Katie Couric hasn’t forgotten how Bryant Gumbel allegedly treated her on Today.
In an interview with Bill Maher for his Club Random Podcast posted on Sunday, the journalist opened up about the old days of hosting Today with Bryant — both the highs and the lows. While she admitted that he was a “talent,” a “seamless broadcaster,” and “eloquent,” she remembers him as “a guy’s guy.” You know, the type that wasn’t particularly understanding of women.
She recalled a time in the early ’90s when she had her first baby and Bryant was apparently less than understanding about her maternity leave:
“He got mad at me because I was doing something on maternity leave and he was giving me endless s**t for taking, like, a month or two off. I was having my first baby. And he was like, ‘Why don’t you just drop it in the field and come back to work right away,’ or something.”
WTF! All that fuss for just a month or two?? Jeez…
The 67-year-old continued:
“No, he was kidding, but he was giving me a lot — he was goofing on me but giving me a lot of s**t, but it was sort of emblematic of an incredibly sexist attitude.”
Sounds like it… We mean come on, dude! What the hell?! See her full interview (below):
The two co-anchored Today from 1991 until 1997 when Bryant left. Katie shares daughters Elinor, 32, and Caroline, 28, with her late ex-husband Jay Monahan. Thoughts, Perezcious readers?? We know the “drop it in the field” comment is a joke, but the sexism around it ain’t cool!! What do U think?! Let us know in the comments below…
In fashion, the top headlines of 2022 were brimming with excitement and chaos.
Scandals swept Balenciaga and any brand associated with the artist formerly known as Kanye West. Legislation offered a new pathway for sustainability in fashion. A new guard of creatives took the helm at some of the world’s most stories houses, while a recession loomed over the whole industry.
Ever since the pandemic struck in 2020, the years have felt as though they’ve all bled together. That’s certainly true for fashion news — so, we’re recapping the biggest headlines in the industry from 2022, from the biggest controversies to the most notable moments of progress.
Designers Act Amid Russia’s war on Ukraine
Photo: Dimitar Dilkoff/Getty Images
In a major escalation of a longstanding conflict, Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, kicking off an intensified war that hasn’t stopped. The fashion industry responded with letters, donations and posts on social media. Vogue Ukraine called designers to action, while Granary — the fashion education platform founded by Ukrainian Central Saint Martins graduate Olya Kuryshchuk — shared an open letter urging the community to condemn Russia.
Groups like LVMH and Kering donated to aid groups like the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), while some brands suspended business in Russia altogether. Meanwhile, designers like Demna took to the runway for messaging against the war (before the brand was embroiled in scandal).
Balenciaga ended the year not with a celebration, but with a series of apologetic statements.
The Kering-owned luxury brand released its Balenciaga Gift Shop campaign on Nov. 16, showing a range of new giftable items from the brand, “staged around children dressed in the Balenciaga Kids line” — however, it soon started trending, with many criticizing the photos showing children next to wine glasses, holding teddy bears in BDSM-reminiscent harnesses.
#BalenciagaGate only got more heat when people turned attention to its Spring 2023 campaign, released just a few days after on Nov. 21. The Joshua Bright-photographed imagery was set in an office, and among a variety of props strewn across a desk, there was a printed copy of the 2008 United States v. Williams decision on child pornography laws. More controversy ensued.
Every era in fashion has had its big names. Now, the industry is moving forward with a new guard of creatives taking seats at the helms of the world’s biggest, most influential houses.
Meanwhile, we’re seeing some of the most powerful names in fashion step back. Riccardo Tisci showed his final Burberry collection in September, and has been replaced by Daniel Lee. Alessandro Michele, who ushered in a new era of extravagance at Gucci, stepped down in November, after seven years at the helm and two decades at the brand. That month, Raf Simons also announced the closure of his eponymous label after 27 years in business.
Known for his encyclopedic knowledge of the industry and larger-than-life presence, Talley was creative director and then editor-at-large at Vogue, responsible for some must-read columns that inspired the next generation and becoming one of the first Black editors to reach the top of the masthead.
Raised in the Jim Crow South, Talley detailed his ascension in fashion and the racism he had to work against in his memoir, “The Chiffon Trenches.” He peeled back the curtain with language as entertaining as it is profound, welcoming wonder in a world often guarded by walls. He ushered in a new guard of dreamers, building his audience and developing close ties with educational institutions like SCAD.
As Fashionista reported, size diversity on the runway regressed in 2022, with the number of New York Fashion Week shows featuring non-sample-sized models dwindling from past seasons, after this issue had become such a talking point pre-pandemic. With runways often being in the market of what’s in and what’s cool, the exclusion of different bodies served as a disappointment.
Sustainability’s next frontier
Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
The fashion industry is notoriously under-regulated, but a new chapter is on the horizon in the U.S., with legislation presenting a path forward for the conversation around sustainability.
… All the while, Kardashian was laughing her way to the bank, by way of Skims, which reached a $3.2 billion valuation in 2022, thanks to new funding and ever-loving fans.
“This latest round will allow us to focus on bringing more innovations and solutions to our customers and become even more of a trusted resource for them,” Kardashian told Fortune.
Since launching in 2019, Skims has found rapid success in shapewear and loungewear, with the pandemic catapulting its cozier categories. This year, the brand also took home the inaugural CFDA Innovation Award presented by Amazon at the trade organization’s annual ceremony.
Patagonia literally gave itself away as a company in the name of environmental preservation and sustainability: This year, American rock climber-turned-businessman Yvon Chouinard transferred ownership of the brand he founded to a trust and nonprofit. The company said it was “going purpose” instead of “going public,” making Earth its main shareholder — a first-of-its-kind move.
The year of the ‘nepo baby’
Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
For the (somehow) uninitiated, “nepo babies” are relatives of successful, famous or otherwise well-connected people who then end up successful, famous or otherwise well-connected. In 2022, they got called out on online and on the front pages of magazines, with the connections that may have helped them reach their heights of career success being called into question.
Of course, fashion has always lovednepo babies, from Hadids to Jenners to Gerbers. And every year, there’s a new class to look out for in campaigns or sitting in the front row at a Miu Miu show.
Rihanna’s maternity style
Photo: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
Rihanna has changed any and every new space she’s entered, so it’s no surprise she had the same effect on maternity style as she flaunted her pregnancy in the first half of 2022.
Rather than opting for clothes that covered up her growing bump, the Fenty founder refused to tone down sexiness or her own style. That meant: beaded halter tops, vintage Chanel, diamond belly chains and more. She even got “maternity crop tops” to trend.
Even after their split, Fox continued serving looks, becoming a TikTok star and highlighting emerging designers. She opened LaQuan Smith’s Fall 2022 show and was crowned one of Fashionista’s best dressed celebrities in 2022. She took the cake in ambitious dressing, daring any fan to take it up a notch and dream bigger through their clothes.
Weston, FL, March 23, 2017 (Newswire.com)
– Bellefit Maternity is no stranger to the challenges many women face. Its line of postpartum girdles is just one way the company has been making a positive impact in the lives of new moms. Launched in 2008, Bellefit girdles have helped thousands of women around the world not only find comfort after having a baby but discover happiness and enjoy more confidence in their bodies.
The family-owned company has expanded its outreach even further through a new partnership with the Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center in Pembroke Pines, Fla. The SBA Center has been providing rehabilitation from substance abuse to expectant mothers and women with children since 1995. One of only a few full-service recovery centers in the United States, the Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center provides residential and outpatient treatment in a loving, structured environment, where a woman can receive the support she needs while living with and caring for her children.
Our hope for women at the Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center is that they continue to find the courage, strength & support to improve the quality of their lives, so they can give the best of themselves to their children.
Cynthia Suarez, Bellefit Founder
On March 3, Bellefit Maternity began an ongoing initiative to donate Postpartum Recovery Girdles to Women at the SBA Recovery Center who are expecting a baby or have recently given birth. The company’s general manager, Andy Suarez, and public relations manager, Carolina Suarez-Garcia, met with the residents and shared Bellefit’s story and provided education about the postpartum benefits of using a Bellefit girdle.
Additionally, Bellefit donated $1000 to the SBA Recovery Center’s ‘Room to Grow’ Program. This program is raising funds to build a new room & board wing at the SBA Recovery Center which will increase the number of women who can be admitted to the Center.
Bellefit founder Cynthia Suarez recalled how much her own daughter struggled after having children, so she developed the product to alleviate the discomfort of an incision from a C-section and also provide a much-needed boost of confidence to recovering moms.
“Being a mom of four and a grandmother of seven, I know, first-hand, how challenging motherhood can be,” Suarez said.
It was through the Center’s partnership with The Rotary Club of Weston that Suarez’s son, Andy, a Rotarian, met Whitney Hughson, associate director of marketing at the SBARC. When Hughson shared the stories of moms who struggle with addiction while trying to raise their children and how the Center helps women lead healthier, more productive lives, Suarez knew Bellefit needed to get involved.
“Bellefit Girdles are known to make moms’ lives easier after childbirth and give them a boost of confidence during a time when women are focused on their baby and usually feel guilty about caring for themselves,” Suarez said.
Helping to reduce uterus swelling by safely supporting and compressing the abdominal and lumbar regions, the girdles provide a faster and more comfortable postpartum recovery for those who have undergone a C-section or natural childbirth, or for those experiencing diastasis recti or pain.
Suarez called the partnership a perfect match.
“Our hope for women at the Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center is that they continue to find the courage, strength and support to improve the quality of their lives, so they can give the best of themselves to their children,” she said. With housing for approximately 60 women at any given time during rehabilitation and an outpatient program that extends far beyond that, the Center is certain to see positive benefits from the generous Bellefit partnership.
Information to Donate time, money or items the Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center can be found at www.susanbanthonycenter.org or by calling (866) 641-8986.
To learn about The Rotary Club of Weston’s community involvement and global outreach, please visit www.westonrotary.com. The Rotary Club of Weston was chartered in 1986 and has raised over $1 million dollars in Scholarships to deserving Broward County Seniors and over $600,000 for local charities, non-profit organizations and The Rotary Foundation. The 30th Annual Golf tournament will be held at the Weston Hills Country Club on April 3, 2017 and the 20th Annual Run for Tomorrow will be held at Cypress Bay High School on December 10th, 2017. All proceeds from these events will continue to help continue Rotary’s mission and raise funds for community and international projects.
For more information about Bellefit Maternity’s Medical-Grade Childbirth Recovery products, please visit www.bellefit.com.
Celebrity Designer Anitra Mecadon Goes Behind-the-Scenes with Colgate Mattress on New Episode of “Diaper Pad”. HGTV Star and mom-to-be offers straightforward advice on how to choose a safe, eco-friendly crib mattress.
Press Release –
Sep 22, 2016
Atlanta, GA, September 22, 2016 (Newswire.com)
– TV personality and award-winning interior designer Anitra Mecadon takes moms-to-be on a fun and informative journey to buying a safe, eco-friendly crib mattress on the next episode of her digital series “Diaper Pad.” During the episode, Mecadon and husband, Adam Bret, visit the nation’s oldest family owned crib mattress maker, Colgate Mattress. Whether viewers are first-time parents, grandparents or caregivers, Diaper Pad offers honest, straightforward advice in Anitra’s signature approachable style. The episode will premiere today on Diaper Pad.
When Anitra and Adam discovered they were expecting, they decided to purchase a new mattress for their bedroom. Frustrated by the process and endless options, the two were inspired to shop early for a crib mattress that met their strict requirements for safety, health, and comfort. Following a visit to the eco-friendly baby boutique, Happy Mango, the couple decided to check out the EverTrue™ Diamond, Colgate’s top of the line dual firmness foam crib mattress.
“If you think shopping for an adult mattress can be overwhelming, just wait until you start exploring options for your baby. I wanted to help new parents sort through the junk and make decisions that they can feel confident about.”
Anitra Mecadon
“If you think shopping for an adult mattress can be overwhelming, just wait until you start exploring options for your baby. I wanted to help new parents sort through the junk and make decisions that they can feel confident about,” Mecadon said. “I think every mom wants her baby to sleep safe and sound. Plus, when baby sleeps, mama sleeps… a great crib mattress is key!”
This episode of Diaper Pad offers a behind-the-scenes look at Colgate’s Atlanta-based factory, where crib mattresses are constructed by hand. While there, Anitra details her list of preferences in a conversation with Colgate’s marketing director, Terri Paul. The top three must-haves included:
Safety first – As recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Anitra’s first necessity was a firm sleep surface. The Diamond’s unique design provides the extra firmness infants need for proper growth and development on one side as well as the added comfort toddlers prefer on the other.
No exposure to chemicals – The Diamond features plant-oil infused eco foam and ultrasonically welded side seams. This mattress also meets and exceeds all federal and state requirements for flammability and chemical composition and has earned the GREENGUARD® Gold and Certi-PurUS® certifications ensuring no harmful air emissions.
Optimal airflow – To provide unprecedented airflow, the Diamond combines Colgate’s Diamond channel gel memory foam with its exclusive SecureCore honeycomb mesh fabric spacer. The crib mattress also brings the power of Celliant® — the world’s first biologically responsive fabric — to crib mattresses to help baby sleep better. Frequently used in high-performance athletic gear, this innovative material is designed to increase circulation and improve the level of oxygen in the body. As an added benefit, the Celliant infused cover has no chemical flame retardants that could be harmful to baby.
“Anitra really did her homework before challenging us to demonstrate how the EverTrue Diamond meets all of her needs as a concerned mom-to-be,” said Paul. “At Colgate, we want every caregiver to know how important the crib mattress is throughout growth and development. And as the mother of four, it’s an honor to share info that helps Anitra and Adam prepare for their baby’s arrival.”
“New dads can sometimes be removed from the process of preparing the nursery, especially things like buying a crib mattress,” added Adam Bret. “But when you consider that infants can spend up to 16 hours a day sleeping, then add to that the value of your own peace of mind, this is one investment that certainly pays off.”
Sold exclusively at dedicated and knowledgeable specialty store partners, including Brixy member stores, the EverTrue™ Diamond is a lightweight, 6” thick foam crib mattress. Made in the US, the Diamond fits all standard size American cribs and toddler beds. Suggested MSRP is $349.99.
About Anitra Mecadon &“Diaper Pad”
Anitra Mecadon is a celebrity designer and home improvement TV star. She has starred in 5 seasons of the DIY Network’s hit series Mega Dens and numerous other TV shows for DIY and HGTV such as: HGTV’s All American Handyman, Esquire Magazine’s Ultimate Bachelor Pad, HGTV’s Behind the Build Dream House, HGTV’s Behind the Build Smart Home, HGTV’s Raise the Roof College Challenge, and more. In her 15 years as an interior designer, Anitra has also created amazing residential and commercial designs. “Diaper Pad” chronicles the life and times of Mecadon and her husband, music producer Adam Bret, as they navigate the world of having children and designing the ultimate baby nursery/kids rooms. For more Diaper Pad, click here to subscribe.
About Colgate Mattress
Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Colgate is a family-owned business with a 60-year heritage of manufacturing premium quality crib mattresses. Founded in 1955 by Sol and Anne Wolkin, the company creates the largest selection of foam and innerspring crib mattresses, foam mattress pads, and crib accessories. Colgate products are GREENGUARD™ Gold certified, non-toxic and made in the USA using only the finest internal components available. Colgate has received many industry awards and is proud to be among the first members of the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), an organization dedicated to enhancing child product safety. For more info, visit ColgateKids.com. Join the conversation at #dreamsafe.
Media contacts:
Lalohni Campbell la@colgatekids.com 404-593-7145
Kyell Thomas kyell.thomas@octagon.com 310-854-8376
