Photo: Javana. Brooklyn. Jan 2011

My friend, 'Vana is not only utterly gorgeous [inside and out] but, she is one of the most stylish people I've come to know. She takes chances whilst knowing what works on her. Each outfit or beautiful hairstyle tells a story. I took this photo of her on the night of my goodbye dinner in the City. Her soft pink lip contrasts the deep brown of her scarf so well. She went against the wintry grain by wearing a brimmed hat in winter. It's usual that people wear knitted beanie and the like so I totally loved the way she wore it and made it her own. I only wish I got a full shot of her vintage sweater [once her Grandmothers].

Video: 'Millionaire' - Kelis Feat 3 Stacks

These are some fly kids. I still love this song all these years later. The beat reminds me of techno spots in London.

Objects of desire...

I'm Somali, and boy do Somalis love their gold!
This Silver Miu Miu shopper caught my eye. It's on their newly launched [sublime] e-store. I didn't see it at the New Bond Street store when I was perusing through a few weeks back. Silver's use is usually heightened during the winter holiday period so you may be wondering how one would wear it in the summer months. I think block colours would do it justice. Think a chiffon sky blue maxi skirt and cropped silk white vest or warm colours on the flip side like fuschia or mustard yellow. Camel leather sandals are neutral and work well with any colour hangbag. Keep jewellry to a minimum [stud earrings+a watch] because this bag is definitely the core piece of accessory.

Silver is DEF summer friendly.

Rugz sent me...

My bro, Harlem's finest Rugz D.Bewler sent out this Sade inspired Valentine's day special for all the women folk in his life. Although I am not a Sade Stan, I am humbled, honoured and I love it!

Thank you Rugzy! xo

(Click on artwork below for link)

Picture

Jan 2011. Headed to Princess's going away shindig. Ladbroke Grove. London.

Bag: Vintage Celine. Denim: Topshop. Silk: Vintage Indian w/ gold thread.

Nabil does it again

DISTANT RELATIVES "Patience" from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.

Vid: 'Patience" - Distant Relatives.

Dir: Nabil Elderkin

Vid: "It's Chace"

My big bro Chace Infinite is one of the most effortlessly stylish people I know on this earth. The LA native, when he's not on the West Coast can be found at Prohibit in NYC's LES offering his marketing and fashion genius. Before anything else though, he's a prolific Emcee (One half Self Scientific alongside DJ Khalil, and member of Strong Arm Steady). Check him out/ follow him @chaceinfinite on twitter!

"It's Chace" Chace Infinite from The Butcher's Block on Vimeo.

Dear Miss Philo / Céline

I absolutely adore Phoebe Philo's brain and have done so for [about] 10 years. What's intriguing to me is this new fan bandwagon that has some how sprung up over the past few months.

I had an encounter in midtown Manhattan the week before last that took me by surprise. I was running to meet a girlfriend and as I stepped outside the station I stopped to ask a young lady if I was on the right exit of the station headed to Madison Ave. She told me I was and looked down at my black vintage lambskin Celine tote and said it was cute/asked what Celine was. Said young lady was carrying a Chloe Paddington bag. Yes THE Paddington that Ms Philo designed. Those of you who deem yourself as revered 'fashionistas/os' but who cannot clearly make out the correlation are indeed.... not. Call me crazy but if you are going to spend hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars/pounds on an item should you not know your the specs? You do it when you're about to purchase a car or a plasma screen tv even. Why not the same for apparel and accessories?

As for the new band wagon it's all mostly due to Kanye West (whom I absolutely adore). Kanye understands couture and like most of those in the industry was blown away by her debut collection for the fashion house a few seasons ago. He name dropped Miss Philo on his last album and he tweeted about her too. It's great that she is getting praised but anyone who appreciates couture (let alone a Londoner like myself, just like Phoebe) knows how much she did in her pre-Celine days at Chloe (hello clueless lady in Manhattan with the Paddington!) and that she is an awesome someone who is already well established. True Celine fans who have fallen in love with fashion house through their Celine obsessed Mothers are few and far between, we are a rare breed and we like it like that. I remember how sad I was when I learnt via British Vogue's website that the only Celine store in LDN closed down last Summer (I was in NYC at the time) but I knew Miss Philo was onto something/there was a reason for it. I dreaded having to go to Dover Street Market (DSM), Harvey Nichols or Harrods and not being able to browse and touch pieces in peace without being ambushed by American and Japanese women (and men) who are anxious to nab something, anything off the racks and shelves. I had to take a step back and boycott for a few months and I hope to be able to break it as soon as I get back to London because I have to take my NYC bff Farida to DSM.

Anyway, enough of my sulking. I guess I'm possessive about my shit. Nothing's changed from my end. I still want the signature lrg flap box bag [python pref] alongside the typical fat Bahraini 24kt gold for my dowry. (Us Somalis do dowries, and we do them BIG. Be jealous). As for Miss Philo. I really cannot wait to meet her and ask her what her inspiration was behind the new colour ways on the s/s 11 shoppers. Whether it was London or Paris because I'm still pondering that one (I personally think North Africa had something to do with it but we'll see).

Anyway... I adore Miss Philo and the entire fashion house of Celine. I heart you. Immensely.

Mimi xo

Soundclashing: LDN Edition

(Lawd this was saved as a draft with unfinished text for the longest. I haven't been on my blog in almost a yr!)

Just kindly invited me to the London leg of his Sound clash tour. It was the first time I'd attended anything like this and let's just say there were grown men in the audience that were almost in tears/proper emo. Was great to be in the booth watching the crowd reaction when they went from original sample > looping sample > and then finally going into their track. Both dates were sold out and I had a blast. Funniest thing was when I was next at work telling my Boss, Anna (at Dior) what I did on my days off were her faced pinched&she looked like she was about to cry. She then told me she was the BIGGEST Alchemist fan and was bummed I didn't tell her sooner. Who said Haute Couture dun' luv hip hop?! :)

[Some flicks below. You can see me in the last pic looking hella South Indian/&I got asked twice if I was Bangladeshi].

ThanQ

LA, NYC, MB, DC.

I'm so blessed.
Alhamdulilah, worked and had fun.

:)

Beautiful.

Kudos to Chike and his team!

Twenty Ten.

Masha'Allah awesome so far, so many projects happening. All will be reveleaved soon.
Reflecting on the year that just went by, no negrets, none whatsoever. My mind is free, my family is beautiful and I'm so loved, alhamdulilah what more can I ask for?

I'm going to buy a perfect little pad. I want to write and enter pieces of beautiful moments. Not poetry, just words exchanged or photos taken. This is the only thing I'm starting this year. Lets cherish these moments.

'Lil girl' - Shafiq Husayn Feat Fatima & Thundercat

Shafiq Husayn - "Lil' Girl" Feat. Fatima & Stephen "Thundercat" Bruner from gregthedude on Vimeo.

Revisiting their story. :)

King Solomon and Queen Sheba.

Style Icon: Adam from 'Adam and the Ants'

Adam from 'Adam and the Ants' is one of the most original to have ever done it. Think about the amount of folks who jock his style now.

Weekly 'Later...with Jools Holland' clip.

Wow it's been months since my last couple of 'Later...' entries.
This is for my big sis Dream who posted this up for us all to inhale&then hold our breaths.
Corinne is so beautiful.

My interview w/ Sanaa Lathan for Honey Magazine.

I interviewed over breakfast at her hotel, she's so gracious.

CLICK HERE TO READ

RIP Sean Bell.

I AM SEAN BELL, black boys speak from Stacey Muhammad on Vimeo.

via dream

Object of desire...

£200.00. Topshop. How long have I will been a loyal customer?Hmmph
*Must save for trip....*

Sanaa Lathan x Honey Mag x Mr Hudson

I interviewed the beautiful Sanaa Lathan who is one of my favourite actresses in London last week. Look out for the interview on Honeymag.com real soon!




Also will be covering Kanye West's protege, the awesome Mr Hudson in the next few days!

MR HUDSON "White Lies" Directed by: NABIL from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.