#Fashion Crush-Wiz Khalifa (@wizkhalifa)

With a knack for creating feel good music and a style that is all his own, how could you not love a guy like Wiz Khalifa?

Born Cameron Jibril Thomaz, Wiz Khalifa has seen his career rise steadily ever since his first record deal with Warner Bros. in 2008. Khalifa left the record company a year later after having minor success with a couple of mixtapes. It wasn’t until he signed with Atlantic Records a year later that he achieved worldwide success with his first single Black and Yellow.

Since then, Wiz Khalifa has remained at the forefront of the rap scene, having released five successful studio albums and starring in movies, such as cult classic Mac & Devin Go to High School alongside Snoop Dogg.

As impressive as his career has been, one thing that has been amazing to observe is Khalifa’s style transformation. At the start of his career, Wiz Khalifa’s style was a sort of urban street style. Oversized t-shirts or hoodies paired with baggie jeans or shorts and his small afro with the small patch of blonde in the front, fit in well with the other rappers of the time, though even then one could tell he was a budding ‘fashionisto’.  Nowadays, he has adopted a more alternative style of dress. A new age Jimmie Hendrix if you will.

Now sporting locs, Khalifa’s main ‘uniform’ consists of a printed or solid colored button up which is almost always unbuttoned to the navel, displaying his amazing tattoos and some sort of extravagant neck jewelry. One could argue that his mainstream success and his sense of style has gone hand in hand. Of course the main source of his staying power has been his ability to relate to people through his music. However, it’s probably more appeasing to upper class parents when the rappers their children are listening to have a sense of style.

Written by Dominique Bedell

@artfreak88

#FashionCrush- Michael Lockley (@michaellockleyy)

The self proclaimed ‘Golden Child’ Michael Lockley is a breath of fresh air to the fashion world.

It’s often hard as a young African American boy to find others like yourself to look up to, especially in the realm of fashion.  That source of inspiration has manifested itself in the ultra fabulous Michael Lockley. Standing at 6’2 and rocking his signature blonde afro, it’s hard to miss the 19 year old on the the hottest runways.

Hailing from Brooklyn, Lockley’s personal style is one to be envied. His glam style is reminiscent of Prince or even David Bowie. With his slim frame, it’s easy for him to pull off skin tight jeans, chelsea boots and usually a statement making coat. Lockley looks so good in his clothes, he even makes t-shirts and shorts look as if a world famous stylist put it together.

A favorite amongst the street style world, you can expect to see Michael Lockley on any and every fashion blog. His appeal seems to be his willingness to experiment with different looks. Never afraid to turn up the glam or even wear things that may not have been intended for men, his style surpasses gender specificity.  Of course, when you consider the fact that he is in the fashion industry, it would be less than smart for a young man to not learn something when it comes to fashion, or more importantly how it’s styled.

It’s easy to look at Michael Lockley and feel as if you have to be tall and skinny to look as good as him. What should be taken away from his inspiration is that the beauty is in the styling. Anyone can put on clothes, however to look as if you’ve just come from a photoshoot for GQ is a talent in itself. For Michael Lockley, one thing that is certain is if modelling doesn’t work out, there is always a future in fashion editing.

Written by Dominique Bedell

@artfreak88

#FashionCrush – Zayn Malik (@zaynmalik)

One could argue that Zayn Malik was too hot to stand next to four other guys in a group.

Normally the person that leaves the group is under constant scrutiny about what they’re gonna do next and how is their career gonna withstand a solo career.  Who could blame people for wondering how someone could leave the number one boy band since the Beatles with countless hit records. When you’re the heartthrob of the group, however, one never needs to fret. Since leaving One Direction in 2015, Zayn Malik’s career has seen incredible heights. After signing a solo deal with RCA Records, Malik’s first single Pillowtalk debuted at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 as well as a series of music charts in the UK and other European countries.

With a successful music career under his belt, Malik then began to focus on a lucrative career in fashion.  He has collaborated on a number of high profile collections with Italian shoe brand, Giuseppe Zanotti and Versus Versace which debuted in May of 2017.  His personal style also gained notoriety when The Business of Fashion listed him on their BOF500 list of the most influential people in fashion.  Malik can usually be seen around cities like New York and Los Angeles looking casually cool in band tees, ripped jeans, and rocking a number of different hair do’s like buzz cuts and, most recently, the ubiquitous man bun.

#Fashion Crush – Dev Hynes (@devhynes)

Every now and then someone like Dev Hynes comes along and makes you look at fashion from a different perspective.

Having been dubbed “New York’s last bohemian” by the New York Times, the London born  musician marches to the beat of his own drum with his fashion as well as with his extensive career.  Since starting his career in 2005 with the band Test Icicles, Hynes has changed aliases many times. In 2007, under the name of Lightspeed Champion, Dev Hynes utilized such friends as Florence and the Machine as his touring band. After officially retiring Lightspeed Champion in 2010, Hynes moved on to Blood Orange whose R&B sound differed from the indie rock sound of Lightspeed Champion. Blood Orange saw much success having had songs on the MTV shows Skin as well as performing on the last episode of MTV’s It’s on with Alexa Chung.

Hynes’ accomplishments exceeded far beyond being frontman for Blood Orange. His writing and producing credit has also given him great success. Along with co-writing Florence and the Machine‘s number one album Lungs, Hynes has written for Solange Knowles as well as Britney Spears and Carly Rae Jepsen. He was even featured on english electronica band The Chemical Brothers album We Are The Night which won them a Grammy in 2008.

The past year has seen the fashion world stand up and take notice of Dev Hynes’ keen fashion influence. First was his appearance in H&M’s 2016 holiday campaign where he posed alongside fashion’s new “It’ girl Adwoa Aboah and Vine star Gabriel-Kane, son of actor Daniel Day Lewis. Recently, Hynes sat front row at the Gucci resort 2018 fashion show where he was chosen to take over Gucci’s Instagram and live stream the show. With a list of accomplishments that seems to constantly grow longer it shouldn’t be hard to believe that we’ve only scratched the surface of how remarkable Dev Hynes truly is.

Written by Dominique Bedell

@artfreak88

#Trending! “RompHims!” Rompers for Men Are In!

The internet has been popping all day thanks to the latest, and controversial, addition to men’s fashion, RompHims.

RompHims, or rompers for men, have debuted and it looks like nothing will ever be the same again.

Yes, perhaps we are being a bit melodramatic, but this is one piece of clothing we never saw becoming unisex. Whether you like them or not, currently they are the biggest summer fashion trend for man and the only look making any waves in the media.

Honestly, when we first heard of the new fashion trend we were skeptical, but are now wholeheartedly behind it. The colors, styles, and designs these new outfits come in are really quite extraordinary. More importantly they have been reshaped, resized, and given masculine appeal. In our opinion, they look amazing. Check out a few more looks below.

Stylin’! Catch Donald Glover (@donaldglover) Wearing $53K Gucci (@gucci) Mink Fur Coat!

Donald Glover AKA “Childish Gambino” is the man! 2017 has already shaped up to be the year for him thanks to multiple  Golden Globes for his hit television series, Atlanta and his upcoming role in Star Wars’ Han Solo movie.

Besides his career being on the up and up his wardrobe is too; as recently he appeared in Wired Magazine wearing a $53K Gucci Mink Fur Coat!

Take A Look Back at President Barack Obama’s (@POTUS) Most Stylish Moments!

Just a couple of days ago, literally on this past Tuesday, President Barack Obama returned to his adopted hometown of Chicago to give his presidential farewell address after serving two terms in office. During that time, POTUS delivered an impressive and heartfelt speech which warmed every heart in America, as well as those watching around the world with his passionate words of hope, smooth sense of style and personable demeanor of love. The country witnessed true leadership Tuesday night from one of the best Presidents The US has ever had, and you can fight me on that! However before we get too sensitive and emotional over the last couple of days we still have with the Obama’s, let’s talk about how great of style he’s had over the years. From shopping at the Gap, and his help in the rise of the Dad caps, President Barack Obama has managed to make it through his two presidential terms in style and setting trends. It’s safe to say that Obama has earned the right to be called one of the best-dressed, if not then definitely the only President t swag.hats ever existed to have SWAG.

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Let’s take a look back at some of The POTUS most stylish looks.

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Of course, Obama knows how to do black tie right. During his UK state visit in 2011, Obama was dressed to impress in a dapper tailcoat, joining the Queen, FLOTUS, and other royalty at the Buckingham Palace for an honorary banquet.

Even in casual attire, Obama was always on point and in season. Pairing together dark jeans with a lighter wash button up shirt, Obama effortlessly puts together the perfect modern day take on the denim-on-denim look.

[VIDEO] Watch 2 Chainz (@2Chainz) Unveil The Most “Expensivest” Ugly Christmas Sweater Worth $90,000 USD

It wasn’t too long ago when major Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz gifted social media with ugly Christmas sweaters. In fact, it was just a year ago to be exact. Yes, 2 Chainz took the unusual trend and made millions of his own collection of ugly Christmas sweaters. I know what you’re saying, “what does that have to do with anything now?” Well as of just a week ago, not only is he back with yet another ugly sweater collection to grace the internet; this time in an effort to benefit his T.R.U. Foundation charity, which directs its aid and funds towards supporting the communities of South Atlanta. 2 Chainz presents the most “expensivest” ugly Christmas sweater on the market.

Yes, you heard it here, well actually GQ reported it first, but nonetheless, 2 Chainz just dropped an ugly Christmas sweater that retails for a staggering $90,000 USD. According to GQ online, for another extravagant episode of the popular video series “Most Expensivest Sh*t”, where host 2 Chainz travels around the world to experience first hand the most “expensivest” sh*t known to man, from cars to food. 2 Chainz teams up with Avianne & Co Jewelers to present the most “expensivest” ugly Christmas tree sweater.

President Who? Macy’s (@Macys) Still Won’t Sell Trump’s (@realDonaldTrump) Menswear

Hey you guys, hope you aren’t looking forward to buying any Trump gear from Macy’s because in the words of the unfortunate President to be… “Your Fired”!. Yes, Macy’s has completely pulled the plug on their relationship with Donald Trump and all of his products and menswear. Trump might have won the presidency “fair and square”, but he hasn’t won over Macy’s. Last year, after the crude comments he made against Mexican immigrants basically saying that they’re, “bringing drugs, they’re bringing crime, they’re rapists,” Macy’s who was once the main retailer for all of Trump retail merchandise from ties, dress shirts, and other menswear gear, ended ties with the former Apprentice host.

At the time, a representative from Macy’s stated, “In light of statements made by Donald Trump, which is inconsistent with Macy’s values, we have decided to discontinue our business relationship with Mr. Trump and will phase-out the Trump menswear collection, which has been sold at Macy’s since 2004.”

As of recently in confirmation to the decision made last year to cut ties with Trump, Macy’s Chairman Terry Lundgren assured that the company will continue to stand by their original decision. In an interview with The Street, Lundgren said,

“As I have said, we wouldn’t carry product from a political candidate—and now a politician—whether they be Republican or Democrat. If Hillary Clinton had a line of women’s suits or handbags I wouldn’t carry those either. I just think we don’t want to be a politically associated company, we sell to everybody at Macy’s and have a broad and diverse customer base.”

So basically, he sweetened the drop of Trump merchandise in a way that is politically correct, I guess… but anyways don’t expect to see any future candidates merchandise coming to a Macy’s near you, either. So Kanye if you’re really going to run in 2020 we’re going to need for you to open up shop somewhere else lol, your dope for reading.

Written By: Mark Pollard

The Perfect Accessories–Designer Watches That’ll Up Your Style!

From Armani to Gucci, designer labels are really upping their watch game. It’s almost imperative that in order to consider yourself a gent nowadays you must have all of the following, style game on point, shoe game on point, grooming on point, swagger on point, and something a lot of guys tend to forget about, definitely a killer watch game. Accessories are key to completing a great style, and designers are definitely taking note. Here’re just a few of my top choices from some of my favorite designer labels whose watches are killing the scene, and should definitely be on your wishlist.

 

EMPORIO ARMANI SWISS MADE WATCHES AUTOMATIC

Ok I know what you’re saying the price down below is out there, but it is Armani after all. This watch shows a newfound maturity in the brand’s watch offering, dressed in a sleek lounge reptile worthy midnight blue dial and rose gold coating.

$907, Armani.com