The Retrospective

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FEISTY LITTLE BROWN GIRL – MPHO

July 20th, 2009 by
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Last month, my good friend Charlie shared a link on my Facebook wall. That link was to the music video for, “Box ‘n Locks”, by singer- songwriter, MPHO (pron. mm-poh). By the time the clip was over, I was left mesmerized and had become an instant fan. MPHO is a London based artist who has been involved in the music industry for more than a decade, and is now blasting to the forefront and displaying to the world her immense talent for verse and vocal. Born in apartheid South Africa to a white mother and black father, Mpho’s very birth was illegal due to the nation’s then restrictive laws on interracial relationships. She immigrated to Britain at the age of four and grew up in bustling South London. Mpho comes from a musical family and her upbringing in the multicultural Brixton neighborhood has greatly influenced her artistry. She attended the renowned BRIT School for Music and spent many years providing backing vocals for artists like Natasha Bedingfield and Ms. Dynamite.

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Tags: MusicNo Comments.

3sixteen

July 12th, 2009 by
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One of my favorite brands in New York right now is 3sixteen. With the economy the way it is and the already oversaturated retail market, I feel like it’s important to support good independent brands.  I like brands that are not afraid of just doing their own thing. The brand is the creation of Andrew Chen and Johan Lam. While initially starting out as a T-shirt line in 2003, 3sixteen took a hiatus regrouped and returned as a diverse brand with well crafted garments. The pieces range from structured ties, high quality denim and still some great Tee’s. Personally I’m really into their take on the Utility shirt silhouette.  Here are a couple videos released by 3sixteen, one featuring there Fall 2009 Photoshoot and “A Day with 3sixteen”, enjoy:

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Tags: Art · Fashion · New YorkNo Comments.

In Memoriam – Michael Jackson (1958 – 2009)

June 26th, 2009 by
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Like so many of you, I was shocked and saddened yesterday upon hearing of the sudden passing of the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson. In the hours since his death, millions of people have come together to mourn this man who is arguably one of the greatest entertainers to ever walk this Earth, but we all know that he did so on “the moon” as well. What can one really say about Michael that hasn’t been said already. He was a showman who’s perfectly assembled pop songs invoked strong feelings from all of us. Whether it was the excitement of “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough” or the aggressiveness of “Bad“, Michael’s music was a soundtrack for several generations of folks all across this world. I would go as far as to claim that MJ’s global notoriety was on the same level as Christ himself. His distinct fashion sense and lightning quick dance moves were also undeniably part of his persona. If it weren’t for Michael, you wouldn’t have an acceptable reason to grab your crotch in public! I will always remember listening to “You Are Not Alone” incessantly on the radio when I was in the 2nd grade.  Despite all the controversy that followed him in the later years of his life, Michael was still the consummate performer. Let us now remember this man who had an impact on so many lives, both young & old, “Black & White“. Cry, laugh, sing, and celebrate his achievements, and “if they say ‘why’, tell ’em that it’s human nature.” We love you, Mike.

Tags: Music2 Comments

Chris Piascik Solo Show at Chorus Gallery

June 9th, 2009 by
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Our good friend Chris Piascik who was kind enough to participate in our We Are Each Other series, has a solo show coming up that we think you should go check out.

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From Japan with Love – An Interview with Mimi Tamaoki

June 8th, 2009 by
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Photo Credit: JAY ELEGANCE

The internet has changed everything. When you look at contemporary culture—youth culture especially—people are tapping blogs, social networks, and other online resources to scout trends and entertainment from places that fascinate them but may be just out of reach. This type of innocuous transmission isn’t new and we’ve seen it before. MTV did it when they introduced suburban kids to things like grunge, hip-hop, & punk rock for example in the 80’s and 90’s.

Thanks to the internet, today’s youth culture is influenced from every corner of the globe. That kid in Iowa just copped the latest jeans to drop from Hiroshi Fujiwara in Japan because he’s glued to Hypebeast, while another kid in Kansas is all about the new Foals record because he lives and breathes websites like Stereogum. With brands being so visible on the internet how do they connect with audiences they have yet to meet? We had the pleasure to catch up with Mimi Tamaoki who is the PR/Branding/Marketing director for Japanese brand Swagger, in the US. Mimi has also worked with brands such as TI$A(Taz Arnold), Phenomenon, Trilly & Truly(Lupe Fiasco)  and Dee & Rickey. She herself faces this and many other challenges in her day-to-day. Read on for Mimi’s insights on streetwear, Japanese culture, and how global brands make a big splash in the US.

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Tags: Fashion · Interview · New York · street wear3 Comments

Big Time Sensuality – Spring Break in Iceland

May 20th, 2009 by
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Many college students make traditional spring break getaway plans, hopping flights to Cancun, Fort Lauderdale, and Las Vegas. I made the decision to pack my bags and reserve a roundtrip ticket to the nation of Iceland. I know it sounds random, but this was definitely a trip that I will never forget. Due to the recent economic collapse, Iceland has seen the value of its currency drop significantly, and subsequently an increase in tourist traffic in a country once known for being rather expensive to visit. From the moment I landed at Keflavik Airport and drove in the early hours of the morning into the capital city of Reykjavik, I was amazed by the sheer beauty of the natural landscape.

As I began exploring the tiny city, I saw young people dressed in skinny jeans with keffiyehs tied around their necks. It was as if I hadn’t left Washington. Continue Reading…

Tags: Culture · Travel2 Comments