Meeting of the Minds :: LA's Finest

Meeting of the Minds :: LA's Finest

Like something out of comic book pages, 7 of the most influential African American fashionistos in Los Angeles met up this week to discuss everything from style to education and ultimately possibly combining our powers (in true Captain Planet form). I'm guessing if you don't know me, then you most definitely know one of the other six. I can't express how much I enjoyed being in the company of like-minded individuals, who are just as creative, knowledgeable and ambitious as I am. We all knew at least 2 people in the group and it felt like the collective was bound to happen sooner or later. I'm very anxious to see what comes of association.

We shall see. Stay tuned, true believers...

Pre-LAFW :: Lynn Dee

Pre-LAFW :: Lynn Dee

Getting a headstart before all the rest, friend and designer Rhonda Persons (above) gave us an amazing LA Fashion Week kickoff with her collection Lynn Dee, showing at Falcon in Hollywood last Monday! I've seen Rhonda's collection before, but what made this occasion so special is that she debuted her menswear line alongside her chic line of women's clothing! She made me pinky swear that I'd come cause she wanted to get my honest opinion on her work. My thoughts? She did a great job! Lynn Dee's menswear extension is definitely new and refreshing. Check out the photos below!

Click here to follow the designer and get updates on Lynn Dee!

"Red" does the Sony/Columbia Showcase

"Red" does the Sony/Columbia Showcase

This past Saturday, I went out to Cinespace in Hollywood to support friend, designer and recording artist Danni Rouge at the Sony/Columbia Music showcase. I'm so happy I had the opportunity to see her perform! "Chelsey" is also the creative force behind the insanely innovative accessories collection, Bullets & Bows. Since I met her on the fashion circuit, I had no idea she was also a talented singer and hadn't heard any of her music.

Armed with her fiery red hair, Coco & Breezy shades and BLOW Collection shirt Danni began her set belting Lauryn Hill's "Ready or Not" a cappella . She immediately grabbed the attention of the Sony/Columbia A&R's and audience members who were falling asleep from all the horrid performances before hers. She continued with her own music with the crowd rockin' right along with her. Everyone at Cinespace fell in love with Danni's powerful voice, thoughtful lyrics, dope beats and stage presence. Her press kits were snatched up by record execs before she could even get off stage and guests asked for pictures as she made her way to interview with Drop Your Talent TV.

Click here to learn more about Ms. Rouge and her music!

Style it You!

Style it You!

One of the greatest exercises of creativity is taking an article of clothing that upon first glance may not be you, but instead taking it as a challenge and styling it to make it completely yours. That's exactly what BLOW Clothing, by Los Angeles based designer Darryl Threat, does for me. Described by the creator himself as "urban couture," BLOW combines colorful American basics with a unique street edge in manner that I've never seen before.

I'd like to think my style is more classic and prep than anything. Most of the clothes I own are timeless basics that can be combined with just about anything. BLOW is the only "urban" line I've allowed access into my closet because its so thoughtfully designed and so well executed in its intention.

The latest piece from BLOW (an exclusive that hasn't yet been released online) is from the Black Diamond Collection - the "Please Don't Provoke the Goons" hoodie & sweatshirt. I LOVE it! Such an ingenious kitschy term! It reminds us that no matter how stylish you are, everyone has a little bit of a "goon" inside - and that can be interpreted in more ways than one. I'm a cerebral beast and when provoked my intellect, creativity and aggression are released!

See how I incorporated the 'Goon' into my style below!

Click here and purchase some BLOW for yourself!

"All Black Everything" Event

"All Black Everything" Event

Last night I attended friend and recording artist/producer Malcolm Harvest's "All Black Everything" event. I had an awesome time! What an intensely refreshing experience! It's very rare that I come across an event where people appreciate looking good, being professional and having a great time. Everyone looked amazing in their mostly all black attire. There were live performances by local artists and even a short set by Malcolm himself!

Amongst the Angeleno elite, the party was also attended by Chris Brown, producer Polo da Don (who refused to take a photo with me), and actor Tristan Wilds. It was crazy to be up in VIP standing right next to these guys...and the groupies who were throwing themselves at them. Haha!

I also had an opportunity to do some networking and met my newest partner-in-crime, Earl Grae. Definitely a pleasure talking to him about our outlooks on men's fashion and what we're both trying to do. We have big things in store!

Shout out to my TN fam and other friends Kianna, Keisa, Symphony, Tiffany, Asia, Bryan, Kitti and Trend! Many Kudos to Harvest! Awesome, awesome party! I look forward to many more!

Wardrobe breakdown --- $5 grey dress shirt (Goodwill), $5 black wool blazer (thrift), $10 black bow tie (Men's Warehouse), $0 sequenced pocket square (from Kianna's dress), $10 Kenneth Cole black flat front slacks (Marshall's), $4 black wingtips (thrift).