AFWNY 2011

Africa Fashion Week New York, or AFWNY, was an incredible array of fashion and culture from the Motherland. Produced by Adiree, this event spanned 3 days an brought a host of designers, vendors, models, stylists, and make up artists to the Broad Street Ballroom here in NYC to help in putting on a spectacular show. pictures coming soon!

Random Encounters-NYC

Ran into Vondie Curtis-Hall yesterday. It was inspiring to be in a place where just walking down the street you have the ability to rub shoulders with greatness. For all of you who dont know Mr. Curtis-Hall, i'd suggest a bit of Google. The brother is up on his game.

NYC

Any of yall who know me know i've relocated. Im in NEW YORK CITY now, out of the deep south and in the deep north...lol. Can somebody help me understand tho why its so freaking hot up here? Geez........ Other than that, I LOVE NY! Harlemmmmmmm!!!!

Last Photoshoot with Amir Thrash and Chloe Bailey

These are a few shots from my last photoshoot.
Models: Amir Thrash and Chloe Bailey.
Stylist & MUA: Nia Hall of CulturedCouture/UrbanAnatomy

A few pictures of the Voyage to Paris II Fasion Show

Antowan Fleeton was the creative force behind one of the largest most progressive fashion shows in Montgomery. Photography by myself, I told you i'm a PHOTOGRAPHER now! Just a few pictures of the show and the process of creating the show, as well as some of the more fashionable and memorable moments of the night. Enjoy fam!

BACK...for the first time lol

OK sooooo finally i'm updating my blog (blowing the dust off my keyboard). Maaaan its ben awhile but im newly renewed and feeling mad inspired! I want to give a quick shout out to Jonathan Taylor of UrbanAnatomy, thanks for the inspiration brotha. So whats new since I've been absent....OH MAN i'm a PHOTOGRAPHER now! Working with a magazine and everything. So yea man its on! I'll be posting my photographic experiences on the blog a lot, so feel free to comment. Thanks for the support and lets continue to be fashionable.

-Stay progressive my friends-

Lord David Nelson- The Interview

Hey ppl, I do believe I have found a great photographer in the likes of Lord David Nelson. Here's the interview:

1. What made you interested in photography?
My grandmother was an artist.. As a child, I couldn't paint like her so I'd get a camera and take photos of her paintings with a Polaroid to recreate what she did to be more like her. I'd carry around all those pictures I took of her paintings in my pockets

2. Tell us about your background
I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan in a two parent home. Both of whom were entrepreneurs. My mom owned a daycare which is still up and running and my dad, who is now retired, owned a moving company.


3. Why the "Lord" in your name?
My father was in the military and was an avid history buff. I was named after Britain's greatest naval hero.


4. What's your favorite style of photography?
Fashion!!!


5. Who or what is your inspiration?
Beautiful things that create the art of fashion.


6. Do you have any favorite photographers?
Markus Klinko and Indrani
Dave LaChapelle
Sarah Silver


7. When it's all said & done, what will people say about Lord David Nelson?
They won't say anything....they'll just smile then laugh.


8. Give me one quote that personifies your approach to photography
"Always evoke emotion"



I sincerely thank Mr. Nelson for his time and look forward to seeing him continue to rise in the photography world. Please visit his site, lorddavidnelson.com and view more of his incredible work, contact him, let him know he's great lol, and more importantly, keep him working!

One last look at the genius, the "Hooligan of English Fashion", Alexander McQueen. SPR2K10

Alexander McQueen was a giant in the industry, one that can not be replaced. His legacy will always be of a man with impeccable skills that always pushed the limit, always bridged the gap between fashion and art. His spring collection was a masterpiece and as such I will include a link to his final show, entitled "Plato's Atlantis. Enjoy, and R.I.P. Alexander McQueen.

Never Allow Location to Stagnate Your Growth!

I had an interesting conversation with Earry Hall, CEO of UrbanAnatomy, today. We were talking about small town talent and how important it is to branch out and away or risk stagnating your growth, sometimes with deadly consequences. See I have always felt like I want to bring big things to my small city of Montgomery. I can see such potential here. But as Mr Hall pointed out, you have to get away, travel, experience other culture and go places where you can continue to be challenged, therefore continuing to grow. Its so easy to become complacent in a small city. It's usually not long before your dedication makes you the best in your area. You may become that "go to guy", even a "local celebrity". At that point it's easy to become complacent. All of a sudden, becoming a leading photographer for Vogue takes the backburner to shooting local fashion shows and working on $200.00 photo shoots for local "models". Years go by, and all the emmense talent one might have had is wasted. I used a photographer but this example just as easily applies to designers, models, really anybody in the fashion industry. Don't become complacent!! Keep fighting and clawing your way to bigger and better and brighter futures. Never be afraid to reach your goals. never become complacent and settle for the comfortable. Strive to be the best you can be. And one day you'll look back and know it will all be worth it in the end!

Interview with Charles Andrews

In my opinion, Charles Andrews is definitely an up and comer in the industry. With an expansive collection and a great feel for fashion, you can expect to hear from him for many years to come. I recently had a chance to interview Mr. Andrews aka "The Couture Divo" and learned a little bit about the man behind the designs:

Me: What made you want to get into fashion design?

C.A: I always loved fashion. My mother sews, she was a big inspiration for me.

Me: What is your favorite style?

C.A: My favorite style is couture, because it's fashion you dont see everyday. Its very fashion forward.

Me: What is your ultimate goal?

C.A: My ultimate goal would be to become the next Valentino.

Me: Wow, an ambitious goal indeed! Who are your favorite designers?

C.A: My favorite designers are of course Valentino, Alexander McQueen, New Directions, and I really like Prada.

Me: What challenges do you face being a designer in Montgomery, Alabama?

C.A: Montgomery is a low fashion market compared to NY and LA. It's harder to be appreciated...

Me: Very true indeed. With that being said, do you have any advice?

C.A: "If you are really passionate about something, stick with it to the end"

Me: Great advice indeed, Mr. Andrews. Thanks for your time.


Charles Andrews can be seen as early as July here in Montgomery showing his collection in one of our fashion shows and as far away as New York in August. It will be a busy summer for him, which is always a good thing. You can find Charles Andrews and see some of his collection at his website here

Fashion News: Calvin Klein Parent Company To Buy Tommy Hilfiger Brand for $3B

LONDON (AFP) – The company behind Calvin Klein has bought fellow US fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger for 2.2 billion euros (3.0 billion dollars), Hilfiger's current owner said Monday.

Phillips-Van Heusen, one of the world's largest apparel companies, will open a "new chapter" in the the story of Hilfiger, said one executive.

"Funds advised by Apax Partners today announced a definitive agreement to sell Tommy Hilfiger Group ... to Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation for a total consideration of approximately 2.2 billion euros," Apax said.

Apax Partners, a leading British private equity group, bought Hilfiger in 2006 for 1.2 billion euros and has since boosted revenues, increased the brand's global presence and lowered its debts, Apax said.

"We've enjoyed working with them and now look forward to the next chapter in the Tommy Hilfiger story," Hilfiger chief executive Fred Gehring said.

Apax chief executive John Megrue said: "We are pleased that the company and brand are poised for continued growth."

Phillips-Van Heusen owns the Calvin Klein brand worldwide, the statement added. Its licensed brands include Kenneth Cole, DKNY, Sean John and Timberland.

-Editor's note: Interesting...Tommy Hilfiger is truly an iconic brand, one that has gone through many changes over the years. To infuse a small bit of the Calvin Klein look into that style of clothing should be very positive. We shall see though. Tommy Hilfiger has a worldwide audience. How will they accept the changes that no doubt are on the way? We shall see....

Tommy Hilfiger is known for its all-American casual and sports clothes, often featuring the preppy look of Ivy League American students, along with fragrances and accessories.

The company was struggling in its main US market when it was bought by Apax.

Apax partner Christian Stahl, who will join the Phillips-Van Heusen board after the sale, said that when they bought Hilfiger four years ago "the business was suffering in the US and had lost its clear positioning.

"We saw the strength of the international business and together with the management team developed a clear strategy for repositioning and restructuring the US business.

"We invested heavily for growth and were able to crystallise the inherent value in this iconic brand," he added.

Finally, some pics!

Earry Hall and myself had a real great day in Atlanta. A lot was accomplished and much good came of it. Inspiration was given out in buckets. So really, what more can you ask for?

Hottest Red Heels in Atlanta

Not to leave you ladies out, this incredible heel belongs to the shoe company Bakers (www.bakersshoes.com) and its going to be seen featured on the foot of some fortunate model in Reco Chapple's newest collection. I say thumbs up to the choice Reco. It is a work of art!

More 5 Point Madness!

Some great boutiques in 5 Point Atl:

Vinnie's Styles

Moods Music

Wish Atlanta

The Clothing Warehouse

I appreciate 3 out of 4 of these stores successfully emptying my bank account while I happily stood by and watched lol (Dont worry Vinnie's, you will get me next time!) All in all, these stores were awesome. I cant wait to go back and try some of the others

I Love My New Kicks!!!

These, my friends, are the Trinity Burgundy Hi-Top sneaks from shoemaker Supra. If you haven't been up on your shoe game, Supra is a brand thats been brewing a storm over the last few months. Im no true blue sneaker head; I only own like 4 pairs! But to say these are easily the most expensive sneakers I ever bought and I paid the price without even thinking about says that these works of art really blew my mind. I'm lovin the fact that these will not be seen on anybody else's feet in Alabama anytime soon. Exclusive sneaks? ChaChing! Wish in Atlanta (http://wishatl.com/cms/product/) is a sneaker lover's paradise!

Dope Artist of the Week

I was put on to this guy while I was in Atlanta. I bought his album on a whim, but man his energy, rhythm, and lyricism are excellent. He is truly an inspiration! So go buy his album. The name is Black Milk, he's out of Detroit and the name of the album is "Tronic". If you're a hip hop head this album will blow your mind...

Kidnapped By A Kreatif Genius

So maaaaaaaaaaaan i'm FINALLY getting home from a loooong day! Let me tell you tho it was awesome. There's thhis young entrepreneur I know, name is Earry Hall, CEO of UrbanAnatomy (www.urban-anatomy.blogspot.com). Well these super dope design/fashion/marketing genius and myself went to Atlanta to get some things accomplished for the remainder of the week's' festivities. See Mr Hall is about to move to N.Y. and leave us poor southerners to fend for ourselves....lol j/k he's leaving to light the torch for the rest of us who are hungry to make it happen. We have a photo shoot planned for later today (it is like 4:00 in the morning) and i'm personally on a quest to pick this man's brain for everything piece of knowledge he will allow me to scrape off his plate. We went to Atlanta to get a couple of pieces from Reco Chapple of House of Chapple Clothing Line (www.houseofchapple.com) as well as tie up a few loose business ends. Now I say "we" but best believe I was in learning mode most of the day. Honestly the man is an inspiration. And he taught me a lot about the little things, the various nuances of being a great marketeer and how in doing that you can build some great connections within the industry. Reco as always was a pleasure to work with, and I look forward to doing more work tomorrow and the rest of this week. I will be uploading pictures of Atlanta and writing more and more. I have finally found the inspiration I was desperately searching for! Who knew all I needed was to be kidnapped lolol!