Joan Smalls at an event for W Goa. (Photo courtesy of W Hotels Worldwide)
W Hotels Worldwide has officially announced model Joan Smalls as W’s first ever Global Fashion Innovator, a newly created position in which she will help create, shape and innovate W’s global fashion platform around the world. From special appearances and one-of-a-kind collaborations to exclusive in-room and digital content, Smalls will add her signature style and discerning taste to the W Hotel guest experience.
Smalls issued this statement via a press release: “I am thrilled to be named the first ever Global Fashion Innovator of W Hotels. It is a dream job of mine to be able to combine two of the things I love the most: travel and fashion. W Hotels—and their incredible line up of hotels around the world—is the perfect partner for such a collaboration. I’m excited to share my passions, tips and personal style with W guests.”
The press release further states: “In addition to a product collaboration and several appearances at W Hotels around the world, Smalls will also have a regular presence on The Angle, W’s digital platform for in fashion, music, design and FUEL (the brand’s take on healthy living through spa, food and working out), as well as exhilarating local content from W destinations around the globe.”
Among the projects that Smalls is working is her insider guide to Goa, in which she will curate her favorite places and picks that will be shared with future W Goa guests. As previously reported, W Goa opened in India in March 2017.
Smalls has appeared on the cover of Vogue’s editions in Australia, Italy, Germany, Mexico, Japan and Brazil, in addition to numerous other magazine covers. She is a spokesperson for Estée Lauder and is a Victoria’s Secret runway model.
Fashion retailer Express and supermodel Karlie Kloss have teamed up for the Karlie Kloss x Express Collection, which debuts on March 30, 2017. According to an Express press release, Kloss and Express are set to reveal the collection (which consists of 17 styles) at a live fashion show featuring innovators, game changers, and go-getters as runway models in Kloss’ hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. The event, which will be webcast at 7 p.m. Central Time on Express’ official Facebook page, will also feature live DJ sets by Hannah Bronfman and a special musical performance by Charli XCX. The collection is available online on March 30, 2017 after the event and in Express stores on March 31, 2017. Pieces in the collection (which include T-shirts, blazers, maxi dresses and bombers) have a price range from $24.90 to $168.00 (U.S. dollars).
Karlie Kloss and Express selected the inspiring individuals who will appear in the runway show via a contest where applicants uploaded videos to Instagram, explaining how they live their best life and empower others to do the same. Kloss is also featured in Express’ “Your Life, Your Dress Code” campaign, which launched in late February 2017.
Supermodel/producer/entrepreneur Tyra Banks has been named the new host of the talent contest “America’s Got Talent.” In addition, Banks is returning as host of “America’s Top Model,” the reality show modeling contest that she launched in 2003. Season 12 of “AGT” (which airs in the U.S. on NBC) begins filming in March 2017, while Cycle 24 of “ANTM” (which airs in the U.S. on VH1) begins filming in the summer of 2017.
Banks was a host and a judge on “ANTM” from 2003 to 2015, when it was cancelled by The CW. She remained an executive producer of the show when it was revived in 2016 on VH1 with host Rita Ora and judges Ashley Graham, Drew Elliott and Law Roach. Although Banks did not host “ANTM” that season, she made guest appearances on the show. The judges for Cycle 24 of “ANTM” are to be announced.
Banks commented about returning to host “ANTM” in a statement: “I’m overwhelmed and humbled by the intensity of the ‘ANTM’ fan base whose deep affection for the show led me to have a change of heart. After giving it a lot of thought, I realized that remaining behind the camera wasn’t enough because ‘ANTM’ is woven into my DNA.”
In a separate statement, Banks commented on her “AGT” hosting gig: “Since I was a little girl, I’ve been obsessed with grandiose acts and performers who make the seemingly impossible possible. I love how ‘AGT’ brings that feeling into everyone’s home, capturing the best of people who come out and give it their all to make those big, fierce and outrageous dreams come true. I look forward to connecting with the dreamers, having fun and giving hugs and words of encouragement when needed. And maybe I’ll get one or two performers to smize for the audience!”
Cannon said in his Facebook announcement: “There is no amount of money worth my dignity or my integrity. I have loved hosting ‘America’s Got Talent’ for the last 8 seasons, watching talented, brave, and courageous Americans accomplish their dreams in front of millions has been nothing but a joy, and everyone has been a pleasure to work with but my soul won’t allow me to be in business with corporations that attempt to frown on freedom of speech, censor artists, and question cultural choices.
“Not to get too detailed but this isn’t the first time executives have attempted to ‘put me in my place’ for so called unruly actions. I will not stand for it. My moral principles will easily walk away from the millions of dollars they hang over my head. It’s never been about the money for me, what is difficult to walk away from is the fans, the people who love me on the show.”
In early March 2017, Marlon Wayans confirmed reports that he was being considered as a replacement for Cannon, but Wayans (who is known for his profanity-laced, adult humor) told the media that he didn’t think he would be right for the job, since “America’s Got Talent” is a family viewing show. Tone Bell and Mychal Smith were also named in media reports as being possible candidates to host “AGT.”
On March 14, 2017, Banks posted a photo on her Twitter account of a bouquet of flowers with the accompanying note: “Tyra, congratulations and good luck on AGT! Love, Nick C.” Banks posted her reaction to the kind gesture by saying it “made me smile.”
Simon Cowell, Heidi Klum, Mel B and Howie Mandel have returned as judges on “AGT.” Cowell (who is also an executive producer of the show) has signed on to be a judge on “AGT” through 2019.
Emily Ratajkowski stars in DKNY’s Spring/Summer 2017 intimates, hosiery and sleepwear campaign. (Photo courtesy of DKNY)
DKNY and model/actress Emily Ratajkowski have teamed up for DKNY’s Spring/Summer 2017 Intimates, Hosiery and Sleepwear Campaign, which was unveiled on March 13, 2017. A short promotional film titled “Good Morning, New York) for the campaign shows Ratajkowski waking up in a bed in a New York City apartment, dressing in DKNY lingerie, and walking her dog outside wearing the lingerie, while surprised onlookers gawk at her.
The campaign and film were shot by fashion photographer Sebastian Faena on location in DKNY’s native New York. The fashion film and campaign imagery, styled by Clare Richardson, will live online at DKNY.com and in iconic New York locations including The High Line, Times Square and in New York subway stations. There will also be a comprehensive digital media plan across several fashion and lifestyle websites to support the launch.
In the campaign, Ratajkowski wears the black unlined demi bra and matching cheeky boyshort from the new classic lace collection. Additional styles worn throughout the campaign include her favorite sheer lace bralette and cheeky garter. The litewear collection appears as she lounges in bed wearing the ultra-smooth wirefree bralette and low rise bikini and with the mesh litewear bodysuit paired with the new fishnet thigh high in nude.
The DKNY intimates, hosiery and sleepwear spring 2017 collections, priced at $12 to $62 (U.S. dollars), are available at DKNY, Nordstrom, Lord + Taylor and Macy’s, both in stores and online, as well as select international retailers.
Kathy Ireland reads to young people from her Bendon collection. (Photo courtesy of Bendon)
Kathy Ireland Worldwide and Bendon, a leading designer and producer of children’s coloring and activity products in the U.S., extended their partnership through 2023. The deal includes storybooks, coloring activity and creative play items and more products in development.
In December 2016, Kathy Ireland Worldwide and pet product company Worldwise have extended their partnership for the Kathy Ireland Loved Ones collection, which includes bedding, scratchers and toys for cats and dogs. New items from the collection will debut throughout 2017 and are available at pet specialty, mass market and online retailers.
Kathy Ireland. (Photo courtesy of Kathy Ireland Worldwide)
A model wears a bra from Kathy Ireland Intimates & Sleepwear. (Photo courtesy of Kathy Ireland Worldwide)
A model wears a bra from Kathy Ireland Intimates & Sleepwear. (Photo courtesy of Kathy Ireland Worldwide)
Kathy Ireland Worldwide and PPI Apparel Group have extended their partnership for Kathy Ireland Intimates & Sleepwear through 2023. The upcoming collections will have expansion in girls’ apparel and the launch of an underwear line for men called I’M1. PPI Apparel Group and Kathy Ireland Worldwide first debuted Kathy Ireland Intimates & Sleepwear in spring 2012. The two companies recently celebrated a milestone of $100 million in sales.
In addition, Kathy Ireland Worldwide has expanded and extended its partnership through 2022 with Pacific Coast Lighting, one of the largest decorative lighting manufacturers in the United States. The two companies are sell Kathy Ireland-branded lamps and lighting fixtures.
Kathy Ireland Worldwide chair/CEO/chief designer Kathy Ireland and Pacific Coast Lighting president Clark Linstone. (Photo courtesy of Pacific Coast Lighting)
