Chike-Ikechi

CHICAGO, IL -- Street Beat...Make-up to Match, E. 59th Street & S. Woodlawn Ave

2008-07-25T13:30:00.004-04:00

Asides from the trendy frames, I noticed how her eye make-up complemented her racy zebra jacket. The little things...

p.s. click picture to get an enlarged view

CHICAGO, IL -- Street Beat...Save Darfur Tee, W. Roosevelt Road & S. Jefferson Street

2008-07-25T13:20:00.002-04:00

The distressed nature of the jeans caught my eye, even though I know with all the technology behind jeans manufacturing that their not as old as they appear. Quirky shirt to add.

Another Chike-Ikechi Hiatus

2008-07-12T14:55:00.005-04:00

For those who have been frequenting the site and wondered where I vanished to, I sincerely apologize. St. Louis hasn't been the best of places to style hunt for various reasons. Namely, my lack of transportation in getting around the city.

To quench my boredom and to put my noggin to use, I've assumed a post as a menswear correspondent for online fashion magazine, My Fashion Life. In addition to snapping the odd photo, I'm also very much into fashion journalism so I'm just flexing my abilities in this new role. The magazine is starting up a men's section, My Fashion Life: For Him and I've been behind the early workings of that venture.

Pay the site a visit to get fresh, opinionated perspectives on fashion news, shopping and beauty advice, trends and more. There's something for both ladies and gents!

Chike-Ikechi will be back...

Chike-Ikechi on Jamati Online!!!

2008-06-25T20:10:00.007-04:00

Usually when you start out in an industry such as fashion, you make it a point to know where your roots are and stay close to those few friends you began the trek with, espousing each others work at every opportunity.

I'm sure you've noticed that duo of Côté Minou hold that spot in my heart as dear friends. I love these ladies and what their doing for fashion, African and mainstream.

The anticipation has been mounting for the label to stake their rightful claim on African fashion and my word did they do it with some pizazz! Côté Minou recently had their official unveiling to the fashion world through the event, The Paparazzi Launch. Audiences were wowed and the press coverage has begun to roll in for Côté Minou and I couldn't be any happier.

I mentioned a while back that I helped shoot the C ôté Minou look book and a few shots from it were included in a recent interview the Maryanne Mokoko and Stephanie Mouapi did with Jamati Online, a full-fledged e-zine that provides a portal into the African Diaspora.

The Côté Minou/Jamati interview can be viewed here and the shots featured in the post.

ST LOUIS, MO -- Street Beat...Summer Hats, Rag-O-Rama + Delmar Loop

2008-05-29T20:52:00.005-04:00

The hats definitely consummate their respective outfits.

A Change of Scenery...St Louis, Missouri

2008-05-29T20:42:00.005-04:00

So my time in Washington, DC has come to a momentary end. I've graduated from Howard University and have since moved to St. Louis to hopefully take up a summer research post in the Department of Psychiatry at Washington University in St. Louis before I embark on graduate school.

What does this move spell for Chike-Ikechi? Well my focus will now shift towards capturing the style that exists in St. Louis and its surrounding counties. I'm new to the city so it will take some trekking about to locate where eccentric denizens congregate. In the interim, bear with me and Chike-Ikechi--we are not abandoning what we've started here.

Stay tuned and thank you all for your patience.

ST LOUIS, MO -- Street Beat...Horizontal Stripes, Heather Hill Lane

2008-05-20T14:37:00.003-04:00

Interesting that The Sartorialist reported a similar trend of horizontal stripes for this spring. Coincidence or should you proceed to get horizontal!

WASHINGTON, DC -- At School...Graduation Best, Howard University

2008-05-19T06:47:00.003-04:00

I know I've given GQ a plug before on their How To Buy A Suit: The Complete GQ Guide, but I had to bring it back again for all my collegiate brothers who are about to embark on the real world. Congratulations to the class of 2008 and I hope my piece of advice goes a long way in helping you set the tone in your prospective careers. I stand by the saying looking good is good business because when you wear a suit that fits, you will notice an immediate effect in your carriage and confidence which will ultimately spill over into your approach to work. Like the chap pictured above; get yourself a suit that accentuates your physique and complements your youthful swag. Splashing about experimental colors such as a purple tie or a brown ochre colored shoe complete with matching belt doesn't hurt either and detaches the suit from its somewhat conservative realm.

WASHINGTON, DC -- At School...Best Foot Forward, Howard University

2008-05-08T22:12:00.008-04:00

To put your best foot forward this summer please get a stellar pair of sandals that make you own any look! It's not by coincidence either that Harper's Bazaar's May 20th Best Buy Of The Day feature was a pair of Etro sandals (pictured below) so getting that pair of sandals for the summer couldn't come at a more opportune moment.

I love the detailing on young lady's sandals that gives it that safari chic look thats going to be big this summer. Also, going for a sandal that has an ankle strap of some sort will only flatter, accentuate, and draw admirers to the physique of your ankle/lower leg. The Etro sandals really capture the gladiator sandal trend with the volume of straps it has. The young lady's sandal, on the other hand, is a more delicate rendition of the gladiator sandal with its single strap. In appreciating the entire sandal complete with its creative ankle straps, it is only natural for the movement of the eyes to welcome the beauty of the lower leg (and hopefully your entire outfit if your as stylish as Ms. Ashley here)! So do away with those flip flops and put your best foot forward people and you can't go wrong this summer!

Photo courtesy of Davies + Starr (Harper's Bazaar)

WASHINGTON, DC -- At School...Skull & Bones Baby, Howard University

2008-05-08T21:32:00.008-04:00

The colors of the shirt, tie and vest come together beautifully. But I'm also loving his little skull and bones trinket on his wallet chain. As we can see here, the skull and bones symbol is not reserved for the dark, hard-edged, rocker image, but can blended into a colorful, light-hearted aesthetic.

Stefano Tonchi (below), New York Times Magazine's style editor, steps out in a daring manner in terms of tie selection. Infusing the "skull and bones" fashion insignia on a tie and pairing it with a very polished suit complete with pocket square shows that the "skull and bones" is hitting high-end fashion circles in a suave way! Jim Jones, Shop Boyz and others alike who put this skull and bones look on the map are really starting a crossover culture don't you think? Party and work like a rock-star indeed!

Photo: Scott Schuman (The Sartorialist)

WASHINGTON, DC -- At School...Hints of Blue, Howard University

2008-05-08T21:22:00.004-04:00

I love what she did with her eyes. It's the littlest of things...

WASHINGTON, DC -- Street Beat...Tribal Footwear, Kenilworth Avenue, NE

2008-05-08T12:46:00.003-04:00

WASHINGTON, DC -- Street Beat...Mixed Trends, Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro Station

2008-05-04T01:03:00.004-04:00

The nautical feel of the cardigan thrown over a floral top is a nice play on some spring/summer trends. She said the playfulness of the scarf topped off the sailor effect she was going for!

WASHINGTON, DC -- Côté Minou Outtakes

2008-05-01T16:55:00.004-04:00

Recently did a photo shoot for the lovely ladies of Côté Minou for a look book their putting together for their recent collection. Here is an outtake from the shoot. These ladies are definitely delivering that element of Africhic into fashion. Their ability to work African fabrics into very modern, sophisticated looks for the everyday woman is what separates Côté Minou from other design houses who work primarily with African fabric. Look out for the official launch of Côté Minou this summer, June 21, 2008.

Apologies

2008-04-29T19:33:00.008-04:00

Posts have indeed been very infrequent for the past week or two. That is soon to change. I just completed my BSc/Honors Thesis which has kept me locked up, typing away on the effects of hypertension and hypotension on frontal-executive functioning (a type of cognitive ability like memory) in middle-aged African Americans. I'm happy with the work I've produced and shall soon be rewarded for my efforts with an Ipod Touch... YAY!!! Well, that's the rumor going around the Honors Program and I'm praying there's more than an ounce of truth to it.

Anyway, Chike-Ikechi will soon be back in effect. Sorry again for the lethargic posting, but it is soon to change.

WASHINGTON, DC -- At School...Tribal Chic, Howard University

2008-04-25T18:57:00.004-04:00

Summer is literally at our door step, knocking and wanting to be let in. The transition into a season that boasts a plethora of looks, colors, and moods can be an easy surmount for some and difficult for others. Trends may help frame how you should approach the upcoming season, but if you have a confident, personal style then working those trends into a unique concoction will be no problem. Take the lovely lady above (she's a familiar face). This has got to be the most creative take on the tribal/ethnic trend that's set to blossom this summer. The layered bracelets and necklace adds a bold, textural contrast to warm colors that define summery, ethnic look.

But please peep her stockings! By incorporating a very original take on the animal skin prints, she goes above-and-beyond the routine tribal look. The run-of-the-mill snake skin clutch or shoes is the safest bet for most, but she opts otherwise and executes it brilliantly!

WASHINGTON, DC -- At School...Colorful Patchwork, Howard University

2008-04-24T09:07:00.005-04:00

WASHINGTON, DC -- Street Beat...Tailored and Traditional, Kenilworth Avenue, NE

2008-04-23T16:27:00.005-04:00

Owing to his slender physique, I love how he has gone for a more form-fitting presentation with his traditional ware (i.e., agbada) thus exposing the intricacies of the lace material and the tailoring. The agbada is usually worn with a very flowing, wide-sleeved robe that functions more for show than for ease of wear. We see here he's gone for the latter. The shoes are an added love!

WASHINGTON, DC -- At School...Corduroy as Seasonal Mainstay and Eco-Friendly Option, Howard University

2008-04-22T19:10:00.001-04:00

Today is World Earth Day and the global community's heightened awareness of the Earth's environment could not coincide better with the flurry of interest being generated around eco-friendly fashion. Environmentally sensitive fabrics and production techniques are the new rave in these eco-fashion circles. Advocating these eco-friendly clothes/brands is one way to support the movement or one can simply adopt a frugal approach in how they meet with fashion and choose to define their style.

Even in the spring months, we see here that corduroy is still rearing its head proudly. Corduroy can be differentiated according to the width of its cord or the "wale." Finer-wale corduroy (as pictured above) is not too stuffy and can be transitioned into more temperate weather conditions. Nonetheless, corduroy's durability has made its use to be largely reserved for slightly nippier climates. However, the disordered, up and down nature of weather this year is an indicator that the environment is in a phase of change. As a result of the erratic weather, the corduroy fabric is becoming a mainstay look throughout much of the year sans the extremely warmer and humid months of summer. Experimenting with corduroy fabrics during the not so cold months of the year is not completely taboo (as previously thought) since it is a great way to maximize on the fabric's sturdiness and also practice conservation when it comes to our wardrobe. Let's face it, predicting a stretch of consistent weather has been tough to come by of late so safeguarding oneself against the elements à la corduroy is not a bad start.

It's not reserved for the wintry months. A navy cotton henley corduroy jacket makes an all to unfamiliar appearance in DKNY's 2006 Spring/Summer collection.

Photo: Marco Madeira (men.style.com)

WASHINGTON, DC -- At School...Architectural and Colorful, Howard University

2008-04-22T15:13:00.006-04:00

WASHINGTON, DC -- At School...Heirloom Pendant, Howard University

2008-04-20T00:46:00.003-04:00

WASHINGTON, DC -- At School..Blue Planet, Howard University

2008-04-16T03:02:00.009-04:00

Men.Style.com just issued their Spring 2008 trend reports and this young gentleman struck me as a perfect fit for this emerging Blue Planet look that is steadily creeping up at mens runway shows. His outfit definitely exudes an aquatic-theme (à la boat shoes) that makes me literally want to go deep-sea diving or hop aboard a cruise filled with stylish denizens the world over. On second thought, maybe thats too much blue to handle.

WASHINGTON, DC -- At School...Ms. Bintu Kabba, Howard University

2008-04-16T02:07:00.002-04:00

If you know Ms. Bintu Kabba, then you are well-aware of her position on Howard University's campus as one of the most lauded students when it comes to possessing an extremely polished sense of style. As we can see, Ms. Kabba is not intimidated in the slightest when it comes to experimenting with color palettes.

On this note of color, I've been tinkering of late about the similarities that are shared between African dress and that of the culture that surrounds African American dress. Ms. Kabba is from Sierra Leone, but spent most of her formative years in Philadelphia so to me her perspective of dress is figurative of both cultures. I've seen her fashion lovely, multihued African lace ensembles and at the same time very modish, Western-influenced pieces that are nothing short of vibrant when paired together.

So I ask you this? What is the difference between the vibrant colors that adorn African lace, ankara, or kente cloth fabrics and those that are consciously mixed and matched resplendently in a style definitive of todays contemporary African American youth? The fabrics may not be similar, but owing to the African ancestry common to both cultures, there is a shared aim that can be seen in the affinity towards embracing energetic color schemes in ones dress.

I'm just pondering for future projects, but in the mean time enjoy what Ms. Kabba has to offer!

WASHINGTON, DC -- At School...The Boots - Part 2, Howard University

2008-04-15T01:10:00.005-04:00

I'm kind of over the keffiyeh craze (actually, I was never really on it) so that's not what drew me to capture this shot. Yes, the keffiyeh/scarf is a lovely accessory, but these days the eccentricity of ones scarf is what will save the individual from being branded as too cliché.

So what had me spellbound you may be asking? (1) The cowboy boots and (2) the creased jeans. These are two elements of style that are both audacious and not too often attempted by the weary-hearted. Moreover, they work hand-in-hand in complementing the overall ensemble. The creased jeans is a trend that is popping up of late and we see here how its utility helps in revealing the rustic elegance of the boots. If in the event he had chosen not to exercise some sort of amendment to the length of the jeans, the boots would have been hidden and the visual transition from the jeans to the boots would have been a far cry from pleasant with its crumpled appearance.

The nice fit of the leather jacket is an added aesthetic bonus!

WASHINGTON, DC -- At School...Eyewear is my Specialty, Howard University

2008-04-14T17:04:00.008-04:00

I love how he kept his accessories consistent with the illustrations on the t-shirt. Whether it was a conscious attempt or not bemuses me.

WASHINGTON, DC -- At School...Friday on the Yard, Howard University

2008-04-14T16:59:00.005-04:00

WASHINGTON, DC -- Street Beat...Michael & Kingston, Sherman Avenue, NW

2008-04-14T12:38:00.007-04:00

Yes, this is Mr. "Blue Velvet Pants" himself from the Midnight Marauders post! I hope this look makes you equally as happy.

WASHINGTON, DC -- Street Beat...Muted and Loud, 17th Street, NW

2008-04-13T06:11:00.009-04:00

I really love the mellow blends of pastel colors, but the move to punctuate it all with a rather vivid, multicolored ascot (in the day time, mind you) is truly a bold, fearless statement.

WASHINGTON, DC -- Street Beat...Howard University Bison Ball, Ronald Reagan Building & International Trade Center

2008-04-13T04:04:00.009-04:00

WASHINGTON, DC -- At School...Psychedelic Paisley, Howard University

2008-04-09T19:38:00.008-04:00

Of late, finding an individual who is striking out daringly with their sense of style has been tasking.

Part of it may be due to some unsinspiring weather that has hit The District. Another is owing to my busy research/graduation schedule. Outside of fashion, my other alter ego is that of a scientist immersed in neuroscience, psychophysiology, and dealing with cardiovascular disease epidemiology from these two frameworks. I'm in the process of writing up/completing my honors thesis!!!

But science aside, I was relieved when I ran into this young lady. The colors represented on her paisley patterned blouse excited my sensory palette from across the room. I'm not sure where she got the blouse from, but its vibrant, warm colors instinctively made me think of the desert-swept, semiarid topography of Persia where the paisley motif draws its roots from.

WASHINGTON, DC -- At School...A Hint of Floral, Howard University

2008-04-09T18:57:00.007-04:00

Spring must really be in the air. The floral pattern on the tie in addition to its stark juxtaposition with an entirely black suit lends a relaxed, playful feel to the look. Also I must call to attention the nice fit of the suit. For my male collegiate peers here at The Mecca, this is how a suit is to be worn--fitted and not 2-3 sizes bigger than you. I'm not a big fan of three button suits (I'm a short chap so they look rather long on me plus a great deal of three-button suits are worn in a Bernie Mack, oversized style), but the fit makes me overlook that.

In order to replicate this fit and overall look, the lovely folks over at GQ and Men.Style.com put together a "How To Buy A Suit" guide.

WASHINGTON, DC -- At School...Those Earrings, Howard University

2008-04-08T02:14:00.003-04:00

Fashionably speaking, the spring/summer months are looking to be fruitful and full of color once this shoddy east coast weather clears up. In meantime, earrings like these give us that glimmer of hope for the better days to come.

WASHINGTON, DC -- At School...Islamic Chic, Howard University

2008-04-07T06:34:00.002-04:00

Love the intricate detailing on the purse.

WASHINGTON, DC -- At School...The Jazzed-Up Professional, Howard University

2008-04-07T05:51:00.002-04:00

WASHINGTON, DC -- At School...Fedora Season, Howard University

2008-04-04T20:39:00.003-04:00

WASHINGTON. DC -- At School...Casual Plaid, Howard University

2008-04-03T10:22:00.011-04:00

Yes, we often yearn for that complete look coupled with the overall wowing feeling, but at times settling for subtle "ooh's" and "ahh's" can be just as fulfilling. In my opinion, sometimes it is the individual items and how their worn that can edify you the most on style as opposed to mirroring an entire Marc Jacobs runway ensemble item-for-item. Training your eye to pick out what works, what doesn't, and what is expressive of your person safeguards you from coming across as a runway replica with no sense of individuality.

With that being said, plaid is experiencing a renewed resurgence in fashion. Regardless, I've always been smitten by the pattern. I spent some time playing football (i.e., soccer) in Scotland so I became a real sucker for plaid and the whole Scottish culture (haggis is a scrumptious dish)! Despite teetering on an almost everyday feel, the plaid colors above are bold and enthusiastic and give off that mood of reverence to heritage that defined the early Pringle of Scotland collections.

Pringle of Scotland, Fall 2005

Photo: Marco Madeira (men.style.com)

FashionAfrica.com

2008-04-03T02:27:00.012-04:00

Hello folks...I know the posts have been coming in rather slow of late. Well it's all for a good cause! I've been tied up a wee bit with an article I was writing for a dear friend of mine--Dammie--who is the brains behind Fashion Africa. She is honestly a pioneer in my eyes in actively trying to espouse everything that embodies African culture, in particularly the fashion. Do check out Fashion Africa as it offers a wealth of information to its readers on fashion from an enriching African perspective.

Again, persue through all that Fashion Africa has to offer and check out the write up on "Labo Ethnik," a universal fashion showroom held exclusively for African designers during Paris Fashion Week.

Love you Dammie!

WASHINGTON, DC -- At School...Kizzy Conway -- The Comedian of the Hour, Howard University

2008-03-31T22:27:00.008-04:00

Ran into Kizzy Conway, a very humble brother in The Punchout (an eatery here at Howard) and he truly struck me as a warm soul that is all to eager to make the grimmest of situations all the more pleasant. It's not only through his comedy that he achieves this for his demeanor is one that makes you feel at ease on instant.

His splendid play on warm, earthy orange and brown tones complemented his very down-to-earth personality and the spring season before us. As for the fedora, well it adds that sizzle factor to the entire look while simultaneously prepping us for a timely summer!

WASHINGTON, DC -- At School...Midnight Marauders, Howard University

2008-03-28T09:36:00.005-04:00

WASHINGTON, DC -- At School...The Arts Do It Best - Part 2, Howard University

2008-03-26T17:05:00.008-04:00

Let me not be biased because I know several wall street bankers and medical doctors who can throw together a quite resplendent look that is a far cry from the stereotyped impressions surrounding these careers. All the same, at Howard University I cannot seem to go wrong with the next generation of budding Black artists when it comes to encountering a well-developed fashion sense. Literally, I don't have to wonder too far from Lulu Vere Childers Hall (home of Howard University Gallery of Art and Division of Fine Arts) before I stumble upon one style-conscious soul after another.

This is Wunmi, a Nigerian fashion design student who is decked out in a vintage trench coat complete with a hood. A nice investment I would say given the topsy-turvy weather that has swept the U.S. of late.

I will be sure to keep you posted on the growing cadre of up-and-coming African fashion designers, both students and marginally established designers. So stay posted to Chike-Ikechi and continue to laud the arts since it is the verb in the language of culture (kudos to Dr. Harrell).

p.s. This "The Arts Do It Best" is turning into a very intriguing little series here! Bravo to the arts!

WASHINGTON, DC -- At School...Reinvented Expressions of Herringbone, Howard University

2008-03-26T03:54:00.016-04:00

I seem to be on a jacket fixation of late when it comes to the gents. In the case of this jacket, why wouldn't you be! It's not only the jacket though that won me over, but the stimulating patterns that are tied together in a harmonious manner. However, the herringbone patterned jacket is what had me transfixed with the ensemble. A weave pattern such as herringbone comes with an aristocratic air that has made it an almost timeless fabric. Thus, the meeting of a herringbone weave on a mod, youthful jacket creates a vicious concoction of old school class blended with present-day urbanity.

WASHINGTON, DC -- At School...The Arts Do It Best, Howard University

2008-03-25T02:05:00.009-04:00

Ms. Parker is my Art Appreciation/Art History professor. The juxtaposed patterns of the tunic dress and blouse is what caught my eye.

Maryanne Mokoko, architecture student and one half of design house, Côté Minou. Loving Maryanne's daring play on colors (i.e., the belt). Plus the slim nature of the belt is a pleasant departure from the oversized, chunky belts that have been thoroughly exhausted. On a final note, the pairing of ballerina flats and stirrup jeans has a quaint look about it that I just love. What do you expect...she's a designer!

WASHINGTON, DC -- Street Beat...Sun is Shining, the Weather is Sweet, U Street NW

2008-03-23T23:02:00.008-04:00

The outfit is not so extravagant; I do commend him though on some nice layering that is deftly topped off with a very urbane jacket. However, what stirred me to snap him was the ambiance of the late afternoon rays, his somewhat 80s hairstyle and this aura reminiscent of British Invasion rock era. On another note, he kind of reminded of Rooney, a rock pop outfit I'm feeling right now.

Sartorialist Pointers...

2008-03-22T23:07:00.007-04:00

The "well-tailored" look

The "well-tailored with a dollop of color" look
(Part Un)

The "well-tailored with a dollop of color" look
(Part Deux)

The "gaily, floral printed dress with a not-so-clichéd twist" look

The epitome of the "patterned and textured" look

Photos: Scott Schuman (thesartorialist.com)

WASHINGTON, DC -- Sartiorialist Reception...Adamson Gallery, 14th Street NW

2008-03-22T09:50:00.002-04:00

The Sartorialist Showers Love on The District -- Adamson Gallery Reception

2008-03-20T01:46:00.022-04:00

So today I made my way down to the Adamson Gallery to view the The Sartorialist exhibit and I must say I was thoroughly pleased at what I saw! Actually, I take that back. Scrolling through The Sartorialist on a day-to-day basis and appreciating the refined and eclectic sense of style that engulfs the world over has left me more than pleased. Seeing the man himself (Scott Schuman) amidst some of his finest pieces of work was breathtaking to say the least and eclipsed my wildest dreams.

The setup of the Adamson was self-effacing which added immensely to Schuman’s art. Vacant, white walls canvassed the gallery with Schuman’s animated portraits peppering life into the somewhat minimalist décor.

Aside from the occasional snapshots of fashion luminaries such as Ozwald Boateng or Gilles Bensimon, much of the characters that adorn the pages of The Sartorialist are virtual unknowns. For them, their reputations are purely mediated by the slightly cocksure poise they exude, the complementary backdrop that oddly enough always flanks them, and their fashionable flair that consummates the artistry of the entire photo.

Now I’m sure many would esteem for such a reputation (decked out in their Sartorialist best, half the attendees at Adamson surely did), but the question is how does one go about doing so? Well, simply going bold and unrelenting in your arsenal of looks can be a start. Trust, from someone who frequents The Sartorialist multiple times a day, my advice is well-grounded. For men, bold does not necessarily mean experimenting with sprightly colors as a simple, well-tailored, suit-and-tie guise will definitely garner you Sartorial acclaim. However, well-tailored with a dollop of color (i.e., a dashing pocket square-tie combo) is equally if not more effective in building that Sartorial clout. As for the ladies, maintaining the spirited theme of gaily, bright dresses or accessories with an avant-garde twist will also score points. Seriously, formulaic, clichéd styles will not cut it unless it is worked in creatively and the look is commanded as one's own. Furthermore, across the board, creative use of patterning (that works mind you) is something that will, at an instant, catch Schuman’s eye.

So after reading all this, are you as geeked about The Sartorialist as the good hundred patrons that strolled into the Adamson? From a mere description, it may be hard to come to grips with the giddiness that surrounds Schuman’s art and his overall contribution to the fashion industry. Phillip Lim of 3.1 Phillip Lim has lauded Schuman as a “pioneer” in capturing the true style of the street while Derek Lam frequents the site at a rate where he enters into a panic when new photos are not up. So if designers and fashion notables alike are drawing inspiration from Scott Schuman’s work, do yourself and your wardrobe a favor and click on over to The Sartorialist—it’ll be a worthwhile sojourn that could very well turn addictive!

WASHINGTON, DC -- At School...Vests Work Best, Howard University

2008-03-19T02:26:00.022-04:00

Summer is around the corner and the vestiges of winter’s chilly winds, downcast weather, and dreary skies are slowly making way for the greenery of spring. Fashionably speaking, this transition from the nippy days of fall to the balmy months of summer often poses difficulties for many in terms of clothing choice. Do I brave the slight cold with a cute, almost-summery number or do I dress for the expected elements? These thoughts definitely run through your mind countless times over as you prep your daily outfit. Nevertheless, the flexibility of fashion confers unto us options and it is left to us to seize them.

Enter the vest. Operating as a befitting transitional, season accessory, the vest is becoming a wardrobe must have due to its ability to double as modish windbreaker of sorts. The embrace of the vest among local denizens is in tune with the synergistic relationship that high-end fashion shares with the styles that are unearthed in the concrete jungles of metropolis' worldwide. Proenza Schouler's Spring 2008 collection drew from the aesthetics of street fashion so it was no surprise to see sauntering down their runway several abbreviated vests splashed atop looks. The emphasis on form and clean lines created by the vest flatter the bodice and render it a malleable item in any closet--be it for purely aesthetic leanings or as a light cover from the elements.

On a relatively breezy spring day, I love how these two young ladies incorporated a vest into their personal styles while at the same time being cognizant of the somewhat unkind elements. Job well done and their bags aren’t half bad either!

Photo: Marco Madeira (style.com)

WASHINGTON, DC -- Street Beat...The Boots, Adams Morgan

2008-03-17T18:55:00.001-04:00

WASHINGTON, DC -- Street Beat...In Love With Zara, F Street NW

2008-03-17T17:30:00.007-04:00

Caught this chap en route to leaving the new Zara store on F Street NW. Not sure if I should have expected this or not, but his outfit was pretty much straight out of Zara sans the shoes and tie! Even so, his outfit doesn't come off as too brand-laden like you often find with Urban Outfitter aficionados. I guess this is owing to Zara's matured yet palatable clothing selection that is not trend-heavy.

WASHINGTON, DC -- Street Beat...MLK Day, U Street NW

2008-03-14T02:10:00.006-04:00

WASHINGTON, DC -- Street Beat....Technicolor Dream Shawl, U Street NW

2008-03-13T01:35:00.013-04:00

Her vibrant shawl lived up to her spirited personality. Ran into this inspiring lady while doing a photo shoot (pictures to come) for Côté Minou.

WASHINGTON, DC -- At School...Howard University

2008-03-12T03:09:00.004-04:00

The Sartorialist photo exhibit showing in Washington, DC

2008-03-11T12:24:00.015-04:00

After a well-received debut at his Danziger Projects showing in New York, The Sartorialist, Scott Schuman, has relocated the exhibit to none other than Washington, DC! The exhibit will hold in Adamson Gallery in The District.

The Sartorialist, amongst others (i.e., Jamel Shabazz, James Van Der Zee, Yvan Rodic of Facehunter), sparked a lot of my initial interests in approaching street photography from a fashion angle so this opportunity will not be passed up in the slightest. More importantly though, the showing of The Sartorialist in The District says a great deal about how the culture of fashion and style is being perceived here. Washington, DC has been looked upon as a very dry, uninspiring hub of fashion, but the arrival of Schuman's gallery will make outsiders begin to reconsider that homogeneous label.

Here are the details for the exhibit.

The Sartorialist
March 15th - April 26th, 2008

Adamson Gallery
1515 14th Street, NW
Suite 202
Washington, DC 20005

So to round off, be sure to check out the gallery and I'll leave you with a few of my Sartorialist favorites over the years.

Photos: Scott Schuman (thesartorialist.com)

CHICAGO -- At School...University of Chicago, Hyde Park

2008-03-09T20:27:00.012-04:00

It seems as though a riveting concept has come upon the world of fashion. Take note of the above picture. The heel, being close to the ball of the foot as opposed to the heel, mirrors what came waltzing onto the runway at the Spring 2008 Marc Jacobs show. The young lady (pictured second) did express comfort in wearing these gladiatoresque Puma sandals so even though structurally it looks off-kilter, Marc and Puma may be tapping into warped sense of comfort in women that goes beyond six inch stilettos (I bite my tongue)!

Photo: Associated Press

WASHINGTON, DC -- At School...A Perfect Rendition of Tie-Dye

2008-03-08T15:51:00.005-05:00

I made it a point to launch this blog with an individual that spoke to my vision. Today, African fashion is experiencing a resurgence; one that is etched in redefining and reclaiming a past that was somewhat misconstrued. Jean Allman, in Fashioning Africa: Power and the Politics of Dress, touches on Africa dress being perceived as merely costume and void of fashionable elements. With the creative mindset of this aspiring Zambian designer (pictured above), Shumo-el Mumba, the tide will only continue to turn on this epiphenomena thrown on African fashion.

Welcome to Chike-Ikechi!