

1 bottle grapefruit soda (Squirt or Jarritos)

Instructions: Rim a glass with coriander salt. Add all ingredients to glass. Add ice and stir. Use pineapple slices as garnish. Enjoy!

Garnish: Pineapple Slice

Rim: Coriander Salt

Glassware: Highball

Ice: Cube

In other industry news…

Mingle Mocktails, a female-founded brand of sparkling non-alcoholic cocktails, has partnered with self-made beverage industry maven and businesswoman Bethenny Frankel, who joins the brand as a strategic advisor, innovator and ambassador!

In celebration of *DRY JULY* and a sober-ish summer, Hilary Sheinbaum created her first-ever N.A. cocktail kit for The Dry Challenge with Twisted Alchemy and Waterloo Sparkling Water (with their Peach flavor that I’m obsessed with)!!!

**The Dry July Challenge Kit** makes up to 25 N.A. cocktails and features:

The limited edition collab is available now through 7/31 on twistedalchemy.com!
Available DTC nationwide for $54.99 (including shipping), 20% of each sale will go to support the amazing work accomplished at Speed Rack; the high-speed bartending competition series founded by women for women that showcases up-and-coming talent while raising money for charities working on breast cancer research.

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Fashion & BeautyLifestyleThe LatestUncategorized

Paris Hilton x FabFitFun: Sliving It Up

by Naomi Pandolfi
written by Naomi Pandolfi

Two icons team up to bring you an expertly curated box filled with a blend of summertime essentials. The Paris Hilton x FabFitFun collab brings valued members a personalized ‘Summer of Sliving’ experience (slaying + living your best life = ‘sliving,’ as coined by Paris).

Speaking on the collab, Paris Hilton said,

“I’m excited to team up with FabFitFun because they’re all about feeling fabulous while living your best life. Together, we’re hoping to inspire everyone to embrace their unique journey, find their bliss, and slay their way through summer with my personalized Summer of Sliving kit, complete with my favorite essentials.”

This summertime takeover box, curated by the iconic Paris Hilton herself, features a nod to Pride Month with a rainbow-infused aesthetic, and I am ‘sliving’ for it.

Packed with summertime goodies galore that fit perfectly with the theme and captures the essence of Paris, this box features the following products.

  • Topicals Faded Under Eye Masks ($22.00)
  • Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50 ($24.00)
  • CYLO Record Player Speaker ($59.99)
  • Dime Optics Cienega Aviator Sunglasses ($30.00)
  • Eight Other Reasons Star Earrings in Silver ($64.95)
  • Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in Vanilla Beige ($24.00)

While everything in this box was delightfully fitting for the summer, my personal top faves were the Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50, the CYLO Record Player Speaker, and the Topicals Faded Under Eye Masks.

The sunscreen is a luxurious, ultra-fine mist that allows you to easily touch-up your sun protection while out and about without laying a finger on your face.

The speaker is adorable, and better yet, I love that all the pieces are functional; the record player arm is what powers on the speaker, which I thought was a nice touch. Perfect for any barbecues or beach fun I have planned this summer.

I’m also loving the under eye masks. As someone who’s always on the go, these eye masks stay put, allowing me to do other things while beautifying, and that’s something I really appreciate.

With a retail value of $224.94 and a cost of a $59.99, this box gives you more than your money’s worth.

Since its launch in 2010, FabFitFun has rocketed to the top, delivering a seasonal assortment of full-size products that encompass beauty, fashion, fitness, wellness, home, and tech. Each box features a handpicked selection from both premium and emerging brands, giving members an effortless way to indulge in the latest trends. Elevate your lifestyle with FabFitFun.

 

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