Oprah

I’ve been watching Oprah on and off since she launched a million years ago. Back then Phil Donahue had the lock-up on daytime talk shows… And before that there was Dinah Shore and Mike Douglas and Merv Griffin. Well, I was pretty darn young then (elementary school), but I used to stay home as often as I could. We had a television on and off in those days. My Mom was against it. She would pull it out once a year to watch “The Wizard of Oz.” A movie I’ve never really taken to, those flying monkeys were scary! But when the television was in vogue in our home I’d watch it. And when it wasn’t there, there was always the neighbor’s house.

But back to Oprah… I liked her then. She was real, she was working to help people see real people. A lot of her content then was scandalous, because that was the vibe—a bit of shock, shock of the real. She was always overweight and I honestly think that helped her because everyone could SEE she was normal. She had her own struggles. She wasn’t perfect. And then the year came when she made the announcement (I’m sure I don’t have this right, but the essence is there) that she was going to showcase stories that could actually help people, inspire people, give people something to work toward. Real – in a new way. It was the zeitgeist of the times and it really worked. Then came her magazine. And that really worked. Oprah, we may or may not love you, but we have to admit you’re a maverick. And if you’re done with daytime TV there has to be a real good reason. Wonder what you’ve got up your sleeves this time. Because we know, it’s gotta be something.

So InStyle Magazine is opting for a 3-D approach to make the magazine more, hmmm... I don’t know, more accessible? More high touch, more “out of this world?” There is a lot of research right now that suggests that showing clothing in video can really help sell fashion. Maybe they are going the 3-D route to make what they’re doing even more real... 

Anyway, I remember when the magazine launched. It was a wonder in the industry because it could SELL your clothes. It not only showcased fashion in a great, “easy to connect with“ way it featured CELEBRITIES! And we know how INFATUATED America is (and the world, for that matter) with FAMOUS PEOPLE. It just did it right. There was even talk in the industry that the magazine wasn’t a consumer pub, it was a TRADE pub because it could SELL clothes. If your brand was included in its editorial pages you were sure to sell. Just like being one of Oprah’s very favorite things.

So, 3-D. Hey look, publishing is in a bit of a pickle, and it remains to be seen who is going to make it. Historically, some of the biggest, brightest brands have gone away because there was a sea change. It happens, it’s part of life. InStyle, I’m voting “yes” for your future! I think you’ve got what it takes to make it, 3-D or no 3-D. LOL!

“What’s In a Name?” Shakespeare always knew the right questions to ask. Throughout time, historic figures and pop culture icons have become one-name wonders.
 
Case in Point: Cleopatra, Pocahontas, Cher, Madonna, Oprah, Giselle & Beyonce. Each name has a different story to tell. Chanel is one name that has always kept me in awe.
 
On September 25th (today!), “Coco Before Chanel” will open in New York & Los Angeles. An Anne Fontaine film, the movie tells the inspiring story of a French orphan turned fashion royalty. The part of Gabrielle (aka Coco) Chanel is played by Audrey Tautou. As we will learn, our beloved Gabrielle experienced humble beginnings before becoming a legendary couturier.
 
The best part about seeing this film is that you get to spend a night in Paris if you see it in New York City. The film is being shown exclusively at the iconic Paris Theatre, a New York City must-see. It could be the Parisian lights or the view of the Plaza Hotel (or the combination of both), but a visit to the Paris Theatre will make you want to dust off your French beret and Haute Couture. 

Source: livingincinema.com
 

Ellen DeGeneres, an unlikely American Idol. Unlikely because she bucked the system by openly declaring herself - ridiculously funny!

Seriously, the girl has really changed up stereotypes, whether you like it or not. Not sure I would have pegged her as America's Favorite Lady (next to Oprah) but there she is, soaking in the afterglow.

And now she lends her incredible star power to the most outrageously successful show of our era. What can you expect? A great meeting of pop culture synergies. It's all there: the star power, the ability to connect to America and the ability to entertain...

Me thinks A.I. can't be stopped... Or maybe it can, but that's only when they decide to pull the plug, or stars like Ellen don't take the bait.

Worth sitting back and watching, it's definitely ENTERTAINMENT.

Source: americanidol.com