Former Destiny's Child inks solo deal

Former Destiny's Child inks solo deal Image

Behind the Scenes

By Antracia Merrill-Moorings

Back In the Game: Former Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland has signed a solo deal with Universal Motown Records, it was announced by company president Sylvia Rhone. “I think Kelly is an immensely talented, gracious, and beautiful woman, and I am thrilled about the opportunity to work with her on what’s turning out to be an amazing album,” said Rhone. “For an artist whose career began as a member of a landmark group like Destiny’s Child, Kelly has truly come into her own and I am deeply inspired by her incredible energy.” Rowland stated: “I could not be happier working with Sylvia Rhone and the entire Universal Motown staff. They have really embraced me and have set me up to succeed. I decided, after careful thought, to sign with Universal Motown not only because of their track record of success, but also because they truly put their artists first.” The news comes after Rowland was dropped as cohost and judge of Bravo’s “Fashion Show” for its upcoming second season. Despite the TV setback, Rowland just moved to Creative Artists Agency and has a new management team in place. She is currently in the studio working on her Universal Motown debut album, featuring the new international single “Commander,” with David Guetta, in addition to collaborations with Dr. Luke, Stargate, Salaam Remi, Ne-Yo, Rico Love, and Esther Dean.

Fashion Forward: Urban designers are still on the move, launching new exclusive lines and collections for mass market. According to Women’s Wear Daily, Kimora Lee Simmons will unleash a new trend-driven collection called Kouture. Unlike Baby Phat and KLS lines, Kouture is completely trend driven, rather than urban and streetwear related, Lee Simmon’s said. She added, “I wanted to do something that spoke to a different market for Macy’s… It sits in a different section. I wanted this to be crossover. I wanted this to be colorless and really about fashion. And, it’s what I call recession proof. It’s really important to say that. You can get a cocktail dress with a bustier top and satin skirt for 30 bucks. You can get a great jean for $19.99.” Kouture by Kimora is priced from $19.99 to $34.99 at retail and will be available in 150 Macy’s stores and online by July. Beyonce and Tina Knowles are also expanding their House of Dereon empire with a line of sheets, bedding and housewares.

Getting Real: The Style Network has announced a forthcoming reality series surrounding former Spice Girl Melanie “Mel B’ Brown. Titled “The Mel B Project,” the 10- episode run will follow the entertainer as she balances being a singer, actress, wife and mother. Viewers will also see her husband Stephen Belafonte and daughters Phoenix, 11, and three-year-old Angel, her child with Eddie Murphy. “Mel B is confident, hilarious and outrageously entertaining,” said Style Network president Salaam Coleman Smith. “Style is all about transformations and we love that Mel has evolved her image and sought new challenges throughout her career while also taking on the ups, downs and everything in between that come with motherhood and marriage. The series is scheduled to premiere on Labor Day weekend.

Briefly, Emmy Award-nominated actress Vanessa Williams, whose run as Wilhelmina Slater on the hit ABC dramedy “Ugly Betty” ended last month, will join the cast of “Desperate Housewives.” Williams is only the second black woman to star on the hit series, after Alfre Woodard.

This is part of the June 2, 2010 online edition of Frost Illustrated.

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Former Destiny's Child inks solo deal