May 7, 2024

About the author  ⁄ India Nicholas

The Best American Flag Swag At The Made In America Festival

by 58 mins ago

The third year of the Budweiser Made In America Festival was filled with 95 degree sunshine, a set-delaying lightening storm and some epic amounts of rain. (Not to mention new J. Cole music and a wild Kanye West performance.)

But the schizophrenic weather didn’t stop kids from stepping up their style game. As flower crowns are to Coachella, Stars and Stripes are to MIA Fest. Concert goers rocked their best American flag-inspired outfits at the Philadelphia edition of the festival in a variety of unique ways.

Below, some of the best.

Sweater vest game strong.

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The bathing-suit-as-top look.

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Ready to rage in tie dye and a feather boa.

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Squad.

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With the Ninja Turtle cup, too.

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Casual with khaki.

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This guy is doing it right.

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Starred and striped shorts at YG.

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Undercover flag fashion.

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Flower crowns aren’t just for Coachella.

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Love this bucket hat look.

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This one, too.

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Lovin’ the crew.

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*Emoji clapping hands*

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Butt identification by way of red, white and blue ribbon.

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“America! F–K Yeah!”

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Also, this:

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Great work, Made In America. You look good.

True Life: I Shot Kanye West’s Made In America Set From The Photo Pit

by 18 mins ago

After a busy week partying with Beyonce at the VMAs, the MTV News staff was exhausted. Which is how I ended up volunteering to be one of the people to head down to Philadelphia to cover the third year of the Budweiser Made In America Festival.

Kanye West was headlining the first night and Kanye West happens to be my number one. So, despite the fact that I do social media (follow me?), and know basically nothing about apertures and f-stops, I borrowed my boyfriend’s camera, downed a Five Hour Energy, and headed off to Philly with a photo press pass.

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After grooving with some out-of-control teens to Destructo and reliving my senior year of college with Chromeo’s throwback set, I was bummed to get an email that said Mr. West was particular about his photo pit and only 10 elite photographers would be chosen to shoot.

Related: Kanye West Called Jay Pharaoh After VMA Joke, But What Did He Say?

Turns out, I was one of those photographers, but I didn’t know it until I got a second email. “Hi,” it read. “You are approved to shoot KANYE WEST tonight at Budweiser Made In America – Philadelphia. Meet at the media check-in area at 10:00pm to be escorted in.” It was 9:30. I tried not to panic.

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After a pep talk from Rob Markman, I joined the nine ...

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Azealia Banks’ ‘Heavy Metal And Reflective’ Style Is Very J-Pop Meets ‘Mad Max’

by 6 mins ago

Azealia Banks has become somewhat of a style chameleon over her three years in the spotlight. From the sophisticated suits in “Van Vogue” to the seapunk style in “Atlantis” to the matching two-pieces in “ATM Jam,” her clothes have gotten a little more outrageous with each new video.

In her latest, “Heavy Metal And Reflective,” Banks turned to her friend Brad Callahan, the designer behind BCALLA, who has been outfitting Banks on tour for the past few years. The live performance ‘fits, often brighter, shorter and more costume-y than what she rocks in videos, makes Banks a little more showy and a whole lot more fun to watch.

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Callahan first started working with Banks when introduced through stylist Contessa Stuto. And though Banks still works with Stuto on looks, Callahan says that a lot of the rapper’s most memorable outfits are often conceptualized by Banks herself.

“[Azealia Banks] is amazing to work with,” says Callahan. “She gives me loose concepts and lots of freedom.” And those ideas can strike at any hour. “One time,” Callahan recalls, “I was at the club at 4:30 am, and I got a text that read something like, ‘I have a show in a week—make me a rose cowgirl.’ Or my personal favorite was when she told me, ‘Turn me into a mouse in a tea cup.’”

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For “Heavy Metal and Reflective,” directors Rob Soucy and Nick Ace called ...

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Rihanna’s Sheer Dress At The CFDA’s Tops A Year Of #FreeTheNipple Outfits

by 06/03/14

On Monday night, Rihanna was honored at the CFDA Awards as the 2014 Fashion Icon. So what does a fashion icon wear to be awarded as the best of the best? Something bold. Something unique. An outfit that establishes the individual as a tastemaker, a style superstar — indeed, an icon.

Ultimately, Rihanna went with a choice that was bold — if not exactly unique for her these days. Let’s just say Rih is having a sheer moment. At the Vogue -supported event, her sparkles were spectacular (230,000 Swarovski crystals are pretty impressive no matter how they’re presented), and her body was on full display.

Stylist Mel Ottenberg told Style.com they were aiming for a “scandalous” look. And Ottenberg’s partner, the dress designer Adam Selman, has been an ongoing collaborator of Riri’s. That’s probably the reason the dress felt familiar — and helps explain why we’ve now seen Rihanna’s nipples so many times.

How often has the Internet collectively gasped in awe of Riri’s bared bod? How many jaws have dropped at the sight of her in an undergarment-less outfit? Never mind that Rihanna in a sheer top is less shocking to us now than Rih in a tee — the pop superstar seems to be in an “if it ain’t sheer, don’t rock it” phase. Don’t believe us?

Remember what she wore to the Grammy Awards in 2011?

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Or when she went out to dinner in this ensemble in 2012?

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You’ll definitely recall this a bra ...

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Need To Know: New Lil Wayne And Usher Tracks Make Our Weekend

by 05/05/14

A Weekend Full Of New Music
The first weekend of May gave us a handful of new music vying to be the first big songs of the summer. Nicki Minaj teamed up with Soulja Boy for “Yasss Bish” – just enough of a tease to hold me over until The Pink Print drops. More Young Money music came when Lil Wayne and Drake dropped “Believe Me,” the first single Weezy’s “Tha Carter V.” And early Monday, Usher gave us “Good Kisser” in full after weeks of teases.

Mother Monster Slays artRave Opening
Lady Gaga kicked off her ARTPOP Ball Tour in Fort Lauderdale Sunday night, complete with a latex octopus costume and a totally topless moment. Paws up, Little Monsters.

“Britney Broke My Nose”
Britney Spears may have more bills to pay after she allegedly accidentally smacked one of her backup dancers and broke her nose while rehearsing for her “Work Bitch” music video back in August. According to the dancer, Dawn Noel, the pop princess never paid for the necessary surgery. Noel is rumored to file a lawsuit against Spears today.

5SOS Gets Another Worldwide Twitter Trend
The boys from down under released an animated lyric video for “Don’t Stop” early Monday morning, spawning another worldwide Twitter trend (#5S0SDONTSTOPLYRICVIDEO) and some major freak outs by fans.

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Need To Know: Lea Michele Has ‘Brunette Ambition’

by 05/01/14

Lea Michele Has ‘Brunette Ambition’
The “Glee” star will release her first book that includes everything from style tips to recipe ideas. The main reason I’ll be picking it up? The stories about red carpet walks and “Glee” rehearsals with Cory Monteith.

Was Peaches Geldof Killed By A Heroin Overdose?
The 25-year-old celeb and mother of two who was found dead in her apartment last month. The London Times is now reporting that the cause of death was a heroin overdose. Though still unconfirmed by police, Geldof had problems with drugs in the past.

J. Law Knows How To Party
Last night at a taping of “Late Night With Seth Meyers,” Lawrence admitted to getting “wasted” at Madonna’s Oscars after-party and barfing on the stairs, to which Miley Cyrus replied, “Get it together, girl!” You know you’re raging when Miley tells you to calm the eff down.

Weezy & Drake Are Recording Slappers
Lil Wayne recruited friend Floyd Mayweather to promote his upcoming album “Tha Carter V” with an Instagram video showing Weezy & Drizzy in the studio bouncing to the bumping “Believe Me” beat. Ugggh, so ready to rep this album all summer long. Hurry up, Weezy!

Go Behind-The-Scenes Of ‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2′

‘Amazing Spider-Man 2′ Swings In To Theaters
I’m spoiled and already got to see this incredible movie so trust me when I say it’s entertaining, action-packed and emotional (I teared up twice). Also, Andrew Garfield, Dane DeHaan and Emma Stone make for a pretty hot 2.5 hour view. ...

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Need To Know: Usher’s ‘Good Kisser’ Proves He’s Still Got It

by 04/30/14

I Bet Usher Is A ‘Good Kisser’
The “Voice” coach released a teaser video for his new single. “Good Kisser” takes inspo from the Ying Yang Twin’s 2005 hit “Whisper Song” (are we seeing a pattern here?), while Usher proves he’s still one of the best dancers in the game.

Miley’s Backyard Looks Like Paradise
Cyrus’ friend Katy Weaver shared an Instagram video of the singer’s backyard that features a personalized Hollywood sign, a gigantic teepee and a life size statue of a horse, all nestled around a serene pool. Invite me over, Miley!

Ludacris Came To Party
Wiz Khalifa, Jeremih and Cashmere Cat are featured in the video for Luda’s latest bangin’ ballad, “Party Girls.” Jeremih’s hook features a “Barbie Girl” sample and Wiz’s style is as enviable as ever (give me all the white leather vests).

More ‘Problem’ Please
Ariana Grande and Iggy Azalea will drop their lyric video for “Problem” today. We’ve gotten previews on Instagram but after listening to the song approx. 1000x since it came out on Sunday, I’m really looking forward to some accompanying visuals.

Busta Rhymes Hops On “Move That Dope” Remix
Future’s latest hit gets an upgrade with a fire verse from Busta and some slick lyrics from Genasis.

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Need To Know: Beyonce, Jay Z And Pharrell Are Webby Winners

Beyonce, Jay Z & Pharrell Are Webby Winners
Three of the biggest names in music are also the biggest names in Internet. The annual awards for internet achievement honored Jay Z with Best Music App for Magna Carta Holy Grail, his wife for Best Celebrity / Fan site at beyonce.com and their friend Pharrell Williams with Best Use of Interactive Video for his 24 Hours of Happy.

Emma Stone Continues To Win At Life
The “Amazing Spider-Man 2” star stopped by “The Tonight Show” to bring down Jimmy Fallon in a lip sync battle. Fallon opened with a lackluster rendition of Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy” before Stone took on the tongue-twisting “Hook” by Blues Brothers. Fallon followed up with 80′s hit “Mr. Roboto” but Stone locked in the win with a raging rendition of DJ Khaled’s “All I Do Is Win.”

Rihanna Bares Her Boobs In Vogue Brazil
Rih Rih showed off all her assets in the new issue of Vogue Brazil, posing in a variety of bikini bottoms, big bangles, and not much else. The singer shared what seems like most of the spread via Instagram, but in case you speak Portuguese and want the real deal, the whole thing is online.

Eminem Is Bringing Back Battle Rap
Shady announced his first ever Total Slaughter Battle Rap Event, coming to New York this summer. Battle rap’s brightest, including Loaded Lux and Murda Mook, as well as Slaughterhouse’s Joe Budden and Hollow Da Don, will star in a lead-up reality series airing on WatchLoud.com before ...

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Need To Know: Ashton Kutcher And Mila Kunis Make Out At Stagecoach

Ashton & Mila Make Out At Stagecoach
The engaged couple had their PDA game on strong at the Indio, California country music fest over the weekend. Kutcher got into the spirit of things in a cowboy hat and neckerchief while Kunis showed off her growing baby bump.

Is The Eternal Bachelor Settling Down?
George Clooney is reportedly engaged to his girlfriend of eight months Amal Alamuddin. The actor and British attorney were seen dining in Malibu over the weekend with Alamuddin rocking a ring on the left hand.

Ariana Grande Hits #1 With ‘Problem’
After trending worldwide on Twitter for over a week, the countdown to “Problem” ended on Sunday night when Grande performed the new single at the Radio Disney Music Awards. Rocking thematic Mickey Mouse ears while the new lyric video played in the background, Grande got the crowd so hyped that she arrived home to the news that the single was already #1 on iTunes.

Justin Bieber Is Full Of Surprises
Biebs took to Twitter over the weekend to share some new music for the fans. “Hard 2 Face Reality,” featuring Poo Bear, was posted to Bieber’s new soundcloud on Saturday. Fans, predictably, freaked out.

RIP DJ Rashad & DJ EZ Rock
A sad weekend for music lovers. DJ Rashad, a founder of footwork music, was found dead in Chicago from an apparent drug overdose. DJ EZ Rock, who along with Rob Base created the timeless hit “It Takes Two,” died Sunday. Cause of death has yet to be revealed.

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