Art and Fashion.

Alexander Wang Fall 2010


Photo: (via)TheFashionIllustrator.com

Music Notes. Fans Begin Jody Watley Showcase Campaign For BET Awards 2011

It's truly humbling to know that your music continues to touch people enough in such a way that it would initiate this type of grass roots campaign. Of course performing live is the greatest joy for me as an artist and I would be happy if this happens. Ultimately though, I'll be full of gratitude to everyone involved in this, regardless of the outcome.

Repost from Facebook.

This is a CAMPAIGN for fans of JODY WATLEY who want to see her showcased on the 2011 BET Awards.

Every year the BET Awards acknowledges one artist, in particular, who has given us music that has been a part of the soundtrack to our lives.

Noting two of these artists, in 2008, Maxwell surprised everyone when he strolled out onto the stage in a tribute segment to Al Green. This year at the 2010 BET Awards, El DeBarge did a medley of his greatest hits, as well as a new song from his upcoming CD.

After selling over twenty million albums and singles worldwide, it is now JODY WATLEY'S TURN!!!

Unlike the aforementioned artists, Jody Watley has not taken a 'hiatus.' She has continued to make music and tour over the years. Many of her early fans are still here with her and are very familiar with her SOLO catalogue. She is still going strong! Her acknowledgement by the industry is long overdue and we are positive that having her showcased on the 2011 BET Awards woud be a highlight of the night.

We started this campaign yesterday (Wed, July 7th) and already there has been tremendous support.

Please continue the support and sign up if you would like to see the fabulous JODY WATLEY spotlighted on the 2011 BET Awards! (Also, leave a comment. Thanks!)

Let's show BET that there is still a hunger for the innovative, ever evolving, always fabulous JODY WATLEY!

Click header of this post to be directed to the Facebook Page to join the campaign.

Chichia London.

Prints can be tricky because they stand out so much, reducing how many ways you can mix them up in your wardrobe. That said, I really like this coat from the Dar collection of Chichia London. Designer Christine Mhando was born in Tanzania and raised in London launching this eclectic line of dresses and separates in 2007. For my eyes it's a fashion forward take on African kanga.








Photo: (via) Chichia London

Daily Bliss.

Notes.

"Forgiveness in no way requires that you trust the one you forgive."
-The Shack, William P. Young

The French Manicure Gets A Couture Makeover

From the Yves St. Laurent Fall 2010 Couture Collection, I will be trying all of these combinations.
















Photo: (via) French VOGUE
www.vogue.fr

Music Notes: Dam-Funk. Jody Watley and The LA Times

My blog made it into a wonderful piece in the LA Times titled "A Day At The Carnival with Dam-Funk". This is pretty cool to me. It's really important to not be stagnant, to be open to new possibilities and to keep things moving.

Valentino Fall Couture 2010

This is very sweet. There was a time I would have rocked this hard, I rarely wear dresses now especially short ones.





Photo: (via) style.com

Jean Paul Gaultier Fall 2010 Couture

There are many looks in Gaultier's Fall collection I'd wear. There's always a touch of theatre in his designs which make his clothes a great choice when you want to make a bold style statement. I like the new take on his signature trench coat updated with bat sleeves. I've worn many of Gaultier's clothes over the years dating back to 1984, most notably his couture in my classic video "Friends" with Eric B. and Rakim.




Photo's: (via) style.com
View Complete Collection

Filson x Vans Vault Collection.

Photo: (via) highsnobiety.com

I Like His Style. LeBron James

Like everyone else, I wonder where LeBron will play next season, and the next several years for that matter. I'll be watching his announcement tomorrow on ESPN. Will he remain the 'Hometown Hero'?
















Photo: GQ, Feb. 2009

Notes.

"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." -E.E. Cummings

In Love With Christian Dior Fall 2010 Couture

John Galliano has created an absolutely breathtaking collection. Here are two more inspired looks from Christian Dior Fall 2010 Couture.












Photo's: (via) style.com

Target to Open First Store in Harlem Featuring Limited Edition Designs

To celebrate the landmark opening of Target in East Harlem New York, the chain has asked designers Stephen Burrows, Isabel and Ruben Toledo and chef Marcus Samuelsson to create Harlem-centric designs which will be available in limited edition beginning July 25, 2010. The collections will include swimwear, beach towels, T-shirts, dresses, cooking aprons and mitts.



















Photo: (via) style.com

Christian Dior Fall 2010 Couture Collection

J'adore.



















Photo: (via) style.com

Armani Prive Couture: Redefining Classic Hollywood Glamour

A couple of my favorite looks from Armani's Prive Fall Couture Collection 2010 titled 'A Play On Amber'. I love the modern take on classic Hollywood glamour.















Photo's: (via) style.com

Art and Fashion.

Vintage Illustration: (via) elphicks.wordpress.com

Fashion Forward. J. Crew Fall 2010

Photos: (via) J. Crew

Chloe Ready To Wear Fall 2010

A few choice looks from Chloe, which feature a return to classic silhouettes and rich color palettes.

















Photos: (via) style.com

Serena Williams in Harper's Bazaar

Fresh from being crowned 4 time Wimbledon Champion and continuing to cement herself as one of the all time greats of tennis, Serena Williams is featured in the August issue of Harper's Bazaar. She discusses how her body image has changed over the years and more.
Click the header of this post to read full article.






















Photo: (via): HarpersBazaar.com

Notes.

"Push yourself beyond when you think you are done with what you have to say. Go a little further. Sometimes when you think you are done, it is just the edge of the beginning. Probably that’s why we decide we’re done. It’s getting too scary. We are touching down onto something real. It is beyond the point when you think you are done that something strong comes out… I give this advice out of pure experience. Go further than you think you can."
— Natalie Goldberg

(via: http://watermirrors.tumblr.com/)

Music Notes. Jody Watley Surprise Appearance with Dam-Funk At The Troubadour

The legendary Troubadour in Los Angeles got a heavy dose of groove on the night of July 2. An enthusiastic sold-out crowd was there to experience Dam-Funk the long haired maestro of the modern electro 'groovement' and critically acclaimed LA based 'Ambassador of Boogie Funk' as he is called around the world. When I arrived Stones Throw Records founder and DJ 'Peanut Butter' Wolf was marinating the crowd like a fine chef, prepping for the main course spinning an incredible set, synchronized with accompanying classic video which played as a backdrop. The crowd danced and cheered with nearly every clip which included an eclectic mix of classics ranging from a tribute to the King of Pop Michael Jackson, A Tribe Called Quest, DJ Quik and J Dilla in addition to bands like Slave and Brick. To the crowd of twenty somethings this vintage music which obviously preceded them in years or at the least may have been from their early childhood, was not about an old school trip down memory lane. More than likely, this music represents a quality of sound from an era where organic and soulful rhythms ruled, and these young adults are embracing it today as their own. The presentation in this setting with new generals at the helm, is no doubt a refreshing option to some of today's commercial and sterile pop formulas.

Renowned Stones Throw artist Aloe Blacc came out and tore it up with his poignant song "I Need a Dollar" as the larger than life projection of the accompanying video played behind him. Also taking the stage were MC Eiht and wonderfully irreverent female artist Jimi James. When the magnetic Dam-Funk took the stage with his band Master Blazter and launched into the spirited jam "Burn Straight Thru U", the crowd went into a frenzy and you couldn't help but be moved. I was watching from above the stage and shimmied and boogied with one of my dearest friends, who'd come with me on this night out. This is the kind of party music that people always say they miss. It is here in a new form and I highly recommend your legal download and purchase of Dam-Funk's release "Toeachizown". There are many choice cuts including his collaboration with Mark de-Clive-Lowe 'Candy Dancin'. If you're a vinyl fiend, you can also find the limited edition LP edition via Stones Throw Records.

The atmosphere at The Troubadour reminded me of the first time I saw Prince at The Roxy at his Los Angeles debut concert. It was raw, sexy and funky. Just as it was with Prince, it was easy to recognize that you were witnessing something transformational. Dam-funk blends classic sounds of the 70's and 80's with his own gangsta swagger and signature modern electro sound, turning it into a new and intoxicating brew.

I came out for a surprise appearance and did a mash-up to the appropriately titled "(My Funk Goes) On & On" with verses from a couple of my own classics "Looking For a New Love" and "Friends" surprising many with my interpretation of one of Rakim's memorable verses. The bass was so heavy it felt like the whole building was shaking. The great thing about performing in front of a younger audience is that the love and respect are there without the baggage and expectations of the past. Admittedly, there is an immense joy and freedom I get from that. Before leaving the stage I had the crowd chanting "Dam-Funk's In The House" and he returned the favor, as the crowd went bananas. With so many memorable moments in my career, no doubt tonight is placed among the list of highlights. I loved every minute of it just as much as the crowd seemed to.









Pics:
(via): Dam-Funk

(via): http://www.hayabusa.bz/news/2010/07/dam-funk-master-blazter.php

(via): Twitter/Tweetphoto, Bombai

Daily Bliss.

Creating great memories today so you live with few regrets tomorrow.

Notes.

"Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark in the hopeless swaps of the not-quite, the not-yet, and the not-at-all. Do not let the hero in your soul perish in lonely frustration for the life you deserved and have never been able to reach. The world you desire can be won. It exists…it is real…it is possible…it’s yours."
-Atlas, Ayn Rand