By Josie Goldberg
Los Angeles, California (The Hollywood Times) 03/06/2024
When designer Anita Davenport sent me two new sweaters, including one from her collection “Divine Feminine”, I was so in love with them. This is my new favorite designer. I am so obsessed with all her designs. When I wear her pieces, I feel like I am unstoppable. One is a design called the “Hollywood Casting Couch” and the other was of my famous racehorse “Only Josie Knows” which was my catalyst to every success I have today.
I remembered that even though we have a lot of highs and lows in life, everything comes full circle. I mean literally full circle. Let me remind you of my time on the Dr Phil show while I was on the series “Spoiled and Entitled” from 2010-2017. I remember telling Dr Phil about the casting couch. This was pre #Metoo Movement. Dr Phil as well as Celebrity publicist Kelly Cutrone (who was featured on MTV The Hills and had her own show (Kell on Earth) told me I was lazy, delusional, and just making up excuses for my failures in my career. They both also told me I was really “SPOILED AND ENTITLED”. That slogan became a phenomenon in pop culture and on the reality tv circuit and it made my brand have its 15 minutes of fame!!!
I have to admit that in my entertainment career, I have met some very handsome execs and when I did go to the post with them, I thought they would marry me or advance my career and I can’t deny it, the sexual chemistry was there. When I realized I got HPD’d (hump, pump, and dump), I realized that I had to change my conditioning and be a better, stronger businesswoman. I was not happy having sexual encounters and nothing tangible to show for the heartbreak.
To be honest, I love it when successful men come after me and offer me opportunities that I would never be able to attain. Then getting them makes me even more excited if you know what I mean. What woman doesn’t like attention or successful men or being pursued for that matter? What sucks is when you come out as a loser and catch feelings as they say. So when my brand, “Spoiled and Entitled”, was given to me I realized that yes, I am Spoiled and Entitled meaning that I put myself in a position where I can win and not lose with men. Dr Phil was right!
For me, it’s about getting a fair deal! Especially when dealing with men. Not just in Hollywood but with men in general. They usually get what they want but when a woman wants theirs, they are labeled a whore or gold digger and most get left behind. In 2002 when President George W. Bush passed the NCLB ACT (No Child Left Behind), I realized my modus operandi for my brand “Spoiled and Entitled” is NWLB (No Woman Left Behind).
When women sleep with men for free, meaning no marital or financial commitment, we get left at the starting gate when the race is off. I don’t mind romance from men, but I cannot engage in meaningless and free sex! It just kills me literally and emotionally. When I got my beautiful colorful sweaters, it made me forget my past traumas for a minute. Anita told me that bright colors and certain patterns are mood elevating. This is especially true for me when I put on the beautiful blonde girl and my gorgeous thoroughbred racehorse. My horse’s memory was brought to life and wearing her was like we were physically together again! Her death was something that shook me and plunged me into dark times. The designs and artwork of Anita Davenport and her brand “SingleTree Lane” really make me happy, and I want to share with you her new designs.
EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH FASHION: SingleTree Lane’s Divine Feminine Collection
In the heart of SingleTree Lane’s creation lies the dynamic vision of Anita Davenport, a woman whose background is as rich and diverse as her designs. With roots deeply embedded in both Black and multiethnic heritage, Anita’s journey into fashion is not just a tale of personal style but a celebration of cultural diversity and empowerment. As we step into March, Women’s History Month, her brand SingleTree Lane honors this spirit through its Divine Feminine collection, featuring over 150 all-over print tops dedicated to showcasing the strength and stoicism of women.
This collection embodies the essence of female empowerment, each piece crafted to tell a story of resilience, elegance, and the inherent power within every woman. In a world where women’s achievements are celebrated, SingleTree Lane’s Divine Feminine range stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of women throughout history. Through Anita’s unique blend of cultural pride and fashion-forward thinking, this collection not only adorns the body but also inspires the soul, encouraging women to embrace their inner strength and beauty.
As we reflect on the contributions of women past and present, SingleTree Lane’s commitment to empowering women through fashion shines brightly. Anita Davenport’s vision, coupled with the vibrant and meaningful designs of the Divine Feminine collection, offers a powerful narrative of female strength, making this Women’s History Month not just a time to remember but to inspire.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: A Dialog with Anita Davenport of SingleTree Lane
I did a Q&A with Anita Davenport! You will be enchanted with her responses. To reach out to her or view her on Tiktok, click here.
1) How did you come up with the name “Hollywood Casting Couch“ for this design of Marilyn Monroe?
“Actually, my design isn’t based on Marilyn Monroe. It’s a depiction of a blond bombshell and what people typically think of when they think of Hollywood starlets. I chose the name because I thought it was funny, attention-grabbing and would spotlight an open secret that people tend to ignore when they support film and TV.
But many of the names I choose for my wearable works of art have tongue-in-cheek names like “Miss-Spent Youth”, “Fierce and Dejected”, “Ladies Who Lunch”, “The Second Wife”, “Release the Krakken”, “Alien Invasion”, “Black Jesus”, “Lounge Lizard”, or even “Social Conditioning.”
2) Do you think there is anything wrong with a “Casting Couch”?
“I think that whatever grown adults choose to do is their business. If a person is willing to have sex with someone to get a part or work in Hollywood or be famous that is up to them. We are not victims when we make a conscious choice.”
3) Do you think that sex should be free?
“Sex is never free. Only a naive person would believe otherwise. Both parties are always getting something in return. Intimacy involves an exchange beyond the physical; it encompasses emotional, psychological, or even social benefits.
Whether it’s the fulfillment of desire, the alleviation of loneliness, or the deepening of a connection, engaging in sexual activities is rarely without reciprocal benefits.
No matter what people choose to believe, we are always paying for sex in a relationship whether it’s a short-term or long-term one.
Some people have sex to get married or stay married, some people have sex to advance their career and others have sex for the simple pleasure of it or to get a free meal or a place to stay…or even a job. And there are those who have sex to partake of a luxe lifestyle that their partner affords them and to work their way up the social ladder to an even bigger fish.”
4) Do you think when women engage in sexual behavior without marital status or financial gain they are getting left behind?
“I think it is stupid to do anything for free unless it’s charity work. A woman should value herself enough to set standards and ask for what she wants and/or needs out of a relationship or sexual encounter. Don’t sell yourself cheap. People have forgotten, including women themselves, that they are the “prize” and should act accordingly.
Contrary to popular opinion and James Brown (may he rest in peace), it’s not a man’s world. Women have simply forgotten their place and relinquished their power due to social conditioning via television, movies, and religion. If we were not so strong and powerful, they wouldn’t have to work so hard to keep us down. It’s what I liked most about the Barbie Movie with Margot Robbie. It’s also why I appreciate the new feminist movement of abstaining from men entirely, dating ourselves instead and setting higher standards for the people and men in our lives.”
