TheCreativeRoutine Meets The New Inquiry For some reason, the good folks over at The New Inquiry saw it fit to let me start publishing my essays on their website. For those who don’t know TNI, they’re a cultural wrecking ball of criticism and theory. I’ve always tried to dissect cultural phenomenona on TheCreativeRoutine, so having the opportunity to really ham things up at TNI on the regular is a dream come true. It’s actually the first street fashion related post on The New Inquiry.  You can check out my first article with The New Inquiry over on their homepage; I go on about what cultural movers like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Street Etiquette, Kadeem Johnson, and that steezy model from Très Bien all have in common. In honor of my first article, the background of the day has been swagged out accordingly. Leave a comment and let me know what you think about the piece. I’d love to respond. Also, be sure to check out the feature The New York Times did on The New Inquiry a few days ago. It’s a pretty dope read. (They refrained from calling us post-modern hipsters, the entire feature.)
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TheCreativeRoutine Meets The New Inquiry

For some reason, the good folks over at The New Inquiry saw it fit to let me start publishing my essays on their website. For those who don’t know TNI, they’re a cultural wrecking ball of criticism and theory. I’ve always tried to dissect cultural phenomenona on TheCreativeRoutine, so having the opportunity to really ham things up at TNI on the regular is a dream come true.

It’s actually the first street fashion related post on The New Inquiry. 

You can check out my first article with The New Inquiry over on their homepage; I go on about what cultural movers like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Street Etiquette, Kadeem Johnson, and that steezy model from Très Bien all have in common.

In honor of my first article, the background of the day has been swagged out accordingly. Leave a comment and let me know what you think about the piece. I’d love to respond.

Also, be sure to check out the feature The New York Times did on The New Inquiry a few days ago. It’s a pretty dope read. (They refrained from calling us post-modern hipsters, the entire feature.)

Modern Prep I’m not entirely sure how many people dispute me whenever I make this statement, but the amount of influence that prep is having in the modern menswear and womenswear sphere is unreal. The return to classic style and silhouettes, and increased emphasis on fit, that is being embraced widespread is resulting in clothing that is becoming more and more prep and ivy inspired. It seems like we’re sort of all adopting it too, self-professed preps and otherwise. Look at the pant legs of your favorite #menswear bloggeur. It’s probably cuffed. And check out his feet. If the photo was taken between March and October, he probably isn’t wearing socks either. Some of these prep-originating trends are becoming so infused in the general culture that we often forget where they came from or that things haven’t always been this way. Documenting the growth and evolution of modern prep, and prep influenced clothing, is especially fascinating on college campuses. Most of all at a school like Vanderbilt, a southern ivy that has been a bastion of prep and ivy culture for decades. It’s cool to see the way that preps interprete preppy style vs. how non-preps incorporate certain elements of the culture into their style template. You likely remember Alex. I featured him on the site not too long ago. He’s back for a second go, with a look that’s just so effortlessly captivating. It’s preppy no doubt, but with a particular European tinge. Interestingly enough, Alex’s prep style is pretty traditional American prep, especially relative to the rest of preps our age. So it threw me for a slight loop when I noticed that his ensemble seemed uncharacteristically Milanese. The hacking tweed blazer juxtaposed against the polka dot, silk scarf and burgundy leather gloves just screamed Milan. And sure enough, I was unsurprised to learn that the chinos were milano chinos from Brooks Brothers. It’s amazing how one can take an outfit, almost entirely composed of Brooks Brothers, and wear it in an Italian way. In the age of the internet, where regional style genres know no boundaries, it seems like the amount of style mashups of different prep sub-sects, and other genres, is only going to increase in number. Say hello to Tori. This is her first of what I’m sure will be multiple appearances on TCR. In many ways Tori is a stellar example of the way preppydom is permeating overall fashion culture. I asked her if she considered herself a prep. Because while her outfits aren’t always this outright ivy, she does manage to infuse a fair amount of preppy customs and trends into her aesthetic. Her reply? “Definitely not.” I think my style is a constant battle between my college prep education and my fringe culture “un-education”…I spent seven years at prep school, so I was definitely influenced…but I would rather die than wear some Lilly Pulitzer confection. I’d describe my closet as a boxing match between Joan Jett and a gypsy, refereed by Audrey Hepburn. The amazing thing about prep and ivy style is the way in which people have not hesitated to pick and choose the specific particular elements of the aesthetic they like, discarding or defiantly going against that which they find less agreeable. Isn’t that the way that McNairy built his own brand of irreverent neo-prep, or the manner in which Street Etiquette developed their particular urban, afro-prep aesthetic? You don’t even have to “like” prepdom to be influenced by it. Tori’s outfit reveals one more interesting dynamic: the constant tug and pull between general prepdom and college prep. Although prepdom began with the Ivy League style of the 1950’s, enough time has passed for general prep, college prep, and the college Greek aesthetic to become three distinct entities. Still though, the Greek system’s roots in traditional prep and ivy league style are apparent, as evidenced by how seamlessly a sorority-issued rugby can be infused into a preppy ensemble. urban hepburn, by shane smith She really wasn’t joking about that Audrey Hepburn thing.
Zoom Info
Modern Prep I’m not entirely sure how many people dispute me whenever I make this statement, but the amount of influence that prep is having in the modern menswear and womenswear sphere is unreal. The return to classic style and silhouettes, and increased emphasis on fit, that is being embraced widespread is resulting in clothing that is becoming more and more prep and ivy inspired. It seems like we’re sort of all adopting it too, self-professed preps and otherwise. Look at the pant legs of your favorite #menswear bloggeur. It’s probably cuffed. And check out his feet. If the photo was taken between March and October, he probably isn’t wearing socks either. Some of these prep-originating trends are becoming so infused in the general culture that we often forget where they came from or that things haven’t always been this way. Documenting the growth and evolution of modern prep, and prep influenced clothing, is especially fascinating on college campuses. Most of all at a school like Vanderbilt, a southern ivy that has been a bastion of prep and ivy culture for decades. It’s cool to see the way that preps interprete preppy style vs. how non-preps incorporate certain elements of the culture into their style template. You likely remember Alex. I featured him on the site not too long ago. He’s back for a second go, with a look that’s just so effortlessly captivating. It’s preppy no doubt, but with a particular European tinge. Interestingly enough, Alex’s prep style is pretty traditional American prep, especially relative to the rest of preps our age. So it threw me for a slight loop when I noticed that his ensemble seemed uncharacteristically Milanese. The hacking tweed blazer juxtaposed against the polka dot, silk scarf and burgundy leather gloves just screamed Milan. And sure enough, I was unsurprised to learn that the chinos were milano chinos from Brooks Brothers. It’s amazing how one can take an outfit, almost entirely composed of Brooks Brothers, and wear it in an Italian way. In the age of the internet, where regional style genres know no boundaries, it seems like the amount of style mashups of different prep sub-sects, and other genres, is only going to increase in number. Say hello to Tori. This is her first of what I’m sure will be multiple appearances on TCR. In many ways Tori is a stellar example of the way preppydom is permeating overall fashion culture. I asked her if she considered herself a prep. Because while her outfits aren’t always this outright ivy, she does manage to infuse a fair amount of preppy customs and trends into her aesthetic. Her reply? “Definitely not.” I think my style is a constant battle between my college prep education and my fringe culture “un-education”…I spent seven years at prep school, so I was definitely influenced…but I would rather die than wear some Lilly Pulitzer confection. I’d describe my closet as a boxing match between Joan Jett and a gypsy, refereed by Audrey Hepburn. The amazing thing about prep and ivy style is the way in which people have not hesitated to pick and choose the specific particular elements of the aesthetic they like, discarding or defiantly going against that which they find less agreeable. Isn’t that the way that McNairy built his own brand of irreverent neo-prep, or the manner in which Street Etiquette developed their particular urban, afro-prep aesthetic? You don’t even have to “like” prepdom to be influenced by it. Tori’s outfit reveals one more interesting dynamic: the constant tug and pull between general prepdom and college prep. Although prepdom began with the Ivy League style of the 1950’s, enough time has passed for general prep, college prep, and the college Greek aesthetic to become three distinct entities. Still though, the Greek system’s roots in traditional prep and ivy league style are apparent, as evidenced by how seamlessly a sorority-issued rugby can be infused into a preppy ensemble. urban hepburn, by shane smith She really wasn’t joking about that Audrey Hepburn thing.
Zoom Info
Modern Prep I’m not entirely sure how many people dispute me whenever I make this statement, but the amount of influence that prep is having in the modern menswear and womenswear sphere is unreal. The return to classic style and silhouettes, and increased emphasis on fit, that is being embraced widespread is resulting in clothing that is becoming more and more prep and ivy inspired. It seems like we’re sort of all adopting it too, self-professed preps and otherwise. Look at the pant legs of your favorite #menswear bloggeur. It’s probably cuffed. And check out his feet. If the photo was taken between March and October, he probably isn’t wearing socks either. Some of these prep-originating trends are becoming so infused in the general culture that we often forget where they came from or that things haven’t always been this way. Documenting the growth and evolution of modern prep, and prep influenced clothing, is especially fascinating on college campuses. Most of all at a school like Vanderbilt, a southern ivy that has been a bastion of prep and ivy culture for decades. It’s cool to see the way that preps interprete preppy style vs. how non-preps incorporate certain elements of the culture into their style template. You likely remember Alex. I featured him on the site not too long ago. He’s back for a second go, with a look that’s just so effortlessly captivating. It’s preppy no doubt, but with a particular European tinge. Interestingly enough, Alex’s prep style is pretty traditional American prep, especially relative to the rest of preps our age. So it threw me for a slight loop when I noticed that his ensemble seemed uncharacteristically Milanese. The hacking tweed blazer juxtaposed against the polka dot, silk scarf and burgundy leather gloves just screamed Milan. And sure enough, I was unsurprised to learn that the chinos were milano chinos from Brooks Brothers. It’s amazing how one can take an outfit, almost entirely composed of Brooks Brothers, and wear it in an Italian way. In the age of the internet, where regional style genres know no boundaries, it seems like the amount of style mashups of different prep sub-sects, and other genres, is only going to increase in number. Say hello to Tori. This is her first of what I’m sure will be multiple appearances on TCR. In many ways Tori is a stellar example of the way preppydom is permeating overall fashion culture. I asked her if she considered herself a prep. Because while her outfits aren’t always this outright ivy, she does manage to infuse a fair amount of preppy customs and trends into her aesthetic. Her reply? “Definitely not.” I think my style is a constant battle between my college prep education and my fringe culture “un-education”…I spent seven years at prep school, so I was definitely influenced…but I would rather die than wear some Lilly Pulitzer confection. I’d describe my closet as a boxing match between Joan Jett and a gypsy, refereed by Audrey Hepburn. The amazing thing about prep and ivy style is the way in which people have not hesitated to pick and choose the specific particular elements of the aesthetic they like, discarding or defiantly going against that which they find less agreeable. Isn’t that the way that McNairy built his own brand of irreverent neo-prep, or the manner in which Street Etiquette developed their particular urban, afro-prep aesthetic? You don’t even have to “like” prepdom to be influenced by it. Tori’s outfit reveals one more interesting dynamic: the constant tug and pull between general prepdom and college prep. Although prepdom began with the Ivy League style of the 1950’s, enough time has passed for general prep, college prep, and the college Greek aesthetic to become three distinct entities. Still though, the Greek system’s roots in traditional prep and ivy league style are apparent, as evidenced by how seamlessly a sorority-issued rugby can be infused into a preppy ensemble. urban hepburn, by shane smith She really wasn’t joking about that Audrey Hepburn thing.
Zoom Info
Modern Prep I’m not entirely sure how many people dispute me whenever I make this statement, but the amount of influence that prep is having in the modern menswear and womenswear sphere is unreal. The return to classic style and silhouettes, and increased emphasis on fit, that is being embraced widespread is resulting in clothing that is becoming more and more prep and ivy inspired. It seems like we’re sort of all adopting it too, self-professed preps and otherwise. Look at the pant legs of your favorite #menswear bloggeur. It’s probably cuffed. And check out his feet. If the photo was taken between March and October, he probably isn’t wearing socks either. Some of these prep-originating trends are becoming so infused in the general culture that we often forget where they came from or that things haven’t always been this way. Documenting the growth and evolution of modern prep, and prep influenced clothing, is especially fascinating on college campuses. Most of all at a school like Vanderbilt, a southern ivy that has been a bastion of prep and ivy culture for decades. It’s cool to see the way that preps interprete preppy style vs. how non-preps incorporate certain elements of the culture into their style template. You likely remember Alex. I featured him on the site not too long ago. He’s back for a second go, with a look that’s just so effortlessly captivating. It’s preppy no doubt, but with a particular European tinge. Interestingly enough, Alex’s prep style is pretty traditional American prep, especially relative to the rest of preps our age. So it threw me for a slight loop when I noticed that his ensemble seemed uncharacteristically Milanese. The hacking tweed blazer juxtaposed against the polka dot, silk scarf and burgundy leather gloves just screamed Milan. And sure enough, I was unsurprised to learn that the chinos were milano chinos from Brooks Brothers. It’s amazing how one can take an outfit, almost entirely composed of Brooks Brothers, and wear it in an Italian way. In the age of the internet, where regional style genres know no boundaries, it seems like the amount of style mashups of different prep sub-sects, and other genres, is only going to increase in number. Say hello to Tori. This is her first of what I’m sure will be multiple appearances on TCR. In many ways Tori is a stellar example of the way preppydom is permeating overall fashion culture. I asked her if she considered herself a prep. Because while her outfits aren’t always this outright ivy, she does manage to infuse a fair amount of preppy customs and trends into her aesthetic. Her reply? “Definitely not.” I think my style is a constant battle between my college prep education and my fringe culture “un-education”…I spent seven years at prep school, so I was definitely influenced…but I would rather die than wear some Lilly Pulitzer confection. I’d describe my closet as a boxing match between Joan Jett and a gypsy, refereed by Audrey Hepburn. The amazing thing about prep and ivy style is the way in which people have not hesitated to pick and choose the specific particular elements of the aesthetic they like, discarding or defiantly going against that which they find less agreeable. Isn’t that the way that McNairy built his own brand of irreverent neo-prep, or the manner in which Street Etiquette developed their particular urban, afro-prep aesthetic? You don’t even have to “like” prepdom to be influenced by it. Tori’s outfit reveals one more interesting dynamic: the constant tug and pull between general prepdom and college prep. Although prepdom began with the Ivy League style of the 1950’s, enough time has passed for general prep, college prep, and the college Greek aesthetic to become three distinct entities. Still though, the Greek system’s roots in traditional prep and ivy league style are apparent, as evidenced by how seamlessly a sorority-issued rugby can be infused into a preppy ensemble. urban hepburn, by shane smith She really wasn’t joking about that Audrey Hepburn thing.
Zoom Info
Modern Prep I’m not entirely sure how many people dispute me whenever I make this statement, but the amount of influence that prep is having in the modern menswear and womenswear sphere is unreal. The return to classic style and silhouettes, and increased emphasis on fit, that is being embraced widespread is resulting in clothing that is becoming more and more prep and ivy inspired. It seems like we’re sort of all adopting it too, self-professed preps and otherwise. Look at the pant legs of your favorite #menswear bloggeur. It’s probably cuffed. And check out his feet. If the photo was taken between March and October, he probably isn’t wearing socks either. Some of these prep-originating trends are becoming so infused in the general culture that we often forget where they came from or that things haven’t always been this way. Documenting the growth and evolution of modern prep, and prep influenced clothing, is especially fascinating on college campuses. Most of all at a school like Vanderbilt, a southern ivy that has been a bastion of prep and ivy culture for decades. It’s cool to see the way that preps interprete preppy style vs. how non-preps incorporate certain elements of the culture into their style template. You likely remember Alex. I featured him on the site not too long ago. He’s back for a second go, with a look that’s just so effortlessly captivating. It’s preppy no doubt, but with a particular European tinge. Interestingly enough, Alex’s prep style is pretty traditional American prep, especially relative to the rest of preps our age. So it threw me for a slight loop when I noticed that his ensemble seemed uncharacteristically Milanese. The hacking tweed blazer juxtaposed against the polka dot, silk scarf and burgundy leather gloves just screamed Milan. And sure enough, I was unsurprised to learn that the chinos were milano chinos from Brooks Brothers. It’s amazing how one can take an outfit, almost entirely composed of Brooks Brothers, and wear it in an Italian way. In the age of the internet, where regional style genres know no boundaries, it seems like the amount of style mashups of different prep sub-sects, and other genres, is only going to increase in number. Say hello to Tori. This is her first of what I’m sure will be multiple appearances on TCR. In many ways Tori is a stellar example of the way preppydom is permeating overall fashion culture. I asked her if she considered herself a prep. Because while her outfits aren’t always this outright ivy, she does manage to infuse a fair amount of preppy customs and trends into her aesthetic. Her reply? “Definitely not.” I think my style is a constant battle between my college prep education and my fringe culture “un-education”…I spent seven years at prep school, so I was definitely influenced…but I would rather die than wear some Lilly Pulitzer confection. I’d describe my closet as a boxing match between Joan Jett and a gypsy, refereed by Audrey Hepburn. The amazing thing about prep and ivy style is the way in which people have not hesitated to pick and choose the specific particular elements of the aesthetic they like, discarding or defiantly going against that which they find less agreeable. Isn’t that the way that McNairy built his own brand of irreverent neo-prep, or the manner in which Street Etiquette developed their particular urban, afro-prep aesthetic? You don’t even have to “like” prepdom to be influenced by it. Tori’s outfit reveals one more interesting dynamic: the constant tug and pull between general prepdom and college prep. Although prepdom began with the Ivy League style of the 1950’s, enough time has passed for general prep, college prep, and the college Greek aesthetic to become three distinct entities. Still though, the Greek system’s roots in traditional prep and ivy league style are apparent, as evidenced by how seamlessly a sorority-issued rugby can be infused into a preppy ensemble. urban hepburn, by shane smith She really wasn’t joking about that Audrey Hepburn thing.
Zoom Info
Modern Prep I’m not entirely sure how many people dispute me whenever I make this statement, but the amount of influence that prep is having in the modern menswear and womenswear sphere is unreal. The return to classic style and silhouettes, and increased emphasis on fit, that is being embraced widespread is resulting in clothing that is becoming more and more prep and ivy inspired. It seems like we’re sort of all adopting it too, self-professed preps and otherwise. Look at the pant legs of your favorite #menswear bloggeur. It’s probably cuffed. And check out his feet. If the photo was taken between March and October, he probably isn’t wearing socks either. Some of these prep-originating trends are becoming so infused in the general culture that we often forget where they came from or that things haven’t always been this way. Documenting the growth and evolution of modern prep, and prep influenced clothing, is especially fascinating on college campuses. Most of all at a school like Vanderbilt, a southern ivy that has been a bastion of prep and ivy culture for decades. It’s cool to see the way that preps interprete preppy style vs. how non-preps incorporate certain elements of the culture into their style template. You likely remember Alex. I featured him on the site not too long ago. He’s back for a second go, with a look that’s just so effortlessly captivating. It’s preppy no doubt, but with a particular European tinge. Interestingly enough, Alex’s prep style is pretty traditional American prep, especially relative to the rest of preps our age. So it threw me for a slight loop when I noticed that his ensemble seemed uncharacteristically Milanese. The hacking tweed blazer juxtaposed against the polka dot, silk scarf and burgundy leather gloves just screamed Milan. And sure enough, I was unsurprised to learn that the chinos were milano chinos from Brooks Brothers. It’s amazing how one can take an outfit, almost entirely composed of Brooks Brothers, and wear it in an Italian way. In the age of the internet, where regional style genres know no boundaries, it seems like the amount of style mashups of different prep sub-sects, and other genres, is only going to increase in number. Say hello to Tori. This is her first of what I’m sure will be multiple appearances on TCR. In many ways Tori is a stellar example of the way preppydom is permeating overall fashion culture. I asked her if she considered herself a prep. Because while her outfits aren’t always this outright ivy, she does manage to infuse a fair amount of preppy customs and trends into her aesthetic. Her reply? “Definitely not.” I think my style is a constant battle between my college prep education and my fringe culture “un-education”…I spent seven years at prep school, so I was definitely influenced…but I would rather die than wear some Lilly Pulitzer confection. I’d describe my closet as a boxing match between Joan Jett and a gypsy, refereed by Audrey Hepburn. The amazing thing about prep and ivy style is the way in which people have not hesitated to pick and choose the specific particular elements of the aesthetic they like, discarding or defiantly going against that which they find less agreeable. Isn’t that the way that McNairy built his own brand of irreverent neo-prep, or the manner in which Street Etiquette developed their particular urban, afro-prep aesthetic? You don’t even have to “like” prepdom to be influenced by it. Tori’s outfit reveals one more interesting dynamic: the constant tug and pull between general prepdom and college prep. Although prepdom began with the Ivy League style of the 1950’s, enough time has passed for general prep, college prep, and the college Greek aesthetic to become three distinct entities. Still though, the Greek system’s roots in traditional prep and ivy league style are apparent, as evidenced by how seamlessly a sorority-issued rugby can be infused into a preppy ensemble. urban hepburn, by shane smith She really wasn’t joking about that Audrey Hepburn thing.
Zoom Info
Modern Prep I’m not entirely sure how many people dispute me whenever I make this statement, but the amount of influence that prep is having in the modern menswear and womenswear sphere is unreal. The return to classic style and silhouettes, and increased emphasis on fit, that is being embraced widespread is resulting in clothing that is becoming more and more prep and ivy inspired. It seems like we’re sort of all adopting it too, self-professed preps and otherwise. Look at the pant legs of your favorite #menswear bloggeur. It’s probably cuffed. And check out his feet. If the photo was taken between March and October, he probably isn’t wearing socks either. Some of these prep-originating trends are becoming so infused in the general culture that we often forget where they came from or that things haven’t always been this way. Documenting the growth and evolution of modern prep, and prep influenced clothing, is especially fascinating on college campuses. Most of all at a school like Vanderbilt, a southern ivy that has been a bastion of prep and ivy culture for decades. It’s cool to see the way that preps interprete preppy style vs. how non-preps incorporate certain elements of the culture into their style template. You likely remember Alex. I featured him on the site not too long ago. He’s back for a second go, with a look that’s just so effortlessly captivating. It’s preppy no doubt, but with a particular European tinge. Interestingly enough, Alex’s prep style is pretty traditional American prep, especially relative to the rest of preps our age. So it threw me for a slight loop when I noticed that his ensemble seemed uncharacteristically Milanese. The hacking tweed blazer juxtaposed against the polka dot, silk scarf and burgundy leather gloves just screamed Milan. And sure enough, I was unsurprised to learn that the chinos were milano chinos from Brooks Brothers. It’s amazing how one can take an outfit, almost entirely composed of Brooks Brothers, and wear it in an Italian way. In the age of the internet, where regional style genres know no boundaries, it seems like the amount of style mashups of different prep sub-sects, and other genres, is only going to increase in number. Say hello to Tori. This is her first of what I’m sure will be multiple appearances on TCR. In many ways Tori is a stellar example of the way preppydom is permeating overall fashion culture. I asked her if she considered herself a prep. Because while her outfits aren’t always this outright ivy, she does manage to infuse a fair amount of preppy customs and trends into her aesthetic. Her reply? “Definitely not.” I think my style is a constant battle between my college prep education and my fringe culture “un-education”…I spent seven years at prep school, so I was definitely influenced…but I would rather die than wear some Lilly Pulitzer confection. I’d describe my closet as a boxing match between Joan Jett and a gypsy, refereed by Audrey Hepburn. The amazing thing about prep and ivy style is the way in which people have not hesitated to pick and choose the specific particular elements of the aesthetic they like, discarding or defiantly going against that which they find less agreeable. Isn’t that the way that McNairy built his own brand of irreverent neo-prep, or the manner in which Street Etiquette developed their particular urban, afro-prep aesthetic? You don’t even have to “like” prepdom to be influenced by it. Tori’s outfit reveals one more interesting dynamic: the constant tug and pull between general prepdom and college prep. Although prepdom began with the Ivy League style of the 1950’s, enough time has passed for general prep, college prep, and the college Greek aesthetic to become three distinct entities. Still though, the Greek system’s roots in traditional prep and ivy league style are apparent, as evidenced by how seamlessly a sorority-issued rugby can be infused into a preppy ensemble. urban hepburn, by shane smith She really wasn’t joking about that Audrey Hepburn thing.
Zoom Info
Modern Prep I’m not entirely sure how many people dispute me whenever I make this statement, but the amount of influence that prep is having in the modern menswear and womenswear sphere is unreal. The return to classic style and silhouettes, and increased emphasis on fit, that is being embraced widespread is resulting in clothing that is becoming more and more prep and ivy inspired. It seems like we’re sort of all adopting it too, self-professed preps and otherwise. Look at the pant legs of your favorite #menswear bloggeur. It’s probably cuffed. And check out his feet. If the photo was taken between March and October, he probably isn’t wearing socks either. Some of these prep-originating trends are becoming so infused in the general culture that we often forget where they came from or that things haven’t always been this way. Documenting the growth and evolution of modern prep, and prep influenced clothing, is especially fascinating on college campuses. Most of all at a school like Vanderbilt, a southern ivy that has been a bastion of prep and ivy culture for decades. It’s cool to see the way that preps interprete preppy style vs. how non-preps incorporate certain elements of the culture into their style template. You likely remember Alex. I featured him on the site not too long ago. He’s back for a second go, with a look that’s just so effortlessly captivating. It’s preppy no doubt, but with a particular European tinge. Interestingly enough, Alex’s prep style is pretty traditional American prep, especially relative to the rest of preps our age. So it threw me for a slight loop when I noticed that his ensemble seemed uncharacteristically Milanese. The hacking tweed blazer juxtaposed against the polka dot, silk scarf and burgundy leather gloves just screamed Milan. And sure enough, I was unsurprised to learn that the chinos were milano chinos from Brooks Brothers. It’s amazing how one can take an outfit, almost entirely composed of Brooks Brothers, and wear it in an Italian way. In the age of the internet, where regional style genres know no boundaries, it seems like the amount of style mashups of different prep sub-sects, and other genres, is only going to increase in number. Say hello to Tori. This is her first of what I’m sure will be multiple appearances on TCR. In many ways Tori is a stellar example of the way preppydom is permeating overall fashion culture. I asked her if she considered herself a prep. Because while her outfits aren’t always this outright ivy, she does manage to infuse a fair amount of preppy customs and trends into her aesthetic. Her reply? “Definitely not.” I think my style is a constant battle between my college prep education and my fringe culture “un-education”…I spent seven years at prep school, so I was definitely influenced…but I would rather die than wear some Lilly Pulitzer confection. I’d describe my closet as a boxing match between Joan Jett and a gypsy, refereed by Audrey Hepburn. The amazing thing about prep and ivy style is the way in which people have not hesitated to pick and choose the specific particular elements of the aesthetic they like, discarding or defiantly going against that which they find less agreeable. Isn’t that the way that McNairy built his own brand of irreverent neo-prep, or the manner in which Street Etiquette developed their particular urban, afro-prep aesthetic? You don’t even have to “like” prepdom to be influenced by it. Tori’s outfit reveals one more interesting dynamic: the constant tug and pull between general prepdom and college prep. Although prepdom began with the Ivy League style of the 1950’s, enough time has passed for general prep, college prep, and the college Greek aesthetic to become three distinct entities. Still though, the Greek system’s roots in traditional prep and ivy league style are apparent, as evidenced by how seamlessly a sorority-issued rugby can be infused into a preppy ensemble. urban hepburn, by shane smith She really wasn’t joking about that Audrey Hepburn thing.
Zoom Info
Modern Prep I’m not entirely sure how many people dispute me whenever I make this statement, but the amount of influence that prep is having in the modern menswear and womenswear sphere is unreal. The return to classic style and silhouettes, and increased emphasis on fit, that is being embraced widespread is resulting in clothing that is becoming more and more prep and ivy inspired. It seems like we’re sort of all adopting it too, self-professed preps and otherwise. Look at the pant legs of your favorite #menswear bloggeur. It’s probably cuffed. And check out his feet. If the photo was taken between March and October, he probably isn’t wearing socks either. Some of these prep-originating trends are becoming so infused in the general culture that we often forget where they came from or that things haven’t always been this way. Documenting the growth and evolution of modern prep, and prep influenced clothing, is especially fascinating on college campuses. Most of all at a school like Vanderbilt, a southern ivy that has been a bastion of prep and ivy culture for decades. It’s cool to see the way that preps interprete preppy style vs. how non-preps incorporate certain elements of the culture into their style template. You likely remember Alex. I featured him on the site not too long ago. He’s back for a second go, with a look that’s just so effortlessly captivating. It’s preppy no doubt, but with a particular European tinge. Interestingly enough, Alex’s prep style is pretty traditional American prep, especially relative to the rest of preps our age. So it threw me for a slight loop when I noticed that his ensemble seemed uncharacteristically Milanese. The hacking tweed blazer juxtaposed against the polka dot, silk scarf and burgundy leather gloves just screamed Milan. And sure enough, I was unsurprised to learn that the chinos were milano chinos from Brooks Brothers. It’s amazing how one can take an outfit, almost entirely composed of Brooks Brothers, and wear it in an Italian way. In the age of the internet, where regional style genres know no boundaries, it seems like the amount of style mashups of different prep sub-sects, and other genres, is only going to increase in number. Say hello to Tori. This is her first of what I’m sure will be multiple appearances on TCR. In many ways Tori is a stellar example of the way preppydom is permeating overall fashion culture. I asked her if she considered herself a prep. Because while her outfits aren’t always this outright ivy, she does manage to infuse a fair amount of preppy customs and trends into her aesthetic. Her reply? “Definitely not.” I think my style is a constant battle between my college prep education and my fringe culture “un-education”…I spent seven years at prep school, so I was definitely influenced…but I would rather die than wear some Lilly Pulitzer confection. I’d describe my closet as a boxing match between Joan Jett and a gypsy, refereed by Audrey Hepburn. The amazing thing about prep and ivy style is the way in which people have not hesitated to pick and choose the specific particular elements of the aesthetic they like, discarding or defiantly going against that which they find less agreeable. Isn’t that the way that McNairy built his own brand of irreverent neo-prep, or the manner in which Street Etiquette developed their particular urban, afro-prep aesthetic? You don’t even have to “like” prepdom to be influenced by it. Tori’s outfit reveals one more interesting dynamic: the constant tug and pull between general prepdom and college prep. Although prepdom began with the Ivy League style of the 1950’s, enough time has passed for general prep, college prep, and the college Greek aesthetic to become three distinct entities. Still though, the Greek system’s roots in traditional prep and ivy league style are apparent, as evidenced by how seamlessly a sorority-issued rugby can be infused into a preppy ensemble. urban hepburn, by shane smith She really wasn’t joking about that Audrey Hepburn thing.
Zoom Info

Modern Prep

I’m not entirely sure how many people dispute me whenever I make this statement, but the amount of influence that prep is having in the modern menswear and womenswear sphere is unreal. The return to classic style and silhouettes, and increased emphasis on fit, that is being embraced widespread is resulting in clothing that is becoming more and more prep and ivy inspired.

It seems like we’re sort of all adopting it too, self-professed preps and otherwise. Look at the pant legs of your favorite #menswear bloggeur. It’s probably cuffed. And check out his feet. If the photo was taken between March and October, he probably isn’t wearing socks either. Some of these prep-originating trends are becoming so infused in the general culture that we often forget where they came from or that things haven’t always been this way.

Documenting the growth and evolution of modern prep, and prep influenced clothing, is especially fascinating on college campuses. Most of all at a school like Vanderbilt, a southern ivy that has been a bastion of prep and ivy culture for decades. It’s cool to see the way that preps interprete preppy style vs. how non-preps incorporate certain elements of the culture into their style template.

You likely remember Alex. I featured him on the site not too long ago. He’s back for a second go, with a look that’s just so effortlessly captivating. It’s preppy no doubt, but with a particular European tinge. Interestingly enough, Alex’s prep style is pretty traditional American prep, especially relative to the rest of preps our age. So it threw me for a slight loop when I noticed that his ensemble seemed uncharacteristically Milanese. The hacking tweed blazer juxtaposed against the polka dot, silk scarf and burgundy leather gloves just screamed Milan. And sure enough, I was unsurprised to learn that the chinos were milano chinos from Brooks Brothers. It’s amazing how one can take an outfit, almost entirely composed of Brooks Brothers, and wear it in an Italian way. In the age of the internet, where regional style genres know no boundaries, it seems like the amount of style mashups of different prep sub-sects, and other genres, is only going to increase in number.

Say hello to Tori. This is her first of what I’m sure will be multiple appearances on TCR. In many ways Tori is a stellar example of the way preppydom is permeating overall fashion culture. I asked her if she considered herself a prep. Because while her outfits aren’t always this outright ivy, she does manage to infuse a fair amount of preppy customs and trends into her aesthetic. Her reply? “Definitely not.”

I think my style is a constant battle between my college prep education and my fringe culture “un-education”…I spent seven years at prep school, so I was definitely influenced…but I would rather die than wear some Lilly Pulitzer confection. I’d describe my closet as a boxing match between Joan Jett and a gypsy, refereed by Audrey Hepburn.

The amazing thing about prep and ivy style is the way in which people have not hesitated to pick and choose the specific particular elements of the aesthetic they like, discarding or defiantly going against that which they find less agreeable. Isn’t that the way that McNairy built his own brand of irreverent neo-prep, or the manner in which Street Etiquette developed their particular urban, afro-prep aesthetic? You don’t even have to “like” prepdom to be influenced by it.

Tori’s outfit reveals one more interesting dynamic: the constant tug and pull between general prepdom and college prep. Although prepdom began with the Ivy League style of the 1950’s, enough time has passed for general prep, college prep, and the college Greek aesthetic to become three distinct entities. Still though, the Greek system’s roots in traditional prep and ivy league style are apparent, as evidenced by how seamlessly a sorority-issued rugby can be infused into a preppy ensemble.

urban hepburn, by shane smith

She really wasn’t joking about that Audrey Hepburn thing.

Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Hair Legacy Jean-Michel Basquiat had a professional career that lasted just nine years. Yet during that time he managed to make himself one of the most significant painters of the 20th century and an ever-enduring cultural icon. In many ways Basquiat was the ultimate enigma. The first black artist to ever be internationally acclaimed. Completely unschooled and non-traditional in his approach to art. Yet he was the epitome of cool. A confident and nonchalant aura. An eccentric wardrobe. And of course, his hair. Basquiat’s hair went through many different stages throughout his professional career. But aside from the time he spent as Samo (immediately upon moving to New York), all of his hairstyles follow more or less the same silhouette: the faux dreadlock that somehow suspends itself straight up in the air. basquiat as samo in 1980 It’s amazing to me that 23 years after his death, Basquiat is as culturally salient as he is now. Both his art and his fashion sense. He is undoubtedly a cultural icon, but in many ways Basquiat is also a style icon. After all, he is the guy that painted in Armani suits. The one area where Basquiat’s aesthetic seems to be shaping the contemporary fashion scene the most is in the grooming choices of the country’s most artsy urban African American males. Take a look around you. Peer at the domes of some of the most recognizable young men in today’s street style scene. Joshua Kissi of Street Etiquette. Jean Lebrun and Eaddy from the Jersey Street Klan. Kadeem Johnson of KJohnlaSoul. That steezy model from Très Bien whose name always escapes me. And those are just the dudes we all know about. It’s no coincidence that some of today’s most artsy black males are referencing a haircut very similar to the one Jean-Michel Basquiat sported for so many years. jean lebrun and kadeem johnson (from the aveder outfit) It makes so much sense. Basquiat was thoroughly urban (from New York, as many of the folks I mentioned are). In no way was he part of the art establishment. He invaded it. Grassroots everything. The first black artist to ever be accepted by the fine art community. And he didn’t have to sell his soul to do it. He remained completely himself. The same grafitti-driven, break-dancing, and hip hop fiend he’d always been. The fashion of the aughts (the 2000’s) has been very 1980’s reference heavy. It’s understandable that many of today’s art focused African-American men would be influenced by the one figure from the 1980’s art world that was most relatable. joshua kissi of street etiquette Do you see the patterns I’m referring to here? All the names I’ve mentioned are afrocentric individuals. Jean-Michel Basquiat, with his influence on urban culture, afrocentric thought, and hip hop/grafitti, set the culture that the Native Tongues would inherit. He conveniently died in 1988 right as the Native Tongues’ most prominent group, A Tribe Called Quest, debuted in hip hop. Q-Tip says in his Post-Tribe solo work, “Don’t you ever forget who put the pep in your step. We made it cool to wear medallions and say hotep.” In other words, A Tribe Called Quest and the rest of the Native Tongues (De la Soul, Jungle Brothers, Common, Mos Def, etc) brought afrocentric thought into the urban mainstream. But of course none of that would have been possible without Basquiat’s prior influence. très bien’s proprietor of steeze Of course, whether or not any of these individuals are aware that they’re referencing Basquiat in their aesthetic choices isn’t quite as important. The most important point is that they are influenced by the sartorial and grooming values of the society they currently live in. A society that was indelibly shaped by Basquiat. I’m sure probably all of them know who Basquiat is and probably many of them were consciously alluding to him in their grooming aesthetic. But as I just said, that fact isn’t quite as important. michael dos santos of an educated guess In reality, this post isn’t really about Jean-Michel Basquiat hair. It’s rather a testament to how large of an influence he’s had on both the art and urban world. His signature permeates so many things now. The domes of some of our culture’s most notable men is merely a testament to how big Basquiat still is.
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Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Hair Legacy

Jean-Michel Basquiat had a professional career that lasted just nine years. Yet during that time he managed to make himself one of the most significant painters of the 20th century and an ever-enduring cultural icon. In many ways Basquiat was the ultimate enigma. The first black artist to ever be internationally acclaimed. Completely unschooled and non-traditional in his approach to art.

Yet he was the epitome of cool. A confident and nonchalant aura. An eccentric wardrobe. And of course, his hair. Basquiat’s hair went through many different stages throughout his professional career. But aside from the time he spent as Samo (immediately upon moving to New York), all of his hairstyles follow more or less the same silhouette: the faux dreadlock that somehow suspends itself straight up in the air.

basquiat as samo in 1980

It’s amazing to me that 23 years after his death, Basquiat is as culturally salient as he is now. Both his art and his fashion sense. He is undoubtedly a cultural icon, but in many ways Basquiat is also a style icon. After all, he is the guy that painted in Armani suits. The one area where Basquiat’s aesthetic seems to be shaping the contemporary fashion scene the most is in the grooming choices of the country’s most artsy urban African American males.

Take a look around you. Peer at the domes of some of the most recognizable young men in today’s street style scene. Joshua Kissi of Street Etiquette. Jean Lebrun and Eaddy from the Jersey Street Klan. Kadeem Johnson of KJohnlaSoul. That steezy model from Très Bien whose name always escapes me. And those are just the dudes we all know about. It’s no coincidence that some of today’s most artsy black males are referencing a haircut very similar to the one Jean-Michel Basquiat sported for so many years.

jean lebrun and kadeem johnson (from the aveder outfit)

It makes so much sense. Basquiat was thoroughly urban (from New York, as many of the folks I mentioned are). In no way was he part of the art establishment. He invaded it. Grassroots everything. The first black artist to ever be accepted by the fine art community. And he didn’t have to sell his soul to do it. He remained completely himself. The same grafitti-driven, break-dancing, and hip hop fiend he’d always been. The fashion of the aughts (the 2000’s) has been very 1980’s reference heavy. It’s understandable that many of today’s art focused African-American men would be influenced by the one figure from the 1980’s art world that was most relatable.


joshua kissi of street etiquette

Do you see the patterns I’m referring to here? All the names I’ve mentioned are afrocentric individuals. Jean-Michel Basquiat, with his influence on urban culture, afrocentric thought, and hip hop/grafitti, set the culture that the Native Tongues would inherit. He conveniently died in 1988 right as the Native Tongues’ most prominent group, A Tribe Called Quest, debuted in hip hop. Q-Tip says in his Post-Tribe solo work, “Don’t you ever forget who put the pep in your step. We made it cool to wear medallions and say hotep.” In other words, A Tribe Called Quest and the rest of the Native Tongues (De la Soul, Jungle Brothers, Common, Mos Def, etc) brought afrocentric thought into the urban mainstream. But of course none of that would have been possible without Basquiat’s prior influence.

très bien’s proprietor of steeze

Of course, whether or not any of these individuals are aware that they’re referencing Basquiat in their aesthetic choices isn’t quite as important. The most important point is that they are influenced by the sartorial and grooming values of the society they currently live in. A society that was indelibly shaped by Basquiat. I’m sure probably all of them know who Basquiat is and probably many of them were consciously alluding to him in their grooming aesthetic. But as I just said, that fact isn’t quite as important.

michael dos santos of an educated guess

In reality, this post isn’t really about Jean-Michel Basquiat hair. It’s rather a testament to how large of an influence he’s had on both the art and urban world. His signature permeates so many things now. The domes of some of our culture’s most notable men is merely a testament to how big Basquiat still is.

Sewn from the Soul - Street Etiquette Tribute to Black History Month 2010

Well folks, today is the last day of February. And with the last day of February comes the last day of Black History Month. I’m not even sure how I managed to re-stumble upon Street Etiquette’s Sewn from the Soul editorial that they did last year, but I did. And seeing the video once again brought back a flood of memories.

It was around this time last year that I first learned of Street Etiquette. In fact, Sewn from the Soul was one of the first posts I ever saw from them. It’s been amazing to watch their growth in the last twelve months. Even back then, when I first learned of them, I realized that they were truly on the verge of becoming something extraordinary. Truth be told, they’re still in the process of blowing up. That’s crazy to think about, because they’re already so big. But I digress. On to the editorial itself.

Sewn from the Soul is one the most intelligent, most creative tributes to black culture that I’ve ever seen. Even twelve months later, it’s worth noting; it was that impressive. The essential premise is the meshing of black style and black history: paying tribute to notable African American figures that were sartorially minded, while making an impact on black culture.

the cast of sewn from the soul

Beginning with a captivating poem by Brooklyn wordsmith Joe-Kenneth Museau, the editorial proceeds to shed light on historical figures like Cornel West, Huey P. Newton, Miles Davis, and several others.

james field pays homage to cornel west

joe-kenneth museau honors nat “king” cole

Ultimately Sewn from the Soul reveals how large of a role style plays in any culture, especially black culture. It’s a look back at our past, with a progressive step towards the future.

Happy Black History Month guys.

*The following is the first portion of a conversation I recently had with American photographer Rog Walker. Itoro Udoko: When did you first gain interest in photography and fashion? Was it one before the other or sort of all at once? Rog Walker: It’s approaching 2 years, as far as my photography is concerned. Most of all, communication is a part of my life, and fashion is the highest form of communication in my eyes. Fashion is an element of my photography. A lot of times people overlook the complete image. I believe in completing the entire shot – settings, pose, wardrobe. That’s the approach. Fashion is very important to the shot. It’s silent, but powerful.  IU: So what were you doing before you started photography? Were you in school? RW: I did a semester of web design. Honestly, I really wasn’t feeling that. Hands on, that’s the key. I learned the basics of photography from a friend. Shoot, shoot, shoot. Trial and error. I actually don’t believe in going too deep in formal training. Once you go past the basics, your professors begin placing their personal opinions on your learning. There’s no experimentation. No personality. No style. You should never really push too far into that. poet joe kenneth museau, rog walker, 2010 IU: Who or what has influenced your photography? Any significant figures? RW: That’s an easy. There’s only one influence – Richard Avedon. I got his book by accident one time, The Sixties, my favorite book. In it he has all these amazing portraits. Vietnam, Malcolm X, iconic images. I’m looking at these portraits, reading these stories. It’s like being brought to that time. He literally shaped the face of fashion for five decades. malcolm x, richard avedon, 1963 IU: Yeah. He definitely seems to be the quintessential fashion photographer by which all others are measured; setting the bar. Are there any contemporary photographers that you admire? RW: Um. There’s a commercial photographer that’s a friend of mine, a colleague – Sarah Mccolgan. IU: Oh yeah. I’ve seen a lot of her stuff on Maestro Knows. Levi Maestro started this section that she showcases her work on. It’s called My Sarah. RW: Mmhmm, she’s really brilliant at capturing things. The thing about Sarah that I like, she’s just an amazing person. Intelligent. And I dig her tomboy style. She’s just wonderful all around. Also, my colleague Mario Newball. He’s clever in the studio. IU: So you seem to be quickly becoming one of the most talked about fashion photographers out there. What do you attribute your success to? RW: I got to where I was by not focusing on getting anywhere. I didn’t focus on building a career. I focused on being a photographer first. Everything else fell into place. That’s a big issue with our generation. British photographer Glen Luchford asked, “Where are the mozarts of our age?” The mozarts of our age, instead of focusing on their art, are focusing on their career. Seeing how they can get more followers and whatnot. There’s over-saturation in the game. IU: I will admit, like many others, I first learned of you through Street Etiquette. And you’ve done a lot of work with both Joshua Kissi and Travis Gumbs on that end. How did you first meet up with them? RW: Josh and Trav, we’re both from the same area; same high school. The story is so weird. My younger sister went to high school with them. They always hung out at my house all the time. It used to be, “Whatever, it’s just Josh and Trav.” This was years ago. Then my sister tells me they’re doing this site called Street Etiquette. Whatever. I’m not paying attention. Years go by. I start hearing about how they’re doing. I check it out. I’m like, “Wow. Josh and Trav haha?” I call them up like, “You guys are dope.” We meet up. We’re all like, “Let’s start shooting. Let’s do some stuff.” It just went from there. joshua kissi of street etiquette, rog walker, 2010 IU: It’s funny you talk about knowing Josh and Trav from way back. Because some time ago I went and looked all the way through their website, as far back as it goes. June 2008 or something like that. I was wowed. Just seeing the sort of evolution these two have had. In the content, the originality. The intelligence of everything. It’s been like a 360 for them. RW: Because they had that mindset; it’s always going to evolve into excellence. They had that core. That’s what copiers can’t do. People that aren’t creative, they just copy. They can never duplicate that core. They just try to mimic a successful formula. But it never works for them… *My talk with Rog Walker was much too long to publish in one take, yet much too captivating to shorten any further. Check back tomorrow for a continuation of our conversation. Rog and I talk about his relationship with Phillip Annand and the rest of the Madbury Club, the likelihood of a collaboration with Levi Maestro, and he also reveals some pretty exclusive details on some future projects of his. Stay tuned.
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*The following is the first portion of a conversation I recently had with American photographer Rog Walker.


Itoro Udoko: When did you first gain interest in photography and fashion? Was it one before the other or sort of all at once?

Rog Walker: It’s approaching 2 years, as far as my photography is concerned. Most of all, communication is a part of my life, and fashion is the highest form of communication in my eyes. Fashion is an element of my photography. A lot of times people overlook the complete image. I believe in completing the entire shot – settings, pose, wardrobe. That’s the approach. Fashion is very important to the shot. It’s silent, but powerful. 

IU: So what were you doing before you started photography? Were you in school?

RW: I did a semester of web design. Honestly, I really wasn’t feeling that. Hands on, that’s the key. I learned the basics of photography from a friend. Shoot, shoot, shoot. Trial and error. I actually don’t believe in going too deep in formal training. Once you go past the basics, your professors begin placing their personal opinions on your learning. There’s no experimentation. No personality. No style. You should never really push too far into that.

poet joe kenneth museau, rog walker, 2010

IU: Who or what has influenced your photography? Any significant figures?

RW: That’s an easy. There’s only one influence – Richard Avedon. I got his book by accident one time, The Sixties, my favorite book. In it he has all these amazing portraits. Vietnam, Malcolm X, iconic images. I’m looking at these portraits, reading these stories. It’s like being brought to that time. He literally shaped the face of fashion for five decades.

malcolm x, richard avedon, 1963

IU: Yeah. He definitely seems to be the quintessential fashion photographer by which all others are measured; setting the bar. Are there any contemporary photographers that you admire?

RW: Um. There’s a commercial photographer that’s a friend of mine, a colleague – Sarah Mccolgan.

IU: Oh yeah. I’ve seen a lot of her stuff on Maestro Knows. Levi Maestro started this section that she showcases her work on. It’s called My Sarah.

RW: Mmhmm, she’s really brilliant at capturing things. The thing about Sarah that I like, she’s just an amazing person. Intelligent. And I dig her tomboy style. She’s just wonderful all around. Also, my colleague Mario Newball. He’s clever in the studio.

IU: So you seem to be quickly becoming one of the most talked about fashion photographers out there. What do you attribute your success to?

RW: I got to where I was by not focusing on getting anywhere. I didn’t focus on building a career. I focused on being a photographer first. Everything else fell into place.

That’s a big issue with our generation. British photographer Glen Luchford asked, “Where are the mozarts of our age?” The mozarts of our age, instead of focusing on their art, are focusing on their career. Seeing how they can get more followers and whatnot. There’s over-saturation in the game.

IU: I will admit, like many others, I first learned of you through Street Etiquette. And you’ve done a lot of work with both Joshua Kissi and Travis Gumbs on that end. How did you first meet up with them?

RW: Josh and Trav, we’re both from the same area; same high school. The story is so weird. My younger sister went to high school with them. They always hung out at my house all the time. It used to be, “Whatever, it’s just Josh and Trav.” This was years ago. Then my sister tells me they’re doing this site called Street Etiquette. Whatever. I’m not paying attention. Years go by. I start hearing about how they’re doing. I check it out. I’m like, “Wow. Josh and Trav haha?” I call them up like, “You guys are dope.” We meet up. We’re all like, “Let’s start shooting. Let’s do some stuff.” It just went from there.

joshua kissi of street etiquette, rog walker, 2010

IU: It’s funny you talk about knowing Josh and Trav from way back. Because some time ago I went and looked all the way through their website, as far back as it goes. June 2008 or something like that. I was wowed. Just seeing the sort of evolution these two have had. In the content, the originality. The intelligence of everything. It’s been like a 360 for them.

RW: Because they had that mindset; it’s always going to evolve into excellence. They had that core. That’s what copiers can’t do. People that aren’t creative, they just copy. They can never duplicate that core. They just try to mimic a successful formula. But it never works for them…

*My talk with Rog Walker was much too long to publish in one take, yet much too captivating to shorten any further. Check back tomorrow for a continuation of our conversation. Rog and I talk about his relationship with Phillip Annand and the rest of the Madbury Club, the likelihood of a collaboration with Levi Maestro, and he also reveals some pretty exclusive details on some future projects of his. Stay tuned.

Many of you may be familiar with Rog Walker. He is a New York based photographer that is enjoying a rather meteoric rise to the forefront of today’s fashion and youth culture. He regularly collaborates with Joshua Kissi and Travis Gumbs of Street Etiquette on much of the visual content on the website. He also worked with the good folks of the Madbury Club on the much-acclaimed Asphalt Warriors series, and his newest project, Identities, is enjoying much positive review from virtually everyone with two eyes and a mouth. With all that he has going on, it’s a marvel that Rog found time out of his busy schedule to talk with me. But I’m rather glad he did. A series of texts, emails, and phone calls culminated in one of the most captivating conversations I’ve had in quite some time. Among the topics we discussed were the origins of his interest in photography and fashion, his relationships with many individuals in the industry and culture, and a few upcoming projects that he has in the works. He gave me some rather exclusive information. Eep! It’s a no-brainer. You don’t want to miss this. Check back tomorrow for the first portion of my unforgettable conversation with photographer Rog Walker.
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Many of you may be familiar with Rog Walker. He is a New York based photographer that is enjoying a rather meteoric rise to the forefront of today’s fashion and youth culture. He regularly collaborates with Joshua Kissi and Travis Gumbs of Street Etiquette on much of the visual content on the website. He also worked with the good folks of the Madbury Club on the much-acclaimed Asphalt Warriors series, and his newest project, Identities, is enjoying much positive review from virtually everyone with two eyes and a mouth.

With all that he has going on, it’s a marvel that Rog found time out of his busy schedule to talk with me. But I’m rather glad he did. A series of texts, emails, and phone calls culminated in one of the most captivating conversations I’ve had in quite some time.

Among the topics we discussed were the origins of his interest in photography and fashion, his relationships with many individuals in the industry and culture, and a few upcoming projects that he has in the works. He gave me some rather exclusive information. Eep! It’s a no-brainer. You don’t want to miss this.

Check back tomorrow for the first portion of my unforgettable conversation with photographer Rog Walker.

The Political Stand of the Resurrected Black Man

The poetic aesthetic of the African American male
is a direct reflection of the society in which he has been installed.
A consequential reply to the oppressor that tries to oppress.
A noteworthy response to the agitator,
though not a cry of distress.
 
You see, this is a purposeful call to the white man
that looks on appalled, as the unified
front of the Afro people declares to the world
that we will not be stopped.

Uproot us from our roots. Try to stem
the youthful pursuits of our youth,
and in response we will don a suit that
suits the unified ideals of the unified African front.

But this is more than a front. These are symbols and props
of self-identity that we swapped
for the chains and whips that were once used to mock
our regal ancestors.

This is so much more than sartorial.
This is not merely rhetorical.
Let this serve as an oracle!

300 years of oppression is not enough
to make us forget our name.
Nor is it not enough to maim
the ambitions of our unified race.

So let the record show. Shout it from the rooftops,
let everyone know…

that the poetic aesthetic of the African American male
is the political stand of the resurrected black man.

*This is inspired by the Afro-sartorial movements that have preceded me: Sidney Poitier, Malcolm X, Gil Scott-Heron, The Rosewood Movement, Street Etiquette, JoeKenneth Museau, Rog Walker, and the rest of the Black Ivy.


The Black Ivy

You didn’t possibly think I would let New York Fashion Week come and go without making a mention of it did you? No of course not. You know me better than that. So without further ado, here is Part 1 in a series of posts detailing and recapping the best of New York Fashion Week, affectionately known by “those in the know” as NYFW. Street Etiquette x Backyard Bill New York Fashion Week Photo Journal Joshua Kissi (on the right in picture #1) and Travis Gumbs (left in picture #1) of Street Etiquette are currently, without doubt, among the most prominent and influential names in the ever-evolving realm of fashion blogging. So it was only fitting that fashion/street photographer Backyard Bill would collaborate with GQ Magazine to document the daily outfit choices of the duo throughout NYFW. Undertakings like this are important because, in all honesty, there are two sets of fashion shows that simultaneously occur in every major fashion week across the globe: the fashion show on the runway, and the fashion show that fashion week attendees take part in through their daily choices of garb. It’s interesting to note the outfit choices of this pair. Because although their style philosophies and taste are similar, there is a definite distinction that makes both Josh and Trav different from each other. Josh’s style puts more emphasis on color and is more outspoken and dandy. Trav approaches things more traditionally and has a certain understated flair. Each day I made my own personal critiques of whose out I preferred, with Trav coming out on top 3-2. At the end of the day though, it’s really a matter of personal choice. But individuals embody a timeless, classic style. What do you guys think? Whose style do you prefer? Side Note - Josh’s get up on Day 2 is possibly the single best outfit I saw all fashion week.
Zoom Info
You didn’t possibly think I would let New York Fashion Week come and go without making a mention of it did you? No of course not. You know me better than that. So without further ado, here is Part 1 in a series of posts detailing and recapping the best of New York Fashion Week, affectionately known by “those in the know” as NYFW. Street Etiquette x Backyard Bill New York Fashion Week Photo Journal Joshua Kissi (on the right in picture #1) and Travis Gumbs (left in picture #1) of Street Etiquette are currently, without doubt, among the most prominent and influential names in the ever-evolving realm of fashion blogging. So it was only fitting that fashion/street photographer Backyard Bill would collaborate with GQ Magazine to document the daily outfit choices of the duo throughout NYFW. Undertakings like this are important because, in all honesty, there are two sets of fashion shows that simultaneously occur in every major fashion week across the globe: the fashion show on the runway, and the fashion show that fashion week attendees take part in through their daily choices of garb. It’s interesting to note the outfit choices of this pair. Because although their style philosophies and taste are similar, there is a definite distinction that makes both Josh and Trav different from each other. Josh’s style puts more emphasis on color and is more outspoken and dandy. Trav approaches things more traditionally and has a certain understated flair. Each day I made my own personal critiques of whose out I preferred, with Trav coming out on top 3-2. At the end of the day though, it’s really a matter of personal choice. But individuals embody a timeless, classic style. What do you guys think? Whose style do you prefer? Side Note - Josh’s get up on Day 2 is possibly the single best outfit I saw all fashion week.
Zoom Info
You didn’t possibly think I would let New York Fashion Week come and go without making a mention of it did you? No of course not. You know me better than that. So without further ado, here is Part 1 in a series of posts detailing and recapping the best of New York Fashion Week, affectionately known by “those in the know” as NYFW. Street Etiquette x Backyard Bill New York Fashion Week Photo Journal Joshua Kissi (on the right in picture #1) and Travis Gumbs (left in picture #1) of Street Etiquette are currently, without doubt, among the most prominent and influential names in the ever-evolving realm of fashion blogging. So it was only fitting that fashion/street photographer Backyard Bill would collaborate with GQ Magazine to document the daily outfit choices of the duo throughout NYFW. Undertakings like this are important because, in all honesty, there are two sets of fashion shows that simultaneously occur in every major fashion week across the globe: the fashion show on the runway, and the fashion show that fashion week attendees take part in through their daily choices of garb. It’s interesting to note the outfit choices of this pair. Because although their style philosophies and taste are similar, there is a definite distinction that makes both Josh and Trav different from each other. Josh’s style puts more emphasis on color and is more outspoken and dandy. Trav approaches things more traditionally and has a certain understated flair. Each day I made my own personal critiques of whose out I preferred, with Trav coming out on top 3-2. At the end of the day though, it’s really a matter of personal choice. But individuals embody a timeless, classic style. What do you guys think? Whose style do you prefer? Side Note - Josh’s get up on Day 2 is possibly the single best outfit I saw all fashion week.
Zoom Info
You didn’t possibly think I would let New York Fashion Week come and go without making a mention of it did you? No of course not. You know me better than that. So without further ado, here is Part 1 in a series of posts detailing and recapping the best of New York Fashion Week, affectionately known by “those in the know” as NYFW. Street Etiquette x Backyard Bill New York Fashion Week Photo Journal Joshua Kissi (on the right in picture #1) and Travis Gumbs (left in picture #1) of Street Etiquette are currently, without doubt, among the most prominent and influential names in the ever-evolving realm of fashion blogging. So it was only fitting that fashion/street photographer Backyard Bill would collaborate with GQ Magazine to document the daily outfit choices of the duo throughout NYFW. Undertakings like this are important because, in all honesty, there are two sets of fashion shows that simultaneously occur in every major fashion week across the globe: the fashion show on the runway, and the fashion show that fashion week attendees take part in through their daily choices of garb. It’s interesting to note the outfit choices of this pair. Because although their style philosophies and taste are similar, there is a definite distinction that makes both Josh and Trav different from each other. Josh’s style puts more emphasis on color and is more outspoken and dandy. Trav approaches things more traditionally and has a certain understated flair. Each day I made my own personal critiques of whose out I preferred, with Trav coming out on top 3-2. At the end of the day though, it’s really a matter of personal choice. But individuals embody a timeless, classic style. What do you guys think? Whose style do you prefer? Side Note - Josh’s get up on Day 2 is possibly the single best outfit I saw all fashion week.
Zoom Info
You didn’t possibly think I would let New York Fashion Week come and go without making a mention of it did you? No of course not. You know me better than that. So without further ado, here is Part 1 in a series of posts detailing and recapping the best of New York Fashion Week, affectionately known by “those in the know” as NYFW. Street Etiquette x Backyard Bill New York Fashion Week Photo Journal Joshua Kissi (on the right in picture #1) and Travis Gumbs (left in picture #1) of Street Etiquette are currently, without doubt, among the most prominent and influential names in the ever-evolving realm of fashion blogging. So it was only fitting that fashion/street photographer Backyard Bill would collaborate with GQ Magazine to document the daily outfit choices of the duo throughout NYFW. Undertakings like this are important because, in all honesty, there are two sets of fashion shows that simultaneously occur in every major fashion week across the globe: the fashion show on the runway, and the fashion show that fashion week attendees take part in through their daily choices of garb. It’s interesting to note the outfit choices of this pair. Because although their style philosophies and taste are similar, there is a definite distinction that makes both Josh and Trav different from each other. Josh’s style puts more emphasis on color and is more outspoken and dandy. Trav approaches things more traditionally and has a certain understated flair. Each day I made my own personal critiques of whose out I preferred, with Trav coming out on top 3-2. At the end of the day though, it’s really a matter of personal choice. But individuals embody a timeless, classic style. What do you guys think? Whose style do you prefer? Side Note - Josh’s get up on Day 2 is possibly the single best outfit I saw all fashion week.
Zoom Info
You didn’t possibly think I would let New York Fashion Week come and go without making a mention of it did you? No of course not. You know me better than that. So without further ado, here is Part 1 in a series of posts detailing and recapping the best of New York Fashion Week, affectionately known by “those in the know” as NYFW. Street Etiquette x Backyard Bill New York Fashion Week Photo Journal Joshua Kissi (on the right in picture #1) and Travis Gumbs (left in picture #1) of Street Etiquette are currently, without doubt, among the most prominent and influential names in the ever-evolving realm of fashion blogging. So it was only fitting that fashion/street photographer Backyard Bill would collaborate with GQ Magazine to document the daily outfit choices of the duo throughout NYFW. Undertakings like this are important because, in all honesty, there are two sets of fashion shows that simultaneously occur in every major fashion week across the globe: the fashion show on the runway, and the fashion show that fashion week attendees take part in through their daily choices of garb. It’s interesting to note the outfit choices of this pair. Because although their style philosophies and taste are similar, there is a definite distinction that makes both Josh and Trav different from each other. Josh’s style puts more emphasis on color and is more outspoken and dandy. Trav approaches things more traditionally and has a certain understated flair. Each day I made my own personal critiques of whose out I preferred, with Trav coming out on top 3-2. At the end of the day though, it’s really a matter of personal choice. But individuals embody a timeless, classic style. What do you guys think? Whose style do you prefer? Side Note - Josh’s get up on Day 2 is possibly the single best outfit I saw all fashion week.
Zoom Info

You didn’t possibly think I would let New York Fashion Week come and go without making a mention of it did you? No of course not. You know me better than that. So without further ado, here is Part 1 in a series of posts detailing and recapping the best of New York Fashion Week, affectionately known by “those in the know” as NYFW.

Street Etiquette x Backyard Bill New York Fashion Week Photo Journal

Joshua Kissi (on the right in picture #1) and Travis Gumbs (left in picture #1) of Street Etiquette are currently, without doubt, among the most prominent and influential names in the ever-evolving realm of fashion blogging. So it was only fitting that fashion/street photographer Backyard Bill would collaborate with GQ Magazine to document the daily outfit choices of the duo throughout NYFW. Undertakings like this are important because, in all honesty, there are two sets of fashion shows that simultaneously occur in every major fashion week across the globe: the fashion show on the runway, and the fashion show that fashion week attendees take part in through their daily choices of garb.

It’s interesting to note the outfit choices of this pair. Because although their style philosophies and taste are similar, there is a definite distinction that makes both Josh and Trav different from each other. Josh’s style puts more emphasis on color and is more outspoken and dandy. Trav approaches things more traditionally and has a certain understated flair. Each day I made my own personal critiques of whose out I preferred, with Trav coming out on top 3-2. At the end of the day though, it’s really a matter of personal choice. But individuals embody a timeless, classic style.

What do you guys think? Whose style do you prefer?

Side Note - Josh’s get up on Day 2 is possibly the single best outfit I saw all fashion week.