Fashion designer, entrepreneur and philanthropist Kimora Lee Simmons, is back and bolder than ever with her new Baby Phat Holiday 2019 collection. Starring her daughters Ming and Aoki Lee Simmons, the sister duo debut on the brand’s latest campaign alongside some furry feline friends.
Launched back in 1999, the original streetwear brand designed solely for women was worn by the biggest names in the industry including Rihanna, Alicia Keyes, Naomi Campbell, Britney Spears and Chrissy Teigen, and was the epitome of glam and “fabulosity.” Ten years later, Simmons’ label has finally relaunched along with the iconic cat brand logo that represents the company’s flirty, feminine aesthetic.
For its first full collection since its revival, Ming and Aoki helped conceptualize in terms of creative direction and the theme of the campaign. The range features 10 to 15 styles including an updated take on the iconic velour tracksuit with a flirty cropped top and drawstring pant, available in “Lilac,” “Sand” and “Black.” The next drop will consist of windbreakers detailed with reflective elements and a splash of neon, as well as oversized hoodies, knitwear and cropped T-shirts.
Take a look at the self-directed shoot by Ming and Aoki featuring a mansion filled with kittens, rhinestone-laden accessories and even a bright blue Lamborghini. The Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons Holiday collection ranges from $70 USD to $300 USD and is now available exclusively at Baby Phat’s website.
Marc Jacobs has tapped British artist Magda Archer for a fun-loving collaboration. Known for her pop-kitsch illustrations depicting surrealist images with tongue-in-cheek phrases, Archer applies her sensibility to a series of tops for the American fashion house.
The perfect match to Marc Jacobs’ already irreverent aesthetic, the illustrations adorn a series of brightly-hued crewnecks, sweaters and T-shirts. Archer’s cheeky signature sayings, like “I hate art,” “my life is crap” and “I’m gonna die lonely” are paired with lighthearted animals making for a humorous juxtaposition of sentiments. Archer’s aesthetic is combined with Marc Jacobs’ color plays, coming through in bright pastels and bold shades, to round out the offering. Altogether, the series serves as a statement making collection — both in the literal and fashion sense.
Check out the Magda Archer x Marc Jacobs collaboration in the lookbook above and head to marcjacobs.com to purchase the new collection.
Chicago-based womenswear label Azeeza has brought its signature feminine flair to the Nike Air Force 1 and a range of apparel. Founded in 2015 by Azeeza Khan, the luxury brand quickly gained recognition for its voluminous, ruffled dresses rendered in brightly hued silk.
The Azeeza x Nike Air Force 1 Low comes in two forms, both sporting a triple black colorway and an intricately beaded Swoosh. One version features the Swoosh in silver and the other in black, both using the mix medium, “Swarovski Caviar Bead.” Athleisure including a hoodie is updated with the brand’s signature ruffle detailing, while a tiered sweatshirt dress features Nike and Azeeza co-branding.
To check out the full Azeeza x Nike collection, head to Azeeza’s website. Pieces are currently sold out, but Azeeza expects to restock soon.
Lauren Wasser was 24 years old when she was diagnosed with Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). The rare yet potentially fatal condition, which you may have read about from warnings on tampon boxes, mostly affects menstruating women who use the super-absorbent female hygiene product. According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, TSS may currently occur in about three in 100,000 menstruating women, with young women between the age of 15 to 25 being the most susceptible to the disease.
In her fight against TSS, Wasser underwent two amputation surgeries and lost both her legs. Since recovering from the near-death experience, the model has been actively raising awareness about the condition and advocating for transparency in the feminine care industry.
“It’s so important to keep people aware of the dangers that still exist in tampons,” Wasser told HYPEBAE. “Women and little girls are still dying and/or getting injured. We have some tampon and period-proof underwear brands that are addressing the issues associated with TSS, but what about those everyday feminine hygiene products that are on our shelves? The commercials that are advertised still have no warning that the product can kill or injure you.”
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“It’s absurd that these brands are still producing products that contain harmful toxic chemicals such as rayon, bleach and dioxin that we are putting into our bodies at the most vulnerable time of the month. All these synthetic fibers are harmful to us and shouldn’t be in there, period. Pun not intended.”
As a survivor of the life-threatening disease, Wasser is determined to break the stigma around TSS and to use her voice to call for change. “All I’m saying is that these companies can make safer products, but it is a very money-driven industry. I hope in my lifetime I’m able to make changes and save some lives because of my experience with TSS.”
“We need these companies to make safer products. I didn’t need to almost lose my life and have my legs taken from me.”
To prevent other people from suffering from the condition, Wasser believes it is important for feminine hygiene companies to ensure that their products are safe for consumers.
“We need these companies to make safer products. I didn’t need to almost lose my life and have my legs taken from me. We have the technology to make feminine hygiene products safer and without all the harmful toxins. Big companies need to be held accountable and the FDA should make it mandatory that things change. I’m currently advocating for a bill to be passed by Congress, which would be huge. It’s a simple ask for us as women to be made aware and informed of what exactly is going inside of us.”
“I need women and men to be mad about this issue because it can easily affect people closest to them. It can happen to anyone, at any time.”
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On her journey to recovery, Wasser said candidly that “it’s been one hell of a ride.” The traumatic experience of the disease had even taken a toll on her mental health. “I honestly can’t believe I’m alive, let alone thriving in life. I went from almost dying to contemplating suicide, and thinking I would never be loved. My whole identity was stripped from me and I had to reinvent myself. I never would have imagined that I would be in this position but I’m so grateful to have this platform to do good and inspire others.”
It’s the support system around her that has helped her carry on. “I couldn’t have made it without my amazing support team day in and day out. My friends and family never left my side, during a time of healing and recovery when love and support is so crucial. I also didn’t give up because I realized I am just the messenger and God gave me a purpose — I have a job to do.”
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“When I was trying to salvage my left foot for so long living with such excruciating pain, it was impossible to live the life I led before and so badly wanted again. Making the choice to amputate my left leg for a better life was the best thing I could have done for myself. Since amputating in January of 2018, I have had my life back.”
A basketball lover who always dreamt of playing for the WNBA, Wasser is gradually able to lead an active lifestyle again. In fact, she’s even training for the New York City Marathon.
“I’m pain free while playing basketball, running, doing Pilates and training for the 2020 NYC Marathon. I feel like that 24-year-old girl before TSS. I’m back!”
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Getting back into modeling has also played a huge part in Wasser’s recovery. “It’s been heaven sent. I never would have thought this industry would be so supportive and accept me with open arms,” she said. “If this [TSS] happened to me 10 years ago, I don’t think I would be where I am. It shows that this industry is changing and expanding its idea of beauty to include all shapes, sizes, abilities and colors. We still have a lot of work ahead but progress is progress and I’ve created my own lane. I’m not going to be molded by anything other than what I want to create for myself. I’m grateful for the brands that have believed in me, my message and everything I stand for.”
“I’m honestly still shook, and it’s been almost two months since the show (laughs). That show meant so much to me. To be noticed and highlighted by Rihanna and placed on a stage with the best of the best is a dream come true.”
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When asked if she thinks that the fashion industry is doing enough to cater to the disabled community, Wasser’s response was hopeful. “I think it’s moving in the right direction, there are more doors opening. Rome wasn’t built in a day, so I think with time we will see more opportunities and inclusivity for the disabled community. I just want to tear down the labels and walls that are created, by creating my own path.”
“I learned that our physical beauty and body are just our vessels. It doesn’t define us. Our heart and actions are what define us.”
“Growing up with model parents and only seeing and being around that one side of beauty, I guess I only associated it with our outside appearance. Having to dig deep after hitting rock bottom and seeing myself so broken, I learned that our physical beauty and body are just our vessels. It doesn’t define us. Our heart and actions are what define us. Leaving a legacy of good and positive changes for generations to come should be our goals. We must set the tone and lead by example.”
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And if she could go back in time to give her younger self some advice, Wasser would tell her this:
“Life is so precious, it’s not about what car you have, how much money you make or what clothes you wear… It’s about the heart you carry. Loving and being present with the people you care about and appreciate is so important because we’re only here temporarily. Make it count and leave a mark for the better. Also, trust your gut.”
