Saturday, June 25, 2011

YOU'VE BEEN.... TRUNKED!!!!

Check out the video for my Summer 2011 Swimwear Collection that was showcased at Harlem Week.
http://youtu.be/kACCmSqGngA

Dekalb Market: UPDATE 3: Date Change for Store Opening

The store opening has been pushed back a week.  Instead of opening July 16th, we will now open on July 23rd.  The construction crews felt like thay needed an extra week just to make sure everything was done.  It also gives us more time for build out and to get the items we need for the store.  Exciting Yes?

Thursday, June 23, 2011

What's So Unique about UNIQUE?

I first spotted UNIQUE Thrift/Vintage Store from the window of the #1 train.  I lived in Riverdale at the time and always wondered what is was as i would see people coming in and out as if they were looting.  One Saturday I decided to go in and it changed my life (Yes! I know that reads dramatically).

As a Designer and Photographer, part of my job is to sometimes come up with concepts for my shoots and UNIQUE became my prop heaven.  When i say they have some of everything up in there, i am not kidding.

As a creative and working in the fashion industry, what i visually present to the world is important but i'm no fashionista (at least not from garment district point of view).  I like to create looks for myself that are uniquely me (pun intended). UNIQUE not only helps me step up my style qoutient but also shows my character.

Imagine my surprise after moving to Brooklyn recently that they had a UNIQUE store as well (I swear i would've made the trek back to the Bronx if i had to).

Located at 408 Fulton Street in the Fulton Mall area of Downtown Brooklyn, Unique Thrift/Vintage Store offers some great clothing options such as Blazers, Coats, Sweatshirts, Shoes, Bags, Hats, etc. with great details and ridiculously low prices. With the economy being the way it is, everyone is looking for a deal.  I recently purchased a whole outfit for $11.84 (Yes! I'm serious).  The cherry on top is that on Monday's they give an additional 25% off.  

For all my dudes that are on a budget like me but still want to look fly,  i would suggest you drop by at your earliest opportunity.

Dekalb Market: UPDATE 2

I met Nicole this morning.  She is the Logistics Manager for the Dekalb Market and provided me and 2 other vendors with a tour of the grounds and layed out for us where everything would be placed.


Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Introducing: CAMELL PAGE

Model/Actor and Event Host.  Camell is a "Jack Of Many Trades" and seems to be mastering them all.  Having wrecked shop in the game for the last two years with appearances in both New York and Philadelphia Fashion Weeks, the Philadelphia based model is poised to continue his assault in the world of modeling for the remainder of 2011 and 2012 with more magazine covers, events and hopefully something for the upcoming pilot season out in Los Angeles.

Camell is not an agency model and likes the autonomy he has over his image. He says "By not being an Agency model, it forces me to step my hustle up because the competition is crazy".

He also says "There are a lot of people of color who want to pursue this business but unfortunately there isn't a lot of work for us.  I'm not saying because of that, not to pursue it, but what i am saying is learn to create opportunities for yourself and don't be afraid to spread your wings in other directions".



The Dekalb Market: UPDATE

Went by the to check on the store and the progress of the market today.  Aside from one girl being on the phone while her co-workers were sweating bullets and plowing dirt around her (You can see her in the middle picture on the right hand side,lol), they seem to be making great strides.

I don't see any physical structures yet except for what i assume will be the new Albee Square Mall which is not scheduled to open until Spring 2012, but they're working hard and making it happen.

Monday, June 20, 2011

Introducing: STEVEN MONTALVO

Steven brings the heat.  This Puerto Rican nice guy and Bronx native now residing in Florida has been raising temperatures on the runway as well as print over the last few years.

Steven wanted to pursue modeling because he felt like there wasn't a strong latin male model presence in the mainstream modeling world and decided if he were going to pursue it, he didn't want to be pigeonholed into a "specialized" market.

He says "Living in New York, you're surrounded by all different types of cultures.  We all laugh, love, pray the same and we pretty much buy the same kinds of clothing so when marketing to us, the campaigns should reflect that".

Indeed!!!!

ACCESSORIES ARE COMING, ACCESSORIES ARE COMING

I've dabbled in Jewelry Design, Backpacks and products for the home over the years but never made a real commitment to it until now. 

For the store, I will be creating Pendants, Necklaces and Watches as well as the aforementioned Backpacks and Home Products using recycled materials.  I hope this will be a great addition to the product line.

Here is a sneak peek:


Sunday, June 19, 2011

Introducing: STEFAN BAIRD

Stefan's career is on a steady rise since appearing in Marsha Ambrosius "FAR AWAY" music video. http://youtu.be/zRwLMC2wP0g . The Marc Ecko model has now decided that he's going to conquer acting next and has been auditioning while still shooting ad campaigns. 

Glad i had a chance to shot him (with my camera) before his head explodes,lol (Just Kidding SB!!!).

Introducing New Model: Kyle Raines

Model/Rapper Kyle Raines (aka Don Finesse) is a man on a mission.  He is determined to break stereotypes within the world of male modeling.  Although just beginning to get his feet wet in the game, he's learned very quickly that opportunites are made and not always given and with that, has plans to create his own brand not only through modeling but his music as well.  I've attached a link so you can see Kyle do what he loves. http://youtu.be/ukWs_zh9aAc

Introducing: SURGE

Shot a new MC who goes by the name "SURGE" today. He just shot a music video for his first single "UP ALL NIGHT" off of his new mixtape entitled "KINGDOM OF THE POOR" (I love that title) and it was his first photoshoot. 

I'm not sure which direction he will eventually go in regarding his style but i was glad to be a part of it's inception.  Thank you Alexis Grullon (SURGE's Manager).

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Miami Here I Come

I've been invited to participate in the SOBE Men's Fashion Show in South Beach , July 14-17, which happens to be the same weekend my store is opening.  I'm excited because i've never been to Florida let alone South Beach.  I'll have to  figure out the scheduling for that.

In the meantime, i'll post a couple of photos of the pieces i'm creating for the show.  Ian, the Founder of the event has asked me to create a summery, urban line to show along with a swimwear and underwear brand.

Here are some pieces in pre and post production:

Petal Swimming Trunks
 

Star Shouldered Tank




Friday, June 17, 2011

Well, I finally did it.  I signed the lease agreement for my first retail space today.  I am nervous, excited, petrified and i must have vomited five times. 

We'll be opening in the new Dekalb Marketplace off of the Flatbush Extension in Downtown Brooklyn on July 16th.  Yeah! I know, not a lot of time to get it together but sink or swim, by hook or by crook, we will open.

One of the cool things about the store is that they've recycled old shipping containers, insulated them, put in wood floors and glass windows. There will be a  Farmers Market that will have fresh produce, some really cool restaurants and boutiques and Pratt is opening an Art Gallery.

I can't believe my dream is really and finally coming true. I have wanted this for so long and now that the time has come i'm "beyond giddy" and if you know me, then you know that's saying a lot.

Over time, we'll be doing some interesting stuff in the space but before i start sharing that, let's get it open.