Reductive and Redundant: Madonna vs Lady Gaga

Here's the point.  Both Madonna and Lady Gaga are freaks of nature.  Both extremely talented, outspoken and provocative.  The 20/20 interview tonight with Madonna shed a bit of insight into her feelings about Lady Gaga.. basically showing that there aren't that many thoughts about her.  She used a big college word, #Reductive, to describe Gaga, which means "Tending to present a subject or problem in a simplified form, esp. one viewed as crude."  I actually liked this girl fight, but we've seen it all before on SNL when both Madge and Gaga did a skit based on their media imposed rivalry.  Nothing new. The moral of the story is, don't pump up the Madonna/Lady Gaga rivalry too much, because neither one of them are losing money or sleep over the other.

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel Engaged

One of America's favorite on again/off again couples are now here to stay! Congratulations to Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel on their engagement!  Well wishes and high hopes for a LONG, unconventional Hollywood marriage.  Hoping that this new level of love will inspire Justin Timberlake to make a new album.

Best of The Ave - 2011

Another year has passed us, and 2011 ended as an amazing year, full of comedy, tragedy, and random confusion. Here are a few of my favorite 2011 moments; many that were featured on Avenue Swank at one point through 2011.

Best Magazine Cover - Tilda Swinton for W Magazine
Androgyny at its finest, Tilda Swinton proves that she is in fact one of the premier fashion muses of 2011, and will surely continue in 2012.  Tilda would be an amazing choice for a Tom Ford ad.

Best GOP Political Candidate - Herman Cain
Despite his seemingly temporary disdain for Black people,  Herman Cain brought energy, comedy, and color (pun semi-intended) to the GOP.  Without him, the race is boring, and we're essentially waiting for the next Obama Inaugural ball to see if Beyonce's baby will perform the children's rendition of "At Last."

Best Concert - Sade
Beyonce at Roseland was great.  Watch the Throne Was Amazing. But its the excitement of seeing a musical icon perform, after years of wishing to see her sing live, that makes for a mind-blowing concert.  Sade's voice is so pure and powerful that you had no choice but to stare in awe that after so many years of performing, and a total of 10 years without a live concert, she still captured the hearts of everyone there. 

Best Fashion Trend - Color Blocking
Color blocking is so easy and fun (if you follow my rules) and has clearly hit the trend boards for 2011, and will definitely be seen at least throughout Fall 2012.  

Best Fashion Collaboration - Amy Winehouse for Fred Perry
This collaboration may not have been hyped up like the Versace or Target collaborations, but since this was the last collection of Amy Winehouse, and proceeds went towards her foundation, the collection was meaningful, and full of black and white houndstooth which was major for Fall 2011. 

Best "Wait-in-Line" for Release - Jordan Air Concords
People camped out for Versace for H&M, but were there any deaths? Arrests? Broken windows? Nope.  And for this, the Jordan release will forever be the realest, most dangerous release to wait for.

Best Mix Tape Breakthrough - Frank Ocean
Who would have thought that launching the single "Novacane" would result in sold out concerts.  The singer/songwriter has been behind the scenes writing for Beyonce and singing "sweet baby Jesus" on Watch the Throne tracks, but Nostalgia is an amazing project that is worth the listen if you haven't already done so. 

X Factor Hopefuls Channel Watch The Throne Fashion

 It looks like the contestants of X Factor are just as inspired by the Watch the Throne fashion that those who went to the concert. First, Rachel Crow is dressed like Kanye West from the Watch the Throne Tour in a leather pleated skirt and leather leggings, and now Chris Renee is wearing the controversial Rocawear tee on air. Jay-Z got negative reviews for gaining revenue off of the sensitive subject without any record of donating proceeds from sales, but it seems that Chris Renee and the producers of the X Factor didn't get the memo. Chris Renee wear's the  "Occupy Wall Street" (Occupy All Streets) tee shirt which was once on the Rocawear website, but as since been taken down after much backlash from the public.  While the shirt isn't vulgar or controversial, and its a creative take on the Occupy Wall Street phrase it goes to show that there wasn't any research done before letting him wear the shirt.

Big Butt and a Smile: Kim Kardashian Divorces Kris Humphries

If you hadn't already heard, or if you didn't have an ounce of common sense to see this coming, Kim Kardashina is filing for divorce from Kris Humphries after only 72 days.  Divorce is never a joke, and its always sad to see people go through so much time (and money, and production costs, and interviews.. I could go on and on) just for it to end in vain. 

In a statement released today, Kim says:
“After careful consideration, I have decided to end my marriage. I hope everyone understands this was not an easy decision. I had hoped this marriage was forever, but sometimes things don’t work out as planned. We remain friends and wish each other the best.“

No real  news here... just thought I'd share a prolific and prophetic phrase sang by legendary R&B group Bell Biv Devoe

"Never trust a big butt and a smile"

J Lo? Kim Kardashian?  Women famous for their backsides seem to have the hardest trouble keeping a marriage.  Nikki Minaj, still single, is the only one holding up the bargain, but whoever puts a ring on that better watch out too!