UPPERS
Some guy named Paul: Before swimming with sharks for Harper’s Bazaar and stealing the Super Bowl at her pre-show performance with Kanye, Rihanna graciously released a new single. FourFiveSeconds is also McCartney’s biggest hit in America in 28 years.
Empire: Lee Daniels’ new family saga set in the hip-hop music industry is never boring. Daniels calls it the “black Dynasty”, and while it does offer a wealth of soapy drama and superb Naomi Campbell guest spots, it also deals with social issues and attacks racism, sexism and homophobia with a frankness seldom seen on network television.
Por Vida: We’re falling hard for dreamy Colombian “soul wop” singer Kali Uchis, who just released her EP last week, featuring production from Tyler, the Creator, BADBADNOTGOOD, and Kaytranada.
That Which Does Not Kill: Completed by Swedish journalist and author David Lagercratz after Stieg Larsson’s death, the follow-up to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is scheduled for release in August. Publishers anticipate a global sensation on par with The Da Vinci Code.
DOWNERS
This Sick Beat™: Back off, Swifties and metalheads. This totally chill phrase now legally belongs to T Swift.
Modesty: It’s all about dick cleavage for 2015 (cf. Rick Owens AW15). Owens explained that his penis-flashing tunics were inspired by classical nude statues, and said of his decision that “nudity is the most simple and primal gesture.”
The Ugg Boot Revival: According to British Vogue, Uggs are back. They recommend pairing them “with a vintage dress and chunky knit”. Nope.
V-Steam: Please don’t steam your vagina, no matter what Gwyneth tells you.
Literally Can’t Even: I literally couldn’t even with this stunningly bad new web series from Snapchat, which premiered on the app’s new “Snap Channel” last week. Rich white girls! Bros! EDM! It was the worst 4 mins of my day.
APC: During APC’s fall menswear presentation, founder Jean Touitou repeatedly dropped the n-word as he introduced a look he calls LAST Ni##@$ IN PARIS. Touitou defended himself with reference to his good pal Kanye, or in other words, “I’m not racist, it’s cool, I have black friends!”.
Bruce’s bullies: We’re horrified by the appalling reporting on Jenner’s unconfirmed gender transition. From the misuse of correct gender pronouns to InTouch’s outrageously photoshopped cover to the widespread treatment of transitioning as public spectacle and a dirty secret to be ashamed of, it’s clear our popular media has no idea how to deal with a person in transition.
