Custom Lifestyle Recap
“Rule of Three”
When I hear the words “custom lifestyle” I think of creating your own destiny and making your own rules. Putting things together that don’t necessarily belong but make them work for you is a great way to describe the event that took place by the good brothers over at ButchershopReab, Search and Rescue, and Co-laborative lab. You might have heard of Search and Rescue before as they created my installation at the “K.R.T. New Online Launch” event. With each of these brands being skilled in their own craft collaborating in the installation of this space in Harlem 218 E. 125th st. Ny, Ny they were able to create an event showcasing a custom lifestyle through art, furniture, and fashion.
Search and Rescue provided unique antique props as the backdrop for showcasing custom furniture by ButchershopRehab, and original Colaborative lab paintings and wearable art. The experience was very gallery meets Trunk Show and all items on the floor were for sale. By way of many people being in attendance, tweeting and instagraming, it made the experience much greater by having those in tune with social networking wondering what was happening at the event as they took pictures of the unique display. All and all this was a great way of Kings Ruling Together. - K.R.T.
Check out some of pictures I captured at this event HERE.
Street Queens | Fashion on 17th st
“a few styles on one street corner”
The other day, while posted on 17th and Samson, I was holding my camera while engaged in a conversation with my friends Shaheed and BigRube. My eyes were wandering, looking around for that one person that deserved a snap shot. I noticed a few well-dressed women which cut our conversation short, they stood out to me amongst the crowded street.
Ricky Codio | “Evolution” Exhibition Recap Video
” young photographer with big dreams”
Recently, photographer Ricky Codio presented his journey as a photographer at his “Evolution” exhibition at the beautiful Gallery Exquisite. By showcasing both older pieces and through unveiling new works of visual art, this event presented the range of techniques and styles employed by this virtuoso photographer. In just a short period of time after launching himself as a professional photographer, Codio was regularly shooting for various clothing lines including Kings Rule Together, musical artists, and taste-makers, as well as many other clients.
The young photographer has positioned himself as the go-to photographer in the area for high-end, creative photo shoots. He has worked on campaigns that can be seen in such places as Essence.com, and XXL Magazine (to name a few). Various people and spectators came to the gallery to marvel at his works. He also showcased a painting done by the artist Ivben Taqiy, which was head-on in the likeness of one of Codio’s photographs, as well as showcasing one of Iris Bonner’s personal paintings for him.
The event was a success and not too long after that he sold his first print piece.- K.R.T.
Video By Derrick Woodyard.
Behind The King: i am OTHER behind the scenes video
“He’s (Pharrell) a King and I’m inspired by him… Kings inspire Kings.” – Curran J
Back in December I had the opportunity to be apart of a video for Pharrell Williams for an innovative movement called i am OTHER. As explained by Pharrell “i am OTHER is a cultural movement dedicated to Thinkers, Innovators and Outcasts.” Here is a behind the scenes look at the i am OTHER video. Director, Justin Francis, explained the videos concept, which was a loose parody of the extraterrestrial and science fiction films of the 20th century (more than likely “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”).
The overall message was that it was time for those who are creative, different, and socially outside of what is considered to be normal to step outside of their comfort zones and just be who they are. Pharrell as well as his artists Buddy, Maxine Ashley, and Leah LaBelle gave cameos and spoke of the project.
Check out the video below. You can see the young King at the 34 second mark and even speaking of my experience during the filming of the project at 2:10. mark. – K.R.T.
K.R.T. Cares | Curran J Visits His Old High School Video
“I want to be a successful designer and own my own clothing store” – Young King 2005
The words above is a quote from my old high school’s yearbook that I said. I didn’t realize that I said these words until I came back to Germantown High for the first time since 2005 for “I’m A Boss Day.” A former classmate of mine, who was there, reminded me of this. This inspired me, due to the fact that along my road to success, my thoughts along the way when exiting high school was to tell myself and others that I never really knew what I wanted to do. The thing was that I really did know what I wanted to do, I just didn’t have any direction while doing it.
That was my main speech this day. Sometimes you may not have a clue or even be qualified for many opportunities, but hard work, dedication and consistency are the few keys to success whether you have experienced a great education or not. I told the students at Germantown High my many ups and downs as well as the benefit and roles that school, teachers, and parenting played upon their arrival to the big leagues. My story was a perfect example of not being a product of your environment and overcoming the many stereotypes of today’s world. Though I have so much more to accomplish, I felt that I was a great representation of how you can ” Turn Your Dreams To A Reality.”- K.R.T.
Check out the video below by Forever Dope Society.
Street Kings | Adrian at Rittenhouse Festival
“Fashion at the festival”
Saturday wasn’t just a regular day on the popular fashion landmark Walnut street. This day was the Rittenhouse Row Spring festival where streets were blocked off from Broad Street to 19th and Walnut. Rittenhouse Row showcases some of Philadelphia’s finest fashions, cuisines and entertainment. This occasion was exciting to say the least and like any other day on Walnut, the fashion-forward people were out and about on the busy street. As always I had my camera on my shoulder, but for some reason I only took pictures of one guy in particular which was Adrian Hardy.
Straw boater by Ponte Rialo, Venice & vintage glasses.
Vintage silk pocket square from eBay estate sale & Armani Exchange suit
Reebok classic sneakers
Events: Men In Pr & Communications 5.22.12
”you don’t want to miss this event”
On Tuesday, May 22nd, I will be a featured panelist at the Philadelphia Black Public Relation Society’s, Men in Communication & PR event. This year’s theme for the event is “Men in the mirror: the Role of Personal Image & Style in Media”. The event will be taking place at the NBC 10 building at 10 Monument Road in Bala Cynwyd, just off of the City Line Avenue exit via I-76. To attend this panel, tickets are being sold via http://meninprandcommunications.eventbrite.com for $15 for non-PBPRS members. Proceeds for ticket purchases will benefit MenzFit. MenzFit is a non-profit organization, that provides low-income gentlemen with professional interview attire and career development skills in Philadelphia and its surrounding areas.
Here is a list of the other panelists for the event:
Moderator: Mr. Kevin Parker - Owner of FBH Agency & Founder of Philly Fashion Week
German Cuadrado - CEO & Founder of PRPS Management LLC
Reuben Harley -“Street Gazing” - Philadelphia Daily News (Photojournalist)
Jared Michael Lowe – “Lowe Factor” – Blogger
Sabir M. Peele - “Men’s Style Pro“ - Founder & Creative Director. Men’s Style Consultant
Myself- Curran J. Swint - “Kings Rule Together“ – Stylist, Blogger & Event Planner
The event will run from 5:30pm to 7:30pm and will be a great opportunity to help students and men a-like to see the importance of image in today’s media. Get your tickets by clicking Here and for more information about the PBPRS click Here. It is an honor for me to be selected as a panelist and hope to see you all out there.
K.R.T. Press | Pharrell Williams Presents i am OTHER Video
“I am different, I am weird, I don’t fit into your world”- Pharrell Williams
The wait is finally over! Back in December I took a trip to Los Angeles, California with my good friend Shaheed to be apart of a video for musician, producer and entrepreneur Pharrell Williams‘ new media group called i am OTHER, which has finally launched. i am OTHER is a cultural movement geared towards thinkers, innovators and outcasts bringing these likeminded individuals together to create and share on one platform.
I also had the pleasure of meeting Pharrell and his artists Leah LaBelle & Maxine Ashley and they all received some K.R.T. apparel. Pretty dope right? Well regardless if they wear it or not the experience was worth it within itself. Check out the video below as you will see the Young King at the 15 second mark. - K.R.T.
Be Your Own Boss Campaign Video
“When your working for yourself you must work ten times harder” – Curran J
I recently had the opportunity to be apart of the “Be Your Own Boss” campaign organized by The Imperial Media Group. Imperial Media group is a media agency with services in PR, Marketing & Event Planning. They also specialize in lifestyle. entertainment, fashion, non-profit & company branding. The “Be Your Own Boss” campaign features entrepreneurs that have experienced obstacles, struggles and criticisms but despite facing all of the odds that were pit against them they continue to strive and set themselves apart from the status quo.
“BE YOUR OWN BOSS” PARTICIPANTS:
Aaron Reid | Rockstar AR
Lawrence E. Nurse | Triple L Society
Swain & Ace | Ma’at Fashion
David | L’Creme Clothing
Curran J | Kings Rule Together
Franceleslia Millien
Jeff | Liveband Magazine
Akeem | BarrelHouseBKLYN
Samantha | L&L Online Media Co.
Nyne| NyneLyves
Luella | Freedom Fighters
Ryan | ShesRYAN
Sir TheLonious
Andrew Fennell
Quinn Aston | Aston Mozie‘
Kareem | DJkTunes
Shot by Scene Media
Street Kings/Queens | Salt Lake City, Utah
“A passionate city for basketball with style”
I recently had the opportunity and pleasure of visiting the beautiful Salt Lake City, Utah. Not knowing how beautiful it was until my visit, the one commodity that I knew of was the NBA basketball team The Utah Jazz. With the breath-taking scenery with every turn of the head, the carefully thought through layout of the architecture, as well as the population of 181,743 of those who resided there was a sight to see. As beautiful as the city was my focus was to figure out if this city had any sense of style. I wouldn’t say the entire city did, but the few that did possess some sort of style stood out from the rest.
Despite me getting getting turned down from taking pictures of people half of the time (which may be due to the fact that they aren’t used to random people taking their pictures), nonetheless I was able to find a few diamonds in the rough. You be the judge and let me know what you think about this city’s sense of fashion from my view point. – K.R.T.
Shop K.R.T. | Unity = U & Me Crop Tops & Unity T-shirt Now Available
“New K.R.T. Products for the Queens”
In order for the King to rule he must have a unified understanding with his Queen, team work makes the dream work. That is the message behind bringing out these new designs for the Queens. You can now purchase these items on the new online store HERE - K.R.T.
K.R.T. New Online Store Launch Recap & Videos
“Kings Rule Together New Online Store Launch”
Clothing lines, photographers, hipsters, the fashion foes brands alike gathered to show support to one movement two weeks ago, Kings Rule Together. On April 27, 2012 held the much anticipated launch of my new online store. During the K.R.T Online Store Launch, people quickly trickled in and taking in the scenery at The Gallery Exquisite ( 1040 N. American St, Northern Liberties) .
Upon one’s arrival it was hard to ignore the K.R.T. inspired paintings hanging on the walls by the artists Ivben Taqiy, Ibn Anderson, Bariq Cobbs and Ozlo. There was even a painting made in the likeness of myself. K.R.T released 4 new products – all now available on the new online store, which were displayed on an installation piece created by Search and Rescue.
People shared laughs over hor d’oeuvres and cupcakes designed in the likeness of K.R.T’s signature crowns. by the mights end multiple prizes had been raffled off including two designer watches from BlumLux and few new item from the clothing line. K.RT. ‘s first twenty-five guests who arrived that evening, received discounts on all apparel on the new online store. Custom INSPIRE t-shirts were available on site, where guests got to choose the colors of their shirt from OKG designs.
Dj Mike Lowry was on the 1s and 2s for the night, whereas photography was provided by Ricky Codio and Dominique Nichole. Videography was in full effect by Derrick Woodyard & Forever Dope Society(FDS).
The night ended on the best possible note with every guest leaving satisfied, emulating the king or queen they truly are. – K.R.T.
Video below is shot and directed by videographer Derrick Woodyard.
This video below by Forever Dope Society(FDS) captures the event from beginning to the end.
Check out the photos form the event HERE
A King’s Event: Arts, Beats & Eats “Mayflower” 5.6.12
“Every first Sunday of the month”
The rains dwindling down, the temperatures starting to rise- it may just be the makings of spring (finally)! With that said come kick off your spring time with Arts Beats and Eats this Sunday (5/6) from 7-11pm at 7165 Lounge on Germantown Ave. In celebration of spring this months theme is the Mayflower which we will have a series of floral displays throughout the lounge.
As always we will be hosting a variety of vendors – including K.R.T.. This months featured spoken word artists will be coming from the group Voices In Power. Also be sure to save the date for next month for our two year anniversary on June 3rd. See you Sunday!” – K.R.T.
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