More on the Breton Stripe It’d be hard to say that I have a favorite piece from all of those that I highlighted in my most recent post, but if I had to choose, I would perhaps choose the Breton stripe. I find it to have the most intriguing history, at the very least. As I previously stated, The Breton stripe, or the nautical stripe, dates back to 1858. Declared into existence by the March 27, 1858 Act of France, the Breton stripe started off as a uniform for the French Navy. The stripes were said to be easily recognizable underwater, you know, for saving drowning sailors and such. Like many other fashion staples, it was quickly re-apportioned by non-military personnel for personal use. After it came into existence, it was quickly picked up as general mariner wear by nautical types: sailors, fishermen, and others who made their trade on the sea. But for a while, the popularity and use of it was contained to northern France. This makes sense, because northern France is the area of Brittany (the area for which the stripe is named). I feel like there’s often confusion in regards to the origin of the Breton stripe. Since it’s sometimes referred to as “Briton stripes” and not Breton, people often assume that the famous stripe has some sort of origin in Britain. However, this is not the case. The Breton stripe is indeed French. Something that is not widely known is that the area of Brittany is often referred to as “Lesser Britain”, which explains why Great Britain is referred to as…Great Britain. Of course, northern France is just miles from the British Isles, so it makes sense that there’s been so much cross-cultural influence. the flag of brittany, influenced by the breton stripe Interestingly enough, the area of Brittany is said to be one of the six Celtic nations, and the Breton language is indeed a Celtic language. which explains why these french soldiers are playing bagpipes One of my favorite things about Breton stripes is their versatility. I featured them on this site as a summer staple, but really they can be worn year-round. These stripes look good on sweaters, polos, v-necks, crewnecks, t-shirts, long sleeves, and any other conceivable top. they also look really good on james dean But Breton stripes don’t have to be contained to just tops. I ran across an interesting photo of an individual sporting Breton striped socks. Pretty genius if you ask me. Striped socks are always the way to go (as Josh showed in my previous post). And of course Breton stripes are completely unisex. Perhaps nobody wore them better than Audrey Hepburn. What started off as 21 navy blue stripes (one for each of Napoleon’s victories) on a white shirt has evolved into so much more. And I absolutely love it. Find yourself a stripe for each season. I’m about to begin the process myself.
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More on the Breton Stripe

It’d be hard to say that I have a favorite piece from all of those that I highlighted in my most recent post, but if I had to choose, I would perhaps choose the Breton stripe. I find it to have the most intriguing history, at the very least.

As I previously stated,

The Breton stripe, or the nautical stripe, dates back to 1858. Declared into existence by the March 27, 1858 Act of France, the Breton stripe started off as a uniform for the French Navy. The stripes were said to be easily recognizable underwater, you know, for saving drowning sailors and such. Like many other fashion staples, it was quickly re-apportioned by non-military personnel for personal use.

After it came into existence, it was quickly picked up as general mariner wear by nautical types: sailors, fishermen, and others who made their trade on the sea. But for a while, the popularity and use of it was contained to northern France. This makes sense, because northern France is the area of Brittany (the area for which the stripe is named). I feel like there’s often confusion in regards to the origin of the Breton stripe. Since it’s sometimes referred to as “Briton stripes” and not Breton, people often assume that the famous stripe has some sort of origin in Britain. However, this is not the case. The Breton stripe is indeed French. Something that is not widely known is that the area of Brittany is often referred to as “Lesser Britain”, which explains why Great Britain is referred to as…Great Britain. Of course, northern France is just miles from the British Isles, so it makes sense that there’s been so much cross-cultural influence.

the flag of brittany, influenced by the breton stripe

Interestingly enough, the area of Brittany is said to be one of the six Celtic nations, and the Breton language is indeed a Celtic language.

which explains why these french soldiers are playing bagpipes

One of my favorite things about Breton stripes is their versatility. I featured them on this site as a summer staple, but really they can be worn year-round. These stripes look good on sweaters, polos, v-necks, crewnecks, t-shirts, long sleeves, and any other conceivable top.

they also look really good on james dean

But Breton stripes don’t have to be contained to just tops. I ran across an interesting photo of an individual sporting Breton striped socks. Pretty genius if you ask me. Striped socks are always the way to go (as Josh showed in my previous post).

And of course Breton stripes are completely unisex. Perhaps nobody wore them better than Audrey Hepburn.

What started off as 21 navy blue stripes (one for each of Napoleon’s victories) on a white shirt has evolved into so much more. And I absolutely love it. Find yourself a stripe for each season. I’m about to begin the process myself.

Vintage Thoughts This is a photo of me. It was taken on my third birthday, shortly before I left Nigeria. I have no memory of the occasion, but I’ve been told many times that I’m holding a packet of sugar cookies because I was reluctant to pose for a picture. I suppose the cookies were a sufficient bribe.So many thoughts rush through my head when I stare at this photo. I’m amazed because even from an early age I was always concerned with the way I looked and the clothes I wore, but this photo was long before I acquired any pre-conceived notions about fashion, style, and the way clothes should be. There was a striking innocence and simplicity to things back then. I was merely doing what felt natural.I’m 18 now, and I must say. Even as independent minded as I am, I sometimes struggle to escape the restrictions and unnecessary complexities that society places on styles and trends. I’d like to return to that third birthday, at least in my mind. Sugar cookies in right hand, left shoe untied, rocking a nice fade on the top of my head. Not a care in the world.Cheers.
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Vintage Thoughts

This is a photo of me. It was taken on my third birthday, shortly before I left Nigeria. I have no memory of the occasion, but I’ve been told many times that I’m holding a packet of sugar cookies because I was reluctant to pose for a picture. I suppose the cookies were a sufficient bribe.

So many thoughts rush through my head when I stare at this photo. I’m amazed because even from an early age I was always concerned with the way I looked and the clothes I wore, but this photo was long before I acquired any pre-conceived notions about fashion, style, and the way clothes should be. There was a striking innocence and simplicity to things back then. I was merely doing what felt natural.

I’m 18 now, and I must say. Even as independent minded as I am, I sometimes struggle to escape the restrictions and unnecessary complexities that society places on styles and trends. I’d like to return to that third birthday, at least in my mind. Sugar cookies in right hand, left shoe untied, rocking a nice fade on the top of my head. Not a care in the world.

Cheers.

As promised a few weeks ago, I present to you: Michael Yarbrough, one of the funniest people I know. the infamous michael yarbrough smirk It’s not often you meet a guy who simply embodies effortless cool, whose every move is unbelievably suave and silky. Michael is not one of those guys. He’s a huge nerd, in fact. But Michael embodies something just as valuable as effortless cool. He exudes a certain quirky charm and wise wit that will leave you in a permanent half-smile if you spend more than a minute around him. michael points michael’s color palette complements life When I look back at these visuals of Michael that I captured a few weeks ago, I sort of marvel. I hadn’t planned on shooting Yarbrough that day. I actually just ran into him while I was meeting up with another friend. Amazingly though, everything about Michael’s look just clicked. He just happened to be carrying a yellow mug that perfectly complemented the grass and his cool sweater and jeans. I suppose the stars just aligned. It was one of those moments where while you’re snapping away, you’re aware that everything you’re capturing is pure gold. It’s a cool thing to be cool with a guy whose color palette complements life. classic blue sweater, blue belt, blue jeans coffee mug and belt When I complimented Yarbrough on looking particularly steezy that day, he bemoaned that I had caught him on a bad day. According to him, he just sort of rolled out of bed. michael’s sneakers; he does gardening in these As proof for his claim of “not trying” that day, he pointed to his jeans and sneakers, proclaiming “I do gardening in these!” “Sure,” I replied. “Whatever you say, Michael. Whatever you say.”
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As promised a few weeks ago, I present to you: Michael Yarbrough, one of the funniest people I know. the infamous michael yarbrough smirk It’s not often you meet a guy who simply embodies effortless cool, whose every move is unbelievably suave and silky. Michael is not one of those guys. He’s a huge nerd, in fact. But Michael embodies something just as valuable as effortless cool. He exudes a certain quirky charm and wise wit that will leave you in a permanent half-smile if you spend more than a minute around him. michael points michael’s color palette complements life When I look back at these visuals of Michael that I captured a few weeks ago, I sort of marvel. I hadn’t planned on shooting Yarbrough that day. I actually just ran into him while I was meeting up with another friend. Amazingly though, everything about Michael’s look just clicked. He just happened to be carrying a yellow mug that perfectly complemented the grass and his cool sweater and jeans. I suppose the stars just aligned. It was one of those moments where while you’re snapping away, you’re aware that everything you’re capturing is pure gold. It’s a cool thing to be cool with a guy whose color palette complements life. classic blue sweater, blue belt, blue jeans coffee mug and belt When I complimented Yarbrough on looking particularly steezy that day, he bemoaned that I had caught him on a bad day. According to him, he just sort of rolled out of bed. michael’s sneakers; he does gardening in these As proof for his claim of “not trying” that day, he pointed to his jeans and sneakers, proclaiming “I do gardening in these!” “Sure,” I replied. “Whatever you say, Michael. Whatever you say.”
Zoom Info
As promised a few weeks ago, I present to you: Michael Yarbrough, one of the funniest people I know. the infamous michael yarbrough smirk It’s not often you meet a guy who simply embodies effortless cool, whose every move is unbelievably suave and silky. Michael is not one of those guys. He’s a huge nerd, in fact. But Michael embodies something just as valuable as effortless cool. He exudes a certain quirky charm and wise wit that will leave you in a permanent half-smile if you spend more than a minute around him. michael points michael’s color palette complements life When I look back at these visuals of Michael that I captured a few weeks ago, I sort of marvel. I hadn’t planned on shooting Yarbrough that day. I actually just ran into him while I was meeting up with another friend. Amazingly though, everything about Michael’s look just clicked. He just happened to be carrying a yellow mug that perfectly complemented the grass and his cool sweater and jeans. I suppose the stars just aligned. It was one of those moments where while you’re snapping away, you’re aware that everything you’re capturing is pure gold. It’s a cool thing to be cool with a guy whose color palette complements life. classic blue sweater, blue belt, blue jeans coffee mug and belt When I complimented Yarbrough on looking particularly steezy that day, he bemoaned that I had caught him on a bad day. According to him, he just sort of rolled out of bed. michael’s sneakers; he does gardening in these As proof for his claim of “not trying” that day, he pointed to his jeans and sneakers, proclaiming “I do gardening in these!” “Sure,” I replied. “Whatever you say, Michael. Whatever you say.”
Zoom Info
As promised a few weeks ago, I present to you: Michael Yarbrough, one of the funniest people I know. the infamous michael yarbrough smirk It’s not often you meet a guy who simply embodies effortless cool, whose every move is unbelievably suave and silky. Michael is not one of those guys. He’s a huge nerd, in fact. But Michael embodies something just as valuable as effortless cool. He exudes a certain quirky charm and wise wit that will leave you in a permanent half-smile if you spend more than a minute around him. michael points michael’s color palette complements life When I look back at these visuals of Michael that I captured a few weeks ago, I sort of marvel. I hadn’t planned on shooting Yarbrough that day. I actually just ran into him while I was meeting up with another friend. Amazingly though, everything about Michael’s look just clicked. He just happened to be carrying a yellow mug that perfectly complemented the grass and his cool sweater and jeans. I suppose the stars just aligned. It was one of those moments where while you’re snapping away, you’re aware that everything you’re capturing is pure gold. It’s a cool thing to be cool with a guy whose color palette complements life. classic blue sweater, blue belt, blue jeans coffee mug and belt When I complimented Yarbrough on looking particularly steezy that day, he bemoaned that I had caught him on a bad day. According to him, he just sort of rolled out of bed. michael’s sneakers; he does gardening in these As proof for his claim of “not trying” that day, he pointed to his jeans and sneakers, proclaiming “I do gardening in these!” “Sure,” I replied. “Whatever you say, Michael. Whatever you say.”
Zoom Info

As promised a few weeks ago, I present to you: Michael Yarbrough, one of the funniest people I know.

the infamous michael yarbrough smirk

It’s not often you meet a guy who simply embodies effortless cool, whose every move is unbelievably suave and silky. Michael is not one of those guys. He’s a huge nerd, in fact. But Michael embodies something just as valuable as effortless cool. He exudes a certain quirky charm and wise wit that will leave you in a permanent half-smile if you spend more than a minute around him.

michael points

michael’s color palette complements life

When I look back at these visuals of Michael that I captured a few weeks ago, I sort of marvel. I hadn’t planned on shooting Yarbrough that day. I actually just ran into him while I was meeting up with another friend. Amazingly though, everything about Michael’s look just clicked. He just happened to be carrying a yellow mug that perfectly complemented the grass and his cool sweater and jeans. I suppose the stars just aligned. It was one of those moments where while you’re snapping away, you’re aware that everything you’re capturing is pure gold. It’s a cool thing to be cool with a guy whose color palette complements life.

classic blue sweater, blue belt, blue jeans

coffee mug and belt

When I complimented Yarbrough on looking particularly steezy that day, he bemoaned that I had caught him on a bad day. According to him, he just sort of rolled out of bed.

michael’s sneakers; he does gardening in these

As proof for his claim of “not trying” that day, he pointed to his jeans and sneakers, proclaiming “I do gardening in these!”

“Sure,” I replied. “Whatever you say, Michael. Whatever you say.”

OOAA:W/J+L+C: Favorite Unreleased Material If you are a photographer, it is an unavoidable fact that only perhaps 10-15% of the finished photographs you take will ever be shown to the general public (I completely made up that number, but it seems pretty accurate). For me, this has always been one of my biggest frustrations with the discipline. It always seems like I have a wealth of quality, unreleased material I’m sitting on. This is exactly the case for the Out on an Adventure: With Josh + Laura + Cal collection. While the collection contains seven released photo series, the material I’ve been able to show over the past few months only really begins to scratch the surface of the nearly 600 finished photographs that I have. I’ve literally found myself, at times, itching to find a reason to just drop more photos that I really like. So I went back and scoured the archives. The result? Ten of my favorite unreleased OOAA:W/J+L+C visuals for your aesthetic enjoyment. If the impulse strikes me again, I may release more in the future. I may even go back, revisit the collection, and create some sort of artistic reinterpretation of OOAA:W/J+L+C. I’m contemplating it. I suppose we’ll see. But for now, this will have to do. cal and laura, en route to shoot window portrait, cal umlauf window portrait, laura brokaw window portrait, josh grubb cal in windowsill “the gang” “the gang” again laura in door frame “the gang” poses
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OOAA:W/J+L+C: Favorite Unreleased Material

If you are a photographer, it is an unavoidable fact that only perhaps 10-15% of the finished photographs you take will ever be shown to the general public (I completely made up that number, but it seems pretty accurate). For me, this has always been one of my biggest frustrations with the discipline. It always seems like I have a wealth of quality, unreleased material I’m sitting on. This is exactly the case for the Out on an Adventure: With Josh + Laura + Cal collection. While the collection contains seven released photo series, the material I’ve been able to show over the past few months only really begins to scratch the surface of the nearly 600 finished photographs that I have. I’ve literally found myself, at times, itching to find a reason to just drop more photos that I really like. So I went back and scoured the archives. The result? Ten of my favorite unreleased OOAA:W/J+L+C visuals for your aesthetic enjoyment. If the impulse strikes me again, I may release more in the future. I may even go back, revisit the collection, and create some sort of artistic reinterpretation of OOAA:W/J+L+C. I’m contemplating it. I suppose we’ll see. But for now, this will have to do.

cal and laura, en route to shoot

window portrait, cal umlauf

window portrait, laura brokaw

window portrait, josh grubb

cal in windowsill

“the gang”

“the gang” again

laura in door frame

“the gang” poses

Style need not be complicated or ostentatious. In actuality, personal style is often found in its most potent form when it’s simple and intimate.

- Itoro Udoko

Is it considered a taboo to quote yourself? Happy New Year folks. It was quite interesting over the course of 2010 to watch my personal style mature and evolve as the days rolled along. I learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t, as well as a lot about myself in general.

It’ll definitely be a captivating journey to see where I am come 2012, compared to where I stand today. I would say that it’d also be intriguing to see how I’ve changed when 2013 finally makes it here, but we all know life-changing doom and destruction is due our way at the end of 2012…so any references to the year 2013 are best left to an imaginary world.

I hope everyone had a safe and wonderful time ringing in the new year. See you guys at the end of this 365-day tunnel; perhaps we’ll cross paths along the way.

Cheers

On Fashion and Style - Itoro Udoko

My continual adventure in self-portraiture has been, without question, one of the most intriguing and revealing things I’ve ever done creatively. Capturing a personality in photography is one thing, but when that subject is showcased in film, an entirely new dimension is shown. I recently completed my first short film, a piece that I did for my video art class.

In the piece I discuss my interests in fashion and style, and their relation to art, mainly photography. Quite honestly though, I was just as interested, if not more so, in my mannerisms and the way I portrayed myself in front of the camera.

It was definitely a learning experience, in both exploration of film and portraiture. I’m overly eager to hear what you guys think. Don’t hesitate to let me know.