The Fashion Records

Street Style (Part 2)

lateralgurl — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 07:24:24 +0000

Some more street style around the globe as promised. I often find the uniqueness of an outfit to be so inviting. Yes, I do stare and gawk like a kid at Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. The more vintage an item, the more I find it to have a personal value and, a world of sentiment. I like the sense of an item being so rare, or personalized, to the point where it ceases to resemble it’s initial birth. This, uniqueness, gives me a sense of everyone being able to enjoy fashion without becoming boring cookie-cuter dressers. Check some of them out:

The gentleman meets vintage mixes.

Vintage mixes

I have to admit. I love accessories to an outfit. It’s a layered look all by itself.

Accessories girl.

Liking the ripped effect coupled with the classic coat down to the metallic shoes. It’s like a mixing era.

Disco queen meets modern chic.

We, at The Fashion Records, adore Iman. I like the wedge shoe to the leather wedge heel. I haven’t been crazy about the ripped tights look for awhile though.

Chanel Iman and boyfriend

Chanel Iman

Awesome that Edward Norton bought some Masai Warriors over, as guests at his house in Greenwich Village. They came over to run a marathon for a Masai fundraiser. While in New York, these fearless warriors browsed the streets in their vibrant gear. Talk about re-defining street style!

Actor Edward Norton and some Masai warriors.

A fashionable girl in Dakar. I like the colors with the strapped sandals and simple jewelery.

A girl in Dakar

Young streeter in South Africa

Showing a mixture of retro colors. I like.

A Young SA man

Milan fashion is totally rampant.

Wearing daring colors from head to toe. Likely risk taker and owner of his own style!

Street style with attitude.

Reminds me of what I would see in a old Brooklyn fashion book. Very characterized and, individualized. Loving the graphic tees.

Long live colors and character!

That’s right. Well-dressed gentlemen get their photos taken. Check out that styled, retro, men’s satchel. Major bag envy. Check out a similar one: Filson Field Satchel.

Paris men have great style. I want that bag.

Check our some New York splash of colors:

New York fashion

 Thanks to Nontsikelela, Trendy Crew, Yayemarieba and Tamu you rock!

Street Style Mingled With Runway (prt 1)

lateralgurl — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:32:03 +0000

At times I see something on the runway that is purely art and therefore, inspirational. I look at the different ways that particular forms, of fabric, are constructed. It gives texture, shape, and form that can be used as a basis for creating my own items of clothing. So in essence, it is possible to see runway fashion as art inspirations for wearable forms. I took a search to some great street inspirations and some runway looks that could create unique pieces. Take a look and let me know what you think. Street style continued tomorrow:

Lacoste fashionable, yet comfortable, sweater dress is a refreshing splash of color:

Lacoste does sexy sweater dress.

I like that the red tone is so magnetic without being overwhelming. The boots, dropped neckline….so global.

Red toned dress. Global colors.

Vintage velvet and modern footwear. Standout outfit.

City chic look with vintage velvet. Pair it up with boots and leggings.

Ralph Lauren gets a nod for pure classics. Sexy hunter meets sophisticated woman.

Ralph Lauren look

Naeem Kahn is total true art. Whoever thought of a cropped motorcycle jacket, lots of accesories, and, the little black dress. Brilliant.

Naeem Kahn takes the punk and makes it glamour!

Tommy Hilfiger made layers more youthful and great for the shape.

Tommy does layers and they look great and youthful

Ronson pairs a great man pant with structured mixes to create a new outfit that is wearable and sophisticated.

Charolette Ronson runway style

Tracy Reese always makes feminine more charming and, appealing.

Tracy Reese does feminine

Marc Jacobs takes drab grey and makes it pop classically and, noticeably.

Marc Jacobs

Thanks to Essence

Black Beauties in Style

lateralgurl — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:16:22 +0000

Beauty in all sizes. Style in all colors. Enjoy this little portion before Friday’s post. These are some of the women and men showing us their own way of being black and, beautiful.

Nnena from Top Model

Belinda Baidoo

Kiara Kabukuru

Oluchi

Teiko Dornor

Tomika Fraser

Ajuma Nasenyana

Courtney Taylor

Pierre Woods

Fatima

Jenry

Noella

Isa Rahman

Stevie Boy Does Lady Gaga Shades

lateralgurl — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:36:26 +0000

Stevie Boy makes shades that redefine creative, futuristic and, non-boring in the eye wear industry. His line is filled with well-thought geometric lines crossing, vertically and horizontally, to meet the vectors of style. These Shades have transformed into a couture item that is now sought after in the Fashion Industry. Everyone from Rhianna, Beyonce and Lady Gaga are putting their faces forward while wearing Stevie Boy’s high-end couture eye-frames. Rhianna and Kanye West wore Stevie’s Frames for Run This Town. Stevie (aka Steven Strawder) is unique in the way that he doesn’t produce carbon-copies of other people’s work. He is his own niche. He creates his products with originality, and style. He even had his own fashion line, “Toxic” (which he later sold). Impressive work for a boy who started at age 18 back in 2007 and now 21 he’s taking off big time. Well done Stevie Boy. High art meeting fashion. Check out more of his work here.

Stevie Boy Himself. Creator and master-mind behind the brand.

Designer: Steven Strawder

Friday Feature: Robert Tyndale of Room 322

lateralgurl — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 08:43:03 +0000

I recently had the pleasure to interview Room 322 Owner, and Creative Designer, Robert Tyndale who is, without a doubt, a very impressive Young Entrepreneur! It was inspiring to get a fresh, “get focused” approach to business ownership, targeted at those who, like me, have never fit the mold of what is essentially conventional. So when I got to hearing his start-up story, selling streetwear from his car and working hard to meet buyers and sales reps, it resonated a similar beginning to FUBU mogul Daymond John.

Tell us a little about Room 322

Room 322 is a lifestyle boutique based in Edmonton, Alberta. Unlike the typical clothing store, we focus mainly on lifestyle brands that are based on the streetwear community. Streetwear seems to always be interpreted in different ways, so to make things clear, “streetwear” is not your stereotypical fashion that is made for only “black people”, but actually the fashion that is formed and embraced from the streets. Room 322 offers a variety of different apparel, footwear and accessories that have roots and a history behind them. Our customers love this and, this unique sense of history keeps them coming back.

How would you describe your style?

My style, over the last two years, has changed and is something that I constantly work on improving. My main style is a combination of streetwear and contemporary mixed together. When it comes to my combination I pay attention to detail. You will see me rocking a wooden, beaded, soul power GoodWood chain, with a plain v-neck, and Evisu denim and a loud pair of Jays. One thing that I truly have a passion for is footwear. Any outfit cannot be complete without the right pair of kicks on your feet. I am the type of person who will wear a simple, clean, outfit with some banging shoes on my feet that will turn heads.

Who are your favorite emerging designers and what is it that you love about them?

One of my favorite emerging designers is: Philip T. Annand who runs a growing brand called Award Tour. Besides his interesting designs, I admire the concept behind Award Tour; the concept that emulates a constant pursuit of enjoyment. Like Philip I am currently attending University while running a business, so when he talks about his challenges, I relate to them a lot. It is just a matter of time before he gets fully into the fashion world and Award Tour will be internationally known.

Who, or what has been your greatest fashion influence?

Initially one of the biggest fashion influences for me is one of the co-owners of Room 322, Nathan Tyndale. From day one he had a keen appetite to rock the latest brands; He is also, one of the select few when it comes to owning unique pieces of clothing but, gradually, brand designers became a great deal of inspiration for me. Learning about how each designer incorporate their lifestyles into a brand and the way they infuse their perspective of fashion into the brand draws people, including myself, to be drawn into the culture behind fashion.

Fashion tip for the season?

Men’s accessories should be made an “all guy’s new best friend”. Beaded bracelets, leather bands, causal skinny ties, pocket squares, bow ties, clean watches, should all be make their way into your closet for 2010. Lastly, clean and fitted is the way to go. It has been this way for a while, but in case your still behind, wearing fitted tops and apparel is the way to go. Big and baggy just looks old.

What would you say has been a fashion crime of the season?

I have to laugh there has been, so many fashion crimes in 2009 especially in my city, but the latest one is the shemagh scarf. Recently it has finally died out, but at one point everyone, including their baby, was rocking one. Every time I see one, I just get upset because too many people have been wearing them.

What is your best attribute?

One of my best attributes is my perseverance of doing things the best I can and after. improving on them. Once, when I am finished a project, I always think of ways how I can make the next one better, or, how to convey a message more effectively. This gives me motivation to always outdo myself and constantly grow.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

Rather then advice, one of the best quotes/quotes I have ever read are:

1. “Get use to getting Used”~ j.Sakiya

2. “Quality or flaw… I love Djing, and I will continue to follow my passion”~ DjO Nonymous~.

People always associate getting “used” in a negative aspect, but if no one want to use you then you’re basically useless. The second quote is more inspirational that keep me focus and on track.

Excluding yours, what company or brand do you admire the most?

One of the most aspiring brands I have come across lately is Brooklyn Circus. It a clothing store based in Brooklyn that features a “in house” brand called BKC, which is a clean streetwear that has a strong history and foundation. I admire the founder Ouigi Q. Theodore (aka The Bearded Man) because of the passion and dedication he has in fashion. A lot of his pieces you will see the great attention to detail he puts in. Details makes BKC stand out from the average person.

Favorite lyrics from a song?

I know it’s easy to imagine, but it’s easier to just do,
See if you can’t do what you imagine,
Then what is imagination to you?

~KiD CuDi

Word you live by?

Creativity… the simple textbook definition is someone who is artistic, or imaginative, but creativity in practice has a much deeper meaning. Having the courage to follow your passion, or idea, even when everyone around you is against it is an extreme challenge to overcome. Whenever you try to do something very creative and original you will have an uphill battle. So, everyone who is truly creative I respect you for what you do and encourage you to aspire to it.

Take a Trip Inside Room 322

Trip to Ghana

lateralgurl — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 06:46:11 +0000

Country: Ghana, West Africa. Nestled in Western African region, Ghana is considered to be a fairly peaceful country surrounded by lush minerals. Housing about 22 million people, Ghana is a diverse hub equipped with over 100 languages among it’s different tribes. Laying close by the Ivory Coast, we found models, actors, singer, artists and musicians…..the findings were enormous but, like a banquet table, you can’t feast on everything. Here is a sample of the talent that resides in the beautiful country of Ghana.

Great Ghanaian Desinger: Sika. Designs are a fusion of London’s urban fashion with the beautiful textiles of Ghana.

Great Accessory Designer: Kua Designs

Menswear Designer: Oswald Boateng (also dressed Barack Obama for trip to Ghana)

Belinda Baidoo: Ghanaian Model

Duke Dadzie: Model

Lyrio Boateng: Model

David O’cansey: Model

Angela Asare: Model and Miss Universe Ghana 2006

Teiko Dornor: Model

Yvette Nsiah: Ms Ghana Universe 2008

Richard Ampaw: Model

Becca: Ghanaian songstress (contemporary and Afro-pop)

WANLOV: Ghanaian musician (aka Mr. Emmanuel Owusu Bonsu)

Van Vicker: Actor

There’s a Circus in Brooklyn

lateralgurl — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:31:13 +0000

Who doesn’t like a circus? Especially when the circus eludes a world full of color, sights, mystical ventures, sounds and unique characters. Truly, I am speaking about a world of tight-rope walkers and unicyclists all of whom are fearless risk takers! So in sum, Brooklyn Circus takes style to a level of individual, unique, creativity. A sense of “we are not all going to dress like the mannequin”.

I would say it’s a mixture of Afro-punk, urban influence, vintage and eclectic pieces. Brooklyn Circus has a diverse team that works together to bring unique influences on the whole look of the Circus. Located in San Fransisco, New York, and Chicago, all are convenient hubs to catch all the moving demands for street wear and other fashions. I would say that this circus is one full of artistic, detail-oriented, artists. Check out their acts and creations:

Gentlemen of Style

Spike Lee is a fan.

Teamwork and creativity

All photos Courtesy of The Brooklyn Circus

Friday Feature: Delon Charlton

lateralgurl — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:31:37 +0000

My name is Delon Charlton I am originally from Jamaica I am 23 years old. I have been modeling for 3 years now. Modeling is something that captured my attention, since my high school “dress like your favorite star”. I chose Tyson Beckford.

YBF2URFX4FKR

Teachers in high school would always tell me “you should model” and I would think to myself, “I don’t think I have what it takes” until one day, I realize I do have what it takes. I was in a Daffy’s department store and an older lady came up behind me saying “omg omg omg” and I though to myself, ‘what I am I doing wrong?’ She said “wow you are FORD!”I said “what’s Ford?” She said “Ford Models”

She proceeded to tell me I need to go and get myself a Ford Magazine and look in the back of the magazine and call them when I got home. And I went home and didn’t do it. After a few months I looked into it and I said if people see it why I couldn’t see it! I went to a few modeling agency’s when I was in my teens. I never got an answer back. I remember going to one agency and the lady took my pictures and went in the back and all I heard was laughing in the back. I didn’t let that stop me from what I want.

Tell me about yourself… (e.g. what you like most about modeling, what you like least, where you live, where you’d like to live)

M name is Delon Charlton and, I model. My most favorite thing, about modeling, is being on the runway and feeling free and having fun. The one thing I don’t like about modeling is, when the show comes to an end. I also don’t like being exhausted. But, in the end, I just love it. There are many places that I would like to live but, I would enjoy somewhere were it rains most of time and were I can raise a family (when I am ready) but, right now, I would choose Europe, Germany, Italy, London or Paris.

2. What is your best attribute?

I would have to say my eyes and, the love I have for my nieces and nephews.

3. Favorite lyrics from a song?

I have some songs I like because music is my zone but I like a few artistes such Keyshia Cole, Ray Charles, Jennifer Hudson, The Temptations, Mary J Blige, Avant and, of course, John Legend. So, I would choose lyrics from John Legend’s Ordinary People, “We’re just ordinary people
We don’t know which way to go
‘Cause we’re just ordinary people”

4. What are your future goals?

My future goals is to change the modeling industry and to shed light on the black models that are trying to make it and getting turned down by so many agency’s. I also want to be the black male model to be on the cover on America Vogue and I WANT TO BUY MY MOM HOUSE.

5. Word you live by?

REAL, Family, honesty, loyalty

“I went through with it because it just made me want it more. Being darker than all the others in school, and friends, I stood out. I didn’t think I was good looking because I was being maid fun of but, I got pass it. No matter the rejection that I may get from some agencies I know there is more to come and some that are going to say yes”.

When most people see me they say “are you a model?”. Some times I say yes and some times, I say no. And, some people would say “you should model”. I usually blush and say Thank you.

No $ Naomi Campbell $ Just Plain NO

lateralgurl — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 23:48:44 +0000

Sexy is walking the catwalk with confidence. Unsexy is having your your hair running off your head and, leaving your boyfriend perplexed and wondering, “what the hell just happened”?

Naomi is on a mission to the making of a double tragic: swimming with a wig and, wearing styling that is destroying her hair … maybe she’s trying to prove some point, some anti-style point? Which is a little ironic since she’s in the fashion world as a model? I’m not sure what is going on here. I thought models would have access to the best of the best. In addition, her boyfriend, Vladislav Doronin is a Russian Donald Trump!

Anyhow even the healthiest hair in the world will not last long when it is ratted, abundantly washed with hairspray, straightened, curled, or colored before every fashion show.

Naomi Campbell and boyfriend on vacation

Suprised?

Merci Beaucoup, please don’t do this again!

A Little Taste of Fashion Week

lateralgurl — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:55:51 +0000

When the Fashion Week rolls into town, it’s a big stop for everything to start happening at once. Imagine a Fashion Editor having to fly to consecutive Fashion Weeks happening at more than one place? There’s The New York Fashion Week 2010 and the London Fashion Week 2010! You have the big buyers coming into town to scope out new designs, you have your media moguls rushing to cover the events, you have the celebrities who come to see or…be seen . It’s an endless rush of madness at Fashion Week. The timeliness are so constraining and not even Anna Wintour can stop the speeding clocks at Fashion Week!

Let’s not forget the models congregated together in one venue. The Venue that is often made fiercely hot by crazy lighting (for the videos and cameras). Gives a new meaning for Lights, Camera, Action!

Here is a little taste of both the London Fashion Week and, The New York Fashion Week. More to come later.

This was a wonderful casting of black models in PPQ Fashion Week at London. Everything from Nefertiti hairstyles to 70’s influence of bright colors was a spell of personality!

London Fashion Week PPQ

Jacques van der Watt and Danica Lepen presented Black Coffee

South African Jacques van der Watt and Danica Lepen for Black Coffee

Burberry Prorsum showed sophisticated yet wearable:

Burberry Prorsum Fall 2010 at New York Fashion Week

Burberry Prorsum Fall 2010 New York Fashion week

Philip Lim really showed Fall with all the colors reflecting that:

Philip Lim Fall 2010 at New York Fashion Week

Adrienne Landau embraced the fur and layer trend:

Adrienne Landau Fall 2010 Collection at New York Fashion Week

Adrienne Landau Fall 2010

Isaac Mizrahi revealed a wearable and, beauty focus at the same time:

Isaac Mizrahi wearable Fall 2010 Collection

Isaac Mizrahi wearble collection 2010

Anna Sui showed ethereal and adventure at the same time:

Anna Sui beautiful 2010 Collection showed a vision.

CK Klein brought out the country boot with a pop and twist:

Tommy Hilifiger “Preppy With a Pop” Fall collection

Jason Wu showed us ready-to wear beautiful high fashion garments:

Jason Wu Fashion Week 2010 Fall Collection