Pharrell Williams Honored as Knight of the Legion of Honor, France's Highest Civilian Recognition
Pharrell Williams, the multi-hyphenate artist, producer, and fashion designer, has been officially awarded the prestigious title of Knight of the Legion of Honor,France's highest civilian distinction. The recognition, announced on a list ahead of France's July 14 national day, marks a significant moment for Williams and underscores his profound impact on global culture, particularly within the realms of French luxury and creativity.
Williams, 52, who currently serves as the men's creative director forLouis Vuitton, was recognized alongside 588 other individuals, including prominent figures like feminist icon Gisele Pelicot. This honor solidifies his unique position as a cultural ambassador whose influence transcends music and fashion, touching urban planning, and even diplomatic relations. French officials acknowledge that Williams has significantly elevated France's cultural profile among younger demographics.
Established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the Legion of Honor traditionally recognizes military heroes, diplomats, and scholars. By bestowing this honor upon Williams, France signals a modern understanding of soft power, embracing a cultural entrepreneur whose influence operates through commercial channels but achieves diplomatic outcomes. Williams joins a select group of foreign recipients that includes luminaries like Nelson Mandela,Steven Spielbergand Bob Dylan, artists whose work has achieved universal resonance.
This recognition comes as Williams continues to reshape luxury fashion at Louis Vuitton while maintaining his prolific musical career. His recent Paris show attracted a host of international celebrities, further highlighting his global reach. The award serves as validation of his unconventional path to cultural influence, proving that creativity knows no borders, and neither do the honors that acknowledge its power.
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Look Rich For Less: 32 Affordable Fashion Finds
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A pair of $15 oval sunnies reviewers say may or may not look like a $500+ Celine pair ๐ and I'm right there with them. A long-sleeve bodysuit in a deliciously soft fabric โ known as Smoke Cloud โ that reviewers compare to Skims. They say it washes well, too, so you can count on it being high quality despite the deceivingly low price! A faux-leather bag that can straight up pass for Polรจne's Cyme. Despite its low price point, reviewers say the quality and detail โ from the stitching to the hardware โ is there. ๐ A pair of 100% European linen pants you *will* reach for every. single. day. โ and I say this from experience. (If you're my friend and you've seen me wear these two days in a row... no, you didn't.) A stretchy bodycon pencil dress that'll basically feel like a second skin. Some reviewers say they were considering splurging on the Skims version until they tried this and loved it just as much! 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A simple herringbone chain you can wear alone or layer with 12 of your other fave necklaces because sometimes more *is* more. And a pair of high-waisted linen shorts that make it look like you have a vacation home on Nantucket, even if you've never been there.
Refinery29
5 hours ago
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This Pedicure Is Controversial, But I Wear It Anyway
I've always loved a French pedicure. No matter what's going on in my life, it always makes me feel polished, like I have my life together โ even when I'm not wearing a lick of makeup or I haven't washed my hair in days. With that in mind, I'm thrilled that the design is making a comeback. But it's not in the Y2K way you might remember from your teenage years (alongside velour tracksuits and frosted lip gloss). If Instagram is anything to go by, the French pedicure is chic and modern. What is a French pedicure? If you're looking for a do-it-all pedicure that goes with everything and works for any occasion, the classic French is versatile. Whether you're heading to the beach, the office or your third wedding of the year, it just works. Whether you love it or hate it, a French pedicure is a classic for a reason: 'It's clean, elegant, and endlessly wearable,' says Juanita Huber-Millet, founder and creative director of Townhouse. 'Traditionally, this look features a soft nude or pink base with a crisp white tip.' Adding, 'It's that timeless contrast that makes it so instantly loved and recognisable.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Harriet Westmoreland (@harrietwestmoreland) It's little wonder, then, that the design is often spotted on some of the world's biggest celebrities at red carpet events. Think Rihanna, Kylie Jenner, and Lily Allen, who are just a few stars frequently photographed with a fresh French pedicure. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Milly Mason (@millymason_) What are the benefits of a French pedicure? French pedicures aren't limited to just pink and white; there are endless possibilities to explore with colours and creative designs: 'French pedicures are back but in a unique and modern way,' says Fatima Naveed, senior brand manager at Duck & Dry. 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Golden Hour View this post on Instagram A post shared by ๐ฝ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ป ๐ฐ๐๐๐ธ๐๐ - ๐ต๐พ๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐๐ธ๐พ๐ฝ - ๐ผ๐ฐ๐๐๐ธ๐ฝ๐ธ๐๐๐ด (9๐ฝ๐ธ) (@mylenails.s) Chrome is certain to earn compliments โ and it can be subtle. Nail quiet luxury with something like this soft nude base and gilt tips by nail artist @mylenails.s. Ombrรฉ All Day View this post on Instagram A post shared by Milly Mason (@millymason_) London-based nail artist Milly Mason uses various shades by @the_gelbottle_inc to create this milky blush Fombrรจ pedicure. Make It Micro View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sydney Nails & Beauty (@beautyspothq) The square shape, clean lines, and micro tips by Sydney nail and beauty salon @beautyspothq is the freshest take on a '90s French. 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USA Today
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Kid Cudi says Cassie was Diddy's 'prisoner', recalls a 'salty' Kanye in new book
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For fans of his music, the memoir includes the inception of some of his biggest songs and projects, including breakout hits "Day 'N' Nite" and "Pursuit of Happiness" and collaborations with Kanye "Ye" West. For admirers of his acting and style, he details his introduction into Hollywood with projects like HBO's "How to Make It In America" and Members of the Rage, his brand that debuted at Paris Fashion Week in 2023. But more than anything, Mescudi's memoir details the darkness that followed him as he became a household name, and how he pulled himself out of depression and addiction, and grew to recognize and appreciate his influence in music as an advocate for mental health. Kid Cudi overdosed during the making of 'Man on the Moon II' Mescudi explores his inner sorrow, which started from a young age following the death of his father. The rapper attempted suicide as a teen, after his first love coldly broke up with him. He recalled swallowing about 12 Tylenol pills and calling his friends, who called the police. He was taken to a hospital and had his stomach pumped, and was moved to the psychiatric wing for several days. Mescudi craved fame and recognition from a young age, but was disappointed when he got it to realize all of his issues were not solved. "There was a lot of anger inside me that came from the Kid Cudi experience not aligning with the vision in my mind," he writes. "I always imagined success as a magic bullet for all my problems." He details the highs and lows of various romantic relationships and drug use as a crutch or to fill a void, but to no relief. He writes he started using cocaine around 2009, after the creation of his debut album "Man on the Moon: The End of Day." By his second album, 2010's "Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager," he was doing multiple lines of cocaine while recording. He says the habit pushed him creatively and numbed the stress that came with overnight fame, but affected his relationships. Following a 2010 arrest, Mescudi quit cocaine use for several years. He went through a two-week relapse in 2016, describing it as a faster means of "relief" and "solace" from the loneliness of fame. The "unsustainable" highs were followed by suicidal ideation, dangerous behavior and a mini-stroke. He would self-enter rehab for cocaine, marijuana and alcohol, saying the experience strengthened his relationship with God and provided "a level of peace ... I hadn't felt ever in my life." Mescudi began smoking again months later, but has been cocaine-free since. Kid Cudi recalls Kanye collaborations, antics at Virgil Abloh's funeral Mescudi recalls meeting Kanye "Ye" West by chance at the Virgin Megastore in New York City's Union Square. He said run-ins with the rapper and his team eventually led to a creative partnership and the Cleveland native being signed to West's G.O.O.D. Music. Some of their most noteworthy collaborations on West's "808s & Heartbreak" and Jay-Z's "Blueprint 3" track "Already Home" came from a weekslong stint in Hawaii, with Mescudi recalling writing the hook for the latter track in 10 minutes. Mescudi called their relationship at the time "polar synchronicity," though he long made it a point to differentiate himself from the "Power" rapper, not wanting to be labeled a "sidekick." For their collaborative 2017 album "Kids See Ghosts," he felt they were on the same page as they were both coming out of dark times and wanted an "uplifting" album, since Mescudi was post-rehab and Ye was going through a public mental health situation. Mescudi recalls this moment as a "test" to see if it would bring people back to his music since he was standing next to West, while maintaining his discography stands on its own. By 2021, their relationship soured, though Mescudi doesn't mention the exact moment it fell apart. When Off-White founder Virgil Abloh died in 2021, Mescudi recalls Ye holding up the funeral to sign autographs. Ye had also fallen out with Abloh, and when he tried to speak during the service, the pastor refused, leaving the rapper "salty" and complaining about it in public rants for years. Kid Cudi gives new details on Cassie and Diddy In May, Mescudi testified in the sex-crimes trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, recalling the turbulent time in 2011 and 2012 when his relationship with Cassie was followed by a break-in and damage to his car. The rapper calls the situation the "wildest" thing. Mescudi provides new details in the memoir, including when Combs discovered he was in a relationship with Cassie and they fled to Connecticut with Mescudi stationing security outside Cassie's family home while he stayed with her. Following a 2012 explosion in which Mescudi's Porsche was set on fire, he made a police report and followed up, but says it "disappeared" and officers "didn't return my calls." And when the rapper met up with the Bad Boy Records founder, he felt like he "won" after Combs denied involvement. "Man, you can't even be a G and just say, 'Yeah, I did that. Do something.' I would have respected that." Mescudi and Cassie's relationship came at a time when he was still madly in love with an ex-girlfriend, he says, noting a long-term relationship "never felt possible." Still, he was "pissed at Cassie for going back to" Combs. "But over time I realized she was a prisoner," he writes. "I just prayed one day she would be free." Kid Cudi takes the stand in Diddy trial: What he revealed, from car explosion to his dog Mescudi on meeting now-wife Lola Abecassis Sartore Mescudi details the ins and outs of various tumultuous relationships, but none seem to bring him the sense of ease and peace that his wife Lola Abecassis Sartore does. He recalls first seeing her at Abloh's Louis Vuitton fashion show in 2017, where he walked right up to the menswear designer and asked for her number, without even knowing her name. Their relationship started out as a friendship until he began to seriously court her in 2022. He proposed in Kyoto, Japan, that year with a custom 11-carat diamond platinum ring. The couple married earlier this year. Abecassis Sartore came at a time when he was "not needing a relationship as a crutch, but more as a bonus in my life. "The only piece that I was missing was a companion. She was not only the perfect companion, but she was peace in my life that I just hadn't felt with a woman before," he writes. "I love every little quirk about her. She inspires me; she lifts me; she supports me in every single endeavor I have โฆ She's a master in her craft, so it's like I found my equal in creativity too." Kid Cudi ties the knot with Lola Abecassis Sartore during wedding in South of France Kid Cudi on his influence: 'My music will always help people' Known for his gloomy, cross-genre hits, Mescudi's pioneering legacy as one of the most vulnerable artists in hip-hop has been solidified. One of his biggest tracks, "Pursuit of Happiness," was initially meant as a warning against finding satisfaction in drugs and alcohol, but he later embraced the joy it brought people. He approached later projects like "Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven" and "Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin'" with the same desire to be a guide to younger fans. "Kids needed to hear someone authentically and openly dealing with their most toxic baggage," he writes. Reflecting on his impact after nearly two decades in music, Mescudi says his music "opened the door for generations of nonconforming artists .... I was touching people, and my music will always help people to the end of time." Reflecting on his 40th birthday, a "milestone that felt so very far out of reach," Mescudi considers his impact. "It wasn't the fame that brought me to my nirvana; it was all the wonderful, sincere people who my music led into my life," he said. "And all my time searching for life in outer space, I never thought I'd find peace and love on Earth." If you or someone you know is struggling with mental and/or substance use disorders, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's free and confidential treatment referral and information service at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). It's available 24/7 in English and Spanish (TTY: 1-800-487-4889). If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call 988 any time day or night, or chat online. Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.
