The Luxury League

We the people: RUlers of the fashion world

2013-03-18T11:27:00.001-07:00

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian front row at Marchesa

The times when the runways of Paris and Milan controlled the streets of New York and every other urban city in America are over. When urban hipsters simply stopped following trends set overseas, the fashion editors and designers picked up camp and followed the hipsters. And now hipsters, bloggers and everyday folk are the inspirational food for those who run the fashion world.

By this long trail of inspiration, the urban youth stand on top of the fashion pyramid, a position where timeless fashion houses and their creative directors like Riccardo Tisci, Gianni Versace and Hedi Slimane once found themselves. This prosperous time has also allowed rappers like Kanye West and A$AP Rocky to occupy the coveted front row seats at some of Fashion Week’s most high profile shows.

“Rappers are the new rock stars!” says Eric Cano, former fashion director of XXL Magazine. In the last century, rock stars were the musicians who influenced the minds of the designers, but again a new age has come.

For example, the fashion trend of tying a jacket around your waist returned from the early ’90s. Kanye West recently revived this trend, and Givenchy featured it as a focal point of 13 looks for its Fall/Winter 2013 Collection.

So now is the time to take pride in your individualism. Wear only what you please, and let no trend define you. Take advantage of these prosperous times when the rulers of the free fashion world are looking to the public for guidance. Take heed to the importance of the public fashion opinion. It’s funny how the fashion world nailed a perfect democracy on the head before the free world; isn’t it?

MCMXCIII

2013-01-25T07:12:00.000-08:00

Alexander-Julian Gibbson circa 1994

WOW.

This was the best birthday I've ever had! Thank you to everybody that played a part. From the billions of shoutouts on Instagram and randomly all over campus, to the people who came and cooked me meal after meal, and then to the people who put together a surprise party, I Thank God for you all.

As God has been more than awesome in my life, so shall he be in yours, in Jesus name.

XX.

Belstaff Fall 2013 : Milan Fashion Week

2013-01-16T19:22:00.002-08:00

I won't lie to you guys, when doing my Fashion Week check-up, going down the list of designers I scrolled straight past Belstaff, not knowing I was scrolling past life.

Ok, that's a bit of an exaggeration. But seriously...

This collection was fire, definitely one of my favorites from MFW! The cuts and cinched waists create almost sketch-like silhouettes. I love the Gauntlet gloves and over-sized boots. They take me back to my anime days of Dragonball Z. The entire collection looks like a sketchbook come to life, one worth drooling over.

Belstaff is at the very tip-top of my A-list now.

A$AP F**kin' Problems Video

2012-12-04T18:31:00.002-08:00

Really liked this video reminded me of the classic late 90s-early 2000s rap music videos.
- Simple background
- In your face-all over the place camera angles
- Video girls doing routines instead of just staring awkwardly at the camera
- Everybody dressed cohesively, yet to their own taste.

Well done.

Eva Simons for Elektro Magazine

2012-10-26T13:35:00.003-07:00

Photoshoot that I styled this summer that came with a serious lesson.
"Be careful what you put on the internet..."

Aussie & Davis x The Luxury League

2012-10-22T09:37:00.002-07:00

Aussie & Davis Lookbook 2012

Styled by: Alexander-Julian

Photography: Javan Bowen
Model: Caleb Logan

Letterman by Aussie & Davis

Polo by Aussie & Davis

Yardfest 2012 feat. Taylor Johnson

2012-10-21T15:14:00.000-07:00

Yardfest 2012
featuring Taylor Johnson [as usual]
Styled by Alexander-Julian

The Luxury League x Suited Lifestyle

2012-09-22T15:14:00.000-07:00

It's the first day of Fall and in the holiday spirit The Luxury League and Suited Lifestyle present the Fall Suited Breakdown. The newest trends for the suited gentlemen is paid homage to the suited gentlemen of the past --"Geezer Style." Take inspiration from gramp's old tweed blazers, wide brimmed hats, and worn briefcases. The Double-Breasted suit has passed the level of retro trend to an official suit staple. The same goes for the respect-demanding 3-Piece Suit. On top of the suit trends of Fall 2012 we incorporated our personal breakdown of the season's trends.

You ready for Fall2012?

The Luxury League x Nouveau Riché 2012

2012-09-19T21:34:00.000-07:00

In any and everything that we do one must strive for excellence. That standard is no different for The Luxury League. Serena, Alexander-Julian and I all set out a goal to be part of the production that is the Homecoming Fashion Show 2012: Nouveau and luckily enough we all made it. I was beyond excited, it's like forced bonding time with the team. Who doesn't want to spend over ten hours a week with me?

Model: Jayde Stuckey

Oct 18,2012 is the official night of the show, we have already picked models. I hate rejection so I can only imagine how much it sucks to hear that you haven't made it to the next round. But I mean that's life. Some of the models couldn't deal with rejection and tried out AGAIN and AGAIN and AGAIN. I believe that the models we have chosen have potential to be fierce and command the stage. Some of the guys look like they walked off a page of GQ with their amazingly sculpted bodies. Some need more work then others...

It really is just a blessing to be part of such an amazing team. I get to work with my closest friends and build new relationships with people while working on an amazingly produced show by Khala Jones! Let us all strive to be LEGENDARY.

Spring Awakening

2012-09-15T16:22:00.000-07:00

Perfection is all I have to say about this line. I'm usually not one for structured and clean cut looks, but Zac Posen's tailoring is off the charts and these clothes to say the least, are exquisite. Not only did he use the infamous Coco Rocha to start the show in a brilliant ivory tiered wedding dress but he also snuck in legendary supermodel Naomi Campbell in a smart yet chic floral dress that complimented her skin beautifully. The colors in every look were so striking, I couldn't turn my eyes away. If only I was lucky enough to walk on the red carpet in that perfectly tailored burnt orange gown, or be caught in style on the streets of Fifth Ave. in that brilliant tool bustier and pants.

One day. You'll see.

G.O.O.D. Music Cruel Summer Commercial

2012-09-13T13:17:00.000-07:00

from Ye' himself.

2012-09-09T22:16:00.008-07:00

New York Fashion Week has officially begun.
Be prepared for the pictures and videos from the runways of New York to invade your dashboards, timelines, newspapers, and any other outlet that you've ever used to get any kind of fashion-related news. Now that I've warned you, the first line that caught my eye was this Spring 2013 collection by Alexandre Plokhov, it reminded me of the line I saw by Alexandre Vauthier for this fall that had me out my seat. Has any body noticed that a lot of the greatest designers are named Alexander, think that means something for me? I digress. The actual clothes weren't what caught my eye, but the concept was right up my alley. A full collection of only black and white with hair and eyebrows to match, very daring! Sometimes simplicity shines better than anything, and this was a perfect example of heart-stopping simplicity. I enjoyed the collection not for the fashion but sort of as a portrait, the midnight blue black ground of the runway make the white and black looks jump out of the screen. Something worth hanging on a wall.

Hashtag, ArtontheRunway.

Into The Wild

2012-09-04T23:03:00.007-07:00

The much anticipated Nasty Gal line is finally here. After 2 years of being obsessed with this eccentric and edgy website filled with vintage inspired and badass chic hues, Nasty Gal has created a line of their own to fully represent who we are as Nasty Gals. This line speaks into the existence of its name with sexy cutouts, skin tight leather and daring lengths. It almost says, "Hello everyone, I'm kind of a BAMF. Don't mess." I can honestly see not only rocker chic celebs like Rihanna and Gwen Stefani rocking these looks, but also everyday badasses for a hot night out on the town...especially for these prices. So ladies, shack up the high-waisted distressed shorts and sport an edgy dress with Doc's to kickstart fall with an edgy ease.

Coming for Blood

2012-09-02T01:14:00.003-07:00

You can't escape it, the higher powers in fashion have spoken: This rich, blood-like tone of burgundy is going to be unavoidable this Fall.

Rich tones in general are going to be big this Fall. Another color that was prevalent in the a lot of the 2012 Autumn Lines was the that heavy navy that's paired with the looks above. Take time out this Fall to get into the deep dark colors of the rainbow.

What do you think?

The Fall Trend Breakdown

2012-08-27T21:56:00.003-07:00

Fall Colors:

Fall is arguably one of the best seasons for fashion, and by the look of the runways, this is going to be an interesting season. So many epic comebacks, and so many unconventional colors to block. Here's the Luxury League Breakdown of what's about to be IN this Autumn:

Peplums
Tartan Plaid
Snakeskin/Croc Print
Camouflage
Waxed Pants
Leather
Neon Accessories for Women
Chunky Gold Accessories
Timberlands!
Floral Prints for Men

Trust me.

East of Eden by Alexander-Julian

2012-08-26T16:07:00.002-07:00

Sitting in the car, two 12s knockin' in the trunk, chair laid back, Sunday evening relaxing, iPod conducting the bass, shuffling through an unfamiliar library of music and a particular song comes on. That first bass guitar note sends my brain a shock. The shock reaches my temples and goes to work.

As I'm listening I envision a vision of grunge. I picture a dark-souled, weary-eyed bad-boy to say the least. It was one of the most colorful inspiration blasts I had had in awhile, despite the fact that it was, in fact, in black & white. This is my vision. East of Eden. Name courtesy of Serena Morris.

Enjoy.

East of Eden by Serena Elizabeth

2012-08-26T16:06:00.002-07:00

Fall 2012 Prediction: Tartan Plaid

2012-08-25T06:40:00.000-07:00

While we all may not be able to get our hands on Givenchy's Gold-Embellished Tartan Plaid Shirt, we can take notes from the master mind of Mr. Tisci. This print will be making a big deal this Fall. In a lot of Autumn lookbooks and fall collections you can see various designers channeling this OG Scottish classic. The red and accented colors in tartan pieces will make any gold accessories you're wearing shine like never before.

Trust me.

2012-08-21T23:54:00.005-07:00

East of Eden by Serena Elizabeth.

2012-08-21T11:34:00.000-07:00

Everybody needs a little light to their fire every once in awhile.

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y A L E X A N D E R - J U L I A N

Pimpin' All Over The World

2012-08-19T22:09:00.006-07:00

"Dear Summer, I love you. You gave me everything I need and now I am complete!" -C. Nwankwo

This summer , I really believe I found myself. I was able to live out one of my lifetime dreams and travel the world. I went to Nigeria, China and Japan. Each location taught me a different lesson about myself and the world around me.

The biggest lesson I have learned this summer is BE FREE. It doesn't matter who is watching just be yourself and enjoy life.
Photography by C.Nwankwo

Comeback Season

2012-08-19T13:14:00.007-07:00

So, I spent my summer in New York. I interned for XXL Magazine. This was my first real opportunity to shine, and (in the least cocky tone possible) I did.
"I spent my summer working, but the odd part about it was that it felt nothing like work because I was doing what I truly loved." - Alexander-Julian

While at XXL I constructed a concept for a fashion spread. Before I started at the magazine they had already agreed on an idea to rewind and replay fashion trends from the past 15 years in hip-hop. I loved the idea, but I just wasn't sure if I could have stomached watching someone dress-up in Cam'ron's all pink fur ensemble. So I came up with an idea to do the trends, but just tweak them a little bit so that they could be done today. I went out on a limb, drew up sketches for the layout, made concept maps for the wardrobe, and presented them to my boss, Eric Cano, Style Director... he liked it. After, getting his approval we had to tackle the big dog, Vanessa Satten, Editor-in-Chief. Regardless if he liked the idea if V. Satten didn't, it wasn't happening. With my sketches clenched in my sweating palms we walked into her office, I stood in the corner of the office, holding my tongue, and just hoping that in the end we might come out victorious. Surprisingly, the exchange went well, I left with my chest held high, a compliment from the big boss, and a new title "The Super Intern."

Days passed and my boss slowly started to trust me and my opinion more and more. And as a result, I ended up becoming a major factor in the spread. Major enough to get my vision, my brother and friends, and my stylist credit all published in XXL's 15th Anniversary Issue.

To the man upstairs that really wants me to make it,
Thank You.

Make sure you cop the issue to see the full spread.

Summer's Mine.

2012-08-18T01:36:00.019-07:00

"As one door closes, another opens."

As we close out Summer 2012, we are faced with a brand new opportunity, a new season.

To me, Summer is a long period of meditation. As you're waging war on the sun and boredom, look back and evaluate what wars you've won during the year, and then further evaluate those that you've lost. If you come back after 3 months the same exact person, you've either done nothing, or are perfect, and perfect people don't exist.

The Winner's Circle | Blank Chapter

2012-02-20T15:35:00.000-08:00

Styling by Alexander-Julian Gibbson

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NYFW 2012 | Jason Wu

2012-02-11T12:12:00.000-08:00

FASHION WEEK IS ON!

Jason Wu has gotten my first stamp of approval with his new line that debuted this Friday in New York. Since Madam Obama wore to the presidential inaugural ball in 2008, he has shot up in popularity. He has taken that popularity and a little Chinese funk, and created a line like no other. Enjoy!

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