Convention Couture: Exploring Fashion's Role in the Latest Industry Gathering

By Felix Howard | 26 August 2024
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FITNESS FOCUS
Lehigh Valley’s First Free Outdoor Fitness Court Opens to the Public

Fitness enthusiasts and beginners alike now have a new, free venue to pursue their health goals in the Lehigh Valley. Upper Nazareth Township recently celebrated the opening of a unique fitness court at Leibert Park, the first of its kind in the area, thanks to a national organization known for installing similar courts across Pennsylvania and beyond. This outdoor gym offers a full-body workout in just seven minutes, featuring seven functional zones—core, squat, push, lunge, pull, agility, and bend—with various equipment like step blocks and push/pull objects. The facility caters to all fitness levels and includes space for group exercise classes, adorned with artwork highlighting local landmarks, including contributions from C.F. Martin & Co. The project, costing around $300,000, represents a significant addition to the community.

FASHION FEATURES
Convention Couture: Exploring Fashion's Role in the Latest Industry Gathering

When fashion intersects with politics, especially during high-profile events like national party conventions, it often triggers criticism for being superficial or sexist. However, there's a reason we talk about "the national stage" and "theater of politics": costume plays a crucial role in the drama, shaping and communicating character. People quickly form opinions based on visual impressions, which helps determine if someone seems likable, credible, or presidential. Political figures, from Castro to Cleopatra, have always understood this. Dismissing the connection between style and substance underestimates their strategic use of appearance.

For instance, Kamala Harris's choice to wear navy blue rather than the traditional white pantsuit for her Democratic nomination speech signaled a shift, marking a departure from previous political symbols and embracing a new direction. Similarly, JD Vance's decision to sport Trump's signature red tie, white shirt, and blue suit at the Republican convention while maintaining his beard—a rare choice in modern politics—reflected his alignment with Trump’s brand and a traditional approach to gender roles. Meanwhile, Melania Trump's choice to appear in a red Dior suit previously worn on a state trip to Paris was a strategic nod to the Trump era, reinforcing their enduring presence and ambitions.

ENTERTAINMENT
Behind the Scenes: Laura Prepon Discusses Recreating That '70s Show Intro for That '90s Show

Laura Prepon is back in Point Place, reprising her role as Donna from That '70s Show on its sequel, That '90s Show. Since the start, Prepon has appeared as the adult Donna, now married to Eric Forman (Topher Grace) and mother to Leia (Callie Haverda). In Part 3 of the series, streaming now on Netflix, Prepon not only returned on screen but also directed all eight episodes. She reminisces about the experience with Entertainment Weekly, highlighting the joy of recreating the iconic '70s opening credits in episode 6. Prepon notes the special connection with the cast and crew, thanks to her deep history with the original show. She cherished bringing familiar elements to the new series, especially reliving the nostalgic moments like the Vista Cruiser sing-along, which she described as both surreal and heartwarming.