Urban Clothing and Hip Hop Clothing

COOGI Juniors: Only for Those in the Know

Asmara Wreksono — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:39:48 +0000

Cute spring-colored handbag: watch out for it in May, ladies!
Watch the hot pink romper with COOGI details and belt…
Check the iced-out woven signature blouse!

The popularity of COOGI amongst grown men is guaranteed. But how does the legendary brand keep the young hotties around? SoJones.com visited COOGI’s booth at MAGIC and found that fabulosity is a factor added generously to their new juniors collection. Jadakiss might rep COOGI’s well-known knit sweater, but the girls’ section of COOGI shows that the brand is way more than classic patterns.

If the men’s collection has the patterns as their signature, this season, the women’s line is blindingly hot with the embellishments and chain details -or shall we say: the new bling. You have to wait until May to get some of the new stuff shown on the video, but no worries, some of them have actually reached DrJays and ready for you to purchase. So, fly ladies, check these St. Tropez collection from COOGI!

COOGI St Tropez Doman Tunic and Chains, $88

COOGI St Tropez Destructed Denim Jean, $128

COOGI Asymmetrical Top with studs – Plus Size, $118

Nas Surprises with Latest Revelation: “I Never Finished School”

Andre Sanchez — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:37:39 +0000

Living legend, nuff said.

In my opinion, multiple albums of amazing work gives him the right to boast of knowledge till kingdom come, but I digress. In spite of dropping names like Hassie Selassie in rhymes, Nas feels like he still needs to attend school and get that high school diploma. Yeah, it would seem as though he graduated from Harvard, huh?

Nas was on deck for the Boys and Girls Club’s 43rd annual National Keystone Conference in Pittsburgh, speaking on the importance of education and leadership. While speaking about his personal life, he revealed that he never finished high school and regrets the decision even if most of his years have been spent as a history-making MC. His plans are to now go back to school and get that diploma, and he urged those present not to make the same mistake.

“The reality of it is, you need to keep educating yourself, and I wish I had stayed in school.” Be your own leader.”

-Nas

Nas was joined by R&B singer Ne-yo and former NBA player Bob Lanier. The event was a success thanks to the Keystone Club, an important part of the Boys and Girls Club that encourages leadership through community service. Frank Sanchez (no relation), The organization’s Vice President of Corporate and Partner Relationships, lauded Nas’ message for spotlighting a thirst for education in spite of…well, basically being one of the best rappers alive!

“This is an incredible message, to have someone who succeeded so much in their life, but there is still a void.”

In more music-related news, a confirmed track-listing was revealed for Nas and Damian Marley’s highly anticipated album Distant Relatives.

We at SoJones commend Mr. Nasir Jones for showing an enormous amount of leadership as he strives for higher education! Stay in school (if you can afford it!)!

Life In The Fab Lane, Season 3. Is Kimora Still Watchable?

Asmara Wreksono — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:43:14 +0000

Kimora Lee Simmons lovers and haters, look out. Girl’s reality show Life In The Fab Lane is entering its third season and it’s airing in a few days. Kimora will be back on the air with her new family: Ming and Aoki, baby Kenzo plus new husband: Djimon Hounsou. The household is getting more colorful while Kimora’s still on the grind as a creative director for Baby Phat, a womenswear junior’s label.

Kimora’s got another kid, a new ball and chain and the same gig running a fashion brand. She’s no longer modeling nor married to a baller hip hop mogul (Russell Simmons). Does this make her more ordinary, boring and therefore no longer “worthy” of a reality series documenting her life? Or does her new family life make her more interesting? Will you be tuning in?

Here’s a clip from the upcoming season:

New season of Kimora: Life in the Fast Lane will premiere Sunday, March 21, 2010 at 9pm et/pt on Style.

Looks like Djimon is keeping Kimora grounded. The season also covers the hectic preparation for the New York Fashion Week, and features Kimora’s clothing lines Baby Phat and KLS by Kimora Lee Simmons. If you want to see what Kimora’s been up to at work, here are some SoJones-approved fabulous bags from Baby Phat:

Baby Phat Glamazon Tote, was $75, now $46.99

Baby Phat Birdcage Chain Tote, was $80, now $54.99

Baby Phat Shauna Studded Club Bag, was $60, now $43.99

Les Halles

archenette — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:55:20 +0000

A popular saying goes, “the family that prays together, stays together”. But it’s applicable to a religion. But what about fashion? Can that saying be true to fashion as well? It may be true but I would rephrase it with, “The family that creates together, stays together”.

This saying is true that of a famous clothing line in the year 1979. The line got famous of the Baggie Jeans. For people who have grown through these years, I’m sure you can reminisce of the good old days when you used to love wearing those jeans back then. This line is no other than Les Halles.

Originally, Les Halles, a denim-based clothing line was established by a couple named Stephen and Marlene Baum. The clothing line was such a big hit from 1979 to 1982. The line has captured the hearts of a lot of denim lovers who adored the line’s styles such as the Baggie Jean, Paper bag Jean, Shooting Tuck, Annie Hall, and the zip leg Marilyn. Due to personal reasons, the couple decided to close the company despite its success. Stephen Baum worked as a head designer for US brands like Gasoline, a division of Guess, Jordache, and American Eagle Outfitters. Marlene Baum, on the other hand, went on to take care of her daughter, Remy whom she gave birth in 1985 and her son, Dylan who was born in 1990. For over thirty years, Stephen worked for such companies.

After so many years, their daughter, Remy, grew up to be a young lady in her 20’s. Unexpectedly, something happened. When Remy was 23, she was helping her mom clean her closet. Unexpectedly, she stumbled upon a pair of Les Halles Baggie Jeans. She put it on and she dearly loved it. Remy thought of the jeans which resembled it and were already out in the market today.

So, Remy went on to inspire her parents about bringing Les Halles back to the market. She believed that the jeans are perfect for the trendy, chic and modern women of today’s generation.

Then, the rest was history. The three of them became partners. Indeed, the saying is true to this family. They re-launched Les Halles, with Stephen and Marlene working on the line’s creative aspects while Remy focused on the marketing side. Marlene believes that fashion should not only be for the

Les Halles wows the audience at the Lilly & Mag's Fashion Show!

wealthier society but it should also be for the masses as well. That is why,they have jeans that are sold $ 120 and below. With such a price, anybody can afford to buy it. But Les Halles is not all about affordability, they also make it a point that any woman feels good wearing a Les Halles jeans. Les Halles provides fit, quality fabric, trendy and amazing designs.

With the line’s re-launching , the family hopes to bring great denim collections such as the following:

1. Baggy Boy Jean. This is for women who love fashion but also loves her own personal style. It provides her with a trendy and comfy look. These jeans comes in was four washes — Medium, Dark, Vintage Bleach and Dirty is — and is sold at $120.

2. Denim Straw Legging. Leggings have already existed for the past generations but Les Halles incorporated fresh and modernized designs. Its long and skinny. But it keeps you feeling at ease and comfortable while wearing it. It comes in two washes — Dark/Medium and Black and is also sold at $120.

3. Boy Jean Short. Because of its rips and holes, the boy jean short is suitable for women who loves vintage. But at the same time, it’s trendy and sexy. It’s available in two washes Medium and Vintage Bleach and is sold for as low as $62.

4. Zach. This stands for the shorter version of the Boy Jean Short. It spells fun while displaying a vintage look. It’s available in Medium Wash and Vintage Bleach Wash which sells for $62.

5. Straw Ankle Legging. This is a legging which displays a woman’s curve in the hips and waist while making any woman feel comfy and relaxed. It comes in a Dark/Medium and Black Wash and sells for $108.

6. Boy Jean Capri. This is similar to Boy Jeans but they only differ in its seams. It also comes in a Medium Wash, Vintage Bleach Wash and Dirty Wash and sells for $108.

7. Olivia “The Low Rise Ankle Jean”. This is named after Olivia Newton John’s character from the movie, “Grease”. Any woman wearing it feels totally sexy inside and out. It’s available in Ice and Cauliflower washes and is sold at $108.

Aside from jeans, the clothing line also boasts of its flannels, shirt, and sweatshirts.

A renowned author, Felicia C. Sullivan, started wearing the Les Halles boy jeans ever since her best friend banned her from wearing her sweatpants. She loved it from the very first time she started wearing it. She is the author of The Sky Isn’t Visible from Here, which has been featured in Vanity Fair, Elle, USA Today, Redbook, Newsday, and The Washington Post.

Alexa Chung, a British and an American's favorite, wears one of America's favorite brand!

Alexa Chung, a British TV personality, who continually wows American audiences through her very own MTV show, wore a Les Halles’ Vintage Paint Splattered T-shirt on her debut on the cover of Women’s Wear Daily.

Les Halles has been popular in the 1970’s and its even becoming more popular now. It’s sold at different boutiques such as Poppy, Precision, Michael, Irma (New York City), Havana Jeans (Stamford, CT, Scarsdale, NY, Rye, NY), Tupelo Honey (Adventura, FL), Scoop, Lester’s, Havana Jeans, Third St. Habit, Hillary Rush, Diani and Post Jeans (Miami, FL).

Les Halles is not only concerned about making the company profitable. It’s also for other people. They joined other designers like William Rast, LaRok, Siwy and many others in a previously held event called “Shop for Haiti”, in order to raise funds for earthquake victims in Haiti, wherein 100% of the funds go to Unicef.

With Marlene and Stephen’s expertise and Remy’s hard work, Les Halles’ future will surely be bigger than ever!

BET Brings the Fashion Sense with “Rip The Runway”

Andre Sanchez — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 21:13:21 +0000

Rip The Runway Hosts Nicki "Mz. Barbie" Minaj and Pooch Hall gettin' it in!

Pooch Hall of BET’s “The Game” and Nicki Minaj are hosting a new show that BET has in mind for the fashionistas out there. Not only will it be a fashion show, Rip the Runway is to be hosted at the Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan and will host performances by today’s stars such as Roscoe Dash, Soulja Boy, Trina, Janelle Monae, and Ludacris. Other hosts include Dwight Eubanks and Misa Hylton.

What’s cool about this show is its emphasis on urban couture, and at the same time being fashion forward. BET even left us with some tips for men and women for this spring which is officially right around the corner! I’ll post three for the fellas and the sistas.

For him

Show them you’re open to fashion and add a bright white piece to your wardrobe. This spring, kill the “all black everything” trend; wear white for spring. Besides, wearing black will make you too hot!

Return of the God 2 dryin’ tee $17.99 (from $28.00)

Spring Knit

It’s almost time to put away the bulky sweaters and replace them with lightweight breathable knits. That means say hello to the V-necks!

Grass Roots two V-neck tee by LRG $19.99 (from $28.00)

Retro High-Tops

Mix a retro-style high-top in with the athletic shoes for a touch of urban swag. Go Coogi! These are sexified…

Coogi Profile Hi ($85.00)

For her

Girly Whites (or pink)

A must-have and a “can’t go wrong” for spring.

Aim for soft and lightweight and you can’t go wrong! Don’t be afraid to embrace the pink though.

Dereon ruffle front plaid woven top $24.99 (from $59.00)

Tribal Print
Cultural inspirations can be everywhere this year and fashion is no exception.

Diversify your closet! This can be one of the most fun ways to do that:) Ed Hardy excels at this with the Indian Head Dress tank ($68.99, from $79.00)

Ruffles
Celebrate your femininity with lace!

Trust me, guys like lace, and you did anyway before you read this, so it’s a win-win!

Woven Kilt Skirt byLuxurie by LRG $26.99 (from $59.00)

Rip the runway premiered March 15th. Any predictions on what performances or clothing trends will be hot on the show? Will your favorite streetwear brands make it in the show? Let’s hear em in the comments!

DEFT Division – Street Looks from Australia

Asmara Wreksono — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:59:41 +0000

Say hello to DEFT Division, an Australian surf-inspired brand that’s making its debut in the US.
Expect a men’s and women’s line adorned with bright pastel colors. You’ll feel like it’s summer all year long!
Comfort is what DEFT Division all about, but Style is also key. How they mix it up? You gotta experience it yourself.

Kicking the doors open in the US of A, DEFT Division clothing debuted at the MAGIC Trade Show with an array of summery colors, look and feel. The surf-inspired streetwear was established in 1999 and before penetrating the US market, they have been making it big in Europe including countries like France and the Netherlands.

DEFT Division is all about comfort, but at the same time testing the higher-end fashion conscious market that appeals to the urban dresser. Expect high-voltage designs, bright colors and surf-inspired gear from DEFT Division, and you can’t go wrong. Looks like the US streetwear scene won’t be the same anymore, because the Aussies are in town and they’re invading with style. So, are you feeling the swagger from down under? Check their full collection at www.DEFTDivision.com.au

Here are some DEFT Division gear that will DEFINITELY make you drool:

Jay-Z and Beyonce, looking very much like a First Couple!

Asmara Wreksono — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:27:48 +0000

In a world of Hollywood’s neverending marriage drama, there’s nothing more refreshing than seeing an intact couple sticking together and showing real support for one another’s causes. Hip hop powerhouse Beyonce and Jay-Z were spotted together last week at the groundbreaking ceremony of Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the future home for the New Jersey Nets.

Other famous faces including Rev. Al Sharpton, the city’s mayor and governor of New York were also present at the event. In his speech, Jay-Z repped his pride as a Brooklyn native, and how excited he was for the team:

“What I stand here and represent is hope for Brooklyn, New York City. I’m a son of Brooklyn, I’m from Marcy projects. I think about growing up in Brooklyn in the Marcy projects and shooting jump shots, thinking I can make it to the NBA. Now I stand here as an owner of a team that’s coming back to Brooklyn. The pride in that, and bringing that dream so much closer for people, brings me so much pride I get a little nervous about it. But I’m very happy, very excited about this day. And we did it again, Brooklyn — shout-out to [Notorious] B.I.G.”

Beyonce was looking elegant in her houndstooth suit, and looking somewhat ‘First Wife’-like. Let’s think about this for a sec, SoJones readers: if Hova were ever to dip his toe into the politricks game, do you think Bey could cut it as a politician’s wife?

Share your two cents!

Requiem Leather: Investment Pieces for Fall

Asmara Wreksono — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:37:26 +0000

Cutting edge, very high end leather jackets with one of a kind treatments.
Requiem is a stickler for the details: look for hand-stitching, hand-studding and handcut leather.
Check it: Requiem puts their design brainwork inside and out, literally.

Looking to channel your inner hip-hop mogul? Check Requiem Clothing, a label with a lineup of fine leather, hand-stitched details and uber coolness. Requiem offers hard to find skins, modern silhouettes and stylish hand-touched details in its leather jackets, and they’ve applied this high-end sensibility to their matching sportswear line. The denim lineup is trimmed with the same premium imported skins as the jackets, each hand cut and applied onto the jeans.

To complete your look, get the hand-crafted tees, nylon jackets, woven shirts and other accessories. Add original premium hand-made art in your streetwear swagger, and you’ll totally understand why stars like 50 Cent and Juelz Santana are showing love for Requiem.

50 Cent reppin' Requiem Leather Jacket on the set of his new movie, "Twelve"

Juelz Santana at his flyest in Requiem Leather Jacket

Here are some SoJones favorites from Requiem, available at their website: www.requiemcollection.com

Smet: Maintaining and Upgrading Rock n Roll Style

Asmara Wreksono — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:22:46 +0000

Get an exotic French rockstar swagger with Smet’s sparkling menswear and womenswear collections.
Ladies, the leather jacket is the thing this season, and Smet has some cool pieces.
Smet trucker hats are still hot and even hotter now with the embellishments!

Fans of Christian Audigier’s designs already know and love his higher-end casual line ‘SMET’. Created and launched in 2007 to honor the French ‘Elvis’, rock ‘n’ roll star, Johnny Hallyday, the brand has then gained popularity among American fans and celebrities alike. The SoJones crew stopped by Smet’s booth last month at the MAGIC Trade Show in Las Vegas to see what’s new. And you wonder why these a-listers love Smet so much?

Miley Cyrus sporting SMET Trucker Hat

Kimora Lee Simmons and iced-out SMET T-shirt

Madonna works out in SMET gear

Ryan Seacrest ditched his suit and went casual fab with SMET

You can get fabulous Smet gear on Amazon.com and here are some SoJones recommendations:

SMET Crow T-shirt Skull Black/Silver, was $90, now $29.99

SMET Unisex Tattoo Trucker Hat, was $70, now $14.99

SMET Mens Platinum Tattoo Logo Zip-Up Hoodie, was $300, now $99.99

DrJay’s ‘Boss Lady’ Simone Kapsalides on What’s Hot for 2010

Asmara Wreksono — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:25:52 +0000

If SoJones.com was a man, he’d be crushing huge on Simone Kapsalides aka “Boss Lady”, front woman for DrJays Live. A journalist and online media personality, Simone is not only tight with just about everyone on the hip hop A-List, she’s got her eye on those about to pop. Her exotic good looks go with a fashion sense that never quits and girl’s sexy Aussie accent doesn’t hurt either!

Simone "Boss Lady" Kapsalides and Datwon Thomas, Editor-in-Chief of GlobalGrind.com

2010 Grammy-nominee Melanie Fiona and DrJay's Boss Lady

Boss Lady is just in from the fashion week front lines and has the full report for SoJones on what’s fresh (and what’s faded) for 2010. We had a chance to catch up with the DrJays hostess with the mostest:

Simone, who are your trendsetters to watch in 2010, and why?

Female trendsetter, love her or hate her, has to be Nicki Minaj. We [DrJays.com] knew she was going to be huge last year, hence the reason we included her in our Summer Sensations 2009 campaign. Her effect on young women is incredible; thousands of girls calling each other “Barbies”, wearing pink in their hair, etc.

She definitely needs to keep working on developing her own style this year – more Nicki, less Lady Gaga. As for a male trendsetter – he’s not even “back” yet – but I’ll say Kanye West. He never disappoints and even when he does, he always leaves a definitive mark on pop culture.

In 2009 you interviewed some major celebs like Wyclef Jean, Mary J Blige, Trey Songz. Can you tell us about a surprising moment or discovery while doing these interviews, something that happened or that one of them said that you didn’t expect?

I haven’t been so nervous to interview someone as I was with Mary J. Blige (not even with Diddy!). I respect her journey SO much and I wanted to make sure I did her story justice. She was down to earth, warm and genuine and she truly deserves all the blessings in life she now has.

Trey Songz’s eloquence surprised me. He’s very well spoken and focused; I wish we’d get to see more of that side of him.

Wyclef is a comedian; the off-camera banter was more entertaining than on-camera, unfortunately!

Who is your favorite all-time favorite music artist? Do you think his/her sense of style has any affect or influence on your music tastes, if so, how?

I’d say I have two: Jay-Z and Tupac Shakur. Tupac’s rebellious fashion style definitely tied in with his music – the bandana wrapped around his bald head, his shirtless physique and multiple tattoos, plus his flashy gold jewelry and silk shirts in later years. His style made him that much more appealing, especially to his female fans!

And everyone knows Jay-Z sets more style trends than any other artist who’s come before him (and maybe even after him) so I definitely look to him as not just a lyrical genius but a pop culture icon, too.

Any nominees for “Fashion Trend(s) that Must Die in 2010”?

Nicki Minaj’s pink undertone hair (I’m seeing way too many girls with it) must disappear now! Big-rim glasses for men have got to go too. No one suits them besides Kid CuDi. I remember when Jay-Z started wearing them, my heart just dropped!

What one item in your own closet do you find yourself reaching for the most right now? Why?

Leggings! Can’t help it, I’ve been addicted to them for years now: winter, summer, different colors and styles. I’m not a big fan of jeans – leggings are so much more comfortable.

Apple Bottoms Lioness Leggings, was $39, now $33.99

Apple Bottoms Adora Rhinestoned Leggings, was $49, now $34.99

So what are some key pieces that will instantly update a wardrobe to 2010?

Crossback Logo Tank by Sean John. Freshens up the regular tank top look by adding foil print, studs and rhinestones so you can wear it by day or night.

Core V Neck Mascot Tee by Luxirie. A bright, V-neck tee is a flattering must-have piece for every girl’s wardrobe, especially in such a nice shade of pink.

Paige Shoe Boot by Apple Bottoms. These booties are flashy but subdued at the same time; providing just the right amount of spice to a basic outfit.

Limited Edition Jacket by Nike. Red is such a power color for men and this Nike jacket is sure to have you standing out from the crowd.

East End Leather Bomber by Artful Dodger. This perforated leather jacket is sexy for spring. Not quite sure about pink on men but lilac we like!

Pocket Trend Detail V-Neck Tee. V-Neck tees are great for guys. This one’s “v” isn’t too low either – it cuts just right.

Raw-K Denim Jeans by Konvict. If you’re tired of wearing basic denim, these jeans (6-pocket, embroidered design and raw wash) definitely give your look a lift.