AGENDA Magazine celebrates 20 years with “A Renaissance Return, featuring Grammy winner Melissa Manchester. Led by Editor-in-Chief Kaylene Peoples, this issue spotlights fashion, music, and culture, continuing its legacy of creativity and innovation.
Los Angeles, California Jan 9, 2025 (Issuewire.com) – After a two-year hiatus, AGENDA Magazine triumphantly returns to print with Issue 19: A Renaissance Return, featuring Grammy-winning icon Melissa Manchester on the cover. Celebrating 20 years online and 10 years in print, this milestone issue offers a rich blend of exclusive content across fashion, music, beauty, health, and entertainment. Recognized among the Top 20 Best Magazines in Los Angeles by Feedspot in 2024, AGENDA continues its legacy of celebrating artistry, resilience, and innovation by spotlighting both iconic names and emerging creatives.
The cover of AGENDA features legendary Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Melissa Manchester, photographed by acclaimed Ash Gupta of 838 Media Group, with makeup by Diana Mendoza Beauty, at the historic Biltmore Hotel. In Fashion Talk, Editor-in-Chief Kaylene Peoples delves into Manchester’s iconic 50-year career in music and fashion, while Sheryl Aronson presents an in-depth Q&A titled “50 Years a Star: Melissa Manchester – Funny Girl, Grammy Wins, and Her 25th Album, RE:VIEW.”
“This issue is packed with incredible features, starting with none other than the legendary Melissa Manchester,” shares Kaylene Peoples, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of AGENDA Magazine. “Last May, I had the pleasure of attending the opening night of Funny Girl at the Ahmanson Theatre with journalist Sheryl Aronson. Melissa’s performance as Rose Brice was mesmerizing, and as a lifelong fan of the film, I was blown away by the cast’s energy and talent. After the show, I approached her manager, Susan Holder, about the possibility of Melissa gracing our cover. To my delight, she said yes, and we scheduled an unforgettable photoshoot at the historic Biltmore Hotel, where the Funny Girl cast stayed during their LA run.”
This issue also features The Morph, an exclusive editorial by former Project Runway designer Epperson, modeled by Victoria James and photographed by Papa Louche. Styled by Ty-Ron Mayes Fashion Whisperer is a stunning editorial, photographed by Udo Spreitzenbarth. The bold fashion spread, The Un-Ubiquitous, showcases Sabrina, a fearless muse who also graces the magazine’s back cover. Cinematography by Antonin Merchler enriches this editorial’s narrative with striking visual elements. Another striking editorial styled by Mayes is Being Bowie, which features Alexandre, captured through the lens of Ron Contarsy.
Discover affordable luxury in Haute Off the Rack, where AGENDA “REimagines” the styles of Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, and Prada Menswear–delivering high-fashion looks without the high price tag.
For memoir lovers, this issue offers powerful stories of resilience and self-discovery. Levy Lee Simon takes readers on a journey through his life in Odyssey Towards the Light: Book 1, weaving his Harlem roots, Broadway successes, and battles with addiction into a poignant narrative. Laura Cathcart Robbins shares her gripping story in Stash: My Life in Hiding, detailing her double life navigating Hollywood’s elite while struggling with prescription drug dependency.
The visually compelling pictorial Friends Without Benefits, photographed by Ash Gupta, features actor and author Siddharth Mallya. The series captures the depth and complexity of his journey, reflecting on his career, upcoming film projects, and his critically acclaimed memoir, If I’m Honest: A Memoir of My Mental Health Journey. Offering a raw and deeply personal take on addiction, mental health, and recovery, Mallya continues to gain respect as a voice for change in the entertainment world.
In beauty, Shahada Karim shares her top picks for winter skincare, featuring standout products, including Costa Brazil’s Hydrating Cleanser, Dr. Jart’s Cryo Rubber Firming Face Mask, Habibi Bath & Body Fairy Drops Serum, and May Lindstrom’s luxurious Honey Mud.
Meanwhile, Melanie Wise of Wise Remedies explores the metaphysical world with her article on Dr. Masaru Emoto’s water experiments, examining how varying emotions can influence the structure of water molecules and beyond.
Film enthusiasts will revel in Zac Baldwin’s piece, Hidden Gems: Big Stars in Smaller Films, spotlighting unforgettable performances by Hollywood icons in lesser-known roles, including Sidney Poitier in Brother John and Dwayne Johnson in Faster.
We also celebrate Michael Stervinou, a renowned painter who makes a return to AGENDA, showcasing his latest figurative works that reflect his artistic evolution. His unique style, paired with insightful commentary on the creative process, makes for a compelling read.
The Black Design Collective has been a cornerstone feature of AGENDA since 2020, and this issue continues that commitment with the powerful 2024: A Year in Review, curated by Deborah Lee. The feature showcases the NAACP Image Awards Fashion Show at Vibiana, where designers Okera Banks, BJ Gray’s Grayscale, and Kwaku Bediako presented collections, culminating with a stunning finale by Kevan Hall. It also highlights Woodbury University’s tribute to Kevan Hall and TJ Walker (Cross Colours), celebrating their influential contributions to fashion and education, along with coverage of ASU FIDM’s Fashion Statements and Pull Back the Curtain. Readers will enjoy exclusive insights from interviews with Kevan Hall and Antoinette Messam, recognizing the lasting impact of Black creatives who continue to shape the fashion industry.
In Fashion Archives, we pay tribute to the groundbreaking designer Patrick Kelly, revisiting his pivotal 1986 Paris Fashion Week debut and celebrating his enduring legacy through the Patrick Kelly: Runway of Love exhibit from the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
With contributions from top voices in fashion, journalism, and entertainment–including Kaylene Peoples, Ash Gupta, Shahada Karim, Sheryl Aronson, Ty-Ron Mayes, and more–this issue offers an inspiring mix of artistry, storytelling, and style in AGENDA Magazine’s A Renaissance Return.
Purchase your copy of A Renaissance Return today from KL Publishing Group. Don’t miss the resurgence of AGENDA Magazine, where every story is as stylish as it is substantial. Be part of the legacy–celebrate artistry, innovation, and creative resilience with this milestone issue!
“As we usher in 2025, I want to thank you, our loyal readers, for coming along on this journey. May your days be joyful, and your nights filled with fashion. Happy New Year–we’re glad to be back, and we can’t wait to share more with you in the months to come!” shares Kaylene Peoples, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of AGENDA Magazine.
About AGENDA Magazine
Founded by Kaylene Peoples, AGENDA has established itself as a leading voice in fashion, music, beauty, and culture, known for its compelling storytelling and focus on innovation. It began as an online publication before transitioning into print in 2014, quickly becoming a collector’s item. Known for celebrating artistry, diversity, and innovation, AGENDA spotlights iconic designers like Edith Head, Gareth Pugh, and Alexander McQueen, while amplifying underrepresented voices through initiatives such as its ongoing coverage of the Black Design Collective. Featuring prominent names like Melissa Manchester, Tyson Beckford, Larry Dunn, Carol Alt, and Kevan Hall, AGENDA was ranked one of the Top 20 Best Magazines in Los Angeles by Feedspot in 2024. With the release of Issue 19, AGENDA continues to inspire readers with its blend of storytelling, style, and substance.
About Kaylene Peoples, Founder/Editor-in-Chief
Kaylene Peoples is a visionary in music, film, and publishing. Internationally recognized as the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of AGENDA Magazine, she is celebrated for bridging fashion, music, and culture through compelling storytelling. A classically trained musician and award-winning jazz and Bossa-nova artist, Peoples has received Grammy ballot recognition and topped independent charts worldwide. Her work as a musician, composer, director, and string arranger has contributed to major films and recordings alongside icons like Bunny Brunel, Stanley Clarke, and Hubert Laws. Peoples has been featured on countless covers, including Vogue Monaco and The Hollywood Magazine, recognized for her ability to bridge fashion, music, and culture through compelling storytelling. As the founder of KL Publishing Group, she continues to empower diverse voices with niche publications like Virtuoso Bass and Schmooze Jazz, leaving a lasting impact on media and entertainment.