AGENDA Magazine’s “A Renaissance Return” Features Melissa Manchester and Celebrates 20 Years

AGENDA ISSUE 19, A Renaissance Return

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.

AGENDA Magazine issue 19, A Renaissance Return Features
Agenda 19 Front & Back Cover with Table of Contents

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.”

AGENDA Table of Contents

“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.

Haute off the Rack

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.

Pull Back the Curtain with Hollywood Costume Designer Antoinette Messam; Woodbury University Awards BDC Founders Kevan Hall & TJ Walker; NAACP Image Awards;Fashion at Vibiana; ASU’s FIDM Fashion Statement

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.

Fashion Archives: Patrick Kelly “Runway of Love” Exhibit

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.

“Black Design Collective” Is the Focus of AGENDA Magazine, Issue 18!

AGENDA Issue #18 "Black Design Collective" Highights

AGENDA features Black fashion designers, NAACP Image Awards “Colors Behind the Look,” and more in this exciting issue of AGENDA. Melanie Wise, Udo Spreitzenbarth; cover models Coco Mitchell and AGENDA’s Fashion Whisperer Ty-Ron Mayes; SHROOMS the cookbook; Aaron Walton, AMATO Couture Menswear runway; Jurassic World Dominion, The 355; and Kaylene Peoples Fashion Talk complete the story of this 151-page book periodical!

Los Angeles, August 26, 2022

AGENDA has been putting a spotlight on Black design talent since their first feature with Black Design Collective’s Co-Founder, TJ Walker of Cross Colours in Issue 10.  What followed was Geoff Duran (Issue 11), BDC Founder Angela Dean of Deanzign (Issue 12), Sergio Hudson (Issue 13), OTG Essentials by Okera Banks (Issue 14), Apotts and Epperson (Issue 15), Agnes Bethel Shoes (Issue 16), Renaldo Barnette (Issue 17); and Byron Lars, Octavius Terry-Sims of Groom, and Kevan Hall were all featured in AGENDA Collector’s Issue 3: Changemakers.  The world was informed that there is a kaleidoscope of “all” colors that make up the artisans behind the clothes we love.  After a long hiatus following the release of Issue 17, Couture Paper Doll’s, AGENDA’s contributing staff helped to create another packed issue, appropriately titled, “Black Design Collective,” a nod to this pioneering nonprofit, created to bring awareness, mentor, aid and elevate Black design talent.

Catching up to Issue 18, Black Design Collective, the 151-page book periodical heavily features Black designers, a milliner, beauty brands, and pop-up shops. On the cover is supermodel Coco Mitchell who helped usher in a new generation of Black American models. And on the back cover is celebrity stylist Ty-Ron Mayes, AGENDA’s Fashion Whisperer and America’s Next Top Model Wardrobe Stylist. Mitchell and Mayes are featured in breathtaking editorials shot by photographers Ezequiel de la Rosa and Udo Spreitzenbarth.

AGENDA interviews Tori Nichel (NBC Fashion Star) of Maison Black, Lisa McFadden Millinery, Byron Lars (Barbie) on his new collection by In Earnest, EPPERSON (Project Runway) and his latest fashion editorial EVOLUTION; and a recap of the NAACP Image Awards fashion event “Colors Behind the Look,” headlining with Kevan Hall (president of the Black Design Collective) and BDC designers EPPERSON, Byron Lars, BDC Co-Founder TJ Walker’s Cross Colours, and menswear designer Isaiah Hemmingway. Also featured this issue is “Emerge in Color,” a curated pop-up store headed by the Black Fashion Movement and Maison Black. This one-of-a-kind shopping event successfully launched at the Beverly Center in Los Angeles.

This intensely diverse issue also includes New York celebrity photographer Udo Spreitzenbarth and his traveling photo exhibition titled “Between Light & Dark”; The Swedish brand, Dagmar’s S/S 2022 sustainable collection; and AMATO Couture Menswear collection.

“Immune System Maintenance? Ain’t No Such a Thing!” is an article by wellness expert Melanie Wise of Wise Remedies.  Sheryl Aronson (Arting Around) interviews Aaron Walton in “From Fashion Icon to Advertising Mogul, the CEO and Co-Founder of Walton Isaacson.” Fashion Archives presents a blast from the past with vintage Oscar de la Renta, photographed by Arun Nevader. And book reviewer Zac Baldwin critiques movies made from books, ranging from authors Stephen King to Dean Koontz. Universal Pictures and Amblin Productions presents Jurassic World Dominion and the backstory to the end of an era; and Universal Pictures in Association with FilmNation Entertainment presents The 355, an action film starring Jessica Chastain, Penélope Cruz, and Lupita Nyong’o, now streaming on Prime.

Beauty editor Shahada Karim reviews the products Beautystat, Mented Cosmetics, and Oui the People.  And Karim gushes about her new cookbook, SHROOMS, a book filled with “healing” recipes, based on the medicinal qualities of mushrooms.

Fashion Talk was inspired by the film, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris.

“I just saw the film Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris.  The film was set in 1957, about a maid who wants an haute couture dress.  The movie triggered so many things in me.  I would see a dress on the runway and covet it.  Once, I attended a Carolina Herrera fashion show, and I saw this model in a gown that I had to have.  To this day, I want that dress!  Needless to say, it was way out of my budget.  But I got how Mrs. Harris felt.  Many of us are Mrs. Harris.  That’s what high fashion is all about.  Giving the fantasy that an outfit could change our lives.  And creating a story with clothing, clothing that encompasses all the accessories, much like a finished painting.  If Oscar de la Renta was alive today, I’d love to ask what inspired him when he created the perfect dress!” – “The Art of Dressing” by Kaylene Peoples, Fashion Talk

AGENDA Issue 18, “Black Design Collective” is sure to enlighten and entertain.  You might heal an ailment, find a cute dress, or even buy a hat and a pair of gloves.  But one thing is certain, you’re sure to enjoy the read . . . and don’t forget to shop Black! (@agendamag).  Visit Agendamag.com/shop to purchase the digital magazine. AGENDA is published by klpublishinggroup.com.

Get your copy today of AGENDA Issue 18: “Black Design Collective.” Purchase Link:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BBXSTVGR

 

Agenda Collector’s Issue 2021: “Changemakers” Shines A Floodlight On Women And People Of Color

Mar 15, 2021 (AB Digital via COMTEX) — The multicultural fashion and lifestyle magazine makes a statement as its editorial team incorporates Women’s History Month and Black History Month together in Agenda magazine’s “Changemakers,” featuring WITH HER FIST RAISED (the biography of Dorothy Pitman Hughes) as the lead story. Other features include the first Black male supermodel Renauld White, the first Black supermodel with albinism Diandra Forrest, playwright/actor Levy Lee Simon, women’s suffrage activist Susan B. Anthony; the work of celebrity photographer Michael Benabib, and the Black Design Collective’s Kevan Hall, Byron Lars, and Octavius Terry-Sims.

This is a world that has created holidays for every month and nearly every one of the 365 days in the Gregorian calendar. And based on each individual’s preferences, choosing which holidays are the most meaningful, and keeping them all “straight” can be daunting. However, two very significant months are very near and dear to Agenda magazine’s heart — February for African Americans and March for Women. In “A Letter from Your Editor,” Kaylene Peoples gives us insight on what sparked the idea for “Changemakers.”

“We’ve come a long way … or have we?  That is a question that is always up for debate.  As a woman in a man’s world, this saying is useful. Women have made strides over time, and particularly in the early 20th century. We won the right to vote. Then we won seats in Congress, and now we are the Vice President of the United States. A victory is a victory, right? However, as a nation, America is coming to the equal rights game a little late. Other countries have had women as chief executives for a while. Then there is another little problem:  Race, and why do we still have the divide

I started working on this collector’s issue with the thought of focusing on Black History Month. Then, I thought again. Oddly the two “minority” celebrations in our Jim Crow nation just happen to be adjacent: February (the short month) reserved for African Americans and March (on its tail) for women. Aren’t we fortunate to have our own month! All sarcasm aside, focusing on race and focusing on gender should be a moot point by now, yet it isn’t. The decision to combine the two months made more sense to me. And instead of calling it “Black this” and “Women that,” the title, ‘Changemakers,’ made the cut. Agenda Collector’s Issue 2021: ‘Changemakers’ is here to celebrate the achievements and ongoing pioneering of trailblazers, who just happen to be women and people of color!” – Kaylene Peoples, Editor-in-Chief of Agenda Magazine

“Changemakers” is filled with great stories and interviews, beautiful fashion editorials, and some surprises. From two “firsts” in the world of supermodels to activists, playwrights, book reviews, photography; beauty, health, and humanitarianism, the 2021 collector’s issue is not only exciting but interesting and informative.

Here’s what’s in the issue:

With Her Fist Raised: Dorothy Pitman Hughes and the Transformative Power of Black Community Activism

This biography was written by Professor Laura LeeAnn Lovett, a historian and author of other relevant books on women and race issues. Lovett talks about the process of completing her book about the life of Dorothy Pitman Hughes who is the co-founder of Ms. Magazine with Gloria Steinem, an effective civil and women’s rights activist, the first to start a child daycare center, and a former Miss America Franchise owner. Here’s what Laura had to say in this interview.

“I’m really hoping that we go back and rethink what we know about history and reassess our assumptions about African American women and feminism. Dorothy is somebody who is self-made, who figures out what she needs to do, and figures out community needs and does it; she created the childcare office and program for the whole city. I think that understanding that the importance of that message of ‘you can do it, that what is possible comes from the community’ is really the most important part of this book, about her life, and what I take away from learning about her. — Laura L. Lovett, Author

An Unexpected Advocate: Susan B. Anthony Is Still Relevant Today

Susan B. Anthony is a well-known historical figure that fought her entire life for the suffrage movement, as well as being an abolitionist who played her own part in the civil rights movement. This article is a historical retrospective on this Quaker-turned-activist.

We might question why a woman who was born in 1820, and a Quaker nonetheless, would champion such a dangerous cause, bound to deliver reverberating backlashes.  We might even consider the fact that she had no real resources other than the support of her parents; exampled by them removing her from the school that wouldn’t teach girls math and placing her in an educational program that offered her equal learning.

In 1863, together Susan B. Anthony, Matilda Joslyn Gage, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton founded the Women’s Loyal National League, which orchestrated the largest petition drive in United States history up to that time; they collected close to 400,000 signatures in support of abolishing slavery. In 1866, they initiated the American Equal Rights Association, which campaigned for equal rights for both women and African Americans. This is what led to them publishing [the newspaper] The Revolution.” – Kaylene Peoples, Agenda

The Black Design Collective’s new president Kevan Hall, and new BDC members Byron Lars and Octavius Terry-Sims inspire us to consider buying Black. The Nielson Ratings reported that Blacks spend annually upwards of 1.7 trillion dollars, buying clothes and accessories. This piece of information has spurred a community of designers that promote, market, educate, mentor, and raise money for this nonprofit and fashion collective.

 

 

 

Agenda interviews the three designers:

Kevan Hall – Changing the Face of Fashion Retail with the Black Design Collective

Who knew that when 2020 came around, a pandemic would hit like it did? We immediately shifted into gear as to what we could do to help our designers sustain their businesses, so we started doing a series of workshops. And these workshops were to help our folks figure out how to get a PPP Loan, Unemployment Insurance as an independent designer or contractor eligible for unemployment, where usually self-employed people couldn’t get it. They needed to know how they could get grants.” – Kevan Hall, President & Celebrity Designer

Getting to Know Byron Lars as he talks Barbie and Celebrities

Byron Lars prior to designing Black Barbie collectibles for Mattel,“I was on a very shallow level with Barbie and not on a soapbox about inclusion, but I learned it was really meaningful.  All those white dolls all those years, and the ones they just copied on a Black doll with none of the colors and sensibilities really had nothing to do with us.”

On designing for celebrities,“I don’t really put the celebrity moment ahead of my average customer, because it really does come back to the experience that you’re having. It just so happens that it’s their job to be public luminaries. And other peoples’ jobs are more about putting this dress on and crushing that meeting, because mama’s looking good! You know what I mean?  It really is pretty much the same charge, whether in the public eye or not.” — Byron Lars, Fashion Designer & Barbie Collectibles

There’s more than meets the eye with designer and CEO of GROOM.

“I am currently writing an autobiographical self-help memoir, detailing all my different lives from Olympic hopeful; getting married on the 2014 Grammy Awards; being a singer songwriter with two albums; and now a celebrity fashion designer.” – Octavius Terry-Sims, Designer

Levy Lee Simon:  Odyssey of a Harlem Artist

Award-winning playwright, actor, and director Levy Lee Simon talks about his three pandemic-related projects in his ‘Arting Around’ interview with Sheryl Aronson.

I would like for people to support live theater during these difficult times, and have a different kind of experience in addition to watching Netflix and Amazon Prime. It is very interesting watching plays on Zoom and seeing the actors in these little boxes. And very soon the audience is caught up in the drama of the play. The solo performance was my debut, and I promise … I hoped I didn’t bore the audience.  The response overwhelmingly has been that I didn’t.” – Levy Lee Simon

Book Reviews

Milk Run is a novel by Zac Baldwin that is thrilling, has fast-paced fiction with not one, but two female leads; and Passing Myself Down to the Grave: A Woman’s Rise from Darkness is a memoir by Sheryl Aronson — an exposing personal journey through breast cancer, surviving, and coming out on the other side.

Looking at Music Royalty Through the Lens of Michael Benabib

Michael Benabib is a celebrity photographer who has photographed the most iconic musical artists in the world, including Michael Jackson, The Fugees, Miles Davis, and more. Agenda highlights some of those rare, captured moments.

I set up my lights, and I tried to take a picture that told a story by showing the board in the studio. Miles [Davis] was great, and was really interested in what I was doing. He asked about my technique, the camera I was using, and he wanted to see all the Polaroids. He was just totally involved. It was a great experience for me.” – Michael Benabib, Re-quoted from Thelastmiles.com

Beauty by Shahada Karim

It’s all about self-care with reviews of products by African American female business owners in the following reviews. “Danessa Myricks and the Beauty of Color,” “Gavin Luxe and the Sensual Sense,” and “EPARA: The Science of Beautiful Skin.”

Getting Back to Basics with Regards to Women’s Health

When it comes to health, Agenda has a discussion about women’s wellness with Melanie Wise of Wise Remedies in this candid conversation …

“When I train people for injury rehab or other reasons, I’m not looking for lifetime clients. I want to teach them what they need to know and get them out the door.  I want people to be in the driver’s seat of their own health. I don’t want to be their cheerleader, and they don’t need a cheerleader, what they need is good health.” — Melanie Wise, Wise Remedies

Fashion Whisperer Ty-Ron Mayes produces three timeless editorials

“Celebrating Renauld White, a Living Legend and Stylish Trailblazer”; “The Nomadian,” featuring model Jean-Mary Aubourg; and Diandra Forrest’s “Blonde Noir, the First Black Supermodel with Albinism.”  Included in Forrest’s editorial is an eye-opening and consciousness-raising interview.

“I think it’s been long overdue for us to be looked at as the unique beauties that we are. A lot of the times in the entertainment business, people with albinism have been portrayed as something supernatural or odd or freakish-looking, and I love that we are being seen in a different light.” — Diandra Forrest

Agenda pays tribute to those who’ve been the first to achieve or those who’ve changed history. Throughout the entire magazine, Agenda magazine spotlights Kamala Harris, Angela Davis, Jimi Hendrix, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Halle Barry, Sidney Poitier, Tuskegee Airmen, Toni Morrison; Donyale Luna, Harriet Quimby, Shirley Chisolm, Ruby Bridges, Lauryn Hill, Marguerite Higgins, Sandra Day O’Conner, Barack Obama, Kathryn Bigelow, The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, nicknamed the “Six Triple Eight, Angela Davis, and honoring those anonymous activists who did their part to help bring forth equality!” A changemaker, simply put, is anyone who is taking creative action to solve a social problem—first, by actively tackling that social problem demonstrates they are motivated to act!

“There is no going back, there is only moving forward.” – Melinda May, S.H.I.E.L.D.

Agenda Collector’s Issue 2021Changemakers is available in print and digital.

Featured on Talk Agenda Podcast are interviews with Black Design Collective president Kevan Hall, Byron Lars, and author of With Her Fist Raised Laura L. Lovett.

To Listen to Talk Agenda

Agenda Collector’s Issue 2021: “Changemakers” is sponsored by Bella Composers.

ABOUT AGENDA:

Agenda is the fashion and lifestyle magazine that has been telling the story behind the story since 2004. Agenda has a diverse readership, consisting mostly of women from various backgrounds, ranging from college age to 65 years old and beyond. Touted as ‘the intelligent read,’ Agenda is credited for being the first online magazine to stream video and documentary-style interviews. Since the very first Special Edition “Fall Is Fascinating,” in 2014, the magazine has consistently put out breathtaking coffee table keepsakes with content, including fashion, beauty, articles, photography, interviews, reviews, historical retrospectives, commentary, entertainment, and more. Agenda magazine is published by KL Publishing Group and is available worldwide!

Carol Alt Turns Sixty & Turns Heads on the Cover of AGENDA Magazine!

Carol Alt on AGENDA Issue 14 Covers

Agenda magazine announces “Comfy Cozy,” the Winter 2021, Issue #14 with supermodel/actress Carol Alt on the cover.

This issue celebrates Alt’s milestone birthday as she arrives at 60 years old. Being that the Agenda reader is a diverse group of people, and catering to a mostly female demographic with varying age-ranges (from 25-65 and beyond), this issue speaks to ageism and demonstrates that age is really just a number.

Ty-Ron Mayes, the fashion editor and wardrobe stylist for Agenda’s featured editorial, is responsible for orchestrating many of Alt’s covers in her modeling career.  And now as the Fashion Whisperer, Mayes has curated a beautiful, “ageless” fashion editorial “The Carol Alt Factor: Sensational at Sixty,” featuring looks by Versace as one of the many designers featured in the spread.  The Fashion Whisperer Podcast, Episode 3 is an engaging interview led by Ty-Ron Mayes as he speaks candidly with Carol Alt about her career, her loves, and how she gives back.  They also delve into the changing world of modeling and social media. To listen to the podcast, visit: https://www.agendamag.com/fashion-whisperer-carol-alt-factor/

Kaylene Peoples Agenda Editor-in-ChiefAgenda Editor-in-Chief’s Kaylene Peoples titled the issue “Comfy Cozy,” based on the current pandemic and stay-at-home orders.  Issue 14 is filled with pajama-inspired runway, and winter-appropriate designs with designers Major Minor, NEONYT, and Rachel Mills. Peoples’s Fashion Talk column sets the tone for the entire issue with her historical retrospective: “Pyjama to Pajamas: The History of Sleepwear.”

“Since most people I know are on lockdown, I am sure that I am not the only house-bound person existing in her loungewear.  It only seemed fitting to title this issue “Comfy Cozy,” and create the aesthetic to match its theme.” – Kaylene Peoples, Agenda Editor-in-Chief

Even Black Design Collective designer Okera Banks furthers the point with OTG Essentials’ convertible yet comfortable garments.” Beauty by Shahada Karim has the following articles: “Cold Weather Care,” The pandemic Files, Maskne,” and “Beauty and the Pandemic: Zoom-Ready!”  Karim also interviews Susannah Sprague-Lerma in “The ‘Joyfull’ Way to Go Vegan.”

Agenda has always had great content, and during COVID 19, finding topics that will resonate during these challenging times has been the number one goal.  Within these 137 pages are articles, interviews, and reviews about overcoming challenges, helping people, lifting spirits, and more.  Sheryl Aronson (Arting Around) interviews (Ovation Award-winner) choreographer Janet Roston about her wildly trending video (over 2.2 million views and growing), You Can’t Stop the Beat – Hairspray Finale Spectacular.  Roston’s video was created to raise money for The Actor’s Fund – COVID19; and actor J.D. Lewis talks about The Actors Lab forging ahead with the use of Zoom.

AGENDA-ISSUE-WINTER-2021-#14-Comfy-Cozy-Masthead

Melanie Wise (Wise Remedies) interviews Dr. William Gibbs, who has cured those people suffering from chronic pain. Nichole Galicia (Defiance, Django Unchained) is interviewed by Ty-Ron Mayes about her career and her charity, The Orchid Foundation; Nichole has been changing the lives of young ladies by teaching them valuable life skills. Zac Baldwin reviews New York Times Bestseller Home by Harlen Coben; and the nonfiction novel about one man’s journey on the quest for spiritual understanding, The Solo Traveler by George Harris. Baldwin reviews classic films made into book series in his article “Binge-Reading:  When Binge-Watching Is Not Enough.”  Other features include an interview with podcaster Hammond Chamberlain of Beyond the Playlist and the Universal Studios film News of the World, starring Tom hanks.

Ash Gupta’s Face of the Season puts a spotlight on Russian-born model Elizabeth Rush. Runway Competitions include L’Oreal Professionnel “Style & Color Trophy” in collaboration with Rinda Salmun; and ESNE Designer Showcase.  In closing, Fashion Archives, features classic designs from the not-too-distant past (Olympus Fashion Week 2007 in New York).

To learn more about the Agenda Winter 2021 issue 14, “Comfy Cozy,” visit www.agendamag.com/product/agenda-winter-2021-issue-14-comfy-cozy/

Agenda is published by KL Publishing Group.