AUDREY'S SOCIETY WHIRL: Gillette Fusion and Rolling Out present the Men of Style Awards

Fonzworth Bentley, Power 105's Malikha Mallette And Kenny Burns Host The Men Of Style Awards; New York Style Stars Honored

      *’Twas raining men inside of Jay Z’s hotspot nightclub 40/40 Lounge in New York City on Monday, November 2, 2009 where Gillette Fusion and Rolling Out Urbanstyle Weekly co-hosted the Gillette MVP Prime Time Tour honoring local barbers and style icons in five of the top African American markets for their style and contributions to the well-groomed man.

      Gillette’s motto, “The Best A Man Can Get,” was the impetus for this event honoring men considered to be arbiters of good taste and great style for the Men of Style Awards.  TV’s most Dapper Dan, Fonzworth Bentley along with Power 105's Malikha Mallette and Kenny Burns hosted the award ceremony that was well attended by an abundance of spiffy looking guests.

      Several style icons were honored that included actor Malik Yoba, image director Alexander Allen, Kwame Jackson (The Apprentice, owner of Krimson men’s apparel), Miguel Perdomo (the face of Sean John ad campaigns), Allhiphop.com founder Chuck Creekmur, hip hop veteran/Power 105 morning show host Ed Lover, Mike Muse (CEO, Muse Recordings); and Curtis Smith (Diddy’s trusted barber and creator of Xotics Products for men); along with 11 barbers to the stars including Gee da Barber, Brenda Braxton and Shawn Brown.  Winners of the fashionable awards won private training sessions.  

      As the official locker room product of the NFL and the global leader in the men’s razor category – 7 out of 10 men are counted as loyal users worldwide – Gillette Fusion is in an ideal position to present a viable solution. 

      “We take our role in understanding our consumers and providing solutions to shaving needs very seriously at Gillette.  To do this, we partnered with Dr. Amy McMichael, associate professor of dermatology at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine and an expert in the area of hair and scalp disorders; specifically, skin conditions of deeply pigmented skin,” stated Natalie Wu, Gillette Fusion associate brand manager.

      “When it comes to razor bumps, she’s the foremost knowledge-holder in the world of dermatology, and so it was right for Gillette to work with her to understand the role of shaving in the context of this condition.  That’s why we are doing a 5-city tour focused on getting the message out regarding PFB and what we learned,” Wu concluded.

      Celebrity guests attending the New York Style arm of the Men In Style Awards included Munson Steed, publisher and thought producer, Rolling Out; actress and activist Vivica A. Fox, Chester Gregory (Dreamgirls), Nashawn Kearse (Desperate Housewives), Briana Barber (Harlem Heights), American Idol’s Anwar Robinson and ABA standout Demarco Majors.

      Although the 40/40 event was barberlicious, the clean-cut fun did not stop there.  On Wednesday, November 4, 2009, some 200 male tastemakers were treated to a day of pampering at the host barbershop in the New York market, the famous BBraxton salon in Harlem.

      Courtesy of Gillette and Rolling Out, the day of grooming included complimentary shaves, massages, gifts and a chance to win tickets to the Super Bowl in Miami.  This men magnet event was also hosted by Fonzworth Bentley along with NY Giants’ Aaron Ross.  Bentley’s colorful commentary was enhanced by Hot 97 overnight jock Lil Nat.

      Aside from recognizing the well-groomed man, Gillette felt it important to address the African American male segment to help provide a solution to the persistent issue of razor bumps, which can be troublesome if not sometimes embarrassing for men. And what better place to meet these men and address these issues than a man’s home away from home -- the barbershop! 

      “Barbers have an important role in helping African American men achieve a well groomed appearance,” said Ms. Wu.  “African American barbershops are an ideal environment for Gillette to share its research findings and provide expert advice on reducing razor bumps, as well as, provide an opportunity for African American men to experience the benefits of Gillette Fusion technology.”

      Making the scene: Olympic track star Sanya Richards; Broadway and television actress Napiera Groves; Bernard Bronner, owner of Upscale magazine and Bronner Brothers; and Anwar Robinson and Nashawn Kearse, who both made repeat appearances from Monday’s event.  The posh noshed delish hors d’oeuvres provided by uptown favorite eatery, Melba’s restaurant.  (Photos by Ronnie Wright and Morgan Gantt for Rolling Out)

Kenny Burns, Malikha Mallette, Fonzworth Bentley

Malik Yoba

Miguel Perdomo, Briana Bingham

Natalie Wu, Vivica A. Fox, honoree Shawn Brown, Melody Harris, Fonzworth Bentley, Malikha Mallette

Vivica A. Fox, Munson Steed

Audrey J. Bernard is an established chronicler of Black society and Urban happenings based in the New York City area.