Tag: NYC

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Fashion Talk With Todd Synder

I attended the creator of New York Fashion Week and author of two volumes of “Fashion Lives, Fern Mallis’s interview with menswear designer Todd Synder at 92Y.


These Fashion Talks are something I always look forward to. You won’t find talks like these anywhere except in New York. 

Fern described her special guest as the patron saint of approachable menswear. She said Tood Synder’s clothes embody ‘cool’ and ‘classic.’ 

I don’t think anyone would consider his clothes edgy. He’s known for turning the J. Crew menswear collections, mostly preppy dressing, into a big business. According to Todd, his customers are looking for beautifully constructed basics. He doesn’t push color, print, or silhouette. As Fern said, his clothes resemble those of an elevated Mr. Ripley.  How many shades of beige are there? Todd Synder probably knows. 

It’s fun to catch Fern during these Fashion Talks, not listening to her guest’s responses. With her head down, looking at her notes, she seems more focused on the next question than the discussion. I’ve seen her do this more than once during the evening.  Don’t get me wrong, I am a big Fern fan. I love what she’s doing and getting top designers to discuss their processes. 

The good news is Todd Snyder has a lot of personality. His down-to-earth, friendly mannerisms made his story so compelling. He was born on a farm in the Midwest, not in a fashion capital as he shared insights into his life, inspirations, and professional milestones. you could tell the key to his success has been hard work and determination. 

From his humble beginnings in Huxley, Iowa, to being voted Best Dressed in high school, reading GQ for the first time was an eye-opening experience that ignited a passion for fashion. While working in retail, Todd Synder hung out in the tailor shop, learning the tricks of the trade. He applied to all the fashion houses in New York before landing his first intern job at Ralph Lauren.
His big break came when one of his bosses noticed the shirt he was wearing in a meeting. It was one of his designs. He said his weekend sewing hobby helped him relax and quickly moved up the design ladder. 

He ping-ponged back and forth from Ralph Lauren to the Gap, J. Crew, and back to Ralph Lauren. Eventually, he left J. Crew in 2009 and launched his label. J. Crew’s success had a lot to do with it. “I wanted a chance to have my own crack at it,” he said. His goal is to create clothes that help guys look their best. Todd mentioned firsthand how clothes transformed lives when he worked in retail. 

Craft is essential to him. He told Fern that tailoring is front and center in all his design collections. 
He told Fern he’s always looking for people who ‘go the extra mile’ to join his team. 
He has been part of my successful fashion collaborations. First and foremost, L.L. Bean creates high-style New England outdoor gear. Most recently, he started designing for Woolrich’s Black label. He chose to work with Woolrich because he feels the pandemic turned outdoors into a trend. Todd Synder’s outerwear embodies the fusion of Woolrich’s rich heritage, quality, and craftsmanship. The Woolrich Black Label comprises two distinct and complementary lines: Heritage and Technical.

Since becoming an impactful presence on the global fashion stage, Todd Snyder has branched out to create twenty interiors for rustic Maine bungalows for the Hidden Pond resort.  He saw this new collaboration into interior design as an “opportunity to really take a deep dive into Maine aesthetics,” he told Architectural Digest. “What’s so interesting and remarkable to me about this place is that it’s so diverse, area by area. You drive half an hour, and it’s totally different.” Snyder’s narrative is a testament to the blend of heritage, hard work, and visionary creativity.

If you’re watching any of our videos embedded in this post, the American Heart Association recommends that men consume no more than 9 teaspoons of added sugar daily and women consume no more than 6 teaspoons. If the numbers seem tricky, a 12-ounce can of soda contains 8 teaspoons (32 grams) of added sugar!

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Divabetic Salutes Val Young

“I can get in where I fit in, ” says Val Young. “I love all music.”

R&B/soul singer-songwriter Val Young, also known as “Lady V,” was one of the original Mary Jane Girls Band members.

The Detroit-born former Motown recording artist began singing background vocals for The Gap Band, George Clinton, Teena Marie, El Debarge, Evelyn ‘Champagne’ King, Bobby Womack, and Roy Ayers. Her all-time favorite artist is Gladys Knight. Growing up, she used to listen to her music all of the time.

She began singing with Rick James in 1981 on the Street Songs tour. Teena Maire was the opening act. She was also a member of the original Mary Jane Band.

“What a great, great time I had with RJ (Rick James). Recording, working, touring, personal, everything,” says Val Young. “We could be laughing and talking, and he could create a song. Rick James was the best of everything.” She added, “I learned from Rick to be focused. Rick always told me to be someone that someone else wants to be.”

Rick James produced her debut album, Seduction, which included the hits “Mind Games,” “Piece Of My Heart,” and “If You Should Ever Be Lonely.”

“I always wanted to be solo,” said Val Young in a Truth in Rhythm interview on YouTube. “But I still sung backgrounds on the Mary Jane Girls records.”

Her talent and physical attributes impressed Rick James so much that he promoted her as the “Black Marilyn Monroe.”

Packed with so many great songs, Rick James decided against including Val Youngs’ recording of the song “In My House” on the album. Instead, he gave the song to his fledging girl group, The Mary Jane Girls, who released “In My House,” it became a mega-hit. Regardless, Val Young’s Seduction album achieved gold status.

I would listen to Val Yong’s hits on WDKX in Rochester, New York. After school, I would turn up the radio in the art room when I heard the first bars of “If You Should Ever Be Lonely.” I was such a big Val Young fan that I dragged my brother, Rich, and his friend, Teresa, to see her perform live at a small club in Downtown Rochester. The three of us stuck out like a sore thumb in the club.

I may never understand why I grew up listening to R&B when no one else in my family did, but I can trace my career trajectory back to those early years of listening to Val Young, Rick James, and Luther Vandross nonstop on WDKX.

I was a Luther fan long before I worked for him, so I am passionate about helping promote his legacy. It was one of the most magical, defining moments in my life. I’m grateful to stay in touch with Luther’s musical family, promote his musical legacy, and offer diabetes outreach support to his fans.

After the success of her first album and Rick James’s passing, I didn’t hear much of Val Young. I’m not a rap fan, so I assumed she had left the music industry. But her voice can be heard on hit songs with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Too Short, Mark Morrison, and Napoleon. Her most successful collaboration is the song “To Live & Die In L.A.” with Tupac Shakur.

You can’t help but fall in love with Val Young listening to her Truth in Rhythm interview. She’s down-to-earth, funny, and very humble about her success. She was genuinely surprised to learn Mariah Carey covered her song, “If Should Ever Be Lonely.” She said, “I was just so happy and truly blessed.”

Most recently, Val Young, Candice Ghant, and Rick James’ daughter, Ty James, have been performing as the new lineup of The Mary Jane Girls at various Rick James tribute shows.

Thank you, Val Young, for being part of the soundtrack of my life. Her music reminds me of the kid who grew up listening to R&B and was lucky enough to work for one of his idols.

Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration featuring a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Luther Trivia Games, Live Performances, Style Vendors and Live DJ.

Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!

Luther Vandross was known for wearing rhinestones, silk tuxedos, and tailcoats on stage and Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Tom Ford off-stage! He wasn’t afraid of bright colors, animal prints, geometric patterns, and fringe. His style and incredible showmanship brought him legions of fans worldwide.

We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made his concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.

MUSIC PANEL: Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, and Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell give us a closer look into the Shine of the Rhinestones, Big Luscious Hairstyles, Bold Makeup, Graceful Moves, and Tight Harmonies comprising Luther’s iconic stage shows. Hosted by Max Szadek.

FASHION SHOW: Designers showcase their gorgeous creations inspired by Luther Vandross’s romantic elegance. See the latest styles from Harlem’s Heaven and Modafleur, among others! Hosted by Catherine Schuller.

LIVE PERFORMANCE: Luther’s most iconic songs performed by Luther’s most iconic songs by vocalist Keith Anthony Fluitt.

STYLISH VENDORS: Shop for apparel, jewelry, and teas from a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs.

COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Enjoy signature cocktails and delicious appetizers.

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Divabetic Salutes Jean Knight

“Mr. Big Stuff is better to me now than 31 years ago,” said singer Jean Knight about her biggest hit. “All I have to do is sit at home and wait for the mailman.”

The New Orleans singer reached #2 on the Billboard charts in 1971 with”Mr. Big Stuff.” and received a Grammy nomination. But a decade before her success, Jean Knight cut her first demo recording in 1965, a cover of Jackie Wilson’s “Stop Doggin’ Me Around.”

One of her biggest musical influences was Etta James. “The first time she heard “All I Could Do Was Cry,” she said in an interview on YouTube, “The first time I heard that song, I wanted to be like her.”

Jean Knight recorded a series of singles with lukewarm success. When her career stalled, she left the music industry and worked at a bakery.

Songwriter Ralph Williams connected Jean Knight to record producer Wardell Quezergue a short time later. Her recording sessions with Wardell Quezergue yielded “Mr Big Stuff,” which turned around her fortunes. Reflecting on the recording session, Jean Knight said she liked “Mr. Big Stuff” lyrics but not the melody. She felt the melody didn’t match the tone and emotion of the song’s subject. At some point, the producers let Jean sing it her way. She recorded her infamous version of the song in one take. Stax Records bought the rights and released the record, which peaked at no. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

“Mr. Big Stuff” topped the US R&B chart and crossed over into the main pop chart, reaching No. 2. The Bee Gees’ hit “ How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” kept her from the top spot. Her popularity soared, and she performed her hit on TV Shows like Soul Train and received Best Female R&B Vocal Performance nominations at the 1972 Grammy Awards.

After “Mr. Big Stuff,” Jean Knight recorded a few modest hits, including “You Think You’re Hot Stuff” and “Carry On,” but disagreements with her producers at Stax led to her being dropped from the label the following year,

Jean Knight said, “I’m the type of person that I never get too big for the people that I have been knowing,” explaining why she didn’t get caught in the trappings of fame. “My friends from when I was much younger are still my friends today.”

In the 80s, she joined the local oldies circuits, where producer Isaac Bolden spotted her. He signed her to his label, Soulin. The two produced the song “You Got The Papers, But I Got The Man.” It was a novelty answer song to Richard Dimples Fields’s hit, “She’s Got Papers On Me.”

“You Got The Papers, But I Got The Man” has one of the best sassy monologues ever recorded! Jean Knight’s defiant mistress tells off her lover’s wife, “What you need, girl, is a complete overhaul, your house, your body, your face and all!” It could be straight out of a season finale of The Real Housewives franchise and requires you to fasten your seatbelt before listening.

After reading the wife from A to Z, she sweetly expresses her undying love for her man. It reminds me of Shirley Brown’s “Woman To Woman” song that my friend, DJ Downtown Donna, used to spin at the classic dive bar Pendulum on Castro Street in San Francisco.

Jean Knight also remade the novelty hit “My Toot Toot,” which became her first international hit. It reached the top ten in the United Kingdom and # 3 in South Africa.

The Louisiana Music Hall of Famer’s legacy extends beyond her music. She passionately shared her time and talents with many New Orleans community causes. She represented the heart and soul of her hometown, earning respect and admiration far beyond her musical talents.

Join us for our Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday celebration featuring a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Luther Trivia Games, Live Performances, Style Vendors and Live DJ.

Come dressed in your Big 80s Bling!

Luther Vandross was known for wearing rhinestones, silk tuxedos, and tailcoats on stage and Versace, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Tom Ford off-stage! He wasn’t afraid of bright colors, animal prints, geometric patterns, and fringe. His style and incredible showmanship brought him legions of fans worldwide.

We’re celebrating the Glitz, Glamour, and Romantic Elegance that made his concerts memorable and set him apart from other entertainers.

MUSIC PANEL: Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, and Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell give us a closer look into the Shine of the Rhinestones, Big Luscious Hairstyles, Bold Makeup, Graceful Moves, and Tight Harmonies comprising Luther’s iconic stage shows. Hosted by Max Szadek.

FASHION SHOW: Designers showcase their gorgeous creations inspired by Luther Vandross’s romantic elegance. See the latest styles from Harlem’s Heaven and Modafleur, among others! Hosted by Catherine Schuller.

LIVE PERFORMANCE: Luther’s most iconic songs performed by Luther’s most iconic songs by vocalist Keith Anthony Fluitt.

STYLISH VENDORS: Shop for apparel, jewelry, and teas from a dazzling array of small entrepreneurs.

COCKTAILS & LITE BITES: Enjoy signature cocktails and delicious appetizers.

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Divabetic at New York City’s Summer Streets

The happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic, plays his food game, ‘Serve, Taste or Trash,’ at the fifth annual Summer Streets – NYC. Here’s how you play: Mr. Divabetic lists 3 fruits and vegetables. Among the three food options, you must choose which one you’d serve, which you’d taste, and which you’d be willing to trash.

For this food game, the choices are melon, red pepper, and eggplant.

Nearly seven miles of New York City’s streets, from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park, will be opened up for everyone to play, run, walk, and bike.

Mr. Divabetic is a 2011 WEGO Health Activist Award finalist and the happy healthcare host of Diva TalkRadio. Diva TalkRadio is Divabetic’s dynamic free online and mobile podcast channel where tens of thousands of fans, followers, and listeners turn to laugh a little and learn a lot. The channel features a line-up of live and archived programs and specials. Guests include healthcare professionals, beauty, image/style, fitness experts, entertainment industry leaders, and VIPs: women and men living with, at risk of, and being affected by diabetes.

Learn how to become your own ‘Diabetes Bodyguard’ on this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast with musical inspiration from one our all-time favorite divas, Whitney Houston.

Enjoy an exclusive first listen of “Whitney Houston – I Wish You Love: More From ‘The Bodyguard’” before the album’s release date courtesy of SONY Music. This 25th anniversary of The Bodyguard soundtrack album features the hit song, I’m Every Woman, echoing the recent statistics that 1 in 10 women are now living with diabetes.

Throughout the podcast, we will talk to experts about ways to safeguard you and your family from experiencing diabetes health-related complications such as stroke, blindness, and amputation.

Guests include  Dr. Beverly S. Adler, PhD, CDE, Constance Brown Riggs MSEd, RD, CDE, CDN, the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach featuring Patricia Addie Gentle RN, CDE, Mindy Bartleson, T1D, blogger at “There’s More to the Story”, and author, Hairstylist & Salon Owner, Karline Ricketts, and America’s #1 Energy Conductor, Kathie Dolgin aka ‘High Voltage’.

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Mr. Divabetic Raises Awareness At Feria de Salud Festival in The Bronx

The happy healthcare host, Mr Divabetic raises awareness for diabetes in a fun, new way at the American Diabetes Association’s Latino program, Feria de Salud, at St. Mary’s Park in the Bronx, NY.

The annual Feria de Salud Festival offers free health screenings and education to South Bronx residents about diabetes.

Approximately 1,717,067 people in New York, or 10.7% of adults, have been diagnosed with diabetes. An additional 456,000 people in New York have diabetes but don’t know it, significantly increasing their health risk. Sadly, the Bronx is home to five of city’s worst 10 neighborhoods for diabetes-related deaths.

Play along as Mr. Divabetic challenges various American Diabetes Association staff members, Dr. Ileana Vargas – Rodriquez, Mimi Gonzalez BS, RN, with the food game, ‘Serve, Taste or Trash!’

You might be surprised by the results. In the game, players are given three choices of fruits and vegetables. You must decide which one you’d serve, which one you’d taste, and which one you’d trash. Before you decide to “trash” a veggie for good, why not try to eat it raw? Raw veggies can be more delicious than cooked to people who aren’t crazy about vegetables. The flavors of raw veggies can be milder than those of cooked ones. And the texture is crispy rather than mushy.

Are You Living With PreDiabetes? 

Why should I care about prediabetes? The sooner you know you have prediabetes, the sooner you can take action to reverse it and prevent type 2 diabetes. Click HERE to take a quick PreDiabetes Risk Test.

The CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program helps people with prediabetes make lasting lifestyle changes to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Working with a trained coach teaches you to eat healthy, add physical activity, and manage stress. With other participants, you’ll celebrate successes and work to overcome challenges. If you have prediabetes, now is your time to take action Click HERE for program details.

Mr. Divabetic is a 2011 WEGO Health Activist Award finalist and the happy healthcare host of Diva TalkRadio. Diva TalkRadio is Divabetic’s dynamic free online and mobile podcast channel where tens of thousands of fans, followers, and listeners turn to laugh a little and learn a lot. The channel features a line-up of live and archived programs and specials.

Do you need some inspiration to help you make healthier choices? Tune in to this episode of Divabetic popular podcast focused on Healthy Swaps. With a few simple swaps, you can help live your best life while managing your diabetes. Our experts offer straightforward, simple, and fun swap ideas for drinks, medications, self-care, and fashion. Plus, we share style tips and words of inspiration to help you maintain a healthy habit.

Developing these habits isn’t always easy. Adapting to a new routine can be tricky, and it’s often tempting to want to return to old ways if we don’t see immediate results. One of the biggest mistakes people make when forming a new habit is taking on too much too quickly.  Focus on what’s working in your diabetes self-care plan before overhauling diabetes management. Instead of decluttering the entire house, why not focus on one room or closet? Why not focus on the calories you drink rather than everything you eat?  If you want to eat healthier, try replacing one dessert daily with a piece of fruit rather than cutting out sugar completely. If you’re going to get into hiking, start with a walk at lunchtime. Setting small goals you can achieve will help keep you motivated along the way.

Guests include Catherine Schuller, Poet Lorraine Brooks, Patricia Addie-Gentle RD, CDCES, MaryAnn Horst Nicolay, MEd, NDTR, and Mama Rose Marie. Hosted by Mr. Divabetic.

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New York City Pride March 2023

Thank you to all of the AMAZING ALLIES in my life. The ‘A” in LBGTQAI+ is an essential part of our community.

Yesterday morning I was overcome with emotion thinking about how vital my ALLIES have been in my life. I can’t imagine my life without them. My family, friends, co-workers, employers, neighbors, and leaders have walked beside me and provided me with strength, laughter, joy, love, and community with each step of my journey of self-acceptance.

Your love, friendship, support, kindness, and respect mean so much to me as I live my truth. You make it safe for me to show every shade of the RAINBOW in my heart and soul.

Sadly, many people around the globe, like me, don’t feel safe or enjoy the same freedoms. I’m grateful to their ALLIES too.

I appreciate my trans and nonbinary community members for feeling safe to be who they are in my presence.

The Pride March is an opportunity to see the vastness of our community. All the different sizes, shapes, ages, races, and genders of people in our community. It’s a vitamin to the soul to know you’re not alone.

I feel overcoming the SHAME associated with being gay is similar to the SHAME associated with a type 2 diabetes diagnosis. Feeling pride in something others think is shameful is a powerful tool for guiding you to live your best life. It’s not easy to overcome the inner negative thoughts and emotions, but it is worth it.

On this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast, Mr. Divabetic spotlights LGBTQAI+ people living with, affected by, and at risk of diabetes with music from Indigo Girls.

Research shows that LGBTQAI+  people have unique health disparities and worse health outcomes than their heterosexual counterparts regarding diabetes care and education.

Guests include The Flood Girls & The Small Crimes of Tiffany Templeton, Author Richard Fifield, and Heart Health advocate and fabulous drag queen, Mutha Chucka, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDCES.

Mr. Divabetic stops by the Gay Pride March in New York to raise awareness for diabetes in a fun, new way. The first March was held in 1970 and has since become an annual civil rights demonstration. Over the years its purpose has broadened to include recognition of the fight against AIDS and to remember those we have lost to illness, violence, and neglect.
Mr. Divabetic plays his food game, Serve, Taste or Trash! with participants and crowd goers to help encourage people to read nutritional labels. You might be surprised by the facts. In the game, you are given three choices of popular snack foods: a Kit Kat White Chocolate bar, a Balance Bar (Yogurt Honey Peanut), and a Vita Coco Pure Coconut Water with Orange, 11. 1 fl oz. To play, you must decide which item you’d serve, which you’d taste, and which you’d trash. Can you tell which one contains the most sugar? Kit Kat White Chocolate bar contains and the Balance Bar (Yogurt Honey Peanut) both contain 18 grams of sugar and a Vita Coco Pure Coconut Water with Orange, 11. 1 fl oz. Contains 20 grams of sugar.

We’re talking about ‘Diabetes & Pride’ on this episode of Divabetic’s popular podcast with musical and identity inspiration from Ricky Martin.

Since Ricky Martin came out in 2010, he’s been a prominent voice for LGBTQ+ rights in the U.S. and his native Puerto Rico. Ricky Martin said, “I just wanna be free,” upon receiving GLAAD’s Vito Russo Award, which honors gay entertainers who promote equal rights. Martin opened up his life to Vanity Fair in its April 2012 issue and spoke candidly about his twins, Matteo and Valentino, and his longtime partner, Carlos Gonzalez.

As an openly gay man, Mr. Divabetic is honored to shine the spotlight on members of the LGBTQ+ community living with diabetes. Guests include Stephen Bernstein, Greg Rubin, Maria Salazar, Maya James, and the Charlie’s Angels of Outreach.

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Why I’m Totally Ready for Anything!

This post is sponsored by Colgate, but opinions are my own.

I feel TOTALLY READY for anything when I appear at various parades around New York City dressed in my world famous fruit suit and a healthy smile to raise awareness for diabetes in a fun, new way. 

It’s great to take to the streets to raise visibility for diabetes and help to educate the world about diabetes. For starters, you quickly grasp the enormity of the diabetes population when you’re wearing a suit with the word, ‘DIVABETIC’ scrolled across the back in big gold letters. People are constantly stopping me to take pictures to send to their friends and family members living with diabetes.  Plus, you have a very good indication of what the general public’s knowledge is about diabetes when you start asking them questions.

Over the years I have found that I need to plan ahead for a day long shoot if I’m going to be successful. I always carry a bottle of water, a small pack of nuts and plenty of sunscreen.

Additionally, as a man at high risk for diabetes because of my family history of diabetes, I make sure my dental health is a priority. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop gum disease [1].  On top of brushing and flossing every day to prevent plaque, cavities, tartar build-up, I also visit a dentist twice a year. It also doesn’t hurt that for my daily brushing I use Colgate Total, the only FDA approved toothpaste‡ that can reverse and prevent gingivitis, an early form of gum disease. After all, when you have a healthy smile, you feel ready for life.

[1] Centers for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/pubs/pdf/ndfs_2011.pdf

‡Colgate Total® toothpaste is approved through the New Drug Application process to help prevent gingivitis in the general population. Not approved for the prevention or treatment of serious gum disease or other diseases.

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