Hello Citizens!
We know that we have been away for quite a while. About a year ago, we decided to think up a way to add more content and more visuals to the overall COTU experience. That led us to revamping and relaunching our official website and it's now better than ever! We have moved from www.citizensoftheuniverse.net to www.wearecotu.com which uses a totally fresh & different platform.
There, you can explore our work, peruse our new blog-The Gilded Grotto, meet team members, contact us via phone & email, follow our social media feeds or just enjoy the content!
We are steadily moving our company forward and we want to insure that you come along for the ride! Soooooo.... Our Blogspot will be returning this year!
Please visit www.wearecotu.com to be added to our newsletter mailing list and stay up to date on all things COTU! We will be back soon!
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Friday, July 11, 2014
Funkshion Fashion Week: SWIM - Schedule Released
The official line-up for this season's Funkshion Fashion Week has been released!
If you'd like to attend all of the week's FREE shows, please RSVP to : funkshionfw.eventbrite.com
The first 100 guests only!!
SLS HOTEL SOUTH BEACH
1701 Collins Ave, Miami Beach
WEDNESDAY JULY 16th:
9:00PM - Peroni Emerging Designer Series presented by Fashion Group Int'l. Presenting ten finalists showcasing their Italian inspired designs
10:00PM - Kim Ngyuen Winner 2013
RSVP: funkshionfw.eventbrite.com
RSVP: funkshionfw.eventbrite.com
THURSDAY JULY 17th:
9:00PM - Barraca Chic
10:00PM - After Party hosted by F Vodka
RSVP: funkshionfw.eventbrite.com
9:00PM - Barraca Chic
10:00PM - After Party hosted by F Vodka
RSVP: funkshionfw.eventbrite.com
FRIDAY JULY 18th:
9:00PM -Cosmopolitan Summer Splash
Inca, Eberjey, Zingara, Maya, Sinesia Karol
(not open to public, MEDIA ONLY)
9:00PM -Cosmopolitan Summer Splash
Inca, Eberjey, Zingara, Maya, Sinesia Karol
(not open to public, MEDIA ONLY)
SATURDAY JULY 19th:
9:00PM - OMG Miami Swimwear
10:00PM Soah Swim
11:00PM - Afterparty hosted by F Vodka
RSVP: funkshionfw.eventbrite.com
9:00PM - OMG Miami Swimwear
10:00PM Soah Swim
11:00PM - Afterparty hosted by F Vodka
RSVP: funkshionfw.eventbrite.com
Sunday, June 8, 2014
The Curious Case of Rihanna & "The See Thru Dress"- A Brief Outtake*
Not the first and probably NOT the last celebrity to be caught on the red carpet in questionable attire, Pop Star Rihanna may have recently outdone herself at this year's CFDA ceremony by wearing a fully transparent & Swarovski Crystal embellished gown designed by industry newcomer Adam Selman. While many critics & fans alike have blogged, tweeted & "Facebook liked" to highlight their approval of the dress, others have expressed their dismay & disgust.
So what gives? Why such the strong & sometimes offensive responses? Is the main cause of issue the fact that she wore a see thru ensemble? or is it that she herself chooses to evoke all things sexual? would this dress have made such an impact if it had been worn by someone A. other than Rihanna or B. with less notoriety than Rihanna or C. Someone with a "not so commercially accepted" body type? The core issue seems to lie in the fact that someone that has a noted reputation for all things seemingly "sexual", "shocking", "hypersexual", "risque" & "erotic" chose to AGAIN exploit such preconceived notions by donning a see thru dress to a fashion awards ceremony where she's being honored as an icon.....if Beyonce, Dita Von Teese or Lady Gaga had worn it, would it be perceived as good or bad? There is no clear cut rule of thumb that defines what it means to be a Feminist.....Some may believe that Feminism means having the freedom to wear a see thru dress and to not be labeled a "Whore" for doing such ,while others may believe that covering up and being recognized for your talents as opposed to your body is the true meaning of Feminism. Either way, we can't tell a woman that she can be whatever she wants to be and then become upset when some choose to go topless at parties before choosing to go Ivy League...Feminism lies in the ability to choose.
What are your thoughts? Feel free to leave a comment......
Written in response to a Huffingtonpost.co.uk article written by Poorna Bell
you may read it by clicking here
Written in response to a Huffingtonpost.co.uk article written by Poorna Bell
you may read it by clicking here
Sunday, May 18, 2014
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
"Verily": A Magazine for Women That Doesn't Believe in Photo-shopped Fairy Tales
I've been a Vogue, Seventeen & Cosmopolitan magazine reader since before I was in any position to participate in anything that the glossy pages presented. I enjoyed the color, the wonder, the articles and of course, the fashion. Yet for some females, so much as a glance at any fashion magazine is enough to send them running to the nearest bathroom with a bad case of nausea. The models are flawless. Literally. The drawn line that should separate what is real from what is imagined is no longer as clear. We live in an age of perfect hair, perfect skin & perfect bodies. At least that's what fashion magazines catered to women tell us. But what do statistics say?
The above numbers are shocking right? More shocking than a 5'11, size 2, 110 pound super model? not so much. Real people are striving to become an unreal version of themselves. And an ongoing array of polished print ads are encouraging them to do it. So what gives?
While I can't speak for every fashion editor, photographer or model, I can speak for common sense. Real women have real flaws; even the ones on runways. We owe it to ourselves to honor, protect & cherish ALL of who we are. Flaws and all. That to me is where true beauty lies.
Luckily, the creators of "Verily" Magazine seem to agree. Out of a sea of photo filters, airbrushes & computer editing comes a women's magazine that pulls no punches when it comes to whats REAL. Founded & Operated by a group of diverse & professional women, "Verily" aims to bridge the gap between what is authentic & what is celebrated by refusing to touch up its photographs using popular editing tool "PhotoShop".
"Whereas other magazines photoshop to achieve the "ideal" body type or leave a maximum of three wrinkles, we never alter the body or face structure of our models with Photoshop."- Verily Magazine
Citing research presented by Betsey Stevenson & Justin Wolfers at the University of Pennsylvania-Wharton School that suggests that “women’s happiness has fallen both absolutely and relative to men’s in a pervasive way", it is the sincere aspiration of Verily to encourage a new dialogue between women that highlights who they are and what they aim to be that is inspired by & focused on real life.
A browse of Verily's Instagram page yields tons of images of fresh faced beauties busily blogging, lunching, laughing & enjoying life as real women; something that most magazines spend millions of dollars in advertising to emulate.
And although " Rome Wasn't Built In A Day" , we can only hope that mass media will join the ranks of the "No Photoshop" movement sooner than later.
Visit www.verilymag.com for more.
Statistics taken from : http://www.anad.org/get-information/about-eating-disorders/eating-disorders-statistics/
Students:
• 91% of women surveyed on a college campus had attempted to control their weight through dieting. 22% dieted “often” or “always.”5
• 86% report onset of eating disorder by age 20; 43% report onset between ages of 16 and 20.6
• Anorexia is the third most common chronic illness among adolescents.7
• 95% of those who have eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25.8
• 25% of college-aged women engage in bingeing and purging as a weight-management technique.3
• The mortality rate associated with anorexia nervosa is 12 times higher than the death rate associated with all causes of death for females 15-24 years old.4
• Over one-half of teenage girls and nearly one-third of teenage boys use unhealthy weight control behaviors such as skipping meals, fasting, smoking cigarettes, vomiting, and taking laxatives.17
• In a survey of 185 female students on a college campus, 58% felt pressure to be a certain weight, and of the 83% that dieted for weight loss, 44% were of normal weight.16
• 86% report onset of eating disorder by age 20; 43% report onset between ages of 16 and 20.6
• Anorexia is the third most common chronic illness among adolescents.7
• 95% of those who have eating disorders are between the ages of 12 and 25.8
• 25% of college-aged women engage in bingeing and purging as a weight-management technique.3
• The mortality rate associated with anorexia nervosa is 12 times higher than the death rate associated with all causes of death for females 15-24 years old.4
• Over one-half of teenage girls and nearly one-third of teenage boys use unhealthy weight control behaviors such as skipping meals, fasting, smoking cigarettes, vomiting, and taking laxatives.17
• In a survey of 185 female students on a college campus, 58% felt pressure to be a certain weight, and of the 83% that dieted for weight loss, 44% were of normal weight.16
The above numbers are shocking right? More shocking than a 5'11, size 2, 110 pound super model? not so much. Real people are striving to become an unreal version of themselves. And an ongoing array of polished print ads are encouraging them to do it. So what gives?
While I can't speak for every fashion editor, photographer or model, I can speak for common sense. Real women have real flaws; even the ones on runways. We owe it to ourselves to honor, protect & cherish ALL of who we are. Flaws and all. That to me is where true beauty lies.
Luckily, the creators of "Verily" Magazine seem to agree. Out of a sea of photo filters, airbrushes & computer editing comes a women's magazine that pulls no punches when it comes to whats REAL. Founded & Operated by a group of diverse & professional women, "Verily" aims to bridge the gap between what is authentic & what is celebrated by refusing to touch up its photographs using popular editing tool "PhotoShop".
Citing research presented by Betsey Stevenson & Justin Wolfers at the University of Pennsylvania-Wharton School that suggests that “women’s happiness has fallen both absolutely and relative to men’s in a pervasive way", it is the sincere aspiration of Verily to encourage a new dialogue between women that highlights who they are and what they aim to be that is inspired by & focused on real life.
A browse of Verily's Instagram page yields tons of images of fresh faced beauties busily blogging, lunching, laughing & enjoying life as real women; something that most magazines spend millions of dollars in advertising to emulate.
And although " Rome Wasn't Built In A Day" , we can only hope that mass media will join the ranks of the "No Photoshop" movement sooner than later.
Visit www.verilymag.com for more.
Statistics taken from : http://www.anad.org/get-information/about-eating-disorders/eating-disorders-statistics/
Friday, January 24, 2014
A Published Author?????........well sorta.
You may or may not follow me on popular pic posting site, "Instagram". Yet, an unlikely request came through an unlikely avenue recently when I was approached via "Instagram" and asked to write an article for an online newsletter catered to Feminists.
Needless to say, I was beyond flattered.
My article was published this month and I thought that I would share it with you.
Please feel free to repost and comment, in addition to visiting feministwednesday.com....those ladies are awesome:)
My Phenomenal Unearthing of Feminism & Self Efficacy
I discovered that I was a feminist,
somewhat by accident. I can recall the moment quite vividly now as I sit in a
local café typing these words. It all began on a typically humid South Florida evening.
A friend and I had RSVP’d to attend a popular nightclub in Miami Beach.
Although my friend had opted to dress in high heeled shoes as I usually did,
that night, I chose to wear flat dress thong sandals. As we approached the
“velvet ropes” of the venue, I was rather abruptly told by the doorman that I
could not enter due to my footwear. I was baffled. I glanced down at my feet;
nicely pedicured toes, black sandals adorned with crystals. The doorman stated
that I would not be allowed entry because I was wearing flat shoes.
Although I was mildly disappointed, I
remained in a jovial mood and proceeded to ask the doorman a situational
question; suppose I’d recently suffered an injury that prevented me from
wearing high heeled shoes? “Then stay
home” the doorman replied “you’re a woman, you should know better”. Well there
went my jovial mood. After a few more unpleasant exchanges, my friend and I
turned around and walked back to our parked car. I was furious. To add injury
to insult, when I repeated the details of the incident to a male relative, he
agreed with the doorman. Seriously?
In the weeks following, I contacted civil
rights attorneys, feminists groups and city officials alike. I wanted
retribution. I wanted the doorman to suffer. I wanted an end to the sexist
expectation that seemed to taint the nightlife experience. However, in the end,
I got nowhere. Nightclubs are considered private venues that allow public
access. Therefore, they are given permission to discriminate on whatever
grounds they so choose. Darn it.
As the months passed, I came to three
important conclusions. First, the doorman of the nightclub is a misogynistic
jerk. Second, the male relative mentioned above is a misogynistic jerk. Third,
I am a feminist. I am a feminist because there are days that I do not feel like
wearing make-up or flat ironing my hair. I am a feminist because I believe in
“Alpha Females”. I am a feminist because I believe in a woman’s right to
choose; not just what she will wear, where she works, what she buys or where
she lives. I am a feminist because I am not docile, agreeable, nurturing,
selfless, kind or sexy unless I want to be. I am a feminist because I love
dresses & high heels but I am most comfortable in denim jeans &
motorcycle boots. I am a feminist because my life goals do not rely on marriage
or motherhood. I am a feminist because I am a human being before I am a woman
and as a human being, I am entitled to the same freedoms, joys, sorrows,
accomplishments, woes & challenges as any other human being; male or
female.
It took me a while to get here. Being
raised by a single mother who eventually would own her own company did nothing
for my self esteem. Neither did my endless array of relationships. I had to fight for it myself. There were times
where I worried that I was not dating/wife material because I did not act like,
dress like, think like or look like the women that men hang posters of or tweet
about. Until one day, I decided that I would be healthier & happier if I
would just be myself. And so I did. Now, I am a woman who is not afraid to
swear like a sailor or giggle like a school girl when it’s appropriate. And
I’ve found the courage to enjoy this journey alone, until I discover someone
that is just as human.
http://feministwednesday.com/my-phenomenal-unearthing-of-feminism-self-efficacy/
Monday, November 18, 2013
Backstage at Funkshion Fashion Week : October 2013
Congratulations to Matt Heien, EastSide PR & Funkshion Fashion Week for the announced launch of Funkshion in Mexico!!
A focus on breast cancer awareness in October brought forth a frilly & feminine side of fashion that I adore.
I spent a portion of this season's "Funkshion Fashion Week Miami" backstage with the influx of models, designers & makeup artists preparing for the evening's runway show.
Decked out in rainbow colored hair highlights, retro lipstick & bohemian clothes, Aileen; MUA & Owner of "Makeup by Aileen" insured that every lip line & hair strand was in place.
As "Indie True" Designer Cassondra Youngs was busily putting the finishing touches to her playful & colorful punk inspired dresses and models , I zipped over to give a quick hello. Bubbly and full of energy, Cassondra explained that she'd been awake for long hours while working on the collection. Yet and still, she had a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye; seemingly happy that the feat had been accomplished.
Fashion Show Producer & Consultant Mr. Coleman instructed the "Indie True" models to line up in order and rehearse how they would walk on the runway. With wildly teased & embellished hair, the models made their way up and down the narrow walkway backstage; stopping to pose for invisible paparazzi.
At show start, the models were focused, the lights were dimmed and the seats were filled.
A T.V. monitor allowed us easy access to the happenings on the runway . (I took a seat in a closely placed chair :))
Lauren Ashley, the beautiful & charming model-esque designer of "LAGlamrock" wowed the crowd with a collection of skirts, dresses & separates in pastel pinks, blues, creams & lace. Two adorable pint sized & poised ballerinas pirouetted their way down the runway to announce the beginning of Ashley's show while reminding the crowd about the seriousness of Breast Cancer.
Designer Evrice Cornelius, the brain behind the "Casey Levan" label, brought a taste of New York City to Miami through his collection of chic pieces in leather & dark plaid that could easily go from work hours to play hours. The collection was a fresh contrast to the sensual femininity of Ashley's show.
The Red Dress Fashion Show by the American Heart Association brought out local fashion notables & socialites alike, including one Mrs. Parsons of Miami International University of Art & Design. The dresses were phenomenally made and the models appeared quite happy to wear them.
The Gustavo Cadile collection was simply phenomenal. Sophistication met utility & style through mature and soft ensembles that I feel any woman would love to wear.
At some point during the shows, I managed to snap a shot with Mr. Traver Rains of "Heatherette".I hadn't seen Mr. Rains since Funkshion about a year ago where he raised eyebrows & giggles on the runway when one of his male models donned a "NO KITTY" Tee Shirt from his namesake collection. Ever friendly & warm, Traver joked with me about the irony that was his current "COW" tee shirt. I told him that he looked fabulous as usual ....and I meant it. So did his "Barbie"-esque arm candy, indie artist "Tokyo Diva" who was set to perform the following night.
All in all, I had a great time, saw some great clothes and met some great people. Next stop? MEXICO!!
Indie True models pose for a photo backstage
"LAGlamrock" models lining up for the runway
Designer Evrice Cornelius prepares his collection
Designer Lauren Ashley (center) with her "LAGlamrock" collection & models
Local M.I.U. students assist backstage
Designer Evrice Cornelius with models wearing his "Casey Levan" collection
Aileen of "Makeup by Aileen"
Fashion staff busily work backstage
25 seasons of Funkshion!!
Snapped!! Photographers wait for show to begin
Designer Evrice Cornelius (L), Designer Traver Rains of "Heatherette" & Artist Tokyo Diva
Blue lipstick anyone? Me & Traver Rains
A focus on breast cancer awareness in October brought forth a frilly & feminine side of fashion that I adore.
I spent a portion of this season's "Funkshion Fashion Week Miami" backstage with the influx of models, designers & makeup artists preparing for the evening's runway show.
Decked out in rainbow colored hair highlights, retro lipstick & bohemian clothes, Aileen; MUA & Owner of "Makeup by Aileen" insured that every lip line & hair strand was in place.
As "Indie True" Designer Cassondra Youngs was busily putting the finishing touches to her playful & colorful punk inspired dresses and models , I zipped over to give a quick hello. Bubbly and full of energy, Cassondra explained that she'd been awake for long hours while working on the collection. Yet and still, she had a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye; seemingly happy that the feat had been accomplished.
Fashion Show Producer & Consultant Mr. Coleman instructed the "Indie True" models to line up in order and rehearse how they would walk on the runway. With wildly teased & embellished hair, the models made their way up and down the narrow walkway backstage; stopping to pose for invisible paparazzi.
At show start, the models were focused, the lights were dimmed and the seats were filled.
A T.V. monitor allowed us easy access to the happenings on the runway . (I took a seat in a closely placed chair :))
Lauren Ashley, the beautiful & charming model-esque designer of "LAGlamrock" wowed the crowd with a collection of skirts, dresses & separates in pastel pinks, blues, creams & lace. Two adorable pint sized & poised ballerinas pirouetted their way down the runway to announce the beginning of Ashley's show while reminding the crowd about the seriousness of Breast Cancer.
Designer Evrice Cornelius, the brain behind the "Casey Levan" label, brought a taste of New York City to Miami through his collection of chic pieces in leather & dark plaid that could easily go from work hours to play hours. The collection was a fresh contrast to the sensual femininity of Ashley's show.
The Red Dress Fashion Show by the American Heart Association brought out local fashion notables & socialites alike, including one Mrs. Parsons of Miami International University of Art & Design. The dresses were phenomenally made and the models appeared quite happy to wear them.
The Gustavo Cadile collection was simply phenomenal. Sophistication met utility & style through mature and soft ensembles that I feel any woman would love to wear.
At some point during the shows, I managed to snap a shot with Mr. Traver Rains of "Heatherette".I hadn't seen Mr. Rains since Funkshion about a year ago where he raised eyebrows & giggles on the runway when one of his male models donned a "NO KITTY" Tee Shirt from his namesake collection. Ever friendly & warm, Traver joked with me about the irony that was his current "COW" tee shirt. I told him that he looked fabulous as usual ....and I meant it. So did his "Barbie"-esque arm candy, indie artist "Tokyo Diva" who was set to perform the following night.
All in all, I had a great time, saw some great clothes and met some great people. Next stop? MEXICO!!
Blue lipstick anyone? Me & Traver Rains
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