Vintage Frames Company & Artist Trevor “Trouble” Andrew (Photo Credit: Ben Droz)
Art Basel brought the shade with the creation of a limited-edition prints from Vintage Frames Company and artist Trevor “Trouble” Andrew.
A world of pure imagination can be found anywhere, even within something as simple as a sidewalk on a Sunday afternoon, if you’re willing to see it that way. As Timothée Chalamet sings in his latest film Wonka, all one needs to do is simply look around and view it! But this Sunday, Los Angeles based Chalamet fans (and, not naming names, but one particular New-York-based Chalamet fan who caught a flight to be there) didn’t have to do much imagining, as the star immediately made his way over to eager admirers waiting across the street from the film’s red carpet premiere.
Excited screams could be heard from any vantage point as a titular star-carrying black SUV made its way down the blocked off street surrounded by fans and barricades, with Chalamet waving at fans through an open window in the backseat. Anyone who knows the first few things about the actor would have been able to guess his next move: exiting the car on the opposite side of the carpet to greet fans first and foremost. This is not new for Chalamet, a self described “fan,” himself. The star often makes a point to meet as many supporters as time will allow at his public appearances. This comes as a delight to the aforementioned fans who can then come to the realization that the phrase never meet your heroes simply does not apply to them.
Chalamet, clad in what Vogue described as a “bar of chocolate cosplay,” is no stranger to style. Many of his looks from the ongoing Wonka press tour have been bold and chic, a few even featuring a very popular detail- the lack of a shirt. While that wasn’t the case for his US leg of the tour, his custom Tom Ford suit was certainly all of the above, bold, chic and stylish.
After appearing in as many selfies as one man possibly could, Chalamet hit the carpet to, you guessed it, appear in even more. The carpet, where Chalamet greeted even more fans, was absolutely decked out in more candy paraphernalia than originally imaginable. And it wouldn’t be resemblant of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory if you couldn’t eat some of that candy, so the walls were lined with edible Wonka bars for carpet-goers to enjoy.
Wonka tells the story of a young Willy Wonka, pursuing his dream of being a world famous chocolatier. However, this dream doesn’t come easy, and after many unfortunate run-ins with the chief of police (Keegan Michael-Key) as well as some particularly frustrating encounters with a certain “little orange man,” (Hugh Grant) as he describes, Willy teams up with the exuberant Noodle, (Calah Lane), an orphan who has never tasted chocolate before, to overcome his powerful competition: the chocolate cartel. The movie is a delightfully fun film for all ages, and the premiere’s festivities perfectly encapsulated the dream world that the trilogy has illustrated on screen throughout its three films.
On the candy-lined carpet, in addition to Chalamet, was Paterson Joseph, Calah Lane, Hugh Grant, Keegan-Michael Key, director Paul King and more, as well as other special guests like John Stamos and Kelly Rowland, who both brought along their kids to enjoy the heartfelt film.
Once the red carpet festivities had concluded and my fellow attendees and I had taken our seats inside of the Regency Village Theatre, Chalamet, joined by the cast, took to the front of the room to kick off the screening. “A big thank you to Paul King,” he started, before quickly being interrupted by a crying baby somewhere in the audience. “Oh no, is it that bad?” he joked.
“Easy for me to say, but these are the kind of movies we need right now,” he continued. “I think this one will leave you with a smile on your face. I don’t want to speak too soon. But this is definitely the sweetest project I’ve ever been a part of.”
It is utterly impossible to leave the theater after seeing the film *without* Pure Imagination stuck in your head, and Chalamet’s rendition did not disappoint. The undoubtedly ear-wormed attendees, myself included, were invited to walk along the dazzling red carpet to get from the screening to the after-party, where the entryway was lined with umbrellas mimicking one of the grandiose dancing scenes in the film, in which Chalamet was front and center.
In the number, Willy is penalized for daydreaming and charged a fine, but that couldn’t be further from the case at this party. Though there was no fine for daydreaming, it was not at all necessary, as it was decked out with festive crafting stations, numerous hot chocolate bars, video games, and of course, a massive candy bar complete with just about every type of candy imaginable. It truly was an evening of pure imagination.
The party featured a handful of interactive features that does the exact same job as the film: making anyone who steps into the Wonka world feel like a kid again. Earlier this year, Warner Bros Pictures teamed up with Xbox to roll out an array of Wonka-inspired gaming paraphernalia that aimed to transcend the boundaries of traditional gaming merchandise. The centerpiece of the collaboration was the debut of the Xbox Wonka Console, a rendition of the Xbox Series X that mirrors the aesthetic of the infamous Wonka bar. At the glistening Xbox station, party guests had the opportunity to take the console for a spin and enjoy a variety of games and features.
The fun didn’t stop there. At one of the craft stations, guests could make their very own holiday snow globes (which, for reference, I learned the hard way that you are not allowed to bring through airport security, and any pleas that it is very important to you because it came from the Wonka premiere will not be taken into consideration) and create a scene that is beautifully reminiscent of the colorful atmosphere of Willy’s chocolate shop. Even more fun (and take-back-to-New-York-friendly) was Noodle’s very own candy bracelet making station, where guests were treated to colorful (and candy shaped!) beads to create their own friendship bracelets. All of these activities will most likely work up an appetite, and luckily, the party featured a delightful selection of themed bites, including Slugworth’s Sliders and Classic Brit With A Twist, fish and chips with chicken tenders.
There was no shortage of joy at the Wonka Premiere and after party, but the night was made even sweeter by reuniting with my favorite actor, and the man who kickstarted my very own journalism career. That’s a story for another day, but just as Willy’s mom tells him in the film, it’s not about the chocolate, it’s about the people that we share it with.
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach celebrated two significant anniversaries in style when it unveiled “Morris Lapidus My Home,” an enthralling exhibition that highlighted the creative abilities of the renowned architect Morris Lapidus. The event took place on Monday, December 4th, during the esteemed Art Basel|Miami Beach, Miami Art Week, and Design Miami 2023, the occasion paid tribute to Lapidus, the driving force behind the hotel’s renowned MiMo (Miami Modern) aesthetic.
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, which was first created by Morris Lapidus and opened as the DiLido Hotel in 1953, is a monument to the architect’s lasting impact that has endured for seven decades. A wide range of artists, creators, musicians, media, and influencers attended the anniversary celebration, which served as a memorial to the creative genius who made a lasting impression on the architecture of Miami Beach. The Ben-Josef, Kanavos, and Lowenstein families played host to the event, featuring notable appearances from Dayssi Kanavos, Frederik Eklund, Rohan Marley, Maffio, Ronit Ben-Josef, Dede Bandaid, Maria Buccelatti, Rick Sykes, George Clinton, and a host of other distinguished guests.
The exhibition, which was made possible through a collaboration with the Bass Museum, was the highlight of the evening. It was unmatched. The museum kindly loaned artwork and decor from Lapidus’ private collection to The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, for the first time. This exclusive exhibition offered guests a peek into the private life of the architect, showcasing his artistic talents via paintings, recycled items, and never-before-seen designs.
The bold and theatrical elements of Lapidus’ MiMo style have played a significant role in shaping Miami Beach’s architectural identity. The exhibition explored Morris Lapidus’s significant influence on the region’s cultural and artistic landscape in addition to honoring the hotel’s two-decade legacy.
Visitors were taken on a journey through time as they looked through the organized exhibition, learning about the creative development of one of Miami’s most significant architects. The celebration held at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, developed into a hub of artistic activity, encouraging discussion between the past and present while honoring Morris Lapidus, a real master who still influences and shapes Miami Beach’s aesthetic story.
Last week, we had the pleasure of joining director William Brent Bell for the premiere of his upcoming horror film Lord of Misrule.
The Museum of Graffiti in Miami played host to an Art Basel installation celebrating the intertwined cultures of hip hop, art and fashion.
A night of eating, drinking, and music
Los Angeles, CA – On Wednesday, December 6th, the illustrious David Geffen Theater at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures played host to an enchanting spectacle as the red carpet transformed into a regal “purple” carpet for the premiere of “The Color Purple.” The adaptation of Alice Walker’s timeless novel and Broadway musical promises to be a cinematic masterpiece, set to hit theaters on December 25th, 2023.
The ambiance outside the David Geffen Theater was nothing short of magical, as Hollywood’s elite descended upon the venue to celebrate the highly anticipated film directed by Blitz Bazawule. The “purple” carpet, a thematic nod to the movie’s title, set the stage for an evening of glamour and grandeur.
The star-studded cast of “The Color Purple” graced the event, with luminaries such as Oprah Winfrey, Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, and H.E.R. stepping onto the vibrant carpet, creating an electrifying atmosphere that mirrored the film’s emotional intensity.
Oprah Winfrey, a powerhouse both on and off the screen, brought her signature grace and charm to the carpet, captivating photographers and fans alike. Fantasia Barrino, known for her dynamic stage presence, lit up the night with her radiant smile, while Taraji P. Henson exuded elegance in a dazzling ensemble, reflecting the sophistication of the occasion.
The event drew the attendance of Hollywood A-listers, adding to the allure of the evening. As cameras flashed and fans cheered, the air buzzed with excitement, underscoring the anticipation surrounding the film’s release later this month.
“The Color Purple,” with its alluring adaptation directed by Blitz Bazawule, promises to be a cinematic triumph that transcends the boundaries of its source material. The “purple carpet” premiere served as a fitting prelude to what is expected to be one of the most talked-about films of the holiday season.
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, located at 6067 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, provided a fitting backdrop for the occasion. The museum, dedicated to celebrating the art and history of cinema, became a temporary haven for the stars and creatives who have brought “The Color Purple” to life on the big screen.
As the countdown to December 25th begins, the enchantment of the “purple” carpet premiere lingers in the air, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the arrival of this cinematic gem.
“The Color Purple” is poised to not only captivate hearts but also carve its place as an unforgettable contribution to the rich tapestry of film history.
“The Color Purple” premiere became an even more exclusive affair as we had the privilege of securing coveted interviews with the stars on the resplendent purple carpet. From Oprah Winfrey’s reflections on the film’s enduring impact to Colman Domingo’s insights into her transformative role, and Phylicia Pearl Mpasi musings within sisterhood in the film – “The Knockturnal” provided an intimate glimpse into the minds of the luminaries who brought this cinematic masterpiece to life.
These exclusive interviews offered a behind-the-scenes perspective, revealing the dedication and passion that fueled the creation of “The Color Purple.”
You can check out our on-carpet interviews linked down below.
Click the link to watch the night of the purple carpet unfold!
Make sure to check out our Instagram!
Actress, Author and Entrepreneur La La Anthony has teamed up with the over-the-counter cough medicine brand Delsym to launch their “Bring Comfort Home” campaign. The campaign comes at the perfect time as we’re all navigating the cold and flu season.
When a cough starts making its way around La La’s house, there are two things La La’s family needs to feel better together so they don’t miss out on any holiday festivities: Delsym, the #1 doctor recommended, 12-hour cough suppressant, and her favorite Puerto Rican Chicken Soup recipe, her go-to comfort meal when her family is feeling under the weather this cold and flu season.
With a job that never stops and a family of superstar athletes, prioritizing health and wellness is essential for La La.
“Delsym has been a staple in my household for a very long time, especially being a mom to Kiyan. I always wanna make sure he’s on top of his game and I’m on top of mine,” said La La.
As the seasons change and the cold weather starts to settle in the air, there’s nothing like having a big, hot bowl of comfort food to dive in to.
Filled with plenty of flavor, ingredients high in electrolytes, vitamins and amino acids, and a touch of culture, it’s no wonder this traditional soup is Lala’s go-to remedy for feeling better. In partnership with Delsym, Lala is paying homage to her cherished tradition by inviting everyone to recreate the magic in their own kitchen.
Photo By: Michael Simon/startraksphoto.com
Puerto Rican Chicken Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 5 or more pieces of chicken thighs, drumsticks, wings, or combination of all plus chicken breasts cut into large chunks
- Adobo seasoning
- 3 tablespoons sofrito
- 1-2 bay leaves
- 1 packet of Sazon with Annatto
- 3 Carrots, sliced
- 1 small onion
- 8 cups chicken broth or 4 packets of chicken bouillon
- Large handful of Cilantro, chopped
- 2 large potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 4 small frozen corn coblets cut in half or fresh corn on the cob cut into pieces
- 1 cup fideo, spaghetti, or elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
- Add a tablespoon of oil to a large pot over medium heat. Add sofrito and stir for about 1 minute.
- Add chopped onions, bay leaves, carrots, chopped cilantro add a tablespoon of adobo seasoning.
- Add chicken to pot and stir for about 2 minutes until blended with all the seasoning.
- Now add chicken broth to pot (8 cups) (if you’d like, you can add 4 cups of water and 4 cups of chicken broth).
- Peel potatoes cut into chunks and add to pot.
(All the ingredients should be in the pot.)
- Cover pot and cook over low-to-medium heat for about 1 hour.
- Add salt or pepper to taste and during the last 15 minutes, add fideo or spaghetti. Enjoy!
In addition to their partnership, La La and Delsym are giving away 250 Delsym Comfort Meal Kits to families nationwide. The kit will include some ingredients for her Puerto Rican Chicken Soup recipe and $25 DoorDash gift card. You can sign up here.
Photo By: Michael Simon/startraksphoto.com
James Fauntleroy recently celebrated the release of The Warmest Winter Ever, on Wednesday, December 6 at The Sun Rose at the Pendry in West Hollywood. We rung in the holiday season with James and the Platoon team over festive drinks and treats while indulging in the sonic bliss of The Warmest Winter Ever, which, upon its announcement, was heralded by Billboard as “filled to the brim with jaw-dropping harmonies and hilariously sultry wordplay.”
The Warmest Winter Ever consists of 25 future holiday staples that can be enjoyed year-round. It collates fan favorites previously only available on Soundcloud with nine brand new tracks. Listen to focus track “Sleigh” HERE. Recently, Fauntleroy received his seventh GRAMMY® Award nomination (and his first as an artist) under the for Best Progressive R&B Album category for Nova, his collaborative album with producer/jazz impresario Terrace Martin. With the upcoming release of The Warmest Winter Ever, James continues to stake his claim as a powerhouse musician.
Photography by Dijana Mesin
Christmas on Cherry Lane was a unique and thoughtful film that followed the story of three families simultaneously. We witness each family member’s festivities, traditions, worries and anxiety, especially pertaining to their holiday plans.
The film’s brilliant showcase of separate plots over various decades was perfected effortlessly and beautifully by both the writer and director. Christmas on Cherry Lane had a unique “big picture” take and gave us both a bird’s eye view and fly on the wall perceptions. The audience stepped into each of the three houses and rooted for each person to manage to surpass their personal obstacles.
The film was not only a sentimental and thoughtful seasonal movie but also a confirmation of how we’re all connected. The sense of humanity and empathy in the movie was done intentionally and with a purpose. Audience members discovered how all the families have been connected through different generations thanks to the protagonist’s evolution from being a teen to an elderly resident in the community tying it all together.
Besides Christmas on Cherry Lane displaying charming holiday themes, the movie philosophically confirmed the domino effect of our actions and the beauty of us all being connected with each other over decades of time. It’s a family friendly film that tugs at your heart strings and leaves a lasting effect of hope and positivity on the watcher and perhaps even a tear or two (guilty!).