Vogue magazine under fire for article on ‘slave earrings’

Vogue Italia has come under fire for a controversial article covering “slave earrings” as fashion accessories.
The fashion magazine’s Italian version features a controversial article titled “Slave earrings Hoop earrings: a classic always in evolution.” The article reads:
Jewelry has always flirted with circular shapes, especially for use in making earrings. The most classic models are the slave and creole styles in gold hoops.
If the name brings to the mind the decorative traditions of the women of colour who were brought to the southern United States during the slave trade, the latest interpretation is pure freedom. Source
Furious readers have taken to social networking websites to voice their displeasure about the article’s wording which is surely designed to bait and inflame its African readers.
This latest furor about insensitivity in marketing comes on the heels of a disastrous marketing campaign by body care giant Nivea which featured a black man in a magazine ad accompanied with the text “Re-civilize yourself.”
But unlike Nivea, which later apologized for its insensitivity, Vogue has yet to release a statement.
Celebs Out & About: Rihanna, La La Anthony, Lil Wayne
According to E! Online, 28-year-old rapper Lil Wayne fell and bumped his head while skateboarding with rapper Corey Gunz at Transitions Ramp Park in Dearborn Heights, Michigan yesterday morning. E! Online reports that Weezy required several stitches to close the gaping gash. Shouldn’t he be used to falling on his head by now? Tuck and roll next time Weezy!
The platinum-selling rapper was admitted to DePaul Health Center with a nasty cut on his forehead after wiping out at a skateboarding park near the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, where he had just finished giving a concert.
Fans will be happy to hear however that Lil Wayne is doing fine.
“The Lou was good but I busted my fuggin head at the sk8park! 9stitches! Gnarly gash over my left eye! Luv the people,” the hip-hopster tweeted after doctors patched him up. Source
Ed Hartwell is back on the market; Lisa Wu Confirms split
The blogosphere is buzzing about the breakup of former “Real Housewives of Atlanta” cast member Lisa Wu and her husband, former NFL player Ed Hartwell. Wu tweeted confirmation of the split on her Twitter account today.

But that didn’t stop tongues from wagging about money troubles and infidelity being the leading causes of the breakup. Much of the gossip centers around who hunky Ed Hartwell is dating now. Atlanta’s chronically single ladies are already plotting and setting their traps for Ed.
Unfortunately for them, Ed is working to reconcile with his former flame, Lisa, if only for the sake of his 3-year-old son EJ.
A source close to Lisa’s camp tells us that Ed moved out of their home in June of this year — but he didn’t go far. Let’s just say he lives nearby so he can maintain his relationship with his son.
Another family friend says rumors that Lisa is now dating actor Malcolm Jamal Warner, whom she’s pictured with at the Bronner Brothers hair show this past weekend, are completely false.
Despite reports that Lisa Wu left Ed because of his shaky finances, they actually separated because people who are in love do eventually grow apart. That’s life. Even if you are married for 5 years like Ed and Lisa were. “He was my soulmate,” Lisa said to a family friend about the breakup. But the couple remain good friends and loving parents to their son.
Celebs Out & About: Rihanna vacations in the south of France
Troubled singer Rihanna was seen blowing kisses at the paparazzi who keep her relevant as she boarded a luxury yacht in Saint Laurent du Var in the south of France today.
Two days ago, Rihanna displayed her disturbing erotic stage routine at the V Festival at Weston Park, Staffordshire, UK. Friends say the once bubbly Barbadan chanteuse has descended into the pits of mental depression fueled by bouts of alcoholism and drug use. I hope she can get it together for her mother’s sake.
Photos: Zak Hussein/INFevents.com
New Couple Alert: Willow Smith has a boyfriend
Last year, Willow Smith rocketed to the top of the charts with her hit song “Whip My Hair”. The singing sensation who turns 11 in October, has a new man in her life. Willow, whose famous parents are Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith, was spotted with her handsome boo in Hollywood yesterday. The cute little couple were spotted strolling in the streets of Hollywood with friends.
Young love is so cute! Do you think Willow is too young to date? Well, remember that her parents are Scientologists who believe in allowing their children to have more freedom than the average kid.
Photos: INF PHOTO
Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries’ Vainglorious Wedding
All eyes were on the wedding of the century in affluent Montecito, CA on Saturday as Kim Kardashian married her basketball player.
Beaming and beautiful, bride Kim Kardashian looked a picture of happiness as she prepared to exchange vows with fiance Kris Humphries.
In a sneak peek of the couple’s wedding, which took place on Saturday at a private home in Montecito, California, the 30-year-old reality star could be seen gazing up at her husband as they stood hand in hand.
E! Entertainment let fans of the show have a brief glimpse of the wedding last night (watch video after the break). The full ceremony will air on the network in early October. Source
Ciara wasn’t exactly thrilled to attend the wedding, especially since her basketball star boyfriend dumped her weeks ago.
Kim looked stunning in her ivory custom-designed strapless Vera Wang gown. The gown was one of four that the designer created for Kim. The dress had a full tulle skirt, a basque waist and Chantilly lace decorated the bodice and long train. Kim changed into the other 3 gowns at the reception and after party.
The extravagant wedding cost $29 million and the tab was picked up by Kim’s sponsors. Lucky girl!
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Photo of The Day: Michelle gives Barack the cold shoulder

While some of the country was fixated on a wedding that is destined to end in divorce, U.S. President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama did nothing to diminish reports that their own marriage is on the rocks. For starters, the couple arrived on Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts on Friday in separate jets — sparking rumors of discord between the commander-in-chief and his wife. Then the media made much ado about this REUTERS photo showing Mrs. Obama icily shutting her husband out while listening to music on her iPod as they left their vacation home yesterday. It was one of the rare times the Obamas were seen together publicly on the well-to-do island.
What do you kids think of the Obamas’ apparent marital problems?
(Photo by REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque (UNITED STATES – Tags: POLITICS)






















