Obama Turns Up in Paris Fashion Show

If it weren't already exceedingly apparent by the bevy of t-shirts, posters, pop songs dedicated to the first major party-nominated black candidate for president, Barack Obama is an American icon. And it's not just Americans that are recognizing the Illnois senator's candidacy as a special moment in history. The historic run for the White House has the whole world buzzing, and Obama's face is showing up everywhere - even on fashion runways in Paris.

Designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac - also known as JC/DC - showed a whimsical collection for Spring '09 last week in Paris. Among the spread was a sequined slip dress featuring a smiling black and white bust of Barack Obama. The garish design was relatively tame compared the the cartoon cloud suits, and LegoTM-print dresses that flanked it. What was striking about the insertion of the political image into the fashion line-up, was that it was in the company of images of Mickey Mouse and allusions to Superman. It follows that JC/DC is presenting a point of view that puts Senator Obama squarely in the seat of iconic status. It may seem that the designer is a supporter of the democrat, but his pairing the dress with gloves sporting 'yes' and 'no' implies that the JC/DC is reminding his audience of their choice in the matter.

JC/DC was born a French nobleman - the Marquis of Castelbajac. The designer is known for sensational designs, including a coat of teddy bears worn by pop icon Madonna. He also makes home furnishings.

Jay-Z Cancels Free Obama Concert Due to Throat Problems

Hip-Hop mogul Jay-Z left thousands of fans disappointed last night at Miami’s Bayfront Park Amphitheatre, as the star cancelled his second free Obama show at the last minute, due to rumored throat problems.

Upset event organizers first attempted to stall for time, stating the rap star was just running late, but eventually made the announcement to dejected concert-goers. With October 6 being the last day for eligible voters in Miami to register, organizers feel a great opportunity was missed.

"The whole concert has had to be cancelled because it was Jay-Z who pulled out. We haven’t been told why, but I’m sure all the fans want an explanation," an anonymous Bayfront Park official speculated.

The free concert/voter registration drive was set to include supporting performances from Wyclef Jean and Rick Ross. However, the entire event was scrapped due to the backlash from fans after Jay’s cancellation, according to AllHipHop.com.

This past weekend, both Jay-Z and Wyclef completed successful Miami performances for Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama.

Over the past year, Jay-Z has shown vocal support for Obama at his shows, most noticeably on the Blueprint 3 lead single "Jockin’ Jay-Z."

During the early stages of his campaign trail, Obama citied the rapper as one of the favorite artists in his Ipod.

R. Kelly Stiffed $3.4 Million by Tour Promoter

R&B singer R. Kelly has been awarded $3.4 million dollars against his former tour promoter and is asking a Los Angeles judge to help him collect.

R. Kelly Touring, which represents the singer, filed court documents on Monday requesting a judge review and confirm the award he was granted by an arbitrator last month, according to BBC News.

Kelly's company claimed that Rowe Entertainment and owner Leonard Rowe failed to pay him in full for shows scheduled for late last year and early 2008. An arbitrator agreed with Kelly's claims. Documents show Rowe disputed the arbitration, but did not offer any defense during a recent hearing, and has failed to provide evidence of completing his required payments to the star.

While R&B superstar R. Kelly has been awarded by a judge, the unpaid touring fees, he has yet to be paid.

In related news, hit maker Ne-Yo recently won a $700,000 judgement last month when he sued Rowe's company for firing him as the opening act for Kells' "Double Up" tour two years ago. The singer alleged his removal was due to the fans' preference of him over Kells. A Los Angeles Superior Court judge ordered Rowe to pay the singer and his touring company for damages.

Hugh Hefner and Holly Madison: Splitsville!

It’s no secret that rumors have been swirling around the gossip mill about a possible Hugh Hefner/Holly Madison breakup. And now Hef’s #1 girl is packing her bags.

Though she’s been vehemently denying any hint of splitting up, the “Girls Next Door” babe recently came clean to a paparazzo who asked her if she could get him into the infamous Playboy Mansion Halloween Party.


Holly replied, “I have no pull anymore. Hef and I aren’t together.” She also affirmed that she and her GND co-stars Kendra Wilkinson and Bridget Marquardt are “still filming stuff together. We’re having fun.”

As for the upcoming sixth season, Holly gushed, “It’s going to be even better. We love season five, but I think every season gets better.”

The news comes after Hefner’s comments earlier this month that things were just fine. He told FOX Pop Tarts, “It’s all rumors without question. We have just completed our fifth season, and we’re all still together and have just signed on to a sixth season, which we start filming in the new year. There may be some transitions to the relationships though, we’ll see.”

Will and Jada Pinkett Smith’s Red Carpet Night

They’re usually the center of Hollywood attention, but last night Will Smith and wife Jada Pinkett were content to assume the role of spectator at the big premiere of “The Secret Life of Bees.”

The “I Am Legend” stud looked sharp in a grey vest with matching trousers along with a grey button-up shirt and houndstooth tie while his beautiful wife sported a gorgeous sleeveless grey dress with matching open-toed heels.


“The Secret Life of Bees” stars Dakota Fanning as Lily Owens, a 14-year-old girl who is haunted by the memory of her late mother. To escape her lonely life and troubled relationship with her father, she flees with her caregiver Rosaleen to a rural South Carolina town, where she meets the Boatwright sisters and discovers the mesmerizing world of beekeeping, honey, and the Black Madonna.

And though a few lucky moviegoers got to see “The Secret Life of Bees” at last night’s shindig, the rest of us will have to wait until next Friday, October 17th for our chance.

Madonna Rocks NYC

She’s been all over the world with her “Sticky and Sweet” tour. And last night (October 6), Madonna was back in the USA, playing to a capacity crowd at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

The “Like a Virgin” icon donned her typical white top hat, black mesh outfit, and fishnet stockings as she gyrated around the stage, toting a custom black Gibson Les Paul Classic guitar.

And though tickets to Madonna’s concerts have never been an easy find, there is one person who will absolutely never get her hands on them- Vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin.

During her concert earlier this week at the Meadowlands in New Jersey, Madge quipped, “Sarah Palin can’t come to my party. Sarah Palin can’t come to my show. It’s nothing personal.”

Lindsay Lohan and Sam Ronson: Movie Date

They enjoyed an afternoon together in Beverly Hills yesterday (October 6), and last night Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson ended their day with a movie date.

The “Labor Pains” actress and her celebrity deejay girlfriend looked blissful as they left the Arclight Theatre. LiLo sported a baggy grey sweater, black leggings, and black lace-up boots, while Sam stuck to her usual t-shirt and jeans, with a cardigan and sneakers.

And everyone who detests Lindsay’s father Michael Lohan should be lining up to bid on a chance to knock him out (opening bid is $5,000). According to a report, he’ll be auctioning off a boxing match set to take place November 24th at the Hilton Long Island in Melville, NY.

Event organizer Jeff Cohen told press, “Anybody who jumps into the ring with Michael Lohan will become famous. Maybe you’ll get one of Lindsay Lohan’s ex-boyfriends who’ll try and impress Lindsay by beating up her father. Who knows? ... You might get Samantha Ronson trying to put a bid in there.”

Paris Hilton: Lovely in London

Continuing on her jet-setting ways, Paris Hilton was spotted arriving at London’s Heathrow International Airport earlier today (October 7).

The “Hottie and the Nottie” babe was all smiles as she made her way out of the main terminal, sporting a white tracksuit with a bright pink shirt, pink shoes, and white sunglasses.

And it sounds like Miss Hilton is adding the title of ‘chef’ to her already long list of accolades. She recently told Ellen DeGeneres, “Benji and I watch movies and I cook really big dinners for him. I’m an amazing cook!”

She also noted that meeting Madden has completely changed her life. “Just my whole lifestyle is different. We don’t really go out as much anymore unless it’s for work. I just feel like an adult.”

Paris continued, “When you’re single, it’s different because you want to go out with your girlfriends and have fun. But when you’re in relationship and you’re in love, there is no point in going out because you just want to be together and do normal things. I think for the first time I’m in a really great relationship with a guy I really trust and treats me really well and who would never hurt me.”

Nicole Richie: DUI Class Cutie

Setting a good example for her daughter Harlow Winter, Nicole Richie was spotted taking care of her DUI class obligation on Monday (October 6) rather than her usual Wednesday routine.

The “Simple Life” sweetie carried her usual cup of coffee as she sauntered out of class sporting sunglasses, a black scoopneck top, denim cutoffs, and a pair of flip flops.

And it seems Richie’s perseverance has paid off, as her license was recently changed from ‘suspended’ to ‘restricted,’ finally granting her limited driving privileges for work-related activities.

It’s been a long road since her DUI-induced drive down the wrong way of a freeway ramp road, subsequently leading to 82 minutes behind bars and an 18-month anti DUI course.

Lindsay Lohan and Sam Ronson: Out in Beverly Hills

Reunited following a weekend apart, Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson were spotted hanging out in Beverly Hills on Monday afternoon (October 6).

The “Mean Girls” starlet and her DJ mate walked side-by-side, stopping into a cafe for a sit-down chat before moving along to do a little shopping.

Meanwhile, in just over a month, Miss Lohan will be venturing back into the life of party-hosting. According to FOX Pop Tarts’ Hollie McKay, “Lohan has been booked to host a ‘Nightlife Nirvana’ party at the Vegas club on November 7th to celebrate the launch of her leggings line ‘6126 by Lindsay Lohan’”.

At the event, which will also feature a fashion showcase to benefit ovarian cancer research, Samantha will be tending to the turntables as she supports her gal.

Paris Hilton: Always On the Move

Following a brief stay in Los Angeles after partying in Las Vegas for her sister Nicky’s 25th birthday party on Saturday night, Paris Hilton was spotted jetting out of LAX Airport earlier today (October 6).

The heiress browsed the shops throughout the terminal, looking through the DVD selections before heading off to board her flight.


While partying in Sin City, Paris took a moment to talk with People magazine, telling that she hopes to start a family in the not-so-distant future.

“I definitely want three or four [children],” Hilton said. When asked how soon she plans to get started, Paris replied, “Soon. Maybe a year or two.”

And it seems as if everything is working out quite nicely with her current beau, rocker Benji Madden. The BFF reality starlet tells, “We just had our 7 month anniversary. We are just so happy.”