A 1000 WORDS x [A] SPIKED CROWN

In the Spirit of remaining in a constant state of Expression, I decided to wear my hair out in Bantu knots. Or as the Igbo people - my people - call it, "ukwu ose". Which in its literal translation means, "pepper root". Now, I have not seen the root of a pepper to understand where the origin of that saying came from. Or? I have no clue. But I digress.

Initially I thought it safe to do something unusual, in a city that is populated with nothing, but the unusual - New York City. However, that still did not exempt me from the myriad of looks; varying from amazement to bewilderment, confusion, admiration and a bit of WTF? Some launched compliments in the midst of their haste, while some stopped for a bit of small talk. They were captivated, in their own individual ways. To make things all the more interesting, I stood, awaiting the arrival of my assistant stylist and model right by the American Institute of Architecture.
I kept saying to myself, how it reminded of me when I first bleached my hair an eye-catching yellowish-blonde. I remember this petite, Hispanic woman stared at me all through the train ride home from Queens to the Bronx. I imagined what the constellation of her thoughts consisted of. Perhaps something along the lines of, "Madre de Dio!" or "aye, today's youth!" and laughed to myself. Sometime before getting of the train, I turned to her and stared right back at her; she did not budge. Eventually, yes. She was hypnotized - hypnotized by my then choice of expression. I like that I exude and induce an hypnotic effect - sometimes, not always. My character is already inherently magnetic as it is. I need not create more reasons to attract attention. Peace.

A FLORAL EMPORIUM

[29-8-12] - Nothing more captivating than the appearance of a flower. Especially when it's abundance and in print.
These are some simple and fun self-portraits I took yesterday shortly after filming a daily makeup routine video for my YouTube. Don't hold your breath if you're anticipating my uploading it, 'cause it simply won't happen. I deleted it thereafter. I really need to get into the groove of making videos. Peace.

VIDEO: JESSE BOYKINS III x "THE PERFECT BLUES"

Directed by: Dr. Woo

Jesse Boykins III is one of very few of today's Artists who possesses the ability to capture the essence of his music visually, each song, each time. That keen attention to detail and connection with his creative self is what I find most alluring about him. Not to mention, that wild, voluminous mane of his.
As soon as the video started, I was transported back to the moment when I first heard it, via Tumblr. Before I knew it, I began singing along and feeling the energy of the song permeate my Being without permission. I enjoy when that happens; I enjoy creating or feeling a connection to a song - to music in general. Embrace the essence as it radiates through the eruption of myriad of colours and images of wonder and immeasurable beauty of Japan. The visual is great; makes me Love the song all the more and there isn't much left to say. Peace.

THE PROJECT PREVIEW | VERSE III

[23-8-12] - Peace and good morning! I've been up all night, sculpting what I have dubbed Black Gold; Blue Magic. The gold in her complexion, shines at the slightest dim of the Sun's gleam. Her poise, orchestrated by my unwinding vision, speaks true to the Art that is, the Black Woman. Do fail to acknowledge my [slightly] flawed tendency to publish the strongest (or my most favourite) shot of the bunch or set or series first and grasp that "there is more where that came from." With this bit, my Pride overflows.
The shot features a model I had the pleasure of meeting this past AFWNY, Susie, dressed in a Bohemian-style dressed, adorned by a myriad of colours. Makeup was done by myself and styled by I and Zunyda.
The initial tone in the photograph was lively, but was altered to into a deeper hue of blue, as aforementioned, to further accentuate the gold specs embedded in her complexion. Also, when we began the shoot, it was bright and sunny. However, as time passed by, the Sun shifted away and was replaced by a bed of clouds, making it nearly impossible to capture the amount of light that I [thought I] wanted.

Not to mention, some minutes prior to arriving at the location, a fatal incident had occurred. Some deliver had lost control of his pick-up truck and in doing so, consequently ran over 2 pedestrians and pinned a third to a near-by building. We were surrounded by death, to say the least. We came there, unknowing of the preceding events and unable to sift through the crowd's soft roar, as they whispered to the other in disbelief. We learned of it via some media platform, via Google. And, to think that we had just - by sheer luck - missed the madness --
The rest of the photos will be published within the week HERE|HERE.
xx.

LOOK-BOOK | [A] PASTEL POUPON

[9-8-12] - A common misconception held among my audience, is that I may be overly dedicated to the world of fashion - that my world revolves around the Art of fashion. Well, I'll be the first to tell you it's quite the contrary. However, I am a fan of quality and, if you pay close attention, you will find that that is particularly what I speak on. I do like to believe that style-wise, I unknowingly and most times knowingly, place an emphasis on the essence of "breaking the mold" - doing the unusual. The same can be said for the majority of today's style-conscious individuals, which is an incredibly rare breath of fresh air.
One of my absolute favourite things is creating a contrast through patterns and textures. I have always felt a bold floral print complements either a navy blue + white or perhaps, noir + blanc in a manner so grand, it transcends time. Peace.

PEDRO KORSHI x A|W 2012-3 | OVER-SIZED QUILTED LEATHER

Photos via, Dark Wings.

I often joke around with close friends [family] of mine about receiving compliments on my sense of Expression [style]. I'd tell them, "I'm flattered, but -- I can't help but feel like I seldom dress how I ultimately wish I could." Surely, it's vibrant, bold and expressive, but the mold -- in my opinion -- is created to be broken every now and then. I can't beat myself up much; after all, I leave it all up to Evolution. The major factor being cost and all, not to say that things of lower cost are without quality or value.
Defined structure - a major element I desperately wish to infuse into my day-to-day attire this coming Autumn. This is where my attraction to Pedro Korshi's structured, over-sized, quilted leather top has its origin. I have long had this vision of finding (or creating) something somewhat similar except, in trousers. I am enthralled by the fact this piece is unlike anything I have ever seen. I am taken by the use of quilted leather as opposed to any other fabric. I Love how the shape commands the After perusing the content of Pedro's blog for what seemed like hours-on-end and concurrently wondering what was the source of his style, this very piece is what caught my attention long enough to realise he is a designer. Hence, the seemingly tailored aspect of his wardrobe. Initially, I was struck with confusion; with such bold, yet subtle features - features characteristic of androgyny, it's nearly impossible to wonder. But I digress. That does not taint the fact that he is absolutely eye-catching and beautiful and, so is his work. I salute you, Pedro; absolutely smitten by this. If you haven't any familiarity with Pedro, visit his blog and get better acquainted. Peace.

A 1000 WORDS x MY SUNNY SYMPHONY

[8-8-12] - Prior to the start of the Summer, I entertained the idea of creating my very own photography workshop. And, of course with that thought, arose combating queries such as: "am I equipped with the ability to teach? and "if I do deliver lessons, will I do in such a way, it inspires the student and enables them to soak it all in?" or, "do I even have the patience required to teach?"
All-in-all, I questioned it deeply - deep enough to eventually put it off. As much as I receive questions regarding photography and how to go about developing one's craft and so on, that doesn't ignite the infantry to set off and claim the title, "teacher". I want to extend my self-gathered knowledge with others, but I am in no rush. I am never in a rush. I take time. However, after having given my baby-brother lessons in shooting - manual (lens + camera) for that matter and watching him get progressively better and better within the moment helped me realize, "I can and I should do this". I mean, he sort-of wasn't allotted much of a choice, y'know? Between the hounding and the whining, he unwittingly got a firm hold on the concept, nearly in entirety. So, yeah, I retreated to the drawing-board; may not be soon, but by next Spring, expect a photography workshop, expect an online store, too. (Yeah, I never quit working on that). Though I have not created much in the magnitude that I've set for myself, I have made it my mission to keep busy - made it my mission, to remain with a mission. That's one advice I would give to anyone - to keep busy. Keep busy in a manner that’s conducive to progress and eventually, growth. Keep busy and embrace the overwhelming sense of purpose it evokes. Keep busy and marvel - marvel at all the wonders it yields. Just keep busy. Peace.

PHOTO-DIARY x HOME GOODS | 15-8-12 + 16-8-12

The most appeasing aspect of being home is the seemingly, never-ending bits of inspiration. My home, in particular, my mum has a keen eye for details - one that attracts her to buy the most beautiful, little trinkets to enhance the appeal of the home-decor, most of which are from Home Goods. I found myself home alone yesterday as well as today afternoon, marveling at the divine details of it all and took it upon myself to photograph some. And, to create a mixed drink. Aren't the colours just beautiful? There's a science behind pouring the red wine; you must do it so subtly so as to not permit it to blend entirely with the Simply Lemonade + Mango. Ha! Enjoy! Peace.

THE PROJECT PREVIEW | VERSE I + II

So, as many of you do not know, I decided to take a semester off - again. I absolutely needed to vacate from the confinement of school-related issues and embrace the freedom emitted from my Art, which I have so unwittingly neglected. This break means I need to keep busy - meaning, more photo projects. Aren't you excited? I'm excited. I'm going to release previews of my work under the assumed title, "The Project Preview" and, yes, they will be released in Verses as opposed to volumes; this will be something like a pictorial scripture. Hallelujah! I will also be dissolving the use of "teffography" in conjunction with the release of any photography work from this point onward.

Verse I - Yeah, so, some of you may have some familiarity with these photos being that I have already shared them via my tumblr. The first two images are from my most recent work, for those of who don't know. This is the second of my collaborative work in my entire duration of photographing. And, It is with great pride and pleasure that I share this with you. It features one of my good friends, Kourtney, whom I’ve known since she was a big-eyed, full-lipped bambino back in middle school and, have watched her blossom into the breath-taking beauty that she is today. Ha! I’m especially infatuated with how this is unlike anything I have ever captured before.
This first shot [one of my favourites, ever] features a third-time collaborator, Zunyda. This time around, I reached out to her and asked that she feature bits and pieces of her designs, this geometrically-structured piece being one of ‘em. I enjoy the body-language in this one; reminiscent of the regal quality seen in the royalties of ancient Egypt.

A 1000 WORDS | TURQUOISE TORTOISE

Photo - my boyfriend; edits - by yours, truly.

[25-5-12] - Nancy Drew-esque - that's the feel this outfit ended up emitting. It was initially one of those things that wasn't given much thought at all, but in retrospect, seemed entirely more cohesive than perceived.

I love awarding personalities to my outfits after-the-fact. Simply because that's usually when an aspect of me is on display. Contrary to popular belief, most days, I am not as calculated - as deliberate as it seems. Peace.

SUN QUEEN, MOON GODDESS

[30-7-12] - One of life's greatest delight is the ability to reinvent oneself - devising new ways to address and regard oneself - elevating oneself to new heights. At least, for me it is. And, I make it a point to employ others to align their thoughts to instruments that induce a similar design of progress. Let your guard down, let Love in, lose yourself in Love, find yourself in Love; all-in-all, create room for Love to consume you. Why Love? Simple; to be bound by Love is the most intoxicating form of rebirth. It is with Love and through Love that all is made possible. Love's existence precedes ours. We ease into - some quicker than others - the realization that the essence of life, is the inheritance of Love. And, eventually grow to hold this as truth. I say that to say this: I am teff, the don - the Expressionist; Sun Queen, Moon Goddess. There's something new and rich and abundant in my Spirit and my Being. It seems deep and pigmented in the most brilliant, softest, deepest hues of blues. The New York air commands desire - desire to Be - desire to strive - desire to grow. The longer you remain in it, the more susceptible you are to its influence. You realize the delight in being self-reliant - the individuality that is bred by the singularity, encouraged the social-climate of the City.

Life for me -- as of late -- hasn't been no walk in the park, as they say; life for me hasn't been no bed of roses. More like a thorned bed of roses, really. I have been entrapped in an overwhelming, crippling sense of dread. One that has spiraled into loss of control and governance over my decisions and method of Being. It is, indeed, an ailment I would not dare wish upon anyone else.

I have come into the realization that the good significantly outweighs the bad. You know? I have grown to cling to that. It has brought me here, to this very place I lay, while typing this. I am overwhelmed, I am grateful. I have journeyed this far - I have bore my burden. And, I am pleased to be here - in this moment. I am confident in the opportunities that lie ahead by having embraced a change of scenery. I have accepted my entitlement to the chaotic course of contradictions that precede the production and reproduction of perception and eventual reality. Most importantly, I am thankful.Peace.