Rihanna Ever the Trendsetter

I bet we see more pink silhouettes filtering into the lines of fashion designers and labels.  Why? Because Rihanna.  

Over the past several days, RiRi has been strutting around New York City promoting the upcoming animated movie, Home, as well as her concept album, which serves as the movie's soundtrack.  If Rihanna's Giambattista Valli pink pouf gown for the 2015 Grammys wasn't telling enough, head-to-toe tonal pink outfits have been a recent staple for the Barbadian songstress.  Above, Rihanna sports a pink barbie suit and fur scarf--cautionary to the unpredictable weather transition from winter to spring--as well as a Sean John tracksuit that is reminiscent of the early 2000s hip hop scene.

It's interesting how cyclical trends can be.  I look at denim shirts, baggy pants, and clip-on sunglasses and wonder why I feel so nostalgic.  The truth is, my earliest memories of clothing and fashion in general were around these trends during the late 1990s and early 2000s.  If anything, fashion is not just a form of self expression, but a way of holding on to precious past memories. 

Home, the DreamWorks animated film is set to debut on March 27th.  Check out the trailer here.

Life in Color: An Examination of Today's Contemporary, Black Archetypes Ed. II

At InTheRough, it is our job to discern the latests trends and developments in urban culture.  A large part of our content is news-based, but what makes us unique are the insights into the importance and understanding of what we write about and how it fits into the greater fabric of urban culture.  Cognizant of this need to inform and educate, as well as the celebration that is Black History Month, InTheRough presents Life in Color: An Examination of Today's Contemporary, Black Archetypes.  Over the span of this month, InTheRough will be creating a series of editorials showcasing black individuals who have assumed pioneering roles in varying industries or facets of society that lack or misinterpret the black experience.

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As New York Fashion Week is well underway, I found myself thinking about the black experience within fashion.  As I gathered my thoughts to create this piece, I could only name a few black individuals who have had significant involvement in the industry: Tracy Reese, founder of her eponymous label, has created looks for many celebrities including First Lady Michelle Obama; Shayne Oliver is the founder of the hyped label Hood By Air; Olivier Rousteing is the current creative director of Balmain; and Naomi Campbell, who needs no introduction, is one of the most iconic supermodels of the 20th century.  But past this, what is our history?  Do collections and fashion labels created by Jay Z, Diddy, and Kanye West count as viable fashion projects or are they merely market capitalizations on fame and popularity?

In fashion, the black aesthetic is largely misconstrued.  A lack of diversity on the runway with just 6% of last New York Fashion Week's looks being represented by people of color, as well as the lack of prominent black designers and tastemakers has pigeon-holed the black influence to streetwear and its connection with hip hop culture.  In a world where A.P.C.'s Jean Touitou can overstep and cite his relationship with Kanye West for an overtly racist design concept or where white models dawn black face as a form of artistic expression, Street Etiquette's refreshingly educational and informative take on style is vital for any change in rhetoric.

From its inception in 2008, Street Etiquette has occupied an entirely new space in the fashion industry.  Well groomed and well dressed black gentlemen had rarely been showcased, after all; the general consensus was that all we wore were baggy pants, hefty jewelry, and white tees.  But, by creating unique and thought provoking editorials, such as Slumflower, where 18 black individuals dressed in tailored suits are juxtaposed with the backdrop of urban decay, SE has showcased the fashionable, multi-faceted black man in ways that not only raise important societal questions, but that are largely neglected by mainstream voices.  Founded by Joshua Kissi and Travis Gumbs, Street Etiquette has changed the sartorial narrative surrounding black individuals.

In examining Street Etiquette and the scope of the business, I cannot definitively say that they are the only archetypes of fashion.  I cannot confidently articulate my beliefs that they are the influencers who are going to change and improve the corrupt foundation of the fashion industry.  The problems that have been prevalent since the 1990s--the lack of diversity and representation--are embedded in euro-centric beliefs that frankly have not changed.  Street Etiquette has circumvented these predicaments by presenting new perspectives of the black experience that the industry currently lacks. 

At the same time, though, what I have noticed is that black fashion in itself is an entire subculture of the fashion industry at large.  It is as such because of this constant neglect and misrepresentation.  Black fashion, whether it be through Tracy Reese's rise to prominence or through Shayne Oliver's immense impact on streetwear, has found a way to coexist and gain relevance in an adverse world.  These individuals and their establishments may be black, but they represent the multicultural experiences that continue to be ignored.  The black experience is not limited to high fashion and it is not bound by the parameters of hip hop culture.  To discuss one archetype as a symbol of this fashion subculture is to suppress its vast history and influences.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio Announces Increased Investment in Fashion

The fashion industry employs about 180,000 people in New York City, and the semi-annual fashion weeks in New York are responsible for an $887 million economic impact.  In an effort to continue to support and stimulate this industry, Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced plans to increase the city's investment from $5 million to $15 million and to expand the reach of Made in NY.  Currently a six year old organization, Made in NY provides space, production, and other resources to 35 NY-based designers, allowing them to showcase their collections during the industry's biggest time of year--New York Fashion Week--at no cost.  With some of the programs already underway, the initiative will focus on the education of fashion and design, as well as the support of emerging designers and manufacturers.  Check out the video for Made in NY below.

InHerRoughStyle: Cruelty Free Fashion

Winter is a season where it can be hard to stand out. It’s tough not getting lost in a sea of neutral toned pea coats, infinity scarves, and hats. However, today’s InHerRoughStyle post will show you how to bring some life to your winter wardrobe, and how to change up your typical outerwear.

Faux fur coats and vests have become a major trend this season. I personally am a huge fan because not only are they extremely comfortable, but they can also spice up any outfit in a matter of seconds. In addition, faux fur is cruelty free, so you can still get that glamorous look without harming any animals.

Today’s outfit consists of a light pink faux fur coat. While the color pink isn’t usually associated with winter, the muted tone gives the outfit a pop while still being appropriate for the season. I then paired the coat with a a graphic crew neck, a pair of ripped boyfriend jeans, and black chelsea boots. 

Since we'll all be enduring six more weeks of winter, don’t be afraid to rock the faux fur trend in the meantime. Try ditching your North Face and try something that’ll make you feel classy and fabulous. Whether it’s a coat or a vest, anyone can pull it off without having to spend a fortune. 

Get some more inspiration here on different ways to wear faux fur! 

See you next week! 

Lanie

Kanye West Speaks on the Importance of Design

InTheRough comments on art that is everywhere in our society, be it music, fashion, entertainment, what have you. Our commentary often focuses on the aesthetic, the surface level beauty, the hype, and the culture behind the product highlighted. While we find these aspects interesting and necessary to speak on, time may be better spent examining why the art and why the designs we examine and appreciate are important. At the Daily Front Row's first annual Fashion Los Angeles Awards Kanye West expands upon this thought as he presented Mazdack Rassi with "Fashion Innovator of the Year". Kanye states, "I believe that the world can be changed; the world can be saved through design. Through design, through unselfish design, through unselfish creation." Design has power, power to evoke emotion and conversation that goes a very long way. We see it in sneaker culture today as Nike, Jordan Brand, adidas, New Balance, and Asiscs, just to name a few, at a personal level reach the experiences and lifestyles of people across the globe. Design is a form of self-expression, ask Stéphane Ashpool, who translates his love of basketball played on the blacktops of France into streetwear with Pigalle. Design presents a certain relatability that births narratives and shares stories that cause action. This is so eloquently summarized by Kanye as he says, "Design is the closest to truth, problem solving. Truth is the closest to love. Love is the closest thing to God, and God is love." While colorways, silhouettes, and the pop culture behind art are cool, current, and trendy, they mean nothing without design's holistic authenticity. Watch Kanye's speech at the Daily Front Row's Fashion Los Angeles Awards below.