Express Yourself Don't Repress Yourself

What does your style say about you?

Dream for a Living

I've loved Viktor & Rolf from the second I saw the DREAM ON coat on Naomi a few seasons ago. I was not only tickled but inspired.

They continue to push the envelope creating pieces that boggle the mind. Are they pieces of fashion, art or architecture?

When you're able to step outside of your mind's box and look at fashion as art you can appreciate how ultra fantastical these pieces are. I LOVE!

Cus if nothing else...I'm a dreamer!

It would be interesting to see a world where folks wore their heart on their sleeves and outfits were mini art projects. With no rules on right and wrong...Ok wait...I'm already starting to regret this fantasy...but moving forward nonetheless.

We've all been programmed to dress according to the rules of American society but what if we all created an avatar of ourselves and dressed in character sorta like a real life anime movie...oh wait...that's the kids in Japan. Scratch that.

SCAAAARRRRY!!!



On the other hand Viktor & Rolf's last collection...scary but in a good way.



It's amazing what the mind can create when you give it freedom of expression. That's what Cocolah.com is all about. Expressing yourself through fashion as art with individuality and confidence.

GROUP HUG!!!!

This Summer 2010 collection is out of a girl's twisted fantasy! Sorta like disney gone right. They're like giving you a nauseating, cavity inducing dose of SWEETS (like the amount that I ate on Halloween, ugh). Sorta like giving you wicked fairy princess in an upside down world where everything is in excess. Oh wait. We're living in it. Wicked Pretty or Pretty Wicked.

The silhouettes defy gravity. AMAZING!!!

Never put limits on your imagination. DREAM ON!

INSANE!

Let's Say Grace.....Amen.

TADA!!!

With all the androgynous, fetish, robotic warrior, retro-futurist fashion on the streets, runways and print I couldn't help but think of Zula from Conan the Barbarian. Grace Jones herself to be exact.

As the poster child for androgynous, fearless, female, sexual power she has inspired not only fashion, music but the arts. Andy Warhol painted her portrait and Keith Haring painted her body for a 1985 performance at Paradise Garage. Her influence is powerful but as silent as deadly. She's often overlooked as a musician but her style is undeniable. Her style is recognized by those who don't know her music.


Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Naomi and Amber Rose all women perceived as fearless, outspoken and dare I say BITCHes! as in WORK BIIIIIIIIIITCH (with index finger wagggin' 2 inches from your face) have been "showcased" to personify Grace in some way or the other.

Then we have everything Madonna has done, many of Janet's look, fetishes and antics, Lady Gaga, Beyonce and many others.

All pretending to be unapologetic. They're not doing it justice if you ask me...cus even now in her 60s Grace still puts a little fear in your heart. Cus she's that fierce.

Caged Amber Rose as Grace

Naomi as Grace
Rhianna as Grace

My favorite picture of all!!! My fantasy parents Grace and Andre Leon Talley. (I switch out my fantasy mother between Grace Jones and Anna Wintour.

Couldn't Have Said It Better Myself...

Touched for the very first time

So I'm still on the fence as to what I'm going to be for Halloween...which is what happens year after year...then the day of I hop outta bed and head straight to my closet to pile on random clothes and accessories and make a DIY costume that I have to explain....cus it only makes sense to me.

Soooooo! This year I've decided to go as Madonna Like a Virgin on the MTV Awards cus I'm feeling a little flirty...a tad bit slutty. yup.




So I Youtube(d) to figure out how to make a tutu...cus I live on the planet of DIY as in Do you it your damn self cus it is a recession after all.



See how easy that is...alls I gotta do is find myself a white corset, white shoes and some pearls and the burst of energy that I require to leave the house even doh I spent hours prepping and getting dressed. Having to always dismiss the thought that getting dressed WAS the fun part and that I will probably travel for another hour only to be bored in half the time because I don't really drink and I hate small talk.

I Cocolah vow to leave the house and leave the computer and stop claiming I have too much work to do because I will ALWAYS have too much work to do and I will go out and have FUN with other humans in the flesh and not via the computer screen. I Cocolah will take part in this Halloween because getting dressed, being in character and creating a fantasy is what I LOVE to do best and this is the one day a year that I have an excuse to go ALL out and not hold back and be in the company of other freaks who like to play dress up. YES!

To be continued...

I see the future

What do you think folks will be wearing in the year 3000?

Press On

Um. Yeah.

I cant remember where I found this. I found it this morning in my inspiration folder. It's by an underground designer who has a great sense of humor. If you find these kinds of things funny.

As a child of the 80s I grew up in the Lee Press On Nail era. Many o' nights I would wake up with a nail stuck to my forehead and/or cheek. (Those things didn't stay on no matter how much glue you used and they definitely with the glue provided by the package.)

That said, this piece freaks me out a bite. Just had a flashback of having (on average) 6 out of 10 nails on at any given time. Somehow that was ok back in the day.

So was having a chest sprinkled with baby powder. (um...I'll never understand that one)

Your Favorite Nightmare

When I was a young girl I was never into dolls, I was never really into pretty things. Partly because no one was calling me their little princess. Or perhaps cus there was about 12 of us in a 3 bedroom apartment so there wasn't time or space to try to be pretty....I'm working through that in therapy so I'll keep my childhood issues outside this blog. Ahem. Moving right along. Thank you!

Someway, somehow the new Alexander McQueen collection has made me envision myself in hues of pink, dusty blues and smelling of lavender. Lace gloves, pretty hats and fans like a southern belle in the year 3010.

Flash to a scene of an old lady with the spare room full of those scary porcelain dolls with the creepy eyes that follow you around the room except my room would be filled with these beautiful space age, Alice in Wonderland dresses and shoes.

I'd invite my friends and have tea parties sipping tea real, real slow in antique sterling silver tea cups served by my butler with our pinkies way, way up!

Ooooh this collection is a bit scary and oh so purty!!!! The dresses seem out of a modern day fairy tale if you're an alien such as myself. Did I just say that...um I was kidding. NO need to be hasty and call the Men in Black. Thanks!




I took the liberty of remixing the music and choosing a more appropriate song. The tempo is perfect for the girl's walk and the lyrics seem fitting. Keep it on repeat.

Cooperate and No One Gets Hurt

Listen lady I hate to do this to you but not really. You're gonna to have to come up outta them clothes, shoes, and jewels....quick fast.

DON'T YOU DARE LOOK AT ME!!! TURN AROUND and move faster! FASTER!!!!

Keep the t shirt, phone and the purse. I don't want your money. I'm a lady, I'm no petty thief.

I'll even put you in a cab so you don't have to walk the streets barefoot in your undies.

Hold up...lemme hail one for ya...that's the least I can do.... (ten minutes later)

Well....er....you might have a better chance getting a yellow cab out here. You know how it is right. NO actually you don't.

You can handle that right?

Cool.

I'm out.

PEeeeeeACE!~ Call me if you wanna get rid of anything else in your closet! Tootles!!

While riding the train home Valentina Valentine can't help but talk to herself out loud. She just can't contain her excitement New Yorkers on the train don't pay her no never mind.

"ooooh eeeeee my very own Balmain leather cape and Zanotti boots!!" (She caresses the leather and holds it up to her nose and inhales deeply. She closes her eyes and says 3 hail Marys and crosses herself.)

"Right in time for xmas! YAY!!!!!! Alls I gotta do now is lose about 15 pounds to fit in these pants and Ima be wearing this outfit all day EVERYDAY you hears me!?!!! ALL DAY. EVERY. DAY. YEESSSSS darlin!!!" (she snaps her fingers in Z formation)

"Wearing these leather pants even in my sleep, these are FIYAH!!! you hear me!!!! Oh yes huney...yeeeeeesssssssss!!" (wagging index finger in front of her own face)

"I don't care if I wake up with a sweaty bum....these ain't comin off me no way, no how! Suzie Q wasn't doing it justice any ol way. "

Valentina gets up and talks to the folks on the train that have been giving her sideway glances.

"Listen don't you go feeling sorry for her!!!! Cus if she can afford a $8,000 cape I'm pretty sure she'll be quite alright. Shooooooo. Hmph. You folks are so judgmental."

Valentina gets up and storms out the train, stops and turns around and gives FACE, FACE, FACE before the train doors close and the train rolls away.

FADE TO BLACK.

You Should Know Pugh

It's truly breathtaking to see successful designers making art the essence of their collections.

Newcomer Gareth Pugh has already been compared to Alexander McQueeen, John Galliano and Vivienne Westwood not only because of his dark, punk, futuristic, avant garde esthetics but because so few designers dare to go to the dark side.


The video crosses fashion, art and a dark dreamlike state just like my life. Enjoy.

P.S. I'm so behind in pop culture that I had to refer to the Youtube reference library to go check out Beyonce's Sweet Dreams video. Beyonce says it was inspired by Pugh and that Sasha Fierce (not Beyonce) is a huge fan of Pugh and has worn his designs.

I repeat Sasha Fierce (not Beyonce) has worn Pugh.

Sidenote: Valentina Valentine would DIE, DIE, DIE for everything Pugh. siiiiiigh.







His earlier stuff was waaaay out of control. Hopefully it won't become too safe as he becomes more famous.

Work it thru the pain

Leslie Hall is exactly what I needed after the suffering I endured this Fashion Week season. Watching the shows and wanting pieces that cost more than I make a year was like a stab through my cold, cold heart.

Nothing warms my heart more than making something, anything. Even if it's cutting up a tshirt. Creating is therapeutic especially if you can wear it after and make yourself up, put on your FACE and take a picture to post on Facebook. YUP!

Leslie Hall is right on; poking fun at fashion and pop culture all while giving you the business. She's getting in your FACE unapologetically with her style and brand of humor. She's definitely on to something if you ask me.

Leslie is doing the "uncool" cool thing. I get her. I truly get her. I get her humor and to be honest I wish she was my BFF in a strange way I don't understand but do.

Apparently she's obsessed with Gem Sweaters and has started a museum in her hometown of um Iowa. Check out her gallery of gem sweaters which is truly impressive to say the least. If you're into that sorta thing and why wouldn't you be?

I remember rocking my vintage gem sweater sometime last year and it's always a blast from the past, conversation piece and always sparks a smile, laugh or confused raised eyebrow. Hey make a statement by any means necessary. Right Leslie!?

That's what makes her most phuckin rad. (yeah I said rad, that's my Iowanian? accent.) She's expressing herself her way.

Beep the video...keep an open mind and laugh a little.




Fashion will make you do some crazy, crazy things.

Like plotting to rob your elderly neighbor for Gucci thigh high boots. I mean...not that I would EVER consider such a horrendous thing.... NOPE!

I mean I was planning to pay her back except she recently complained about living expenses and how it wasn't easy living Social Security check to SS check. So I scrapped that plan. I mean...um. Do you know how many SS checks it would take to raise enough to get these babies?!??! TOO MANY! I don't got time for that!! That's why I played the Mega Million tonight! whoooop!

yeah. but look at them..really look at them. Do you blame me for having such thoughts?!

oooh! baby baby! Baby BABY!

STOP IT!!!! MY WEAK HEART CAN'T TAKE SUCH WICKEDNESS.

BTW I don't plan on wearing these...I just want to lay them in the empty space in my bed and fondle them and whisper sweet nothings to the heel.

Sigh.

Oh yeah...Leslie Hall. DIY. No really Do It Yourself and leave me alone I need a moment.

This entry is dedicated to underground and overground (as in Heaven) fashion.

Inspiration Board

Say ahhh!

Happy Birthday to me!! From the talented designer Briian Dragon of BSixtee6.

Here's a man that gets me! I adore this necklace.

yup!

A Life Lesson. Suit To Fit.

What’s the price?

“Is the price of living a dream much higher than the price of living without daring to dream?” asked the disciple.

The master took him to a clothes store. There, he asked him to try on a suit in exactly his size. The disciple obeyed, and was very amazed at the quality of the clothes.

Then the master asked him to try on the same suit – but this time a size much bigger than his own. The disciple did as he was asked.

“This one is no use. It’s too big.”

“How much are these suits?” the master asked the shop attendant.

“They both cost the same price. It’s just the size that is different.”

When leaving the store, the master told his disciple, “Living your dream or giving it up costs the same price, which is usually very high.

But the first lets us share the miracle of life, and the second is of no use to us.”

- Paulo Coelho

DREAMs ARE FREE NO MATTER WHAT SIZE

SAY AHHH!

Cocolah fall 09 color forecast

FUN with Stardoll.com

My new mini obsession.... :) Stardoll.com

It could either be one of six reasons...you tell me.

1. I'm thoroughly obsessed with fashion and anything fashion related
2. I am a narcissist and love seeing myself, dressing myself, talking about myself and filling this blog with me, me, mes
3. I'm missing the days of splurge post-permanent job so this is recession proof internet monitor shopping.
4. Cheaper than thrift
5. Easy blog content
6. All of the above

Introducing Valentina Valentine

Introducing the real Valentina Valentine.

A ma ma terial girl

blazer $3
tshirt 99 cents
jeans $19.99
boots $12
bracelets free (gift)
ring dimpled smiled, pearly whites, and 45 minutes of batting eyelashes plus $25
earrings - made with own hands
haircut - bartered for jewels

she's of the slanted persuasion.

That's all for now. Follow her adventures here on Cocolah.com Blog and say oooh!

MATH. ART. FASHION.

To be honest with you...math is not my forte...I know it's hard to believe cus you see my brilliance here, there, everywhere but on the reals...

MATH MAKES MY HEAD HURT.

Geometry For Your Body.

I'm totally impressed by Irina Shaposhnikova's collection called ‘Crystallographica’ it's basically genius type shit. Check it.

The video is a perfect example of ART MEETS FASHION

Irina Shaposhnikova 09 from pierre debusschere on Vimeo.

Um...thems is um polygons right?

I'm in the MOOD

One of the first things I do before I start creating any project, whether jewelry, art, writing I set up a mood board or draft where I put down all my ideas.

Sometimes just sitting down and thinking about the setting, theme, over all energy of an event helps put together the perfect outfit.

Raygon does it again! She shares with us one another mood board that is truly pimpalicious in a Foxy Brown sorta way.

I NEED THAT COAT. PERIOD.

Aight nothing like the real thing!

Ideally, I'd be rocking these....even though I'd have to learn to walk in that heel but that's not the point..they're fire and in my fantasy I'm struttin' in these to the Marc Jacobs show...front seat next to Leon Tally. Um hmm...who would take one look at me and adopt me as his daughter. YEP!

Uh huh! These Alexander Wangs retail for about $795. Which is about average for what I pay for my shoes and half of what I pay for my bags.

uH hUh. that's riiiiight! HI HATER!


Back to reality. I ran into these today and I didn't even think twice before asking the salesperson to try these on...I mean I had the perfect blazer for them, shoulder pads and all. Hair was looking extra messy...black eyeliner smeared...one long chain earring in one ear and chipped black nail polish (not on purpose but lets pretend) I was rocking it out...

Well actually I was running to the bookstore to buy my son's textbooks with every dollar in my pocket accounted for but I said...SELF!!! WHAT THE HELL!!! It was your birthday yesterday...MAKE IT RAIN! I threw my money in the air at the girl behind the counter and told her I ain't need a bag. I'm throwing them bad boys ON! ASAP! Shorty...Ring me up!!! I threw my black Yakblaks on and hit the streets. You couldn't tell me nothing!!

Dropped $75 beans on these...and if you know me..anything about me...my shoes usually cost about $8 on average in thrift money. Please believe the kid will be paying for his own college tuition. Aunt Sallie will hold him down. Mama need mo new shoes and mo and mo and mo! praise lord!!! UH HUH!!!!

whew. i started getting flashbacks of when I first owned these shoes...I was about 12 years old and entering 6th grade...it was mid September when my moms had the bright to ship me off to Dominican Republic to live with my grandmoms....great.

I showed up at school the next week with a coral pink jumpsuit and white shirt uniform and these. The kids who by the way were probably AT LEAST 5 years behind in terms of American culture thought i was the weirdest thing walking the face of the earth. They called me FRANKENSTEIN (among other things, but we're not about to open up that wound). Somehow I still don't find that funny. Sniff.

AHHH!!! But these shoes make me happy!

Why? Cus they're Wang's inspiration shoe....which actually means they're actually the REAL THING...um hmm! that's right!

SHE'S ALIIIIIVE!!!

Oh Dear Valentina Valentine

While monitor shopping Valentina Valentine stumbles on a picture of her dream of all dreams jacket. (dramatically sighs loudly, looks away, looks back, looks away..looks back. fights back tears. fails.)

"just don't say anything to me right ......now i can't handle it." (covers face)

"I need a moment..." (stares blankly at the jacket, puts E.T. finger up to monitor, eyes go blank and faints.)

FADE TO BLACK

Rodarte Motorcycle Jacket

$3,795 (three months rent)

omg dear Jesus. god in heaven.
blessed be thy name.
oh the things i would do for this jacket.
like i'm censoring myself right now. that serious.
oooooooh!!!!

My latest Fantasy Lover

Imperial Pump
Yves Saint Laurent

An Ode to Valentina Valentine

will blindfold you and take your lunch money (for these)
will strip and bound you and leave you for dead make you thank me tomorrow

the darkest shades all day
pretending to be shy, coy and innocent

who me?
i would never.

will make you stare and remind you it's not polite to stare.

will give you the FACE. FACE. FACE. FACE.

leather jacket collar flipped up and a bad attitude
you're the gum under my shoe

cigarette hanging from plum lips for effect

no autographs. no pictures. no proof.

see me thru covered eyes

clothes and fantasies...fantasies and clothes

no and please.

Listen up boys (COCOLOHS!!)

The other day I graciously helped a friend shop (cus I'm a fashion humanitarian) for shirts that were a bit different than his usual style. His usual style being of the non descriptive, two sizes too large sort. (sigh, frown, sigh)

Through the magic of thrifting we found two vintage, western style shirts that fit him perfectly and made his body ALMOST look diesel :-)

That's really the beauty of wearing clothes that fit, you can accentuate your assets and hide your flaws. That's why ya'll think I have a six pack under this top. ha.

We parted ways with me excited about change and he excited with his new finds...that was until he got home and his son rolled his eyes and claimed the shirts "too tight" and his friend/neighbor "too short". They both looked at him crazy.

Always remember that when making a fashion shift there will always be folks that just need time to get used to your new look.

Let's get one thing straight: I would never steer you wrong when it comes to FIT. I'd swear on the bible. There is no style without the proper fit don't let anybody tell you different.

So I figured I'd share some words of wisdom since there are some naysayers and since my buddy has YET to wear his new shirts. So listen up boys cus to be honest a lot of you seem a little lost. No offense.

Here goes:

First of all, every man should own at least one suit. Maybe you'll only wear it once a year, to a wedding, funeral, job interview or court appearance but nonetheless have a a beautiful, perfectly tailored suit ready when you need it. ESPECIALLY if you're over the age of 21. MAN UP!

Let's start with sleeves; they should always cover your wrist and reach the beginning of your thumbs.

If you're going to keep your button-down shirt untucked (shrug, sigh. no judgment.) it should hang just above your pants zipper. NOT by your knees (rolling eyes)

When wearing a jacket your shirt sleeves should fall between a half-inch and one inch longer than your jackets. Anything longer needs tailoring OR????? YUP! You need a smaller size NO you can not get away with tugging the excess inside your jacket sleeve...I've seen it done and I almost fainted.

If the shirt seam (around the arm holes) align with your shoulders you get an A+ cus if the shirt fits so wear it!

Your forefinger should be able to fit in between your collar and your neck when the shirt is buttoned to the top. BTW you would button the top if you wore a tie. I suggest it sometimes...just for kicks.

Kicks as in fun....not sneakers. LONG siiiiiiigh.

Make sure your blazer collar fits where it leaves about a half- inch of your dress shirt's collar visible. This is where you can have fun with coordinating colors and patterns.

Your pants hem should NOT touch the ground, which means your jeans hem should not be frayed from dragging. Yes I've noticed.

Remember and swear on everything you love that your socks will not show when you walk. Unless it's on purpose in a Tom Browne sorta way. Then...that's hot!!

2 THUMBS WAY UP! (Batting eyelashes) Call me!

Last but certainly not least belts are an accessory boys!!! They're not meant to hold your pants up.

If you need a belt to keep your pants up your pants do not...I repeat your pants DO NOT fit. You either need a smaller size or a tailor and yes, said belt should match your belt to your shoes.

That is all for now.

I dedicate this song to the (current) love of my life

Baby, come to me, let me put my arms around you
This was meant to be
I'm oh so glad I found you
Need you ev'ry day gotta have your love around me
Baby, always stay 'cause I can't go back to livin' without you

Alexander Wang Hanne Zip Boot

Fish is My Favorite Dish

Cocolah.com DISH OF THE DAY:

Sizzlin' Dante Wrap (one of a kind dope-ass apron)

Create a marinade of 21mc and their dope ass imagery on a custom made apron
Sprinkle some s'aint yacque mix:
1 Buffalo tooth and 4 Coyote teeth, gold & black chain

Mash it up and pour it on Dante of Dante's Fried Chicken

Serve while hot.

Photos by King Texas.

EAT IT & SAY AHHH!

Inspiration.

It's BAAAACK! Cocolah.com Fashion Challenge!

Now's your chance to own the very sexy s'aint yacque stripped and bound leather necklace. Each piece is handmade and one of a kind. $95 value.

Alls you gotta do is:

1. Check out the image
2. Get inspired
3. Create an outfit
4. Take a picture
5. Submit to win@cocolah.com
6. Tell a friend and see who's betta

WIN THIS!!

As an added bonus you get to choose your colorway
of pieces available!

It Gotta Be Sweet Like Morning Dew

As Seen on Polyvore

This Polyvore hits the mark. They used the Bleached Wood earrings well. Makes me wanna take a stroll on a beach somewhere.....sigh.


Only a few Designs by Alicia P remaining. GET EM!! THEY'RE HOT!!

by i'llbeyourjoanie

AfroPunk Block Party
TOMORROW!
Sunday, July 12th!
From 12pm - 8pm
Myrtle Avenue between Clinton and Willoughby

The economy got you down?
Lost your job?
Rent late?
Your girl/guy actin' up, talkin' smack?
Face in a constant grimace cus things just ain't right!?!?

WELL!!!!! Stop whinin' and FIX YOUR FACE!!!!

We can't help you with your problems but we can make you look damn good while you handle your handle!

Pick out your Afro and Don't be a Punk!

Help Us. Help you! FIX YOUR FACE!

YakBlak Vintage Sunnies
FIX YOUR FACE!

TIME FOR SOME YAK-CION!

by Izetta Henderson

I did this interview back in June 2008, and not many people got a formal introduction to this dynamic duo. You've seen them around town, they might have even told you to fix your face....

Soooo without further ado, I re-introduce to you YakBlak.

Look out for my follow up interview with this team, see what they have been up to, what they have done and where they are going...

Is it the Yak or Blak that brings so much flavor to YakBlak Sunnies? or is that one can't exist without the other?

Which ever it is, YakBlak Sunnies bring you dynamic vintage shades that will have you trickin on Flatbush Ave just to get a pair.

Even though I know this pair very well, I couldn't help but get an interview to find out how they really hooked up.

In your own words describe the entities that are yak and blak?

YAK is the Ebb of the Ebb & Flow that is YakBlak. nuff said.

BLAK aka the blak in yakblak is the son of beautiful Lebanese Jamaican woman and African American man. the masculine principle of the duo, designer, husband, blak, AfricINamerica, lover, hater, activist, Sagittarius, mental mogul, GET IT DONER, 29 years young, developer, architect, visionary, lazy, motivated, uninspired, inspired, new found texter, stir crazy, but most of all in love with life and its creation.

YAK: Together we make up a team of two mental moguls who are in a steady pursuit for new ideas and projects, to Yak and Blak everything is possible with focus, dedication and action. ACTION IS MAGIC.

I am the one that says ok...what do we need to do first lets put a timeline together….I like to plan the plan.

Sometimes it feels like we share one brain when it comes to business and design….we both fully understand our brand, business and how we want to proceed in the future.

Blak is the talker...I'm the texter if you will. Don't talk about it. Be about it.

BLAK: I must agree, I am definitely a talker, it’s an intimacy thing, I like to hear people’s voices, read their reactions. My mind is always working it doesn’t rest. I am always absorbing and searching, inquiring. I went to school for architecture, where the answers to design problems could not be found in a book, so I had to keep myself open at all times. Never knowing when or where the next solution would come from. Truthfully I love talking about things I luv. It is also how I sharpen my ideas.

But yah, you got to give it to me, since I got my new toy (the crackberry) I have become quite the texter. Don’t front sun. I would also say that I am a very hard worker, we both are. I think that’s one of the key things that make yakblak work.

Don’t let yah fool u, she is no mime. She has quite the mouth on her as well, she like to front like she is all cool and mysterious, but she’s a blabbering cornball like the rest of us. And she almost has me beat when it comes to talking shit.

YAK: like I said…he’s the talker.

Where did you guys come up with the idea to come together and bring good lookn vintage pieces?

We met each other at a party a few years ago; I am not going to get into that controversial story, but anyway. I think we were immediately attracted to each other, not in a sexual way or anything like that, [YAK: eewww! you wish!!] but we just admired each other. We continued to bump into each other and each time we would both have on a pair of dope sunnies. I would buy mine from this Cuban dude uptown who had a huge collection and I don’t know where yah would get hers.

YAK: I still won’t tell.

BLAK: She asked me a few times where I got mine but I wouldn’t tell her. I didn’t want my secret to get out. So one day I went to my top secret location to pick up some shades and asked the owner how many pairs he had? He replied “about ten thousand”, so I asked him how much would he sell them to me for and he told me to come back with some real money and we’ll talk.

Money wasn’t really the issue, but I knew I would need a partner to make this endeavor work and the only person I could think about was Yah. I asked her, she said yes and we bought out the Cuban dude’s supply. Yet we didn’t stop there, the same day we decided to join forces we also decided that YakBlak would be an accessories company that would start with dead stock sunnies and build from there and the rest is YakBlak.

What's the difference between shade and sunnies?

A sunnie is just a term we use for our shit, yah dig. It’s all about branding, we knew we had to come up with a way to separate our selves from every one else, so we started calling our joints sunnies.

It really came out in one of our many shit talking sessions and it stuck. Prada, Louis, Chloe, and all those other designer sell sunglasses and shades BUT YakBlak sells sunnies.

YAKBLAK = SUNNIES. PERIOD…………. AND DON’T FORGET IT

Do you consider sunnies to be categorized as accessories?

Not only do we consider sunnies an accessory, we consider them a NECESSARY ACCESSORY. Don’t bite that either cus THATZ OUR, HATERS AND BITERS GET YOUR OWN….

We see it like this.. You can look like a bum from the neck down, but as long as u have on a pair of sunnies (YakBlaks of course). You ready to party.

It’s a serious expression of style. All fashion icons and fashionistas have worn and understood the power of some beautiful pair of sunnies. And YakBlak is all about continuing that legacy.

What makes a good sunnies? YAKBLAKs

Can you give our readers some advice on how to pick their perfect pair of sunnies?

Blak: THE OBVIOUS ANSWER IS MAKE SURE THEY’RE YAKBLAKs. Na but really a good pair of sunnies should make you feel hot and sexy. They transform u, they challenge you, they should help you become the super star you always envisioned yourself to be.

Yak: This street talk right here: weight, style, design, uniqueness, the rest is on you to flip...OH!

What tips can you give on the maintenance of their sunnies?

Do not throw them in the bottom of your big bag...I mean come on! Clean them regularly. Don’t lend them to your friends or trust any one else with their well being.

Buy a repair kit and tighten regularly,. Check them periodically to ensure that the essential screws are tight and most importantly, GIVE THEM A KISS BEFORE YOU GO TO BED AT NIGHT. MWAH!

What can we expect from YakBlak in the near future?

You might wanna sit down for this: when YakBlak was originally conceived we envisioned it as an accessories company, which would specialize in the "necessary accessories"; sunnies, belts, bags, shoes.

We will continue to offer a collection of deadstock sunnies and in the near future we plan on manufacturing a full line of vintage inspired frames, wood and leather unisex handbags, unisex shoes, belts, and anything else we are inspired to make.

TRY. To Look Like You Didn't.

A Little Inspiration Goes a Long Way!

Submitted by Raygon (the OverAchiever)

Here's a little inspiration board submitted by Miss Raygon, hailing out of Houston, Texas!
I have an inspiration board right at eye level of my sewing machine and jewelry station as well as one lining the inside of my closet. There I times where I am stumped on what to wear and I see a picture of an ocean, blue skies or the new Gucci campaign and I get inspired to create, create, create (outfits). FASHION IS AN ART FORM.






We hope to have this as a regular feature Ms. R! Let's keep them coming!

ATTENTION!!!

Wear your clothes. Don't let your clothes wear you.


When you walk with an air of confidence a dirty pair of jeans and tank top look couture.
Strut or Stay Home.

A Look Back on Michael Jackson Inspired Style

Remember the time

by

Izetta Henderson

Michael Joseph Jackson blew this world wide open with his musical ingenious and impeccable style.

As a child growing up in Brooklyn, NY during the 80s, my brother and I rocked Micheal Jackson inspired jackets.

Zippers adorned the pockets and almost every other open space, the shoulders were garnished with studs and glittery patches. EXTRA. EXTRA.

When I really wanted to give it to them, I removed the sleeves and rocked my jacket as a vest with high water Lees and Nike sneaks and a ponytail to the side. Michael made us feel alive.


DON'T STOP TILL YOU GET ENOUGH!

We can't forget the signature style of the Jackson 5.

A time where Afro's were tough and bells rocked all night long. Polyester never looked so good. The style of the 60s is alive and well today, hell right here in BK.

Plaid pants incorporated with tight fitting button downs and men shoes, coupled with locks, tapered fro and hot shades (preferably from YAK BAK - fix you face son).

In 1979, Micheal Jackson released Off the Wall and graced his album with his well mannered Fro, Black suit, white shirt, black tie. His smile lept off the cover and you just knew, his pants were high, white socks a gleaming and loafers were rockin.

Only he could make a tux look so hip.

How many of you pushed up the sleeves of your suit and tux jackets, flipped your collar to show your cool....He was definitely a smooth operator.

In the 80s, Michael reunited with his family and blessed us with Can You Feel it....damn that song made me feel like I was 10ft tall!

The Jackson 5 refined their style and took straight to outer space. Fros were updated and the curl was added, with tight jeans and rockin tees and tops.

Don't forget moon dust sprinkled across to give those tops a certain kind of 80s flair.

Though the decades, Michael brought us many variations of his personality. Whether it was bedazzled gear reminiscent of a military general, or garments that made the Jetsons look like a bunch of lames. Michael Jackson did up his way. He made me look forward to a time when cars will fly and holograms will be the next hottest thing.

Even now, I have seen his style grace the stages of Madonna, Usher, Justin Timberlake, even the Dream is MJ style and fitted denim, yet baggy denim, a phenomenon i still don't understand...hahaha

I can go on forever about MJs out of this world style. But i just wanted to jog the memory and remember the times....take some time, look up his style resume, reminisce over glittery gloves and buckles.

Love it or hate, MJ contributed so much to our lives....I am deeply sadden that I will not see this powerhouse grace us with his upcoming tour that was in the making. But I will never forget how fly I felt, standing on Fulton street mall, standing in front of Fayva, rocking my red Michael Jackson vest and white sweatshirt with a sliver glove...thank you sooo much Michael Jackson for visiting our realm, you were simply to big to be contained on this tiny planet....

Over and Out!

I.H.


Yah's 2 cents:

First off, I never had said jacket...sigh. My family was just off the boat and we couldn't afford it...but in high school I had a Bedazzler and EVERYTHING. I MEAN EVERYTHING was studded. Hat, jacket, shirt pockets, jean pockets (not comfy to sit on but mad cute). So I think I'm almost over the trauma.

Just recently the fashion world was thrown for a loop when Mike (as I affectionately called him) was spotted in pieces straight off the runways of Balmian and Givenchy.

Womenswear, no less but who has shown us the dopeness of androgyny in fashion better than Mike. No one.

Givenchy

BTW if anyone wants to buy me the whole Givenchy's Fall 2008 Collection please email me for sizes. Thanks. Straight fire!

Balmain

Also, feel free to pick up the military/Michael Jackson inspired Demim Balmain spotted on Rihanna...totally MJ and TOTALLY me.me.me.me.me. sigh.

OK...I'm done.

Thanks ZETTA!!! Let's keep the articles coming!!

RIP MJ

Take It In.

The Fitter. The Better.

Cocolah says.....

Boom chaka laka BOOM! with BoomThreads

You have fashion designers, you have film makers, you have entertainers then you have artists. Artists who live to create. Create to live. To the artist, hustle comes secondary. They create because it's the way they communicate with the world.

Cocolah.com is thrilled to introduce BOOM.THREADS. Brought to you by the mystic Ogechi.

Self described as:

My work channels the mystique of Black skin, charged with the feminine sexual power, to examine sexual roles and urges. Sexuality is the key to the continuum of life, as we know it. My video work draws on the representational authority of the photographic image as a means of engaging the viewer in my alternate reality to comment on the biological past, present and future of the darker-skinned children of Africa on planet Earth.

Deepness.


1. Tell me a little a...Multi-media artist from the time I was a small child. I am inspired by all art forms. I experiment a lot and it usually works out. But when
it I don't love it, I just try again.

I just have one of those spirits that won't give up on my ideas.

I got into filmmaking as an umbrella to record all of my ideas and creations. But umm... I'm really hands on with what goes on before my lens...

And I'm a healer.

> 2. Your tshirts seem to tell a story, can you tell me a bit about each.

I let each shirt inspire me with a different mood. I don't plan them in advance. Sometimes I get a vision. I just paint.

Painting relaxes me. I go with the spirit.

"Sun Rays on a Cloudy Head" happened very organically. I was trying to communicate a feeling and the elements just came together. A lot of men respond to that design.

The ideal boom.threads wearer will let each shirt inspire them and be open to the experience of inspiring other folks by wearing something out of the ordinary. These T-shirts are conversation pieces.

Trust, they are empowering to the wearer. I did a focus group and the results were unanimous. Consider yourself warned. ;)

> 3. What is your personal style?

Eye on Africa. Futuristic. Cultural. Expressive. Soul searching. Trend-setting.

In my experience, I've noticed that my personal style is about 3-4 years ahead of the fashion industry.

That's usually how long I look "unusual" before people start copying. But I never let that get to me because I'm always adding to and refining my style.

It's always changing and growing and that's how I stay unique.

> 4. How would you define underground fashion?

Underground fashion is what the fearless trend-setters wear. The going shelf life is about 3 years before underground fashion is xeroxed into the fashion industry machine, but that time is decreasing in the information age. I think that we are going to see a rise in individual
style.

> 5. Ok....predict the fashion future...what do you see for fall?

Emphasis on personal style and identity. Things could definitely get tribal. Look out for Boomthreads Fall 09 Collection.

> 6. How would you describe your local LA based fashion?

I'm an east coast transplant. On the east coast the temp is always changing so we do layers. And more tailored items.

West Coast style is about comfort and not trying too hard, being able to blend into different activities, day & night. There is more of an emphasis on personality.

Going too hard on with random trendy style without a well developed persona comes off fake.

Imitation won't take ya far in this environment. At least, that's my opinion.

When the style and persona work in conjunction, that's when you're living it in color.

> 7. What do you see in your fashion future as a designer and fashionista?

I've got my sights on fabric design. Show costumes. Sculpture.

> 8. What is your fashion pet peeve?

Ed hardy. Just kidding. No really.

When people wear symbols and insignia of a culture they know nothing about. Negative & limiting statements on T-shirts. Words & images have power. They carry energy.

I've very selective about the energy factor of symbols and statements with which I choose to adorn myself.

Christian Audigier is a great business man, however... ;)

> 9. What other projects do you have on the burner?

A DVD of my video art is upcoming on Epistrophik Peach Sound label. I'm participating in a really exciting art show called M3: MC's Mic and Metaphors in July in collaboration with Declaime. It will be occur in conjunction with DC's Hip Hop Theatre festival.

> 10. What's the one MUST HAVE product on Cocolah.com?

The "So Boom" Logo Tee. It's Unisex and so versatile. You're gonna love running your hands all over it. It has a lot of... texture.

Here's a little moving picture treat from the Ogechi....just genius.

BOOMTHREADS "SO BOOM" LOGO TEE PROMO from ogechi on Vimeo.