JEAN-MICHEL BASQUIAT: BEYOND PASSION

 

It is not too often that we the world are blessed to privy the mind of such genius talented young artists and influence-rs such as Jean-Michel Basquiat!! Today I dug deep and got into the grit of Mr.Jean-Michel Basquiat... The Lover of knowledge, interpreter, desensitizee and modern day prodigy child, and was enlightened and motivated to LIVE LOVE.

Jean-Michel Basquiat was born in1960 in New York City, NY to a Puerto Rican mother and a Haitian father. He was the eldest of 2  siblings and was a trilingual resident of Brooklyn, NY, who, communicative-ly, was fluent in French, Spanish, and English. He apparently new at an early age that he was interested in art and the expression of thought through painting  and drawing. It has been written that JMB displayed a very intense aptitude for art at a very young age.

Without finishing high school, JM Basquait began pursuing the influence he'd later have on the world, by entrepreneuring and self-promotion of his talent. He began selling self-made postcards of his artwork, which became the official break-away and dissolve of SAMO, a collaborated group of artist (JM Basquiat and Al Diaz) who'd graffiti sayings around New York, that resembled the symbolism-like poetry, Jean-Michel indulged in throughout his earlier years. 

With the success of these post-cards, came notability throughout New York City. So much so, he began to develop relationships with highly influential people who, with fairness (some that is) recognized his intelligence, wit, and talent--and went their necessary mile to further connect him to various resourecs, that would immediately, help Jean-Michel Basquait become very wealthy.

Jean-Michel befriended many influential artists within the world, including Andy Warhol. Mr. Basquiat's relationship with Andy Warhol was one to be admired. He grew fond of Mr. Warhol...as Mr. Warhol mutually adored Jean-Michel Basquiat. They were known to be very close friends and as told by one-other, admired the others work immensely.

Jean-Michel Basquiat accomplished more by the age of 20 than most people do over a 70-80 year life span.

Although passing at a young age Mr. Basquiat became known as one of the most influential artists of our time. He left behind thousands of paintings and drawings. He was also very well-known althroughout Europe, and there has been several exhibitions and retrospectives done on his behalf after his passing.

Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radient Child and Downtown 81 are two pieces of filmwork that allow deeper insight to the artist and person Jean-Michel was.

Apparel Company's such as Reebok have taken on the artists designs for some of their product.

Love these :-)

Some say that Jean-Michel's anatomy inspiration in akind paintings is dereived from the book Gray's Anatomy, by medical professional Henry Gray which was given to Jean-Michel by his mother in his adolescent years while being hospitalized from being hit by a car. Jean-Michel later formed a music band named GRAY (see song clip below).



Part one of Three (Life Synopsis)




Short Interview w/ Jean-Michel





Song by Jean-Michel's Band, GRAY "So Far So Real."

N.E.R.D.'s "NOTHING," CHRONICLE... BEHIND THE SCENES FOOTAGE

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.

Not of "NOTHING," it's totally worth considering. 



Enjoi

http://n-e-r-d.com/2010/10/30/video-behind-the-scenes-of-nothing/

Checkout the behind the scenes photoshoot for "NOTHING."

FALL IS HERE: BREAK OUT YOUR FLANNEL

IT'S FALL, BOYS!!

Now that the weather's picking up, it will be a good time to take a look into your closest for a few of those pieces that are synonymous with the season: Shorts (no), Raincoats (perhaps) Flannels (YES).

Flannel has always been a staple in the menswear wardrobe for the FALL season. It can be worn however you like, as long as it is fashionably done (that shirt around your head thing... it's oh, so last season :). (photo left: Band of Outsiders)

Because of its softness, durability, and ability keep your body warm, it should easily become a go-to component of your FALL attire. Billy Reid has employed the material for business suits, pants, and sport coats (see below).

For a casual look at the office, try pairing flannel pants with a fitted button-up collared shirt, solid colored (try rolling the sleeves mid-forearm). Wearing a wristwatch could add depth to this fit. Funtionally, it would help you keep track of your busy day...and /or track of your lunch and E.O.D. (end of day). Not judging :)

A few desigeners have taken eye to the stock and with their creative touch, have produced some interesting pieces that are jaw droppingly appropriate for both work and play.  

Pictured right, designer, Billy Reid uses flannel slacks to complete an office look that is both fashionable and Fall savvy. The flannel pant pairing is endless in this case; the neutral color lends versatility to a basic fall slack.  

Below, you'll find a comfortable oversized flannel hoodie. It's smart and will keep you warm while navigating your city.

The fashion forward print sets the tone for a stylishly-

warm errand day.

Whatever the pairing, be sure to check your comfortablilty gauge...that should exceed all. Equal to comfort should always be FIT.

Levi's Fall 2010 Loobook (photo right) gets creative with their styling of flannel... it too, is worth consideration.  

Fall is here...enjoy your flannel!

FOR THOSE INTERESTED... 

What is flannel?

Flannel is a warm fabric of various degrees of weight and fineness. It is a plain-weave cloth heavily brushed for softness. Flannel is often used in apparel and sheets, and can be made of cotton or wool. The brushing process creates insulating air cells that provide more warmth than plain cotton. From the Welsh word gwlanen, or "wool," flannel has become a fabric staple for cotton pajamas and robes, men's shirts, bedding and has become a favorite of quilters all over the world. (random internet search, articulated well ;)

Introduction: Kwamwei "The Male Stylist."

                                                                                     Hello, Good People :-)

Welcome to Kwamwei, "The Male Stylist," blog :) I'm a wardrobe stylist, born in New York, but currently based in Los Angeles. I've decided to blog after many moons of contemplation....and desire to share my perspective of "style," within the arena of fashion.

This blog will showcase a clean/ chic perspective of menswear, by a Los Angeles based wardrobe stylist. And, everything else in between (can't help m'self).

I have an appreciation for all things pretty; handsome; spunky, and chic. I consider everything.... absolutely everything (even grassy knoll) so don't think it strange if you see a post of womenswear... or anything opposite of what you may think this blog will be about.

I'm a quirky, expressive dude, who's easily excited about the uniqueness of "world," I inhabit. 

So, enjoy the ride....

Here's my world of beauty and fashion...by my lips.