NYFW

Today marks the start of the week long and world renowned NYFW. This is where we get to see all the great fashion trends that we will all be wanting next Spring/Summer. Though just as excited as the next "fashion head" about what Armani or new comers like Stacy Sherri will send down the runway, I look at their interpretations as inspiration for my own fashion presentation. For example: I love Armani's Fall collection, I like to call it "Masculinely Feminine" yes a huge contradiction but it's all semantics lol... Today I am rocking my winged tipped shoes, pin striped pants,  button up collared shirt and a cardigan sweater with rhinestones and sequins (pic to follow). Not one thing came from Armani's Boutique (Though I would love if they were lol) and the look still has the same impact... Fashion to me is about what u love and feel amazing in, it isn't about being a copycat lol #IJS... So let this Fashion Week inspire you to wear things you never thought to wear but wear them the way you want... Til next time


Besafe and Stay Fly
@NakStyles

Haute or Not?...

A really good friend of mine posed a really interesting question awhile back… What is considered Couture these days? At first Im like, “Duh Popcorn, Christian Siriano, Jean Paul Gaultier, Elie Saab, Giorgio Armani Prive. Shall I continue?”.

 



But after some thought I have come to realize that the look of Haute Couture has truly evolved into something new. There are no longer any rules, when it comes to the components used or the manner in which they are worn… Now I think couture is more about exclusivity then it is about; lace, chifon, silk and all their grandeur. Prime example Rick Ross, was honored to have- made for him personally- a pair of Red Snake Skin Reebok Pumps

 (I personally like the Black Out Twilight Snake Skin Reebok pumps better but not the point lol)

Im sure that there are atleast 10 other ppl who want to don those kicks but will never be able to… And for those of us who are not fortunate enough to get the hook up in exclusive apparel , we will either wait on line or sell our soul for a pair of Air Yeezy’s lol

It seems to me that, street wear has now become apart of  the Haute Couture Archives. The great thing about this is that Hip Hop, once the the “black sheep” of the fashion world (circa 1996 ie,Tommy Hilfiger) is now setting a standard of its own. The bad thing is I may never get me a pair of Snake Skin Reebok Pumps L. In either case I love that there are no longer any limits to where we can go with our personal interpretation of our style journey. With that said I dare you to make your own lane in the evolution of what is considered…. Haute Couture…..

Til next time Be Safe, Stay Blessed and Stay Fly

@Nakstyles

Introducing Staci Sherri.....

February 2012 was the setting for the Designer Premiere event which took place at the Helen Mills Event Space; Held annually, it has proven to be a marquee event on the bill of New York Fashion Week. Held in high regard, the Premiere event has become the go-to-exhibition in terms of opportunity for up and coming designers. Of the designers who subscribe, not many are blessed with the opportunity to showcase their fashionable creativity in such an attention grabbing manner. Like many other industry, competition is a given, with some of the most talented individuals the world over vying for the potential of a big break.  On this given night, one star seemingly shone the brightest, and that was undoubtedly the lovely Staci Sherri...

 Born in Baltimore, MD Staci Sherri chose the path less traveled by others in her circumference. At the age of 17 she left the comfort of her hometown to pursue her dream.  While attending Tampa's Academy of Design and Technology, Staci began to realize that the once dreamed plight was definitely in reach.  Upon graduating, she took a leap of faith in herself and her talents and reached for the bright lights and big stage of the fashion capital of the world, no other than New York City. Overwhelmed at first, as many are, Staci knew that the Big Apple was the place for her, on a business and personal level. Utilizing what she learned in the classroom, Staci quickly came to wow whomever she came in contact with. In 2011 she debut Staci Sherri Inc. With her trans-seasonal collection "Magical Black" (my favorite), which sparked a buzz which has began to take on a life of its own; a year removed from that, she is back with her latest "Time Collection," which as mentioned before received an astounding response at this past fashion Week, NYC. With all that on her plate, its a wonder she has any room to think.  But of course, there is always time to kick it with me your girl Nak Styles, as I get into the mind of both Staci and Sherri, follow......
It is said that some of the greatest minds, creatively, have an aura of comfortability among them, both with others and with themselves. I would venture to guess that is how the output is seemingly so easy.  As a fashionista myself, I am always in seek of the elements which the greats utilize in their workings. Soon to be in that same caste, I sat down with Staci Sherri to get the 411.

First off let me start by letting you know that myself and Xtreme Magazine are glad you have a moment in your busy schedule to sit down with us… How are you?
Staci Sherri: Thank you so much, and thanks for asking; I’m doing well and yourself?

Nak Styles: I’m great thanks…. So you were the hot topic at New York Fashion Week! When I saw your Time collection I said to myself this could be on the level of Versace. I must admit though Magical Black is my favorite....  So how does it feel?
Staci Sherri: I have to say, It is amazing!! It was a lot of hard work to prepare, but for the most part it was very exciting and I am truly inspired by everyone’s response.  I have come to learn that in this business, rather anything dealing with creativity, you begin to look forward to really working on my craft as a designer; the ultimate goal is to progress and perfect my brand.

Nak Styles: Ok!!!... So Lil Kim is all over the web in your Victorian Jumpsuit, How did you get in contact with her?
Staci Sherri: It was a cool thing because I am a huge fan of Notorious BIG and I respect what the entire Junior Mafia time and movement stood for.  Me and a friend of mine, who owns the blog site junkie.com were out one night and among us was a stylist named Kim B; over years we have kept in contact. I never knew that he styled Lil Kim.  One day, he reached out to me about events that Lil Kim had coming up. He was checking out some of my designs and wanted to pull a few pieces for her. Initially we were going to put her in the B-Day jumpsuit cause that just looks like her style but she fell in love with the Victorian jumpsuit. Call it a coincidence that before she headed out to her event, someone she was interviewing with asked her about the late, great Whitney Houston and that footage now means more to me than anything. Here is a legend in my design, speak on  Whitney Houston and how she is the Queen. Lil Kim who is a Queen in her own right, wearing MY Victorian jumpsuit, which makes you think of royalty… It’s just a blessing!
.......


To view the complete interview go to http://www.xtreme104fm.com/- Xtreme Magazine


Be Safe, Stay Blessed and Fly
@NakStlyes

My Top Fashion Picks: Stay Fly

When it comes to being fly you got to be that in any weather in order to claim that!! Lol… Spring to me has always been that  get fly weather, from the kicks to the fitted or the stiletto’s to the invisible part…. Its that kinda weather that you can put on a nice cardigan for the warmer days or a sick jacket for the cooler ones…. No matter the type of day you must make sure you have the essentials to pull it off…. Here are my spring must haves… Ladies First…

#1- A Mean Shoe

Whether it’s a heel (1.shown below: Sam Edelman “Lorissa”), wedge (shown below:Steven by Steve Madden; Color Block), ballet flat (shown below: Kvoll; patent leather with lock and bowknot), a loafer (Shown below: Dolce Vita Smoking shoe- Nallatasse)l or some kicks(Nike Air Max 2012 Pink and Purple) they must be fly!!

 

 

#2-Colored Jeans (Shown Below)

 Colored Jeans, Can be color blocked ex. Royal Blue Jeans w/ a Red Blazer and Leopard Shoes (shown below: Anne Klein Rayon and Linen Blend; Louboutin: Spiked Peep Toe Leopard)

 

For my Gents….

#1 Varsity Jacket

When it comes to the traditional Varsity Jacket, usually made of wool and leather, every brand from Hudson (shown below: Men’s Bulldog Varsity Jacket: sold in a variety of colors) to True Religion (shown below: Richie Varsity Jacket: sold in a variety of colors) have come up with their version…I personally love Varsity Jackets with bright colors and this season calls for color!.... My all time favorite colorful Varsity Jacket is the Nike x Parra collab circa 2009 (shown below: in Maroon), yes I know this is a tease to show but to me this is the epitome of a great Varsity Jacket. Designed with hand drawn characters (by Dutch artist Parra) and multiple embroideries this is a statement, nothing else needed!!! <3

                                                                                                                                                                                               

 

#2 Fresh “Feets”

 To me a dude aint fly unless he own atleast two pair of “Feets”, for those of you that may not get my lingo, I am referring to Foamposites…. Back in the day I was all about having the Jordans, standing on line for hours to get them and they still rock but the new hood status symbols are the “Feets” and you will be in line for those as well lol…. This year Nike has come out with two pair of extraterrestrial Foamposites the first to be released (Shown Below: The One Galaxy: Glow in the Dark Soles) next to be released are the Alternate Galaxy “Feets” (Shown Below)… For those of you that may not be interested in the Galaxies they have the Electro Limes (Shown Below) and the White Outs (Shown Below) that are due to be released… Sneak Peek for Summer the Air Force One Foamposites (Shown Below), I’ll come up with a name for those in my next issue lol

ALTERNATE GALAXY

ELECTRO LIME

White Outs

NIKE AIR FORCE ONE FOAMPOSITES

#3 Patterned Bill Fitteds

 Everyone in the hood has a fitted but not everyone knows about the Patterned Bill Fitteds (Shown Below)… They can run you up to $125 but many of them have genuine snakeskin and are limited edition so you know you wont see every Tyrone, Andre and Devon wearing them lol

Dallas Mavericks Snakeskin Snapback

Cincinnati Custom Felt Tiger Print     

Staple Pigeon Safari Starter Snapback

Bonus Pick-

Grassroots is a California based company that makes some really fly fitted and snapback hats… Not only are these fitteds fly but they’re functional and some proceeds go to charity…. The hat itself is not only unique because of its style but it has a satin lining and a hidden pocket (hint, hint)

Baggers Snap back fitted

 Capital Hemp Throwback

Don’t  forget you ain’t  fly, if you ain’t fly in every season!!! Til next time Be Safe and Stay Fly!!!

@NakStyles

2012 Spring Fashion Trends

My Spring Must Haves to Stay Fly....

As the seasons change, so does our style and color schemes... Time to put away the Puffer Coats, Flapper Hats and Adirondacks Boots to make way for Light Weight Jackets, Bright Colors and Prints...The key to keeping your swag on a trillion throughout the season, is to have at least 5 essential items. These are things that are not only interchangeable but they are things that can make a statement all on their own… Here are my picks for spring....

Ok Ladies.....

#1-Red Blazer (Shown Below: Anne Klein: Rayon and Linen)

 Can be worn with: Cotton tee or Chiffon Blouse; Jeans or a Pencil Skirt and for a timeless but Haute accent a Statement Necklace (Shown: Banana Republic: Ariel Braided Necklace) and Leopard shoes (Shown: Louboutins: Peep Toe)

   

#2-Statement Necklaces (Shown Below)

Can be worn with anything any time of the day, you can use it to dress up a cotton jersey dress or wear under the collar of a button up shirt to add a touch of feminity…

 

#3-Colored/ Printed Jeans

 Colored Jeans (shown below), Can be color blocked ex. Royal Blue Jeans w/ a Red Blazer and Leopard Shoes (shown above)

 Printed Jeans (shown below) Can be worn with a solid color that compliments the jean, a nude shoe or to make it more fashion forward you can also wear with other prints that have like colors

 

#4- Bright Colored Parker (Shown Below: London Parka by Jane Post) or Trench Coat( Burberry Prorsum Striped Raffin)The Parker and Trench Coat are classics, and can be worn year after year no matter what new trends submerge... For those days when it’s too cold to wear just a blazer and/or raining these will be your go to for outerwear....           

 #5- Leopard!!!!!!

Leopard to me is the new neutral color, Im obsessed with it... It can be worn in any style with any color!!! I love love love it and although there are some leopard items for men, I am not interested in seeing my man in it!! #justsaying 

Shown below: Louboutin :Leopard Spiked Peep Toe Heels; Current Elliot : (Pre Washed) The Stiletto in Camel Jean; Joy Rich: Leopard Varsity Jacket; Adrienne Vittadini: Jeweled Ballet Flats (I own)

    

 











For the Gents

#1- Pre Washed Unconstructed Sports Jacket (Shown Below: Apolis in Stone)
Can be worn: Button up shirt and/or layered with a crew neck sweater (tie and pocket square optional); Jeans with Loafers (Shown below:Mr. Hare Fangio Gray Tasseled Loafer or Boomingdales  colorful version), Tims or Fashion Sneakers (Shown below: Radii Wing Tips) and a conversation piece watch (Shown Below: WeWood Watch made of Recycled materials)

   

  

    

 

#2- Mr. Nice Watch

 I love a nice watch and everyone should have atleast one conversation piece like the one shown above (WeWood), LED Fashion watches, Unisex Fashion Watches OR   Dumb Watches (shown below in a Variety of Colors)

   

 

  And a classic watch is essential for everyday, work and evenings... Shown Below :Nixon Watch; Roger Dubius and Hublots thin time piece in Titanium or King Gold, Raymond Weil.... Not only are they nice looking pieces but they are beautifully made as well

          

 
 

 #3- Fashion Sneakers

  Dont get me wrong I love Foamposites, Air Max and Jordans but every once in a while I think a man should invest in a Fashion sneaker, you can dress them up or down, some can even be worn with a suit. For those men who dont do hard bottoms these are a good alternative... Lanvin, Dior, Radii and Moncler (shown below) make some really nice versions that can be worn with pretty much anything…

                       

 

 #4-Varsity Jacket

   Varsity Jackets never go out of style to me they are a part of American style from sports to the streets but this season they are really big.... Louis Vuitton even came up with a refined version made of canvas and crocodile leather (shown Below), this should be worn more snug than the traditional but it can be dressed down with a nice Fashion sneaker and loosefit jeans or dressed up with a driving shoe (Shown Below- Salvatore Ferragamo Barbados Woven Driving Shoe in Brown) and a pair of tailored slacks…

                                                                                                                                  

 
       

                                                                                                                                         

 

When it comes to the traditional which are usually made of wool and leather, every brand from Hudson (shown below: Men’s Bulldog Varsity Jacket: sold in a variety of colors) to True Religion (shown below: Richie Varsity Jacket: sold in a variety of colors) have come up with their version…I personally love Varsity Jackets with bright colors and this season calls for color!.... My all time favorite colorful Varsity Jacket is the Nike x Parra collab circa 2009 (shown below: in Maroon), yes I know this is a tease to show but to me this is the epitome of a great Varsity Jacket. Designed with hand drawn characters (by Dutch artist Parra) and multiple embroideries this is a statement, nothing else needed!!! <3

 

 
    

                                                                                                                                               

      

#5 Sunglasses

 Yes they protect our eyes from UV rays but that’s not why I wear them lol…. Sunglasses can make an outfit!!… White Tee, Jeans,  some nice foot wear is ok but you put on a great pair of sunglasses and it goes from ok to  simply smashing darling *British accent*…. In all seriousness there’s some sick eye wear for this season that can be taken into the summer season as well….  Here’s just a few that I like….

AM                                                                                         Cavalli

                 

ARMANI AVIATOR     

                                                SHWOOD CANBY

 

                             
                 





Ray Ban

Hope this will help you out on your trip to Cancun, Vegas, the next Big Event you’re invited, or just to profile for the ladies lol… ‘Til next time, Be Safe and Stay Fly!!!!

@NakStyles