#clothesm1nd

Yao tells the story of a relationship, broken down by the inability to incorporate and accept the significant others love language. Watch as a relationship once drenched in love, laughter and compassion dwindles down to unfamiliarity all around.

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Directed by : @locallyunkwn & @fswaver 

Assistant Director : @abstraccnative 

 Female Lead : @AutumnAshley4u 

Lead Male 

Wardrobe 

"Perspective"

Music has an undoubtedly gravitational pull. That draws one in - spinning from records with smooth melodic base lines and pulsating thorough headphones with staccato type percussion. But what transcends the feeling of music is being able to experience it live and in the presence of others that share the same enthusiasm. Listening to a cut from the new Majid Jordan record with friends in the living room will always create a vibe. But undoubtedly, listening to the same tune - live and in person will generate an energy that is unparalleled.

We as human beings engage, interact and react to everyday instances in life with various people and these moments are magnified when interacting with friends and loved ones. There are a variety of social pastimes; playing cards, watching movies, causal conversation, Jenga. All of these are examples of how people learn, bond and share with one another. However, as I see it, there is no stronger yank on a crowd of folk in whatever city, during whatever scenario than that of music. Music is interactive. Music has the gravitational pull to seize a moment and create what is known to some as uncontrollable-hip-wiggle rotation movement aka The-Breaks aka The Running Man aka Cabbage Patch aka Tootsie Roll and so many others. Trust me, I know of several dance steps from past and present but I like to reside in a 90’s New Jack Swing state of mind.

Music, Fashion and Festivals seem to go hand in hand…in hand. They are the decks that we use as references to go back to an idea, distinct time or feeling. Indisputably the three, together form a magical, utopian - rhythmic type atmosphere. Which enables connections, moments where close friends and even complete strangers will engage with one another. The diversity within music drives home the complexity of the world many of us live and love in. Music, inevitably is the creation of love through sound. It can also create confusion, anguish and range of other emotions. And those melodic waves flow through eardrums and into mind, body and souls. Allowing individuals to interpret the noise. Feel it. Sing it. Rap it. Shout it. Dance it. or Marinate on it.

Clothing can also be synonymous with self-identity and within that is the story of so many of us. Who we chose to be, day in and day out has a lot to do with what we chose to wear. And when others see these certain patterns, logos, brands - particular pieces of clothing one might feel as if they can too, identify. “Yo breh, nice shorts!”, a simple compliment, Yes. But even more so an observation of a particular clothing item that another felt they identified with.

Take a short trip with me as a journey through my old neighborhood preparing for a shooting experience in Southeast Washington, D.C.

It’s been over 15 years since I lived in the area I recently came back to visit. My grandmother still owns the home I was initially born and raised in some 30+ years later.

Washington D.C. is broken down into four main sections; Northeast, Northwest, Southwest and Southeast. The Southeast district has been notoriously known for it’s high crime rate, overwhelmingly amount of drug trafficking and underdeveloped public community structures.

Benjamin Banneker, a self-educated man, largely in astronomy and mathematics, was born in Baltimore County, 40 minutes outside of D.C. He was later called upon to assist in the surveying of territory for the construction of the nation’s capital. Conducting a completely separate experiment Banneker traveled the U.S. with the intent to observe black communities and how they differ from each other, town to town. During his travels he noticed that the Afro American from D.C. lusted for materialism and prone to affluent living by any means necessary more so than any other black colonies he had visited.

“I Keep A Vick”

“Yo, are you really wearing that?” a colleague of mine said with bewilderment. Low key I could see honest concern in his face as he asked. I assured him he had nothing to worry about and that I was well aware of the midnight black football jersey I was wearing.

It didn’t occur to me until later how significant it was to be seen in public sporting that worn out mesh top. I was rockin’ a Michael Vick jersey. For those that don’t know, Vick drew in media attention during his freshman year at Virginia Tech playing Quarterback. His ability to elude defenders while being able to rifle bombs with accuracy in the end zone landed him third place during the Heisman Trophy balloting.

He left VT after his sophomore year in college and was drafted overall No. 1 by the Atlanta Falcons. In Atlanta, Vick’s popularity only escalated - his talent on the field immediately transformed him into an immediate superstar. Endorsements, from brands like Nike, Gatorade & EA Sports. Vick appeared to be the revival the Falcons franchise had been looking for. During his six seasons in A-Town, Vick was the key figure in which turned around a losing franchise into a playoff and even Super Bowl contender. It was official, Vick had made it clear he was force to be reckoned with.

At the conclusion of the 2006 NFL season The Falcons were defeated by the Eagles in the NFC Championship game in January 2007. For Vick, that loss wouldn’t begin to compare to the fate awaiting him a few months to follow. Fantasy Football owners who were eagerly awaiting his ability to be drafted the following season into their respected leagues were about to be severely devastated. That April, Vick was linked to an illegal interstate dog fighting ring. Alleged to have promoted, funded, and facilitated multiple organized dog fighting rings. Engaging in atrocious slayings of dogs (once no longer useful), an operation that spanned over a five-year period. Vick pleaded guilty to federal felony charges and served 21 months in prison.

In the wake of these events majority of Americans were walking sideways away from any Vick affiliations and were openly speaking out about their disgust for what Vick allowed to take place. Arthur Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot and Atlanta Falcons owner did everything in his power to relinquish Vick. Only after he put him on the trade block only to fail with any successful negotiations with other teams. Animal rights organizations like PETA, working together with state and federal law enforcement were doing all they could to ensure that Vick and those that supported or condoned dog fighting were brought to justice. Vick’s indictment revealed the sickening abuse of dogs who are pitted against one another and he, Vick, essentially became the catalyst in the fight against organized dog fighting.

Almost 10 years later…..

The name Michael Vick and any paraphernalia bearing it still make most of the general public uncomfortable. It’s a testament to how certain historic events with an individual(s) are associated with particular pieces of clothing. And when worn, have immediate capabilities of making normal everyday situations become tense or hostile.

Without even uttering a word the sight of me in a worn out, faded all black #7 jersey with the last name VICK in bold white letters with blood red outline gives the world the impression that I might be a little rough around the edges or quite simply …a thug.

Almost 30 years ago, emerging from the city of Compton in the late 80’s was the unapologetic violent and sexist pioneers of gangsta rap, also known as N.W.A. They were hardcore rappers proving that it was possible to be intelligent, revolutionary, and socially aware. They often were laced in all black attire, most notably LA/Oakland Raiders gear and snapback caps with ‘COMPTON’ or ‘LA’ above the brim. Their attitude and stance towards corporate America was assumed reflective of anyone who sported Raider gear alike. In many public schools across America, in the early 1990’s Raiders gear was considered gang related clothing and was forbidden to be worn.

Fast forward to present day, as I walk these 90210 streets and draw in immediate gossipers trying not be obvious as they whisper about the black guy walking past in a Vick jersey. For me, personally, Vick is a reflection of what Americans encourage and admire. Unlike OJ Simpson, who was a glorified athlete turned accused assailant of a double homicide - Vick unlike Simpson admitted to his wrong doing, served his time and made the most of his ‘second chance’. He worked his way back into the NFL and once again became a starter and enjoyed success yet again with the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He went around the country, to various schools speaking about the misfortune that fell upon him and the people he associated with at the time. Vick appeared to be reformed and headed to pure resolution. He also was forgiven by the PETA organization and worked along aside them to help end dog fighting once and for all.

“Bandana ‘Round Her Head Like She 2Pac”

For some reason bandanas draw a lot of attention when worn.

On a recent trip to Laguna Beach I had the pleasure of adventuring with two familiar faces and one I was meeting for the very first time. We all were in need of some shore action so a beach trip was an inevitable move during the Sunday schedule.

Crystal (pictured above) said she found this bandana in her attic while looking for other items. She immediately felt the need to wear and said she was rockin’ the rag to pay homage to the late great Tupac Amaru Shakur. Part of Pac’s signature look included consistent inserts of Karl Kani, Vests, Versace and a bandana. He styled the scarf in a variety of ways, some more reminiscent of how a woman would wear it. But Pac had a way of styling certain looks in a very masculine way.

For me, whenever I see someone wearing the scarf the way Crystal is [pictured above] I can’t help but think of him. The same way a red leather jacket with zippers or somone wearing a single glove makes me think of Michael Jackson.

These are just two isolated instances wear certain celebrities and there personas are larger than life. Through their respected music is a bridge into their style. And a reflection of who they are as people.

Jackson in particular was very meticulous about the look of his attire and pieces in his daily wardrobe. Pac was more gritty with his style but it still was a transparent reflection of the man and what he represented.

As Jackson’s glove was synonymous with his grace and precision. Pac’s bandana was definitely symbolic of his bristly, gritty demeanor.

Not at all saying that this is what Pac is known for. Most students of Pacology know that he was a very considerate, caring, supportive individual in his community, in relation to women and for those less fortunate. But these sides of Pac aren’t always seen on the exterior. In most cases when someone is wearing a scarf we immediately associate them with something negative.

The history of the bandana has been both accepted and/or problematic (depending on where you are or what area you live in). Wearing a black bandana is usually a neutral fashion statement. However, there are gangs that affiliate with the color such as; The South Siders or Sur 13 tend to carry a Gray, Navy Blue, and Black Bandana on either their right side, or right pocket, sometimes on their head.

To be honest, the addition of the scarf added a certain edge to the one piece bathing suit she was rockin’. When she took it off, she definitely looked less intimidating. I’m sure if she was sporting a cowboy hat or a tam I would’ve had a different opinion.

Black bandanas are appealing, the color express a lot. Wearing on with your outfit can really bring you out, just be careful that you don’t expose yourself to anything conflicting.

Oh yeah, the beach was dope too.