Wild animal prints have been a trend for quite some time now. Mostly for women, leopard, tiger, snakeskin, and even giraffe prints have been spotted on pants, jackets, scarves, and every other type of clothing. As of late men have come around the bend and are now incorporating these bold prints into their wardrobe. I’ve been scouring local thrift stores for weeks now but to no avail. This new cotton/silk combination from Alexander McQueen’s S/S 2012 line prices at $616. Are you a bold enough man to rock this piece?

Fashion blogger and stylist Harrison Crite was spotted alongside Fashion News Live host Rocco Gaglioto at the 2012 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week last week. As a statement piece, Crite paired his leopard print button down with a black double breasted blazer, black slim pants, and natural beaded jewelry. The sleek sophistication of his all black ensemble is offset by the orange-brown gradient present in the shirt.

For fashion tips and pairings such as this visit his blog.

photos via upscalehype.com

How exciting is this!? Okay, I really enjoy these two —everything from their past relationship to their present resolve on the domestic abuse issue. The media will never allow Chris Brown to live his mistake down and I’m sure after this release Rihanna will be spoken negativity of. The birthday girl announced a month or so ago that she would release a full version of ‘Birthday Cake’ as her next single from Talk That Talk on her 24th birthday (02.20.12). The remix is sexy and somewhat of a tell-all. Chris and Rihanna, do share.

The former couple also teamed up for a remix of Brown’s “Turn Up the Music”. Check it out on CONCRETELOOP.com. Does this sound like a match made in heaven?

Chris Brown releases the video for his single “Turn Up the Music” from his upcoming album Fortune. The video, co-directed by Brown is high energy from beginning to end. I’d been anxious to see this video come to life since the behind-the-scenes video emerged last week. Aesthetically, the fashion of pairing animal heads with skinny suits has always been appealing to me. I want to try that look for a personal photo shoot.

Brown produced phenomenal choreography as expected and he did it all while sporting a fitted black suit, a white dress shirt, and a skinny black tie. There were numerous Michael Jackson gestures present that speak to his influence on Chris Brown’s entire celebrity. I, for one, have nothing negative to say about Chris… his artistry is developing regardless of his past or people’s judgement.

Fortune is slated to be released on March 16.

I never thought hair meant as much to men as it did to women until I got older. Most of my life, as noted in StreetEtiquette’s Joshua Kissi’s life as well, there were only three options: a cut, cornrows (which were deemed uncool after a certain age), or an afro. Being that my father was a barber he’d cut my hair —bald, even, faded, etc.— until his death. From ’96-’08 I continued the bi-weeky ritual of shaving my crown. Cornrows didn’t fit me and an afro was outdated in my opinion. During the course of those 12 years I noticed my male peers paying closer attention to their hair. The products and money spent to maintain their manes was a new concept to me. I got my hair cut and that was it. I didn’t wash it (yeah, I know) and rarely brushed it. I was not concerned with waves nor moisturizing it.

It wasn’t until I matured —until I paid more attention to my personal style that I realized how important hair was to who I was. The first journey I embarked on was inspired by Maxwell and John Legend. I wanted a wild, but clean twist out. It didn’t work. Don’t know if it was the grade of my hair or the lack of product but I soon realized it wasn’t for me. The next journey led me to where I am today. A week before my 19th birthday, I went to a local African beauty shop and began to lock my hair. Four years later and I’m still growing what I believe to be essentially a part of the man I am today: untamed, unpredictable, and different.

StreetEtiquette, well known men’s lifestyle blog, teamed with one of my favorite photographers Andre Wagner to create a portrait series. The series features 12 individuals who not only share a hair story but evoke style unparalleled to any I’ve seen in the Black community.

CROWNED is a portrait series depicting the styles of 12 individuals through the lens of their personal hair style, or in other words their CROWNS.

[Kissi]

CLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL EDITORIAL

Glitz and glam was the highlight of tonight’s fashion for the 54th Annual Grammy Awards. Singers, rappers, actors, and more borrowed style tips from 1950s old Hollywood glamour as they decided what they should wear to the biggest night in music. I am one who believes the red carpet should remain classy at certain events —the Grammys is one of those events. Rick Ross wore jeans and what appeared to be a Coogi sweater. Russian pop singer Sasha Gradiva wore a soft pink dress with heavy artillery accents that paid homage to Terminator. And dressed in a Little Red Riding Hood costume, Nicki Minaj graced us with the presence of The Pope on her arm and a Medusa applique on the skirt of her dress. I could not take! I preferred the romantic silhouettes of Kelly Rowland’s halter dress. The feminine prints of Fergie’s breathtaking orange gown. The luxurious fabric of Swizz Beatz’ velvet blazer. All in all, I saw more hits than misses on the red carpet and for that I am eternally grateful. Choosing a favorite styling tonight is hard —labels from Armani to Versace were everywhere.

The top three contenders in the women’s category are Carrie Underwood in a stunning Gomez-Garcia gown, Fergie in an orange Jean Paul Gaultier lace dress with her black Victoria’s Secret bra and Spanx showing underneath, and Alicia Keys in a simple black Alexandre Vauthier dress, see through Christian Louboutin stilettos and a gold statement necklace.

My top three guys picks are J. Cole’s black on black ensemble with iridescent burgundy and red accents, Swizz Beatz’ purple velvet blazer and bow tie with a sickening fluer de lis brooch, and Wiz Khalifa (mainly for his tasseled Christian Louboutin loafers) in D&G and Versace.

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Grammy award winning singer and actress Whitney Elizabeth Houston passes away at the age of 48.
(August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012) 

Although this is not fashion related I feel the need to speak on it. Known for her raw talent, incredible range, and charming personality Houston’s death will be felt by many. In all honesty, Houston has not been the topic of many conversations lately however her death comes to somewhat of surprise. My Twitter and Facebook have went ablaze with condolences, rants, and playlist tributes. It’s funny how things happen —just a week or so ago, a group of friends and I were sitting around watching the 2010 BET Honors and the 2011 BET Celebration of Gospel commenting on Houston’s performances. We laughed at how animated and over the top she was. I overlooked the fact that she was overjoyed because she’d been delivered from drug abuse.

When I ended my shift at work today I ran into a schoolmate who told me the news. I thought it was another Twitter death and shrugged it off. Needless to say I turned to CNN for facts and there it was: SINGER WHITNEY HOUSTON DIES AT 48. All I could do was sigh and the first thought that came to my mind was her daughter. As someone who has lost their father I know how much it hurts to experience the death of a parent. Bobbi Kristina, 19, is Houston’s only child. I empathize with her and honestly hope society, bloggers, paparazzi, etc. realize how they could impact her life with the things the say and do. Yes, we’ve all joked about Houston’s drug use but it’s time to pay respect. Like actress Kyla Pratt tweeted:

Respect someone when they pass like you would want someone to respect anyone you have lost in your life. RIP Whitney

As her passing comes on the eve of the 54th Annual Grammy Awards there is talk of producers making changes to the program to tribute her. Whitney Houston has won six Grammy Awards since her career started in 1985. Now, one of the most successful and biggest voices in American pop music will never be heard again. What was your favorite Whitney Houston song?

Boop! And to clarify, it’s not that I don’t believe Bey and Jay’s genes are flowing all through that little girl —I just think she had a surrogate. Hmph, call me a conspiracist! I’ll believe it when Blue Ivy’s nose spreads, her lips plump, and she hits a mean 8-count in a pair of 6-inch Christian Louboutin heels.

I’ve always been an admirer of the marriage between Hip-Hop and fashion. I’m not sure which proposed to the other first nor how long the engagement phase lasted but within the past years the union has been blissful (for the most part). You see everyone from hardcore rappers to conscience, intellectual artists borrowing from couture lines to Givenchy ready-to-wear staple pieces. Not only has Kanye made it acceptable (in my eyes) for men to wear skirts but the idea of individual style has inspired kids from the suburbs to every ‘hood.

Hip-Hop’s current leading lady, Nicki Minaj donned the cover of PAPER MAG in her typical dumbfounded, Barbie glory for their Spring 2012 Issue. It’s only befitting as the last time they interviewed her was September 2010 when she first emerged on the scene. Abby Schreiber wrote a Then & Now piece comparing contrasting Minaj’s take on fashion, her music, and fame then and… well, now. Quite controversial in her style the Hip-Hop queen has shed (for the most part) her gaudy threads for a set of colorful and somewhat high fashion pieces. I always anticipate what Nicki’s going to wear to an awards show or in a new video and sometimes I’m pleasantly surprised. Here’s what she had to say about her fashion and style influences.

THEN:
Her style, she says, is “hip-hop meets couture meets crazed lunatic…. um, yeah.” When she was younger, she remembers “listening to Biggie talking about Versace. Fashion has just always been a part of hip-hop.

NOW:
Simon Doonan: Who are your biggest style icons?

Nicki Minaj: Grace Jones definitely. So amazing. And Cyndi Lauper, I loved her right from when I was a little girl. And Janet Jackson of course. And Boy George. I always loved the way he dressed, and his music too.

[source]

Her unique style is effortless like Grace Jones and the colorful wigs, crazy make-up, and animated poses has Cyndi Lauper and Boy George written all over it. As a diehard fan of the Jackson family I honestly have to say, I see no Janet when I look at Nicki. Nonetheless, she keeps the marriage fun and I believe the key reason is because she’s evolved. From rockstar rapper bitch to pastel pinks, greens, and yellows oh my check out the photos from her spread.

If you were expecting a sequel to “The Boy is Mine”, think again. A month ago, producer Rico Love announced that he was in the studio working with Brandy and Monica on a new duet. It’s been 14 years since the two have made R&B magic with their #1 hit. Listen to their new single “It All Belongs to Me”:

Most already know that I live and die for Brandy’s voice. Any woman that can sing in a raspy, deep tone is good with me. And her runs… Jesus, take the wheel and drive me off the road! Monica’s voice is nice as always but I’m forever rockin’ with Ray-J’s sister. It is said that this track will be featured on both Brandy and Monica’s upcoming albums.

Back in 1998, “The Boy Is Mine” spent 13 weeks at #1 on the R&B charts. Think this song can do the same?