Now that Mercedes Benz Fashion Week S/S 2012 has come to an end, contributing photographer Taj Washington shares the cities most dapper individuals displaying their own twist on the latest trends or timeless statement pieces. From thrift store finds to high end coveted pieces- New Yorkers weren’t afraid to play dress up whether it was with bold pops of color, sleek and tailored pieces or rocking the new black – animal print that shows no signs of slowing down whatsoever.
Sleek & Scholarly
Sleek & Scholarly There were many sleek and tailored looks with a twist on modern classics on display this Fashion Week. Whether they were in stilettos or sneakers the stylish set of New Yorkers played it safe and sophisticated with each individual look.
(Top Row): Tanisha H, Tiffany W , Nikia J, (Bottom Row): Mai , Christopher, Chyna
Mens Wear
Mens Wear
From pastel blazers to camouflage and ethnic inspired accessories, the gentlemen spotted at the shows played it cool and creative while deciding to leave the suits and ties at home – thankfully.
(L – R): Romeo S, Roy Rosa, Jermaine J
Bold & The Beautiful
Bold & The Beautiful
Color blocking and bold bursts of color aren’t going anywhere if the stylishly playful New Yorkers captured above have anything to do with it. Mixing colors and patterns or simply adding a splash of vibrancy to their ensembles was a sure way to turn heads and for all the right reasons.
(Top Row): Kasius W, Ni-Ma, Kee S, (Bottom Row): Tyson P, Inawordfab , Jewelry designer Verna Fogg
Wild Things
Wild Things
Best done in small doses, animal print was seen at virtually every show and event surrounding Fashion Week and on nearly every person. From season to season, animal prints have easily become the new black and as seen below – can spice up any outfit whether its worn with all black or to accent color.
(L-R): Jacqree H, Shaun H, Monroe S
I was so expecting all these looks and unfortunately I got exactly what I was thinking of! It’s just all deja vu, I think we are in a generation where people want so bad to look different and have their own style, out of the box, that they actually ALL look the SAME, and they start very young, I see teens wearing things like these. Very rare are the daring people with actually their own essences of fashion helped by only themsleves. Most people get inspired by the same other people. They look lovely & brave though fashion wise. But no surprise there.
all these are WACK…or very flambouyant for a guy…
…
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I was saying the exact same thing!! Everybody wants to be different but they all look the same with the same clothes on!! lol It’s so repetitive and its basically what they see on tv!! Ugh need some style!!
None of these looks stand out. Boring
What did you wear for Fashion Week? Gym shorts and an easter bonnet? Sit your ass down somewhere.
Well said Ya Momma!
Nicely done, although I would like to know what designers the people wore and such. Where is the info on that?
SOME OF THESE MALE LOOKS AREN’T REALLY CONSIDERED FASHION OF AN EVERYDAY MALE…ONE OR TWO OF THESE STOOD OUT! THE OTHERS I’M NOT BUYING *LITERALLY* THE WOMEN LOOK FAB
I agree. Honestly, the male looks are not catering to the average male…and no I am not talking about tennis shoes, jerseies, baggy jeans and pro-club t-shirts.
What would you all have preferred for me to photograph? People who all look the same? These people have individual style. Perhaps their outfits aren’t something you all would wear, but that’s okay. Appreciate our differences in style.
These men are leaders in fashion attending FASHION week. Im sure you can seek the fashion of an “everyday male” or “average”, out on the block…I seriously doubt any of them got up thinking “how can I look average today”….
@TAJ
You need to go around and see the world, there is absolutely nothing “individual” about these looks, excepting for a few. Go to Paris, read mags, check kids nowadays on tumblr and you’ll change your opinion.
@Poutois – I plan on doing just that. I’ve been planning on doing that. Also, I do read magazines (and not all of them are american ones).
@Taj You did a wonderful job. I think you did an amazing job scouting young stylist individuals (key word…INDIVIDUAL)..I don’t know what the mention of Paris was supposed to mean? CL is a U.S based site covering NY Fashion Week…there are other sites that focus on Parisian street style. And in my opinion most Parisians dress like shit. Now maybe Milano or even London, then there is some individuality. In Paris they all look the same. And I visit regularly. Keep up the good work Mr. Washington.
telling someone to go to tumblr, a site built around stealing posts from each other, to find individuality is like sending someone to the moon to find air. As Mister Editer said Taj did a WONDERFUL job en capturing a far overlooked sect of fashion week goers, long live black fashion. Long live the day when blacks no longer seek to tear down their own kind to build up their own INDIVIDUAL esteems. Black fashion LIVES…
Nobody said TAJ didnt do a good job, it has nothing to do with his job as a photographer, he is excellent and took amazing pictures. It has nothing to do with black people tearing each other down, please stop. It is the whole “individualism” thing that is ridiculous.
Tumblr is a place full of the most creative and stylish kids in the world, expressing pure art in all forms, hence why you have the creator of this blog having one, hence why the biggest black fashion blog is a Tumblr full of these kids; do not underestimate the Tumblrers if you do not know which blog to look for there & you are lost. Generalizing (Tumblr) as you do is a sign of ignorance. If you do not know what you’re talking, please, don’t intervene, thanks.
Ma’am I have a masters of fine arts so I do this for a living and have a treasure chest of inspirations that reach far beyond a Tumblr (texts, films, magazines, digital files, etc). It is my life and my lively hood, otherwise I wouldn’t be doing it on an international scale. I do not need a lecture on Tumblr… Im far aware what it is, what it can be, its downfalls and its highlights. I could have an intellectual conversation on why proliferating a site with no bases or foundings of background information on where and why these pictures posted (tumblr pics) exist to begin with is damaging to the world of art (fashion and beyond), but I dont believe your depth of the subject matter is worth it. Sending someone to a site with face value WYSIWYG as means to school them in broadening their horizon is laughable at best! Make mention of a Bill Cunnigham, a Valerio Mezzanotti or something beyond a site with pretty pictures. You lack context in your criticisms and understanding of the point of the posts, with your cries of “There is no individualism… ive seen it before”. Madam I doubt the context of this post was to encapsulate fashions that this world and your eyes have never glanced upon, they are presenting a group of african american individuals that were attending an industry function and HAPPENED to be snapped in ONE outfit (of their many), to present to you all as trends within the community (note trends and note the pairing and note NO mention of “looks you’ve never seen”). Me thinks you should back off and enjoy.
From the first line, this pamphlet seems to be a cool story girl, but I’m not reading this, too long, someone will!
‘not reading this’…The story of your life im sure. Good luck wit that and tumblr ma’am
I DIDN’T EXPECT TO SEE ALL THIS AFTER MY COMMENT BUT THESE GUYS AREN’T STYLED ON HOW A MAN IN FASHION SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BUT INDEED SHOWS THEIR PERSONAL STYLE WHICH IS FINE…I JUST THOUGHT I WOULD SEE SOME AWESOME LOOKS TO INSPIRE THE MEN THAT DON’T REALLY LOOK AT FASHION AS BEAING AS BEAUTIFUL AS IT IS!
Sleek and Scholarly: I’m going with the first look. She looks very polished! I’m a fan of NOT looking like you just threw yourself headfirst into a cardboard sales box at the Salvation Army.
Menswear: I’m going to go with the gentleman in the middle with the camo shirt and khakis. He looks relaxed. Nothing about his look looks forced, or as though he was trying. Effortlessly fly.
Bold & Beautiful: The young lady in the floor length, blue dress just takes it! Amazing!
Im going to pass on the looks featured in the Wild Things.
Go in http://celebslam.celebuzz.com
no no no, there is so much bad I can say about these styles that I just wont say nothing. But I feel bad for the guy with the red hand bag and the one with the leopard blazer. Oh Boy!
Red EXCLUSIVE Louis Vuitton Bag that is…And Cesare Paciotti boots as well. There is nothing that can be said about me, as my style is unmatched by even your favorite stylish individual. Ciao.
And as far as the leopard Therapy blazer, Givenchy tote, hermes accessories, and philip lim shirt im sure he wouldn’t need your sympathy either.
@MISTEREDITOR
Then in your case, money dont make you a stylish or classy person sir. With all the luxury in the world apparently, you look a mess, deal. Humble yourself, just saying.
@Mistereditor & @New
Even if you were Kanye’s stylists, you both looked a mess, Givenchy, LV…, it’s one thing, it’s another thing to pull these brands off without looking ridiculous and trying too hard. Period point blank.
It is all well, as the saying goes ‘if no one hates it no one will love it’. The look is minimal at best beyond the print of the jacket (all black, classic tailoring). As far as Kanye (which I guess is your measuring stick for mens fashion *shrug*) he’s done leopard many time and far more gaudy than I: http://bit.ly/o5B8t8 http://bit.ly/eDu7rP
@Yoggi I am literally laughing at you. Kanye’s stylist? And Kanye is the standard for a stylish individualm in your opinion? I wont indulge you with a back and forth banter. I’ll just leave it at this..I set the trends that it takes folks like you tens of years to catch up on. I don’t cater to the likes of you, therefore if you don’t like my style. I am doing something right.
Humbly Yours,
Editor-in-Chief
UNVOGUE.com
@MISTEREDITOR
“Stylish individualism” as you refer sir does not belong to this post because none of you have it. I’ve seen it all and I’ve years of experience around the globe, the whole “stylish individualism” concept is actually predictable now.
Kanye was, is and still will be a reference in the fashion world. In the blogosphere and the black community around the globe, he is among the standards and trendsetters, a fashion soldier who openned the doors for many fashion lovers and regular people (who actually dare with their style, especially men) to be accepted in the society we live in. Deal.
You once again need humility, one who has reached certain level of goals and is set, does not brag like you do because there is nothing to actually prove. But congrats on your accomplishments.
You absolutely have no idea of who I am, where I live, what kind of fashion culture I’m exposed to & what is my lifestyle. Blogging here doesn’t make one poor, regular or ignorant, trust.
If you do work in the fashion industry or have knowledge in fashion in Paris for example, you’ll know that the designers take their ideas and inspirations before producing among these anonymous people in the streets just by observing them. So I care about these looks in the streets and I love this post. But I’m also a critic. We would not want people dressed a mess like you. That simple.
Do not fool yourself, just because people aren’t liking your style doesn’t mean automatically you are doing something right, or people are “hating” (I strongly dislike this word) no sir, you happen to look a mess actually, it has nothing to do with “hate”. I give props where its due. It is your style, fashion is multifarious, I understand & it’s just fine, but don’t act like you’re something untouchable. You are not. You are posted in a blog, people comment on what they see.
Have a good day.
Why does everybody feel like because they have an opinion, and the right to ahve an opinion, it actually holds weight and has relevance to anybody but them.
Period point blank I don’t need to even see you to know you wouldn’t be caught on a blog being admired for your style, so I don’t think you have the right to have such a sense of entitlement as far as what’s hot and what’s not, and that’s MY opinion.
I love this post. Better than the boring celeb post. Good work here.
I think this was very well done. I must admit I don’t frequent this site, but judging from the comments from the readers above, they want to see t-shirts and jeans and let me guess “red bottoms” …Guess you can’t teach style..Its either you get it or you don’t.
Bessos!
The same people leaving shady ass comments are the same ones who probably consider “dressing up” means wearing a sparkly v neck t-shirt with castles and dragons on it and shit. #ChileBoo
Ha! @Keep it cute
Omg. Where they get these models from? The looks are very unfortunate looking
…Why does a decent portion of the “Men’s fashion” have strong women’s influence?
…And why is there no picture of you in your avatar? As Lil’ Kim says, “Shut up, Bitch!”
1. I’m a dude…kind of the reason i addressed the MENS clothes..
2. What does my picture have to do with THEIR “fashion”
3. As someone who doesn’t have a pic of their own its pretty f*cking hypocritical to even go there about my avatar…
In short….you are just talking…and saying nothing at the same time….so please…shut the f*ck up….thank you.
love the guys fashion they two on the end look hot love it and love fashion
Sleek & Scholarly:
Best Dressed: (The onlysection where everyone there looks fab but) the firt girl & the boy in the middle, the fashion looks natural, comfortable and their own.
Mens Wear:
Best Dressed: Far right in blue, simple, fresh, fun.
Bold & The Beautiful:
Best Dressed: The lady in green, fabulous without excess, the outfit’s color, the makeup, the dereon bag, the shoes, from head to toes, it’s amazing.
Wild Things:
Best Things: The last lady: fierce & fun, especially the shoes.
HOT ASS MESS: The guy in “bold and beautiful”, the first lady in the “wild things section”.
The guy in the wild prints should lose the purse and it should be amazing, he looks fierce.
The one with the dotted dress has a very interesting look, I actually can appreciate it.
its a Givenchy leather men’s tote not a purse… but thanks for the compliment
Still don’t like it, sorry hun, it’s probably the texture, or the fact that it’s not manly enough for me yet, I mean what do you guys even put into these? Other than that, the look is fab, very few men would pull this off!
Being in the industry at fashion week, we get free products, nick nacks, snacks, etc all week. Carrying those items in our arms would be more unfashionable than you assume my bag is. You have to remember in NY we dont run to the car to drop off items, as we are trecking through crowds, cabs and subways, so although deemed by you uncouth for a men to have bags (presumebly other than a bookbag… and I finished grad school years ago) it is common place in the culture and functional not for show as you assume.
Do these people get dressed like this daily? Always attentionate to every details from head to toes? What are their inspirations? What is their monthly budget for fashion and what do they do for livings? Last but not least, where do they shop online (affordable though)? Serious questions! I see some of them are here, please answer to me! Thx!
You know, honestly, I’m pretty sure none of them really dress like this on a regular basis, I’m thinking this was just for the moment. The women look fly to me, but the metro cowboy garbage on the guys I wouldn’t never pay top dollar for.
actually I know a number of the people selected to be featured and every single ones individual style is represented. Meaning they aren’t doing this for show, someone just happened to take note and snapped a moment in time. None got dressed up with the thought “ima be on concrete loop today”. This is NY the capital of fashion NOT west hogchew, Alabama. Individualism lives here without criticism…
I believe so, for some people its very natural and second nature to pay attention to every detail from head to toe and be inspiried by many things from everyday life or just self indiviual expression its like art in a way some people consider there bodies there canvases. Most style you see may not cost as much as they look its all in the way you rock it and wear it. Confidence is priceless. I also think shopping online gives you that extra innovcative look, it also gives you the oppurtunity to shop exclusively for things that arent mainly sold in department stores. Check out sites like SHOPNASTYGAL.COM ASOS.COM AND MODCLOTH.COM Very unique to modern vintage styles.
Thx everyone for the answer,
@Gangnstabarbie, girl thank so much, it’s glorious, please give me for men too!
lol, New York-capital of fashion, haha, that is from a media standpoint. Well if these guys are supposed to be the heads of fashion I chose not to follow.
As far as the male fashion, I don’t like any of it.
Still think you’ll need to come to London for tips. You need to live it not try to imitate it.. OK let me get my bowl of milk
The best are the Sleek and Scholarly(red skirt & printed blouse) Menswear(the middle guy) & the Bold and Beautiful(red dress and leather dress, brown long dress). Wild Things (leaopard blouse and black skirt).
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I agree with a few people above. Everyone’s trying to dress differently yet they all end up looking the same. The ONLY decent guy is the middle guy under “Mens Wear” with the camera around his neck. The guy on the left under Mens Wear looks fine from the knee up.
A serious question, why do men need a hand bag?
This is New York, men dont drive around in cars to store all the things they need for the day, and when they are out of the house they are usually gone for the day til they return unlike most of US where you make diff stops in a car. Men utilizing bags is apart of the culture. Beyond that fashion week the goers get many free nick nacks, giveaways, products and snacks. Its even more rare to see someone male or female without some type of bag to contain it all. And that would be why they need bags….
I like most of it. A lot of it could be incorporated into an everyday looks. I see alot of elemets I would take from alot. I don’t think they look the same at all. Unless everyone looking different is the same…Or everyone that doesn’t look like the “Norm” looks the same. It was fashion week I would expect see more over the top things-Like the brother in the see-thru lol hey do you.
The girl in the body con pocka dot dress looks amazing.. The girl in the electric blue maxi dress looks nice. Everyone in the the sleek section looks nice bar the guy in the varsity jacket. I’m just gonna say this in keep it moving.. All the designer labels in the world don’t mean u have style. It’s how u put pieces together n many above haven’t grasped that concept. The guy with the LV tote. The look isn’t cute. Anyway you guys should see the street style from LFW. The UK has a better high street n way more imaginative n individually dressed ppl whatever the budget. Oh n Japan too. The US is deffo years behind. Ciao x
The woman in the blue has the most comfortable, put together STYLE INSPIRED look, in my opinion. The gentleman in the Bold & Beautiful would have pulled that look off easily with one change…if the pants had a more flattering fit. No matter how fly you feel, all your private area snugged up is not attractive (that doesn’t mean men cannot wear skinny pants, however). Also with his body shape a relaxed fit pant would have been a better choice.
I honestly love all the looks, would love to follow these ppl’s blogs… especially the guys, they rock, soo if there is info about their blogs or webpages, please give us the info…..
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