RLLL

 

On this day, I am taking a break to see, smell, surround myself with, and contemplate in the midst of beauty. And two things that I always find beautiful are nature and handcrafted, artisanal wares ... such as my handwoven Ghanaian basket, Ethiopian shawl and Southeast Asian jewelry. Like nature, artisanal wares are stunning from afar but even more awe-inspiring up close when you consider the time and energy required to bring this beauty to life. And no two objects found in nature or made-by-hand are identical, making them inherently special.

RLLL ... RL loving life ... RL living life ... and, of course, RL loves Loewe.

 
 

Goal Line

 

Today, like many days, I find myself reflecting on my goals ... those of the personal and professional variety. My achieved goals encourage me to set new ones. And, my un-achieved goals fuel my passion for those a bit farther away on the horizon. As they say, life's a journey! 

In the meantime, it's Hump Day. So at least my journey to the weekend goal line is in sight!

Cheers!

 
 

CA-BOOM

 

For many people, Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer ... whether they've been longing for the days of wearing white or wearing next-to-nothing at the beach. 

I think it's more important to remember those longing for loved ones who will never return home because those loved ones gave the ultimate sacrifice, their lives, for our freedom.

For those surviving family members and comrades of fallen veterans, I offer my thanks and well wishes this Memorial Day.

 
 

Sauvage

 

"Cool hat! It gives me a Jimi Hendrix vibe." noted a random passerby. "Thanks!" I replied with a smile. 

It's been a few years since I last heard such a comparison directed at me. The last time was my natural hair iteration preceding locs, when I wore my hair as a curly, irreverent afro (to a white collar, corporate office).

On this occasion, like those of the past (and any to come) I remain proud to stand on the shoulders of such an icon of music, entertainment and style! Jimi was an undeniable original and force du jour of his day. He was the embodiment of true style and remains an unforgettable inspiration.

Jimi was truly a "wild thing" that makes "my heart sing" and "everything groovy." I laugh off any true comparisons. But cheers to walking into the week with a bit of Jimi-inspired sauvage!

 
 

Black + Super

 

Outside the Obama years, this has perhaps been the best President's Day weekend I can recall. Note: This is in no part due to the current occupant of the White House, but thanks to Hollywood. Shattering record ticket sales, the Marvel - Disney production of "Black Panther" premier gave myself and many others pause and cause to celebrate. Finally, a major blockbuster action film showcases a super hero with a black face (and majority, star-studded black cast). Fantasy aside, the film celebrates the real power of representation, Afrocentric pride for all those in the Diaspora, feminism ... and the list of positive #wakandaforever vibes goes on and on. I hope this is the beginning of a franchise with many follow-ups and spin-offs to come! In the meantime, I'm going into the work week feeling black and super!

 
 

Check Out

 

Sometimes it's necessary to simply check out of the madness in order to obtain a little more zen. I can't think of any better time than Black History Month to check out of drama and the negative news that bombards us via TV, digital and print media, and perhaps check out a book on great Black trailblazers. From those honored with holidays, monuments and films to those whom I will never know by name and whom never had a chance to experience half the piece of mind they fought for, I will spend this month focused on their Black excellence. I can't think of anything more uplifting and calming.

 
 

Track & Feel

 

The blistery, oft-below freezing temperatures and snow of Winter 2017/18 have been nothing to play with! But, it's always a great time to play with fashion in NYC. Running into the weekend, I felt inspired by all of the high-low, street-couture exchange and disregard for tradition dominating the menswear runways from NYC to Paris to Tokyo. I threw on an easy Adidas track jacket for leisure and for the sake of warmth (and luxury, of course), my mink. TGIF or Track & Feel!

 
 

Blå

 

This week has given me much to think about, particularly the use of a Black male child in an H&M advertisement for its "Coolest Monkey in the Jungle" sweatshirt. I am appalled that in 2018 the same stereotypes of the not-so-distant past can be so carelessly tossed about, whether purposefully for PR or ignorantly from lack of diversity within the ranks of one of the largest global retailers. Either way, this ad and H&M's lackluster apology (coupled with a lack of direction for real change), made me blue.

Thankfully, one remnant of the past that rightfully gets periodically reinvented in the world of fashion is: blue denim. Whether called the Canadian tuxedo, blå,  denim on denim, blue costume, #allblueeverything ... no matter the trend name, blue denim is always a good idea!

Hopefully fashion finds new ways to reinterpret the color blue and not new ways to make us feel blue.

 
 

Leaf. Me. Alone.

 

As my poor orchid had shed its last bloom, I took a look out of the window to see that the leaves were turning a perfect array of amber and orange hues and the remnants of recent snowfall were darkening and melting under passersby's feet. I thought nothing more fitting to wear for a stroll than fashion's master of dark romanticism, Ann Demeulemeester.

Deep in thought along the trails, I realized the irony of recent December conversations ... whether joyfully counting down the days to disconnecting our workplace tethers in order to join family and friends for year-end celebrations, or, nearly throwing those same electronic devices filled with spam of overwhelming holiday cheer ... at some point during the holiday season we all just want to scream: leave me alone. And on this beautiful fall/winter day I found the perfect tree under which to do just that, naturally in #allblackeverything.

'Tis the season!

 
 

Silver Fox

 

Being smartly dressed for the weather doesn't always mean nylon.
Gray skies don't demand melancholic garb.
And, suiting doesn't have to be uptight!

This Jil Sander wool suit and French cuff shirt combine two of my design loves: minimalism and gray. And dare I add, style and function? 

This suit was made to match the monochromatic winter landscape and dropping mercury. And the shirt, shown unbuttoned, took me from office-appropriate to after-hours ready ... albeit that after-hours was a nature walk. That's where the Marc Jacobs hat and custom, silver fox fur came in handy.

Cheers to a handsome fall/winter!