Shades of Pink: These words are synonymous with pink or represent various shades of the color pink: blush, coral, flesh, flush, fuchsia, hot pink, magenta, raspberry, rose, salmon.
A Kings Essential: The Turtleneck
”Something so effortless and refined”
Initially when looking for something fashionable to wear, often I would overlook the turtleneck . Over the years peoples perception of the “turtleneck” was altered due to years of brands only targeting the more mature crowd such as; grandfathers, grandmother etc, thus the turtleneck has evolved into a “must have” for the fashion innovator. As traditional Americana circumvented back into the mainstream fashion industry, this created an outlet for the turtleneck to be reintroduced.
A King’s Journey: London, England
“It’s not the destination it’s the Journey”
Visiting the great city of London, England was always a dream/goal of mine. I didn’t know how soon it would be nor that I would be there with two of my closest friends Shaheed and Nehemiah. My main reason for going was to experience London Fashion week first hand. Although I would be going for the last two days It was a something I wanted to partake in. Needless to say I didn’t want to come back.
ABE Best Dressed Spotlight | Dougie Newton
“Its not a competition, just apart of the everyday lifestyle”
Arts, Beats and Eats is an event that is designed to bring out the best in its attendees from choices of music, conversation and even style. Promoting uniqueness and individuality, every first Sunday I scope the room looking for the guy that deserves the Arts, Beats and Eats Best Dressed Spotlight.
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.
Arts, Beats and Eats “Canned Good Dr” Photos
“I love Arts, Beats and Eats”
Arts, Beats and Eats is an event that creates an escape from the mindset of people who believe there is no one else in the city that shares the same creativity or passion. Every first Sunday Shaheed Rucker, Gianni Lee and myself, create an atmosphere that allows people to bring forth their talents. Also, while contributing to the well-being of society through health, initiatives, and community service efforts. Our goal within the few hours of this event is for everyone to network, and leave not only inspired but with long term memories and relationships. -K.R.T.
Live Artist: Bariq Cobbs
Spoken word Artist: Ryan Brooks
Vendors: Babycakes Couture, MilaFire Vintage, Natural Born Heartbreakers, In 2 Mind, Mijourne Jewelry, Nur Jewelry, Oh La La and House of Ra’oof.
Special thanks to the vendors and attendees as we look forward to you next month for our Arts, Beats and Eats ”Toy Drive” December 4th
Behind The King: Curran J featured in Ebony Magazine November 2011
“Its the little things”
I am honored to be displayed under the “Style Watch” section of the upcoming November issue of Ebony magazine. I was photographed by photographer Hannan Selah back in February during New York Fashion week. This feature really shows how little details can really pull together an ensemble. Although, it doesn’t show my face it has my name and my site for those who read the article or are curious about the man in the riding boots and House of Ra’oof medicine bag. Thanks again to Hannan and Ebony magazine for the feature. - K.R.T.
NYFW: Fashion Night Out
On the streets of Soho with Hamid Holloman of Colaborativelab, The lookbook Legend Denny & Myself.
Luella Mink & myself. Picture taken with her Polaroid camera. Looks like we’re from the 80′s.
Outside of The Brooklyn Circus with Keino Benjamin. I see him so much that it was Kings Recognize King. Check his feature out in latest issue by Ebony called “The Gentlemans Club”.
This picture was taken for a site called Ny.racked.com.
A Kings Wardrobe Description:
- Cazel Glasses
- Surrealist vintage shirt
- Vintage belt
- Dark denim Naked & Famous jeans
- Vintage Red Slippers
What do you think about my outfit?
Arts, Beats and Eats “School Supply Drive” Pictures
Each month our network of young artist & young professionals assemble to contribute to various causes that are not only beneficial to their careers but the community as well. This Arts Beats & Eats was dedicated to bringing in school supplies for children in need to help them start the school year off right. Under a cool atmosphere of good music, art, vending and good people our organization along with our supporters made that happen. Together we collected loads of school supplies to help children for the academic school year.
Each 1st sunday of the month we share ideas, laughs and crafts at Primo Bacio Ristorante. We look forward to the month of October where we will dedicate our energy towards “Breast Cancer Awareness”. – K.R.T.
Arts Beats & Eats “Breast Cancer Awareness”
10.2.11 – Primo Bacio – Towers At Wyncote – 8460 Limekiln Pk – 7pm-11pm
Follow the organizers @Change_makers & @GianniLee
Photos by Lamont D Nyce
A King’s Theme: Men’s Slippers
“Let’s slip into something a lil more comfortable”
When thinking of men’s shoes what comes to mind? Maybe a wingtip, oxford, loafer or even a moccasin. Well a stylish alternative for men that has been hitting the streets, the nightlife and even the runway lately are men’s slippers. Not just any old slipper but hard-soled, velvet, fabric, embroidered, heeled slippers. Being able to rock a bedroom staple outside of its normality mixes up the variety of casual menswear whether it be dressing it up or down. The velvet slipper originated and gained popularity in 1840 with Prince Albert and are known as “The Albert Slipper” which gives them an opulent image.
Men’s slippers are quickly became one of the freshest trends in menswear. Some look at it as just being a slipper but this item ranges upward from $300 which keeps it from becoming trendier than most footwear. Very fun, stylish and comfortable, slippers can be worn both day and night adding flavor to shorts, cropped pants, jeans and full suits. Slippers add a regal flair and are the footwear of choice for any young King. – K.R.T.
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Take the opulence up a level and customize your slippers with Stubbs and Wootton Bespoke
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Other hot Men’s slipper brands I like:
- Paisley - Jimmy Choo
- Stripes/Get out of jail - Del Toro
- Velvet slippers - Brooks Brothers
- Daddy flat - Christian Louboutin
- Collis Velvet Horse Slipper - Ralph Lauren
King’s Wardrobe Description:
- Sweatshirt – J Crew
- Rope belt – Vintage
- Bracelet – Tommy Hilfiger
- Pocket Square - House of Ra’oof
- Shorts – Polo Ralph Lauren
- Slippers – Marc by Marc Jacob
Mel Ransom’s Wardrobe Description:
- Shirt – Ralph Lauren
- Rings – Vintage
- Pocket Sq. – Culture Couture Vintage
- Lien Blazer – J Crew
- Tie – Rugby
- Shorts – Urban Outfitter
- Slippers – Rugby
Tony Rogers‘s Wardrobe Description:
- Shades -Marc Jacob
- Watch – Nixon
- Ring – Priceless Vintage Artz’
- Slim fit woven shirt – Joseph Abboud
- Sports coat – Joseph Abboud
- Classic chinos – Joseph Abboud
- Slippers – Stubbs and Wootton
Ryon Reid’s Wardrobe Description:
- Glasses – Mosley Tribe
- Watch – Burberry
- Blazer – Topman limited edition
- Shirt – Calvin Klein
- Jeans – Diesel
- Sovereign embroidered crown slippers – Churchs
Photos by Lawrence D. Lowe of LDL Productions
ABE Best Dressed Spotlight: Zombie Flyed
Every first Sunday of the month Shaheed Rucker of Changemakers Org, Gianni Lee of Babyloncartel & myself host a social mixer called Arts, Beats & Eats. We like to bring out the best in our attendees from choices of music, conversation & even style. So I have been featuring the best dressed male every Sunday on my blog for a style feature called Arts, Beats & Eats Best Dressed Spotlight (Check out the last month’s winner Brad Pointer).
I can honestly say it was a hard choice. There were so many stylish gentlemen that night that I decided to choose two. Yasin Nahl & Charles Holmes, both in their early 20′s are the owners and designers behind Zombie Flyed Nation. With only 6 months into their reconstructed vintage & street wear brand they have already been featured in fashion shows throughout the area. Both gentlemen have a distinct look that they merge to create a unique style.
You may know the last name of Yasin, as he s the son of Taji Nahl of House of Ra’oof. His dad is a major influence on the way he shops and having an eye for good vintage. Beside him being a model for Debonaire’ Models, he is always dressed very put together and incorporates vintage into his looks seamlessly.
Charles stood out to me because pinstripes pants are my favorite and to see him wearing a pair caught my eye. I also like to see people create a great outfit from seemingly “basic” elements. Charles’ hat was a plain hat until he added the patches and he did the same with his sweatshirt. This spotlight is also about consistency and these two young kings display true style every month at Arts, Beats and Eats. – K.R.T.
Charles wardrobe description:
- Hat by Zombie Flyed
- Sweat shirt by Zombie Flyed
- Pinstripe Pants by H&M
- Shoes by Zara
Yasin’s wardrobe description:
- Shirt by Vintage Brooks Brothers
- Pants by Levi’s super skinny
- Vest by House of Ra’oof
- Shoes by Bruno Magli
K.R.T. x YoungCoutureMag
“The Last Man Standing”
When I first met the owner of Young Couture magazine Amurri Lauren I didn’t know what to expect. One thing I did know is that she had done her research on me and as we began to pick each other’s brains I was very intrigued by her vision for her new online magazine.
The idea she used to describe my shoot were “Last Man Standing”. The idea is that in a men’s fashion world that is one dimensional, I am the last stylish man standing. I was extremely flattered by the depiction and it was an honor to work with such a talented crew including photographers Misha V. & Chris Ackrivo.
Check out more photos and what I wore on the “Last Man Standing” shoot and watch the video “Fancy” featuring myself, Saleem from Cherry Pie and Rodney ONeal McKnight. K.R.T.
King’s Wardobe Desription:
- Pink caradigan by Moods of Norway
- Floral pattern button up by Moods of Norway
- Vintage tie from House of Ra’oof
- Plaid duffle by Fred Perry
- Plaid pants by BDG
- Floral embordior leather sneakers by Paul Smith
A King’s wardrobe description:
- Fedora from House of Ra’oof
- Vintage Vest from House of Ra’oof
- Blazer by Levi’s
- Watch by Nelson
- Pants by Club Monaco
- Wingtip shoes by Alfred Sargent
King’s Wardrobe description:
- Glasses by Cazel
- Denim fidel hat by Diesel
- Lumberjack Shirt by Pendleton
- Jeans by Rugby by Ralph Lauren
- Boots by John Varvatos
FANCY from Young Couture Mag on Vimeo.
A King’s Theme: Men in Pink
“Back when they thought pink polos would hurt the Roc…” -Kanye West
Your typical wardrobe is full of blue, brown, black, white and grey. It’s ok to play it safe but try infusing a variety of colors into your wardrobe and you’ll be glad you did it. The usually feminine color pink, is something most men feel like they can’t pull off. From amongst the most common reasons men shy away from the color is fearing judgment from peers. The fact is, pink is not something that you should be afraid of. Pink is finding its way into most menswear – from cardigans, dress shirts, ties and other accessories, pink is definitely becoming the new essential color. K.R.T.
What colors goes well with Pink:
- Pink & most Blue tones
- Pink & Black
- Pink & Brown
- Pink & Tan
- Pink & Grey
- Pink & Purple
- Pink & most Greens
King’s wardrobe description:
- Fedora by Peter Grimm
- Glasses from House of Ra’oof
- Seersucker Blazer by Ralph Lauren
- Belt by J Crew
- Socks by Paul Smith
- Cranberry Moccasin by Bottega Veneta
Erik Honesty’s wardrobe description:
- Glasses by Christian Dior
- Bow tie from Cultured Couture Vintage
- Watch by Elgin
- Vintage vest from Cultured Couture Vintage
- Jeans by Ralph Lauren Double RL
- Shoes by Gucci
Karon Byers wardrobe description:
- Three Collar Button up from Cultured Couture Vintage
- Watch by Timex
- Vintage backpack
- Strawberry Bleach Sash & Bandana by House of Ra’oof Animated Man
- Pink chino’s by H&M
- Sneakers by Van
Taji Nahl’s wardrobe description:
- British officer jacket by House of Ra’oof Animated Man
- Vintage Glasses from Cultured Couture Vintage
- Pink Button up by Armani
- Vintage Belt
- 1960 modernist ring
- White linen pants by J Lindeburg
- Loafers by Gucci
“A study showed that Pink has a subduing effect on those suffering emotional distress”
“women love pink and are more likely to give you a second glance”
“Arguably the basis is that someone who’s self-evidently “masculine” doesn’t need to demonstrate his masculinity in the stereotypical ways”
“Pink is the new Black”
Photos by Nema Etebar
