A major component of the magic that is the land of Oz in the ‘Wicked’ movie universe is wondrous work of costume designer Paul Tazewell, who won a rightly-deserved Oscar for the first film, and continues his enchantment in ‘Wicked: For Good‘. This post marks the return of our Dazzler of the Day feature, and Tazewell more than merits the celebratory nature of this post. His costumes are the stuff of high art – exquisite of style and enchanting of detail – and they manage to be effortlessly whimsical while telling their own story to accompany those of the characters.
While baby brothers tend to get all the love and adoration, the eldest sibling typically paves the way – in this case Kevin Jonas finally gets some overdue love with this crowning as Dazzler of the Day in celebration of his first solo effort, ‘Changing’. Nick Jonas and Joe Jonas have had their own moments here over the years, but Kevin was in the world first, and has always been the quiet older presence rocking the guitar and guiding the band on its journey.
He’s just been christened the Sexiest 40 Year Old by People Magazine, and he’s been here previously when we used to have a Hunk of the Day feature – today Derek Hough gets crowned Dazzler of the Day for making a name for himself in the world of dance and entertainment. Currently a judge on ‘Dancing With The Stars‘, Hough is still performing, dancing, inspiring, and yes, Dazzling.
Adam Brody earns his first crowning as Dazzler of the Day thanks to a compendium of work that runs the gamut from ‘The O.C’ to his latest work in ‘Nobody Wants This’, for which he’s already been nominated for a Golden Globe, Emmy and Critics’ Choice Award. Add in film work for ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’, ‘Thank You For Smoking’, ‘Jennifer’s Body’, ‘Shazam’ and ‘Promising Young Woman’ among many others and you have the combustible talent and curriculum vitae that Dazzlers are made of.
“Fashion has always been a vocabulary for me, a way to express myself to you and to myself. The artistic practice of fashion is a daily act of self invention. An opportunity open to every one of us to recognize a garment as a paintbrush on the canvas of self. We are, each of us, the art of our own design.” ~ Jordan Roth
Fashion impresario Jordan Roth earns his very first Dazzler of the Day crowning thanks to that impeccable sense of cutting-edge style and brilliant genre-smashing courage. The substance behind the outrageous style is found in his Tony-winning theatrical accomplishments as producer, in shows such as ‘The Book of Mormon’, ‘Spring Awakening’ and ‘American Idiot’. Check out his impressive website here, along with all its wondrous portals for more.
Intense artistic introspection and self-reflection are part of the ferociously fertile ground that artist Glen Pudvine explores in his images. His work is a powerful compendium of self-exploration that directly confronts both viewer and artist, forcing the sort of questionable comfort that we sometimes find in someone unafraid to unabashedly revel in and reveal themselves. Studies of other bodies, other faces, and other bodily landscapes round out the artist’s ongoing trajectory, more than justifying this crowning as Dazzler of the Day.
Artists make my favorite Dazzlers because they usually see the world in a different and thoughtful way – not that appreciators and non-artists can’t, it just seems to be more prevalent and obvious in the work of an artist, particularly if they capture the human condition in the gorgeous way Alexis Franklin does in her paintings. She earns this Dazzler of the Day for all that undeniable talent. You don’t have to take my word for it – check out the introduction on her enchanting website:
“Drawing inspiration from traditional mediums such as oil paints, I enjoy pushing the boundaries of what digital painting can be. I love textures and experimenting with different ways to achieve them, while telling as many human stories as I can. I started out, as most artists do, pencil drawing at a very young age. Eventually, I dabbled in water colors and colored pencil until I discovered drawing tablets. I asked for one for Christmas at the age of eighteen and never looked back. Since then, I have worked tirelessly to teach myself the techniques and processes that have ultimately led to the “painterly” style I’m known for today. Being entirely self taught has been an interesting journey, but it is one I wouldn’t trade. That journey has allowed me to work with some incredible companies and people I never thought possible when I started posting my works online. Some of my clients include TIME Magazine, Apple, Sports Illustrated, O Magazine, and several New York Times bestselling authors.” ~ Alexis Franklin
Snagging Madonna for her first purported podcast ever is no mean feat, so Jay Shetty earns this Dazzler of the Day for that alone. Add in all the other accomplishments and you have a fine choice for our first Dazzler of the fall season. Shetty is an accomplished author, podcast guru, and monk, who puts purpose and mindfulness into practical play – a boon for today’s world and those of us still searching. Check out his website here.
Suzie has been advising on this string of dazzling footballers on the road to the World Cup. This is Virgil van Dijk, a Dutch footballer who captains Premier League club Liverpool and the Netherlands national team. (Do I have this correct, Suzie?) Virgil earns his first Dazzler of the Day, thanks to his talented work as one of the best defenders in the sport.
Christened by Gucci as one of the most stylish footballers, Jack Grealish earns his first Dazzler of the Day honor thanks to his style and panache on and off the field. Our road to the World Cup continues following Richarlison with someone just as enthralling. All work and no play makes Jack a dull, dull boy, and this Jack proves that with some wild party stories trailing in his wake.
It seems to be a week for one-named wonders, as this Dazzler of the Day is singer and song-writer Lauv. I heard his song ‘Love U Like That’ at some clothing store in Newton Plaza, and it felt like a good summer-ending vibe. It’s rare for me to jot down lyrics so I don’t forget what to look for (and I don’t have the handy app that hears two beats of a song and instantly identifies it) but I managed to do so and that’s how I came upon Lauv. Check out that song below and the rest of his magnificence at his website here.
Very few people are so uniquely talented and celebrated to be known by a single name, but Richarlison enters the vaunted realm of Madonna and Cher thanks to his impressive plays on the soccer field, and an even more impressive embrace of therapy and publicly addressing depression and mental illness. Taken together, Richarlison earns his first Dazzler of the Day honor as we begin our road to World Cup glory.
Currently on ‘The Red Tour’ (with an upcoming ‘Blue Stop’ at Boston’s City Winery in September 19, 2025) Corey O’Brien adds comedic fuel to the fire we so badly need right now. Today he earns his first crowning as Dazzler of the Day. Designed to bring people together over laughter and the absurdity of life going on at the moment, O’Brien’s Red Tour brings comedy, dance, and a thrilling amalgamation of entertainment to stages and places that need such light. Check out his website here for upcoming show information.
It feels like the world craves some hilarity right now, and filling that need is Zarna Garg, who earns her first Dazzler of the Day honor. A gifted comedian, screenwriter, actress, podcaster, producer and social media sensation, Garg has conquered more worlds than most, bringing her comedic flair and sharp social insights into an entertainment scene badly in need of it. Check out her robust website here for more info on her career, upcoming live shows, and links to all her endeavors, including the following quick encapsulation of a life and career trajectory that is heroically inspirational:
Comedian Zarna Garg is a force of nature with a microphone. Her inspiring new memoir ‘This American Woman,’ about her treacherous climb from a homeless teen in Mumbai to an unhinged stay-at-home mom in New York and then to an internationally beloved stand-up comedian, is a New York Times Bestseller! This Indian immigrant mom brought her sharp, relatable family humor to her first streaming special, ‘One in a Billion.’ Her follow-up special ‘Practical People Win’ is coming from Hulu in July. When Zarna’s not slaying at the Comedy Cellar or opening for icons like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, she’s selling out headlining shows worldwide. Zarna’s Tonight Show and Late Night interviews are among the most watched online. She made her acting debut in ‘A Nice Indian Boy,’ currently out in theaters now and a New York Times Critic’s Pick (calling Zarna “a standout”). Her hugely popular ‘Zarna Garg Family Podcast’ explores modern family life with her husband and kids. With millions of social media followers and billions of views, Zarna just can’t stop laughing her way to the top. – from ZarnaGarg.com
If there’s one thing we love here, it’s a Renaissance artist keenly invested in reinvention and self-evolution. Enter Erin Harkes and her impressive array of talents and testaments, including today’s Dazzler of the Day crowning. It wasn’t enough for her to conquer the worlds of music, comedy, and performing arts – she had to add publication-savior to that storied resume as well.
Resurrecting the beloved ‘Metroland!’ was a bold and some might claim foolish move, but for those of us who loved and missed an independent alternative focused on the arts and entertainment, it was the act of a savior. Harkes made that bodacious decision to bring ‘Metroland Now’ to the Albany fold, and for those of us who used to eagerly await each new issue this rekindles happy memories of a perhaps-happier time.
Harkes has been at the helm of the revitalized publication since April 2024 (which is the last time she claims to have slept) and the effort she’s put into its relaunch is apparent. With a renewed focus on the music scene of Albany, ‘Metroland Now’ feels reinvigorated and reborn, reconnecting with its original roots; brash, irreverent, and slightly messy, it’s the very thing for this moment of social media mediocrity, and mainstream media’s reluctance to take a stance on anything.
My hat goes off to anyone brave enough to wade into any aspect of publishing these days; my greater admiration is reserved for those who go after a dream and a noble vision with an idea and element of bettering the community around them. That’s the true talent of this Dazzler of the Day.
Harkes is currently setting up to compete in ‘Dancing with the Capitol Region Stars: Battle of the Beats’ to do some fundraising for ‘Metroland Now’ – scheduled for November 1, 2025. Check out her enchanting website here for all the details.
