K.R.T. Press | Vivian Green New Video – Anything Out There
“Killing two birds with one stone”
I recently had the opportunity to style the leading man Kevin Moore in R&B singer Vivian Green’s come back video “Anybody Out There” directed by
Patryk Depa. I styled Moore in all three outfits provided by Kembrel and Culture Couture Vintage. Of course one of his looks would be the signature K.R.T. “Kings Inspire Kings” T-shirt. (white with baby blue inspire) available Here. Check out the video below. – K.R.T.
Blazer and v-neck provide by Kembrel
Blazer and v-neck provide by Kembrel. Pocket square provided by Armstrong & Wilson
K.R.T. x Osrick Ingredients Cricket Styles Michael Reynolds
“Kings Ruling together” – Young King
I recently teamed up with a great friend of mine Michael Reynolds, to do a style project for Osrick Ingredients Cricket. Osrick Ingredients Cricket is a menswear line that offers cutting edge men’s cricket inspired clothing, such as t-shirts, knit vests, cricket pique shirts, cricket sport coats, Oxford shirts, trousers, and other sport inspired apparel products.
The video was shot by Juan Ortiz of Redd Pen Media, it captures behind the scenes footage from the shoot. I love what I do and this day was no different, it was filled with a lot of hard work and excitement. I styled along side with Rodney Jon (MUA), Vincent sawyer (His Exclusively) and Pixtions (Photography). Check out the video. - K.R.T.
Behind The King: K.R.T. Academy
In this Photo: We had one of the nerds take our picture with his camera while the photographers Chris Ackrivo & Misha Vaksman caught shots of him doing so.
K.R.T. Academy featured 19 guys including myself that created one of the most memorable moments of my life. Eager to let this story unfold, I cannot express enough how much joy that day brought. It was an honor that I was able to bring forth so many gentlemen for this project. K.R.T. Academy began, as a mere idea that I figured if it was going to happen, now is a better time than ever. I figured this was a way to highlight my styling abilities as well as other young Kings that I work with on a day-to-day basis.
“Popular” The Stage Play
I’m back at it again as the wardrobe director for a new stage play “Popular”. Written and directed by the award winning playwright & director Shenille Latrice, who debuted her play “When the Smoke Cleared” to over 2,000 people. She is back with her sophomore project and this time around Latrice has created an ingenious production designed to provide audience members with a step by step, inside look at becoming “THE MAN or THE WOMAN” aka what it means to be Popular!
Check out this video on the stage play “Popular”
House of Ra’oof x Kamouflage x Charlie Mack Celeb Weekend
3XFresh from IbnMajid Clothing on Vimeo.
This past weekend two brands I’m affiliated with, House of Ra’oof & Kamouflage Concept store, participated in the Charlie Mack celebrity weekend fashion showcase. The event was hosted by the lovely Lisa Raye, who also exhibited her collection along with other up and coming Philadelphia designers. Charlie Mack has been hosting this celebrity weekend since 1990 solely as a celebrity basketball game but now it has evolved into a charitable benefit to raise awareness and money for organizations that seek to stop violence.
The weekend includes a party for peace, movie screening & a fashion show. This was the first time in a long time I was able to actually watch the fashion event. I must say that everyone put on a great performance. Check out the video of the House of Ra’oof segment; in my opinion they saved the best performance for last! – KRT
Kings Recognize Kings: Chill Moody
“Photo: Chill rocking a kamouflage concept store Zebra shirt for his cover art for his remix to Frank Ocean’s Novacane”
Its hard for me to stay in the loop with so many new artists appearing on the scene. If it wasn’t for blogs like Babylon Cartel, Anmlhse or Hip Hop Since 1987 I would’nt know about a lot of these new discoveries. I’ve been impressed with a lot of up and coming talent but one in particular is West Philadelphia emcee Chill Moody. I appreciate his music because he shows great eloquence, originality & rhyme ability whether it be at one his many shows in the tri-state area or rhyming on his mixtapes.
I was very impressed when he rapped over a mix of Nas instrumentals on his CHILLMatic video. He freestyled without using profanity and was able to change his flow with every beat change. Chill is destined for mass appeal due to his thought provoking content and smooth delivery. You can hear him now on Philadelphia’s 100.3 The Beat radio station with his remix to Frank Ocean’s Novacane and his new song “My Eyes” ft Cody Kahmar. Be on the look out for this king. – K.R.T.
DOWNLOAD HERE! Chill Moody Remix to Frank Ocean’s Novacane
Check out more Chill Moody on ChillMoody.com
Chill Moody x Dj Ambush CHILLMatic
I styled Chill for a summer concert series called “The Movement” for power 99 Radio station.
Chill Moody x Cody Kahmar- My Eyes” Video DIrected by Gianni Lee
Love Our Wave Fashion Show
“I’m known as a gentleman of style. I want to be known as the man who styled the gentleman”
I started my styling career off at Kamouflage Concept Store 4 yrs ago. Before then I would just get dress for the love of it, not realizing making other people look good was my passion. My father gave me creative control to style the models for the store’s grand opening fashion show in 2008 and now in 2011 I styled the store’s 3rd fashion show with the help of Aaron Ramey of Babyloncartel.com. We couldn’t have done this without the talented models from RM67, Debonaire Models & a few loyal customers that decided to walk the runway. Philly R&B artist Beano performed some of his new music for the crowd.
Kamouflage Concept Store from SocialScenes on Vimeo.
Kamouflage Concept Store
Cheltenham Square Mall
2385 West Cheltenham Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19150
Check out more pictures from the Love Our Wave fashion show
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Love Our Wave Fashion Show: 6.11.11
Kamouflage Concept Store is hosting it’s Annual fashion show in the center court of Cheltenham Mall. The theme of this year’s show is “Love Our Wave”. The word “wave” is synonymous with “swag”, or style. With all of the senseless violence that has plagued our communities for the last few years Kamouflage Concept Store, plans on highlighting positivity in our community & share this through fashion, art, music, young entrepreneurship, & family values.
The day’s activities will begin with Cheltenham Mall’s Father Child Look- Alike Contest, followed by musical entertainment. KCS will host a “Pop-Up Art Gallery” & social mixer, that will lead up to the main event. Some of Philadelphia’s most talented poets will be introducing the Fashion Show, & Peace+Love, a Philadelphia based non-profit that raises awareness on the issue of violence will be a part of the days activities, closing out the fashion show with a message of peace and non-violence.
Introducing K.R.T. Gentleman
KRT Gentleman is a segment where I highlight three different things; my styling, the photographer & a talented King or group of Kings. My definition of a King is a gentleman who is highly respected in his field, carries himself with the utmost dignity and holds a preeminent position among his peers. Bringing together talented individuals and highlighting their endeavors helps spread the unity and further the Kings Rule Together mission.
This month’s talent consist of three gentleman who are making a name for themselves in more ways then one.
Thomas Davis is a student at Community College of Philadelphia, known by many for his unique style and personality. Thomas latest accomplishment include being the Style Editor for 215 Magazine, freelance Modeling as well as being a Fashion Consultant and Personal Shopper for up and coming brands here in the city of Philadelphia. Thomas wants to make his mark on the national and international fashion scene.
King’s Description:
- Button up flannel with hoodie by 55dsl
- K.R.T brooch pin by Successories
- Vintage fatigue Snap-back hat
- Corduroy pants by BDG
Dj Phsh known for his wild hair and his spontaneous personality was exposed to art and music by his parents. The son of two theater majors, he understood his creative nature at a very young age. He has taken these artistic elements and incorporated them into his DJing, offering a unique aesthetic on the turntables that can rock any party. Currently he holds a weekly party (Superdope) held at Fluid nightclub every Tuesday and is generating lots of buzz. Having recently turned 21, the young DJ/Producer/Man of Vision is ready to move forward to become a Philly music legend.
King’s Description:
- Graphic V-neck shirt by Desigual
- Hoodie by Smoke Rise
- Jeans by Rivet De Cru
- Brooch by Successories
Christopher Timberlake is a model from Philadelphia, PA. He established his modeling career 6 yrs ago, and has since developed a strong presence in print and on the runway! Timberlake has modeled in a number of fashion shows for well known designers, and has had the honor of being chosen to be a model during NY Fashion Week! Most recently, Timberlake was selected to model in the show for Philadelphia native, Nafis of Kevin Michael Boutique. In addition to pursuing modeling and establishing a name for himself, Timberlake ultimately aspires to model for GQ Magazine.
King’s Description:
- Graphic tee by Desigual
- Plaid button up by Just Another Cheap shirt
- Custom Cult of Individuality jean jacket by Colaborative Laboratory
- Jeans by Cult of Individuality
- Louis Vutton print key chain by Successories
All Clothes provide by Kamouflage Concept Store
Located in Cheltenham Square Mall 2385 West Cheltenham Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19150
Photography by Sik Photography
Behind The King: Single Black Females
I like when someone gives me the creative freedom during work and trusts that the finished product will look exactly how they wanted it to, if not better. With the help of Aaron of Babyloncartel.com we were able to style two characters (Kevin Moore as Mike & Neil Carr as Sinclair) in the exact look director Kash Goins was going for in his hit stage play “Single, Black Female” at the Dupont Theater in Wilmington, Delaware.
The play is a love story… adapted from the movie Love Jones. Single, Black Female discusses relationship dynamics between black men and women. With the help of a stellar cast and amazing vocalists they had two sold out shows.
Other cast consists of Lauren Shaye as Renee, Kiki Shepard of Apollo Theater fame as Ebony, Alissa Murray as Sidney, Nashawn Kearse of Desperate Housewives as Rodney, Catya Washington, International Songstress Carol Riddick and Dinina Richardson as Tiffany and John Canada Terrel (Five Heartbeats) as Uncle Lawrence.
GoKash Productions next production will be in the Washington D.C. area for the debut of the Award Winning play “VI Degrees” for 2 shows as part of The D.C. Black Theatre Festival on 6/17 at 8pm and 6/18 at 9:30pm. This show will star Tray “Poot” Chaney from HBO’s highly acclaimed television drama “The Wire”.
Lloyd Richards Stage @ The Arc Theater
1901 Mississippi Avenue, SE
Washington, DC
Curran Styling at Single Black Female Play from SocialScenes on Vimeo.
See photos/videos by Focused Studios
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K.R.T. x VI Degrees
The award winning stage play VI Degrees written by Kash Goins has been running since 2008. Donja R. Love was the first director Kash let ensemble a new cast and crew. Donja and co-director Heather Thomas had a lot on their hands to bring this notable play to life. The best thing about working with Donja is that all of his plays have a powerful meaning behind them. VI Degrees is about the significance of H.I.V. in the black community & the fear we have with being truthful and honest to ourselves.
As my second time around being a costume director I’m learning that when styling a full cast of a play you must understand the character just as well as the person who is playing them. In this play there were 10 characters and each person has to look the part to make his/her character believable. With the help of fellow stylist Tiffany Pinkney, Kia Denise & Dougie Newton my job was a lot easier. Thanks guys!
The next play I will be working on is “How To Kill A Child & A Demon” written by Donja R.Love running Saturday May 21st (2pm & 8pm) and Sunday May 22nd (2pm & 8pm)
Introducing The Play: VI Degrees
GoKash Productions and Recycled Love Productions present the award-winning stage play “VI Degrees”, with an all NEW cast, and all NEW director!
Donja R. Love has done it again and has brought me along as the costume director for his reenactment of the award winning stage play “VI Degrees” written by Kash Goins showing April 19th to April 24th.
This will be my third time working as a costume director with Donja as I styled The Nigga Files, System Report & now VI Degrees, Donja is a tremendous writer and director and working with him has been such an enriching experience. You do not want to miss seeing his creative vision come to life.
Check out VI Degrees on stage at:
The Adrienne Theatre – Skybox (3rd Flr.)
2030 Sansom St.
Philadelphia, PA
Showtimes:
Tues 8pm
Wed 8pm
Thurs 8pm
Fri 8pm
Sat 2pm and 8pm
Sun 2pm and 8pm
Tickets ($18 – $23), get yours now at:
http://gokashproductions.ticketleap.com/videgrees/
I Luv Vinatge x K.R.T.
I recently styled a photoshoot for my friend Evis who is the owner of a vintage store called I Luv Vintage Boutique. I Luv Vintage is a new boutique that sells an eclectic mix of authentic vintage clothing from the 40s-80s. The photo shoot was a mixture of American Apparel basics and authentic vintage clothing. With the help of local stylist Candance Whaley & Lacora (model as well) we were able to bring together everyone’s styles seamlessly. I Luv Vintage does on the spot styling to fit any and everyone’s personal style. The boutqie is located at 3624 Lancaster Ave. Phila. Pa 19104.
Also follow them on twitter at @I LUVVINTAGE
Photography: Samuel Eli
MUA: Tamika Rush
Model: Lacora Emerson, Falon Renee, Katie McCarthy, B Claire and Jakia Bishop
Stylist: Lacora Emerson, Candance Whaley and Myself
Wardrobe by Saleem of Cherry Pie Swim Wear & I Luv Vintage Boutique
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House of Ra’oof: 2011 Spring Presentation
Photo by Samuel Eli
“Philly Flavor is International”
This past Sunday Taji Nahl of House of Ra’oof launch his Spring 2011 collection. The event was held at his new studio in conjunction with Studio Christensen. Located at 333s 20th street, Studio Christensen is an interior design, furnishing & gallery which represents contemporary brands from Vitra, Kartell & Moroso etc, & vintage pieces from Paul Evans, Milo Baughman, Gio Ponti and many other. Studio has montly art exhibits with 60% off selected items.
The House of Ra’oof presentation included a runway show and live styling in which I styled the models. The collection is inspired from an eclectic and worldly viewpoint and and showcases a well-dressed man that has traveled the globe. K.R.T.
Here are pictures from the House of Ra’oof 2011 presentation.
Photos by Curran J
Behind The King: The Source Mag Photo-Shoot Video
This past January I did a photo shoot for The Source Magazine called Jocks meets Jocks which I styled Andre Iguodala from the Philadelphia 76ers. The shoot included radio personality Kendra G of 100.3 The Beat. Both are good representations on the court & the airwaves for the city of Philadelphia. The video was shot & directed by Yahya Ismail.
Make sure you go out and buy the April issue of the source to see my first editorial in a magazine.
The Play “The Nigga Files”
The play “The Nigga Files”, written & directed by Donja R. Love & co-director Heather Thomas showed the ins & out of the education system of 5 inner city youth in a reform school & a teacher recognizing that his classroom may be the only hope left for the students. Majority of the time I was stuck in the basement with Muhammad & Ronnie doing quick changes for the actors & making sure collars were straight & looks were perfect. This was my first time as a costume director but with their help it made things a lot easier.
Read the rest for my thoughts on the play and for photos from the run of the show
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Behind The King: Source Magazine
Styling isn’t as easy as it looks, especially when you have a client who is 6’6 and has arms that are almost as long as you. Those are stats from Philadelphia 76ers star forward Andre Iguodola. I was honored to be a part of this photo shoot, which my mentor Rakia Reynolds introduced me to. Andre Iguadola and Kendra G from 100.3 The Beat radio station were being featured in the spring issue of The Source magazine in a feature called “Jocks vs Jocks”. I was abled to pull from many local area stores such as Mitchell & Ness, Torre Big and Tall, Adidas and Kamouflage Conecpt store. Kendra G was styled by Mareen Reese. It was amazing to see Mareen’s big bag of tools that made styling that much easier. She is such an accomplished stylist and I definitely used this as an opportunity to learn from her. I brought Muhammad along with me for assistance in the overall process. The experience was extremely surreal and I met some amazingly talented people I look forward to working with again in the future.
K.R.T.
Check out pictures from the Source photoshoot with Andre Iguodola
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“The Nigga Files”
“King Shatters Nigga”
Those are strong words from the script of the play “The Nigga Files” written & directed by Donja R. Love & co-directed by Heather Thomas. Nigga is a word I try to refrain from using and I use the word King in reference to other men, hence the title of this blog “Kings Rule Together”. I’m extremely honored to be working as the wardrobe director for the play.
“The Nigga Files” revolves around 5 students in a reform school who all protray the stereotype of how a “Nigga” is suppose to be. The cast is amazingly talented with Salina Yasmine as Martha, Stan Dixon as Eddie, Jamarr Hall as Jamal, Aaron Thornton as David, and Keith Illidge as Antonie. The play is an intense dissection of young black men living in urban environments and the issues of homosexuality, murder and what it means to be a nigga.
The Nigga Files runs Tue., Jan 11, through Sun., Jan. 16, at the Shubin Theatre. The drama, first runner-up for Best Play in the fall’s Philly Urban Theatre Festival
Behind The King: Joy To The World Fest
This past weekend the city of Brotherly Love was on fire. Best thing about this weekend was it was all for a great cause. Tyrone L. Gilliams Jr bought together celebrities and patrons to benefit Joy To The World Fest which is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising money for awareness for hunger, homelessness, and other issues related to the economic times.
From Thursday to Sunday there were series of events with many celebs such as Boris Kodjoe, Brian McKnight, Diddy and Jamie Fox in attendance. I was asked by a friend of mine, celebrity fashion stylist Giovanni & Designer Extrodinare Nasir of AxpFlySociety to participate in styling over 30 hospitality models for the VIP Black Tie Gala hosted by Diddy at the Ritz Carlton hotel on Broad & Chestnut. I got a chance to connect with many models & makeup artist that I look forward to working with in the near future. Partying with Diddy, Fabolous and Jermaine Dupri was just the icing on the cake.
Check out the pics from behind the scenes and check out the Photography portfolio for pictures from the Black Tie Gala
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Behind the King: Missfit Vintage
Behind every stylish man is a stylish woman. Being that I’m a Mamma’s boy this statement is not hard for me to understand. So lately I have been teaming up with Fajr Muhammad of Stylish Thought. Fajr (who designed my blog) owns an online women’s boutique called Missfit Vintage. She wanted to do a lookbook for the launch of the online store and asked me to style the shoot. We teamed up with another stylist Alicia P, models Sopanit and Kristen, as well as KB of FocusedEyed Films (videographer) and Dave Austria, the photographer. The shoot really came together and it was a pleasure to style as the pieces were very stylish and the models were full of life.
It was great to work with a lively bunch of people and the shoot was an overall success. I’m definitely looking forward to the next Missfit Vintage shoot. Check out the pictures I took that day from behind the scenes.
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Latif x Curran J
Sir Mickey Rocks (of the cool kids) ft Latif “SS”
You might have heard the name Latif. In 2003 he dropped his 1st single “I Dont wanna Hurt You” off his classic album “Love in the First”. He has written hit songs like “Deserve U More” and “Teach Me” for Musiq Soulchild, ” Damage” by Chris Brown and most recently ” Gone Already” by Faith Evans.
Not only is he a Grammy nominated singer/songwriter, he is also a great friend of mine. I had the pleasure of styling him for two recent music videos he was featured in. Check out his video with Young Chris after the jump
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The DNTN Brand Lookbook
My man Don Scott has revamped his streetwear line DNTN and asked me to style the Spring/Summer lookbook. DNTN Brand is a combination of Don’s artistic talent and passion for streetwear. He brings in the varsity look with sweaters, hoodies, tee-shirts and jackets. Check out www.thedntnbrand.com and check out the lookbook shot on the streets of Philadelphia.
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