It goes without saying that my ultimate style icon, for many years, has been Pharrell Williams, famously known for both his solo projects and being member of the top record selling, modern-phunk, alternative band, N.E.R.D.!
Here is a video of their BEHIND THE SCENES chronicle, which includes song roster for their upcoming album: NOTHING, scheduled to hit stores on ELECTION DAY *AMERICA* 11.2.10
Having been to Amsterdam, Paris, London, and NYC (which I believe are all captured in this chronicle) from style standpoint, the group could've gone harder in showcasing the true quirky-like-ness of the group that really sets them apart from most bands, while in these cities.
TOO, it would've been good to have had the volume pumped up a bit during the songs playback, while narration occurred. That would've a better quality showcase of what to expect on the album.
What's often overlooked, but oh, so great about Fashion is that it is largely interpretive and advanced by influence. That said, this post is just as important for the fellas as it is for the ladies.
Proenza Schouler, womenswear clothing design and woman accessories label name is derived by coupling the maiden names of the mothers of the labels' designers, Jack McCullough and Lazaro Hernandez. This line is their official collaboration and is retailed as that under their particular label. Both Jack and Lazaro (as seen below)met in design school (Parson's, New York) and has both worked with other designers of like aesthetic: Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors. They are currently based in New York, and are admired for their edgy/grunge take on the modern girl. In addition to online retail, Proenza Schouler is also sold in Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstroms, and of course, online.
To better package and illustrate their Fall 2010 collection, the label elected to employ a few girls in Tennessee. While chronicling the girls behavior they showcase their collection, line, vision, and inspiration.
I am in love with this video because aside from the great cloths, it speaks to the inner-spirit of the teenager who is raised on the rougher side of tracks, but who equally shares a fashion sense of her elite counterparts, and furthermore, dreams to someday inhabit the world and become largely influential.
I am over-the-top elated by the fact that they chose to cast 4 black girls for this part. We live in an age of fashion where diversity isn't so common, and by that, doesn't fully represent the world; buyers and/ or endorsers of these designers, who we allow to set tone for what our fashion sense will be per season.
Watch the video, Enjoy the chronicle, Look at great cloths.
DISCLAIMER: This post is not in any way, a promotion of over-stressed, media populated stereotypical behavior. I as an African American, am immediately sensitive, alert, and conscious of negative portrayals of ethnic groups, in the media, and furthermore, the exploitation of any-one's life-style/ living behavior--as a means to further promote consciousness for or not for-profit business and barter.
I ask that viewers who choose to watch this look pass the color of the 4 girls for a deeper truth, but too, see that they are in fact African American. I ask that viewers realize that "dreams," are not exclusive to those without color, or lacking it, furthermore. Dreams are for everybody; Dreams inspire and motivate folks of all walks of life.
THE LINE THAT STANDARDIZES THIS PIECE FOR ALL OF HUMANITY IS: "It's just us against the world." -The dichotomy in that is that the thought is a universal one, yet, here, in this piece, strongly indicative of the assimilation necessary to even have a chance at the battle--against the world.
It's not often that I stumble upon women shoes that I consider drool-worthy, but behold.... I offer you, the world of MCQUEEN!!!
For those of you who didn't know, there was once a divinely talented courturier and fashion designer by the name of Alexander McQueen. Alexander, a London born designer, inspired the world of fashion, and within that arena, during his time of occupance, shaped and influenced the world of fashion we live, eat, and breath today.
That said, and suddenly saddened by the thought of his physical mind and body's passing, I am delighted to see that his dream and vision(s) were represented on the runways of the various Fashionweeks.
WOW, is all I can mouth at the below....
Take note, ladies: Admittingly (or not), a gentleman appreciates a well-dressed woman... rocking funky footwear.
From the Spring Summer 2011 Runway of Mercedes Benz Fashion week, we find Andrew Buckler making a style statement, as he offers to the world THE BUCKLER MAN!
Andrew Buckler, designer of BUCKLER, began his work many years ago. His menswear fashion line, full of the American casual, but with a Brit edge, aesthetic, launched in 2001. His cloths, since then, have been known to embody the essence of a confident metropolitan man.
"THE BUCKLER MAN," is quite confident and isn't afraid to play with color. He is a direct, straight-forward symbol, who knows what he wants, and wont settle for anything less. The Buckler man a "go-getter," but artsy...in a well dressed kind of way.
He is also diversely complex: he wears business above the belt, while play, enjoyably, rests below. Not only is he comfortable with his sexuality, but he wears his cloths in a very sensual way….styled perfectly; He’ll make you look twice.
The Buckler men come in all shapes colors and sizes. It is the attitude of a man, that determines his degree of "Bucklerism." It's the attitude that says: " yeah, I know you see me.... -wink- "
Impressed with pieces from Andrew's Spring Summer 2011 Buckler line, I'd encourage every man secure a piece....or allow such style to inspire you, at least.
