commentary...

Naomi Campbell has lost her mind again. This is getting out of hand. Why is it that she thinks that she can "Debo" everyone around her and there should be no consequence? I have a ton of friends that model, not small time, but seriously model. I was in the industry for sometime and some of my closest friends are "supermodels". They never beat anybody up. They are co-existing peacefully with their employers, employees, family, friends and even the people that they don't like.

My question is, Why doesn't someone slap the shit out of her? Seriously, like, I would have to beat her ass. I hope these guys are just looking for a payday. SMH.

Showtime.

Recently did a shoot with @showtufli (twitter shout, follow this dude). it went great and this dude is definitely serious. I barely listen to rap but his songs were CRAZY. His story is even more dope
Excerpt from his blog, Showtufli.blogpot.com

It's amazing what a "stroke" can do to a person. I realized I wasn't living life how I was supposed to. I was playing the game wrong. An appreciation for life and everything in it grew on me. I realized ..its true.. I could really die tomorrow. Prior to this "stroke", I was at a point in my life where I had doubts in god. A lot changed in my life so fast and it wasn't easy to get used to. My "stroke" (which was really my encounter with god and understanding of life) made me believe. Believe that there's more...more than what you think it is. I fought death and I was given another chance for a reason. Music? We'll see. Whatever I want I must go get it. That's what I will do.
-
Show Tufli

Often, we can't see the grand scheme of things. Ironically enough, overcoming paralysis may very well be metaphoric for what Show has in store for the rap world. The stagnant state of rap needs a push.
Although immensely talented, Show is an extremely humble dude. He takes his music seriously and is far from your average rapper. This coupled with quality music is a formula for success. Keep your eyes and ears open

TNB inc. aesthetic team shot him on Monday (crazy shout to my ace @CarpeDieMia stylist extraordinaire), and I gotta say it was "good times".

Looking forward to the next shoot.

Vivre Libre!!!

...flix

Quick blog jack from my homie M.E.

...first let me preface

this by saying I'm by no means a blogger and i don't expect anyone to care about what i've written but i just felt the urge to say this:

I woke up this morning and the Mcqeen suicide was still lingering in my head. This tends to happen to me when ever I hear about celebrity death, more specifically - an accomplished celebrity's death. Now, I'm not sure why this is, being that I've had a significant number of my own friends fall victim to an unexpected death and all I seem to feel at their passing is numbness ..almost as if it were expected. Maybe it was to be expected for them ..for me. And maybe that's why when i hear about people, famously accomplished people, who seem to be living the fulfilled life ..the beautiful life, it is always so shocking to me ...so UNexpected. If i were to self analyze, I guess deep down what I'm really experiencing when i hear about these celebrity deaths is actually fear. To be confronted with the notion that even once you've "made it" you're still not immune from soul-crushing sadness, is crushing in of itself. I've spent my life with a pool of suicidal sadness at my feet and to think that no matter how beautiful life might get, it will always be there ...close by ...and ready to be sunken into ...maybe never to emerge, is frightening. RIP to all those who fell in.

RIP McQueen.

- M.E.

My tribute to Andy Warhol.

I think people have lost respect for one another. It is a crying shame. Smdh!!!

Respect is The New Black.

Oh shoot!

My latest shoot was with the absolutely fab Ebony J. I don't know if I can say "fab" completely confident that I am still sounding masculine but F#$k it. Anyway Eb is always fly and I can only imagine that she is gonna be plastered across mag covers sometime soon. Very photogenic which made my job soo easy.

looks like a street style sartorialist shot.

All in all it was a great shoot and I am thinking that Eb is only minutes away from being on news stands.

...flix

TNB Inc. shooter.

Taking a break from work to tell you...

This is way too funny. I know that everyone has spoofed this to death but, damn this is funny.

It's been a long time...

I have just incorporated my second business. I have to wait for all of my paperwork to come back and then I will be going crazy. I can't wait til you see it.

flix.

New Direction

I am moving toward the fashion industry more and more rapidly. Eventually doing both fashion and commercial photography but with great focus and a huge vision. I love the fashion industry and the designers in it. What I don't love is the lack of influence from the hetero male. I am a shop-a-holic and I have many choices of poison but as I look at the high end marketing, advertising and design I see that there is a lack hetero men behind the scenes. I am now (amongst other things) working towards helping establishing that influence. It is a new direction. It is not that I don't appreciate the gay man's contribution certainly I have single-handedly kept a lot of them in business, I just see the void and feel it needs to be filled. This is my new direction. Hope it works out.

CLARITY

So, for the record, the jacket I was referring to in my previous post was conceptually the jacket I wanted. Some of my friends have told me that they hate the jacket and they do not know what is wrong with me. Well... when have any of you known me to have a lapse in fashion judgement.... SMH anyway, these are two of the jackets that I was refering to from Dolce & Gabbana.


The one that I really want wasn't made. I am on the fence about which one I am going to get.

Out and about...

So while at the Fela premier I saw recording artist K'naan. He was there amongst a ton of other people that I don't know but recognized. As I was sitting in my seat I saw him entering and I thought that is a dope coat he has on. After the show I was talking to him and I thought of a similar coat that I am waiting for from Dolce. Then I thought, Holy shit... regular people don't wear clothes like this, this dude is a frikkin celebrity this may not work for me. I realized that when I wake up in the morning I am usually dressing like I am going somewhere special, and I'm really not. Anyway the jacket I want is a bit less flashy but the same concept. So I came to the conclusion that I am a celeb in my mind. Man I'm delusional.

Tell me what you think of the coat.

Rockin Fela

So last night was the first of the premiers of FELA, the Broadway show. It was impressive to say the least. I don't think that there is a show on Broadway with as much energy. Without giving anything away, the show is about the life and passion of Fela Kuti and as you watch it you start to feel like, Shit, maybe I need to do something... about something. It was well cast and the production was great. I was especially impressed with the ability of the cast to sing while enthusiastically dancing all over the theatre. You should definitely treat yourself. The first show is November 23 2009 and as you can see from the pic that I snuck in during the show...

it is like a big party.

It is gonna be big.

Oh and Vinnie Chase was there he said that he liked it. He is extremely cool BTW. I spoke to him for a little while and he is really chill.

Go check it out.

...flix

Just so you know.

I was fly even back then. People didnt understand my fresh then and they don't understand me now. I dont know why people keep testing me like I haven't been deep in the fashion game from waaaaaaay back. SMH.

Sorry but I had to talk about it again.

So I heard from a friend (rosiebspeaks.blogspot.com) that Penelope Cruz is going to be in the new SATC movie.

HER!!!

I don't know what her role will be in the movie but I do know that the writers over at SATC are full of shit. It is speculated that she will be working with Big. SMH. Why would they pick one of the sexiest women in the world to tempt Big? Why not average sexy? This had better be good. Again SATC writers and costume designers, I do not believe you.

Please ladies, do not believe for a moment that if you met Penelope Cruz at your hubby's office Christmas party and they work together, that you shouldn't bust his ass and then beat hers. I don't care if she is not his type,or she is just cool or just a friend, she should get the shit beat out of her for having a "regular people" job with her overly sexy ass. Go be rich for being sexy. Your hubby should have frikkin quit as soon as he saw her. Too damn sexy for them to be in the same building everyday. Kick his lying ass teeth in!

I really hope they make it believable. I'm definitely going to watch the movie now, then again I have watched Penelope's spanish movies. No subtitles. No SAP.

Are we there yet?

Who is more oppressed in this country... blacks or women? Elle (http://www.lmortlock.blogspot.com/) of She is... asked this morning. I began to recall the discrimination and mistreatment that both groups have suffered. I really don't think that there can be a definitive answer to a question like this. The reason being, we cannot judge someone else's pain. Certainly if there are drastic differences in circumstances, we may deem one worse than another, but the afore mentioned situations are too similar.

Black people have dealt with arguably the worst treatment in the history of the world. Almost 400 years of slavery in America, discrimination that is still being exercised today and social programing that has pitted blacks against one another in their own neighborhoods. There is no way to compete with that. The mental conditioning that is deeply ingrained in blacks is strong enough to last for the next couple Milena. It has bred an insecurity and uncertainty that is almost uncontrollable. Despite the historic mistreatment, and against overwhelming odds, black people have been able to excel in most any situation. Quite commendable, and if I may say so, it is the most amazing comeback story ever.

That being said...

Somewhere in people's (men's) minds throughout the world, women are objects. I do not place the sole responsibility on men because there are not only women who agree to be objectified but perpetuate the belief. But make no mistakes about it, men have made it this way. I'm not trying to man bash or Tyler Perry/Steve Harvey my gender but it is the truth. Women have been viewed as the property of men historically. Being sold, traded or bartered into marriage for money, alliance or whatever reason. Programmed to sell their bodies as sex objects (on whatever level). Conditioned to be fully subservient and dependant on men despite the lack of proper care and respect in return. All of that without being offered the same rights, legally, socially or morally. Despite all that, women have been able to overcome their tribulations to become be soooooo powerful throughout the world.

So the answer to the question is....

I don't know who is oppressed more but I do know that....

I am not strong enough to be a black woman.

I tip my hat to strong black women.

And since I am a fashion whore, here are two of my favorite black women of the moment.

and

I shot them at Diane Von Furstenberg's show. A pleasant surprise.

As I was shooting fashion week I was keeping my eyes open for black models. I saw a few here and there but definitely not a large amount. There is solice in the fact that Chanel Iman, Arlenis Sosa Jourdan Dunn, Sessilee Lopez are tearing the fashion world apart. Beautiful women of color at the forefront of an industry that has allegedly been racist in the past. Hats off to Beverly Johnson, Iman, Naomi Campbell and Tyra Banks for kicking the door down.

This new breed of black supermodel is trampelling the competition. It seems that once people of color get a hold of something, they find a way to master it. It is a new day and blacks and women are in positions that were previously unimaginable. Keep pushing.

Own it!!!

The resurgence of eighties style has inspired a new wave of individuality and flare in the streets of New York. Unfortunately it has also left some people looking like jack asses. There are many ways to stylishly express yourself but the keys to it are Comfort and Confidence. Understanding that, makes for a strong stylish foundation. What's happening with today's "fashionistas" is that they are falling into the trend trap. Although it seems as though people are expressing themselves freely I see both a lack of comfort and confidence in these dudes. And how could you be comfortable in skinny jeans hanging off of your ass... well they are too tight to hang, they are actually strategically placed below the ass cheek, at the crease. That is fucking disgusting! That cannot be comfortable nor can you be confident as a man if you are forced (by your tight ass skinny jeans) to stand like Betty Boop.

So WTF just happened? I'll tell you.

Kanye!

Well it's not all his fault but I credit him for popularizing the hoodlum geek chic movement. His whole crew of self proclaimed fresh boys have been heading up a movement (only because they are in the limelight) that is giving people the impetus to explore their deepest darkest tastes in fashion. They are making it okay for people to be a little to the left.

I recently shot a Haitian Hip Hop artist from Harlem named Spark Flame. It is immediately evident that this dude has his own style and is very comfortable in his own skin.


There is simultaneously confidence, comfort and humility in SF (as his fans call him). It is rather refreshing to see someone in the industry truly going his own way. SF has done shows for Hot 97 and with some of the biggest names in Hip Hop and is just pretty chill and level headed. After a few outfit changes I was able to see that it was not about what was hot in the streets, it was about what was hot to him. I am the same exact way.
Do you and own it.




Don't misunderstand me, I am not saying that being influenced is a bad thing, I am saying being brainwashed is. Develop your own Fresh. Don't walk around looking like somebody else (on purpose) that is just plain wack.

So what did we learn?

If your jeans are so tight that they cut off circulation to your legs, when you have them on at the crease between your ass and leg, You are an ASSHOLE. Stop standing like Betty Boop!

You make your clothes stylish not the other way around.

Success does not mean that you have to be obnoxious.

Stop dressing like a douchebag because you saw it on T.V.

Be comfortable in your skin and whatever you do is stylish (well almost). You will be able to pull off anything.

later.

This is Bullshit!

So I am trying to figure out how in hell this fantasy thing works. I dig that the fab four (SATC girls) are like the bar for high fashion and dope style. I often agree with their choices in clothing and accessories... That being said, what the hell is going on with the SATC men? I am not saying that the girls are the most gorgeous people on the planet and that is certainly realistic but what the hell? There is no way that these are realistic couples. These dudes don't have ANY STYLE AT ALL. I don't believe for a minute that the most fashionable women in the world chose these dudes.

C'mon I'm not fooled. With fashion fetishes like these women have, these dudes will never do. I've seen the episodes and all that the women have gone through to be in their respective relationships but seriously it looks like these guys are poster boys for the Salvation Army. It is really disappointing.

Complete the fantasy! Get some dudes that are either good looking or well built or dress well or have backbone or a good sense of humor or a nice smile or nice personality.

At least Big is rich but that confuses me a little too.

Why can't this dude afford some FRESH!?

Why is Carrie fresh to death in Christian X2 (Dior and Loubs)

and big is in some baggy Dockers an ashy polo and complete with all the symptoms of early pregnancy? I don't even know where they sell those shoes he has on. And...And... AAAAnnd if they do let him get a little fly...

Really???

He is rich, just tip the bellhop. This is absurdity. That is tens of thousands of dollars of luggage that he is carrying, and HE is carrying it. Not even a luggage cart. SMFH!

I don't know what the hell they are trying to pull here but I don't buy it.

Furthermore, the one good looking in shape stylish young guy got the boot in the last movie. What is the message that they are sending???

Is this serious? Am I supposed to believe this shit? Because I don't.

There has to be a new standard for the BS that they are putting out there.

Stay tuned. I am working on it.

I appreciate independent women and I think that it is the sexiest thing in the world,

but stop it.

more flix

Katy Perry and Giuseppe Zanotti


Giuseppe drawing an original design on Eb's shirt after our convo.

Dolce & Gabbana and Giuseppe Zanotti!!!! HOLY SH......

Okay so my Dolce addiction brought me to the event in store on Madison and it was definitely an amazing look. The new collection is dope and I think that they are on top this season, hands down. The event was cool and the feel was great. Models in store, walking and such and it was such a good vibe. Not to be outdone, one block over Giuseppe Zanotti the shoe King from San Mauro Pascoli had a massive event brewing.

(some shoes I shot in the store at Zanotti this past summer, the lighting was soo dope)

It was a madhouse outside and I spoke to Giuseppe. He told me how excited he was about it. (really cool dude)

There was a little red carpet and some pretty strict velvet rope guardians. Talk about exclusive. I met Elle (blog and shoe goddess) and Eb one of the sickest fashionistas in NY (her shoe game is sooo serious) and we chilled and mingled for a bit.

Then Katy Perry walked in and created a bit of a stir.

Then as the remix to the Killers' "Mr. Brightside" was blaring from all angles, Rihanna walked in and HOLY HELL!!! It was mayhem.

Rihanna was really cool and waaay more stunning in person than she is in pictures.

I must also say that Rihanna has the dopest fashion sense. I was thoroughly impressed. After that, the mood was insane and within ten minutes it was literally a full on party. Giuseppe at the DJ table with some headphones on bopping up and down and the crowd full-on dancing in the store.

There was no better way to celebrate fashion's Night Out.

Stay tuned fashion week is just begining!

Fashion's Night Out

So today kicks off fashion week and I must say that I have been ready for these shows. I am actually ready for tonite which is Fashion's Night Out. I first heard about it when I was in India and I thought it was something exclusive to there, but apparently everyone across the world is doing it. I got a personal email from my friend at Dolce & Gabbana he told me that they are doing free giveaways and drinks all nite until 11. I thought I was special because it was the same type of email I get for personal events and then I saw the emails from a ton of other designers and stores that I rarely shop at. Everyone is invited to a ton of stores and boutiques all around the city. A ton of giveaways. Designers will be doing in store appearances (Zanotti and Donna Karan will be at Saks) and there are a ton of discounts, from what I hear. Check out fashionsnightout.com for more details. I will be all over tonite and probably do a ton of shows too. good luck

LOVE KIDS!!!!!

So I have been doing a ton of travelling and I've been on about three different continents in the last month. That is another blog that is coming. Anyways, in all the travelling I am seeing a tremendous amount of people with children. Really beautiful children. Not that all I saw before were ugly kids because I would never say that (I don't have any kids yet), but the children that I am seeing recently are exceptionally cute. It has inspired me to begin shooting a collection of children from all around the world from different cultures, races, lifestyles and religous backgrounds. I will keep you posted.

p.s. these are just kids that are in my life that I shot for one reason or another and I thought that you should see how beautiful they are.