(Part four of a four-part series)

The shelf life of the average urban streetwear brands is surprisingly short. By year seven, ironically a number that symbolizes completion, most hip-hop-inspired fashion lines have fizzled and become yesterday’s news as a young and fickle consumer market has moved on in search of the next big thing.

But Baby Phat has defied the odds, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. While no one knows whether the privately held company is the most profitable urban streetwear brand, it is arguably the most widely recognized, the most ubiquitous, and the most influential.

FAMILY—Kimora Simmons with daughters Ming Lee and Aoki Lee after the Baby Phat show.

Some of Baby Phat’s longevity can be credited to design teams that gradually transitioned the women’s sportswear from throw-away hootchie gear to fashion that reflects more taste and sophistication than when it started yet is still young and fresh. Baby Phat’s maturity from looks totally reflecting an “urban youth mindset” in its early years to an aesthetic that appeals to aging original devotees while continuing to attract younger fans has not escaped industry observers. And much of the credit for that must go to the line’s irrepressible chief creative officer, Kimora Lee Simmons.

On Sept. 26 the beautiful, bold, queens of Zion walked the red carpet at Wesley Center AMEZ Church. Collectively, these ladies raised more than $4,100 for the Allegheny Conference Worker’s 11th Annual Observance.

The roster of queens included Deanna Crosby (Trinity AMEZ), Ellen S. Franklin (Mt. Pisgah AMEZ), Debra Hairston (Holliday Memorial AMEZ), Stephanie Jenks (Community of Grace AMEZ), Carolyn G. King (First Cambria AMEZ), Thelma Russell (Wright Memorial AME Zion), Donna Smith (Homewood AMEZ) and Marvis Wallace (St. James AMEZ).

BEAUTIFUL, BOLD QUEENS OF ZION

Reverend Eileen O. Smith of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in West Newton, Pa., served as a wonderful mistress of ceremonies while Rev. LaMont Jones Jr., Ruthie King and yours truly served as judges. The ladies were judged on fashion, service and finance.

I must be getting old. How stupid is that statement? Of course I’m getting old, but it does beat the alternative.

The other day I was walking through my favorite spot, the mall, and I spotted something that made me do a double take. I spotted a collection of open-toe also known as peep-toe boots. As first I was confused. I just can’t imagine putting on boots with an open toe. I do understand that boots are now more fashionable than functional but the lack of a toe really surprised me.

The next day I took a look through the latest issue of Vogue and there they were, open toe boots. The boots really looked rather strange. I guess I’m not up on the latest fashion. I better hurry up and get with the program but I don’t think I’ll be buying what I hope will be a fleeting fashion.

Can cool weather comfort foods ever be good for you? When you start with healthful ingredients, you can end up giving yourself a satisfying meal and a nutritional boost.
Tomato products should be a key ingredient for any meal as they are some of the healthiest foods you can have in your kitchen.

Scientific studies suggest that tomato products may protect the body against cardiovascular disease, inflammation and various forms of cancer. All of that, plus they are a very affordable way to get an extra serving of vegetables.

For more delicious ways to give your favorite comfort foods a healthful boost, visit www.tomatowellness.com.

CHILI COLORADO