Unconditional Love

British line Unconditional may not have made the loudest buzz here in the states just yet, but Fashion Forward Men wants to take this opportunity to show you just what you have been missing.  Hope that you enjoy the Fall 2010 collection.  

Shady Stevie

My (very)early Tuesday morning turned out to be like many of my other ones. Due to my inability to sleep through the night,  I wake up around 3-4 a.m.,  get a glass of water, and return to bed flipping through my phone until I am sleepy enough to return to dreamland.  All seemed fine until I saw a retweet from eyewear designer Stevie Boi.  Originally posted by Stevie's publicist, the message read "I was just held hostage in the airport because of some syringe sunglasses made by  SB Shades." Because of my warped sense of humor, I allowed myself to return to bed...laughing. 

Although Stevie Boi (founder of SB Shades) has been designing eyewear for quite sometime, it wasn't until a year ago he decided to take his creations public.  Already causing a stir, SB Shades has been spotted on the faces of  Ester Dean, Eva Marcille Pigford, Marcus Paulk, Trina, and a number of other celebrities.  And although the company has been blessed with a well known fan base, SB awaits the day to see the legendary Grace Jones in some of his works. 

 Not personally knowing Stevie Boi, I knew that I would have to put myself further out on a limb in order to make this piece one of more depth.  The majority of the models, photographers, and designers I interview, I already know, so it wasn't all that difficult to ask particular questions.  We as artist can be very sensitive about our craft,  and the last thing I want to do was offend.  For the record, SB answered all off my questions with great maturity and professionalism, which allowed me to develop a greater sense of who he was.  

  We live in a world that is heavily influenced by POP culture.  A great many individuals who idolize artists such as Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and Rhianna go out of their way to look like, or sometimes impersonate them-often times losing who they are themselves.  Mocking has always been known as a form of flattery and I see nothing wrong with that, AT ALL!!!  I  also don't have a problem with designers who are smart enough to recognize there is a market out there for those who want to dress like these icons.  They incorporate pieces into their collections in order to capitalize.  Because of SB Shades producing such edgy frames, I had to ask Stevie Boi about this. 

"Its just a trend.  Unlike others that's what I
am aware of. This is why I stress originality because without it you
can be a trend to," he responds.

Making sure not to knock off others, Stevie Boi draws inspirations from his own life, colors that surround him, and even his nightmares.  Aside from his publicist, manager, photographer, and assistant,  I found it fascinating that the designer is still working alone in his production process, especially because of the number of people being spotted in his frames. 

 Despite of SB Shades notoriety amongst the elite, the company wants everyone to realize that its merchandise is available for those who simply crave a bit more flair.  The eyewear ranges anywhere from $15-$500 dollars and custom made frames are also made. 

Keeping it a secret, Stevie Boi obviously has more business ventures in the works.  When asked what it was, he only replied with one word..."Luxury." So with that note, Fashion Forward Men wishes him the best, and wants him to know we will be watching. 

TATTED LEATHER

This may get me into some trouble, but I am just expressing my opinion.  Although I have several tattoos on my body, I am not the biggest fan when some artist crossover into the world of fashion i.e. Ed Hardy.  Just when I thought the infusion of these two worlds would be impossible without looking overly trendy, I come arcross Louis Vuitton's spring 2011 collaboration with New York tattoo artist Scott Campbell.  This bags are not only HOTT, but they also having staying power. 

When Fashion and Art Collade

Photographed by Thomas von Aagh, Tom Rebl showcases his Fall 2010 collection- the way it should be done.

McQUEEN BLING

Even men sometimes need statement pieces... These McQueen rings are just that.   The retail for about $280.00

John Rocha 

Spring/Summer 2011

(maybe its just me, but I am loving the sandals)

THE FACE TO WATCH

Bronx native Corey Baptiste is on the fast track The handsome model is represented by VNY and is bound to cause a stir.

NEIL BARRETT

Being the Fashion Forward Man himself, designer Neil Barrett(above) brings his personal style to his Fall 2010 collection.  

TONY WARD HAS TEN

Now that I have your attention, get your mind out the gutter.  For this current anniversary issue of 10 Magazine, controversial-bad boy supermodel Tony Ward graces their cover.  After being in the business for almost 30 years now, Tony has not skipped a beat and still has what it takes to keep us in awe.

Keep Your Friends Close, and Your Contacts Closer

Rudy's "Reeds"

This next installment of Rudy's"Reeds" is about preservation...Self Preservation.  It is said that as we grow older, the wiser we come to be...I happen to think this is complete rubbish.  In fact, I believe the older we get, the more set in our ways we become.  And when this happens, we tend to let our guards down.  This message may sound as though I am talking from an emotional stand point and not about fashion, and in some cases you are right.  But what I am really trying to convey to all of you is that some of those individuals in business we have grown to value, as well as those we hold dear in our personal lives may actually have alterior motives.

For some time now, I have tried my best to treat those I work with in a professional manner.  Yes because I consider myself nice, but moreso because I may need help with future projects of my own.  As of lately, two people that I thought were friends and reliable contacts have begun to show their true colors.  One of these people I have known for a few years, while the other I view as having great potential but needing guidance.

Recently my long time friend began asking me several questions and for contact information.  I thought this was fantastic because they were  being ambitious with their goals.  Unfortunately when I needed help, my "friend" acted as if my projects weren't as important.
 STRIKE ONE.

The second individual isn't as seasoned as the first so I got them  involved in many upcoming projects.  Some they participated in, and others they couldn't.  That's understandable.  The problem is that with particular  projects they managed to secure, they failed to invite me as well as others who assisted them in this achievement.  I wasn't expecting a plaque or anything, just a simple invitation to the events.  Am I wrong? STRIKE TWO. 

Bottom line people is when it comes to relations you have worked long and hard to build a trust in, consider keeping them to yourself.  Be weary of "climbers" because you never know if they are looking out for your best interest, or just themselves.  Models, if you know of a great photographer, you may want to keep that relationship close to you instead of spreading them info to the world.  You may loose out on work buy doing this.  Same goes for stylist, makeup artist and everyone else in the industry. 
GOOD LUCK.

***Special thanks To MultiTasking Photographer Jerris Madison for opening my eyes to such people .

http://www.fashionforwardmen.com/2010/10/multitasking-madison.html 

Scoot In With A Limited Addition

Returning to Fashion Forward Men once again, Scooter LaForge entices the fashionable gritty with his designs.  Teaming up with Nasty Pig, Scooter created a limited edition series of 12 signed art pieces entitled WasteLine.  These one of a kind hand screened and dyed shredded tees, underwear and socks, all come packaged in its own lunchbox.  Like his previous works, this collection infuses the innocence of childlike imagery with the twisted more deranged mature.  


http://www.scooterlaforge.com

THE INCOGNITO DESIGNER

Artist can sometimes be very mysterious creatures.  While some enjoy being in the spotlight just as much as their work, others choose to bury themselves in their craft and let their creations speak for them.  Atlanta based designer Kirk Kelley may come off as being somewhat reclusive, but being that his designs have created such a buzz throughout  Hotlanta, he may just have to come from behind his sewing machine to give the world a more formal introduction.

Although born in Leesville, Louisiana, the former army brats family settled in Talladega, Alabama after his parents separated.  Kirk describes the city as being opened minded, but their ways of thinking somewhat limited.  Realizing that he had more of a creative mind, and knowing that Alabama wasn't the place to flourish, his intentions were to move to New York and attend F.I.T.  These plans were quickly shut down by his mother because she thought it was too far for him to be without family.  Compromising, they agreed that he would move to Atlanta instead, and attend Bauder College.

 For a particular amount of time, Kelley was primarily recognized for his womenswear.  Deciding to show people that mens attire doesn't have to always be boring, he made the transition in markets.  And although he mostly makes clothing for men, its not for just any man.  "I design for socialites and people who want to be seen.  They don't necessarily have to be celebrities, just people who appreciate edgier looks," he explains. 

As our interview continued, we chatted about the problems we had with the mindset of many men when it comes to fashion.  A couple of years ago I wrote an article entitled Fashion Boxes for gbmnews.  In the piece, I described how mainstream tends to bash or mock individuals who take risks in their fashion sense.  It isn't until one of their idols i.e. rappers adopt a look or trend that  they almost forget their original thoughts. "The unwillingness of communities to accept more creative things annoys me," he says. 

 As for Kirk's idols, he loves the works of Cavalli, Dolce and Gabbana, and Alexander McQueen.  Though their works are amazing, even they sometimes have to rely on others to capture their visions to create stories that appeal to more of a massive audience.  Because his designs have a more editorial feel, Kirk has been working with photographers Ty Xavier Weldon(above pic), and Elvis Piedra to create magic.  Although  Kelley describes their creative styles to be somewhat similar, and enjoys working with both,  it is obvious that their styles differ in some ways.  "Ty is more open on set and allows the hair and makeup up artist a bit more freedom, whereas Elvis goes in with a  more particular overall vision/concept. Kirk's most recent collaboration with Piedra was simply amazing.  Featuring the Harris Twins, the designer and photographer created a mystical world in a story called Where The Fashion Things Are.

 For the past few years, Kirk has been my secret weapon/go to guy when I needed those incredible one of a kind pieces for my shoots.  This year he plans on launching his own website, as well as making a line of shirts/tees that mass consumers will be able to identify with.  He also revealed that his next collection will pay homage to jackets.  Somewhat of a  vague explanation, but I will of course keep you informed.  


 

A DIOR HOMME MOVIE

Sure, he may be a bit of a womanizer, but check out Jude Law in this Dior Homme movie directed by Guy Ritchie

Lanvin Fall 2010

ITS ALL IN THE NAME

Japanese designer Yasuhiro Mihara flips and and combines his name to create his line Miharayasuhiro.  His Spring 2011 collection is splashed with everything from grunge, to distressed, to more chic pieces.  Although unexpected, the collection still remains cohesive.