What's Wrong with this Picture?

(pic via www.shine.bet.com)

Hmmm...something just doesn't seem "real" in this pic...can you see it?

FASHION MISTAKE: Do NOT overdose on the hip-hop/urban fashion theme...sometimes less is more.

Stylistic Winner of the Month: FERGIE

(pic via Interscope Records)

Plain and simple: I ADORE Fergie's quirky style. The "Fergalicious" singer is not afraid to mix and match unusual patterns, unique fabrics and bold colors. Her style is innovative and sexy-all day, everyday.

Voted "Most Stylish" by Seventeen Magazine, Fergie's style is a mixture of hip-hop casual & sexy street.

So, do you think Fergie makes the boys go loco? Better yet, does the "Glamorous" singer deserve the title of "STYLISTIC WINNER OF THE MONTH"?

Adidas Originals Celebrates 60 years with a House Party

How does Adidas Originals celebrate their 60 year mark as an iconic brand? By throwing a star-studded bash of course! The "60 years of Soles and Stripes" party is not exclusive to the rich and famous. You, too, can join in on the celebration by viewing Adidas House Party clip (above).

The jams v.i.p. list is like none other. Redman, Method Man, Missy Elliot, Estelle, Russell Simmons & Young Jeezy-these are just a few of the famous names from the celebrity guest list.

Forgoing the traditional route of runway shows, Adidas Originals choose instead to forecast their upcoming line in an old school and laid back style "house party". The fiesta is an innovative and creative way of marketing Adidas Originals upcoming 2009 Spring/Summer collection.

After viewing the clip, I have to admit, Adidas sure knows how to "celebrate originality", wouldn't you agree?

BAPE New "Fluorescent Skullsta" Sneakers

(pic via www.highsnobiety.com)

Everybody needs a little bit of color in their life. With Bapes new "Fluorescent Skullsta" sneaks, a small dose of color goes a very long way. The sneaks are bold, flashy and original. The toe cap, sole and fat laces come in white, which is important to keep a balance on these otherwise pretty flashy trainers.

The sneakers come in neon colors only. For some, fluorescent wardrobe is a fashion faux pas. If bright colors scare you, take baby steps. Start small with colorful accessories. Once you feel comfortable with a little bit of flash, add some key pieces to your wardrobe. Remember, fashion is about taking risks.

BBC & ICECREAM 2009 Sneaker Collection

(pic via www.highsnobiety.com)


Mmmmm....tasty?

Hip-Hop Fashion New "It" Couple: Kanye West & Amber Rose?

(pic via www.people.com)

As of late, every pic of artist/producer Kanye West features his arm candy, Amber Rose, by his side. The couples quirky, unique and retro style has everyone talking. Infamous blogger Perez Hilton calls Miss Rose a "fantastic addition to K-West self-proclaimed life of art". Call her what you will, but the hip-hop community has a name for chicks like Amber Rose: Gold-Digger.

Please, this relationship has REBOUND written all over it. Prior to his involvement with Rose, Kanye was engaged to his longtime love, Alexis Phifer. Although the couple broke off their engagement, Alexis and West have a habit of breaking and making up.

Leaving the suspicious details of their pairing aside, the "Love Lock Down" singer and his bald new love interest make an aesthetically pleasing couple...wouldn't you agree?

UPDATE: According to reports, Amber Rose is a bisexual, ex-stripper. No judgement here-whatever floats your boat Kwest-I'm just delivering the latest gossip news.

BET Rip the Runway

(pic via www.bet.com)

With "Rip the Runway", BET has managed to create a fashion event like none other. Alone in its genre, "Rip the Runway" infuses hip-hop music with urban fashion. Hosting this years show will be actors Derek Luke and Joy Bryant.

Voici BET's Rip the Runway list of Designers & Performers:

Designers

1.Akoo
2.Korto Momolu
3.Monif C
4.Douglas Says
5.Byron Lars
6.Johnny Vincent

Performers

1.T.I.
2.Young Dro
3.The Dream
4.Fabolous
5.Ron Brown
6.Kerri Wilson
7.Busta Rhyme
8.Mavado

The show will air on BET March 2nd @ 9pm.

New Nike Umpire Jacket

(pic via www.highsnobiety.com)

Nikes upcoming Sportswear Spring/Summer 2009 Collection features classic jackets, pants and sweatsuits. The highlight of their line has to be their Umpire Jacket. The collection: Classic Nike, with a simple twist.

Camo Clothing x WTAPS

(pic via www.highsnobiety.com)

Some women like a man in uniform, others like a man in camouflage. Preferring the latter, I am pleased to announce that camo clothing is BACK! In their SPRING/SUMMER 2009 Collection, WTAPS (a Japanese clothing brand) presents a lot of heavy military and camouflage pieces.

The line features cargo pants, camo sweaters and camo hoodies. WTAPS, fan of the camo look? I think so.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank a man who pioneered and popularized the camouflage and military style: hip-hop icon DMX. Peep the DMX video below!

Sprouse brings a lil' urban flavor to Louis Vuitton

(pic via www.icedotcom.blogspot.com)

Seems like luxury label Louis Vuitton had a changed of heart. The french label has teamed up with artist/designer Stephen Sprouse to create the new LV Sprouse Collection.

Sprouse is a popular artist and designer who is known for his graffiti style print fashions. The LV pink & purple neon graffiti monographic print t-shirts and headbands are retailing at a cool 250$.

250$, not too pricey for LV swag. Then again, probably cost the fashion house only 20 cents to make both T-shirt & headband...sorry, make that 10 cents.

MTV Shows

Top 5 New Sneaker Releases

(pic via www.sneakerfreaker.com)

SneakerFreaker.com just released a list of the top 5 newest sneakers. Sneak a peak @ the list below:

1. Nike Dunk x Coraline Promo
2. Nike Valentine's Day Part 1
3. Nike iD (BESPOKE)
4. Nike Blazer (LIBERTY)
5. Nike Cherry Dunks

Interesting...we see a trend here, do you?

KANGAROOS TRAP HI (PAYTON)

(pic via www.concreteloop.com)

Back in the 70's, the Kangoroo shoe brand was a favorite amongst athletes (joggers especially). To reintroduce the brand, ROOS has hit us with the Walter Payton Limited Edition Collection, named after the MVP Chicago Bears running back.

Converse New Hip-Hop Shoe Series

(pic via www.highsnobiety.com)

Converse just released their new hip-hop series sneakers. The shoe lines design pays hommage to trendsetting cities such as New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. They sport graffiti prints, laser etches, and stitches.

Wal-Mart welcomes Russell Simmons new fashion line

(pic via www.bossip)

Russell Simmons is launching a new and affordable clothing line called "Simmons American Classic". Exclusively available at Wal-Mart, the fashion line will carry an array of items retailing as low as 9.99$.

In a few weeks, sneakers, jeans, sweaters and vests from the "Simmon American Classic" label will be available @ Wal-Mart stores across America.

Past Tell Clothing x Kanye West

(pic via www.highsnobiety.com)

Kanye West has forsaken music for fashion. Past Tell clothing is now Yeezy's new passion. Originally named "Pastelle Clothing", Kanye's new line promises to garner its wearers envious looks and admiring stares.

The fashion label was slated for spring 2006, but being the perfectionist that he is, West delayed the line's launch for more time to master the art of fashion. Already a "walking brand", Kanye's clothing label promises to be a success.

Well, Kanye, here's to another notch in the belt of an already impressive career repertoire. Make that money!

GQ magazine's most stylish: Timberlake & West

(pic via www.highsnobiety.com)

Every year, GQ magazine assigns the title of "most stylish" to 10 fashion forward celebs. Topping this years GQ style list are hip-hop artist Kanye West and pop star Justin Timberlake. With a new fashion line called William Rast, JT is often credited for his willingness to take risks and his impact on fashion.

Like Timberlake, Kanye's style is all about taking risks. With his upcoming clothing line, Kanye promises to deliver unprecedent and unique fashion.

Rapper T.I. also made GQ's top 10 stylish list.

DON'T DO IT-Hip Hop Fashion Mistakes: Allen Iverson New Hair Cut.

More shocking than Shaquille O'Neal playing a magical genie in the movie Kazaam is NBA star Allen Iversons' newly cropped do. Much to everyone's surprise, the Detroit Piston point guard introduced a freshly shaved head at an Eastern Conference All-Star practice.

After rocking cornrow braids for over 12 years, Iverson admits, in the above video, that the new hair style feels "weird". For Allen's fans, the braidless style comes as a shock. Even the Chicago Sun-Times wrote an article about the surprising hair cut.

My Advice Al, that do ain't doing it-what you NEED is a fresh Shape-Up and 360 waves. Work it out!

Oh! Peep the clip below to hear Al explain why he shaved his head...

Hot Air Clothing = Urban Freshness

(pic via www.bossip.com)

With experimental clothing designs, bright color pallets and retro patterns, Hot Air clothing has everything it takes to rule the urban fashion market. Born out of L.A. in 2007, Hot Air caters to those who want to look fresh on a budget.

The west coast line is an underground favorite amongst skateboarders and hiphoppers alike. With plans to branch out in Europe and Asia, the future of Hot Air clothing seems very bright indeed.

When rapper Lil'Wayne wants to add a unique twist to his fashion style, he turns to Hot Air. Peaked your interest yet? Click here for an up-close & personal look @ the L.A. clothing brand.

Lead the Charge & Become Legendary with the new Air Jordan XX3

Times are tough. With the global economy at a decline, Nike turns to the Jordan Brand division for inspiration. Launched in mid-January, "Become Legendary" is a new campaign developed to honor the legacy of the widely popular Air Jordan shoe. The above clip features legendary sports stars Paul Pierce, Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, Rip Hamilton and Joe Johnson.

In addition to celebrating Air Jordans 23 years of success, the "Become Legendary" commercial also presents the new AIR JORDAN XX3. According to Roman Vega, Brand Manager of the Jordan Brand, the "Become Legendary" campaign is intended to:

"Inspire consumers to exceed expectations, challenge conventional views of sportsmanship and explain that greatness is attainable. Using evocative imagery, the ad campaign animates the Jordan Brand core truths - Authentic, Uncompromising, Earned, and Aspirational - which speak directly to the brand pillars derived by Michael Jordan's personal values and philosophy for success".

The nationwide launch of the Air Jordan XXIII is a week from today. The new Jays are sure to please shoe fanatics and Jordan fans alike.

High on demand (again): BAPE Clothing

A Bathing Ape (BAPE) is an urban street style clothing company founded by Tomoaki "Nigo" Nagoa in 1993. Rapper/Producer Pharell Williams is often credited for introducing the Japanese clothing line to the hip-hop community.

In 2005, Williams and Nigo founded a luxury clothing company called Billionaire Boys Club. Hip-Hop stars Lil' Wayne and Kanye West list BAPE & Billionaire Boys Club amongst their favorite urban lines of clothing.

At the BAPE's flagship store in Tokyo (as shown in the above video), the interior design and layout is incredibly stylish and modern. In Tokyo, BAPE's athletic shoes are so high in demand that customers can only purchase one item of a particular shoe design at a time.

In Montreal, authentic BAPE clothing is very hard to find. If you do find A Bathing Ape clothing, make sure it's not a knock off. If you don't want to throw your money down the drain, be a vigilant shopper, A Bathing Ape is a very expensive clothing label.

Because I care so much about your financial well being, here is a list of a few tips on how to spot fake BAPE merchandise:

1. BAPE does not produce 3XL or 4XL.
2. If the price is too cheap then it is a fake.
3. If the inside stitching is ratted it is not a BAPE.
4. BAPE colors are never dull.
5. All writing should be in the same font.
6. The inside lining should feel like cotton not fleece.
7. The sleeve tag of a BAPE article of clothing should be centered.

2009: The "Air Jordan I" year

(pic via www.nike.com)

Air Jordan I is starting the year off strong. Air Jordan I "Infrared" were released January 28th. The Air Jordan I "Black/White-Polka Dot" were released this month and the Air Jordan I "High" are slated to be released in mid-March.

Nike doesn't appear to be slowing down, because more versions of the Air Jordan I model are scheduled to be released in the upcoming months. Stay tuned Jordan fanatics!

Fila+Product=Match made in shoe heaven

(pic via www.highsnobiety.com)

Fila & Japanese brand Product will be releasing a new line of sneakers just in time for Valentines Day. The runners will come in a black suede/black croc colorway with minor Gucci details around the ankle.

The retro sneaks are inspired by the classic 70's Fitness model. The retail price for the exclusive black croc and suede sneakers: 206$(US).

Rapper 88 Keys is a Lo-Head

Friends of rapper 88 keys claim he's crazy. An obsessive fan of the luxury label Ralph Lauren, rapper-producer 88 keys (whose real name is Charles Njapa) has worn nothing but Ralph Lauren every day since 1993.

In the urban fashion circuit, fans of designer Ralph Lauren are called "lo-heads". From ranger boots to Indian point sweaters, the hip-hop producers closet is filled with nothing but classic Ralph Lauren items.

Despite having an extensive Ralph Lauren clothing collection, 88 keys claims to be missing one thing: a meeting with his favorite designer.

What's In for Ladies Urban Fashion in the 09?

(pic via www.bet.com)

What's HOT for urban fashion this Spring & Summer? Check out the list below for your answer:

1. Classic Lace-Print
2. Big Bangles, Stacked Bracelets & Cuffs
3. Bondage is the new trend in Shoes
4. Bare Midriffs
5. The Boyfriend Jean
6. Leather Motorcycle Jackets
7. Sheer Fabric
8. Long coats
9. Blazers
10.Floral Prints
11.Jumpers
12.Color! Color! Color!
13.Big Buttons-Big Buckles-Big Adornments

Ladies, try NOT to wear all 13 new trends @ the same time. A true fashionista upgrades her seasonal fashion one item at a time. Wear styles that work best for your lifestyle, your body & your personality. Most importantly: BE COMFORTABLE!

Grammy Awards Worst Dressed: T-Pain

(pic via www.bet.com)

Need I say more?

Grammy Awards Best Dressed: M.I.A.

(pic via www.perezhilton.com)

M.I.A. sure knows how to steal the spotlight. At the 2009 Grammy Awards, the 9 months pregnant artist (whose real name is Mathangi Arulpragasam) left little to the imagination with her polka dot, sheer mini dress.

While strutting down the paparazzi fueled red carpet, M.I.A. managed to look effortlessly cool and comfortable in her House of Holland frock. The "icing on the cake" moment occurred when the soon to be mommy performed her hit hip-hop single, "Paper Plane".

Miss Arulpragasam, please ignore the haters because you made MY best dressed list.

No one in the corner got swagga like us

Hip-hop ruled at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards. M.I.A, T.I.,Jigga, Kanye & Lil'Wayne delivered one of the best Grammy performance in years. All fresh, all in black tuxedos, all with distinctive swag, the gang came together for their first-ever performance.

Swagger Like Us, the song performed by the quintet, is all about hip-hop flavor & style. In the tune, each rapper explains what swag & hip-hop fashion means to them. Jay explains that his urban style is unreproducible:

"No one on the corner gotta bop like this, can't wear skinny jeans 'cause my knots don't fit-No one on the corner gotta pocket like this-So I rock Roc jeans 'cause my knots so thick-But I can't teach you my swag-You can pay for school, but you can't buy class-School of hard knocks, I'm a grad and that all blue Yankee is my graduation cap"

.
Lil' Wayne follows suit by stating that:

"When it comes to styles, I got several
Sharper than a swagger, dagger all metal and my jewels, blue and yellow-Type of issh that make 'em call you Carmelo.

The rappers brought hip-hop swagger to the Grammys. Bravo Swagg Pack! Job well done.

Memorable Grammy Fashion Moment: Jlo in Versace

With the 2009 Grammy Awards just a few hours away, I taught I would seize this opportunity to discuss one of THE most memorable fashion moments in Grammy history.

In 2000, Jennifer Lopez made some a lot of jaws drop when she showed up at the Grammy award ceremony in a sheer, VERY low-cut silk Versace chiffon dress. The next day, pics of La Lopez were plastered all over tabloid magazines. The infamous dress thrust Mrs.Lopez into superstardom.

Today, Jennifer Lopez is a Grammy Award-nominated singer, dancer, producer and fashion designer. Her clothing lines, Sweetface & Jlo, are hits in the urban fashion scene. My favorite item from the designers' collection: The JLo velour sweat suit.

DON'T DO IT-Hip-Hop Fashion Mistakes: Weird Hair Hat Man

(pic via www.failblog.org)

Someone needs to tell the brotha in the above pic that the hi-top died, along with the Jheri curl, in the 90's.

Once upon a time, the hi-top fade was the symbol of hip-hop culture. Wesley Snipes wore his hi-top fade in the cult classic New Jack City. Kid, from the rap duo Kid-N-Play, proudly flaunted his hi-top. During the 90's, it seemed like every hip-hop fanatic had a high-top fade.

However, everything has its time and the time for the hi-top has past. Although I am empathetic to the fact that it can be difficult to let go of a particular fad, the above hairdo is INEXCUSABLY WRONG! Even with points for creativity, this dude's hair style is still in the minus.

My advice: Transform that fro-hat into a low-cut, blend in a little bit of S-curl & you got yourself a winning look.

Access to Members Only

(pic via www.membersonly.com)

Singers Rihanna, Meagan Good & Fergie love Members Only clothing. The skin tight pants and colorful bomber jackets are a hit on the urban fashion circuit. Other classic pieces of Members Only clothing line include the classic leather bomber, the nylon jacket and the lambskin vest.

A hit back in the 80's, Members Only refurbished its line and gave it a modern twist for today's fashion market. Neon colors, tight fits and comfortable materials are what makes the Members Only brand a favorite amongst its many loyal fans.

Sexy Time: Exposed stomachs are the new trend for 09'

(pic via www.bet.com)

In vogue on the runways of New York, Milan & Paris this year: unsheathed stomachs. It seems that the newest trend in women's fashion is the bare midriff.

For obvious reasons, not everyone will be a fan of the newest cropped fashion. Bare midriffs are not for the shy at heart. Fan or not, exposed stomachs ARE a part of urban fashion history.

Devotees of the bare midriff look include artists Aaliyah, Janet Jackson and TLC. These sexy performers all follow the same motto: if you got it flaunt it.

Grey Ant Clothing

(pic via www.bossip.com)

Rebellious fashionistas have a sweet tooth for Grey Ant clothing. The LA clothing company caters to a wide range of followers, from the hardcore retro to the üpper modern chic.

With Grey Ants' trademark look, the high-waisted jeans, urban trendsetters have a look that is sure to garner much attention. Fans of the brand include hip-hop hotties RiRi & Cici.

Iceberg: The Comeback

(pic via www.men.style.com)

Disney cartoon characters are not just for kids. There was a time where classical Disney characters were the rage in urban fashion. In the late 90's, Italian fashion label Iceberg made Disney cartoons look cool.

The images of Donald Duck and Goofy were staples for the fashion powerhouse. Iceberg sweaters were embroidered with the famous Disney faces. The moment hip-hop artist Mase wore an Iceberg sweater in his music video "Ni%#$z Wanna Act", the line dominated urban fashion. But, that was then and this is now.

With their new 2009 Spring Collection, Iceberg reemerged like a phoenix from its ashes. The 2009 collection features some of their signature pieces. Most notably, their Disney character sweaters.

Soon, very soon, we will be witnessing nostalgic rappers and members of the hip-hop community strutting down the streets in Iceberg clothing. When you do (because you will) spot a hiphopper with Iceberg swag, remember this: Fashion IS about recycling the past.

Kangol: Throwback Style

(pic via www.bet.com)

Founded in England, Kangol clothing initially provided head wear for soldiers during World War II. In the 80's, Kangol berets merged with influential members of the hip-hop community to form a new facet in hip-hop fashion. Soon after, Kangol hats rapidly spread throughout the urban fashion world.

On the urban scene, rapper LL Cool J emerged as the fresh face of Kangol fashion. For years, LL Cool J could rarely been seen WITHOUT a Kangol hat.

As a matter of fact, I'm going to go dig out from my closet my Kangol beret and rock it to my high school reunion next week...sooo RETRO! In the meantime, I will be groovin to the below old-school LL Cool J video...

Jay-Z: Stylistic Winner

(pic via www.thebf.com)

Whether rocking a plain white tee, or draped in a Gucci black stretch wool 2-button suit, rapper Jay-Z embodies the essence of hip-hop fashion. From a humbling beginning as a child in the Housing Projects of Bed-Stuy to a multiple Grammy award winner, Shawn Carter is undoubtfully a (if not the) key figure in urban music and fashion.

Jigga Man's style IS hip-hop casual-chic. Mr. Carter introduced hip-hop fashion to mainstream America. The moment Jay walked into a business meeting casually dressed in Rocawear jeans and a plain tee, a new meaning to proper office attire emerged.

You don't have to have Jay-Z's bank account to mimic his effortless sense of style. With his Rocawear fashion line, Jay-Z offers hiphoppers a piece of his envious swag.

For these reasons and many more, Jay is this weeks' stylistic winner.

Introducing: AKOO by T.I.

AKOO is rapper T.I's new, "fly & upscale" urban fashion line. Reserved for the "young & sexy or the old & rich" , AKOO clothing line is sure to be a sucess amongst T.I. fans and devotees of hip-hop music.

Note to fellas: The rapper guarantees his clothing line will please the ladies.

Lebron James X Nike Commercial

In a new commercial, exclusively released to youtube, LeBron James slips a size 6 Nike Zoom Lebron VI running shoe on Pussycat Doll hottie Nicole Scherzinger's foot.

The hilarious clip presents, to viewers and fans, the surprisingly comical side of the 6 foot 8 Cleveland Cavalier forward. In the commercial, James tells his lady (and the viewers) that the new Nike shoe "makes him look real good" and is made from "genuine leather and not that fake stuff".

Since the early 80's, Nike's Air Jordan and Air Force 1 sneakers have been a staple in urban fashion. Hip-hop artist Nelly's "Air Force One" track is dedicated entirely to the iconic shoe brand. Nike IS, and always will be, a pioneer in hip-hop fashion.

Keeping it Fitted

(pic via www.bossip.com)

A Tyrone Barfield cap cannot be mistaken for anything other than a Tyrone Barfield cap. Without mistake, you will recognize a Barfield original from 60 paces. These are the types of caps you will want to rock with a tailored Dolce & Gabbana suit. The one of a kind, Bronx originated, fitted baseball caps WILL take a chunk out of your savings account. Yes, the price tag is high for a Barfield original, but justifiably so.

In a world plagued with mass-production, Tyrone Barfield creations guarentees its consumers a unique and exclusive product. With that being said, you will not find the designer caps at your local urban clothing shop. But, dont be discouraged, the fitted gems are just a click away.

Biting the hand that feeds you: Kanye & Louis Vuitton

A message from kwest on Vimeo

Luxury label Louis Vuitton does not want to be associated with hip-hop. For years, Vuitton has seized every opportunity to dissociate itself with the urban movement. For you doubters, here is some proof:

#1: In 2003, Louis V. sued Sony records for allowing rapper Da Brat to bounce around a monographic Louis Vuitton print beach ball in her In Love with you video. This year, Vuitton won the suit for an undisclosed amount.

#2: In 2008, Louis Vuitton put the brakes on T.I. and his "Swing Ya Rag" video because the "rag" he's talking about is a Louis Vuitton scarf. In his track, T.I. flaunts his status by saying "All right, okay, I don't dance, no way. I just take my Louis rag & wave it round in the air". Unfortunately for the rapper, Louis Vuitton DID NOT want to share its luxury status. So, T.I. got sued by the French label. In an MTV interview, T.I. explains that:

"We spoke to them. The video, it’s done. But I guess it’s one of those corporate things where they don’t wanna be associated or affiliated with a certain type of brand. A T.I. video ain’t the best look in their eyes right now. No harsh feelings”.

Again, Louis Vuitton does not want to be associated with the hip-hop movement. So then why is Kanye West (in the above video) spitting a narcissistic rant in a room filled with L.V. swag? Because this year, Kanye collaborated with Louis Vuitton to create a sneaker line. The red sneakers made their debut at Paris Fashion Week.

Is hip-hop fashion and its artists now worthy to be associated with the Louis brand? Did LV have a change of heart? Is Kanye an exception to the rule or a sell-out? You decide.