• She’s been alive for a week and a half, and already someone is trying to make money off Blue Ivy Carter. A former Phat Farm intern, Joseph Mbeh, is requesting a trademark on the name Blue Ivy Carter, which he appropriated for his children’s clothing line.
Mbeh claims he has been using the name since two days after the child’s birth (oh really, that long?), and submitted a mock up of designs for the line. I wonder which is more unappealing, that stripey floral baby dress, or trying to capitalize off somebody’s newborn child? (Global Grind)
• Swiss watch company Swatch is catching Olympic fever! In honor of the 2012 games, the brand is releasing a special edition of their Gent Original timepieces. The watches have the element of the British Mod aesthetic in its design, as well as the logo for the 2012 Olympic Games.
• While Jay-Z was rejoicing in the birth of his new daughter, half of his staff (28 of 56) over at Rocawear were lamenting the loss of their jobs. The company cited “economic reasons” for the mass layoffs, in spite of the Carter-Knowles economy itself being quite strong. (Animal NY)
• Rapper mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs is being sued by Empress Haircare Products over the use of the “Empress” name for his fragrance which launched last summer. While Diddy’s lawyers offered to pay Empress for use of the name, the company refused, and is now trying to generate a bigger bankroll by taking the issue to court. (Fashion Etc.)
• Remember the Kim Kardashian look alike used in one of Old Navy‘s commercials? After the reality star accused the retailer of damaging her brand and infringing on her intellectual property, parent company Gap is investigating how much this commercial actually tarnished Ms. Kardashian’s shining reputation. (Hollywood Reporter)
• I actually gasped in horror after seeing Joan Smalls and Saskia de Brauw jump into a pool wearing all Chanel Spring 2012 in this behind-the-scenes look at the campaign. It is almost more remarkable than seeing Karl Lagerfeld photograph a real life black person. (Chanel Youtube)
• Ebony magazine has redesigned its site in efforts to “[represent] a true extension of our brand,” says Editor-in-Chief Amy DuBois Barnett. “It provides a platform to showcase our cutting-edge content while complementing the classic appeal of the magazine.” Check it out at Ebony.com.
~ Jihan
January 18, 2012 11:55 am
it is always something in the news..right? somebody is always trying to find a get rich quick scheme. Just let it be and allow Bey and Jay enjoy their new baby girl. Sorry for the layoffs at Rocawear. Kim Kardashian should just leave it alone…there are many beautiful Armenian and Middle Eastern women out there that looks like KK.
All this is for the love of money..lol…
gotta love it
January 18, 2012 12:00 pm
I think I am in love with Taraji!! This cover is amazing. Jay needs a haircut.
January 18, 2012 12:05 pm
Now Jihan…you know better than to be using one of Kim’s old faces….you have to use the current high in botox, plastic surgery abused face…can’t even recognize the girl with the photo you have up lol
I heard about the Rocawear layoffs…unfortunately a friend of mine was one of the victims…I’m giving a BIG side eye to Rocawear based on this.
January 18, 2012 12:08 pm
oh, @KittyB, I know, it was a risk! I also love your use of “old faces” thanks for making me laugh this afternoon :)
January 18, 2012 12:36 pm
OH, OKAY…
January 18, 2012 12:43 pm
LOL, anytime :)
January 18, 2012 1:35 pm
Armenians tend to look alike Kim needs to go sit down.
January 18, 2012 1:52 pm
Jay is chillin….he is not even fazed about the layoffs at Rocawear. And thats sad.
Kim K needs to go have a seat and read the lines for the next “reality show” she films. Ive seen a few more armenian girls on tv that look like her (pre-botox). Shes only suing that chick cause she’s gettin it in with Reggie now. Looking 5 shades of salty.
January 18, 2012 8:24 pm
I’m hearing good things about this Ebony relaunch. I may have to pick up a copy. Ms. Rogers is apparently doing the damn thing, and I expected as much. Kudos to her.
January 19, 2012 7:04 am
What a FABOOO site that Ebony.com has! Finally they are with the times…!
January 19, 2012 11:19 am
Actually Jay-Z and Damon Dash started rocawear and sold the brand brand in 2007 for $204 million in cash to Iconix Group.
January 19, 2012 3:49 pm
I can’t get over the fact that ol’ boy is seriously trying to make money off of somebody else’s name. I feel so bad for that lil girl. She is not going to have a normal life at all.