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. [=♥

Monday, November 28, 2011

THE (MUSE)UM PROJECT: MOLLY J.

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The (MUSE)um project© --the title for my A|W photography project:a tasteful collection of my muses--an expression of the manner and degree in which each has inspired me to create. Initially launched on the first weekend of September, but due to some minor setbacks, had to be put on hold for further furnishing. I had the pleasure to go home this past week for Thanksgiving and decided this would be the perfect time to relaunch this project. I mean, what better fitting atmosphere to create than that of the city that bred and inspires me most? Y'know? I had constructed certain specifics that I wanted to be incorporated with this project, but I am in need of a team. But that's besides the point. I will re-relaunch it by next Summer.
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I relaunched this project by photographing a dear-close-friend of mine, Molly! The theme was Bohemian-grunge, location--the artistic soul of New York--SoHo. Her energy was definitely needed. To add to the anew aura surrounding the relaunching of this project, I, in a conscious mind, somehow deleted over 1000 photographs and video off of my memory card. I was livid. My blood boiled over. I felt nauseous. I thought this would never happen to me. No way! I was too careful, but apparently, every creative falls victim to the universe's desire to play hide-n-seek.
Click the jump for more.
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Tuesday, November 15, 2011

THE ABYSS OF FALSE-LOVE

I shot these a while ago --about 3 months, to be exact. The ability to paint a picture in your head prior to capturing it is nothing short of phenomenal. For example, the pictures in this post --the second one in particular, I knew the precise angle and the fashion in which I was gonna edit it. Then to see the photograph executed, meeting your standards of perfection, induces an unspeakable amount of sheer joy and admiration. It's good to admire your own work. Matter of fact, it's great and imperative that you do. Cherish your craft and nurture it to its full potential.
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VIDEO: BABETTE PAUTHIER x "HALLOWEEN WITH MCQUEEN" A|W 2011-2012


Directed by: Babette Pauthier.

A short-film by Pauthier featuring a series of scarves from the late,great Alexander McQueen's A|W 2011-2012 collection "in dynamic motion". I have never been a fan of skull and bones print, but I like to think McQueen breathed a new brand of air into its usual distasteful appeal.
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Friday, November 11, 2011

CAMPUS-COOL VOL.12: EMPYREAL ASCENSION

I wish I could grasp what it is that is possessing me to post photographs in such a promptly manner these past two days. I also wish I remembered to make a wish at 11:11am, but there's always 11:11pm, right? Anyways. This photos are from today, taken roughly 3 hours ago. This black suede blazer --just so you can get a taste of how old a majority of my clothing are -- is from Sarah Jessica Parker's Bitten clothing-line; collection from 2005? 2006 maybe. Let's see; what else? My bow-tie I have had for about 2 years and this is my first time wearing it this year.
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Click the jump
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VIDEO: METAL MAGAZINE x "LOVE IS LIKE LIFE"


Directed by: Daniele Testi.

When I post works of art of an empyreal caliber, I try not to say much. When a work of art speaks for itself, it best you don't interrupt.
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Thursday, November 10, 2011

VIDEO: STEED LORD x "TRANSFORM"


"Transform is musical short film created by Steed Lord for
The Standard Hotel x WeSC headphone collaboration.

The film is a about two humans traveling through the same city, same streets and the same hotel room but at different times... or is it?
It's sort of an experimental take on our travels across the world and the jet lagged mind states we are in when we travel and transform from one continent to another to perform our music and art. The movie was inspired by the pale grey color and the 70s design of the headphones.- Steed Lord.

I've expressed it once, I have no problem expressing it again: Steed Lord is a phenom and one of my desires is to work with them. Or someone of their caliber. Amazing.
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CAMPUS-COOL VOL.11: WRATH OF THE BLEEDING ROSE

[Taken: 11-10-2011]: Actually just snapped these shots a short while ago. The reason for my haste in publishing these photographs, lies with my need to express how angry I am. Well, more so annoyed. I, entrusting the judgment of the weather pattern so far this week, wore a dress. This is my second time wearing it since its purchase. I was super eager to wear it one more time before Autumn's crisp air succumbed to the chill of the Winter. Seeing as I was overdressed on both Monday and Wednesday(no class on Tuesdays), I decided to tone things down a bit and got stung in the butt. It's not that cold, but it is chillier than expected.
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Click the jump.
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Wednesday, November 9, 2011

TEFF x COMPANY: ATLANTA PHOTO DIARY | OCT. 21-23

One major aspect of my life that I have failed to share with my public is that: I am a twin. I'm sure you, the reader, just flew into a complete state of hysteria after reading that line, like, "whoa!". Yes, we are fraternal; born on the same day, same year. She lives in Atlanta, by the way. My aim was to post the photographs the week immediately following this much needed mini-vacay, but it's apparent to you that I failed at that. Then, I readjusted and aimed to post it on our birthday(yesterday); failed at that as well. Ah, well. The goal of the trip was to attend this cultural event, unwind and see some old faces; mission well-accomplished. I was so excited about this trip before and after mainly because I have a tendency to get sick each time a road-trip is underway. But this time though, I was in tip-top shape. Here's my trip in a nutshell: my twin, Buchi (pronounced like Gucci--with a B) and I went downtown and while on the way, I spied a flea market/vintage pop-up shop alongside the road and felt immediately compelled to explore its contents. Mind you, there was some parade in progress, so finding a parking spot seemed impossible, but we did. The pop-up shop is managed by an amazing lady whom finds amazing vintage pieces and alters them to perfection. Unfortunately, I can not remember her name and do not have her business card near.(I'll make a note to share later).
I have this thing where I go places, stores for example, the owner takes a liking to me, drags me all around the store and woos me into trying on certain pieces, then I end up leaving empty-handed. I'm usually consumed with guilt thereon after. Here is this person pulling out every sales stunt in the book to get me to shop and the fact of the matter is: I was merely window-shopping. Ya know? Anyways, after that we stopped at Dunkin' Donuts for an iced caramel latte before heading back to the house to get ready for the event. Long-story-short: one of the workers took a liking to me and offered me the latte for free--if I'd oblige him with a lunch-date the following day. He even threw in a free box of fresh glazed donuts and me, in the midst of all my shyness, responded to his kindness with bashful smiles and giggles. Southern hospitality? I don't know. And while there, this ghetto Asian lady strolls in and proceeded to unleash a caliber of comedy that had me and my twin convinced we were Ice Cube's movie. "Next Friday". I wish I recorded it; a priceless moment, really.
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Click the jump to see more photographs.
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Monday, November 7, 2011

VIDEO: RICH P x "DENIM FROM PARIS" | LIVE AT ROC NATION


Via, BarrelHouseBKLYN.

If you've been following my blog since its moment of conception, then you ought to be familiar with my occasional moments of praising dear friend, Harlem-bred, budding Hip-Hop phenom, Rich P. I tell him as often as possible, "you are great and the world will soon realize that. It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when". I feel that moment of recognition approaching as I watch him employ immeasurable amounts of efforts in his pursuit. It delights me, more than anyone can fathom, to see him to get this far and receive this degree of love. Watching this video just reassured me that 2012 belongs to Rich--mark my words.
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Thursday, November 3, 2011

TEFFILOSOPHY VOL.12 x EMINENCE OVER FAME

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Thirst for fame is the least esteemed greed of the human soul. The more most thirst for fame, the more Given the choice, I would favor eminence over fame.

While some might claim that eminence cannot be achieved without fame, I beg to differ. It is entirely possible for someone to attain a crown of eminence without being widely known. My maternal grandmother, for example. She is an amazing, phenomenal woman with a legacy that precedes her. Though she passed away roughly 3 years ago, she left behind her strong will and zeal behind for her children and grandchildren to inherit. That is, in itself, greatness.

In light of my generation's undeterred degree of ambition, I favor the efforts of those who are driven by the desire to create and excel, simply for the sake of it, than those who are driven to compare and compete. I will not deny you your right to be competitive, given that it is encrypted in the nature of every living being, however, it is the manner in which most exercise their right to compare and to be competitive that rifles up my undergarments. I believe that those who do not seek to obtain fame while in their pursuit for a greater level of existence are often rewarded beyond unfathomable measures. Fame, to me, is of a lesser caliber in comparison to eminence. It is far too easy to acquire fame, but to attain eminence requires timelessness in one's talent, character and/or conduct.
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Wednesday, November 2, 2011

AUDIO: THE WEEKND x FLORENCE + THE MACHINE

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Cover art designed and directed by: Karl Lagerfeld.

In my eyes, music-wise, The Weeknd can do no wrong. I find his music to be mood-fitting almost always. The duty of music, as well as art is a whole is to command the presence of the soul of the receiver/viewer/listener. His music fulfills that time and time again. Speaking of great music, do me the grandest favor by checking out Brooklyn native MC, L.A.'s That's Rocawear performance. The word amazing does not begin to describe.
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VIDEO: COMMON x "BLUE SKY"


As I have stated a number of times, I am always pleased with the works of Common . This is currently one of my favorite tracks. If my iPod was not currently malfunctioning, I would have this, along with many others, in constant rotation. Definitely anticipating the release of "The Dreamer, The Believer."-- I believe it's due sometime this month.
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