Pink.

All credit due to the owners of these photos.

Thursday.

Watch The Throne was released a few days ago. I'm just getting around to listening to it. To celebrate its release, GQ released a Jay-Z v Kanye West fashion battle to decide which of the suave-spitting MC's effect the hip hop fashion world the most. While GQ allowed the couple to trade blows with their style, they used an image that reminded me of a Kanye that I had forgotten even existed. Do you recall Kanye West's hiatus? The dipped out of the social spotlight during a very complicated year of heartbreak? When he returned he did so with the highly underrated album 808's and Heartbreaks which still gets an incredible amount of play on my iPod. With that came the craziest, and most influential style phase that I have seen in the world of hip-hop. The famous picture of Yeezy sporting a plaid, grey suit, white shirt, no tie, white sneaks and the iconic red heart lapel embodied his style for the most part. The hiatus was accompanied by a heroic, transient beat in his music that would rip the soul out of every listener that would actually pay attention. Stunning videos such as: Amazing, Love Lockdown, Paranoid and Mr. Hudson's Supernova to name a few were symbols of what it was that was really coming out of the super-creative phase in the rapper's life. It was this phase however that really let me appreciate what it was that made Kanye, Kanye. Taking the opportunity to do something other than rap, it made him really something that many close-minded people couldn't grasp anymore. In fact, it made him something that no one could grasp. While not giving the artist the status of a deity, he certainly gave us something to think about when listening to music, reading magazines and picking our ensemble for the day. However, knowing that the man singing about a heartless woman was also the same man who made a song about a fellatio workout proves his diversity, and why he is my favorite musical artist, hands down. 

Mr. West, 808's Era.
All credit due to the owners of these photos.

I feel like anyone who took heed to Kanye's transformations got a sneak peek at a bit of his soul. This is something that a lot of artists don't really reveal to their fans. A lot of fake smiles, stuntin' and city shout outs is expected from hip hop artists nowadays. Of course, to really see what it takes that composes someone's thoughts, that's what really makes an artist stand out. While the argument that Ye makes this a bit too simple, with flagrant outbursts of emotion that seem to pop up every year or so, it's still more than I've seen from a number of other people. I've seen rappers do some crazy things (coughCam'romcough) and I've seen rappers do some pretty inventive things (will.I.am. wtf?), but I've never seen anyone dominate so many different aspects of influence as Yeezy does. If it isn't obvious yet, I'm a fan boy of the Louis Vuitton Don, but I'm only showing my admiration so adamantly because of my issues as a young man making the transition from creative to conformist. I'm always going to be able to listen to Kanye, and I'm always going to be able to wear what I want when I party, but for the majority of my waking week, soon I won't have many options. However, Ye gives me inspiration in this department. The ability to bend barriers until they mold to my liking is what I want, and I know it's going to be a risky maneuver, but I know it's going to be worth it. There's nothing worse than the stifling of creativity. I'm limiting the topic to fashion either! Sure, dress codes are a welcome counteraction to uniforms, but at the same time, there are still strict rules that prevent out-of-the-box thinking. I don't want to be in a position where I can't even think the way that I want to, but it may get to the point that I will have to if I want to make something of myself. That's why I can look at Yeezy as inspiration. I don't want to become the non-rap equivalent of the Dem Franchize Boys. I don't want to become a cliche. I would much rather be an anomaly. Murder to excellence, right?

By the way, OFWGKTA on two tracks. Frank Ocean = Beast.

Wednesday.

The Louis Vuitton Don.
All credit due to the owners of this photo.

Hellacious.

Photo from Fuck Yeah Nick Wooster.
Farewell Shark Week.

Clash.

Photo from Backyard Bill for GQ.

Hilarious.

Play close attention to his tattoos. Watch in Full Screen.

Blue.

All credit due to the owners of this photo.

Jazz.

Photo by Guerre. Black, Brown and Beige.

Sunday.

The unholy sanction of crippling heat and debilitating rain begets the hell that was these passed two days. While it has not prohibited me from posting an entry yesterday, or the day before, other things of course did. Those things? Friends and Family. Pretty good excuse right? Well I hope so anyway. These passed few days I've been engaged in a number of conversations concerning music. Attending a concert on Friday where I was able to see the likes of Far East Movement, Lloyd, Keri Hilson (faint), Rick Ross, Drake and Lil Wayne, I had a magnificent day. This of course was accessorized with a day of browsing around various retail stores and finally a night on the town with a merry band of cohorts. While I can't say the weekend went off without a hitch, it certainly was one of the most entertaining of the summer. I think it was well worth it to miss a couple of days of posting on my lil' ol' blog for! Besides, as I promised, I'm going to treat my readers with something a bit special today as opposed to the normal crap that you read on a daily basis (if I'm so lucky). Well, it's not that special, but it's significant enough to make up for the two days that I missed. Haha. In order to make up for two days, I'm just going to show you all the best two music videos you've never seen, and then I'm going to talk a bit about another one of my menswear inspirations.

While this young, Pittsburgh based, rapper is far from what people would normally expect to see from the countless stereotypes that are produced from the media, this video shines in its ability to be honest. Instant comparisons to Eminem or Wiz Khalifa noted, Malcom McCormick is in a league of his own. Not coming from a broken home, or poverty, or surrounded by adverse influences, it all comes clear in the intolerably cute home videos that he submits in the beginning of this video. Still young, Mac's decision to pursue hip hop seriously would only rear it's head four years ago. So while I was packing my things for a four year stay at The College of Wooster, he was honing his performance skills and memorizing lyrics. What has it done for him? Well he's officially been signed to Rostrum Records, which is the same label that supports recording artist Wiz Khalifa. So I suppose if you're going to compare Mac to the global nomad, compare him in terms of determination... oh and the fact that they're both from Pittsburgh. (Black and yellow, black and yellow etc.)

The first time I found this video, I replayed it a total of six times. Three times for the video, two times for the song, and one time to see them work in unison. I've lost count of how many times I've watched it afterwards. The powerful animation does little but honor the capabilities of ambient melody that Danger Beach produces. Almost reminiscent of a musical story ala Peter and the Wolf, Danger Beach allows our imagination to run wild with the story that we create with these three unique styles of play. However, it is this video that puts our imagination into fruition, with an animation design which rivals our conception. I could spend hours talking about what this video means, but at the sake of not wanting to sound like one of those guys, I'm going to let you decide what you want about this video, and the song it is based on.

Theophilus London
All credit due to the owners of this photo.

Who the hell does this guy think he is? It's one thing to be envied for your musical talents, I get that. He makes music that is not only genre-defying, but authentic art, I get that. It's something completely else to be one of the coolest guys on the face of the earth. He's cool, having a wardrobe to die for he gets away with things that most people would be mocked for wearing. Now, it's something that's unforgivable to be all of these things, and only be twenty-two years old! There are only two male musicians that I admire for both their music and their fashion sensibility. The first is Kanye West, who needs no further explenation. I mean, the guy has a song called 'Christian Dior Denim Flow' for heaven's sake. He's collaborated with an incredible amount of famous brand names from Louis Vuitton to Nike, and is even rumored to be launching his own line this fall. The fashion photographers love him, and for good reason. So for Theophilus London to be capable of comparing to the Louis Vuitton Don is saying something: instantly. Having style tastes that rival my own, I know that if I were ever to meet my icon, I know that there would be instant conflict. Why? Jealousy. True, while last name London, first name Theophilus has a style that is an ode to his hometown of Brooklyn, he still holds my heart when it comes to the ability to dress how one wants, when one wants. I mentioned earlier about about stereotypes of rappers. While I'm no longer convinced that Theophilus falls under that category, he still breaks the mold. Chains and shades aside, one would be hard pressed to find a rapper nowadays that wears his paints on his waist, with his shirt tucked in, and a sun hat on top of his head. What makes matters worse is that he's not just a snazzy dresser, he also produces music of incredible quality.

Theophilus London ft. Ducks
All credit due to the owners of this photo.

Having released an incredible amount of music in the form of both singles, mix-tapes and EP's, Theophilus has yet to disappoint me with a single key of music. Having recruited the musical talents of Devonte Hynes (aka Lightspeed Champion, for who I've been a longtime fan), Mark Ronson (incredible!) Solange Knowles (not so much) and others, he is quickly finding himself with a legion of fans waiting to see what he is capable of. Even having big names like Va$htie produce his video for his cover of Tweet's "Oops," he was able to land the artistic, and well appreciated talents of Lindsay Lohan. While it appears he is taking a different route than another one of my favorite up and coming rappers (Tyler the Creator), there is no mistaking the fact that his audience is behind him all the way. Also, his LP is purchasable on iTunes for $10. 

Now someone get this man a Wikipedia page and lets go hate on his Complex fashion shoot!

Thursday.

I have a little story to tell. After posting yesterday's entry, I stayed up for a few more hours. During my two cups of late night coffee, I continued to promote Origami Citizen on Twitter, which of course is nothing out of the ordinary. However, what is out of the ordinary is that the focus of yesterday's post, Nick Wooster, got wind of the post, and of my tweets and decided to let me know about it. Of course, he being the man that he is was no doubt awake far before my nine o' clock alarm went off. So as I fumbled awake this morning, the first thing I noticed was an e-mail from Twitter notifying me that I had a new follower: Nick Wooster. Ecstatic, I tweeted my thanks and admiration to him, only for him to thank me. What a magnificent guy! People say that the fashion industry is precarious and shallow? They obviously haven't met Nick Wooster. I'd say he's a pretty well rounded gentleman. Haha.

Nick Wooster
Photo from Fuck Yeah Nick Wooster

On another note, today is indeed Thursday. This of course means that at ten o' clock tonight, one of my new favorite television series will be airing it's fifth episode. While I am not really a TV person, every once in a while there is a series that really catches my attention. In fact, I could probably count the list of my favorite television programs on one hand. However, when I heard about USA's new series Suits, I knew that I had to at least give it a try. After watching the hour and a half long pilot, I was instantly hooked. Following the life of a twenty-something college dropout with the, now overused thanks to Psyche and The Mentalist, ability to remember things in the blink of an eye, and his hot shot lawyer boss, this series is absolutely promising. What makes this show stand out, considering super-memory is now cliche, is the chemistry between the characters. The slick back hair, pinstripe loving, three-piece-suit persona that is Harvey Specter is devilishly smart, and has the word 'ambition' written on his forehead. He holds the throne for what every man wants to be: a smart, daring, stylish, rich womanizer who knows how to get what he wants. His partner, Mike Ross is what the reality of the situation is. In over his head, his intelligence is only an accessory to his work ethic. Being the 'new guy' at the firm, his coworkers are reluctant to help, giving him more trouble than assistance for the most part.

Harvey (center) and Mike (right)
All credit due to the owners of this photo.

However, there is an element of romance slowly starting to crop up between all of the busywork that Mike engages in. Between filing paperwork and being scolded by Harvey, Mike interacts with the firm's most promising paralegal: Rachel Zane, played by Meghan Markle. While this is my first time seeing the actress' work, it goes without saying that she is a bombshell. With a quirky attitude and a chip on her shoulder, Rachel is what every man wants in an office romance. Mysterious gazes, complex outfits and a smile that is only saved for those who earn it, she has the whole package. However, considering we are still in the introduction phases of the program, Rachel and Mike have had only one douse of drama. While I'm not going to spoil anything for those who wish to catch up on the program, I will say that we've all been there before. So listen, do yourself a favor, watch the show. While I would say the series markets at those 19-30, it gives some inspiration for not only how hard the corporate world is, but how to dress in it as well. At least once per episode, Harvey will scold Mike about what he's wearing, which I find pretty interesting. Kids these days. 

Ms. Markle
All credit due to the owners of this photo.

You know, I'd even go as far to say that I almost like this show just as much as I like How to Make it in America. Almost.

Wednesday.

While I'm not sure if I have a living style icon, there is one guy that comes pretty darn close: Nickleson Wooster. Sharing the same surname as my alma mater, Nick Wooster is daring, classy and incredibly knowledgeable about men's clothing. So much so that he is capable of wearing a pair of heels (yes, stilettos) and still be considered cool in my books. While I would never be so bold as to don a pair myself, I understand that style is all about testing oneself. This philosophy is clear as day on Bergdorf & Neiman Marcus' previous Men's Fashion Director. While never really having the option to wear any of the things in Mr. Wooster's closet, he follows the same fashion inspiration that I do, and it is seen in a number of his outfits. This is the idea of a 'splash.' What is a splash you ask? Simple: A splash of color. Neutral colors are eternal. We have work white, black, grey and brown for centuries, and they continue to be our most decadent color choices because of their simple versatility. So while wearing what we can rely on, in neutral colors, we can include daring spots in our ensemble with a different color or design that stands out in your outfit. Of course it's not a matter of just wearing a random color and being cool, it's a matter of knowing which splash works for which combination! That's what makes Nick shine so much. 

Nick Wooster (above)
All credit due to the owners of this photo.

Let's look at men's fashion first. There are three corporate shirt colors: white, blue and soft pink. Any other colors would be considered either unprofessional or daring to many corporate offices. However, where a man really gets to express himself in the office is his choice of tie. True, it is possible for a tie to be inappropriate as well, but if your boss calls you out, just change it! While I would never wear a pair of canary yellow bucks, Nick seems to make them look amazing, despite their ridiculous hue. The simple suit, with the perfect splash of color to drive it home. Again, much like I was saying yesterday, women have a few more options than we do when it comes to 'dressing up.' Though instead of the tie, women have the option of shoes or accessories. It is very possible to wear unprofessional shoes in the office, but it would be much more unlikely for your boss to call you out for wearing a black suit and canary heels than it would be for a man to wear a black suit and canary oxfords. The secret is to be subtle with your colors. Don't go for something that's incredibly loud unless you want to be incredibly loud. Take some inspiration from 'The Wooster,' and see what you find. If you like it, then stick with it! If not, then don't worry about it, on to the next inspiration. Just remember to be creative!

Nick Wooster as "Mustached Yakuza."
All credit due to the owners of this photo.

Of course, these are my own personal tastes, but if the previous Men's Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus does it, then why shouldn't I?


P.S. If you want to see more Wooster looks, check out his stalker's paradise, or his own blog.

Tyler.

All credit due to the owners of this photo.

Pink.

Photo from Tommy Ton for GQ.

Bow.

Photo by Guerre.