We’ve been preconditioned for years to think that the turn out at the annual Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration is in millions. Yes, on TV screens and livestreams, but in person celebration to watch the ball drop, lately? Nah, think more like a desert rave with low ticket sales.

I worked up enough courage to do what I hadn’t done in years…. to visit the Times Square ball drop festivities in NYC. The moment I stepped off the subway platform in Times Square, forced to navigate my way through the heavily patrolled police guarded stops, it felt more like a funeral of some sort seeing so many long drawn disappointed faces along the way.

I hardly saw anyone smiling in what would have been a celebratory mood of New Year’s Eve. Instead the cops and the crowds, vying to get through the barricades, all felt and looked stressed! It made me wonder if it was worth the effort in coming out at all. Most of the crowds present had been there for at least 5 to 7 hours prior, all aiming for prime views of the ball drop. The whole experience was dampened by continuous rain showers 3 to 4 hours before the auspicious time of midnight.

There were hardly any of the said ‘millions of people” at Times Square. By my guess, I’d say 50k tops! Times Square saw heavy security and barricades than I’d ever seen since the immediate effect of 9/11. People were forbidden from getting in, unless they had a preauthorized confirmed ticket for their allocated area.

Ryan Seacrest, host of the annual televised Rockin Eve could be seen showered with rain, along with co-host Rita Ora, desperately trying to “amp” up the crowd with excitement whenever the TV crew came by for a televised segment. It was depressing to watch. Gone are the organic days of pure joy and genuine excitement. Everything is manufactured and orchestrated now. Sigh….🙄🙈

There seemed to be something off with the atmosphere overall. The whole experience felt forced and orchestrated. This prompted me to ditch my plan to see the ball drop at midnight and headed straight downtown where the festivities was more organic, and genuine with warm meals, free flowing cocktails, mulled wine and bubblies.✌️

As if the night wasn’t dyre enough, I got hit by a vehicle at a traffic light! The culprit was a cab driver making an illegal U turn where he shouldn’t have. This had me flying across the street and flat on my face with all the content of my bag scattered all over the street! Luckily, I wasn’t hurt. Few people around came over to assist me in getting up and gathering my belongings, while scolding the remorseful driver. They insisted on calling the cops, but to what end? I wasn’t hurt and it was the end of the year… about an hour left into the New Year. There was no need to carry bad karma along with it. So, I let it slide and carried on. I’m grateful to be alive! Whew! What a way to end the year. Definitely one for the books, never to be forgotten. 🙏

“Gold Rush” just took a whole new meaning at the Brooklyn museum with The Blonds leading the charge of the Solid Gold exhibition with astonishing number of dazzling gold theme creations, currently on display at the 200 year old iconic institution. No, you don’t need a bucket to dig up dirt in search of golden nuggets, but simply to gaze mouth agape at some of the riveting masterpiece by various designers from Dior, Patrick Kelly, Versace, to name a few. The collection by The Blonds is impressingly noticeable in the vast halls of exhibition at the Museum.

The Blonds designers, Philipe and David Blond took part in a discussion session with fashion luminaries as audience last week detailing some of the stories from behind the scenes, inspirations that brought about some of the creations on display, and the muses & artists/talents who brought them to life on stage. It was particularly interesting hearing Celebrity Stylist Ty-Ron Mayes chronicles of him dressing Supermodel Tyra Banks during the America’s Next Top Model days for magazine covers in some of The Blonds iconic wearable art. We also got a little hint of a documentary in the works and a few other tidbits that’s got my heart racing fast with excitement, especially after I asked about a possible 3rd Barbie doll drop. The first 2 dolls were instant success amongst doll collectors worldwide. One can only hope. So, I’m keeping my dollie fingers crossed for that. In the interim, we’ll live through the human size dolls on the runway during fashion week. 😎

Be sure to watch the video posted on instagram to get a glimpse of the event at the Brooklyn Museum. And listen here in this discussion video to what The Blonds Philip and David had to say about Barbie, models and…

It’s not everyday you get to hang out and talk fashion & Barbie with a legend. As a doll and fashion collector, and a great admirer of Mr. Bob Mackie’s decades long talent and work ethics in creating some of the most iconic and dazzling wearable art fashion in our lifetime and beyond, I was exactly where I needed to be, at the right time. I had the pleasure of seeing him at the Barbie Convention earlier this year in Palm Springs where he screened his entire documentary, “Naked Illusion”, a special treat and exclusive first dip for us Barbie collectors, but nothing compared to our fun one on one encounter yesterday at brunch. I’m telling my kids he’s their long lost Uncle! 😎🙌🏽

Abundance of gratitudes to Museum of Arts and Design for hosting such a wonderful gathering, hosted by none other than Anna Sui, Kay Unger, and Machine Dazzle, under the auspices of Michelle Cohen, the museum director. Mr. Mackie shared many stories about his start in fashion, working with legendary talents such Cher, Carol Burnett, etc… including his ongoing collaborations with his tiniest client, Barbie! Part of which you can hear him talk about towards the end of this reel posted here on instagram. Be sure to watch and listen.

If you’re familiar with my hobby as a doll collector… yes, you guessed it, I made sure to bring along 2 of his Barbie designs from my personal collection. Some of his designs are part of the current Barbie exhibition at Museum of Arts and Design at Columbus Circle in NYC, which is a must see! And grab his a copy of his book, “The Art of Bob Mackie”!

Watch the event video posted here on instagram.

This fall, the iconic Salon Art + Design fair at the Park Avenue Armory returns strong with over 50 art galleries vying for the attention of art dealers and collectors alike. Dare I say, my attention was certainly in a choke hold with numerous jaw dropping artistry from around world, enough to tantalize any collector with discerning taste. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the remarkable architectural miniatures of Giancarlo Valle, which made me regret not bringing my dolls to join the festivities. Knowing me, a quickie photoshoot session would have materialized.

Artists and gallery owners are on hand, eager to assist curious onlookers and potential art afficionados. The exquisite creations includes fine jewelry, contemporary art, architectural sculptures, renaissance and new age abstract art.

85 year old Jerry Ross Barrish from San Francisco, California uses plastics as a medium to create remarkable sculptures in various shades of colors. His beautiful wife, also a visual artist in her own right, was on hand to support her husband of 50+ years. For them, it’s a family affair, judging by the fact that their nephew came along for the ride

I was silently hoping to see a more diversified artwork from regions such as the Middle East, Africa and Asia. I couldn’t help but wonder where those artists are. Perhaps a marketing strategy could be initiated to help appeal to the aforementioned regions to draw more interest to the fair.

Suffice to say, the latest installation of the Salon Art + Designs is a must see. The fair is open Nov 7—11, 2024.

Be sure to watch the video posted on instagram to get a glimpse of the art exhibition.

Jerry Ross Barrish and his wife

Harlem, on October 18, had a taste of a grand night with the Legacy Tribute Dinner, a “Celebration of 55 Years of Soul” hosted by the one and only, son of Harlem, the legendary Doug E. Fresh. The Harlem Cultural Festival Foundation (HCFF), under the auspices of Harlem’s very own natives, Musa Jackson and Nikoa Evans, spared no efforts in ensuring the re-establishment of the foundation and its mission is front and center. The fundraising gala was in support of Harlem Cultural Foundation’s efforts to honor the legacy of the HCFF 1969 Founder Tony Lawrence and his mission to establish a cultural & musical experience in Harlem annually while generating resources for the Harlem community. The gala had some of the best of Harlem natives, well accomplished celebrated luminaries from far and wide in attendance. Musical tributes to the music legends of the 1969 historic Harlem Cultural Festival were performed by several notable musical greats-in-waiting, who all had the guests on their feet dancing for most of the night. A superb time was had by all.

Watch the event video and musical performances posted on Instagram.

Co-founders Musa Jackson and Nikoa Evans

Host, Doug E. Fresh

Yes! If there’s one thing we all humans possess, it’s definitely flaws! No one is spared, and no amount of elective surgery can alter that either. The same goes for emotional flaws. Fashion Model Bethany Chasteen has taken it upon herself to initiate a rather unique charitable endeavor, using her own flaws as a prime example, to celebrate, uplift and empower individuals that have experienced deep life altering physical and emotional trauma. She herself underwent grave medical alteration at the young age of 4. She is living with Sickle Cell Anemia, which led to life-saving emergency surgery of spleen removal and a significant scar across her abdomen.

The “Love Flaws Foundation” initiative offers individuals with visible scars or emotional trauma a unique opportunity to share their stories and highlight their strength through fashion and art. I had the opportunity of hearing some of these stories first hand at the 2nd annual photoshoot celebration of Love Flaws. Stories ranged from an individual who lost her baby at 14 months old to a genetic disorder, another member was abused numerous times while in foster homes, to several others with various forms of physical and medical disabilities.

Bethany created this to empower individuals to embrace their own flaws, promote self-love, and challenge societal standards of beauty. Fashion powerhouse, Cult of Individuality, generously hosted and donated their swanky showroom space in the garment district for the photoshoot event. Love Flaws is an all-inclusive non-profit organization.

See the video from the event posted on Instagram.

Foumder of Love Flaws, Bethany Chasteen

Barbie lovers, afficionado and addicts, myself included! Listen up! Your prayers have been answered! Many of you in the great state of New York, in the doll community have expressed countless desires to trek up north to peruse the much talked about Barbie Museum in Canada! Cry no more, the gawds of plastic has delivered the goods right here in the heart of the big apple. That’ll save you bundle in hotel and airfare!

The world renowned, art forward and edgy Museum of Arts and Design ( MAD), is dedicating 2 premium floors in its landmark institution to a ground breaking Barbie exhibition spanning decades, right on the heel of a very successful run of Taylor Swift exhibition. What a befitting follow up!

I had the honor and privilege of attending a very festive opening gala, the MAD Ball, and a vivacious after party, held in its honor last night at the Museum. The festive fête included recognizing and honoring one of Mattel’s (Barbie) leading designers, Robert Best, who has spent over 30 years crafting some of the brand’s most remarkable collectible Barbies. His sketches could rival any Parisian atelier sketchers. No surprise there considering he had his training foundation at a New York fashion school.

The exhibition, which includes the very young lady of 65 years old who started it all, the coveted #1 Barbie, and other highly sort after collectibles, such as the Karl Lagerfeld Barbie, the original Ken doll to the very first Black Barbie designed by Kitty Perkins almost 50 years ago.

The “Barbie, A Cultural Icon” exhibition” will run from October 19, 2024 to March 16, 2025. I’m grateful and thankful to my dear friend Barbara Tober for making sure I didn’t miss this remarkable opportunity.

Watch the opening night festivities and sneak peek at the exhibition on instagram.

Robert Best

The highly anticipated “Combat at the Garden”, featuring the Kick-Boxing World Championship, concluded with resounding success at Madison Square Garden on October 4, 2024. The sold out event had millions of online viewers as they showcased world-class athletes competing for the coveted title. I introduced our very own, my good friend, the vivacious multihyphanated, Tinu Naija, to the founder of ICN, Inc, (Information, Communication, Network) David Sexta, who secured her to interview the winning athletes at the World Championship event after meeting her at her recent birthday bash. Tinu, who always looks like she stepped out of the pages of a magazine wearing a gold sequin jumpsuit, a vintage gold printed silk scarf by Robert Cavalli and jewels by Kenneth Jay Lane, literally took over the giant screen jumbotrons at the Madison Square Garden during her on-air interviews of the athletes! And to think it was her first time ever setting foot in the building. She certainly made her mark in style! David Sexta expressed his enthusiasm: “The overwhelming response to ‘Combat at the Garden’ demonstrates the power of innovative partnerships in the streaming industry.”

The event illustrated a seamless integration of in-person and digital experiences.The partnership between ICN Inc. and Triller TV, with its 8 million subscribers, was a clear game-changer in the world of sports entertainment. Triller TV is a rapidly growing streaming platform, known for its diverse content offerings and innovative approach to digital entertainment. Clearly, expect more great things from these companies.

Crowd favorite Irakli Ghvinjilia, for whom David Sexta served as an interpreter during his interview with Tinu, took home the top title. Congratulations to all the participants.

Be sure to watch the short reel of Tinu’s interviews posted on instagram

Written by Lorraine Silvetz, special guest blogger at tinuonline.com

Tinu with the winning champion Irakli Ghvinjilia, and David Sexta

Tinu and 1st runner up champion Brandon Cutino

Lorraine Silvetz and her entourage of friends

64 years ago on Oct 1, the great nation of Republic of Nigeria literally dodged the apartheid bullet by gaining independence shortly before discovering vast mineral resources such as oil, among many other things that would have subjected the most populous black country in the world to what their fellow African nation had endured at the hands of their oppressors due to their land serving as home to some of the biggest diamonds in the world. I need not name the countries. Your guess is as good as mine.

Nigerians in diaspora living in New York City and nearby states flocked to the big apple, proudly clad in their beloved countries flag of green and white fineries, took to the iconic Madison Avenue, floats and flags of various sizes in tow. They danced (myself included) in merriment, with pride and joy, enough to attract passersby, who had no idea of what was going on, but instantly felt had the spontaneous inclination to join in on the fun, dancing and waving the Nigerian flags given to them. I’ve never felt more proud as a Nigerian, having covered many a parades here in the city. I felt right at home, amongst my kinsmen, which to me is akin to shouting from a mountain top with immense pride.

The celebration could easily rival any Nigerian wedding, which in itself is iconic and legendary. Nigerians are known to have one of the most elaborate and lavish weddings in the world. The celebration of the Nation’s independence in New York felt more like a week long festivities. Suffice to say, it actually only started few days before, which included a ceremony of Nigeria”s flag being raised in the morning by the bull statue near Wall Street, to the tune of the national anthem with the help of New York City’s Mayor Eric Adams, followed by a sumptuous dinner gala, hosted by the Consulate General Ambassador Abubakar Jidda at the Embassy, the Nigeria House on the actual independence day of Oct 1, and built up to the annual parade the next day. The dinner gala also served as a great opportunity to recognize and award great achievements by Nigerians in diaspora, such as Dr. Philip Ozuah, president & CEO of Montefiore Medicine (who “sprayed” the presenter of his award, OAN President, Tomi Aregbesola, while dancing, several $100 bills!). Others awarded included members of the OAN for their unwaving and selfless dedication to their contributions in keeping the culture of Nigerians alive within the community here in the USA.

The parade, under the auspices of the OAN, the Organization for the Advancement of Nigerians, Inc, with Honorable Judge Olayinka DanSalami at the helm as the Committee Chairman, was previously held at the Dag Hammarskjold Plaza at Turtle Bay, but had to be moved to its current location on Madison Avenue due to an ongoing construction at the previous site. It might have been a devil in disguise because the new parade route ends at the Madison Square Park on 26th street, which also serves as a favorable route for other ethnic group’s parade routes in the city, such as the Persian and Indian Day parades. The location offers a far more visible vantage point at the park, where vendors are set up and could easily be accessible to onlookers who might have never heard about the parade or tried any of the wares offered by Nigeria as a country. Unfortunately, many previous revelers took it upon themselves to go to the previous location out of habit, thus missed out on the occasion.

Nigerians, known for their hardwork, high achievements, resilience and ability to adapt to anywhere and anything, made Madison Avenue a place many would never forget. The affair turned into an Afrobeat outdoor block party. We wouldn’t expect anything less from a Nigerian soiree, considering their the source of the reigning music genre worldwide at the moment. The event unleashed several dances moves from Mayor Eric Adams and the Ambassador himself, who soon tossed aside his ceremonial robe (agbada). They were cutting up! The biggest score of the day was when Nigeran superstar Kcee took over the stage with some of his hits. The increased vibration of energy could be felt several city blocks away. Congratulations to Judge Olayinka DanSalami, Olayinka Sarayi, Tomi Aregbesola, Ibrahim Ahmed, and so many others at the OAN team for pulling this entire operation off flawlessly!

Can we expect this kind of level of excitement and organization going forward? What’s 65th ….dare I say, 70th going to look like? Are we ready? Nigeria kwenu! Nigeria kwenu! Let’s do it again next year! I definitely can’t wait!

Be sure to watch the event’s video on instagram.

Consulate General Ambassador Abubakar Jidda

Mayor Eric Adams

Honorable Judge Olayinka DanSalami

Music artist Kcee

Dr. Philip Ozuah

It was double happiness at the people’s house of NYC last night. Not even the ongoing indictment against Mayor Eric Adams could deter his strong desire to celebrate his beloved African constituents in diaspora. “Africa Day” and Nigerian Independence Day were front and center on his agenda, with one his right hand woman Guinean-American, Aissata Camara at the helm. The Mayor started the auspicious day in the morning with a Nigerian flag raising ceremony in downtown Manhattan, to the tune of the Nation’s anthem. The festivity crescendoed with a lavish bash at the lawn of his official residence uptown. Carefully curated selection of invited esteemed guests feasted on catered/sponsored authentic African cuisines and drinks. The world renowned Jollof Rice was noticeably present and popular amongst the guests. It surprisingly made it into Mayor’s speech, where he cleverly declared (with great risk) the Nigerian jollof as the winner. Taking a job at the world famous never ending “Jollof War” across West African nations.The vibe was exceptionally positive and festive, with guests dressed in their various national attire in honor of the day.

Shortly after the Mayor gave his highly anticipated speech, he made himself accessible to his guests, granting lengthy greetings and photo ops. It was a stark contrast to the Juneteenth celebration months ago in June when he hardly set foot beyond the stage and hopped out behind the curtains and ceased to be seen afterwards. Needless to say, with the ongoing indictment hovering in the air, the African community at large have chosen to stand by him. One of the celebratory citation award recipient of the night, Mr Bakary Camara, was quick to remind the guests of the very first tragedy that rocked the city during the Mayor’s first week in office. The devastating incident was over a dozen Africans killed in a fire in the Bronx. The very same tragedy that saw Cardi B offering to pick up their burial expenses.The debacle touched on some raw nerves in the audience. A great strategy to remind the guests of where to put their political allegiance at his witching hour of need. During his speech, the Mayor jokingly beseeched his beloved Africans to work their little magic in getting him over the troubled hurdles and ahead in the polls, come election day. A perfect comedic timing if I dare say so myself. 😎

The festivities will continue on Saturday on Madison Avenue with the Nigerian Independence Day parade, where the Mayor is expected to participate.

Be sure to watch the event’s video and Mayor’s speech posted on instagram.