Hip hop producer/rapper/designer/creative genius Kanye West is big stranger to being in the limelight. Next month he will be feature and cover August GQ issue. Due to the constant creative projects and family festivities, I am very anxious to see what GQ has in store. We all will be on pins and needles to witness the greatness ahead!
“Iron Will”
Earlier within the week, I forget to make an outfit post. Balance is essential in everyday life. I personally love to apply high fashion pieces with high street garments. Never wanna give myself the impression of being a frivolous label whore. A classic chambray shirt I got on sale from express pair with some 👖 slim cut #20jeans, this abstract raf by #rafsimons t shirt 👕, and my favorite black #maisonmartinmargiela leather and suede trainers 👟. Depending on the proportions, it can deliver either a laid back urban/grungy vibe.
Accessories can always transform an ensemble for better👍 or worse 👎! My new purchases from #ASOS came in the mail 📫. I couldn’t help to purchase these and pocket square. Both possess a subtle classic appeal for the modern #gentleman. The metallic frames give a little bit of a futuristic touch 👌.
“Iron Will”
Earlier this year, the streetwear and fashion enthusiasts escalated into a web frenzy about the new capsule collection with Kanye West + A.P.C. They finally launched an official date to release the collection to July 17th, 2014. So far, it’s receiving mixed reviews. Majority of the complaints are based on the somewhat high cost whereas the rest are from kanye stans (including myself) or those aware of the labels reputation.
Unlike most kanye Stan’s, I will always be brutally honest it comes to him!however, I believe no one should quickly jump the gun because the images doesn’t show a great detail on the quality. Those who are unaware, A.P.C. truly takes true pride in it’s quality and contemporary design (no busy or pretentious designer logos)! Also, the collection is exactly what it is, a capsule collection (focus on essential menswear staples); therefore, don’t expect anything off the wall because you’re not lol!
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Honestly, there are couple hit and miss pieces . For example, I am not a fan of the camo t-shirt. It does appear to be unflattering colors and very bland. On the hand, I really admire the cut and quality of the white t-shirt and their knit sweaters. Where great quality lies great cost!! Kanye west does not control the cost of the garments. Chances are resellers will milk the prices more than the actual company. Despite the price debate, A.P.C. Is relatively more cost efficient than your trendy Balmain, Lanvin or Givenchy stuff you may own!
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My only gripe was the collection's approach to originality. Many of the looks were inspiration of kanye's recent ensembles made by different designers such as Rick Owens, Robert Geller, and Balmain following up to 2013's Yeezus release. There's no doubt about Kanye's unfathomable love for fashion and design, but he also cares about keeping his presentation honest.
In essence, this collection truly speaks to Kanye's current aesthetic. Whether you hate it or love it, it's gonna thrive!
"Iron Will"
It’s not often you actually see a fashion show where you admire EVERY piece. Sometimes you have to break down each ensemble be somewhat satisfied or to see someone else rock with complete justice. However, AMI has been on the scene for a few short years and hasn’t missed a bit. This is a label who creates clothing for people without trying to “play fashion” by looking like jackasses!
AMI’s collection gives the “don’t take clothing so seriously” vibe. The magic is so put on something dope and forget you even have it on that’s what makes them so great! Sometimes we focus too much about who know wearing. We need to let our style do the talking!
Image source: style.com
“Iron Will”
Mondays have the stigma as the downfall of the new week. We turn up on weekends but turn down on Monday.. Personally, I’m trying look at it from a different point of view (may be temporary).Having our new edition (child) slowly approaching, I think to it’s best to be optimistic more frequently. A great way for me to express in stylish manner is with my outfit: 👕 – #balenciaga : 👖 – #oldnavy : 👟 – #maisonmartinmargiela : 👓 – #johnvarvatos .. The floral t shirt was a great way to reflect my optimistic spirit towards a bright week!
My girlfriend and I needed to make more space for our new edition. The countdown for our second little one is coming to a close. We are so excited to regain this experience! It’s like we are starting a new transition of something greater. Sometimes we aggressively desire for progression, but never want to accept change! This is a give and take world. You can only fill your cup with so much!
Even though we share a walk in closet, I am in love to walk in to place my dope garments. From high fashion to mall retail (😪), I don’t discriminate lol. Through out new transition, we seeking to put our best forward towards our new home, family and also future!
“Iron Will”
The Maison Martin Margiela fashion show featured an alternative twist in their menswear collection. There is no gray area when it comes to taking fashion risks. For example, they took the concept “opposites attract” on another level with the half business trouser/denim jeans. This is not necessarily different from some of the previous collection (particularly the H&M collection). Granted some of the pieces requires an acquired approach to style. You never have to worry about everyone rocking the collection. I love it!
“Iron Will”
#tbt one of the reasons why I love #maisonmartinmargiela is because of a similar design of the #nike boot from the first #batman movie. The unfathomable love for the Belgian designer’s aesthetic was almost like love at first sight.. I have no idea this was the inspiration but it only sufficed to think it was!!
I dreamed a world where my two passions, martial arts and fashion, would co-exist in to pop culture! Recently, this collection by Walter Van Beriendonck captures a very vibrant take on my ideal aesthetic. I love how incorporate the colored Obi (karate belt) with the looks. The only problem is the average people would not even know how to tie a karate belt (unless they went to youtube). Seeing this collection makes me believe I am on the right path towards something.
Early march, We managed to travel down southern Kentucky to compete at a great martial arts tournament. Tournament of Champions is a sport karate event by Marty Eubanks (Son of the late Bluegrass Nationals promoter, Ken Eubanks). He has been branding this regional event nonstop all years. Fortunately, it has paid off quite well for him. Soon as we arrived at the tournament, the registration line was packed!! you feel the energy in the air of the top martial artist in the region seeking to win their divisions. Me and couple of my classmates, whom I consider my brothers, decided to do team fights early that morning followed by our actual division later.
After a long day, the adult black belt men’s division finally were caught up. The heavyweight division was stacked with an enormous amount of talent. Personally, it was definitely a challenge because it could be anyone’s day to win! Some of the guys I’ve fought or watched them fight. Good thing being off the radar for a while, they didn’t know what I could do. After going through two rounds in eliminations, the fight I would’ve taken me to fight for first place along with my other team, Sean “Goo” Elder (pictured in the red and black) was short by Tray Lazenby of Team Atl. He is very good counter fighter will great speed for a heavyweight. Despite the blows exchanged, he advanced with a score of 6-3 and lost by one point (6-5) for 3rd and 4th to my friend, Ben Franzen (we fought first round during team fights).
Initially, I wasn’t pleased on the performance. However, I have always been my toughest critic. Throughout the day, I pondered on the mistakes taken from our earlier matches. Soon as my cousin (also classmate) gave me a broader perspective, my initial moral took a slight mental shift towards the greater good. Since November, the obsession to win overall grand champion deprived my evaluation of self-improvement. For once, I never took the chance to view the gradual progression upon myself. Sometimes we focus so much on being perfect or winning for a “title” we never try to register our milestones which transpires us to the present. Obtaining fourth place was a great lesson because I gave it my all. No one wants to be second or three best, but if we recognize our steps towards being greater than we all win! Granted, we all are hungry and push each other to better ourselves.
I finally got the chance to do team fights train along some people I admired as a teenager, learned from my strengths and weaknesses, and fellowship with some martial artists. You can’t get any better than that!
This winter has been a beast. I am not sure how I can maintain to this madness. The best thing about the winter is the ability to layer up! For example, today I have decided to rock my something basic but let the colors do the talking. Spring and summer are not the only seasons to wear color. Wearing color during the cold months must be subtle. It’s alright to have a pop of color every now and again.
Ironically, color blocking weren’t my intentions. However, this azure blue peacoat from Asos heighten the color palette of the dark green shirt from Express finished off with my slim cut jeans from Old Navy and green suede trainers by Maison Martin Margiela. Blending high and low fashion is the best. It keeps you grounded!
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