GLAM OR SHAM?: Beyonce is Criticized for Looking "Too White" at the White House State Dinner

Hey Glamazons,

Only last week, we discussed the prevalence of black models and celebrities with "white girl features" in entertainment, captured in the documentary "The Colour of Beauty." Now the debate is resurfacing with pictures of a platinum blonde, pale-skinned Beyonce arriving at the White House State Dinner.

Critics view Beyonce's heavy foundation and platinum blonde hair as evidence that she is trying her hardest to resemble a white woman. Some have even recalled her infamous L'Oreal advertisement as proof of her ongoing quest to appear white.

In her defense, she was performing that night, and as any performer knows, you have to pile on foundation for the stage. And I love the shimmery beaded Ralph and Russo gown though some claim the slit is inappropriate for the White House.

What are your thoughts? Do you consider Bey's bleached blonde hair and pale skin part of her thinly-veiled attempt to look white?

Kisses,

Coutura

Beyonce's New Dereon Bedding Line Features Sequins, Studs and Even Mirrors

This just in! Now you can watch Beyonce's videos while wearing Beyonce clothes and spraying Beyonce perfume in Beyonce-designed bedding! Woohoo!

The Dereon and House of Dereon brands have expanded, like Mama Tina promised, to include bedding: sheets, comforters, pillows, shams and coverlets to be exact via WWD. But this isn't your average bedding. It is completely Beyonce-ified.

Expect bedding with such glamorous flourishes as bold colors, sequins, studs and mirrors. Yes, mirrors. 

For all the Beyonce fans who can't wait to sleep the Sasha Fierce way, House of Dereon bedding will cost you $150-$200 while the more affordable Dereon bedding is priced at $50-$100.

Tina Knowles told WWD: "Both Beyonce and I are huge fans of home furnishings and try to stay on top of this ever-changing market." 

I would love to see what their homes look like.

Oh and if that's not enough, Mama Tina reveals plans for towels and table top accessories down the line. I think Beyonce-inspired diapers, furniture, garbage bags, kitchen appliances and carpeting would be a logical next step. 

But I have to say, with all the Dereon ventures, no one's had the idea yet for a lacefront wig line?

Kisses,

Coutura

Source

Photo Courtesy of NYMag.com

VIDEO GLAM: Beyonce as Daisy Duke in "Why Don't You Love Me?"

Don't call it a comeback, because she never left. Beyonce is back from her "break" with another video for the bonus track on her I Am...Sasha Fierce album, "Why Don't You Love Me?"


Written by sister, Solange, "Why Don't You Love Me?" is another anthem for the under-appreciated woman whose man is overdue for a curse out and break-up. 


The video, directed by Melina, is innovative and refreshing. Bey channels Hollywood sirens like Daisy Duke while burning food, fixing the car and dusting off her Grammys---all to be treated unkindly by her no-good man. 

Bey's association with these screen legends isn't merely innovative, but it also facilitates her never-ending quest to become an icon. And it seems she's been taking acting classes. That or the running makeup and martini glass really help set the atmosphere. She is brilliant at the ditzy Stepford wife role though. Check out the vid below:



"Why Don't You Love Me" - Beyoncé from Beyoncé on Vimeo.



Speaking of wife, it's rumored that Bey got a Brooklyn tattoo. I personally LOVE Brooklyn so I'm not mad at it. And I mean, her husband's from there. If he put a ring on it, represent any way you'd like.

What do you guys think of the video? And the tattoo? Is the "break" ever gonna happen? Do you want it to?


Discuss.


Kisses,


Coutura

Beyonce Opens A Cosmetology Center at The Phoenix House

Glamazons,

I love a fashion and beauty-obsessed pop star with a heart of glittery gold.

Beyonce is the latest singer to prove that beauty is as beauty does with her passionate mission to empower the men and women of The Phoenix House.

Her most recent initiative? The launch of The Beyonce Cosmetology Center run out of The Phoenix House today in Dumbo, Brooklyn.

The venture will run as a part of The Phoenix House's Career Academy, a residential treatment and vocational training program. Beyonce's school will prepare residents undergoing treatment for careers in the cosmetology industry in a seventh-month program. The ultimate goal of the program is to give residents the necessary tools to lead financially independent and drug-free lives. Tear. So inspiring!

The singer first visited The Phoenix House to prepare for her role in Cadillac Records, playing a drug-abusing Etta James. Beyonce was so moved by their mission that she donated her entire paycheck from the film to the program.

Beyonce, along with Mama Tina, will speak today at the opening in Brooklyn.

How nobel of Bey to give the gift of beauty, and empowerment, to the residents of the Phoenix House! Donating money is one thing, but giving people the skills to financially support and better themselves is a priceless gift!

My hat goes off to Beyonce. I can totally see her Halo.

Kisses,

Coutura

GLAM OR SHAM?: Beyonce 'Heats' Up the TV Screen for Fragrance Commercial

We read what Ferocia thought about Beyonce's first fragrance, 'Heat' licensed by Coty. But with this commercial, does it even matter what it smells like? After the men finishing drooling and the ladies finish practicing the moves in the mirror in their favorite silk red dress, they will undoubtedly run to Macy's to purchase the fragrance.


What's more? To kick off the launch of 'Heat,' Beyonce will illuminate Union Square on February 2nd with a fiery red light and smoky fog, giving the city an aura that matches her sensual appeal. The lighting will serve as a backdrop to her super exclusive launch party for all her friends in media and entertainment.


On February 3rd, it's all about the fans. Beyonce will make a personal appearance at Macy's Herald Square, where the first customers to purchase the Beyonce Heat 3-piece fragrance set will get the chance to meet and pose with the pop icon. I can see the line of uncontrollable stans forming in my head, clamoring to touch the hem of her House of Dereon garment. 


Both events will be chaotic enough to usher in the launch of the 'Heat' fragrance in true Sasha Fierce fashion. 


What do we think of the commercial, Glamazons? It's superhot, that kind of play after 11pm with a parental advisory disclaimer hot. Is it too seductive for her super-clean image (cue her 20/20 interview airing in full today before the Grammy's)? [My boo said he forgot what she was selling: fragrance or...something else.] Or is it irresistibly sexy in a way only Beyonce can get away with?


What's the verdict? Glam or a sham?

Glam or a Sham: Lady Gaga and Beyonce's Video Phone Remix

Hey Glamazons!!

The internet is abuzz with praise and criticism for the latest video from pop Queen, Beyonce, featuring the incredible Lady Gaga. While we're still partial to Lady Gaga's amazing Bad Romance vid, we adore Beyonce's outfit changes, the dance sequence and both ladies' phenomenal physiques. Hubba Hubba, indeed.

Still, there's been a lot of flack about the video, which only leaked yesterday night. Among the many complaints, here were a few that stood out:

-Lady Gaga isn't "herself," in the video but a white version of Beyonce. With one line, one outfit and one scene, why is she even there?

-Beyonce's in-your-face, sex-soaked moves are plain trashy, cheap and reminiscent of "Check on It." (Someone even said: Strippers should sue for copyright infringement). Even more say it's irresponsible to her younger fans.

-Beyonce swagger jacked Rihanna's edgy/dominatrix look.

Hmm...do you agree or disagree with the points above? Check the video out below and give us your verdict. Glam or a Sham?

NEW! House of Dereon Launches Daywear

Hey Glamazons!

Does Beyonce ever take a break? (Aside from the perfect bikini bod shots and bodyguard scuffle in Croatia...lol). The superstar, along with Mom, Tina Knowles, announced the launch of a Spring 2010 daywear collection for House of Dereon today via WWD. The dresses, suits, jackets and jumpsuits are designed for the modern woman whose double-duty wardrobe takes her fashionably from work to dinner. Their first foray into work-appropriate clothing, House of Dereon daywear has a decidedly understated look in comparison to the glitter and glamour of their previous collections.

In my opinion, the clean lines and smart silhouettes mark tremendous growth as a designer for both Tina and Beyonce, whose original House of Dereon casual line left a lot to be desired (and unfortunately, the market sales reflected my sentiment). Tina expects the daywear line to sell better than its predecessor: "With strong trend-driven pieces, affordable prices, blends of sportiness and the strong dichotomy of Beyonce's viewpoints mixed with mine, the collection is sure to be impactful," she told WWD.

I'm inclined to think Beyonce could sell a brown paper bag and make it an impactful trend, given the power of her brand! Clearly, Tina agrees: the brand may be expanding to include a jewelry and shoe line. Exciting! I'm a huge fan of Dereon shoes and the shoes Solange and Beyonce wear always become my personal lust-haves.

For now, check out the daywear collection and let me know what you think. And if you love the modern yet timeless pieces, you can purchase them come Spring 2010 at high-end department stores. Are you impressed with the designs? Would you wear them or is Dereon more your style? Are you excited for possible jewelry and shoe lines from House of Dereon?





Kisses,

Coutura

Pictures: WWD.com.

Ad Glam: Beyonce in Sasha Fierce for Dereon

Doesn't get much crazier, sexier or cooler than Beyonce's new Ad for Sasha Fierce for Dereon. Each pose and look epitomizes the young, fresh & fashionable spirit of the brand! The accessories (pink and black striped socks, the gloves, the glasses, the shades, the shoes!!!) are to die for and the fit is the epitome of body-slimming perfection...well, maybe just on Beyonce, unless the unitard magically gives you curvy hips and impossibly flawless legs!! What do you think of the ad and the Sasha Fierce collection?!

Kisses,

Coutura

Would You Wear...Sasha Fierce?

Hey Glamazons,

So while Rihanna is partying in pasties and Amber Rose is walking under paint...

...Beyonce is thinking of unique ways to capitalize on her split personality. Introducing Sasha Fierce: a Junior's line of sportswear, outerwear, handbags, footwear, eyewear, lingerie and jewelry that's as fresh, daring and full of attitude as Beyonce's alter ego via WWD. Similar to Bey's personal sense of style, Sasha Fierce lets the accessories be the headliner. With chains, lace, mesh, and studs, the accents feel as if they're straight out of the Diva video. (Let me specify: Diva when she's walking in front of an exploding car at the end...more confident, cool Beyonce than the stripper meets pageant queen looks she wears inside the wearhouse.) The supporting cast is the clothing, which is decidedly understated and trendy. Think distressed jeans, leggings, faux leather, black dresses and bodysuits.

Just in time for back-to-school shopping, Sasha Fierce hits Macy's, Dillard's, Jimmy Jazz and Against All Odds this Fall. And teens, you won't spend all your allowance either---the line ranges from $25-$75. What do you think of the line? The last look is calling my name (similar shoes came in the office today from Dereon---I won't sleep until I have them!). Would you wear Sasha Fierce?

Still not enough of your favorite diva? Then check out her Sweet Dreams video below. Not my favorite (haven't we seen this before?) but I'll pretend to like it so her fans don't come running after me. Yay for blonde fingerwaves! ::shudders::