Photo Credits: Matthew Harris (IG: @scoobylx, ScyFlyCreations)

COVID-19 has largely derailed social events in Atlanta, and the world at large. However, as learn to live with the virus, here and there events are making a comeback.

The first autumn event falls to Kiid Fro’s “Vanguard Fashion Show,” and it was an event definitely worth talking about!

Grade: B-

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The event took place Saturday night, October 17th, in a surprisingly stylish venue in Downtown Atlanta. There were a couple of socialites and notable members of the city’s Black LGBT community gathered to watch some of the latest fashion lines of the season. The show begin with a late start but was overlooked largely thanks to the venue’s tasty drinks–sangrias we believe–and great conversations with fellow Kontrol Magazine’s Lifestyle Editor, Byron Jamal, media personality, Imani Vanzap; a rising star and “auntie” of Atlanta’s Black LGBT community, “About Him’s” Brandon Karson Jordan, Outpour Media Productions LGBTQ owner, Antar Bush, and Carl Levonzell aka K $tarr, an actor, indie rapper, and hilarious radio personality.

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When the show finally began, and in between intermissions, we were able to see some amazing pieces of fashion. Never before, have I been to show where I liked all of the lines, or even more so saw pieces that I can actually see everyday people wearing. All of the lines pulled off high fashion with their own touch of haughtiness with the functionality of “The Everyman” in mind. Nevertheless, the lines must be chastised for their lack of plus-sized male models. The diversity was blaringly lacking in that department. More brands are now embracing bigger men–Savage x Fenty, Target–and even New York Fashion Week had one plus sized male model. This is something we hope will be corrected in the future.

However, we must admit we loved Jae Amour’s “The Penthouse Collection” and Soomar’s lines the most. We are familiar with both their work and have seen nothing but growth in the right direction from these designers.

However, the event was marred, as aforementioned by tardiness, long intermissions between the presentation of the fashion lines, and sound issues which seemingly crippled what could have been a great opening performance–the Voice of Array has “The Range.”

We did like Kiid Fro’s handling of the media, he was respectful, hands on, and ensured any information needed was freely given or arranged–Atlanta take notes! Also he mirrored Issa Rae’s philosophy of “reaching across the table” to friends, family, and associates to get his event off the ground using them as performers, models, media, and staff.

Zoe Effect Black Z-Pack Bag

As a finishing touch noted guests were given Z-Packs as gift bags! These cute little bags definitely follow the trend in high mens fashion of now having little bags to compliment trendy outfits.

For this to be Kiid Fro’s first event earns him some major cool points. His general love and the admiration and respect he garners from his community is somewhat heartwarming and enviable. We will be watching. Kudos.

Last night, BET Networks celebrated the season two premiere of its Lena Waithe and Halle Berry executive produced show “BOOMERANG.” Show cast members Tequan Richmond, Tetona Jackson, Lala Milan, Dime Davis, Leland B. Martin and RJ Walker were in attendance.

Lena Waithe

Following the success of Lena Waithe’s BOOMERANG first season, the half-hour subversive, smart, serialized comedy that is fielded by romance, friendship, gender politics and more returns for season two. The original cast are back to deal with the ramifications of Simone and Bryson’s breakup and how it effects the group’s friendship.

Throughout the season, each of our main characters: Simone (Tetona Jackson), Bryson (Tequan Richmond), Crystal (Brittany Inge), Ari (Leland Martin), Tia (Lala Milan) and David (RJ Walker) look inward to find out who they truly are while discovering that together, they’re growing apart. Guest stars for season two will include Jaleel White, Joey Bada$$, Walter Emmanuel Jones and Kim Wayans.

Special guests in attendance included: Terrence J, Martin Lawrence, Cameron Hamilton & Lauren Speed, Lance Gross, Kellee Stewart and more.

“BOOMERANG” season 2 premiere Wednesday, March 11^th at 10PM EST on BET.

Catch additional photos from the Season 2 premiere party below:

About Boomerang:

BOOMERANG is a half-hour subversive, smart, serialized comedy, fueled by romance, friendship, gender politics, love and, of course, sex. The story picks up roughly twenty-five years after the “Boomerang” movie and centers on Simone Graham (daughter of Marcus Graham and Angela Lewis) and Bryson Broyer (son of Jaqueline Broyer), who are marketing professionals trying to step out of their parents’ shadows. The series follows a group of childhood friends who are looking to make their own mark in the world…all while navigating their feelings for each other.

Every now and then you run into an artist you know you will never forget. Indeed they are what we would describe as “a whole mood.” Jac Ross is definitely a rising star with the pipes to prove it.

His voice is easily on par with any of R&B and neo-soul’s greats like Marvin Gaye, Teddy Pendergrass, and Musiq Soulchild. This is not a matter of opinion, in fact legendary producer, Rodney Jerkins, has declared he has a legendary voice with Jac becoming his brainchild of sorts. Recently, we attended a listening party at Atlanta’s very own “Sublime Doughnuts” to hear a few of his amazing tracks. Needless to say we were in for a treat with his vocals and his own signature doughnuts!

Jac gave us a little on his background, initially being a struggling artist from a small town in Florida. He recounted the trials and triumphs of his life including how his friend helped him meet Rodney Jerkins and how he fought with insurance companies over medical malpractice involving his daughter. “Man it’s only by God’s grace that I’m here and Although Jac is still a rising star, you can tell he has evolved, and his final transformation will be akin to the stuff dreams are made of.

The event was intimate and reminiscent of old school listening parties back in the late nineties. At the tables, guests were left with black and white pins labeled, “It’s OK To Be Black.” Coincidentally, this is the title of one of his tracks as well. “I wrote it based on my daughter. I was looking at her one day and how beautiful she is and just thought ‘it’s okay to be Black.’ …we have to deal with so much and I want her–and our children–to know they are beautiful, amazing, and to keep their heads up.” Jac performed “It’s Ok To Be Black,” but it is his song, “Misunderstood” that is our favorite song. It is definitely a vibe. It could easily be added to our personal soundtrack!

Jac Ross is an artist who should be on everyone’s radar. You can listen to and stream his music on all musical platforms. Check out more pictures from the event below: