Serena Williams' Provacative Pose on Ebony Magazine Cover

Let me first say that I love Serena Williams and her body. She is beautiful and the epitome of the brick house diva. However, I do not love the editor who chose this picture as the one to grace the cover of Ebony Magazine. Come on now, I'm sure they shot her head on, sitting, and in a host of other positions. Why choose the one with her back side propped forward?! It's not that she doesn't look fantastic. She does. It's just that it reminds me of another crass XXL magazine cover (booty before face) and it seems like a ploy by Ebony to sell more at the news stands. There is a more sophisticated way to show off a curvaceous, athletic black woman's body. The wild sexualization of Black women, especially by Black publications, is ubiquitous and I'm disappointed at Ebony Magazine for further exploiting such an image. Feel free to disagree.

Flyness and funk

SPOTLIGHT: Diana Ross, Take Me Higher, Japan, 1998

The Intrigue of a Woody Oriental

Morning Divas,

Why does it always rain when I return to New Haven? It's like rolling back the tape on a sad movie, coming back to the same rainy scene. I'm spending the weekend with a friend and time I stepped off the train it seems like the clouds inflated at once and began to perforate. This morning my alarm was nature. Water rushed to the ground like marbles, bounced, and scattered beneath the cold gusts of air. The sound was quite pleasant. It sounded just like those rain makers. The sight, not so much.

I will tell you what was pleasant; the scent of Samsara by House of Guerlain against my slumbering body. Of course by morning it had politely nestled into my sheets, pillow, and blanket as well. I love waking up to a great perfume. I just bought Samsara yesterday but I knew I'd love it. First of all it is by Guerlain, perfume diety. Secondly, it's a bold woody oriental and I've decided that this is the category of perfume that best expresses me.

What is a woody oriental? This simply means that traditional and fragrant oriental flowers such as jasmine, rose, and bergamot blend with heavy, more pungent, even masculine woody base notes like cedar, patchouli and oakmoss. The result is a provocative scent that is both mysterious, and sensual. These are complex, intellectual scents that open rather oddly, mystifying the nose, and over time they take on a warm, deep, and sexual nature. It's a journey in scent best for the woman who holds that a little mystery goes a long way and the woman who practices a slow seduction rather than a quick thrill. Other remarkable fragrances of this type include Prada by Prada, Hanae Mori's Butterfly, Omnia by Bulgari, Black Orchid by Tom Ford, and Calvin Klein's Obsession (love it).

Today the market is flooded with sexy spicy oriental and florientals (Armani Code, Magnetism by Escada, etc.) but I think it's quite nice to stand out in the crowd and to catch the unsuspecting nose by surprise. Many of the better woody orientals are really before our time, such as Mitsouko (which means 'mystery' in Japanese) which was created by Guerlain in the twenties. While this fragrance type isn't for every woman, if you're looking to switch it up from sweet and spicy, to bold and mysterious perhaps, try one of these next time you hit the perfume counter. It might become your new thing.

flyness and funk

Ike

Reflections on the Obama nomination

Good evening divas,

I'm so happy to be back! Finally, I received my freedom papers from Yale University, and I'm laying low for the moment, trying to catch up on some much needed sleep and sanity. During my hiatus however, I decided that FFD needs some spice (as it already has then sugar). So I will be featuring a mini-broadcast every few days as a visual extension of my written blog. I'd ideally like for this to be interactive so if you have a topic or particular question that you'd like me to address, please send to the offical FFD email address: flyfunkydiva@gmail.com.




My first webcast is a reflection on Sen. Obama's victory. "Is America ready for a Black president?" This question is becoming a bit redundant. I believe that perhaps not all of America is ready, but enough Americans are. And we are definitely over due for a GOOD president that can repair the American reputation abroad and the enact solutons for the economic, health care, and energy crisises at home.

Flyness and funk

Ike

PS: I apologize in advance, the audio at the very end is problematic.

Lebron and King Kong

Lebron is made to look like King Kong on April Issue of Vogue. This is one issue I won't be getting.

-Ike

FIERCE FILES: Remembering Our History Through Fly Women of Color

Reception in the Office of the C. J. Walker Company, 1929
(since we're talking about hair)

Aron Ranen's Black Hair Documentary... and the history "Blacksploitasian"

African American women have historically had a vexing love-hate relationship with their hair that has translated into a billion dollar ethnic hair care industry. It is no coincidence that the first Black and the first female millionaire was a woman who marketed hot irons, hair relaxers and skin bleaching creme (quiet as its kept) to anxious Black women.

We arrived in America stripped of our clothes, our artifacts, and our customs. We were told that we were ugly. We were taught to hate ourselves in a natural form... though simultaneously touted as sexualized, exotic objects. Black beauty has a baffling history in this country, but no more complex than the history of Black American identity in itself. So, perhaps it is a firmly rooted insecurity (though not a monolithic one) that feeds the industry. How else might we explain that African-Americans are 12 percent of the population and account for 30 percent of all hair care products sold in America, and a whopping 70 percent of hair extensions and weaves sold domestically.

At one point our predilection for hair products was a huge asset to the Black community. Confused by our hair texture and beauty rituals, white companies overlooked the Black hair industry for many years. The Revlons of the world didn' t believe that Black women a worthwhile demographic to sell beauty to. Consequently, Black salons and hair care manufacturers created a thriving internal economy within the Black community that not only created numerous jobs at all levels but also created a space for Black entrepreneurhship and fueled the Black middle class. Money from the Black hair care industry even funded civil rights movement significantly because these were the backers who did not answer in any way to Whites.

So what happened? In the 1970's Corporate America took notice. They recognized a ripe opportunity for financial growth in the cosmetics industry through the Black consumer. They began to buy up small Black owned manufacturers, keeping the Black name, the Black model on the package, and perhaps a few Black executives around for advice. This was the first round of defeat.

The following decade, Koreans recognized the financial opportunity in the distribution of black beauty products. Aided by the American governement's immigration laws and liberal grants supplied to Asian immigrants willing to do business in Black communities, Koreans ultimately gained a monopoly over the distribution and sale of Black hair care products, wigs and hair extensions. Seriously, how many Black owned beauty supply stores are there in your neighborhood? Actually, when is the last time you seen a Black nail technician? Just curious about that one.

Nevertheless, moves were made to gradually block Black business owners from selling Black beauty products. The current market monopoly is identical to the Wal-Mart effect, except there is a deliberate factor of discrimination. Korean owned distribution companies purchase products at a discount from White manufacturers and Korean hair manufacturers (America has blocked the import of hair from China). They in turn sell products and hair whole sale to Korean proprietors which allows them to undercut the price of the products being sold by their African American counter parts. Thus, when a Black woman comes in asking for Dr. Miracle Hair relaxer and it's 75 cents cheaper at the Korean store than it is from the Black owned store, she supports the former. In this way, Black stores are choked out of businesss. I am friends with a couple who owns the only Black owned beauty supply store in the state of Connecticut and they can relate that it is an uphill battle for them to stay in business across the street from two Asian suppliers that arrived in recent years.

As you'll find out, what's happening now is that the few remaining Black manufacturers of products and supplies are being forced out of business as Korean companies copy their formulas, market them, and the distributors stop buying the original.

This is all a devastating phenomena to the Black community because about 90 percent of every dollar we spend on hair products goes OUT of our community. Furthermore, the beauty industry has been a crucial support within the Black economic infrastructure, one that we should fear losing, and eagerly want to regain. Unemployment is twice as high in the Black community as it is in the White community. Poverty and homelessness effects us at a much greater proportion than other groups. When are we going to begin to reform our own communities? The networth of Black America is that of a small country. We should feel obligated to recylce that Black dollar. We should be tired of being tapped. Most of the companie that we give our money to barely (if at all) hire Blacks or support Black business. So why are we so apt to support theirs?

Film maker Aron Ranen created a documentary profiling the Korean monopoly over the distribution of Black hair care products and and the efforts of one new grassroots organization, the Black Owned Beauty Supply Association (BOBSA), to counteract it. It is well done, moving, and worth being watched, discussed, and passed around. (Please email this blog to your girl friends and bring it up in the beauty shop as you wait to get your hair done). Aron felt so strongly about the plight of the Black beauty industry that he posted the entire work on Youtube for public consumption. I've embedded it in it's entireity below. You will be blown away. And next time you pull out your wallet to purchase some Dudley's or Dark and Lovely, please remember the impact that your dollar can make. Be a conscious consumer.

Love,

Ike

part 1


part 2


part 3


part 4 (update)


Purchase a dvd here: www.blackhairdvd.com

FFD Update... Hold on one more week!

Hi luvies,

Or maybe you hate me by now! I'm sorry this blog looks horribly bleak and outdated but I'm at Yale burning some serious midnight oil, downing gallons of caffeine, trying to forge the final mile before graduation. I can taste it. Please be patient and tune in NEXT FRIDAY for regular posting! In the meantime, food for thought:

On Sean Bell: Why has no presidential candidate spoken up about police brutality, the mischevious grand child of slavery if you ask me? I'm more than dissapointed. We can no longer continue to sweep this issue under the mat. This injustice has been a key demand in every major Black activist movement in this country's history. The Black Panthers, The Nation of Islam, the riots that exploded through Black inner cities in the late sixties... all of these volatile instances of African-American activism were fueled partially by police brutality. And still we contend with it. Black men should not have to fear cops. They should not have to worry that if they hesitate for a second when a white sheriff pulls them over they could be murdered. Is the role of the police force to impose order and protect the civilians or to effect martial law in inner cities and intimidate African-Americans. There is always a problem that erupts when one's authority outweighs their power in society.

On Beyonce:

Dear Beyonce,
I am happy that you are finally in wedded bliss to the man of your dreams. Love is a beautiful thing, isn't it? But can we at least get one picture of the dress? You're Beyonce for heavens sake. Divas every where are craving to see what you wore.
Sincerely,
Fly Funky Diva

(By the way, this is what I'd bet it looked like.)

On Reverend Wright: Forget the kitchen sink. Obama is dodging the sink, the chandelier, the microwave and the rolled up linoleum floor. This is a man who has done his best to take the high road and transcend politics as usual and it seems as if the American public wants to see him be a politician. In case you were wondering, the day that Obama publicly denounced Wright was the day that he became a true politician. He made a moral sacrifice for the sake of his campaign.
Truth be told, Wright has said very little that I disagree with. My point of contention with him is his timing. Obama is struggling right now and primarily because Miss Clinton has managed to conflate the terms of their relationship. The reverend is an intelligent man. Why would he allow himself to be bated into a media tour now? That was a trap. Couldn't he see that was sabotage?No, I don' t mind what he has to say. I have a ton of respect for his rhetoric and dedication to the community. He is a heroe. But there are many Americans who will not understand or empathize with Wrights beliefs no matter how he phrases it. To many Americans, the Black church is an intimidating enigma, despite the fact that it developed under the necessities of segregation.

This Wright issue has kept him Obama on the defense for far too long, preventing him from being able to address more pressing issues, in particular to Americans in key upcoming primary states like Indiana. It is a shame that Americans will blame a man for another man's words. Why should I have to explain the beliefs that come from another mans mouth? These politics of association are a dirty way to play the game.

On Warren Jeff's Sect: Anyone else find it humorous that at the center of this whole controversy is a Black (possibly Crazy) woman?

On Bush: Congress did not ruin the economy, you're war did. And no, a 300-1200 dollar income tax return will not remedy America's recession. Save. Save. Save.

On Gas: How high will it go?

'Till next week, good luck and God Speed.

Flyness and Funk,
Ike

Rumor: Nina Garcia ousted from Elle Magazine

In fashion one day your in and the next day your out! Rumor has it that Nina Garcia, fashion director of Elle Magazine since 2000, left the magazine this past week and it wasn't on her own terms. She is also a weekly judge on Bravo's hit reality TV Show Project Runway. Neither Garcia or the magazine have confirmed. Sources say that she was in her office Friday morning, but was suspiciously absent from a major Elle event on Tuesday. Garcia took maternity leave last spring and since her return began writing a column called "Fashionina". She is also the author of The Little Black Book of Style which hit the shelves in September. Now, we wonder if this means she's also out from Project Runway.

Project Runway also recently moved to Lifetime under a more lucrative deal. NBC, the owner of Bravo, is pursuing legal action.

and the 2008 Miss USA title goes to.... Miss Texas, Crystle Stewart!!!

My voice is still sore from screaming the moment Donny and Marie Osmand announced that Crystle Stewart, the stunning african-american beauty from Texas, was our next Miss USA!!! It took her five attempts to win her state title, but I knew, after she won the state crown that she was our next national queen. She is also the second Black woman to capture the crown. Susie Castillo, who ironically also went on to be Miss USA, was the first. Crystle may not have been the most statuesque woman on the stage tonight, but her poise, southern charm, eloquence, and radiant smile were unmatched. She was an early crowd favorite which sometimes can be the kiss of death (sorry Miss Massachussettss) so I am absolutely thrilled that she took the crown. Her accomplishment is a testament to will power, commitment, and shear determination. Crystle, you go girl!!! This fly funky diva is your biggest fan!!!

Crystal is 26 year old business owner and part time model. She will travel the nation promoting her platform of ovarian and breast cancer awareness and will vie for the title of Miss Universe in Vietnam on July 13, 2008.

On to my review of the 2008 Miss USA pageant. The show opened, live from Las Vegas and I was a bit dissapointed. The delegates looked amazing in their SCALA by Sherri Hill designs (she is the Donna Karen of the pageant world) and they were impeccably styled and made up, but where was the showmanship? 4 eight counts does not equal a production number and the stage looked like it was inspired by the gaudy set of Deal or No Deal. I am so sick of pageant producers trying to reduce pageantry to a shell of its former self in their attempt to reel mass viewing audiences back to the time honored tradition. Pageants are about feminity, poise, grace, glamour, and eloquence. All the pomp, pizazz, fluff and cheesiness.... well that's apart of the pageant tradition. You can't take that away! At the end of the day we want a woman who is an dynamic spokesmodel, not just a model. Instead, producers want to make it about sex appeal and incorporate elements of reality tv because they think that's what the American public wants. Well, perhaps viewing the Miss USA and Miss America pageants are no longer as significant a tradition in this country as they were two decades or go, or as pageants are in say Venezuela. But hey, I say change the people, not the pageant. If our media was not so obsessed with the sexy, explicit, and scandalous, the pageant wouldnt have to feel as if they were too "clean cut" to survive in the new millenium. I think there's a reason why Trump allowed Tara to stay on as Miss USA even though she was addicted to cocaine and an underage alcoholic but was ready to fire Miss Universe 1996 Alicia Machado when she gained a bit of weight. :rolling my eyes: Ahh well, what can you do?

Next, 51 became 15 and I had a good idea already from the contestants preliminary performance and their photo shoots (yes..... some of the contestants are put in the top 15 purely because the organization likes their look). To no suprise was Massachussets, Arkansas, Rhode Island, Missouri, South Carolina, Tenessee, Indiana and my early favorite Texas. I had marked Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Minnesota down as strong maybes. Now, my mouth hit the floor when they called the last three, three choices from the gutter! Florida, California, and Utah had no place in the top 15. California was a political choice because of the scandal surrounding her crowning. The Miss Florida USA organization is a pageant powerhouse and I think that Miss Florida got in to the Top 15 on the strength of that, defintely not because of her looks or presentation. And as for Utah... your guess is as good as mine. It's a shame because I think there were woman who were much more deserving of those spots such as Miss Alabama, Miss Arizona, and Miss Maryland.

The swim suit competition was to the back drop of Finger 11, a band that despite apparent succedss, I had never heard of at all. The contestants came out in black bikini's, wrapped in faux fur. This was nice for dramatic affect, but fur is difficult to model with as it is heavy and awkward. Bring back the chiffon! I was impressed by Massachussets presentation. She had a great walk and a model's dimensions, however honestly I was not feeling her. There was something about her energy that rubbed me the wrong way. I also noticed Oklahoma and New Jersey in this portion and realized that they'd be strong contenders for the crown. It was probably more difficult for Miss Texas to shine in this portion as was shorter than most of the ladies, but she really did. She had wonderful expression, a great walk, and just a 'spunk' that really translated well on stage.

Miss Massachussetts 2008

Next, Massachussets, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Missisippi, Tenessee, Texas, Indiana and Florida were announced as the Top Ten. Again, still shocked that Florida creeped into that spot. Evening gown is my favorite part of competition and the look of the evening was certainly diaphanous. Several delegates, including the winner, modeled gowns that were enticingly shear. One of my favorites was Miss Missouri's. She modeled a beatiful gown made of dramatically beaded, shear fabric. It was radiant under the stage lights and I loved how she was mostly covered but still very alluring. Oklahoma also had a great gown, reminiscent of the red Sherri Hill creation that Rachel won in last year, but her walk was a tad stiff. In fact, she was a tad stiff. Nevertheless, the judges scored her generously (9.3). Tenesssee took herself out of the competition with a poor dress choice. It just did not stand out amidst the other dresses and didn't do much for her. And of course my favorite was Texas' outstanding gown. It was champagne colored, heavily beaded at the top of the snug bodice, and it flowed into a shear bottom. It was perfect against her complexion and very flattering to her petite frame. She also walked with incredible elegance. This was her stand out portion.



Miss Oklahoma USA 2008

Out of the Top Five, I guessed four correctly; Texas, Oklahoma, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. I was a bit shocked that Missisippi made it into the Top Five. I thought it would be Massachussets instead. I figured that the competition was betweeen Texas and Oklahoma at that point and it probably was until Q&A. Oklahoma's response was lack luster but unfortunately for her, so was Christian Siriano's question. "If you had the power to help a celebrity, who would you help and how?" Her answer, of course, was Britney Spears. I won't even go there. Crystle's response was rather concise, but her confidence in answering it was incredible. She's a natural. Tiffany Andrade of New Jersey also answered very well but despite her hailing from my home state, I simply did not want to see her win.

Before the crowning, there were a few dissapointments. First of all, can we get over Miss Teen South Carolina USA. She has become a star because she basically had the perfect "dumb blonde" moment on national tv. I mean, the camera did not cut to the current Miss Universe or Miss Teen USA, but it spot lighted her. Ladies and gentlemen, what is wrong with this picture??? I'm so sick of Donald. What also caused me roll my eyes and sigh in disenchantment is the gown that Rachel chose for her final walk. While the brilliant mango color was gorgeous, it did absolutely nothing for her. If I was Miss USA and this was my final walk and I had her body, my dress was have been to die for!!! Her first dress of the night also looked a hot patchwork mess. But to her defense, she usually dresses very well.



Cut to the crowning of Miss Texas, Crystle Stewart, and all was well. She is beautiful, charming, elegant, and seems to have a great spirit about her. She will be a legendary Miss USA and I think that she has a spectacular shot at the Miss Universe crown. At the end of the day we must acknowledge that pageants are more than looks (though in the Miss Universe organization looks are ALOT). Pageants are won with charisma and tedious preparation. The crown is often gained by the woman with that unmistakable je ne sais quois and often times this is an inner beauty that is so sensational, it shines outwardly.

Congratulations Crystle!!! You go girl!!!!

Flyness and Funk(-y $200,000 Mikimoto pearl and diamond crowns),

Ike