Floral Monday

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!

Maison Martin Margiela spring/summer 2015 collection

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”

Home away from home

the ensemble: my DIY shogun denim jacket, D&G t shirt, William Rast jeans, Jeremy ScottxAdidas sneakers,  POW! Necklace by ambush,(not shown) custom rings by melody enshani

Normally after work on Wednesdays, I tend to get off early and stop by one of my favorite spots in Louisville, 21c. I have posted several things about 21c. However, I can not help it because it’s one of my very places in the city where I wanna escape from reality and tap into my artistic utopia. All artists are aware that inspiration surround us 24/7. Then it’s that one specific place where its pure tranquility. Along with international artworks and embracing local talent, the best part about this museum is that it’s free!

As you seek total inspiration, find that one place where you believed it’s heaven. If cant find it, make one up!

Maison Martin Margiela – spring/summer 2013 collection

Maison Martin Margiela‘s spring/summer collection became an all white party! When it comes to the spring/summer, you can not go wrong with all white everything. The contrast of the “all white” everything were every model were black. I must say I really don’t see this often on the runway; however, I think it’s a good thing. On the other hand, a bit of diversity would be nice. Sure it is very hard for Black models to gain acknowledgment in the industry, but it was too saturated. The correlation between hip hop artists began to mention “Margiela” is a form of thank you. Personally, I don’t know! Race was not an issue I really wanted to discuss about this collection presented. Being a black man, I am only curious what was the angle.. Despite my opinion, Maison Martin Margiela is one of my favorite designers!

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Rihanna – Good Girl Gone Forever

Sexy Pop star and my babymama (in my head, of course) Rihanna has hit the cover for Elle Magazine‘s May Issue. The “Talk that Talk” singer is in fact not pulling any punches far as the editorial work. Nostalgic images provided a charismatic sex appeal which is an instant classic. Every shot she has done never ceases to amaze me. In fact, I never understand why she is not featured in more campaigns or some fashion label’s muse. On the other hand, I am not necessarily a huge fan of the blonde hair. It kinda gripes me seeing ethnic artists reach a status to where they have to be featured with blonde hair and blue eyes.. I guess I should not complain as much because She does what ever she wants right?  One thing I will not discuss is her previous relationship with singer Chris Brown (find that on another blog). The only thing is important is her selling the look shown below.

 

Essential Homme – sweaters

The November/December edition of Essential Homme features a variety of loving sweaters. Sweater knits from Gucci, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Burberry Prorsum and other labels were displayed in a relaxed manner.

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Balmain’s new line: Pierre Balmain

Here are some of the images are the lower end fashion house, Pierre Balmain. The collection is quite impressive , but I am “questioning” this so called Lower price of these garments. The stuff is nice.. waiting on these prices #pow!

T by Alexander Wang – contrast jacket

T by Alexander Wang has designed a sleek twist to the baseball jacket. Long sleeve padded twill jacket in black with tonal leather contrast. Ribbed knit stand collar. Concealed button down front closure. Flap pockets at chest. Welt pockets at waist.

If some are not aware, but this kind of jacket is a pure classic. You can get in your Jigga moment with the All BLACK EVERYTHING look, which would look great on anyone. Since this jacket is black, I strongly advise people get their measurements correct. There should always be clean lines when wearing black.  Don’t be afraid to display a pop of color or even colorblock to neutralize the bold hues! $625.00 is a little bit beyond a steep price for a jacket for the high street fashion market, but it is worth the price (only if you buy the right size).

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Dw by Kanye West’s Runway Collection S/S 2012

One of the most anticipated collections to witness from Paris Fashion Week was from Hip-Hop artist/fashion icon/aspiring designer, Kanye West. The collections was shown on October 1st Paris, France at 9:00. Some of the most influential fashion figures of today such Anna WIntour, Lindsey Lohan, Terry Richardson, Jeremy Scott, and the Olson twins to name a few were in attendance for this historical moment.

This has been considered to be one of the most pivotal and critical points in Mr. West history regards to fashion. His collection will determined in the fashion world whether he should be taken seriously in the future.  The Pastelle project was never completed due to various reasons (which I can understand to an extent based on his aesthetics over the years). On the other hand, once I heard the rumors were true for his womenswear collection to be launched, I was eagerly excited to see what the creative genius had up his sleeve! After the viewing of the collection, there were some extreme reviews from various sources.

The reviews I have read were not by any means complimentary to the overall collection. If you really want my true opinion, it was not bad.. However, being a fan of Kanye’s from day one, I was expecting something over the top, edgy, FASHION FORWARD! The garments were so been there/done that from previous collections from other designers. There was a little bit of Maz Azria, Francisco Acosta with Calvin Klein Collection or a little bit of Balmain. The collection did not show or EXPRESS the true creativity of Kanye West all the way (along the exception of the fur/leather combo or the descontructed hoodies)!

If the collection reflected the women in his life such as the consersative yet sex appeal vibes of Alexis Phifer to the Edginess of Amber Rose or the impact of Donda West had on his life would have suffice for creativity. These women within their own right completed Kanye in a certain period of time truly complimented his style.  The choices of fabrics were great along with the clean lines which appeared to be laser cut. I was a little irritated on the blue trousers with the orange crotch. His choice of models were great. For example, it was great to see a minority model such as Chanel Iman walk down the runway as the final look.

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The only true gripe I have is the fact Kanye has not geared a collection towards his demographic. There was NO sense having any garments which was to reflect or exhibit the urban demographic whatsoever. I understand how us black people fail the chance of supporting offer, but come on! Jay Z was actually smart enough to actually cater to the demographic which has helped him become successful today! It may be affordable and not high end, but it does show acknowledgment of him providing his supporters clothing which is based on the music he’s made throughout the years.

Some People argue he should just stick to rapping. Its not a fair thing to say when its a person first collection. Don;t you designers think you can go into the booth spit a few bars and have a Jim Moore or Miss Jay Alexander collab on the album; Just would not happen lol!! The womenswear collection will either make or break Kanye. Kanye West is not easily broken, but being a fashion icon requires several high expectations. That is like a guy admiring the curves of a volumpuous woman, but only to find out she isn’t as appealing once the clothes are. Not necessarily saying she looks bad, but the expectations does not equate with result.

image source: Freshness Mag

The September Issue – Karlie Vloss – Vogue

Presenting some of the editorial images of the latest September Issue of American Vogue. Fashion model, Karlie Vloss of next models is featured in the spread which shows influence in the Far East. The images ranges from the countryside, visiting national landmarks to partying with shaolin monks; Sounds like my kind of party! Wonder who convinced them to leave the temple and let it loose..

Alright I kid, but the lens of Mario  Testino and styling by Tonne Goodman is truly remarkable! I have have always been fascinated with Asian inspired themes. Can’t wait till I have my moment to shine.

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Leo Velasquez – Evident Future

There’s a new designer in the mix and he is only looking towards the FUTURE, Evident Future to be exact! Leo Velasquez(LV) has been in the fashion scene for quite some time now.

Kid Cudi's first international magazine cover, styled by LV

Some people outside of urban fashion may not heard his name or face on regular basis, but this New York bred tastemaker has been putting in work!! Styling newcomer artist, Miguel and Designed the garment for Usher‘s OMG tour is only the tip of the iceberg of his work.

Now featuring his debut collection to the fashion is going to scream another level of creativeness into the atmosphere. His debut collection was featured recently. Aesthetically, the collection is brilliant. LV ( mainly knows “LV the stylist” ) uses alot of leather which is a pretty brave material to use; yet, his design would make any fashion male or female wanna step out! Never be afraid to step out when you never want to fit in the crowd in first place.

The campaign video along with his styling in the past couple years is futuristic ghetto chic! featured in my opinion is giving Gareth Pugh, Rick Owens, and even Rad Hourani a run for their money already! very excited to see what he has to offer in the future. Check out his blog, Evident Future

Swizz Beats for Complex Magazine

I must admit its quite refreshing to post something with more Urban swag regards to high fashion! Musician, Art collector, Photographer, and Designer Swizz Beatz graced the stylish pages of Complex Magazine. Simple, yet effective is the main focus. Styled in the major fashion labels such as Dsquared, Maison Martin Margiela, Dior Homme  and Givenchy to name a few, each individual look exude fearless swag (garments perfectly fitted without losing that ghetto chic is always a plus).

In the spread it emphasized the integrity Swizz had on lock as an artist. There was one part I truly appreciate when he stated:

” With clothes, I’m not scared of something different. I’m not scared of something that people might not understand. That goes back to my music—people didn’t understand what I was doing when I was doing all of those hit sounds back then. But if I had stopped doing it I wouldn’t have the legacy I do now.”

That statement was the epitome of being an true artist within the midst of  the insecure taboo’d living individuals which is what we call “society”. Normally most of the time people will never fully understand those who are not in the NORM LANE as the rest.  People hate to figure others out regards to style, speech, or whatever tickle their fancy!

The main ingredient when it comes to style or anything in life is Integrity. Possessing the positive attitude and confidence within yourself of expressing your aesthetic to the world. If we are so focused on diluting for the sake of others, then we are simply cutting ourselves short of inspiration for others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Complex