People & Places NEWS/FEATURES Fashion Industry Evolves Amid

ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, APRIL 19, 2021 NEWS/FEATURES 13

People & Places

People

Tries to fi nd harmony Mystikal opens up on dropped rape charge NEW YORK, April 18, (AP): After spending more than four years under the “bad dream” of rape and kid- napping charges that were recently dismissed, rapper Mystikal says he wants to shed the sexually-charged songs of his past, and now has a higher audience in mind. “When I look back and listen to the music, man — I was a nasty lil’ rapper!” he said with a hint of embar- rassment in an interview with The Associated Press. “A lot of my music now, I imagine myself rapping it to God and if I can rap it, I’m proud.” The Louisiana hip-hop legend spoke to The Asso- ciated Press in one of his fi rst interviews after fi rst- degree rape and second-degree kidnapping charges stemming from a 2016 allegation were dismissed in December. The rapper, who pleaded guilty in 2003 to sexual battery and served six years in prison, initially denied involvement with the woman and spent 18 months in jail before being released on a $3 million bond. Louisiana’s Caddo Parish District Attorney closed the investigation after new evidence was presented to a second grand jury that de- clined to bring an indictment. Mystikal The district attorney then fi led to dismiss the charges. The long ordeal “was like a reoccurring bad dream,” he said. “I didn’t know how it was going to work out.” Now he wants to make changes to his career — and In this Jan. 27, 2021 file photo, a model wears a creation for Fendi’s Spring-Summer 2021 Haute Couture fashion collection presented in Paris. (AP) life — as he tries to fi nd harmony beyond a troubled past. Though Mystical says he “can’t go to God” with lines like the dirty opening verse of his hit “Shake Ya A(asterisk)(asterisk),” don’t expect him to start ap- Fashion pearing on the gospel charts. Dismissal Within days of the case’s dismissal, a blitz of fi lm trailers for Eddie Murphy’s highly anticipated “Com- Virus forces a rethink ing 2 America” began airing, featuring “Feel Right,” Mystikal’s 2015 smash with Mark Ronson. The New Orleans product said he had no idea the song would be Fashion industry evolves amid pandemic used, but he doesn’t believe in coincidences. “It felt like God was winking his eye at me,” he PARIS, April 18, (AP): The pandemic said, smiling. “That’s what strengthens my spirituality has torn a multibillion-dollar bite out right now, things like that.” of the fabric of Europe’s fashion in- Mystikal maintained his innocence, but few sought dustry, stopped runway shows and Gucci celebrates 100 years with his work. But bookings for live performances are forced brands to show their designs picking back up, and his life story will digitally instead. the ‘Aria’ collection by Michele be featured on the upcoming season of TV One’s Now, amid hopes of a return to near- popular music docuseries “Unsung.” normality by the year’s end, the indus- Mystikal’s most recent trouble began in October MILAN, April 18, (AP): Gucci crea- tension” of Ford’s decade at Gucci try is asking what fashion will look tive director Alessandro Michele from 1994-2004. 2016 after his performance at a “Legends of Southern like as it dusts itself off and struggles Hip-Hop” concert in Shreveport, Louisiana. Accord- is celebrating the fashion house’s “Tom understood right from the to its well-heeled feet again. 100th anniversary this year, giv- beginning that Gucci had some ing to police records obtained by the AP, Mystikal and Answers vary. Some think the ing historic sweep to a collection kind of magnetism, this cult power,” a few members of his entourage, including hopeful Diane Warren arrives at the 90th Fashion Week format, in use since unveiled virtually Thursday that Michele said. rapper Averweone “Lil Hood” Holman, partied with Academy Awards Nominees Lun- the 1940s, will be radically rethought. embraced its equestrian heritage, Michele, who took over as crea- Holman’s female friend and her boyfriend. cheon in Beverly Hills, Calif on Feb 5, Others believe Asia will consolidate borrowed references from the Tom tive direction of Gucci six years ago, The victim, who told police they continuously gave 2018. Warren is nominated for an Os- its huge gains in infl uence. Many see Ford era and outright stole from the put a fetishized spin on Gucci’s her drinks, became separated from her boyfriend for a car for best original song for her work brands seeking greater sustainability to French sister-brand Balenciaga. trademark equestrian references, few hours, the records said. When they reconnected, in ‘The Life Ahead’ starring Sophia court a younger clientele. “Gucci was born under some including riding caps, fringed leath- the boyfriend said she seemed disoriented. Loren. (AP) — Details on Page 12 kind of constellation, because the er riding crops and spit-polished Holman told investigators that he and the victim Impact power it holds is nearly inexplica- boots mixed with glamorous se- were both intoxicated and had intercourse. He said “The impact of the pandemic will be ble,’’ Michele told a video press quined evening wear, or subverted they were the only ones in the room. unquestionably to increase the impor- conference. with erotic sheer dresses of logo- Police noted that while the victim said she didn’t re- Variety tance and infl uence of Asia on fash- The celebration party was set in emblazoned netting. Models dan- member certain parts of the night, she recalled waking ion,” said Gildas Minvielle, economist a fi lm-set version of London’s Sa- gled long jewelry from their noses. up on a bed with her panties down and Holman’s pe- at the Institut Francais de la Mode in voy Hotel, where fashion house In one of the collection’s most sur- founder Guccio Gucci got inspira- prising turns, Michele borrowed, or nis out. She also had another memory of her buttocks LOS ANGELES: J-Lo and A-Rod are no Paris. hurting with Mystikal standing behind her, according tion to return home to Florence and hacked, looks directly from Balencia- longer J-Rod — offi cially. “Luxury in Europe has already re- open his own leather goods shop, ga, the Paris fashion house owned to the police report. Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez bounded but it’s only because it’s specializing in travel bags that he by the same parent company, Ker- Mystikal told police he wasn’t in the room during told the “Today” show Thursday in a globalized, only because of Asian buy- had admired working as a bellhop ing. They included a version of the the incident and he “did not hear anything.” But DNA joint statement that they are calling off ers,” Minvielle said. “They spent on in London. Balenciaga Jackie bag and a glittery forensic tests showed the rapper had an intimate phys- their two-year engagement. European brands.” The collection was titled “Aria,” a silver suit emblazoned with both Gu- ical encounter with the victim. “We have realized we are better as Asian buyers are still considered reference to another Italian creation, cci and Balenciaga. Mystikal hesitantly admitted to AP that a sexual friends and look forward to remaining so. a largely untapped market, yet their lyric opera. Models walked down This was the fi rst collection of encounter did happen. He described it as consensual, We will continue to work together and wealth has recently tipped over that of long corridor runways outfi tted with 2021 for Gucci, which has left the believing the victim stated she was raped rather than support each other on our shared busi- Westerners. China, in particular, was hundreds of fl ashing cameras nailed fashion calendar and committed to admit the indiscretion to her boyfriend. nesses and projects,” it said. already considered the worldwide en- to the wall in the place of absent pa- only presenting two collections a “There was additional information that surfaced “We wish the best for each other and gine of growth in the luxury industry parazzi. A medley of Gucci-themed year. The video presentation stuck that the original grand jury did not have an opportuni- one another’s children. Out of respect for before the pandemic. Its quicker con- pop songs — proof, if needed, of the strictly to the runway format during ty to consider at the time that the charges were brought them, the only other comment we have tainment of the virus will leave it in an brand’s enduring relevance — pro- a pandemic year of experimenta- forward,” said Britney Green, who oversaw the case to say is thank you to everyone who has vided the soundtrack. tion that has all but shut down in- sent kind words and support.” even stronger position. for the Caddo Parish District Attorney’s Offi ce. “We “In the next 50 years money will The fi rst look was a jag on Tom person shows. The couple started dating in early Ford’s 1996 red velvet suit, with a Refl ecting on the century marker, then decided that the case needed to stop there because 2017. They issued a statement in March come from the East as it has been the (second) grand jury did not return an indictment kinky leather harness over a pow- Michele said Gucci’s magic is its abil- that disputed reports they were breaking (coming) in the last 50 years from the der blue shirt. Michele said in notes ity to redefi ne itself over time, unbe- after the review of the additional evidence.” up. West,” said Long Nguyen, chief fash- that he had “plundered” the “sexual holden to any strictly defi ned image. The woman or a representative for her could not be The couple was given the nickname ion critic of The Impression. reached for an interview. “J-Rod” three years ago after they landed This could see a designer aesthetic Motives on the cover of Vanity Fair magazine. that panders more to Chinese tastes. way shows that can be astronomically are all awaiting a return to the runway (AP) Another trend that’s been strength- expensive — for relatively little return. and to come back to the physical ex- The AP was unable to obtain the secret grand jury ❑ ❑ ❑ ened during the pandemic is the deci- Paris couture designer Julien perience.” documents that were the basis for the dismissal as they sion to forgo the frenetic pace of run- Fournie said the virus has led him to Stella McCartney, who unveiled remain sealed. Prosecutors do not plan to recharge CAMBRIDGE, Mass: Viola Davis was way calendar shows. question “whether fashion shows were her fall collection off-schedule last Mystikal, and will not charge the victim, believing she named Woman of the Year on Friday As the virus tore across the globe really necessary” in the fi rst place. month, said that the industry has been had no improper motives. by Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding from East to West, these morphed The virus saw many brands, includ- seriously questioning the relevance “We never want to be a part of any process that has Theatricals. overnight from a live, in-person, sen- ing Balenciaga, Alexander McQueen of seasons “even before COVID,” as an innocent person tied up in the criminal justice pro- “Viola has inspired our company with her incredible grit and determination, sory experience to a pre-taped digital and Bottega Veneta of French luxury climate change has sadly highlighted cess,” said Green. “I just want to say that there is a and we cannot wait to celebrate her suc- display released online. Many pre- giant Kering, tearing up the traditional how absurd it is. distinction between not guilty and innocent, and that cesses, strong character and wonderful dicted devastation for the industry, but calendar to show their new collections “There was a moment at the begin- also because the case is dismissed or a case is resolved talent,” said Jessica Moore, the group’s houses have proved surprisingly resil- when it suits them — both creatively ning of lockdown — in the sky there in a fashion other than at trial, that it doesn’t necessar- president, in a statement. ient. That’s because the system was and fi nancially. Saint Laurent started were no airplanes, you could hear ily mean that an incident did not happen.” Davis is scheduled to be honored April already overdue a shift. the trend last year, drawing headlines birds,” McCartney said. “Everyone Holman pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of sim- 22 in an online ceremony that will include Since the advent of social media, for quitting Paris Fashion Week to was talking about nature reclaiming its ple kidnapping in June 2019 and was sentenced to a roast, a discussion and a speech from Da- brands have become much less reli- “take control of its pace.” rightful place,” she added, expressing time served, court records show. vis as she is presented with her ceremonial ant on traditional advertising outlets frustration with the industry’s lifestyle Mystikal burst onto the music scene in the mid-90s pudding pot. Because of the pandemic, the such as fashion magazines. Now, they Advantage that requires thousands of kilometers with the regional smash “Here I Go.” A hip-hop hy- event will not include its traditional parade create their own online channels, cir- The advantage for these brands is to of travel per year. brid with the tongue-twisting speed of Twista com- through the streets of Cambridge. cumventing the glossies, to get their set dates on their own terms, with col- McCartney said that across the in- bined with Busta Rhymes-like theatrics, Mystikal “We’re very excited to honor Viola Da- designs out. lections that don’t compete with oth- dustry now there is a sense that brands crafted crossover hits like “Danger (Been So Long)” vis as our 71st Woman of the Year because “Each brand is a media entity unto ers for attention at the same time. Yet must embrace sustainability “in order and the Neptunes-produced “Shake Ya A(asterisk) of her immense impact in Hollywood, itself,” Nguyen said, calling the way many nostalgic critics, buyers and con- to survive,” especially to attract the (asterisk)” featuring Pharrell Williams, earning him a especially in such a historic and diffi cult the industry operates “obsolete.” sumers argue that nothing can replace young, more environmentally con- 2001 Grammy nomination. (The radio version is titled year for the arts,” said Natalie Needle, the Moreover, as buyers themselves the physical runway experience. scious consumer. “Shake It Fast.”) event coordinator and producer. move online, houses have necessarily “Brands have been deciding more One example of such eco-thinking In 2002 he was charged with aggravated rape and In March, Davis became the Oscars’ become much less dependent on tradi- and more when their optimal time to is in reducing waste in collections. extortion after his then-hairstylist said he forced her most nominated Black female actor ever tional sales outlets such as department show is... They want to control their Luxury giants have been criticized in to perform sex acts on him and two bodyguards in re- when she landed her fourth nomination, this one for her lead role in “Ma Rainey’s stores. business more and that is their right,” the past for burning unused or unsold taliation for allegedly cashing $80,000 worth of unau- Black Bottom.” Some houses have done better than Pascal Morand, Paris fashion federa- luxury goods. thorized checks from his account. The fi lm, based on an August Wilson expected with the new digital format. tion Executive President. And McCartney also doesn’t seem The acts were fi lmed and the video sealed his fate. play, is set around a recording session in Smaller brands, in particular, have “But this is not the end to Fashion to think that this will be the end of the Hoping to dodge the potential life sentence a rape charge 1920s Chicago as a blues band awaits welcomed the break from staging run- Week. No matter what people say they runway show. can carry in Louisiana, Mystikal pleaded guilty in 2003 the arrival of Ma Rainey. The movie to sexual battery and served six years in prison. also includes the fi nal performance from He said his faith sustained him during his 18 months actor Chadwick Boseman, who died last behind bars in the most recent case. Mystikal, 50, un- year of cancer. (AP) derstands the public may not be as forgiving. ❑ ❑ ❑ in which news around the globe was pair of butterfl y wings — offers protec- “I can’t do nothing about that, but I try to un- dominated by the virus that has killed tion, as does the nurse’s face mask. THE HAGUE, Netherlands: A photo derstand where they’re coming from,” he said of nearly 3 million people, including more “This iconic image of COVID-19 me- critics. “At this point in age, I’m just grateful to symbolizing “love and compassion” of an 85-year-old Brazilian woman getting than 360,000 in hard-hit Brazil. morializes the most extraordinary moment still be able to participate. At my concerts, man, I The image by Danish photographer of our lives, everywhere,” said jury mem- still (have a) packed house after all this time. It’s her fi rst embrace in fi ve months from a nurse through a transparent “hug curtain” Mads Nissen captured the moment Rosa ber Kevin WY Lee. “I read vulnerability, amazing.” was named the World Press Photo of the Luzia Lunardi was hugged by nurse loved ones, loss and separation, demise, He has received suggestions to have women he’s in- Year on Thursday. Adriana Silva da Costa Souza at the Viva but, importantly, also survival — all rolled volved with sign non-disclosure agreements, but says The choice of a winning photo por- Bem care home in Sao Paulo on Aug 5. into one graphic image. If you look at the he’d rather mature in his decision-making. traying the global pandemic was almost A curtain of clear plastic - its yellow image long enough, you’ll see wings: a inevitable for the contest covering a year edges folded into a shape resembling a Lopez Davis symbol of fl ight and hope.” (AP)