Philly has a Week of Fashion

The show you've been waiting for is now here! The third webisode of Young, Hip & Chic (YHC) is now here along with all the others so you have to catch up.

In this webisode, Tweety E. covers all of the fashion events taking place in Philly, PA therefore bringing you Philly Fashion Week. Tweety was invited to the Teen Vogue LaCoste Event, Chichi & Chichi E, and hosted FBH Philly Fashion Weekend. Check out the clothes of these great designers including Ying Edge and Marie D. Madearis.

So, enjoy the show and, be sure to leave a comment because I'd love to hear your feedback!




NOTE: Are you a designer or stylist (clothing, jewelry, etc) looking for exposure? Do want to be featured on the show? Have an idea for the next show? Email us at younghipchic@gmail.com!

Broaden your audience and reach the new generation by advertising on my show that is being acknowledged by Teen Vogue!!! Please email younghipchic@gmail.com

Theatre- Platinum Selling Author Tells Her Secret on Stage

iMAG Go-Getter of the Year and Essence Best Selling author Miasha makes sure that she keeps her name buzzing throughout the streets. Just recently, she released Never Enough, which is the follow up to the book that made jaws drop. And on July 25, 2008 she complimented her jaw dropping, best selling book with a stage play, Secret Society.

This tell-all book is based on two young women, Celess and Tina, who are “professional women”. Not finding any reason to hold down a real nine to five desk job, or anything else related to being an “employee”, they become the masters of the art of getting cash from men that like to spend it. These beautiful women seem to have it all: the beauty, body, smarts and cash from their many admirers, which makes many people envious. As they journey from man to post and from post to man, they realize that the secret that has kept them at the top of the gold-digger game could soon be revealed and make their world turn upside-down and have them buried in drama... literally.

The Good
The adaptor, Marc Holley, and director, Tiffany Bacon, did a fantastic job at bringing the book Secret Society to life. For those who read the book, it was like meeting the characters in person and venturing with them each step of their extraordinary and outrageous life.

The theatrical performance was held at the Arts Bank Theatre in Philly, PA. The very well known and often frequented theatre that seated a little over one hundred was the perfect place for the first production of Secret Society. The house was full and there response after the play was more than pleasing to 5th Avenue Production which is the production company that presented, Secret Society.

The careful choice of actors that graced the stage made the play a treat for the five senses. Each and every actor gave you an up close and personal view of the thoughts and feelings of the characters which brought the book alive.

The timing of the show was also very well coordinated as there were very few, if any flaws. Each and every actor were on point, and the stage hands made sure that the actors were on post quickly and efficiently as they got props ready for each scene.

The Better
The actors were so believable!!! Each and every actor played their role excellently. Lee Mekhai who played the lead role Celess was very engaging and had the audience silently listening to her every word. She passionately delivered every breakdown about how her and her best friend lived it up and tore it down with their deceptive ways. Lee played up to her role as Celess and made the performance phenomenal. She will unquestionably be an actress in demand.

Roni Graham played the beautiful and boisterous best friend Tina. Her keeping it real attitude was appealing and hilarious as she spit her quick wit and sarcastic remarks that made the audience chuckle. Tina was the role that Roni needed to put her on the map because she embraced the role so well that it was hard to believe that she was acting.

All the actors did a great job and made the performance lively including, Lionel Dalton, Kevin Savage, Christopher Ward, and Hasan Bivings who played the hot-headed Khalil who did what he had to do to get back at the women who ruined his life.

Kenneth Jones who played Mayo, the gay friend of the two women was fun and sensational as he made the women recognize that the moves that they were making were eventually going to come to life.

Desiree Tunsall who played the mother that learned that her son Charles was gay was impeccable as she expressed the pain that a mother would feel when she loses a husband because of her son’s choice.

Gerard Joseph who played Michael was impressive as he portrayed the actor who fell in love with Celess and was devastated to learn that she was leaving him to go to California.

The Damn!!!
No one in the audience expected the dramatic and explosive ending that made many people in the audience grasp!!! Gunshots blared from the stage as Celess and Tina met their fate.

If you are not in the Philadelphia area, have no fear because the play is not only going to be available on DVD, but it will also be traveling from city to city. So be sure to visit http://www.miasha.com/ for further details and if you don’t see your city listed, be sure to send a request because this is a play that you don’t want to miss.

Jo'ni Modelz, Inc. High School Edition was the Bomb!!!

Lights, Cameras, Clothes, and Models are all of the ingredients you need in order to have a “Fashionable” fashion show. Many of you know that I am very picky about fashion shows so when I tell you that the one I am writing about is good then you know it was…

Jo’ni Modelz, Inc. “Rip-the-Runway Competition” High School Edition did it again. They had all the ingredients of a “Fashionable” runway affair. Last year the show was good (Sayre’s Next Top Model) and this one was even better! I am already looking forward to next year!

Not only was this year an all high school edition, but there were also a chance for males too. Most of the High Schools in Philadelphia were in attendance representing their high school.

When I first arrived, I went backstage all I seen was weave, clothes, shoes, and accessories; it made me think of all the rushing around you have to do when you are doing runway. Now keep in mind that this is more of a show of talent and entertainment then it is a show that is about the designs of an up and coming designer.
Most of the models are in their costumes and make-up. They smiled, and one said, “Aren’t you one of the judges?”
That was so weird to me because I’m so use to being in the modeling position, and having to smile and wonder what the judges were thinking when they saw me... but today I am a judge (whoop, whoop!).

After I took my seat, in the judging seat, that is (lol), I looked around and saw that the room was now full to its capacity and people were eager and ready to check out the show. People were standing everywhere.

After about ten minutes, the curtains opened which meant that the show was starting! The first scene was called “Masquerade”. The models were all wearing black and colorful mask. They music that was playing was “Fashionista” by Jimmy James and it was fierce! “The show is about to start!” blasted from the speakers. Just from the intro I already knew that this was going to be one heck of a show.

Well, it is hard to comment on every piece of the show, but I will tell you about some of my favorite scenes:

Scene 2: Rich Girls- When the girls worked it (the rich way of course). One of my modeling buddies, Sayidah Bey, served it up as the "Queen Bee”.

Scene 5: Jumanji- The girls (and guys) took a walk on the wild side. The fashions were leopard and zebra prints that gave it a jungle feel.

Scene 6: Glitz vs. Glam- Glitz and Glam battled it out in a walk off.

Scene 9: Thriller (Prelude) – The fashion nightmares came to life.

To entertain us between scenes, there were the Blue Diamond Steppers, which I thought were ok, the Point Breeze Performing Arts Dance Company which surprisingly to me were very good. Because I am not much for praise dancing I give them two thumbs up. UX’s own Franky J was a great host for the audience competitions. You had to see these two guys serve it up on the stage.

After an evening of entertainment, finally, THE COMPETITION!!! I could tell that everyone was excited to see what was going to happen when the lights got low, the stage started to fog and the curtains opened! There were 16 lovely contestants that walked it out to win. I had to watch everything from creativity to professionalism and overall look. It was really hard for me. If it was up to me everyone would have won, but since there had to be a first female and male, second place winner, and third I knew I had better snap out of it. Check out my two favorite walkers on the youtube!

After everyone walked, it was time for “us” judges to deliberate. It was so hard! Some judges had one person as the winner then others had another, “I liked contestant 9 and 16!” said one judge.
“Well, I like contestant 13 and 2!” said another.
It was complete chaos! Finally, after about 15 min of disagreements, we ended up having to do a “count the hand’ vote. When we were done picking our winners, it was time for the judges to go on stage and announce the diva and don of the evening.

The winners were Shaquetta Carter (2nd place), Khaleem Brown (2nd Place male), and Ebony Townsend and Kevin Kelly were the 1st place winners! It truly was a hard decision to make!

Again, I loved the show and hope that Jo’ni Modelz Inc will continue to do what they do for the community because they are really making a difference in Philadelphia and I really want to get that across to everyone. This show was not just about fashion and beauty it had a deeper meaning to it, the true meaning was to inspire others to become agents of change and to also bring back the loving memory of the Townsend’s dearly beloved son, brother, and friend Derrick A. Townsend.

The Good!!!
Jovanna & Lisa Townsend are the best!!! They put off an event that was awesome. I was proud to be one of the judges. These ladies are great at hosting and really know how to treat their VIP’s!!! A nice dinner and a gift. Mad props, ladies!!!
There were two girls that I thought deserved my recognition and they are Tiara Willis- she was #1, and Tiffany Braddock- she was #9. Congratz ladies you made my top list.

The Bad & What???
The show went on a little too long. It was almost 12:00 am when we left. I would suggest that the scenes be cut just a little so that the show is 2 hours only.

Another bad thing was the host Mr. Jeffrey Brown! He could not get the names of anything right to save his life! First he called the founder Jovanna everything but her name, and he had the same problem with the company, Jo’ni. Worse of all, he pronounced my name wrong! He called me, “Tweet Elitour”, what the heck!
My advice to Jo’ni is to never ever, ever get this man to host their event again!

Too many awards were given out making the night longer. I think that some of the awards could have been given at an awards ceremony for the models and family. That would have been nice.

Although Eboni Townsend did a great job as, I think that because she is the sister of Jovanna Townsend, she should not have been able to participate in the competition because as she became the winner, it may have made some people think that it was rigged in her favor when it actually wasn’t— I know because I was one other judges. But for the sake of no drama, that would be best.

Overall, if you missed this event, you better not miss the next because not only is it the hottest thing for the teens to be a part of, it is for a very good cause and it is always good to see that people care.

I can’t wait until next year!!! Share your thoughts…

Fashionably Out,
Tweety Elitou

2nd Annual Black Lily Film & Music Festival

The 2nd Annual Black Lily Film & Music Festival took place this year May 1-4, 2008 in Philly, PA. This year was not just about the films and music but there were also workshops that related to the favorable art industries that included fashion, film, editing, and Djing.

The opening day reception was featuring the movie, New Year Baby (http://www.newyearbaby.net/). Other movies that were on the top list were: Africa, Unite (www.palmpictures.com/film/africa-unite) a documentary on the family of Bob Marley; African-American Women on the Bandstand which focuses on women and their contribution to Jazz through dance; Hair Stories featuring Yvette Smalls is about the history and culture behind the hairstyles of African- American women; Silent Choices was a documentary that spoke on the impact that is created by the decisions to have an abortion. Other great features were Trouble the Water (http://www.troublewaterfilm.com/) which is about a young couple that is trapped in New Orleans while trying to begin a new life; and This is the Life (http://www.goodlifelove.com/) is a documentary about a small health food store that is frequented by young people that are looking to find their place in Hip Hop only to travel different paths.

One of the most anticipated events of this four day long explosion --of art by women only-- is the concerts that are filled with independent and commercial artists that bless the stage with their remarkable talents. Although last year there were more well known names like Jill Scott, Ursula Rucker and a guest appearance by Amy Winehouse, this year put the Indie artists on blast and most did not disappoint making them artist to watch.

The first act was Waheed formerly known as Gov’t Cheaz (glad they changed the name) tried their very best to rock out but the mic system was shot to hell. What we were able to make out of the crews energetic stage performance was their rendition of “Scenario” by Tribe Called Quest and Leaders of the News School. Credit is due to them for trying to make the best out of a weird situation as the technicians never did seem to make the microphone technicalities any better.

The entertaining Amanda Diva was not only the gracious MC for the evening but she also performed from her latest CD, Life Experience. A favorite from her CD is “Supa-Woman” which definitely caught the attention of the crowd full of women as they sang along to the hook, “Outstanding, Extraordinary, Supa-Woman.” This multi-talented young lady is definitely and artists on the verge of making a difference in the overly dominated hip-hop industry.

J*Davey are also artists that definitely capture the interests of the audiences in which they perform. The young duo put it down with a very unique sound that is quite hard to label. As the modelesque sister with the Mohawk glided across the stage delivering her best voice which is reminiscent of the legendary Eartha Kitt, she sang Lazy Daze in which she asked audience members to join her on stage and give their best impression of the Carlton Dance (Fresh Prince of Bel Air). One of the favorite songs was “Dollar or More” which had the whole place rocking out.

Philly’s own Bahamadia did the damn thing when she rapped one of the crowd’s favorites “Cheap Chic’s”. She proved that she still had what it takes when she delivered us an acapella freestyle that made the crowd hype. There will never be another like Bahamadia.

Jaguar Wright is a singer that is way underrated. She is truly a singer that takes you back to the idea of a smoky speakeasy filled with singers like Billie Holiday, Ethel Waters, and Lena Horne. She can sing! Her personality on stage is like that of Millie Jackson which is not to everyone’s liking but that is just who she is— love her or hate her. As she slowly made her way to the stage with drink in hand, pocket book under her arm, and a scarf tied around her hair, she begin to belt out the lyrics to “What If” which sent the crowd into a frenzy. “What sound are we singing actually? I mean I didn’t have a sound check or nothing,” Jaguar joked. How disappointing that could have been from many other artists that could have been on the agenda but Jaguar made up for the “oops” when she belted out “So High”.

Ladybug Mecca of Digable Planets was there and although she is a favorite within the hip-hop world, her stage appearance and performance was very lackluster compared to what it was in the nineties. She performed her memorable parts in songs “A Nickel Bag of Funk” and “Cool Like That” and she also performed from her solo debut CD, “Trip the Light Fantastic”. Overall, it was great to see one of the best underrated female emcees from the nineties and I wish her much success.

A jazz vocalist to watch and absolutely worth listening to is Lizz Wright. With a voice that flows like water and as loud and calming as rapid waterfalls, Lizz performed a very thought provoking melodies with Toshi Reagon who is also known to funk out folk music. As Lizz performed, the spectators were in a serene trance that lasted until her final note.

Slick & Rose were very entertaining and unquestionably on the radar of people to watch in the music industry. Slick who commands attention with her wild and crazy faces makes her engaging and fun to watch, while Rose is the sexy and sassy chick that is attracts the eye with her come hither stares and movements. As a duo they are absolutely perfect. “Breakdown” and “Chemical” were very upbeat tempos that made you bob your head. They were awesome.

Awards were handed out to recipients who are making a difference in arts and they were very well deserved. Those honorees are: Bernice Reagon (Living Legend Music), Pearl Bowser (Living Legend, Film), Martha Diaz (Emerging Leader, Music), Jeri Lynne Johnson (Social Change) Stephanie Black (Smirnoff Social Change), Tia Lessin (Artistic Change, Film), and Bahamadia (Artistic Change, Music).

Other performers that were there were, Zaki Ibrahim (sorry Hun, but your mics were not audible), Muhsinah (her performance was very artistic meaning, but it was hard to get) and Emoni Fela. Some can charge it to the technicians while other... well, they did their best.
Overall, the Black Lily had yet another successful year that was extended with great workshops for our young women and women who are in the mist of learning the male dominated industry. It was pleasing to see films with meaning and purpose that relate to women on an everyday basis and music that is fun and memorable. In addition, the awards that were distributed were well earned. Black Lily Film and Music Festival is an event that is worth waiting for because you never know what you are going to get and those that miss it, miss a whole lot.

Visit http://www.blacklilyfilm.org/ for information on next year.

Goldengirl- Leaving a Little Gold Dust on Her Listeners

I was going through our many emails on Myspace when I came across one that was very interesting to me. “When can I get my interview and be featured in your mag?” asked Goldengirl.
Know as the “Chick with the Diamond Whip”, Goldengirl has been heating up the airwaves at Power 99 in Philly for more than 10 years. Her talk show, “Lovetalk & Slowjamz” is one of the sexiest shows in the tri-state area bring listeners seductive and raw conversation about what else... SEX. People call in to comment on topics ranging from making love to your wife, and/or to the outrageous threesomes in the park during the day.

Celebrities from Ice T to Jermaine Dupri have shared themselves with the Black Barbee (another name she is known by). The conversations are raw and real and the show keeps listeners talking at the coffee cooler for days.

Goldengirl has also become very popular for her “Lock Down for Love” segment when callers send shout outs to their loved ones. The show’s popularity increased when Lil Kim served her bid at the Federal Detention Center in Philly. Every night she would tell her to stay strong and keep her head up and according to Lil Kim, “She got me through plenty of nights. I will always love her because she gave me so much support.”

Goldengirl is also very active in her community— always giving back by using her celebrity to inform the youth on the importance of education and safe sex. Her “28 Schools in 28 Days” kicks off for Black History Month.

What caught my attention about Goldengirl is how people feel that they can be open with her about anything no matter how outrageous or troubling the conversation may be. In 2005, Stephen Poaches spoke with her about his then missing girlfriend Latoyia Figueroa. The conversation became very heated. Shortly after, he was captured and is now serving time for her death and the death of their unborn child.

I emailed Goldengirl and told her that I definitely wanted to connect and after several plays of phone tag and schedule changes, we met up at the studio to chat with Philly’s own, as she was doing what she does best.

Never meeting or seeing the her in person, I was surprised that such a big personality came from such a petite lady. We sat and listened to her converse with a caller that said he had a sexual experience involving double penetration. By her response, it was clear why people were drawn to her. She is very down to earth and a great listener. She was showing no judgment making them feel secure while talking so personal on the radio.

During her break, we experienced Goldengirl on a more personal level as she shared herself to us for you.


How did you get the name Goldengirl?
I got the name from my brother Goldenboy who worked at the station forever.

How does Goldengirl fit your persona?
Perfectly! There is no better way to describe me and many others have agreed.

You have been known as the “Chick with the Diamond Whip”, how did that begin?
The whip thing is a moniker that has been with me since I started in VA (Virginia) and it was something that caught on. Initially, it was a sound effect and I was carrying a little tiny whip around and people started getting more interested in it. The whip has grown into a diamond whip, a gold studded whip and other custom made whips.

Tell us about your recent endeavor with your book Sex and Celebrities: The Truth, The Whole Truth, and The Naked Truth. Explain the truth?
Well, Heather it’s exactly that— it is what it is. The truth to me is when you don’t lie. You don’t hold back and add to a story to make it something that it is not.

Explain the whole truth?
There are several parts to the book. There are three parts as I would describe it and one of those parts is the sex and celebrities and that is the story that they told me from their own mouths, therefore the whole truth is what I put in my book. I also share my experiences with the celebrities. Another part is the sex guide and that is as real as I can get and I am not going to lie.

Are you a sexpert?
Yes I am!

What makes you so and what are the responses that people have to your sex expertise?
For the most part, people love the advice that I give them. They are now willing to pay for the advice. I went and got an office so that I could speak with them one on one. The response has been very good.

The book is very interesting and the relationship with you and Ralph Tresvant of New Edition is an eye catcher, how did that begin without giving too many details?
It began in Philly. I wasn’t actually interested in them but my friends were and I had to hook them up so that they could meet them. I was interested in Bobby Brown because he was the man and I was trying to see him (laughter). With Ralph it wasn’t planned.

Were you the woman that he wanted to be “Sensitive” for?
(laughter) You know what—I was probably one of the ladies as far as I know.

What is your relationship today?
We are cordial and everything. I don’t call and talk to him but when he comes to town he calls me. He was a little nervous about my response and if I still felt negative from our past. It also was in regards to when I was going to talk about in the book.
Do you think that your pass has harmed you in anyway?
No, not at all. Where I am now is where I am supposed to be.

How does your family feel about your accomplishments?
My family is very proud of me. Regarding the book, I am not sure how many of them read it and I would not encourage them to do so, but they are proud at how far I have come.

Let get back to you... What is your special gift to the world?
My special gift is to help people and that is children and adults. Empowering is my main talent.

You are very involved in the community and you played a big part in the Latoyia Figueroa case, do you want to elaborate on that?
My next book will be my conversation with a killer. It still boggles my mind why he called me and Latoyia situation really affected my life...

Explain.
Just to give you the reality of it all, I suffered from sleep deprivation a year after. The call from him rang in my head and it still does. It’s hard to explain but I hear about similar stories like Lacy Peterson, and I am reminded of Latoyia. There have been many people that have come to me since then to help them find their kids. I have helped find young runaways that were not dead.

How long have you known you were able to connect with people so intimately?
I didn’t know that I was able to do this. It is a gift and a curse. I have to be careful not to really hurt anyone. I have to be careful not to give a tongue lashing that would hurt people but help. I have to sum it up by saying that God speaks through me.

You seem to be a ray of hope to those doing time why is that?
One of my friends and I started it together. We know that people are depending on those shout outs and we like to keep it going.

What is the relationship between you and Lil Kim since your dedications to her?
She really loves me and we speak often. She is coming to town soon and we will be working together. She really respected what I was doing. She feels that she is forever indebted to me. We are really cool.

What are some of the positive things going on that you’ve heard about?
There are so many things that are going on. Be sure to check out my “28 Schools for 28 Days” where I bring along nationally known speakers and artists that are able to bring hope to the children in the urban community.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Definitely helping my people and doing as television show. Still doing radio of course...

What are the last few words that you would like to leave with the readers?
Keep your faith and anything that you want you can have. Be helpful to each other and we can achieve that together. Remember to B.I.G. Believe in God as he is going to be there always.

Heather Elitou- Interviewer

Fashion Week- Is Philly the New Fashion Week Location?

Everyone wants to go to fashion week! Although Philly is known for its artistic talents, it has never been known as a fashion mecca. You have to go to New York for that. As of lately, Philly has been doing it new and wild. Thanks to entertainment dudes making a name in the City of Brotherly Love, Fat Boy Hype Entertainment has listed some of the hottest fashion names in Philly and New York along with new designers to put on some of the hottest fashion shows you could every see.

Philly Fashion Week was held in the courtyard of City Hall which had an awesome appearance to onlookers. The set up was multihued with flashing lights and a long black runway for the models to strut their stuff. It was thus far one of the best thus far tried in Philly.

The highlights:
*A portion of the proceeds was given to One.org

*Miasha author of Mommy’s Angel was there giving away her books
*There were several great fall collections especially Anthony Eastwick
*There are plans for one next year
*Jade Cole of America’s Next Top Model is really nice in person

The low points:
*Designers had too many fashions displayed causing the show to last too long
*Jade, who was to serve as host came after the event
*Some of the models did not look like models including the one that walked too slow and drunkenly

List of designers at the show:
Teranchula, Anthony Eastwick (stylist to Mary J. Blidge), James Nelson (stylist to Jill Scott), DivaSperg of Philadelphia, Candy Cane, Seiman Furs, Ebony and many others.

Since this is the first of many to come, I would say that it was a good show and it can only get better with time.

Check out my my iView with Jade Cole!

What is life like after America's Next Top Model?

It's been great. The exposure was great and that was the best part of the show. I have been pushing myself with modeling and acting. I am living my dream traveling around the world.

How do you like being home in Philly?

I love it, this is my hometown even though on the show they made it seen as though I was from New York which where I currently live, I always represent Philly.

What are you doing now?

I have been traveling a lot because it opens my third eye and I love meeting new people and everyday I write.

What advice do you have for young ladies that are interested in becoming models?

Be sure that you educate yourself about the business because there are a lot of bad people out there. Stay focused and be sure to ask questions.

iView & Review by Tweety Elitou