We get it. We can barely keep up with the onslaught of information ourselves. That being said, it’s our mission to keep readers in the know, which is why we’ve combed through it all, distilled it to its essence, and dispensed it into easily digestible tidbits. Want to be the most knowledgeable culture savant in your group of friends? Then check back every Sunday for what you’ve missed in the world of celebrities and fashion.
The 2019 Golden Globe Winners Are...
Green Book, the dramedy starring Viggo Mortensen as a surly Italian-American boxer who works as a driver for world-class pianist Dr. Don Shirley (played by Mahershala Ali) was like a reverse Driving Miss Daisy and, in a surprising upset, swept the 2019 Golden Globes. The movie that everyone thought would be the big winner that night – A Star Is Born – only won for Best Original Song, although it was nominated in five categories. Sandra Oh, who was snubbed at last year’s Golden Globes, finally won big for her incredible turn in Killing Eve, while Darren Criss won Best Actor for The Assassination of Gianni Versace, making him the first Filipino-American ever to win a Golden Globe.
Meghan Markle Gets a New Job
With her pregnancy and busy travel schedule, Meghan Markle already has a full plate. However, royal custom demands that the Duchess of Sussex become patron of four organizations that reflect the issues she is most passionate about: the arts, access to education, animal welfare, and support for women. Her first official Royal Patronage was bestowed this week, when Queen Elizabeth II passed on the baton, making her the official patron of the National Theatre. She has also joined The Association of Commonwealth Universities, an animal welfare organization, as well as Smart Works, which aids women in long-term employment with skill-building, job interview training, and more.
Missy Elliott Makes History
Women are still experiencing a lot of firsts in 2019, particularly women of color. In history-making news today, Missy Elliott is the first female rapper to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame – and only the third rapper to ever be inducted. If you’re wondering how no one prior to Miss Misdemeanor was ever given the honor, you’re in good company because we can think of about a dozen other deserving female rappers off the top of our heads. Regardless, the award is well-deserved, especially when you consider that she has also written hit songs for no less than Mariah Carey, Mya, Ciara, Aaliyah, and many others.
Lady Gaga Denounces R. Kelly
In the wake of the horrifying docuseries Surviving R. Kelly – which details the R&B singer’s monstrous behavior by dozens of women who experienced abuse, kidnapping, and assault at his hands – few celebrities who have collaborated with him have spoken up. This week, Lady Gaga became one of the biggest names in the music industry to publicly denounce R. Kelly, coming forward after many questioned her silence. In a passionate public post, the popstar spoke out against the singer in support of his victims and chronicled the mentality that made her record the song “Do What U Want”, citing a dark period in her history with mental issues and drug abuse.
I stand by anyone who has ever been the victim of sexual assault: pic.twitter.com/67sz4WpV3i
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) January 10, 2019
Tommy x Zendaya Is Slated for Paris
Tommy Hilfiger continues his rotation through fashion capitals, with his latest show slated for its Paris debut in February. The label, in collaboration with Zendaya – the new face of the brand – will showcase its Spring 2019 collaboration with another “See Now, Buy Now”, consumer-facing production. “For spring 2019, we can think of no better place to premiere the first Tommy x Zendaya collaborative collection than Paris,” read the brand’s press release. “Our innovative ‘see-now-buy-now’ experiential show will blend our Americana heritage, Zendaya’s confidence and optimism, and the city’s iconic elements for a truly unforgettable runway event.”
Altuzarra Celebrates "The One That Got Away"
We’ve all experienced “the one that got away” – no, not the guy, but the fashion item that we passed on, only to have the desire haunt us forever. Designer Joseph Altuzarra is celebrating ‘The One That Got Away’, with a Valentine’s Day release that coincides with his ten-year anniversary. The capsule collection is made up of pieces that ten of Altuzarra’s closest friends wish they would’ve purchased when they had the chance. Friends like Caroline Issa, Jenna Lyons, and Carine Roitfeld have contributed their choices to the collection, lending it a sweet and personal touch.
Gucci Garden Opens a New Exhibition
Timed in accordance with men’s fashion fair Pitti Uomo 95, Gucci Garden – which is housed in Florence’s Piazza della Signoria – recently opened a new exhibition curated by critic Maria Luisa Frisa in the ‘Period Rooms’ to demonstrate how the brand has defined men’s fashion over the years, utilizing its archives and presenting a close study of a red silk shirt that Alessandro Michele included in his first men’s show back in 2015. This seemingly simple item of clothing spoke of the great unexplored potential in men’s fashion.
Meanwhile, new paintings by Italian artist MP5 and English artist Alex Merry were unveiled in the transitional spaces of Gucci Garden. The former is known for an incisive black-and-white style that is both critically and politically engaged in looking at concepts of reality, while the latter depicts a dreamlike universe through illustrations and portraits that use color in savvy and surprising ways.