Thank music heaven VMA's returned home--back to NYC! What a lineup of spur-of-the moment unpacked events! Kudos to Janet on representing MJ glowingly and Madonna for the heart-stirring mark of respect. I will dare NOT highlight Kanye's look-at-me buffoonery. Mr. MSR ears perked up for good quality music and honed in an edited eye on knockout fashions.
Music's best talents pulled up in flashy rockish and glittery looks! The ladies went micro mini and bare sheen leg while the men went sharp-suited and simple!
Side reflection: Jay-Z and Alicia thank you for exciting a deeper appreciation for my city. NY'ers stand tall!
My favorite style moments of the evening:
Solange, great understated glamour in the one-shoulder number.
Diddy, don't care for this pigeon-toe stance. However, highly appreciating the sharp-fit black white-edged suit. Also loving the jazzy patent-glossed footwear!
HOV'... you're so B-R-O-O-K-L-Y-N and the look, so time-appropriate. The swagger, tilted Yankee fitted (urban term for baseball cap), and relaxed layering gets my approval!
Taylor Lautner represented a Tom Ford appeal on last night’s VMA reds. A very subtle finesse and low-key flamboyance I would comment. Well done Taylor!
When I think freestyle rap artists--or any performing freestyler' at that, I bridge a thought to 'installation performance artists' always. If you haven't seen a live performance artist session you are slacking. Tsk, Tsk. I have seen a fair of beaming-energetic art creators. I will now go on-record and say no one is competing with renown art wunderkind David Garibaldi. To see him in action is to witness art birthed to life. Garbaldi's paintbrush swirls, swooshes, and curving forms master visuals. To honor Michael Jackson, David created several arresting and captivating paintings of the music icon I had to share with MSR readers.
Two months before attacking Miami’s searing sands, I was engaged in conversations about the future succession of Benjamin Bixby store shelf life. What brought the discussion topic were the astronomical markdowns the collection met in BARNEYS New York at the time. My remark response to the topic was lukewarm after assessing the soaring price cuts. Mr. MSR same lukewarm response drummed up to mild-hotness last week. While scrolling through SteelCloset.com (another awesome lifestyle blog) I happened to catch Andre Benjamin lively posing alongside B.B. Spring/Summer ’09 collection at HOLT RENFREW (Barneys and SAKS version for Canada).
Nothing new graced within the collection, but I am anticipating Benjamin’s Bixby Fall preview. At that point, I am hoping my mild-hot feelings towards the brands longevity brews to sweltering.
PS: I dig the bubblegum crushed-cotton oxford on Andre!!
Kim Kardashian and Reggie Bush traveled a might long way to execute the mastery you witness radiating above. Both decked in deep blue fitted selections, the couple equally compliments one another. Keep up the great work!
Beyonce glittered NYC streets in a shape-accentuating jeweled frock last week. Of course she caused mayhem. The backdrop style players however oozed mucho style boldness. A big Peace greeting to her subject who Mr. MSR calls brethren.
When I saw this shot I shrieked, "It's about time Nick! Show the masses you can lace on a sharp suit and command respect!" And top it off with glossy curve-toe shoes to boot.
James Franco on set looking retro chic for his movie character!
The first shot of Amber Rose and Kanye West that made me pause, analyze, and commend. Amber's neon green motorcycle jacket and Kanye's rose pink cardigan are staples for the pair's sidewalk flair.
Speaking of sidewalk flair, Gossip Girls' cast mate lovers strolled with their white pooch all while cornerning a hipster-esque style appeal. PS: Does anyone know the maker of Ed Westick two-tone awesome olive boots?
What more can I say other than that the girl has swagger-a-million!
During a recent fashion assignment, we previewed a gentleman sporting the neatest raw-hemmed sweater. We queried, and found out it was by artsy and unusual label Comme des Garçons. Until that point, we lost track of how creative and terrific CDG garments were. Because of the gentleman’s sweater, we reached out to CDG to heed the new creations. Thank heavens we did! MSR absolutely hearts (no pun intended from heart symbol) PLAY by Comme des Garçons new offerings (this season) . Along with the quirkiness energy, PLAY’s cut-and-sew assortments fit like a dream. Not overly tight, and not boxy. Plus the head-turning and check-me-out designs are neat choices if opting for a streetwear effect; a fashion-theme we prefer whipping up when casually sipping a caffe latte.
Ladies breakfast at Tiffany’s, but men lunch at MOMA.
If they don’t, I say “Gents should”, especially when George Lois is on current exhibition at MOMA.
The creative and inspiring museum environment formulates the feeling to pass up delish turkey wraps for some wonderful artistry. George Lois changed, better put revolutionized advertising communications: “Aunt Jemima” was George’s creation; I Want My MTV echoed Lois’ name; Reebok PUMP thought-stimulating adverts which rivaled Air Jordan’s sneakers all bears George Lois.
The advertising wiz (we all know, the Legend is David Ogilvy!) famed the Xerox culture and created the stay-at-home mom quick fix—Lean Cuisine. Lois brought communication to the forefront and didn’t have reservations, as you can firmly identify in his current MOMA exhibition: George Lois: The Esquire Covers.
Esquire, pioneered quirky magazine design covers—with Lois steering the creative director title—from 1962 to 1972. Ten years of exceptional design! Oh, and better believe George boast an award-winning tag for his work(s).
Tomorrow during lunch, or whenever you have time to spare, run down to MOMA and check out—George Lois—one of America’s top advertising communicator. If you reside outside NYC, be sure to visit his website: www.georgelois.com
I and millions of other Google enthusiasts, fanatics, fiends, etc. are always thrilled at newly developed Google functions. Today, prior to searching for this new men's organic grooming product ( J. Earl), a little tag line seared below the search bar asking if I wanted to create a new iGoogle theme from some popular artists? Of course, I wanted to try it out!
The gasp was Google's strong reach for artist and fashion designers for the project. i-Google artistic themes boasted creations by Dolce & Gabbana, Tory Burch, Oscar de La Renta (even Oscar baby!), Diane von Furstenberg, NIGO, Phillppe Starck, Marck Ecko, Jeff Koons and a score of others.
If you're Googleized (sp) daily, consider creating a cool aesthetic to cruise your search results in. Oh yea, I am coolly cruising with my buddy Phillipe Starck. After I become zzz'd with Starck, I'll implement the Coldplay themes.
A sampling of artist themes available for i-Google.
My wife Alicia Keys (no offense Krucial) has done it again with her new fire hit: Teenage Love Affair! It's cool and definitely channels your teenage puppy love days. You know--let's go to the movies and McDonald afterwards or the priceless: "hey baby, let me take you to Six Flags" for the day. The fellas in my era always sealed the deal with those initiatives!
Any how, listen to the track. As for the song's music video (releasing nationally Wednesday), I got exclusives views and it's pretty cool. The video basically channels the Spike Lee classic School Daze. In the video, she's sports a young 'fly-girl' (or 'Meeoow Girl' from the movie) look with funky jackets and door knocker earrings. Also, Derek Luke (channeling Laurence Fishburne from the movie), makes a cameo in the video who I presume is her interest in the video. In closing, kudos to the stylist (not sure if her stylist Wouri did the full cast) for outfitting the video with some strong looks.
Teenage Love Affair:
Update: As said above, "Teenage Love Affair" was making its debut yesterday(4/24). My wife gave 106th and Park first release exclusives! Check it out.
Ryan Leslie, where was your talents hiding (performer skills that is)? I guess you wanted to put your poster-child Cassie first, huh? Well tell you what, (I know you're reading) the wait was worth it bro! The new track, 'Diamond Girl' is a instant banger and I know it's set the stage for more lethal RL productions to come.
Shout out to the video director for nailing the '60s contemporary mod-feel look!
Speaking of mod, I like the incorporation of the tuxedos--it's way appropriate for the song. Thanks for showing the masses MEN are still dressing up. And it's more to R&B and Rap videos than just oversize hang'n jeans and hyper-embellished jeweled t-shirts.
In the end of video, you make a truthful statement: You want to replay the track after listening! I know my butt did, and again for the thrice.
What does Russell Simmons, Kanye West, 50 Cent, Common, Marc Ecko, Reverend Run, Duke, Lil Jon, Don "Magic" Juan and Whoo Kid all currently share in common?
These iconic hip-hop subjects are all apart of the exhibition of portraits for painter Alexander Melamid. Holy Hip-Hop! New Paintings by Alex Melamid features portraits capturing each icons larger-than-life persona. Melamid is phenomenal when mirroring every spec of the performer (he uses a European technique he’s been applying for the past 40 years) or individual on the life-size portraits.
“Melamid was introduced to his subjects by his son, Dan "Dan the Man" Melamid, a music video director working in the hip-hop industry. For two years, from 2003 to 2005, Melamid spent time with each of the men, got to know them, then photographed and drew them as the basis for his paintings,” according to exhibit materials.
If you’re in the Detroit area, Holy Hip-Hop! New Paintings by Alex Melamid will be on view at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD) from February 8 through April 20, 2008.
A few Sundays back, I and a storm of comrades visited the “Sankofa Series” at Harriet's Alter Ego (retail space intertwined with art gallery ). Another comrade, Larry Ossei-Mensah (My Global Hustle), and his friend Stanley Lumax are the creators of this prolific series. The photog duo, displayed arresting documentary-style shots of the African culture—Ghana in particularly. I never traveled to the continent, but the soulful visuals encourage one to visit the mother land without qualms.
Exhibit patron analyzing photos.
Subject Kimathi (Jamhuri Wear) inset with exhibit portrait behind.
Each shot posses a strength and story that was clear. I think these are two attributes Larry and Stanley executes—strengths any photographer would want to convey. A market woman intensely scaling fishes to a well-built beautiful girl (think model Ajuma) who powerfully kicks a soccer ball (sans shoes at that) in a grass field were just a sample of what viewers took in.
Compelling Shots!
Sankofa Series was bustling with cool art lovers and style players. Also, people rocked (I caught myself bopping at one point) to good tunes. Along with the melodies, visitors were served the tastiest apps. I had instant flashbacks of family cooking just because of how amazing the chicken and bite-size fried filet's were.
Mr. MSR nestled between two lovelies.
Larry and Stanley posing with their crew.
The “Sankofa Series” is great exhibit that I would love to see make stops at various U.S. and African cultural institutions.
I had the exclusive opportunity Wednesday morning, to privy the much-talked about Takashi Murakami retrospective. @MURAKAMI is out-of-this-world! The celebrated, better put, acclaimed Japanese artist will be presented at the Brooklyn Museum from April 5- July 13, 2008. Being part of the PRESS junket, it gave me the ultimate freeness to interpret, photograph, and even question his distinctive artworks. The best part of it all, documenting images for the readers to enjoy and immerse in.
Dr. Murakami (get it right. Ph.D. alum of prestigious Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music) is cited as one the most powerful artists to have emerge from Asia in the late 20th century. Takashi's skillful hands have shown me ‘anime’ (animation) in newer formations. Honestly, it’s unbelievable!
Takashi Murakami ‘trademark painting styles’ were streamlined through most of the life-size and photo frame measurement pieces on display. Relayed to the PRESS, “Murakami blends the bright palette of pop, the flatness of anime, and the ominous dreams of surrealism. In addition to Takashi’s paintings, his momentous pieces for Louis Vuitton are on display and for sale. For the ladies, I got inside scoop from the LV camp: A new camo bag design by Takashi is soon to debut. BrooklynMuseum is offering the collabo bag first anywhere, exclusively for 2 weeks, then afterwards it's onto select stores. After seeing the bag, my friend Z, said she think its going to be thenext “It-Bag” for the females.
In closing, I’ve included my favorite shots from the exhibit. If you’re planning on visiting NYC, or you reside here, definitely get your butt over to the exhibit.
Thanks to everyone at the exhibit: Mona Sharf at Louis Vuitton; The Brooklyn Museum Communications Department; Lifestyle and Culture Writer Zandile Blay and Takashi Murakami’s dope stylist—MSR reader—Alexander Allen.
PS: I didn’t make the gala last night but I’m sure we’ll see pictures and news bits circulating about Kanye’s awesome performance.
MR. MSR EXHIBIT CAPTURING :
My homie is very business-minded with the copyright [name] move!
Brace yourself for this title: "That I may time transcend, that a universe my heart may unfold."
DoB (Alter ego for Takashi) balloons.
Louis Vuitton lock and key bow pocketbooks! All monogram created for Louis Vuitton by Mr. Murakami.
Mr. MSR had to get a shot in! lol. Posing alongside "Melting DOB."
"Super Flat Jellyfish"
"And Then, And Then, And Then And Then," '96.
"Tan Tan Bo Puking."
The BEST piece for last. Its FIREEEEE!
UPDATE: Kanye gave a great show for last night's Gala attendees. Take notice!
Quick gala recap for the viewers! Marc Jacobs was channeling hardcore "Miami Vice."
Entry Extension:
Jay-Z, although co-chair didn't make a big entrance last night. Why not make a presence if your co-chair right? I'll tell you why--Jay tied the knot with "Beautiful B" tonight at their penthouse in Tribeca. Tribeca was a paparazzi mosh pit for the tight-lip nuptials.
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