Flashlit Collective

Kanye West's 808's And Heartbreak

So, this is a little bit of old news. But I just can't stop listening to Kanye West's "808's And Heartbreak". I don't care what anybody says. It's his best album since his first. (I mean- I don't think anybody could top Jesus Walks/Spaceship/Never Let Me Down.)

Kanye always pushes the envelope. And he definitely has with this album. It's not filled with his signature sampled chart-topping radio/club songs. But he created an album that was emotional, real and expressed what he was going through- and with ridiculous style.

Love love love the new video for "Welcome To Heartbreak". I can't stop watching it. It's amazing.

KANYE WEST "Welcome To Heartbreak" Directed by Nabil from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.

And he sampled the amazing music from one of my favorite movies of all time, "Great Expectations" at the end of RoboCop. (Check out my Movie Diary for some clips of the movie and the amazing movie score.) The music runs through the whole second part of the song. Gorgeous music. Kanye must love it as much as I do.

And for all the drones out there who only "get" Kanye when he does radio/club songs-- I thought I heard that he was putting out a rap album this summer.

Oh- and when is Kanye's clothing line coming out? (Pastelle). I thought it was coming out this past January. As a designer, I ususally am not a fan of celebs starting clothing lines. Claiming that they are "designers" when really they hire a staff of designers- and then act like they magically created this amazing line. I seriously doubt J.Lo or Lauren Conrad are doing tech packs, sourcing fabrics & buttons or working with pattern makers. But hey, if you've got the money--then more power to ya'....I guess.

But anyway, for some reason I'm excited to see what Kanye will come out with. He's got his own signature style-- and is definitely a trend setter instead of just a customer. I mean, it's definitely not my goal to keep feeding his over-the-top ego. But, check him out. So, can't wait to see the collection. Oh- and Kanye? I LOVE the new shag haircut. A-mazing.

Chris Brown should probably watch his back...

Ummm...All I have to say is that Chris Brown should probably watch his back.

I know everybody loves Chris Brown. And up until this event- he was the darling of hiphop. But if he did this to my sister/mom/aunt/cousin I would want to hurt him myself.... Sorry, I'm just saying. 

I actually feel weird about posting this picture at all. Like I said before- I was trying really hard not to post anything about this whole fiasco. But, that image is just too upsetting not to say anything...




I really hope Chris does a lot of soul searching and gets his self together. You can't treat women like this. I dont care who you are.

Rihanna hunny, please get yourself a better man who will treat you with dignity and respect. You are stunning, talented, amazing, and we love you. Please love yourself enough not to be with someone who could do something like this to you...

Meiko at Henry Fonda this Saturday night.

The talented up-and-comer Meiko, is playing at the Henry Fonda this Saturday night (Feb. 21st).

So, go check her out and show your support. Here's where you can get advance tickets:

http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/09004192D4098151?artistid=1094623&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=1&brand=tm&camefrom=CFC_BUYAT_seandore

I bought her single "Piano Song" on Itunes. Love it-- it's sweet, cool and fresh. Perfect chill Summer afternoon song. And here's another good one. Meiko doing "Fever".

MAGIC and Kid Cudi.

So, I just got back from Vegas. I was at MAGIC- which is one of the big Apparel Conventions that goes on there twice a year.

Anyway- we went to the Famous Stars And Stripes party at Pure (in Ceasars) Tuesday night. We didn't really even know what was going on that night, but managed to get some VIP passes- so thought we'd go.

Turned out to be really fun.

Great music. Cool atmosphere. Hiphop's newcomer Kid Cudi (Kanye's new artist) perfomed along with Asher Roth. A bunch of celebs graced the upstairs VIP area. And the dance floors were packed with loads of the usual sleezy guys and cheesey under-clothed touristas (Why do women feel like they have to be half naked to have fun? It's so much more fun to wear a really cool outfit--and look sexy in it. Leave a little to the imagination, right?... Maybe that's just me.)

So, I feel like I've been hearing a little buzz about this Kid Cudi- but didn't really know who he was. I'd been hearing his single "Day And Night" on the radio and liking it-- but didn't know it was him. And been non-stop listening the Kanye's latest "808's And Heartbreak"-- but didn't realize he did some vocals and some writing on the album. I guess it all came together in Vegas.

In a WGSN (a trend predictive) seminar Tuesday-- Kid Cudi was named as someone to watch out for in 2009 (Along with Emily Karpel, Coco Sumner and Shantell Martin). Then, there he was that night at Pure. And it's funny because, we loved his perfomance- but had no idea who he was until he did his single "Day And Night".

Anyway- he's my new favorite. I'm obsessed for the moment. And I can't wait for his album "Man On The Moon" to drop this summer. But for now I'm gonna download the free mixtape, and pick up what I can from Itunes and YouTube.

Oh- and watch Kanye's new "Welcome To Heartbreak" video (one of my favorite songs on the album) which features Kid Cudi.

KANYE WEST "Welcome To Heartbreak" Directed by Nabil from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.

Um- this is one of the coolest videos I've ever seen. Kanye's style is so ridiculous. He's always so forward. Love the Bill-Cosby-Carducci-esque-color-blocked sweatshirt. And I love the new shag he's been sporting.

My New Obsession With The Clubmaster.

So, last year (and even right now) it's been all about the Rayban Wayfarers.

The coolest sunglasses of the 80's. I bought some really ridiculous ones on Ebay (ridiculous in a good way). An authentic vintage pair- in pristine condition. Black rims with green/black tinted lenses... I even featured them in our LAMade photo shoot for this Summer. (LAMade is the line I design for right now). Here's a little preview: Shhh...don't tell. This is a little early since the summer collection isn't quite in stores yet.

And I know these super cool reflective colorblocked versions (circa early 90s) are on thier way back. I feel like I've been spotting them here and there. I like them- but I think they're a little flashy for me... (I'm super boring.) But- I feel like Kanye west and his awesome shag will be sporting these like any day now.

But, what I am in to all of the sudden are the Rayban Clubmasters. Love love love love love. I need them- and might have to do a little Ebay search this weekend. (We're in a recession- and I need a deal...)

Aren't they gorgeous.....

Who's this Ryan Leslie dude?

Who's this dude, Ryan Leslie?

And how come I've never heard of him before?

So, I was just doing my usual rounds on Itunes- checking out the new releases, (I guess India Irie has a new album out- super interested to hear that.) and, well, I guess it was Ryan Leslie's album cover that pulled me in. Simple black an white image- but he had a cool style.

Anyway- It's not like his music blew me away- but it was pretty hot. And he has some really cool beats. Super late 80's remeniscent (which I'm totally into right now-- along with the rest of the world.)

This is the type of artist that should be all over the radio. And the type of artist I would have a couple songs from, shuffling in the ipod. So, why haven't I heard about him before? No promotion? No performances on late night talk shows or cameos on anybody else's hit song? Or am I just that out of the loop?

Anyway, I bought a song (How It Was Suppose To Be). So, I'll keep you updated on whether I hear the song and am craving more... or if it ends up just another playlist filler song....

Robin Thicke's Dreamworld

Um- I just listened to Robin Thicke's new single, Dreamworld. ...I don't even know what to say... Amazing.

I knew that I loved it about 10 seconds into the song. The swinging blues sounds, echo-y hard string guitar, and Robin Thicke using a lower register (well, lower then his usual falsetto) more raspy part of his voice-- what more could a girl ask for?

And as the song went on, the lyrics kept getting better and better. The song ends with references to Van Gogh, Marvin Gaye and touches on the racism he and his stunning wife (Paula Patton from Idlewild) face- or would NOT have to face in his "Dreamworld".

The rhythm he's singing in kinda' reminds me of Bob Dylan (kind of "Like A Rolling Stone"-esque). And the soulful sound has kind of a Bill Withers "Ain't No Sunshine" feel. And with resemblances to songs like the above (some of the best songs ever written)- I can safely say that this in one of my new favorite songs of all time. (That's kind of a big statement for just having heard the song like 5 minutes ago...But I just really like the song. Sometimes I exaggerate.)

Love love love love love love the new single Robin. That's my dreamworld too man. Keep 'em comin'.

I stumbled upon these images of Robin Thicke with Rihanna posing for GQ in late 2007. So, I'm was trying really hard not to post anything about the Rihanna/Chris Brown fiasco. But, what can I do? I was looking up Robin Thicke images- and there she was...

All I really want to say--- is that we love you Rihanna. And love your bad-ass haircut and edgy/sexy style.

And that Chris Brown's career is probably over. I don't think there's any coming back for hiphop's sweetheart (Chris Brown) after biting and punching hiphop's other sweetheart (Rihanna) in the face...multiple times...and then running away...by foot. Not cool dude. And a little weird.

Raphael Saadiq... and the way I see it.

So, I'm a huge fan on Raphael Saadiq. He's unique, creative, talented and I love his signature vintage sound. He's definitely one of those special artists that make real music- and not just money-making commercial music that caters to the drones of the world who like that kind of thing. And because of that- his work is often overlooked.

Songs like "Still Ray" and "Be There" are among my favorite songs of all time. And even a few of his old Tony! Toni! Toné! songs are still in rotation on the Ipod.

With all of that said, though, I just can't totally get into his new album- "The Way I See It".

I really want to love it. I definitely want to support Raphael in his work. And the album seems perfectly suited to me- since I am such a fan of his and of 60's Motown/soul music. Seems like a perfect combination...

Okay, so don't get me wrong. I do like some songs- I'm just disappointed that I wasn't enamored with the whole album (the way I was with Kanye's latest album, or Santogold's, or Lykke Li's- all my latest obsessions in the music world.) Here are my favorite's from the album so far (well, from what I can tell from the 30 second soundbite on Itunes):

100 Yard Dash (I just found out that this will be his new single- which is great. Love the song.)

Let's Take A Walk

Like I said, I love Raphael Saadiq's signature vintage sound. And I LOVE 60's Motown/soul music. (And I love how Raphael looks in the slim-cut suits and thick-rimmed glasses.) But I feel like the new album maybe sounds a little too authentic. And if I want to hear that kind of music, I'll just pop in some Otis Redding or The Commodores...

(Side note: I'm sounding a lot like my boyfriend did when I bought Amy Winehouse's Back To Black album.... He said the same thing about her. And wondered why I would buy her album when I could just listen to Aretha Franklin? But her songs had a new edge, a new take on the classic 60's-soul-Aretha Franklin sound. And after hearing Rehab on the radio- I wanted more. And it was all I wanted to hear in that moment.)

Anyway, I guess I don't have to love everything my favorite artists put out. I actually pride myself on the fact that I make my own decisions about what I like and dislike. I don't just like a song because they play it repetitively on the radio or brainwash us with commercials (Remember the Mike Jones commercials that came on like every 10 minutes before his album came out?), or because it comes from a specific artist.

And I did buy a couple songs this morning though (100 Yard Dash and Lets Take A Walk)...so, the authentic 60's sound and feel of the album may grow on me, and I may end up writing a new post about how I've grown to love the album and it's the most amazing thing ever. I'll keep you updated.

Interview with Raphael talking about the new album:

Still Ray (My favorite song from him- ever.)

Some more good ones: Be Here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0xrEjfz6qQ Big Easy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJgCJKqJ1cw Tony Toni Toné - Let's Get Down

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7lXPlh7qHw

Our new president is tha cool-ist.

I still can't believe it. The Bush regime is officially over. And Barack Obama is our new president. 

Barack Obama is the leader of our country- the one that we chose- because we believed in him- and all he would do for us- and all he would do to change the current corrupt government systems. 

I have never in my lifetime seen our country pull together like this to support something. So many people with a unified view on what we want for our future. And a unified excitement for change. I mean, artists are painting murals, musicians are writing song, graphics artists are designing t-shirts, celebs are making endorsements. So many American's (and people around the world) are figuring out creative ways that they can show their support. I posted a bunch of cool Obama-art on my Art Diary page. The link is on the right if you wanna check 'em out.

Isn't it cool that we have elected a leader that we are actually proud of, that we respect, and that we feel we can trust to make good decisions for us? I know I keep going on and on, but it's pretty incredible.

It's Febraury, which is Black History month. And in celebration of Black history month and of what we as a country accomplished this last year, here are some inspiring videos- new and old.

Our new leader, President Obama, addressing tha American people about the current state of the economy and how he would like to solve the problem. And at the end, tells us how he will be launching a website so that we can see how all of our tax dollars are being spent. Amazing.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous I Have A Dream speech. Makes me feel sad for the state the country at that time- and how far away Martin Luther King's dream seemed to be. And at the same time makes me feel all warm and fuzzy at how far we've come. We still have a long way to go, but we've made some big strides.

Ill Doctrine's last video blog post. JSmooth is feelin' a little of the same excitement and realism that I am.

Will.I.Am- We are the ones (side note: Zoe Kravitz is beautiful...)

Check out my Audacity Of Hope playlist on YouTube for more isnpiring videos:

http://www.youtube.com/user/Flashlit

And a couple more Will.I.Am Obama-inspired videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjXyqcx-mYY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHWByjoQrR8

These inspiring songs still ring true today.

Marvin Gaye- What's Goin' On/What's Happening Brother.

John Lennon- Power To The People

Stevie Wonder- Higher Ground

(Another side note: I don't even know if I can handle how much I love Stevie Wonder...)

And I love that our president communicates with us through YouTube and Itunes podcasts. Our new president is tha cool-ist.

Calvin Klein softens up.

Calvin Klein's signature clean lines and modern structure were slightly softened for their Pre-Fall show.

Designer, Francisco Costa blocked together matte and shine texture and blackened purples and blues to create feminine patchwork dresses and the stunning finale gown.

I love how the show started out all black- with leather insets and metal zips as the only contrast. Then threw in the exact opposite, with a shocking monochromatic silvery white look. The shiney panne velvet leggings and dress in the next look almost glowed on the runways. Gorgeous. (Velvet seems to be making a consistant appearence in the shows so far.)

I'm so in love with the kimono dress with gold lined cuffs. Which looks like an extension of their amazing Resort 08' collection (one of my favorite shows from Calvin Klien ever).

Silhouette seems to be taking presedence. With the lack of color, the monochromatic head-to-toe looks, and lack of any kind of presiding embellishements or details (besides color & texture blocking). Tapered legs, and accentuated shoulders seem to be the key element featured for this season.

Burberry is Always Good.

They've been doing this fashion thing for a long time- and they've just got it down.

Their iconic trench coats are always presented with cool new silhouettes. And I love their classic take on edgeyness. They have a way of mixing the traditional with the completely non traditional- which creates for something really spectacular. I love the spike bracelets and bags they showed for Fall08', back to pretty brocade trenches, beanies and tights. Incredible.

And the Fluer D'Elise charmed belts, bags and bracelets from the Spring 08' collection were amazing too. (The belts remind me of the belts from the iconic Robert Palmer Addicted To Love video...) Love that they used Agness Deyn as the focal point. She's the bomb - and a total fashion icon of right now (or of the last couple years).

The Burberry Pre-Fall show was equally as classic-cool-edgy. I love the colors- or the lack of color in their Pre-Fall pallette. It looks like somebody took the saturation button, and turned it way down. The deep shadowy purples and blues almost look vibrant next to the dark smokey greys that almost blend into the subdued background. The hints of muddy golden yellows and creamy silvers and neutrals add just enough pop. And everything goes back to black- black tights, black shoes, black accessories.

The discreet Baroque portrait print almost blends into the deep purple background. But is a beautiful discovery, and perfectly placed on a simple silk dress. (Would look amazing under my crop leather jacket...)

I'm dieing over the matchstick pant suits. And I love how the top-heavy swing jackets and capes look over the super skinny pants. And the comeback of the crazy 90's shaggy fur coats is really cool. Never thought those would be cool again, but now all of the sudden... I kind of feel like I need one.

The menswear is super cool too. The pants have an amazing fit. And I love the grungey graphic tee under the slim-fit black suit. Would love to try to finagle some of those looks onto the boyfriend...

I wonder if all of the subdued-ness and discreet-ness of the collection is a response to the current state of the economy and the lack of consumer spending. The lack of anything bright or shiney has kind of a wartime 40's quality to it... Can't wait for Obama to officially enter office! Only a few more days!