SHIMMER BEAUTY

Read more from the May Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Shimmer Beauty in mag.

WHEN IT'S THAT TIME OF THE MONTH

When it comes to that time of the month, we all have our kits of sorts that span what we use to handle our periods directly, our comfy clothes that allow us to be a bit more comfortable, food and beverage and of course our anytime distractions - your streaming platform of choice. It's interesting that that series of days has a number of routines and must haves that we gravitate towards to get back to our normal day to day. 

When it comes to our actual periods, it's about finding effective products that ensure that there are no mishaps made in our clothes as well as remains comfortable for us as we continue about our normal activities. A number of these methods are those that we have used for years as they have been things that mothers, sisters, aunts, friends etc have shared. But, we also know that there are alternatives that you can take out of your underwear drawer.

When it comes to your underwear, it is an essential garment that moves with us no matter what we do in our day. The importance of comfort and being able to transition from a number of activities is an essential whether you're working out, at the office, lounging at home and more. As this is one of the most essential layers that you rock, why not try something that's leakproof that will protect you during your period and provide you the confidence that your body needs to ensure that you are not creating stains on your clothes.

Knix is reinventing knit wear by creating 3 styles of athletic leakproof underwear in thongs, boyshorts and bikinis in black and nude tone. The underwear has a super absorbent pad with a leak resistant backing that is built into seamless underwear. Even more important in its durable construction is that the underwear itself is thin so you won't add any bulk to your outfits and it wears just like your other intimates that you own!

5 ITEMS AND TIPS FATHER'S DAY STYLE

Read the May Issue and see 5 Items and Tips Father's Day Style in Athleisure Mag. 

ATHLEISURE BEAUTY

Read more from the May Issue and see more from Athleisure Beauty in issue.

IN OUR BAG

Read more from the May issue and see In Our Bag in mag.

THE ART OF THE SNACK | THE BOTANICAL BLEND

Read more from the May Issue and see The Art of the Snack | The Botanical Bland in mag.

SUN SAFETY FOR KIDS

Infographic courtesy of Mom Loves Best with a comprehensive guide.

THE EIGHT BEST

Read more from the May Issue and see The Eight Best in mag.

CONGRATS TO SERENA WILLIAMS

Serena Williams is back and re-claiming her time and her crown! If you have yet to see her show on HBO, Being Serena (she talks about coming back after the birth of her daughter Olympia). Not only did she come to the French Open in warrior mode, she rocked a Nike black body suit that was more than just adding to the fashion scope - her full length look that was skintight also protected her against issues of blood clots that she has dealt with prior to her pregnancy as well as after the C-section delivery of her child.

Coming back to Roland Garros after 9 months of the birth of her daughter - she was ready to play at the Grand Slam and let everyone know that she is and always will be the G.O.A.T.

The tennis star put her look into her own words by saying, "It feels like this suit represents all the women that have been through a lot mentally, physically, with their body to come back and have confidence and to believe in themselves," Williams said after beating Kristyna Pliskova 7-6 (4), 6-4 at Court Philippe Chatrier. "I definitely feel like it is an opportunity for me to inspire a whole different group of amazing women and kids.... I call it, like, my Wakanda-inspired catsuit," referring to the fictional nation in the film "Black Panther." We designed it way before the movie but it kind of reminds me of that."

Not only was the catsuit a statement for today, but it recalled elements of fashion history as she wore on back in 2002 U.S. Open and it is similar to a white bodysuit that American player Anne White wore at Wimbledon in 1985.

The match on Tuesday was the first at a major tournament for the 23-time Grand Slam champion in 16 months. She noted that she, "had a lot of problems with my blood clots, and, God, I don't know how many I have had in the past 12 months. So it is definitely a little functionality to it. I have been wearing pants in general a lot when I play, so I can keep the blood circulation going. It's a fun suit, but it's also functional, so I can be able to play without any problems."

Check out the May issue covered by BRAVO's Vanderpump Rules star, Lala Kent.

THE CONDITION OF CONDITIONING

Conditioners can impact how our hair holds a style as well as its overall health and appearance. With so many feeling confused by the options of this product, do you leave it in or rinse it out, and which kinds are best to use? We connected again with Maya Smith to answer these questions. She is an International Master of Natural Curls and founder of The Doux®, a haircare line created specifically for naturally curly hair which includes The Fresh Rinse® conditioner.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What are the benefits of a conditioner?

MAYA SMITH: Conditioners help protect the hair from dryness and breakage by coating the hair shaft to help it retain moisture and softness. People tend to use it mainly for the added benefit of detangling hair however, it’s important to choose a conditioner that won’t weigh your hair down.

AM: What are the benefits of a rinse? 

MS: A rinse, unlike a conditioner, does not coat the cuticle of the hair. A rinse has a much thinner consistency and is in actuality a detangler.

AM: Do I use a leave-in conditioner or a conditioning rinse?

MS: You can use both if your hair is dry, course, or color treated, however, fine hair or hair that tends to be porous should stick to conditioner only.

AM: Should everyone with curly or kinky hair use a conditioner?

MS: Yes. Conditioners help maintain the hair’s elasticity, or its ability to stretch and expand without breaking, which is essential for curly hair.

AM: Do I use a leave-in conditioner or a conditioning rinse?

MS: You can use both if your hair is dry, course, or color treated, however, fine hair or hair that tends to be porous should stick to conditioner only.

AM: How long do I leave in a conditioning rinse?

MS: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Every formula is different, so you want to be sure to use the product as directed to avoid under or over-conditioning. You can always leave it in a bit longer or switch to another conditioner specifically for the result you want to achieve.

AM: What’s the best water temperature to use when rinsing it?

MS: I prefer luke-warm to cool water, because it helps the cuticle of the hair close during the rinse, which makes the hair shiny and sleek.

AM: How much conditioner should be used for every inch of hair?

MS: It depends on the density, or thickness of the hair. Again, follow the manufacturer’s directions on how much to apply. Many suggest the amount of a quarter however if hair is thinner or really thick you may need more or less.

AM: What are some ingredients that can weigh hair down?

MS: Oils and certain types of silicones can weigh hair down. However, some formulas include these ingredients intentionally, because of the smoothing effect that they create on the hair. This is why it’s important not to leave it in too long and to make sure to get it all out unless it’s a leave-in conditioner.

AM: What ingredients should be avoided?

MS: I’m not a fan of petroleum jelly, or mineral oil. There’s a lot of controversy surrounding silicone, but what most people don’t know is that silicones get a really bad rap because they’re commonly associated with silicones found in products that aren’t made for your hair. Cosmetic-grade silicones like dimethicone actually creates slip, protects the hair from breakage, and helps the hair shaft retain moisture during the styling process.

AM: What about conditioners for color-treated hair?

MS: Some ingredients can break down artificial pigment in the hair, causing it to fade, look dull, or turn brassy. Make sure that the label says that the product is color-safe. You certainly want to switch to products formulated for color-treated hair.

AM: Can I dilute a regular conditioner with water and use it as a detangler?

MS: You can, however, I recommend opting for a product that was intended to be a leave-in conditioner. This will help you avoid unnecessary build-up. Some people like to put a leave in conditioner mixed with water in a spray bottle and add it to their beach bag. After swimming they spray it in to make hair easier to comb through.

AM: What are some mistakes people make when using a leave in or a rise out conditioner?

MS: It's worth noting that over-conditioning is the most common mistake, because too much coating on the hair can cause dryness, brittleness, and ultimately breakage. Make sure you’re not leaving a conditioner in longer than 3 minutes unless the manufacturer instructs you to do so.

Read more from the May Issue and see The Condition of Conditioning in mag.

HERE'S WHY YOU SHOULD LET YOUR BUDGET DETERMINE YOUR DESTINATION

Seventy-five percent of Americans go into debt for vacations they can’t afford but according to USA Today, letting the budget determine the holiday destination instead of the other way around can help travellers avoid debt and even make their money last throughout their holiday. Over 60% of the American population went on holiday in 2017 and air travel statistics showed that 80 million travelled abroad the year before. With these numbers, it is safe to say that travel is now more accessible. However, accessibility comes with a price and it also comes with a great deal of responsibility. 

Covering All Major Expenses

Finance adviser Elyssa Kirkham says that travellers need to match their destination to their budget to ensure that they can cover major expenses such as airfare, accommodation, sightseeing, and food and still have some money left over for other travel costs. Whether the budget comes from a personal loan or money saved specifically for splurging, Forbes says that it is important to stick to the budget to avoid financial regrets. If you are thinking of getting a personal loan to pay for your holiday this year, it is important to borrow responsibly. Computing for how much you can afford to pay per month based on a specific loan term at a certain interest rate can give you a clear answer. This budget will also determine where you will spend your vacation.

Destination Options

To determine the right destination for your budget, you would need to find out which destinations are the cheapest places for travellers. Travelling to any Southeast Asian country is fairly cheap. You can also opt for any eastern European country or go to South America. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, you’d be able to start your research. It is important for you to take into consideration the things you would love to do so that your destination can provide you with the activities you enjoy without adding more money to your travel budget.

Cost Structures

Determining your destination based on a specific budget can be challenging but you can get an idea about general costs by taking a look at daily cost averages. However, it is important to keep in mind that each destination country has a different cost structure. If you start planning for a trip to Norway, for example, you’d find that major travel expenses such as accommodation, transportation, food, and entertainment are quite expensive. If you compare those costs to a place like the Maldives, you will see that accommodation is expensive too but transportation and food are incredibly cheap while entertainment costs are not as expensive.  Different countries have different cost structures and it is up to you to adjust those costs to make your money last the whole duration of your trip.

Budgeting Based on Cost Structure

The spending average of Americans for a two-week trip overseas is $3,251 according to ValuePenguin.  If you are working with this amount, you can take a look at the average daily cost of your destination to see if it fits in your budget. Take into account major expenses such as airfare, food, sightseeing, and accommodation but don’t forget to include the average cost of local transportation, alcohol, tips, and bottled water. The total cost will give you a better picture of how much you will be spending on your vacation.

Practical Advice

While doing your research, you will find that certain destinations have expensive food while others have hotels and hostels with expensive nightly rates like the example above. Information like this will help you adjust certain travel costs to fit your budget. If you are going to a place where accommodation is costly, you can take advantage of the sharing economy to bring down your costs. Hostels for backpackers or couch surfing are some of your options. If entertainment in your destination is a bit on the pricey side, you can minimize your entertainment expenses and search for free sightseeing opportunities. You can also look for cheap airfare or use rewards points to save on other travel expenses. Travel need not be expensive. You only need to be patient while doing your research to find the right destination for your budget.

Read the May Issue with our cover girl Lala Kent

SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW | BROWN DIAMONDS

We've been a fan of colored diamonds for a number of years and it is interesting to see the trends within the hues that have begun to go mainstream. We sat down with Jason Quick, Registered Jeweler and Laboratory Director, of American Gem Society Laboratories to find out about Brown Diamonds and how they are becoming popular on red carpets, with celebrities and making their way to retail stores as well.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What are brown diamonds?

JASON QUICK: Brown diamonds occur naturally when the conditions in the earth are just right. These earth-toned diamonds are available in an endless assortment of colors from deep, rich hues to delicately soft. They have a range of accent colors including pink, red, orange, yellow, and green. There is a brown diamond for all tastes!

AM: Are brown diamonds also known as chocolate diamonds?

JQ: “Chocolate Diamond” is actually registered to Le Vian, a company that is a member of the American Gem Society. To learn more about their diamonds, please visit their website.

AM: Why have the red carpets and interest started to lean towards this stone?

JQ: Colored diamonds, in general, have gained in popularity in the past several years. Celebrities - from J. Lo to Rihanna (editors note: she wore Le Vian earrings and necklace at the 2018 Grammys) - each have their own reason for sporting a colored diamond. For starters, colored diamonds are regarded as ‘different’ while still maintaining an undeniable elegance. For some, a colored diamond may be icing on the cake for a specific look or style. We’re finding that the warmth, richness and uniqueness of colored diamonds appeals to jewelry lovers… famous or not.

AM: Why would someone opt for this diamond versus traditional ones?

JQ: Personal taste is a big factor. Brown diamonds exhibit a wide range of accents, hues and tones that give the diamond an interesting and unique appeal. Essentially, jewelry buyers purchase brown diamonds because they are beautiful.

AM: What is AGS and what is your role in the diamond industry as well as to educating consumers?

JQ: The American Gem Society (AGS) is the country's preeminent jewelry trade organization dedicated to consumer protection. Since 1934, we’ve been making it easier and safer to buy jewelry of any kind. We help protect consumers by providing continuing education to our member jewelers, who must also adhere to our code of ethics. We provide credentials for jewelers who undergo our rigorous educational requirements, and must recertify their credentials annually.

AGS Laboratories is a nonprofit diamond grading laboratory created by the American Gem Society. In 1996, AGS created AGS Laboratories because they saw a need in the diamond industry for a diamond grading lab that shared their mission of consumer protection and a high-standard of business ethics.

Our Find a Jeweler search helps jewelry buyers easily connect with AGS jewelers in their area.

AM: What is the Color Diamond Document?

JQ: The Colored Diamond Document gives clear, concise language, describing the many dimensions of the diamond’s color. The Colored Diamond Document presents the technical aspects and nuances of fancy colored diamond grading with content and graphics that are easy to understand—as well as easy to communicate—to the jewelry buyer. The AGS Laboratories Colored Diamond Document combines visual language with an intuitive design to communicate the qualities of a diamond consistent with how people perceive color—with not only their eyes, but their emotions.

AM: What are you seeing as a trend within color diamonds as we continue into 2018 and step into 2019?

JQ: Though colorless diamonds continue to reign supreme as a traditional symbol of love and even glamour or status, colored diamonds continue to gain in popularity. They are seen as a departure from tradition for jewelry lovers who want to express their personality. Brown diamonds, in particular, are seen as an accessible entry point to fancy colored diamonds. Because of their neutral color, they are great for accessorizing with any outfit. AGS members are using brown diamonds quite often in fine
fashion jewelry. It looks great with yellow and rose gold, as it turns any piece of jewelry into a study in rich warmth.

AM: Are there diamond cuts that brown diamonds really look best in?

JQ: Unlike colorless diamonds, which are cut for brilliance, brown diamonds are cut to show off their color, which means they are beautiful in any shape. Each diamond crystal is unique, and is
cut to show off the richness or accent colors of the diamond.

AM: What should our readers look out for when they are purchasing this diamond to ensure that they are getting their best diamond?

JQ: Consumers should trust their eye and buy what they love. Buying a brown diamond with an AGS Laboratories Colored Diamond Document can help a jewelry buyer better understand and appreciate the nuances of their diamond. In general, we recommend buying diamonds with grading reports from independent third-party laboratory. However, know your lab. AGS Laboratories was created to protect the consumer, while many labs were created as a service to the jewelry trade.

AM: Please let us know anything else that we have not covered, but that you would like to share with our audience.

JQ: When buying something as rare and precious as a diamond, it’s important to shop with a jeweler you trust and to ask for a diamond grading lab report from a third-party laboratory who will give you an objective opinion. Visit americangemsociety.org for more information.

PHOTOS COURTESY | PG 37 CBS + PG 39 Omi Privé

Read moe from the May Issue and see Something You Should Know | Brown Diamonds in mag.

WE WENT OFF ROADING WITH CHEVY COLORADO ZR2

Earlier this month, we had the chance to head about an hour or so outside of the NYC to the Monticello Motor Club, an automotive country club for race cars and those who love to drive them! We had the opportunity to go off roading with the 2018 Chevy Colorado ZR2 and we literally had a day of driving through a Jurassic Park-like setting which included muddy trails, bumpy terrain and so much more!

While driving up, we enjoyed utilizing Apple CarPlay (Android Auto also available) via 4GLTE Wifi which allowed us to connect up to 7 devices to it, 4 USB ports, and a 12V charging port. We also loved that there was a lot of room so that you could store your must have items as you head to wherever your travels take you. In addition, since it is a truck - there was ample space to hold whatever shopping runs you have. 

Interestingly enough the smooth ride that we enjoyed while driving to and from the raceway was an interesting contrast to still having a smooth experience when we went offroading. The ability of this midsize pickup to showcase its abilities in off-road technology is something that lends itself to weekend fun. Some of the highlights include a lifted suspension that is 2 inches higher and front and track widths widened by 3.5 inches. There are also segment first off-road application of Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSVTM) damper technology and functional rock sliders to ensure better performance over rocks and obstacles.

An interesting feature involved Surround Vision which is a first Chevy that uses 4 strategically placed cameras that create a virtual bird's eye view of the truck when driving at a low speed. The camera seamlessly merges the vantage points to see what is behind as well as around you!

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Check out our Spring trip to Woodstock, Vermont with Buick

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On this trip, we had the pleasure of talking with and riding caravan style with Anita M. Burke, Vehicle Chief Engineer for North American and Global midsize pickup trucks at General Motors. In this role, she oversees all engineering aspects of midsize pickup truck development at GM. In her role, she covers Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and the all-new Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 in the US. 

Pickups that have been developed by her team have won major industry awards, including back-to-back years for 2015 and 2016 Chevrolet Colorado models as Motor Trend "Truck of the Year." Globally she covers Chevrolet Colorado/S10 pickup and the Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV. Collectively, she leads the engineering development of trucks sold in more than 90 countries. She even reignited the dormant midsize truck program at General Motors and since the launch of the Colorado and Canyon in 2014, GM has sold more than 400,000 midsize trucks - in the US alone.

“I feel like a proud parent of the revitalized midsize truck program at GM, and take a great deal of pride in enriching our customers’ lives throughout the world. I also love presiding over a team of some of the smartest and most passionate engineers in the business. This is my dream job, and it’s been a career highlight to both nurture and be challenged by some of the top talent in the automotive world as we help to make GM the most complete truck company in the industry,” said GM 26 year veteran Burke. 

HOLDING COURT WITH LALA KENT

| MAVI JEANS Tank | MCM Skirt | MARC NEW YORK Jacket |

Readers of this magazine know that we love Reality shows and BRAVO is a personal favorite of our Co-Founder and Style Director. Any show that involves the Real Housewives franchise and their spin-offs is always a winner in our studio. Lala Kent is a fan favorite on Vanderpump Rules which showcases the lives of hostesses, servers, bartenders and DJs that work at SUR with Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ Lisa Vanderpump. In addition to watching this self assured hostess, Lala has a passion for music and this past season we see her perform, and she has also launched a beauty line which we included in a number of looks within her editorial.

From the time Lala came to our set for this shoot, we realized that she is just as stunning, witty and as personable as she is on the show. This girl’s girl talks about how she became a part of this show, where we can find her in LA and more about her beauty line, Give Them Lala. Of course we had a great time incorporating some must have summer looks that are chic with a twist!

ATHLEISURE MAG: We've been fans of yours since you first appeared on Vanderpump Rules. What were you doing prior to this show and how did you end up connecting with the show and what was the audition process like?

LALA KENT: Before the show, I was going on casting, auditions, and fit modeling was paying my bills. Vanderpump Rules came to me when I was eating at Sur. Lisa saw how I interacted with some of the people that worked there and offered me a job as a hostess. With that came a position on the show!

| TITIKA ACTIVE COUTURE Sport Bra | YEAR OF OURS Football Leggings |

AM: Throughout the seasons that you have been on, we have seen you join the cast, feel out the cast, make bonds, adjust and in this past season it seems like you really came into your own - how has being on the show allowed you to grow and what are you proud of after all these seasons?

LK: Being on the show has been amazing. I think being able to look back and reflect on my actions has helped tremendously. I’ve been able to see when I stand up for myself and when I’m acting like a fool! Everyone that is part of the show has brought a lot to my life and continues to help me evolve.

AM: Can we assume that you will be back for another season?

LK: Yes! I will be Giving Them Lala for another season.

AM: You and Lisa have such a great relationship and seems like the ultimate mentor and life coach rolled into one - what is it about Lisa that makes you comfortable to hear her feedback and to take her advice?

LK: Lisa has such a kind heart and offers such motherly love and advice. That, on top of seeing that she is a successful woman, you can’t help but go “I need to listen to her because she’s got it figured out”.

AM: We know that Stassi is a fan of the goat cheese balls at SUR. What are you fave dishes and/or cocktails that you enjoy there?

LK: Oooh I love the goat cheese balls too! They are insane. I also love Joe’s pasta and the Penne Sicilienne...and the dumpling. The sauce is epic.

AM: This season we actually see you perform! How long have you been interested in music, what were the elements that came together to make you embrace performing and what can we expect next within this portion of your career?

LK: I grew up in the arts. From choir to plays to musicals, I was just obsessed with it all. Once you leave high school and it’s no longer something you have the luxury of just doing everyday, you slowly lose the confidence you worked so hard for. James really reminded me of my roots and what I love to do. From here, I just hope to keep making music. It is extremely therapeutic for me.

AM: Tell us about BOY - what inspired you to make this song, how is it doing and what's the next single? When does your album drop?

LK: My song BOY just hit number 1 on iTunes in the Electronic genre. That is amazing to me. I was inspired by how it was so EDM but also trap. It gave me creative freedom to think of myself in a different setting, which was very “club”. That’s out of the box for me. I have another single out called “4 U” on iTunes and Spotify. It is a completely different feel than “BOY”. We also just finished recording a song called “What’s it For”. That will be out within the month. As far as an album goes... my schedule is crazy. I think an EP is going to be my next venture. I can’t wait.

| YANDY Swimsuit | GRACE ELEYAE Turban | VIRGINS, SAINTS + ANGELS Necklace + Ring | SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL Necklace | SWEETGREEN Salad |

AM: We're living in a time of women taking things to the next level and creating a strong community of support - this season you were embracing this belief and really rallying the cast as a whole and especially the woman on the show to do the same. How important is women's empowerment?

LK: I’ve always been a girl’s girl. I know that women get the job done and that there is nothing more powerful than a gang of females. We all have our differences- for me it’s about embracing one another and realizing we are stronger together than we are apart. This is an outlook that’s evolved as I get older. The things that used to make me insecure or second guess myself, are suddenly things I’m thankful for.

AM: We knew you were stunning, you came to set this way and then of course, we created amazing looks for you - so it was not a surprise to us that you have a cosmetic line coming out. Tell us me about the line from the thought behind it, what is currently available, what will be available down the line and where we can get it!

LK: #Give Them Lala Beauty has grown so much in such a short period of time. I started with only 6 lip colors and now have over 50 products. For lips we now have mattes, glosses, and liquid lipsticks. We also expanded into highlighters, eye shadow, eyeliner, and are still growing! My brand is my baby and she is growing up so beautifully. I’m extremely proud.

AM: We were sad to hear about your father passing last month and we remember that your mom was with us on set - how important is it for you to ensure that in addition to all of the amazing opportunities that you have enjoyed that you also spend time with family for the balance that we all need?

LK: Family will always come first. That’s how it has always been and it will always be. If an opportunity comes my way that is meant to be, it will never take away from my family time.

AM: What are 3 skincare products that you swear by?

LK: My Clarisonic, Lancer Skin Polish, Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizer, and let’s add one more... I die for Desert Essence Original Face Wash. Pair that with your Clarisonic and all your skin dreams will come true.

AM: Since you're in LA, where is your favorite place to eat and grab drinks, where do you workout and what's your studio of choice to work out?

LK: Oooh, this is tough. Obviously, I love me some Sur. I love Mr. Chow, but I’m always a sucker for the Polo Lounge. I go crazy for caviar. I have a gym where I live. It’s got great equipment and everyone is familiar with everyone- we all know each other’s routine so no one is ever fighting or waiting over a machine.

| LEANNE MARSHALL Gown | SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL Necklace + Ring | VIRGINS, SAINTS + ANGELS Crown | ISABELLA ROSE Bikini Bottom Reversed |

AM: You have a great body, what are 3 workouts that you do that keep you looking summer ready?

LK: I owe the bod to my trainer, Jenna Willis. She is amazing. I love my food and I love my drink. Somehow she puts together routines that kick my butt into great shape even with my undisciplined diet. I love my sumo squats, side planks help my tummy get firm, and the rowing machine is a great warm-up!

AM: How do you give of your time or give back from a philanthropic standpoint?

LK: My family and I are very into animals. My mom works for the humane society. I contribute my time and money to the Humane Society of Utah. I’m also an advocate for our whales- I’ve teamed up with PETA for Empty The Tanks. That is the cause I am most passionate about.

AM: Feel free to tell us anything that you haven't been able to or would like us to know!

LK: I have a really hard time walking in heels unless I’m slightly drunk.

Read more from the May Issue and see Holding Court with Lala Kent in mag.

HOW TO DRESS | FOR MDW IN YOUR CABANA

Read more from the May Issue and see How To Dress | For MDW in Your Cabana in mag.

#TRIBEGOALS

Read more from the May Issue and see #TribeGoals in mag.

ATHLEISURE MAG | MAY ISSUE

This month we have BRAVO's Lala Kent from Vanderpump Rules which graces our front cover of the May Issue, we talk about her music, being on the show and importance of family. We also talk with Chef Todd Richards who just released his cookbook, Soul Food and how important this cuisine is to the food scene. We also talked with Dr. Paul Nassif of E!'s Botched about his new skincare line.

Read the May Issue here.

NY WOMEN IN FILM & TELEVISION HOST 19TH ANNUAL DESIGNING WOMEN AWARDS

Earlier this week we headed to Stage 48 for New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) for their 19th Annual Designing Women Awards which was co-produced by Variety Magazine with sponsorship by Netflix. This event honored  advocates for equality in the moving image industry and supports women in every stage of their careers and was attended by actors, producers, directors, writers, fashion industry leaders and designers. The night was aimed towards celebrating distinguished makeup artists, hair stylists and costume designers that work tirelessly to create the characters on screen in film, television and digital media.

PHOTO COURTESY | John Dallas Phelps

Actors Christine Ebersole and Maggie Gyllenhaal presented hair stylist Anita Lausevic with a Designing Women Award, along with a special video tribute from Mark Feuerstein.

Costume Designer Dana Covarrubias received her award from actor Jamie Lee, with Lena Waithe sending her well-wishes via video.

Actor Nia Long celebrated makeup artist Martha Melendez, along with Elizabeth McGovern chiming in via video.

Debra Monk presented Variety’s Ensemble Award to the acclaimed Amazon series Mozart in the Jungle for its makeup, hair and costume design teams.

PHOTO COURTESY | John Dallas Phelps

FOOD EXPOSED WITH NELUFAR HEDAYAT

What's your food's journey, what are the myths and activism that are taking place in the industry? We talked with international investigative journalist and documentarian, Nelufar Hedayat that explored these areas within her new show, Food Exposed on FUSION. This season she tackles issues alongside an array of celeb guests that include Nicole Richie, Moby, Jordana Brewster and more.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about how you got into journalism and the various shows/positions you took that eventually led you to your current show?

NELUFAR HEDAYAT: I should really attach my CV, which would be boring so let me give you the abridged highlights version. I started out in journalism when I was 20, so ten years ago now. I was fascinated by how the War in Afghanistan was being presented. I was watching a lot of Afghan coverage and it was so different to what I was seeing in the Western News. This got me going and I made a tester tape with my friend Reva and submitted it to BBC Three under the extremely brave commissioner at the time, Danny Cohen. He decided to allow me to make a one-hour documentary about what life was like for young Afghan girls my age so off we went. That was basically the start. The doc did very well for BBC Three and was winning awards, so I was asked what more do I want to make. Boom/flash! Here I am today with Food Exposed. A series I have been dreaming to make for 5 years at least.

AM: What is 'Food Exposed' and what is the purpose behind this show?

NH: A: It’s a doc series that investigated the hidden, darker side of food production. I traveled the world to go to where the issue was and speak to people first hand allowing the story to dictate where we went in order to present what we found. A lot of it was quite shocking even to me! From Palm Oil and Pork to water and the dairy industry we tackle all the issues we saw as being on the brink of changing the outcome for people and the planet.

AM: You have a number of celebrities that are in each episode. What was the process like in creating the theme of each show and attaching the topics/celebs to each one?

NH: This one’s easy. We really tried to find people who can amplify the issue and really be a beacon for people to discuss the topics we covered for Food Exposed. Nicole really cares about making sure she has a zero waste household and campaigns for the issue too. Jordana, a Yale graduate, was passionate about understanding GMOs and Moby has been an advocate for animal rights for thirty years. It wasn’t that we had to find spaces for them—they fit very effortlessly into the discussions we are trying to have.

AM: There seems to be an interesting mix of food, activism as well as pop culture within this show, what topics would you like to tackle that you have yet to do in this season?

NH: Oh my goodness so so many. I want to understand where the future of our food productions lie. How will we feed the earth with the planetary space we have. It would be great to look into insect proteins, sustainable farms and clean meat too. So so many—you’re making me think about season two already...

AM: What celebs would you like to see in upcoming episodes?

NH: I think the issues and subjects drive the celeb interviews but I’d love to chat to Miley Cyrus and Chris Hemsworth about plant based eating, Mayim Bailik about the world's class based food production and I'd shoot for Leonardo DiCaprio or Vice President Al Gore about the environmental impact of food production. I can think of so many more, but what's interesting here is that these guys are using their talent gotten celebrity to drive discussions and issues. I have a lot of respect for that.

AM: What is your favorite episode in this season?

NH: You’re making me choose between my children. So hard to say! There are ones that have special places in my heart like the Dairy episode directed by Will West. I expected to see dairy cows treated horrifically by an industrial system rife in misinformation, but when I saw people treated as collateral damage I was shocked. Then there’s the Waste episode for which I teamed up with the folks at the World Food Program to launch the #recipefordisaster campaign. Together we are trying to nudge people to think differently about food and food waste, and a scene from the Waste episode of Food Exposed with Nelufar Hedayat (I eat a very brown banana) has become the symbol for the campaign, which is excellent. This is the kind of impact I would hope the films have.

AM: What have you learned about foods that you wouldn't have learned via this show?

NH: I think the one thing that I was really not expecting to find out was how interconnected we all are around the globe. You only have to look at where your strawberries and asparagus and beef jerky comes from, or know that our food system is an illiterate one that isn’t always efficient for the planet, but works towards the bottom line of corporations and the global commodities market. Whether we like it or not, a drought in west or South America is as important to us as whether the produce we are buying is in good shape or organic and so on. We have been purposefully and systematically removed from knowing where our food comes from and this allows those who want to make a profit at any cost to do so unscrupulously. We have to arm ourselves with information and knowledge in order to make choices we are comfortable with and not let them be made on our behalf as we are kept in the dark.

AM: What is the takeaway that you want viewers to have in watching your show?

NH: I think the takeaway would be to inform and engage people with how the food we eat is produced. There’s a very famous saying by Paul McCartney that "If slaughterhouses had glass walls, everyone would be a vegetarian.” I think the same can be said for dairy farms in Wisconsin through to palm oil fields in Indonesia and GMO farms in Uganda. It’s easier to do something once we know. What I really don’t want to do is to prescribe a type of lifestyle to anyone. It’s absolutely not my intention to convert anyone to a certain type of diet. I think people make the best decisions for themselves and their communities when they know the truth about what’s going on and I’m trying to do that in one small way.

AM: Where are you based and in your area, where can we find you eating, shopping and going to work out?

NH: I’m based in London Town and you will always find me loitering near a Mildred or a good coffee shop. I tend to shop around East London, keeping it quirky, independent and local. I practically live online so Susi Studios is one of my favorite online stores. I’m also massively into Matt and Nat and other brands that are trying to bring new luxury design and innovative materials to the Fashion industry. It’s only now that I've turned thirty that I seem to have found my work out mojo and you will always find me running around Hampstead Heath Park or walking all over town!

PHOTOS COURTESY | FUSION

Read more from the May Issue and see Food Exposed with Nelufar Hedayat in mag.

IN HARMONY

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Harmony Program, an organization that brings free instrumental music education into under-served communities across New York City and Long Island. Over the past ten years, the Harmony Program has provided over 1,000 children with free instruments and over 350,000 hours of music instruction.

The Harmony Program was created in 2003 by Anne Fitzgibbon as a pilot program within the New York City Mayor's office. Anne was later awarded a year long. Fulbright Fellowship in 2007 to study El Sisterma, Venezuela's world-renowned national youth orchestra program, and adapted tenets of that successful model to meet the needs of children and families in New York.

Harmony Program's 10th Anniversary Benefit Concert celebrated Harmony Program's decade-long deliverance of quality music education directly into communities who need it most, providing students with free instruments, intensive music instruction, orchestral training, and a variety of transformational cultural experiences. Year after year, their students emerge from the program with life-long friendships, increased self-confidence, and improved academic achievement - all from a shared love of music.

Harmony Program hosted their 10th anniversary gala and benefit concert this month with students as they play alongside Grammy-award winning violinist Joshua Bell, Grammy-award nominated producer and curista Jorge Glem, New York Philharmonic Principal Clarinet Anthony McGill, string trio Time for Three, and soprano Larisa Martinez, to name just a few.

Warner Musi Group was the lead sponsor of the gala and has supported the work of Harmony Program in the past, most recently with its inaugural Warner Music Prize, which seeks to foster the talents of promising young musicians. Warner is committed to strengthening the relationship between the two organizations.

Read more from the April Issue and see In Harmony in mag.