Martin Luther King Jr.: The Fashion Icon.

It is Black History Month folks. I'm sure not a lot of you probably know that because since 1976 the culture and significance of Black History Month has slowly deteriorated. When I was in elementary school, it was a very big deal, and now being in a predominately white high school, I sometimes too forget about it. I feel as though we, as bloggers, should help get all of our readers more in the know about these significant people of our past. The orginial go-getters, trendsetters, and bad asses (for a good cause, of course.)

That said, today I would like to talk about Martin Luther King- from a fashion perspective. Martin Luther King Jr. is the first person who comes to mind when you think of African-American rights and civil justice. He was an ambassador for equal rights of African-Americans. Sadly on April 4th he was assassinated on his hotel balcony, by a Caucasian male. His legacy lives on today with being honored his own day in January, a national historic site in Atlanta, and numerous movies and books about him. However, has anyone taken a chance to discuss his marvelous fashion sense. The man could put on a three piece suit and speak eloquently in front of thousands of people. To a public speaker and fashion enthusiast he should be in your book of icons.

Below are some pictures compiled to showcase his style which was very contemporary, and dead on with classic trends that are still relevant now such as: Tweed suits; skinny ties; hounds tooth print; shiny notch lapel; tapered leg. His look was very- dare I compare- Tom Ford.

Justin Alvis

I don't need my Pringles in a can.

More and more I find myself more attracted to British Fashion. If I could go to any Fashion week, it would be London's. Every season I browse the list of Fashion Shows on GQ or Style for the season and get myself familiar with that line (I'm young and I do my research-don't judge me). Well, I clicked on Pringle of Scotland and got a pleasant surprise.

"Pringle of Scotland is a luxury knitwear manufacturer and importer. The brand is worn by the likes of Madonna, David Beckham, Nicole Kidman, Sophie Dahl, Claudia Schiffer, the television character Alan Partridge and British bands such as The Kooks, Dirty Pretty ThingsThe Twang. The company has stores in London’s Bond Street, Sloane Street and Bluewater Shopping Centre as well as in Japan and Taiwan and is sold by retailers in New York and Milan."

Men's Fall 2011

The Look: Cashmere, Cable knit, Fur, CHUNKY everything. You should know why I fell in love with it so quickly. The Wool sock with a leather  boot was done to the "T" in this collection as well.

Click Click for the rest of the collection

Constantly Overlooked

Before we discuss the song, let's discuss these bloody heels that she starts in. SCRUMPTIOUS. This is one of my favorite songs, by one of my favorite artists, Marsha Ambrosius. I've been a fan of her since Floetry days (yeah, that's her). This song is more than a R&B hit, it's spreading awareness for something that DOES happen and is often looked past. The video is about two gay males in a relationship and one being bullied to the extent that he takes his life. If you are simple-minded, or very emotional this video isn't for you. Marsha gets my highest respect for what she did. Spreading awareness using her talent, and pull. To everyone that's being bullied for WHATEVER reason- It gets better.

I ain't hungry.

Her name is Bevy Smith. First look you're asking, why is she so significant? Years back, Bevy quit her SIX FIGURE (yes, I said it) career at an advertising agency to pursue her dreams. She started taking acting lessons, painting, everything to find herself and discover her true talents. The first three years were TOUGH. But she mixed with the who's who and VOILA "Dinner with Bevy" was established.

What is Dinner with Bevy?
Dinner With Bevy is a private, invitation only soiree. Bevy's dinner party guest list reads like a "who's who" from the worlds of fashion, music, art, sports and entertainment! Bevy is known for hosting dinners that act as an incubator for lasting relationships.

Click to view inspirational videos and the socialite in action.

Phillip Lim CNN Talk Asia from 3.1PhillipLim on Vimeo.

"It was so difficult to actualize the fact that you can take pen to paper and sketch something"

Get into this inspiration. Making 60 million and under [40]. This is reiterating once again what I said in previous posts, "You have to start young". RUN DON'T WALK. LOVE me some Phillip LIM.

Diddy in the NFL?

I find it amazing how someone can rise from the bottom to the top in so little time. Example A: P.Diddy. Watch the video above to get insight as to why he eventually changed his aspirations from being a football player into a music mogul. Very interesting and inspiring. I mean he's inspiration because he was [[[19]]] he became the Vice President of a record company. I'm 15 with a blog and a brand that's growing more and more every day.

"I worked for free for 2 years"

Setting the tone.

Now let's start this year off right.

Simple[BOLD]

This red dress is from Caroline Herrera's Pre-Fall 2011 collection and is my favorite piece from the collection. I know, the first thing that comes to your mind is "Why would he pick such a boring dress out of her amazing pieces". Well, as you know I'm a minimalist. Less is sometimes more. This dress is so plain but when you see someone walk into the room with it it exudes this certain aura of esteem and wealth. A woman could be a guest at the party, yet walk in and look as if she's the host. These are the type of dresses where the best accessory is YOU. Pull your hair back and very little make-up and you will still be the most beautiful woman there. I'll conclude with a quote from Coco Chanel

"Look for the woman in the dress. If there is no woman, there is no dress."

Homeless to $500 shoes.

I know,  I know. The typical [RAGS] to [RICHES] tale has become bit of a bore, but what happens when the character of the fairytale gives us the details of The life. And not just details of any kind, advice. I'm not easily inspired because as a teenager living in Cleveland there isn't much to look up to. I use the internet as my tool to become well-rounded, culutred, and more educated on the world around me. Meet Great Scott. What is it he does you ask? He's a CEO of a company and he hasn't even turned 30 yet. Just watch and intake this MAN'S great advice (and impeccable teeth). Have a great week all!


Socially Awkward - Great Scott from Jonathan Stromberg on Vimeo.

This will be me one day.

Marquis Phifer x Morehouse Interview from LateBoots on Vimeo.
This is my second time posting about him. No it's not an obsession, but I know who should be my motivators and who shouldn't.
Best part: "You can walk into a room looking like a million dollars, and open your mouth and seem homeless"

Ugo Mozie

 

I'm rarely inspired by someone so much that I ask for an interview. When I seen Ugo, I was intrigued by his fashion sense that is similar to my taste. He's a stylist and actually a designer for his own clothing line entitled AstonMozie. His style and work ethic has landed him many jobs and the likes of celebrity friends galore. I touched bases with him via email and got actually a quick interview with him.

Inspiration at its peak.

Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor --
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now --
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.   "Mother To Son" -- Langston Hughes.