Dank&&Dapper represents the idea of being or striving to be a well-rounded and multi-dimensional individual. Meeting your own standards of cool without sacrificing the beauty of the mind to appease the masses. Often times, you'll find that the union of beauty and substance to be a rarity. The purpose of this blog is to serve as a reminder that being yourself while pursuing a dream is much more gratifying, no matter what. You must appeal to yourself before you appeal to others. Dank&&Dapper is also the name of a lifestyle-brand I plan to launch in the very near future. In the meantime, delight in the visions of a visionary. [=♥

Saturday, June 25, 2011

MADNESS LIES WITHIN SILENCE

So, like, check it. lol I'm taking a class this summer, therefore, most of the outfits you'll see me in till July 27th is what I wore to class. I mean, that's the same as most of my outfit posts, but I tend to play dress-up, ya know? Yeah, this was taken on Tuesday, I believe. Before the weather in New York went all wayward.
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I've been wearing a lot of headwear lately, frankly 'cause I need a shape-up. lol but I make it work, huh?

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I smiled. lol
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COOPERATIVE DESIGNS x A|W 2011

I posted looks from UK based brand, CoOperative Designs last fall and the term infatuation may be an understatement. I am particularly fond of the bold nature of their collections so far. There's something overstimulating about the sight of unorthodox fashion. Y'know? The cuts of the trousers and jumpsuit, placement of the pockets, the draping of the skirts, the splash of colors in the midst of all the variating black and white patterns: all amazing to me. In case you are yet to notice, I am a big fan of European fashion, like I have stated numerous times before.
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VIDEO: MOS DEF x "SUPERMAGIC"


Anticipating seeing him perform live tomorrow. Well, later on today. I bet his energy is incredible.
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AUDIO: KENDRICK LAMAR x "HOL' UP"

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Some new music from my distant lover, Kendrick Lamar. Of course it's great, I expect nothing less and I'm usually rewarded with nothing less when it comes to his music. Mannn, listen.
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Friday, June 24, 2011

SUMMER PROJECT: IDENTITY SERIES x CYRUS

The first character to be captured by me this summer is this Haitian-Iranian fella by the name of Cyrus. I met him on the same night as Theo's show. He was part of the group of guys that asked to take pictures with my friend and I. I've been on the quest for a effortless-versatile-male-model for quite some time now, so when the opportunity presented itself, I took it.I delighted in the beauty of his rugged appeal and deemed it necessary to capture it. There are a couple more shoots line up in the future, but for now, I wanted to capture him in the most relaxed state I could possibly cook up.
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Hit the jump for more.
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VIDEO: BILLIONAIRE BOYS CLUB x SEASON 12 [LOOKBOOK]


Pharrell and his team are ingenious. This is spectacular. Amazes me how Pharrell has managed to maintain relevance and awesomeness for over a decade. In terms of producing, designing, his style and appeal, singing and everything else under the sun, seemingly.
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LOOKBOOK: GROUND ZERO x A|W 2011

A couple of weeks ago, I accompanied my sister to her school, The New School. Yes, her school is called The New School for my non-New Yorkers. Anyways, while at her school's library waiting for sister to do whatever, I decided to blog. I remember I was working on this post, so I consulted with tumblr. lol I searched "style" and perused all the way to page 50 sum'n. Long-story-short, I came across a post exhibiting UK-based-brand, Ground Zero's fall line and I was beyond floored. This collection embodies my idea of a solid combination of bold-vibrant-colors incorporated in high-fashion. I would absolutely wear everything in this collection. I don't believe I've ever been so enamoured with a collection like I am with this one. The tone in these photos are subtle, therefore, it leaves room for the clothing to speak for itself. The choice of model: perfect. The fact that the top of her head is dyed an electric-blue complements the designs perfectly. Ugh. This is greatness. The shapes. That cropped-yellow-leather-jacket. The myriad of patterns that I can't necessarily say I've seen elsewhere is a breath of fresh air. Reminiscient of designs seen in the 80s and 90s era. The list of my infatuations with this collection is borderline incessant.
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Thursday, June 23, 2011

AUDIO: COMMON x "SUMMER MADNESS" [PROD. BY NO I.D.]

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I love when I listen to a song and a vivid picture is painted with the delivery of each word. This song provides me with that very brand of satisfaction. Common is one of the few Hip-Hop artists that remained faithful to his essence throughout the course of his career as an artist. I respect that. But, listen.
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EVENT: THEOPHILUS LONDON x BROOKLYN MUSEUM

Upon getting word on Theophilus L.'s show at the Brooklyn Museum for FREE.99, I just had to be there. Immediately I anticipated getting great shots, enjoying good music and delighting in Theophilus L.'s eclectic style. Um, let's just say I got less than what I envisioned. His female fans are vultures. Good Lord, they would not let me get any kind of elbow space. I captured like, 5 good shots. In addition to that, it pains me to admit this, but it was difficult to hear Theo. Terrible acoustics. The fact that he has the ability to control and move a crowd shattered all the negative aspects of this outing. Oh. I'd like to add that a piece from my camera broke off this very night. And...yeah. -_- Oh yeah, I heard a dope local band by the name of Phony ppl opened for Theo. Unfortunately, I missed it due to the fact my friend who invited me, left without me. Bummer. I know.
Psychedelic. Oh the crowd was hype.

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My boy, Sef.

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Mon Cheria and Danii

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My cucaracha and I

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Some random guy by the name of Vladimir stopped us on our way to the station, complimented our outfits and wanted a picture. lol ehhh, it was his birthday so we obliged. (:

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VIDEO: SAYITAINTTONE x BIG SEAN x "MY CLOSET"


Directed by: Ken Koller.

One of my favorite joints off of Big Sean's Finally Famous V.3 Had no idea it was Tone's song though seeing as it's on Big Sean's mixtape. Still a great track nonetheless.
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Wednesday, June 22, 2011

FROSTED FLAKES

Why frosted flakes? Well, it doesn't require much of your attention to notice that there's snow on the ground in the following photographs. lol well, I'm flake who took these last August and is JUST now getting around to posting it. Corny? I know. You need not tell me. But you're feeling my word play, so shhh. Lol. Actually, I believe this is from the first day of class fall semester. Eh. I felt like a big-kid in this outfit. I am a big-kid in a sense. Childish mannerisms engineered by a mature mind.
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Aw man, disregard the unsavoury appeal of my over-crowded dresser.

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ALBUM: BIG SEAN x FINALLY FAMOUS

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"I didn't make crowds fans, I made 'em all fam" - this is true, I met him once. I can attest to that. Well-done, though I can't help but feel like it sounds more like a mixtape than it does an album. Still great nonetheless. Great production, great lyrical content, great word play (as usual). Also can't help but feel like Big Sean's flow is contagious. Note Ye's flow in "Marvin & Chardonnay".
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Monday, June 20, 2011

VIDEO: PAPER DOLL BOUTIQUE x WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE


I've had the pleasure of visiting this boutique on two ocassions and I can boldly state that I am smittened with the entire appeal of it. I'm also acquainted with the owner, Ali; incredibly-driven-young-man. Much respect.
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AUDIO: CHILDISH GAMBINO x "SO FLY"

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The lyrics to this song, vise versa, speaks pure truth.
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VIDEO: KENDRICK LAMAR x SOUTHPAW [LIVE]


Filmed by: Slick Jackson

Unfortunately, I had the displeasure of missing this performance. For some reason, I got the dates mixed up; I thought he performed on the 15th, not the 17th. Meanwhile, I had the flyer all handy on my iTouch. Would've been lovely to see him perform a second time; he is beyond amazing. Much love to Slick for the visual and to the crowd for vibing extremely well with Kendrick.
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SWEET VICTORY

Ah! So these photos are from today, actually. I feel kind of guilty seeing as I wore an outfit somewhat similar to this a while ago, but never posted photos and now I'm about to post this. And I'm gonna seem lovely and repetitive. Oh, joy! I'm still gonna post the other outfit. Blah! The temperature in New York today was a perfect 77 degrees. Though I've only worn this skirt three times, I delight in the freedom it brings. Seeing that it's so long and what not, I just kind of--glide in it. Seemingly, at least. Lol funny story: this morning, I was walking all majestically, right? Till I realized I was 2 minutes away from class and class begins in 5 minutes, so I began hurrying and tripped going UP the subway stairs. So much for majesty. *sigh*
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Oy, somebody seize my camera. Wait. I don't really mean that.
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Saturday, June 18, 2011

VIDEO: SCIENZE x "HEAVEN SENT"

Directed by: Aaronisnotcool.

The potency and delivery of the lyrics resonate more beauty into the corresponding visuals that follow. This was very well put together. Overall, it commands a certain mood in the viewer. Wow.
Www.ScienZeclass.com for more.
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Thursday, June 16, 2011

TEFF, THE DON x THRIFT-FINDS VOL.2

About a week and a half ago, I ventured off to Brooklyn 'cause word-on-the-street is: Brooklyn harbors some of the best thrift/vintage joints as mentioned in this post. I don't know why I didn't document my journey to BK sooner given I was overly-excited about acquiring what I have grown to regard as "the sherbert sweater" I was equally excited about purchasing this button-up with a tribal-embroidery: muy suave.
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I took a lot of photos that night and I am determined to post every-single-one-of-the-shots-that-I-love. It could easily be 30+, so? lol. Here's the sherbert-sweater. Or is it a coat? It's quite heavy and I am heavily-intoxicated with its beauty. Ah! Those colors. It was under 20, by the way.

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Me and my sister
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Copped these new babies. Tribal patterns are growing to be a consistency in my everyday-attire. Hm. Swear I'm in love with canvas-sneakers. They're so practical and comfy; what more could I ask for, really?

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More photos coming in a couple of different posts.
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