EXCLUSIVE: Madison Keys Joins Brilliant Earth as a Brand Ambassador Ahead of U.S. Open, Talks Tennis Icons and Her Upcoming Jewelry Collection
Even before she joined Brilliant Earth as an ambassador, Keys always admired the company's vision and mission. 'I like the very clean and simple but modern style that they've always had. I've always loved the option to have lab-grown, as well,' Keys said, citing 'the ethical sourcing' Brilliant Earth uses for their gems and jewelry pieces.
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'It was just kind of all these things that I already feel so strongly about. When I got the opportunity to partner, it just felt like the easiest partnership.' From the start of her professional tennis career, which began when Keys was just a teenager, the athlete used jewelry as a 'way to express my personality and kind of show my personal style a little bit more, just because on court we obviously have our match kits that are scripted,' she said.
More than just the designs, the accessibility of Brilliant Earth's pieces further validated her choice to partner with the company.
'I'm a big believer that anyone and everyone deserves sparkly things. For [Brilliant Earth] to be, basically, the first company to offer that was always something that I was really excited about,' she said, referencing Brilliant Earth's ethically sourced and lab-grown gems.
Part of Keys' ambassadorship duties includes the athlete's role in crafting the forthcoming jewelry launch, which will drop toward the end of the summer just in time for Keys to compete on the hard courts of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center for the U.S. Open. 'Being able to work with the team from Brilliant Earth to kind of create something that is very meaningful and special to me was really cool,' she said.
'I've never really gotten to create anything from the concept space all the way to having a final product. I'm really excited that so many of the things that I talked about and were really important to me — not only just my journey within tennis but my entire life — we were able to put that into this launch,' Keys said.
Keys' partnership with Brilliant Earth also opened the chance for the athlete to muse on the brilliant trailblazers, tennis stars and moments that come to mind ahead of the grass court Grand Slam event, Wimbledon, which begins Monday. Who came to mind for the athlete? Venus and Serena Williams. 'They have done so much for the sport, just as themselves just being true to who they are,' Keys said.
'Serena's career has been the greatest thing that I think we'll ever see,' Keys said of the 23-time Grand Slam champion and Wynn Beauty founder. 'Seeing her do all of the amazing things that she's done on the court but then off of the court be such a creative person and a great business woman — it's very inspiring to see someone that has the level of success that she does,' she said.
'Venus is the reason that I started playing tennis,' Keys added. 'On top of that, her having such a huge role in equal prize money for women on our tour…we're all so forever grateful for both of them.'
Now a Grand Slam champion herself after winning the 2025 Australian Open Women's Singles title in Melbourne last January, Keys is trailblazing her own path through tennis history. 'Australia was obviously the biggest thing that I've done in my career. I think the reason that it still is probably going to be really hard to top as my most brilliant moment is just because of the people that I had around with me,' Keys said.
Keys had come close to winning a Grand Slam on previous occasions, but to have her 'favorite people' by her side in January to lift the Australian Open trophy was a 'truly raw, emotional experience and we were just all so happy. To be able to do all of that together with the people I had around me, it'll be a really hard moment to ever top.'
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Launch Gallery: Tennis Star Madison Keys Is Brilliant Earth's Latest Ambassador in New Campaign, Photos
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CNN
15 minutes ago
- CNN
Social media loves Hulken bags, but are they worth over $100? I tested one against a $12 alternative to find out
I hate to brag, but since I moved to New York City a few years ago, I've become a top-tier schlepper. Without access to a car, I've quickly accumulated a collection of tote bags and backpacks that might help lighten my load. I've also learned that some carriers are better than others. Through all my trials (even attempting to use my hiking backpack to carry groceries), nothing has performed better than the Hulken Original Rolling Tote Bag. Though the brand officially launched in 2020 and has had a few viral moments in recent years, Hulken is still a name unfamiliar to many. In the city, I'll often spot fellow schleppers toting their bags about, but I still field questions, comments and glances nearly every time I roll mine around. The Hulken bag has become one of my favorite products to use, but even the smallest size costs $100. With many other rolling bags on the market, I wanted to see if these viral bags were truly worth the hype and the cost, so I tested one of Hulken's bags against a $12 Target version, inspecting the durability, comfort and design over weeks of heavy hauling. Hulken Original Rolling Tote Bag Smooth, sturdy and structurally built, the Hulken Original Rolling Tote Bag is a dream to use. It can easily haul heavy loads over miles of city streets, and look stylish while doing it. Though the price might initially give you sticker shock, with proper care, this durable bag will be your shopping and schlepping assistant for many years to come. Brightroom Storage Bag With Wheels For only $12, the Brightroom Storage Bag held up better than expected. The wheels and overall build are not as robust and durable as the Hulken bag, but if you need some help toting laundry or light loads over short distances, it can save you from extra effort. Polypropylene body Polyethylene body Small, medium, large One size 2,156 cubic inches, 4,224 cubic inches, 8,320 cubic inches (respectively) 7,360 cubic inches 33 pounds, 66 pounds, 66 pounds (respectively) Not listed 14 by 9 by 22 inches16 by 12 by 22 inches20 by 16 by 26 inches 24 by 20 by 16 inches 8 2 4 swivel wheels 5 swivel wheels 3 4 (2 long, 2 short) Yes Yes Yes Yes One of the major assets of both the Hulken and Brightroom bags is that they give you all the storage you want in an oversized tote, but with the shoulder- and back-saving convenience of being on wheels. Rolling totes are not just crafted for city-dwellers like me, they're also great for those with strength or mobility issues, busy parents who have to carry around kids toys or those who often need an extra hand hauling supplies or equipment to work. My largest regular trek is my weekly run to the grocery store, which is around 60 city blocks or almost 3 miles round-trip. Some days I'll hop on the bus, but often I'll end up rolling my groceries the 30-block distance from the store to my home. The Hulken makes this commute a breeze; it rolls over uneven concrete effortlessly, hops curbs and only requires a mild tug to keep it moving. The four swivel wheels let me steer the bag around pedestrians, construction zones and up and down the aisles of crowded stores with ease. In addition to concrete, the Hulken also glided easily over other surfaces, like hardwood, tile and carpet. The one downfall is that the Hulken doesn't always roll straight. The way you pack the bag — especially for heavier loads like groceries — impacts how seamlessly the bag moves, so you'll want to distribute the weight of your haul as evenly as possible. I took the Brightroom bag on the exact same trek I typically take my Hulken on and we got off to a promising start. The bag maneuvered fairly easily around the store, though the handles are shorter than the Hulken's, so taller folks might need to bend down more to reach them. Once the bag was full and out on the street, it rolled without issue — at first. Like the Hulken, Brightroom's bag also has swiveling wheels, and though the wheels are smaller — about half the size of Hulken's — there's an additional fifth wheel in the center of the bag to help keep things rolling evenly. Prev Next The first 10 blocks of my walk home went as expected, but somewhere around the halfway point, I started to feel like the bag was drifting further behind me and I had to use more arm strength to pull it along. The last five blocks of my trip, I felt like the wheels weren't even there and I was just dragging the bag along the ground and over curbs. After unloading it, I discovered that the center wheel had been damaged at some point during my journey, which likely played a part in my strained effort. The other four wheels were intact but looking worse for wear and physically hot to the touch, which was not a great sign considering this was my first outing with the bag. Granted, I don't think the Brightroom bag was designed to roll a mile and a half over nothing but concrete, but if anything, the struggles I faced helped to highlight just how well-crafted the Hulken bag is for tough, city conditions. For $12, the Brightroom bag fared better than I expected, but when the main draw of the bag is that it rolls, you want the wheels to be ultra-durable and built to last. Related article The 18 best storage bins and containers professional organizers swear by I didn't anticipate noise to be a factor between these bags, but it sure was. The Hulken bag makes a bit of sound when it's rolling over concrete or on hardwood floors, especially when it's packed full of groceries, but a little noise is expected from anything that rolls. The good news is that the noise isn't so loud that it interrupts normal conversation or would bother anyone you roll past for more than a second or two. By comparison, the Brightroom bag sounded like a jet engine. It's inexplicably loud; so loud that not even my noise-cancelling headphones could fully block it out. I was having a bit of social anxiety strolling with it down the street because I knew other people could hear me rolling it from halfway down the block. I thought the wheels on the Brightroom bag just might not be made for concrete, but even when I rolled it through the smooth, glossy floors of the office, it still echoed down the hall. The Brightroom bag was fine for short distances — like taking my laundry down the hall of my apartment building or moving odds and ends from room to room — but over long distances, I'd much prefer the smoother and quieter glide of the Hulken. Currently, I rely on my Hulken bag for three main tasks: grocery shopping, laundry and schlepping products for testing to and from our office. For fair testing, I swapped my Hulken for Brightroom's bag for all my typical tasks. The Brightroom bag has a lot of similarities to the Hulken: Both have swivel wheels, long handles, zip-close tops and solid bottoms for support. One drawback is that Brightroom's bag only comes in one size option and is quite a bit bigger than the small and medium-sized Hulkens. The same amount of groceries that normally fills my Hulken took up only a third of the total space in the Brightroom bag. Even my grocery cashier commented on how massive the bag was. In my testing, I found that the Brightroom bag was better equipped for light loads even though it's larger — I'd say no more than about 35 or 40 pounds. The more flexible structure and large capacity is especially useful for hauling cumbersome laundry and linens. This generous capacity also means the Brightroom bag has a larger base. I found the wider, square shape of the Brightroom bag more difficult to navigate through small areas (like on public transit or within store aisles) than the Hulken bag, which has a narrower, rectangular design. Hulken does offer a large-size bag that's even a little bit bigger than Brightroom's bag, but it will run you almost $115 more. I also appreciated that the Hulken bag has a more rigid structure. Whether the bag is packed to the brim or just holding a few items, it retains its rectangular shape and stays propped up. The upright build makes the bag easier to pull and keeps it free-standing, so you can load items in without having to hold the bag open. The rectangular shape of the Hulken does slightly limit what size and shape items you can place inside, since for the best fit, things will need to be smaller than the top opening of the bag. Though this structure also prevents items from shifting around once inside and keeps things more evenly distributed than the Brightroom bag. Hulken's medium bag is the size I most frequently use and in addition to its impressive 66-pound weight limit, I like that the bag is large enough to carry everything I need, but still narrow enough to weave through crowded store aisles. Hulken's bags feel like they're made with city-dwellers in mind; the small and medium-sized bags fit onto a single escalator step and just clear underneath the height of the subway turnstiles. The three 'unbreakable handles' on each of the bags are reinforced with a plastic coating, which provides added durability and makes them more comfortable to hold. The bags are also made of water-resistant polypropylene and have a zip-top to keep your belongings protected in drizzly conditions. While both bags have a lot of the same design features, the Hulken feels more elevated and sturdy, so it's the better option for carrying groceries and heavy hauls. For only $12, I think the Brightroom bag is decently built. Although it's crinkled and has some scuffs from bumping against the curb, there are no holes or tears on the body of the bag and other than the broken wheel, everything is fully intact. Still, the reinforced handles, thicker sides and overall superior build of the Hulken make it feel flimsy and thin by comparison. Though neither bag is perfect, the one thing I would add to both bags is a pocket. While I don't mind keeping essentials like my phone, keys and wallet close to me in a fanny pack, I think a slim pocket on the bags would be nice for holding receipts, smaller items or any other items you might not want to toss in the main compartment. Both the Hulken and the Brightroom bags have collapsible designs that make them easy to store, but Hulken's design makes the process more straightforward. The Hulken collapses down in seconds and has thoughtful touches, such as the attached elastic straps, to ensure the bag stays fully folded when not in use. After you've folded the bag once (or watched a helpful video), it's easy to repeat the process. Not only does this lie-flat design make the bag easier to store in a closet, car trunk or even an under-bed area, it also makes it easier to carry around. Even with the bag folded, you can still utilize the handles. My usual move is to loop the straps of the folded bag over my shoulder while I commute via bus, train or foot to the grocery store and then pop it open when I get to my destination. When I'm navigating busy streets or trying to squeeze onto crowded public transit lines, having a slimmer bag makes it easier to get around. Plus, the medium-sized bag only weighs 3 pounds, so it's not a nuisance to have to carry either. Brightroom's bag is collapsible too, but it takes a little more effort to get completely flat. If you're in a rush, you can smush the bag down, but this method doesn't bode well for protecting the bag long-term. It takes a bit more time and practice to fold the bag down neatly, but the end result is still something that's slim and easy to store. Once you compress the bag down, it will stay, but unlike the Hulken, Brightroom's bag doesn't have elastic ties that help to keep it closed. This doesn't really matter if you're storing the bag with the wheels touching the ground, but it's a helpful feature if you want to store the bag vertically. It also means you won't be able to carry it folded tote-style like with the Hulken, since nothing is securing the body of the bag against gravity. Hulken's bags are not only built to be durable, they're also built to look stylish. The brand offers all of its bags in eight iridescent shades ranging from understated black and navy, to vivid pink, violet and silver options. On the other hand, Brightroom only offers its rolling tote in gray and aqua colors. The color of your tote might not be the most important factor, but it's nice to have options and feel that you're spending your money on something you like the look of. I hesitate to say any product is life-changing, but the Hulken bag really is one of the greatest things to roll into my life. I no longer have to limit my carrying load for fear that I'm going to collapse before I can make it home. The Hulken smoothly rolls over any surface, makes heavy hauls easier and, though it has a $100 minimum price point, it's worth the splurge. With proper use and care, I expect my Hulken bag to last several years, possibly even a decade. If you don't feel like spending triple digits, the Brightroom bag is a nice option for only $12, just don't plan to use it for extra-heavy loads. It's best suited for chores at home or hauling things short distances, like from room-to-room or from your car into your home. Though I was surprised by how the Brightroom bag held up, I'll still be reaching for my Hulken anytime I've got things to schlep. And if you know someone who could use help with their haul, it makes a great gift too. Though you'll be able to find other rolling tote alternatives on Amazon that emulate the Hulken bag's design, bear in mind that these tend to have fluctuating stock, fewer color and size options and lack the intentional structural features that make the Hulken bag a true original. How do you fold a Hulken bag? How do you fold a Hulken bag? First, unzip the lid on your Hulken bag and turn the bag so the front handle is on your right-hand side. Pinch the sides of the bag outwards and fold the bag away from you. The back side of the bag should be flush with the bottom. Make sure the handles are out of the way and fold the left and right sides of the bag toward the center. Secure the sides down by looping the small attached elastic bands around the black button in the center of the bag. You can also secure the side handles down by tucking them behind the horizontal black straps on both sides of the bag. If you need a visual, Hulken includes a helpful video for this on the product page for its bags. Are Hulken bags worth it? Are Hulken bags worth it? While $100 or more is a steep price to pay for a tote bag, I think the Hulken bags are worth the investment. They're great for city-dwellers who need a compact bag they can tote for blocks, but will work well for anyone who needs to lug supplies, equipment, groceries, laundry or kids toys to-and-fro. My Hulken bag stands up to any task I throw its way and the durable build shows no signs of slowing down. It also doesn't hurt that the bag looks stylish too. The Hulken bag is the bag that keeps on giving; you'll find new uses for it regularly, which is also why it makes a great gift option for any schleppers in your life. Do Hulken bags go on sale? Do Hulken bags go on sale? We don't see sales on Hulken bags very often, though in the past the brand has offered discounts during shopping holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this story, associate editor Jillian Tracy tested the Hulken Original Rolling Tote Bag and the Brightroom Storage Bag With Wheels in her daily routine — hauling groceries, laundry, products and more — for several weeks to see how they stacked up.
Forbes
19 minutes ago
- Forbes
Kenny Chesney's Blockbuster Album Earns Its First New Award In Decades
Kenny Chesney's No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems reaches five-times platinum status, marking its ... More first new RIAA certification in over 20 years. Kenny Chesney performs during the first ever CMT Flameworthy Video Music Awards at the Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville, Tennesee. 6/12/02 Photo byIn 2002, Kenny Chesney released No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems, and the album would prove to be not only his breakout commercial success, but also one of the biggest country releases of its era. Years after the project turned Chesney into a star and a household name, Americans are still consuming the full-length — and the title earns a special new award from the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) that shows that no matter how much time goes by, people haven't moved on from the project. No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems: 5x Platinum No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems has been certified five times platinum by the RIAA, which means it has now shifted five million equivalent units between actual sales and streaming activity. Many of those — several million copies — are pure purchases, while the most recent million were likely largely made up of plays on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, which have taken over as the go-to consumption site for millions of Americans. First Certification in Over 20 Years No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems earns its first certification from the RIAA in more than two decades. The full-length was named a four times platinum winner in April 2004, and now, in July 2025, it's advanced to five times platinum status, adding another one million equivalent copies. The set was first named gold, and then platinum, on June 4, 2002, just months after its release. Later that year, it went double platinum, and it only needed about two years to hit four-times platinum status. Kenny Chesney's Most Successful Albums Three of Chesney's albums are tied as his highest-certified, at five-times platinum each. No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems matches both When the Sun Goes Down and his Greatest Hits compilation. Neither of those efforts has advanced in several years, so this ranking could change again soon. Multiple New Certifications for Kenny Chesney At the same time that No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems reached quintuple platinum, Chesney's The Road and the Radio pushes from triple platinum to quadruple platinum. 20 of his songs also score new awards from the RIAA, with a handful going gold for the first time, while his biggest hit jumps to five-times platinum.
Yahoo
23 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Lululemon just dropped a rare summer sale — 12 best deals, all under $150
Lululemon has hundreds of items up for grabs in their rare summer sale, from bestselling leggings and shorts to sports bras, jackets and more. Whether you're refreshing your workout wardrobe or simply can't get enough of their signature athleisure wear, now's a great time to snag a few pieces at rarely-seen prices. Sizes do tend to sell out quickly, so if something catches your eye, it's worth acting fast. With that in mind, read on for 12 of our favourite Lululemon sale finds available right now. Shop by category: Lululemon Summer Sale: Women's apparel Lululemon Summer Sale Men's apparel Lululemon Summer Sale: Accessories Lululemon Summer Sale: Bags Lululemon Summer Sale: Shoes $29 $44 at Lululemon Everyone's favourite belt bag is on sale in multiple colours, in case you'd like to add another one to your rotation. Made from water-repellent fabric, it's a classic go-to for all of your day-to-day essentials. $49 $128 at Lululemon These mid-support leggings are super breathable, sweat-wicking and fast-drying, designed to keep you comfortable while you train. Shoppers describe the material as "buttery soft" and say "they don't slide," either. $49 $64 at Lululemon Meant for yoga and training, this sports bra will keep you supported during your medium-impact workouts. It's on the longer side for more coverage and comes with optional, padded cups you can remove. $79 $138 at Lululemon Here's a pair of casual, sweat-wicking trousers that can be dressed up or down. One reviewer calls them "the perfect pant," noting that the sizes are true. $39 $68 at Lululemon If you're in the market for new workout shorts, this lightweight pair is designed for both running and training. Like most of Lululemon's activewear, they're sweat-wicking and quick-drying to help keep you comfortable throughout your entire workout. $69 $108 at Lululemon Believe it or not, the cult-favourite Align Pants are on sale! With their ultra-soft, second-skin feel, you might never want to take them off. And don't fear the lighter colours — they're lined with a second layer for extra coverage. $39 $68 at Lululemon Whether you're running errands or lounging at home, these lightweight shorts will keep you cool and comfy all summer long. With a cinchable drawcord at the waist, you can adjust them for the perfect fit. $34 $48 at Lululemon If you're in need of a new water bottle, give this one a go. Reviewers say it "doesn't leak" and "keeps water cold" — I mean, what more could you ask for? $144 $188 at Lululemon While this jacket might not be summer attire, per se, you'll probably appreciate it by the time fall rolls around. It's water-resistant and windproof and has a cinchable hem. $34 $72 at Lululemon This buttery-soft tank top is a fab pick for Yoga classes or casual wear. Shoppers rave about how comfortable it is, noting that it's both "supportive" and "breathable." $109 $158 at Lululemon Swap out your old briefs for these super soft boxers. The pouch was designed with ergonomics in mind, to keep you supported and comfortable whether you're exercising or enjoying a night out. $49 $64 at Lululemon If you can't get enough of Lululemon's Align collection, add these high-rise shorts to your rotation. With the same soft feel as the Align tops and leggings, these lightweight shorts are sure to be your next go-to pair.
