Cardi B took to the Gram to show off her latest purchase: an #Hermès Porosus Crocodile Birkin 35 Bleu Electrique Bag.
New Birkins range from $12,000 to more than $200,000. Exotic skins like Cardi B’s command a higher price (approx $95,500).
Many in the comments and undoubtedly the world don’t get the ‘hype’ with Birkin bags or why they cost so much! The answer is a mixture between brand perception and craftsmanship. Each bag is handmade by skilled artisans in Paris.
Birkins are also covetable because they are not only extremely expensive, but also hard to get. They are reserved for an exclusive group of people (namely those who are longtime customers of the brand). You can’t just go into an Hermes store and buy a Birkin. And lastly, with the base price at $12,000, you generally have to be in a certain wealth bracket to afford them.
Birkins are the ultimate status symbol! Cardi B has Birkins of various colors and her hubby Offset recently gifted one in pink to their 2-year-old baby, Kulture:
Prompted by falling brick-and-mortar store traffic, the woes of retail, and Amazon’s looming threat, a growing number of brands are joining forces. It’s mostly a matter of synergy, the whole being more significant than the sum of its parts, but in the rapidly expanding world of American commerce, it’s a trend that seems to be taking hold.
Branding and fashion are joining forces in a big way. And not only are businesses in these areas booming but, as fashionbombdaily.com reports, other trends are joining forces with them, 149’s guide being one of them.
Buy It or Build It?
When companies are looking for ways to expand, most ask themselves, “Should we buy it or build it?” The answer to that question is usually pretty easy to answer.
If your company is a big brand and wants to attract a new customer segment, you could stretch and create a derivative. That can be dangerous since you could overextend your resources. This is especially true if you plan to move away from your current customer base. Sometimes, however, the strategy works, as in the case of one American apparel retailer that recently announced its plans to introduce a line of fashion products that infused with CBD that included as part of its pitch the claim to reduce soreness in wearers.
What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
There can be little doubt that 2020 was the year that brands and fashion merged and will probably continue to merge. As good as that new might seem, there is usually one question remaining. That is what will be left? Certain people will be sacrificed, especially when it comes to individual departments like HR and accounting, which are duplicates anyway.
Still, the bigger question is what the remaining company will look like. This is where brand value comes in since. Obviously, each company in a merger wants to be the surviving entity. Fortunately, the choice of who wins and who loses is usually apparent when it comes to brands apparent, even from the beginning. And in the case of management, what matters most isn’t the company, it’s the brand and the identity it takes with it.
Not a Cure-All
So, when you blend a brand with fashion, which comes out the winner? The customer, of course, when that merger is done right. The customer doesn’t care as long as they get what they want. Better yet, if the blending is done well, the transition will be transparent to the customer.
Of course, the result is that when things are done right, the customer experience will improve. Even with changes, things like brand story and product curation will continue to evolve. But there is also a marketing advantage when brands and fashion merge. The market is freed up and, more often than not, more and better products are introduced.
So, What Does Amazon Have to Do With This?
With companies changing forms due to merging, they usually still feel like a lion—Amazon—is licking its chops ready to devour them at any moment. And rest assured that the pressure won’t end anytime soon, but it should be realized that the most important difference is the planning that goes into a merger of brand and fashion that will determine who survives and for how long.
Today’s Fashion Bombshell of the Day title does to Roberta from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her style is very sexy without being too revealing. Check her out below.
She writes, “Hello my name is Roberta Edwards aka BombshellBerda. I am a Model, Actress, Host Business Owner, and Event Coordinator. I have been doing this for going back as far as 10+ years. My style I would have to say is exactly what my industry name means. A “style that will blow your mind away”.
I would say that when walking in the room, I’m the center of attention, the type of style that would make you either stop and stare, or double take. Bombshell means a very attractive women or a mind blowing event, the vibe that brings style to life.
There is a clear balance between elegance and sexy with these ensembles. What do you think of this bombshell’s style?
Fashion Bombshell of the Day is a feature showcasing the singular style of Fashion Bomb Readers. Send your name, location, a description of your style, and 5-10 clear, unfiltered, head-to-toe pictures of 5-10 different outfits (no collages) to Bombshell@FashionBombDaily.com. Images submitted will be featured on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or any of our social media platforms. Comments can be harsh, so bring your A game! Please be advised: once published, pictures will not be removed or taken down
Decorated actress Viola Davis posed elegantly in a royal purple dress and a large Afro, in a photo lensed by Dario Calmese for Vanity Fair.
Dario Calmese is the first black artist to photograph a cover for Vanity Fair in its 107 year history. In an Instagram post, Calmese wrote, “Welcome to my Protest,” before revealing that Davis’s pose was inspired by that of a slave “Whipped Peter,“ turned backward to show his scars from the whips of slavery (Peter Gordon, or “Whipped Peter”, was a slave who fled a Louisiana plantation in March 1863, and later gained freedom at a Union camp near Baton Rouge. He was a frequent subject of photographs showing the extensive keloids and scarring on his back from whippings received while enslaved).
Calmese explained, “Thank you to every black woman who’s felt invisible despite being on the front line of every fight. We see you. You are loved, you are powerful, and you are beautiful. This is for you. “
@adeeeola wrote, “I love that Simone Biles got put on the Vogue cover, but they really did her dirty. She looks so washed out…even her Instagram photos are 10x better lit.” @lostblackboy added, “Someone please teach Annie Leibovitz how to light black skin.”
With the cover title, “Standing Up, and Speaking Out,” Biles shows off her back as well, in a bathing suit, with straightened, tousled hair cast casually over her shoulder.
Leibovitz has been criticized for her Vogue covers in the past, namely a Shape Issue ca April 2008 featuring Lebron James and Gisele Bundchen that seemed to mimic a famous World War I recruitment poster from 1917.
The artist and inspiration are important in telling our stories with pride.
2020 seems to the year of taking control of our image and narrative.
What do you think?
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Keke Palmer posed for a photoshoot, shot by photographer Peggy, wearing a white wool blazer by Annakiki. The blazer was worn as a dress that fell mid thigh on the young actress. The sleeves on the blazer are accented with wool from the shoulders to the wrist, giving a fringe like effect and adding volume to the ensemble.
She paired it with earrings featuring photos of victims of police brutality such as George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. The dangling picture frame like earrings were inspired by designer Beads Byaree, a designer featured in our 2nd list of 100 Black Designers You Should Know. She was styled by Mikiel Benyamin.
Original earrings by Beads Byaree
Keke is no stranger when it comes to speaking her mind about political views. In this case she did it with fashion and looked amazing while doing so don’t you think?
Jt posed for the gram in a very rare, navy Christian Dior monogram skirt with matching halter top. The ensemble is from the 2001 collection by John Galliano for Christian Dior and features the iconic Diorissimo print on polyester elastane. -El Cycer
When it comes to hair washing, many different theories are going around. So, you must know how to differentiate between hair washing facts and myths.
Here are six common hair washing myths that need to be debunked.
Shampooing Makes You Lose Hair
According to this myth, people who shampoo are likely to lose more hair than those who only wash their hair sparingly. Shampooing is associated with hair loss because when you wash your hair, you lose hair.
However, it has been proven that this theory is nothing but a myth. An average human loses 50 to 100 hair strands daily and cutting back on shampoo has no significant effect on this hair loss.
If you’re shedding a conspicuous amount of hair after washing, it’s most likely an indication of an underlying problem.
Besides, leaving your hair unwashed for long periods can cause dirt and oil to build-up, leading to inflammation and stunted hair growth.
Find the best shampoo to use for your hair type and wash when your scalp and hair are noticeably dirty.
For instance, people with straight hair can try an all-natural shampoo for oily hair since they’re more prone to oily hair. People with kinky or very curly hair should use shampoos that aren’t intensely drying or don’t strip the hair of its natural oils.
Washing Your Hair With Cold Water Makes It Shine
Rinsing your hair with cold water can be refreshing, especially during warm weather. However, it certainly doesn’t make the hair shinier. If your hair is dull, you’ll have to look for more practical solutions rather than washing it with cold water.
On the contrary, using cold water to wash the hair can restrict blood supply and nutrients from reaching your hair strands. Use lukewarm water to wash your hair to avoid this problem.
You have to Switch-up Shampoos Every Now And Then Because Your Hair Gets Used To It
This theory suggests that after a while, your hair becomes immune to the effects of a shampoo. So, to ensure you keep reaping the benefits of a good cleanse, you need to change the shampoo.
While it’s true that your hair may stop responding well to your usual shampoo, it’s more likely due to a change in weather conditions, hormonal changes, and change in hair texture, for instance, due to hair smoothing or colouring.
The Shampoo and Conditioner Need To Match
The idea that your shampoo and conditioner need to match to be effective is another myth that needs correcting. There’s no harm in using the same brand of shampoo and conditioner to wash hair if they suit your hair needs.
For instance, you may be causing more harm to your hair strands if you have dry hair and you match shampoos and conditioners that are for hair strengthening. What you need for dry hair is a moisturizing conditioner. So, matching shampoo and conditioner may not always work. What matters is your hair type and requirements.
You Don’t Need A Conditioner, Just Shampooing Is Fine
Shampooing your hair alone without using a conditioner may be too drying for your hair. Dry, brittle hair is a recipe for hair wash disaster.
Just like your skin and face, your hair also needs moisturizing after washing. Shampooing your hair cleanses the dirt build-up but it doesn’t add any moisture to the hair. In fact, most shampoo products take away moisture. This is why, after a wash, you need to follow it up with a hydrating conditioner to restore the moisture balance.
To achieve the best results with conditioners, apply the product on the hair and leave for about five minutes before rinsing it off. Click here to see tips on how to care and style your hair yourself.
6. You Have to be Rough To Get A Thorough Cleanse
The idea behind this myth is that you need to scrub hard to get all the dirt and build-up out of your hair. However, this is far from the truth. Scrubbing your hair hard can be damaging, especially for women with fine hair.
Your hair becomes very delicate when wet. Therefore, you need to wash with care. For a relaxing wash experience, gently massage the shampoo into the hair in soft, circular movements. This will ensure you don’t harm any of the hair strands and the shampoo cleanses the scalp well.
Conclusion
Some of the common hair washing myths have been debunked above. Knowing what practices to discard or embrace can help you maintain healthy hair. For example, there are myths such as shampooing makes you lose hair, you need to scrub hard to achieve a good cleanse, washing your hair with cold water makes your hair shinier, among several others.
Now that you know that these hair theories are just myths, you can take better care of your hair.
All these new mommas look beautiful! What’s great about the robes is that they store easily in a pouch. You can also, of course, wear them again, post baby!
