Its a graduation; celebration bitches!!


931242_10100580119897254_152841095_nMy little family decided to make an attendance for my father’s graduation ceremony. My father graduated from the University of Louisville with his BSW  (bachelors in social work). His determination derived from a place where opportunities were famished due to the surrounding of drug dealing and violence. Hustlers have to make a dollar by any means necessary. Fortunately, my father saw the light and took an exodus of that lifestyle years ago. I am not sure whether or not, this was because he became a father or the relentless effort to improve himself?  I think it’s a blend of both. Now, he manages to dedicate himself to helps from similar situations with degree and pursuing his Masters. Good well done!

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my son (rocking the Burberry) and I took a brief pit stop for a snap shot.. For my look, I wanted to go with an informal sophisticated look consisted of classical pieces with a touch of color. Mixture of high and low items from Polo (shirt and chinos), Target (navy blazer), Tie (vintage), and velvet brown oxfords (Maison Martin Margiela)

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My lady and our son leaving the graduation in her Prabal Grung shirt dress, Louis Vuitton purse, and black suede wedges.

“Iron Will”

Unofficial Face of Menswear – Adrianne Ho


adrianne-ho-unoffical-face-of-streetwear-menswear-4Some times I strongly believe women rock menswear is better than us men. It does sound a bit awkward, but it is the truth (i.e. smoking suit for Yves Saint Laurent). You could always see labels such as Dsquared2, Dries Van Noten, and others embraced womenswear pieces from their collection.  How can a woman transform a masculine ensemble without sacrificing her femininity to create her own? Adrianne Ho recently did an interview with super street wear website, Hypebeast, in regards to her modeling journey (on the other hand, I am discussing the styling).

The Toronto native whose under Ford Models NYC and Next Management LA model is the new “It Girl”. She is called an “anti-heroin chic model” and a woman who represents the intersection of power, independence, sexuality, all within connections to the city in a relevant way whereas she is labeled the unofficial streetwear/menswear face of the moment. Streetwear labels like Supreme and Stussy, and Nike layered with current hot menswear designers such as Mark McNairy. Men staple pieces from Hoodies, sneakers, bomber, varsity jackets,sweats, jerseys, and baggy t-shirts were displayed in a contemporary feel.

We are slowly living in a world of diversity. Androgynous garments are on a rise. Once upon a time, it was totally unacceptable for either genders to express themselves through clothing. Personally, I don’t care what a person wears long as they make it their own. I know men who wear dresses. would I do that? Hell to the NO. At the end of the day, do you! It was taboo for men to wear pink lol. Do whatever floats your boat; If you are happy, then I am happy. Women rock menswear pieces from boyfriend jeans, blazers, and footwear everyday. Menswear compliments Adrianne quite well.

“Iron Will”

Image Source: Hypebeast

En Noir with Ssense


slide-1-0  I love the direction Ssense has done to their website. Not only are they selling some of the best ready to wear garments, they are also giving FREE editorials looks. This particular shoot is fantastic! Styled with some of the hottest labels such as Rick Owens, Givenchy, and Raf Simons, it gives street style fashion! The gloomy and melancholy backgrounds truly embraces the street goth aesthetic, which is effortless and stylish.

Is this the end of magazine subscriptions because I am starting to see more fashion retail websites follow suit. People able to see editorial quality shoots far less than the publications. Despite the slow progression of the economy, it still doesn’t beat people trying to find a small substitute to save money (even if they spending it all on high fashion goods)slide-2-0 slide-2-1 slide-3-0 slide-6-0

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All Eyes of Me


Due to the excessive hip hop artist and hypebeast rocking the vintage Versace on these mean streets, feast your eyes on this! Late rapper, Tupac Shakur, walking down the runway for the late Gianni Versace. Riccardo Tisci wasn’t the first fashion designer to fully embrace hip hop into the high fashion world (besides Tommy Hilfiger).

“Iron WIll”

The New Old Fashioned


2This week is the a pretty much a huge deal in the city. The Kentucky Derby occurs during the first weekend of May every year. Many of the A-List (also the B,C, and D list) celebrities visit Louisville for our annual festivities, which consists of horse races, pretentious lavish parties, fashion shows, etc. There is a particular iconography reflects around the derby. grandiose hats, floral and pastel colors for the women while you embracing the conservative staples of seersucker suits and tribly hats for the men. Honestly, it’s too predictable and so boring.

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I understand its iconography, but can we please stop “playing it safe” with the old fashion ensembles. Sadly, there is nothing vintage chic about these looks. Fortunately, a local fashion stylist, Fitz Fitzgerald, of the voice tribune provided a revamp take on the old fashion derby look and provided a contemporary twist. It’s great to be a little old fashion, but stay slightly up to date. Due to the anticipated release of The Great Gatsby, it was no brainer to curate a shoot intertwine with our annual festive event. Personally, I love how he use each ensemble had its own sense of identity without losing its harmony.  It’s all in the matter of knowing your menswear essentials and add your interpretation.

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Creative Direction/Styling: Fitz Fitzgerald

Wardrobe: Dillards, Macys, Nitty Gritty

Lens: Cristy Elaine

“Iron Will”

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fashion’s substitution vs. imitation


0722422250_1_1_2There is a fine line between substitution from imitation. Often times it tends to become overkill. Fashion is not only for the rich and glamorous! Despite the fact most trends are created from high fashion label, high street fashion brands (not labels, difference) would imitate the look for less. Take these shirts from the spanish brand, Zara, for example. They practically got the some of the most popular fashion t-shirts with a fraction of the retail price. It is completely obvious which shirt is being inspired from what designer. However, these popular garments are sold out within minutes! Every one can’t purchase those items. Therefore, a substitute rises from the surface. I must admit some of these “inspired” pieces will just as good as their predecessors.

 

Brooks Brothers “The Great Gatsby” Lookbook


 

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I remember my junior year of high school reading “The Great Gatsby” actually made me think about the finer things in life. The lavish parties, beautiful women, and clothes. There was a mystique about Gatsby I could relate to. What’s relatable about menswear are the classic essentials. Brooks Brothers, the father of Americana Fashion, designed a collection for the new film adaptation of “The Great Gatsby” . You are never get wrong with classics. There is something about the sophistication of the garments that was truly . To be honest, I would have love to see Michael Bastian designed for the film. However, they wanted to start true to the aesthetic F. Scott Fitzgerald desired (agree to disagree). Nevertheless, it’s still a good collection..

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Lightweight sketching


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I am so determined to leave from 9 to 5 world.. I do not have anything against it, but ya boy has dreams and aspirations to fulfill. Every since I was a child, small goals were nonexistent in my artistic mind. During my free time at work, I manage some time to sketch some designs for my upcoming label, Xiaolin Lotus. It’ll be starting off with t-shirts with intentions of a full fashion label.

Preparation is key. With that being said, I would like to prepare myself once the time comes to expand. This project is approximately 2 years in the making.  Louisville is not your ideal place for extreme creativity. However, who ever said creativity has a geographic location. I make it do what it do baby.. It doesn’t matter if you live in New York City, small metro city in Kentucky or a rural area in Montana, creativity is within you! Xiaolin Lotus coming soon…

“Iron Will”

Straight Flexin: Maison Martin Margiela Sneakers


margielaI copped my first maison martin margiela line 22 sneakers last year. The feeling as they touch your feet is like resting your feet in a luxury car surrounded by pure leather. These retro classic sneakers inspired from the 1970s original model with suede and lambskin leather and gum bottom sole. It was like love at first sight. Recently, I bought a couple more pair of the sneakers. Feels like you are wearing Salvatore Ferragamo loafers. :)

Joie De Viere – NFocus Magazine


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When most people think about Louisville,Ky, They mainly think about Muhammad Ali, Kentucky Derby, Tobacco and country folk. Out of all these things, they would never thought about  anything CREATIVE. Not everyone in Kentucky chews tobacco and walk around barefooted. Project Runway season 10 contestant and Louisville resident, Gunnar Deatherage joined forces with local photographer extraordinaire Clay Cook for the latest issue of Nfocus Magazine. This issue covers an interview of the local designer collaboration with major department store, Dillards. What I find very mind bloggling is the fashion spread is apart of a FREE magazine! Last time I remember art given for free was Frank Ocean’s mixtape banger “Nostalgia, Ultra” (that was a hit album by the way). I love the juxtaposition of the bright color palette denotes spring time. The garments strike a nostalgic european vibe. I love showing the work of local artist doing great work!

Photography: Clay Cook
Photography Post: Chris Miske
Creative Direction and Styling: Gunnar Deatherage
Model: Amanda Limer (Heyman Talent)
Art Direction: Derek Potter
Hair: Gunnar Deatherage
Makeup: Isidro Valencia
Assistant: Hilary Vonderheide
Wardobe: Boutique Serendipity
Location: Hertz Starks Building

“Iron Will”

Tiger Knee!!


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The worlds of martial arts and fashion are slowly coming together. This label, Mohsin is another perfect example. Titled “In Honor of The King,” MOHSIN executes a monochromatic lookbook for Fall/Winter 2013 influenced by the Thailand martial art, Muay Thai. Drawing from the sport’s focal point with the Muay Thai shorts without dismissing the fashion from the collection which features oversize quilted coats next to detachable capes and fleece jackets and Muay Thai cashmere shorts.

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“Iron Will”