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Balmain has officially taken over the fashion scene. On Thursday (Nov 5) the highly anticipated Balmain x H&M collection was launched in 250 stores worldwide and online. The collection created by the French luxury house in partnership with H&M features over a hundred garments and accessories or men and women The designer collaboration showcases a number of rich, extravagant pieces, but without a hefty price tag. Balmain x H&M collection ad campaign features Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and Jourdan Dunn

The 65th edition of Miss World kicks off on November 21, with the arrival of the first contestants in Sanya, The People's Republic of China, and Culminating with the Grand Final on Saturday 19 December at the Beauty Crown Grand Theatre, Sanya. Meet the Caribbean beauties who will compete for the coveted crown and title of Miss World 2015! Meet the Contestants

I’d wager that “Local” is hardly the first word that comes to mind when you think “Nassau.” The capital of the Bahamas lures hordes of visitors, but for most that translates to an all-inclusive hotel on Paradise Island, a pristine beach and one too many Bahama Mamas. A great shame that is. New Providence—Nassau is actually not an island but the capital city of New Providence—has long been one of my Caribbean loves because I’m awed by the way it’s submerged in American culture (and, frankly, Americans) yet still so staunchly Bahamian. The local lives here, proud and strong and beautiful. Here’s how to luxuriate in it. Cable Beach, Nassau Music “Rake ‘n’ Scrape”: a gardening tactic? No, a musical genre—the musical genre of the Bahamas—that sounds like the rollicking child of calypso and hoedown. The centuries-old traditional version was made by bending a saw and scraping it with a small object; its modern iteration incorporates strains of soca and hip-hop, and can be heard on the radio, in the airport, at festivals and parties—in other words, this is not some old-time, old-folks affair but a music deeply woven into the fabric of contemporary Bahamian life. The best times to immerse yourself in it are during Junkanoo, the Bahamian version of Carnival CCL +1.89%, held around Christmas, and at the annual Rake ‘n’ Scrape festival staged on neighboring Cat Island every June. Feast your ears on this infectious Rake ‘n’ Scrape-flavored hit by Nassau’s most popular party band, Visage. Art Since the 1970s, Nassau’s art scene has been vital to not just amplifying the beauty of the island but promoting authentic Bahamian identity. That legacy is alive and well, making Nassau one of the Caribbean’s great art capitals; this year a local star, Lavar Munroe, had his work featured in the Venice Biennale. Get an art history lesson at the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas (nagb.org.bs ), home to the work of iconic pioneers like Brent Malone, Stan Burnside and Amos Ferguson—whose magnificently vibrant paintings remind me of work by African-American master Jacob Lawrence. Continue ogling at Doongalik Studios ( doongalik.com ), founded in the 70s by the late architect, artist and cultural advocate Jackson Burnside and his wife, Pam; move on to the D’Aguilar Art Foundation ( daguilarartfoundation.com ), where the diverse collection of photography, sculpture, ceramics, and printmaking spans five decades. Glimpse the contemporary art scene at Popopstudios International Center for The Visual Arts( popopstudios.com ), an independent art studio and trendy gallery devoted to the preservation and advancement of alternative Bahamian visual culture and headed by John Cox, an impressive mixed-media artist. On a recent trip I discovered the stunning creations of Edrin Symonette, who crafts Afro-Bahamian masks combining features of Africans and Lucayans, the native inhabitants of the Bahamas (sacredheart.mediacore.tv/media/bahamian-artists-edrin-symonette ) Mask by Edrin Symonette Source: Forbes ............................................................................................................................................... Baz Dreisinger Travel Tales: Where Luxury Meets Local & Wanderlust Meets Culture-lust I am: writer, globetrotter, professor, culture-hound. Born and raised in New York City, with one foot fixed in the Caribbean, I have written about travel, the arts and identity politics for the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal and many more; I produce on-air segments about global music and culture for National Public Radio (NPR). I am ceaselessly curious, fearless in my journeys, relentlessly ravenous to see and learn more. My global routes marry luxury with local, which is the essence of this travel blog: Welcome to a place where wanderlust meets culture-lust, where otherworldly high-end meets rootsy down-home.

Toronto, Ontario (Sonique Solutions) - From corporate and cultural events to festivals and weddings, Trinidadian native Damian Sogren has been doing it all and making his mark as a literal host with the most in the local and international events arena. Damian served as MC for the corporate launch of Power Squad Entertainment In the last few months Damian has used his natural gift for communication, his talent for connecting with persons of various backgrounds and his flair for entertaining to energize various audiences. Most recently, Damian was selected to represent the Hyatt Regency Hotel brand as the master of ceremonies for the event "Taste of Christmas", whereby the top hotel unveiled their all new 2015 Christmas menu and Christmas staff function packages. The talented presenter was able to seamlessly connect all elements and maintain a steady flow of the evening for the hotel's esteemed business and government clients. In Toronto, Damian added some diverse flavour to the city's prestigious Entertainment District when he served as MC for the corporate launch of Canadian production company Power Squad Entertainment and hosted the inaugural edition of 'The Downtown Island Experience' which was a Caribbean music-influenced networking event held in the city center. The Hyatt Regency Hotel's Heather Doughlin and Virgil Khan pose with Damian after he hosted the hotel's event "Taste of Christmas" Throughout the summertime the ambitious MC also switched hats from business-style presenter to all out entertainer as he revved up audiences from many cities, countries and continents at several festivals such as the famous Toronto Harbourfront Centre's "Kick Up Your Heels" Dance Festival and at a plethora of Caribbean-styled Carnival festivities within the diaspora as mic-man/hype-man for party DJS. When asked about having to switch between corporate and cultural delivery, Damian shared, "My style is completely adaptable to all occasions and works well for clients who want to bring a hip, multicultural feel to their professional, entertainment or private events. However, the same attention to detail, time management, organization and flexibility applies to all event situations." Damian poses with some performers at the Toronto Harbourfront Centre's "Kick Up Your Heels" Dance Festival As 2015 draws to a close, Damian looks forward to applying his MC skills to several upcoming Christmas events (corporate staff functions, dinners and awards), events surrounding Trinidad & Tobago's 2016 Carnival season as well as some TV/radio hosting opportunities. Whether he's wearing a suit and tie or jeans and sneakers; Damian Sogren assures that he is ready and willing to create a festive yet appropriate atmosphere at any function and bring positive attention to a variety of occasions, venues and brands using his unique MC ability. For bookings and interviews please contact: nuconceptcc@gmail.com Follow Damian on Facebook Facebook via https://www.facebook.com/DamianSogrenEnt/ and Instagram via https://instagram.com/damiansogrenent/

Kingston, Jamaica (MPR Consulting) - It has been a whirlwind couple of months since multi-talented recording artiste Abby Dallas released her debut EP, " Destined ." Destined, which boasts 6 songs that display the songbird’s range and versatility, has been blazing the airwaves locally and abroad and has garnered tremendous positive feedback and attention from fans and the media. Abby has been busy performing throughout her beloved island of Jamaica in support of the EP. She has appeared on television, radio, and various local stage shows, including Weddy Weddy, where she and the deejay doctor, Shaka Pow, recently “dun the place” with their remake of the Johnny Osbourne classic, Ice Cream Love. “It feels good to know that my work is appreciated. My team at One Jam Music and I have worked hard to create and share quality music. That EP is me. I poured my soul into each song, and every time I sing a song and connect with my audience, even if just one person, I feel whole," stated a humbled Abby. As the songstress continues on her promotional push, she is slated to perform on November 6th at the Montego Bay launch of MELLO T V, Jamaica's first digital and HDTV station, and on November 9th at Irie FM, where she will be the featured performer on Big A’s live acoustic series. She will also be featured in " Women In Reggae " in the upcoming issue of Island Stage Magazine, which will be available onNovember 5th. Closer to year end, Abby will be performing at the hugely popular We are Reggae live concert series in Montego Bay on November 28th and at Stone Love Night on December 2nd during RJR’s Kingston Music Week, which runs from December 1st-7th. Fans can keep up with Abby Dallas’ upcoming appearances and performances on her Facebook page

Currently in studio working on a number of projects Dancehall singjay Chino has a full roster of activities set to unveil for the upcoming festive season and the New Year. Last week the singer shot the video for his collaborative effort ‘ What About Love’ featuring Denyque on the Dark Temptation rhythm which has been enjoying premium rotation on the FM airwaves. Others singles doing well for the entertainer includes ‘ Zion Step’ and ‘ Boring Man’ both making in-rows on the international scene; the latter will also be featured on VP Records upcoming compilation ‘Strictly The Best’ slated for release in November 2015. As part of his renewed thrust going forward Chino has been expanding his brand by helping to unearth and highlight new talent as in the case of Kemara Whiteaka ‘Mad Dog’ of 324 New Empire Records who is responsible for his hot new single ‘ Bar Sheller ’. Featured on the heavily rotated Wire Dem rhythm the Big Ship recording artiste says that he believes in nurturing young talent as that is the only way the local music industry will be sustainable and 324 New Empire Records has been doing some great work so it’s only logical to assist in bringing them to the forefront. Enlisting the services of noted director Michael Burbridge who has worked with some of the biggest name in the industry including Aidonia and Agent Sasco an official video was shot for the aforementioned and is expected to be premiered on November 5th at the video launch. Chino says he is very excited about ‘ Bar Sheller ’ based on the positive feedback it has been generating. The Wire Dem Rhythm project also featured fellow dancehall heavyweights Beenie Man, Sizzla Kalonji, Elephant Man, Jah Vinci and Turbulance and is being distributed by VPal. Meanwhile, with the New Year fast approaching Chino hinted that fans can look out for a new album in the first quarter of 2016. The project dubbed ‘ GMTA’ (Great Minds Think Alike) will be is fourth studio effort and features himself and Brother Stephen McGregor, the first official single ‘Zero Tolerance ’ will be released in the second week of November and will be accompanied by an official video.

Having recently released his " A Journey Through Space and Time " album to rave reviews, billboard reggae recording artist Sea B delivered a supporting video for the lovers rock lead single “ Walk With You .” The video features model, Terry Ann Ramarez and was shot by Florida's renowned videographer, Adrian Allen Steady Image Inc . Speaking of the song and video, Sea B explained "The song was inspired by a woman care giver in Gordon Town who washed her laundry at a river. While observing the mother figure, Sea B noticed a younger woman with a similar demeanor that also peeked his interest. He asks the second woman, “Can I walk with you? Can I talk with you and get to know you better?” The album was featured on I-Tunes under its hot New Music section is available worldwide on such digital stores as iTunes .

Chutney soca sensation King Raj & The Supertones thrill with their new jam “ Secret Belly Dancer ,” available worldwide from all major digital retailers on November 13, 2015, from FOX FUSE. The titillating tune was performed and penned by Raj “King Raj” Singh , and produced by Avinash Singh and The Supertones band. “ Secret Belly Dancer” is also a sizzler for the dance floors and King Raj teams up with Jamaican-born belly dancer Sevdha for the exciting video. The official music video was filmed on location in South Florida and will premiere in the coming weeks on VEVO. King Raj and The Supertones recently took their brand of chutney soca to the global masses, performing in Spain and The Netherlands in October 2015. With more new hits lined up for this year, The Supertones has new tracks and videos coming, to the delight of chutney soca fans everywhere.

Reggae recording artiste Inoah born Clayton Heslop, a resident of the Watermouth community in St. Catherine is intent on making his mark in the Jamaican music industry. Hailing from one of the island’s inner-city enclaves the singer explains that despite various adversities he has always had a passion for music and it’s that desire that as driven him to become so focused and motivated about leaving an indelible imprint on the business. During his earlier years as a member of his then church choir the young musician would showcase his multi-talented skills as he sang and played drums for the group. While working at a popular drink company in Jamaica, and spending time at Judgement Yard the singer during his tenure got introduced to Mr. Wong whom at the time was instrumental in the career of international Reggae star Gyptian. His patience and persistence paid off as he was afforded an opportunity to record his first professional single ‘Rise From The Slum’ on the House Of Love label and he’s never looked back since. Fully immersed in the craft INOAH first emerged on the scene is 2010 after entering a Pepsi Road Show competition and eventually defeating several talented contenders to claim the top spot which subsequently led to him making a debut performance at Rebel Salute the following year (2011). The performance garnered him some well needed attention and soon thereafter the artiste found himself rubbing shoulders with several noted industry stalwarts. Some of his other noteworthy performances in recent times include Reggae Fever in St. Ann, Aquasol Beach Party, Montego and Western Consciousness in Westmoreland. Currently under the guidance of Vertex the Rastafarian crooner says it’s his unique sound and style that distinguishes him from other practitioners and this can be heard via his current singles being promoted ‘Me And You’ for SLR Productions and the buzz-worthy ‘Time’ produced by Vertex. Inoah says aside from leaving a lasting impression he wants to make good music for the masses that will transcend time and geographical boundaries.

Millbeatz Entertainment drops two new hits with Stryker Regal “ Rum Boss ” and Kenna T “ Never Sober ,” both available worldwide from all major digital retailers on November 13, 2015, with pre-order available now, from FOX FUSE. Trinidadian radio deejay Stryker Regal makes his debut as an artist and the catchy “ Rum Boss ”scores him his very first hit with soca fans. Corey “Kenna T” McKenna also finds a fan favorite with the groovy “ Never Sober ,” which is also bound to become a party anthem with fans everywhere. Millbeatz Entertainment was formed by producer David Millien, whose talent and fusion sounds have made him a mainstay on Trinidadian radio and on soca platforms worldwide

Trinidadian hit house MillBeatz Entertainment releases its massive hit “ Indian Gyal” by Drupatee and Machel Montano , available worldwide from all major digital retailers on November 13, 2015, from FOX FUSE. The monster chutney soca tune was originally released for the 2013 Trinidad Carnival season, and now becomes available from the MillBeatz Entertainment catalog to the international masses. Producer David “MillBeatz” Millien teams the “Queen of Chutney” and “King of Soca” for this blockbuster track, which was penned by Ghostwriters, Millien andMontano. Laced with rhythmic Indian dolak and tabla drums, “Indian Gyal” flawlessly fuses soca and chutney vibrations, and continues to be fan favorite for the times. Regularly combining native sounds including soca, chutney, calypso, Latin, reggae and dancehall, Millien has managed to capture and fuse the essence of Caribbean music into each of his productions for MillBeatz Entertainment. “Indian Gyal ” is right on cue with his mission of bringing all the flavors of the Caribbean to the global audience.

Rihanna will be joining the cast of Valérian and the City of a Thousand Planets , this according its director Luc Besson. Luc Besson announed via Instagram Also joining the cast are Dane DeHaan and Cara Delavingne who will be playing Valerian and Laureline in the adaptation of the original story, which centered on a pair of spatio-temporal agents who help defend a utopian 28th century Earth and its neighboring planets from bad guys, with the pair’s adventures rooted in space opera and time travel themes. As well as Clive Owen who will play Commander Arün Filitt. Filming is expected to start in January 2016.