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In Tonight’s Historic LGBTQ+ Ballet, Dancer Calvin Royal III Finally Sees Himself Onstage

Ahead of his world premiere in “Touché,” we speak with the American Ballet Theatre dancer….

At just under 30 minutes long, Touché follows the journey of two young men whose worlds crash into each other. Like a butterfly’s metamorphosis, Rudd’s piece spans the stages of a gay man’s journey to self-acceptance—from piercing uncertainty to uncomfortable encounters to peace within own’s skin. I ask Royal if he found a specific moment of the dance the most impactful. “There’s an in-between moment without any dancing. It’s between the first and second movement, [when] my character first discovers that he’s not alone in this, and that there’s this other person who has been on this whole other journey. It’s in this silent and still moment where we’re shedding our layers, the baggage that we once had, and we are standing face to face, not sure what the future holds. But there’s this feeling of hope and what things could be. And that moment, for me, just it says it all.”

Without giving too much of the piece away, there’s a kiss—the first ABT-commissioned kiss between two men. And to treat this production as Hollywood and Broadway might, an intimacy director, Sarah Lozoff, was brought onboard.

“I always requested communication with my artists, but the culture of dance tells us literally to keep our mouths shut. It is an art form in which language is not required, so dancers are trained to not speak,” says Rudd. “[Sarah and I] devised a plan to use intimacy direction to start making cultural shifts in dance, especially when the works are controversial and go deeply into a subject matter that the artists themselves had to deal with in life.”

For Lozoff, intimacy direction is not just about increasing the believability of kissing or simulated sex scene between characters. “It’s also about taking care of artists to make sure that they know they have agency, that their voices matter,” she says.

As Royal tells me, he feels seen and heard and he’s aware of the significance of it all. Of being partnered with another man, he says, I‘ve always hoped for this, [but] I didn‘t think that it would happen so soon.”

It’s happening tonight. Rudd says he’ll be watching it like “a candidate for office watching the numbers come in…I did all I could to make it worthwhile and valid and as meaningful as I could. Now the voters have to vote and the people have to accept it.” As for Royal, he says he’s “excited to see the final product, but I know that the experience alone was so fulfilling for me. Watching the ballet is just the cherry on top.”

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Watch Touché tonight on ABT’s YouTube page.

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Fashion

Hailey Bieber’s Pregnancy Glow at Paris Fashion Week

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When Hailey Bieber showed up at Paris Fashion Week, she effortlessly drew the attention of fashion lovers and industry insiders. Her beautiful pregnancy glow made her appearance even more special, which highlighted her radiant skin and confidence, paired with her unique style that has become her trademark. This year, Hailey’s maternity outfits at this famous fashion event showcased her talent for mixing classy with trendy, challenging traditional ideas about how pregnant women should dress.

Typically, people expect pregnancy fashion to be more conservative and focused on comfort. However, Hailey used this opportunity to change the game. With her thoughtfully chosen outfits, she made bold fashion statements throughout Paris Fashion Week, showing that pregnant women can embrace high-fashion trends while celebrating their bodies.

Check out this article: Hailey Bieber Reveals The Moisturizing Eye Masks She Uses To Look So Bright-Eyed

One of the standout features of Hailey’s style was her daring choice of bold shapes. Instead of wearing typical flowing dresses or loose outfits, she chose structured clothing that highlighted her figure and made a statement. Oversized blazers became a key part of her wardrobe, often paired with tailored pants or skirts. These blazers had unique designs with big shoulders or sharp lines, adding a modern twist to her looks.

She combined a sleek, oversized blazer with high-waisted trousers and a sheer lace top in one of her most memorable outfits, giving a chic and daring spin to classic fashion. The mix of strong styles with soft, feminine touches like lace showed her ability to balance powerful dressing with grace, proving that pregnancy fashion can be stylish and flattering.

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Another exciting part of Hailey’s pregnancy style was her love for bold fabrics like sheer lace and sequins, often not seen in maternity wear. In one outfit that caught everyone’s eye, she wore a sheer lace ensemble that offered a glimpse of her baby bump while still keeping an air of sophistication. Layered with a sequined bralette underneath, this outfit struck a perfect balance between edgy and elegant. The sequins sparkled under the light, adding a touch of glamour to her black and white outfit and highlighting her confidence in embracing her pregnant body.

Accessories played a big role in enhancing her looks at Paris Fashion Week. Hailey didn’t hold back when adding glamorous jewelry and stylish bags to her ensembles. Oversized earrings and chunky necklaces brought a luxurious feel to her outfits, elevating them even further. She paired her outfits with high-end handbags and chic shoes that added to the overall elegance, showcasing that every detail mattered. Her stylish sunglasses, especially her beloved aviators, added a cool, confident vibe, blending her relaxed California roots with the high-fashion setting in Paris.

Also check this: Future & Lil Baby Just Dropped the Hardest Collab of this year 2025

Hailey Bieber’s appearance at Paris Fashion Week marked a significant moment for maternity fashion. Pregnant women were often pushed toward baggy dresses and comfortable shoes for years. While comfort is important, her choices demonstrated that pregnant women can feel powerful and stylish. She redefined maternity fashion by showing that pregnancy can be a time to celebrate one’s style. Her presence at the event also inspired many who might have felt pressured to tone down their fashion during pregnancy, encouraging them to embrace their style and confidence.

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Kanye West’s Yeezy Brand Boosts Net Worth to $1.2 Billion​

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Kanye West, who now goes by Ye, is a well-known artist and entrepreneur who has recently reclaimed his status as a billionaire, with a net worth estimated at $1.2 billion. Much of his wealth comes from his music, but the biggest boost has come from his brand, Yeezy, which has changed the sneaker and fashion landscape. His journey from a famous rapper to a major player in the fashion world showcases his business talent and unique ability to connect with culture, allowing him to create a brand that holds significant financial value.

1. The Rise of Yeezy

Kanye started the Yeezy brand in 2009 through a partnership with Adidas. Over the years, it has become one of the most desirable and trendy sneaker and streetwear brands globally. What sets Yeezy apart is Kanye’s choice to take full ownership of the brand, allowing him to direct its creative vision completely. Unlike many other celebrities who collaborate with existing brands, he aimed to build something new that challenges the fashion industry’s norms.

Yeezy’s designs are noted for their simple yet modern look, and items like the Yeezy Boost 350, Yeezy 700, and Yeezy Foam Runner are now considered iconic. The brand’s success can be attributed to its scarcity, limited releases, and Kanye’s powerful presence on social media. These elements have helped Yeezy reach mainstream popularity, turning it into a symbol of luxury and style.

Check out this article: Kanye West Wants “Wizards Only” For His Yeezy AI Team

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2. The Financial Growth of Yeezy

Kanye has achieved a net worth of $1.2 billion mainly because of Yeezy’s impressive profits. After teaming up with Adidas, Kanye struck a deal that allowed him to keep a large slice of the profits, a rare arrangement in celebrity collaborations. As Yeezy has thrived, so has Kanye’s wealth.

In recent years, Yeezy has been valued at around $3 billion, and Kanye is believed to own anywhere from 80% to 100% of the brand. His decision to end his partnership with Adidas solidified his control, ensuring that all profits from Yeezy’s sales go directly to him. The brand’s global popularity, high prices, and limited releases have helped Yeezy dominate the sneaker market and attract wealthy customers.

Yeezy’s shoe collection brings in hundreds of millions of dollars annually, and the clothing line, including oversized jackets and sweatshirts, adds even more value. Fans of the brand, including many celebrities, keep demand high for these stylish and premium-priced items. Yeezy’s success has caught the eye of not just fashion fans but also investors and market experts. Despite some controversies surrounding Kanye’s behavior, Yeezy has consistently generated large amounts of revenue, making it a key part of his wealth.

Check out this article: Kim Kardashian Reportedly Weighing Legal Action to Strip Kanye West of Joint Custody

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3. Other Sources of Wealth

While Yeezy is the main contributor to Kanye’s fortune, it’s not his only source of income. His music catalog, which includes influential albums, also plays a significant role. He earns money through licensing deals, royalties from his music, and live performances, providing him with a steady income that complements his profits from Yeezy and other ventures.

Kanye has also invested in real estate and technology, adding to his financial portfolio. Other business projects, like his Donda brand and his earlier work with Gap, have contributed to his wealth, although they haven’t been as successful as Yeezy. His ventures into technology, particularly in artificial intelligence and digital media, could also provide substantial returns in the future.

4. The Power of Kanye’s Personal Brand

A vital aspect of Kanye West’s financial success is the strength of his brand. Known for his bold creativity, outspoken personality, and often controversial statements, he has created an image that resonates with many supporters and critics. This unique presence has only enhanced his cultural influence, making him an important figure in music and fashion.

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