TEFF x COMPANY | WINE COLLECTION, BY AN DUKES

Photos by Bryan Sona

- [21-5-13] - It has undoubtedly reached that portion of the season where it begins to energy-shift between season-to-season has deepened. It brings on an air of that fills you with the incline to reminisce. Bittersweet moment, really. One of the highlights of my Summer was riding out to DC to partake in my friend, An Dukes' lookbook shoot for her online shop titled after her blog, Wine Collection. The shop is comprised of garments she has collected over the years/she does not wear anymore. It just happened to fall in with Memorial weekend and what better place to be than in the nation's capital during such a monumental holiday. I had the pleasure of taking in the sights though not as much as I would've liked(next time). DC has wonderful architecture and Georgetown was absolutely breathtaking. My only regret is that I didn't get around to trying Nando's. I have heard nothing but great reviews regarding their food. I hear there's only 8 (?) locations worldwide. Talk about exclusivity.

Anyhow, this was my first look. The gals and I had our pick-of-litter, so to speak; An basically wanted our personal styles to be projected, so as not to look unnatural or forced. I ended up buying these two pieces before leaving. Ha! I could not resist. There's also a video correspondent to this, to which I wrote a poem titled, "Beauty Is A Wine" - click here to view. Peace.

TEFF x COMPANY | LUNCH AT RUBY'S

- [30-7-13] - Myself and my sister, Jennifer (of Beau Monde Society) had been itching to have a day out the entire summer. First, our schedules were conflicting, then our excuses followed. Finally, we just decided to do without planning and just wake up one day and sail the streets of NYC. I was adamant on taking her to SoHo's Australian-style cuisine, Ruby's Cafe (it's on Spring and Mulberry if you ever want to check it out). I had been there once before and the eagerness to return was beyond me. It's undoubtedly one of NYC's glorified little eateries. Y'know -- one of those locations that you just sort of stumble on while walking about; its outside appeal would scream "whole-in-the-wall", but its food and service would have you convinced otherwise. If you walk too fast down Mulberry, you're liable to miss it; that's the depth of its subtlety. Though it's food is nothing less of that; their menu is inclusive of this phenomenal burger (and, mind you, I can count how many burgers I've had in my lifetime) that I find thoroughly enticing. It reminds of me of this burger my mum and I used to share back at her office in Nigeria circa nursery school days. It's called the "Bronte" burger; you could almost feel the freshness in each bite.

You know, I look back at my last three sentences and come into the realisation that I am literally scribing an ode to a burger. But you see, that's just how great it is. In contrast to its compeers, Ruby's serves its burgers/sandwiches with a side of the freshest baby spinach with a subtle overlay of caramelised balsamic dressing. I compare my experience with the Bronte with that of having a burger/sandwich at any given fast-food joint; in fact, I don't know why I bother; it's incomparable. Afterwards, I am not overwhelmed with the "food" I just consumed, you know? I believe their buns a in-house and freshly-made as well. But the thrill does not begin and end with the burgers; my first time there, I had the "Creamy Chicken Pasta" and boy, -- delicious. Enough about food. Ha! I'm killing myself here just reminiscing. Do me a favour? If you do visit off of the nature of this post, please e-mail me (consult with the sidebar). I'm curious to learn about your experience. Peace.

TEFF x COMPANY | T & ANDY ALLO

- [13-5-13] - When I got word I was scheduled to do a fitting for Cameroonian-born, LA-based singer-songwriter, guitarist, and all-around Artist, Andy Allo,naturally, I grew excited, being that this was my first celebrity fitting. My client Kibonen is of Cameroonian descent as well, and prides herself on boasting the accomplishments of her country-folk. Through those conversations, I learn about a wide range of great acts and talents. And I, myself, am particularly fond and especially proud to learn about my fellow African-born Artists. For those of you who don't know, Andy is best recognised for her work with none other than the quintessential, Prince (the Artist formally known as --). I got the opportunity to watch her rehearse for the SESAC awards and was immediately amazed and how her voice filled the room. Now, mind you, she stands at a humble 5'3; I remember, 'cause I kept teasing her. I also made it a point to appoint her my West-side connect, citing the fact that we both hail from West Africa, and she resides in the west coast. She was such a pleasure, and we literally laughed all the way through the fitting, and even had time to do a bit of window-shopping. Click here to learn more about the Artist. Peace.

VIDEO: LADY x STREET LEVEL CULTURE

- [20-4-13] - One of the highlights of the summer was being able to partake in a collective of some of NYC's most beautiful and driven young women. The project was put together by Olu and Ed of Street Level Culture. The fellas set out to explore and redefine the aesthetics of (wo)menswear and self-presentation through Lädy. The screening was held in the LES at the wonderful, character-stricken Con Artist, attracting an influx of some of NYC's most influential. Something about the air that day was far more refreshing than words could express. Watch, enjoy, + share. Click below; you may see some familiar faces. Peace.

TEFF x COMPANY | THE POLAROID PROJECT

- [26-4-13] - A friend of mine reached out to me regarding a neat, fun little summer project he was working on, centered around polaroids. His goal was to capture as much of the essence of summer through individuals whom he thought were exciting and inspiring. I was immediately ecstatic, as I don't recall ever being photographed with a polaroid. I mean, I can not recall the last time I held a photograph in the palm of my hands; the idea of it, alone, had me brimming with joy prior to the day-of. He photographed some for his project, and let me have some for keepsake.
We also had plans of having a day-out, engaged in things we share a commonality for. So, naturally, we went thrifting in the West village where I saw this amazing mural (I'm incredibly fond of murals), then walked to Union to have dinner at my favourite Thai spot, Spice. I recall marveling at the fact I dress just right for the weather. See, NYC's transition weather can be super tricky; one day, you're in sweats and shorts, the next, in trousers and a tank top. I love it, though. In fact, I wouldn't have it any other way. Peace.

TEFF x COMPANY | THE ARCHETECTS PRESENTS: THE PRELUDE [B.T.S.]

Photographed by: Slick Jackson.

[28-11-12] - Peace, world! I hope these words sit as well with you, as it does me. It takes a special brand of perception to understand that: quality work, requires quality time. I came into this realisation shortly after moments of self-imposed criticism; I wondered why and when will I begin to put much more action, behind words. And, to what extent was I willing to see myself go? Do I continue to make this journey alone? It occurred to me it had happened again - self-evaluation, the token catalyst to self-growth - had happened again. This time, however, it transpired a bit different. I realised I had reached that very moment most do when they grasp onto the fact they're finally doing what they've longed to do - for what seems like entirely too long. And, your heart beats three beats too fast; your palms, remain sweaty; your thoughts, cluttered, yet fluid; your eyes, bright; your words, more fluent. If this is what the beginning feels like, there's no telling the quality and brand of high that awaits me once I reach the zenith. I am excited, however - excited that the Universe has permitted the merging of myself and my partner, Zunyda's paths.
Here are some behind the scenes shots taken while filming “The Archetects Presents: The Prelude” with Slick Jackson yesterday. The Archetects is a creative, collaborative effort comprised of visual Artists, inclusive of myself and dear Zunyda, with a focus on infusing structured with free-form Art. Peace.

TEFF x COMPANY | MENACE II SOCIETY

[17-10-12] - DMV-based photographer, Teck has pre-propositioned a shoot since mid-Summer, but my schedule most recently gave room for it to take place.
You're probably wondering, "why menace?". Well, let me paint a picture for you. It seemed like we were getting kicked out of from one location, to the other. All in the name of Art, you know. I invited my intern, Alasia to help co-style. First, we shot in Duane Reade, simply to fulfill my desire to conduct a photo-shoot in a Bodega/ supermarket setting. Then, we shot in a gallery and its rooftop. Funny enough, after we concluded our shoot on the rooftop, that's when we were greeted by the same doorman who ushered us in with a warming smile at the front door, at the bottom of the stairs. "Can I help you?" he says with furrowed eyebrows and a daunting frown to which I had to fight the urge to respond with handing him my incredibly large bag I had been hauling about all day. After I got better acquainted with the reasoning behind his frown, I refrained and said, "no, thank you" and kept walking. He followed with, "you're not allowed up here!". We shrugged 'cause after all, we had came and conquered; his disapproval was of no meaning to us. I included one shot from each look. There is also a video to go along with it, which I can't wait to see and share with you lot.

TEFF x COMPANY | TUNNEL VISION

[13-10-12] - Ah! First, I'm good. Then I'm bad. Then I'm absent. That is seemingly the inevitable cycle my blogging habits seem to have found form and comfort in as-of-late. In a sense, it's actually a good thing. I have learned that the longer I'm in NY, the more I've experienced Living on an entirely foreign octave. Hence, leaving little-to-no time for this bit of reality I've created here. Also, I have to admit it's more exciting to sit a computer and feel an overwhelming sense of, "what do I write about first???" Conversely, me being the indecisive being that I am, it actually proves to be a bit of a dilemma. There have been moments where I find myself set at the computer for the course of 10 minutes (or more), sifting through the array of memories, seeking the most exciting one. Or, perhaps, the most important or the most detailed or the most monumental. To me, that's an accomplishment. It's like I like to declare, "align personal progress to influential impact. And, if one should exceed the other, make certain it's the former."

Last Saturday's shoot with a client, set in the Bronx, Uptown is what I've gone on to grab from the memory pool. What I find most thrilling of practicing Art, is the unending desire and ability to partake in different methods and cultures and Beings and aesthetics. I got the opportunity to photograph a client, who is Muslim and most recently pledged the Hijab - a most brave and noble thing of her to do.

I and two of my friends, one of which is my assistant stylist, Zunyda and the other, Preston, a videographer. The two were present to aid in styling and capturing behind the scenes footage. (The first and third photo are by Preston and the middle, Zunyda, then edited by me). Peace.

TEFF x COMPANY | LOVE, FROM KID-LOVE

[25-5-12] - A couple of shots I took of my good-friend, Elijah Pryor, whom some of you may know as Kid-Love due to his acclaimed fame on the Tumblr scene, along with his crew, Tribe NYC. I took these prior to his shoot with Brad of Swagger New York. Eli has widely gained fame and respect for his representation of retro-style and not to mention, that mile-high bit of hair sitting on top of his head. Ha! What's wild is that: when I first met Eli some 2, 3 years ago, prior to either one of us having a blog with Tumblr (in fact, if you check my archive, his photo was my first post, I believe), he was incredibly camera-shy and soft-spoken. Soft-spoken - not to be mistaken with foul-tongued. Ha! 'Cause he definitely took hits at me each chance he got.

At the time, I was a novice in my practicing of photography and I would grasp at any chance to photograph anyone - anything - in the name of perfecting my craft. Now, look at him - biting his lip at me, the little Devil. Ha! I teased him about this, like, "my! how things change". Incredibly proud of the King that he was and is growing to be. I love you, "Kid". Peace.

TEFF x COMPANY: ATL PHOTO-DIARY MARCH 6TH - MARCH 14TH

Spring-break this year, I sought thrill in the realms of the state of Georgia , namely the city of Atlanta. Being that each time I've visited, some problem of whatever sort arises; it's either I get sick, my skin breaks out in rashes; my body seems to react negatively. Not only that, the purpose of my previous visits were for the sake of accompanying my sister, seldom for self-enjoyment or to vacate nor escape. It had never been my visit; I was not at liberty to operate on my time, at mt own pace, at me own will, so it was seldom fulfilling. Also, my stay usually never extended for more than a weekend, but not this time around. This time, I made certain I nurtured the up-keep of my health and exercised caution and precaution in all things. Of course, I couldn't shake off this treacherous cough that has ailed me for over a month. I came to learn it was whooping-cough. HA! Funny, I know.

Anyways, for my stay, I planned to immerse myself in whatever ATL had to offer in a week's time, but what was the end-result of my trip? Lots of thrift-shopping, walked around downtown, visited Little Five, spent more time with my twin, tried some cakes at Cafe Intermezzo (B52 is Heaven-like; I recommend it), smoked Hookah for the first time, had a photo shoot (Which went super well!), sleep-overs, did a bit of clubbing and so on. All was not lost, though; I got to see more of Atlanta and it pleases me to admit my vacation was worthwhile.

Most of these pictures were taken with an iPhone4; I wasn't in the mood to haul Fiona (my camera)around, you see.




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TEFF x COMPANY: SOHO-SAILING x VOL.3

[27-11-11]. It was an unusually warm day in New York; the presence of the Holiday season was apparent with the scent of the crisp Autumn in the air along with the sights of nuances of greens and reds that clothed the passers-by. November -- one of my most favourite months in the year. Not because my birthday just so happens to dwell within it, but for various reasons I'd rather not bombard you with. Not that the reasons are abundant in nature, but they're enough--they're enough for me to reserve my sentiments for the month of November.
These photographs were taken directly after this photo-shoot by Kadeem. That I wore an overwhelming look of dismay on my face is because, well, just click the preceding link and find out. Also, click here to see more photos from this day.

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TEFF x COMPANY: GEN X | THE PRELUDE

I am beyond late on posting these photos, but I fell into one of those moments where dwelling in life's victories was necessary. I suppose it was the video below titled, "Influencers" that inspired the thought that I, too, partook in something that rested upon a similar premise. Generation X: The Prelude, organized by Alexandra Williams and filmed by Felix took place in the Summer. Undeniably one of the highlights of my Summer. Being in the midst of my peers, relishing in our uniform sense of purpose breathed new air into my lungs. The whole experience reinforced the notion that success is inevitable when surrounded by like-minded mates. The participating individuals were of different facets of art, ranging from DJs to photographers to graphic designers to bakers. Persons like Ricci Steez (graphic designer), Lavan Wright of urban-street brand, Kreemo, phenomenal Brooklyn-bred emcee, L.A. and many more. Click here to learn more.
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TEFF x COMPANY: PHOTO-DIARY | 7, JAN.

I was home in NY from the 21st of December till the 7th of January. Each time I'm home, I am painfully reminded of why I call New York home. From being around family, namely my mum, to being reacquainted with old, yet familiar faces, the sights, the sounds and the endless opportunities lurking in every corner and every crevice. Initially I planned to embark on a fun-filled, solo shopping-trip before my departure, but ended wandering the city streets aimlessly. I sailed from Times Square to the SoHo streets. As fate had designed it, I bumped into a great friend of mine, Rich P., whom, if you don't know by now, is due to populate TV screens, headphones and speakers worldwide sooner than later. He's a Harlem-bred, strong-willed, Hip-Hop artist on the rise. We were super awe-struck to have bumped into each other, seeing as every attempt to meet up has failed due to our heavy schedules. The day went on to urge my path to cross with that of Max and Cyrus of Dead Heart NYC and Jovany Perez. We sailed the overly cultured streets of SoHo where I had the pleasure of visiting BAPE, Blvck Scvle, and Tokyo7 stores for the first time. Peace.
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TEFF x COMPANY: PHOTO-DIARY | NYC NOV 15- NOV.27

My day-to-day schedule hasn't permitted much time to blog. Given that the term is coming to a close, it is crunch-time. I find it eerie how I am able to bang out a blog-post in no more than a 20-minute time-span--depending on the topic--but it takes centuries to complete a writing assignment of whatever sort. I become a victim to over-thinking and theorizing, I lose time and in turn, time loses me.




Time spent in NYC over Thanksgiving break was much needed. Although I hit some bumps on the road to enjoyment, the good outweighed the bad at the end. My week consisted of spending my first night in the BX. I had plans, but those were sullied by the rainy weather. I went upstate the following day and proceeded to spend the entire week there. Returned back to BX on the day of my departure and managed to squeeze in a shoot. I initially wanted to squeeze in two, but the fault of that is not with me. After dawn gave way to dusk, severe hunger set in and I and my posse--composed of Molly, Meg and my babe, Kadeem--ventured to S'Mac. This had been my first time eating there--though my heart's desire was Chipotle--I was out-voted. I wish I could share the exact location, but uh, I do not remember. Anyway, long-story-short, I suppose their food was good. More filling than it looks. We made our way to the holiday-fair on Union sq and snapped some shots. Wish I got there earlier in the day. Good times with good company nonetheless. Peace.
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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.





Click the jump to see more photographs.
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TEFF x COMPANY: THE CONCEPT OF CHARACTER DYNAMICS

This past Thursday: those who know me well, know my time is incredibly valuable. I could not let this day go to waste, so I grabbed a bite to eat and designed the course of my day. Lately, I have sunk knee-deep into my creative cycle. This usually consists of a great degree of isolation and a lot of writing, reading and reflecting. A certain degree of isolation breeds the purest form of creativity and inspiration. I've found that it's easier to explore the depths of the self by setting much-needed-self-imposed limitations upon myself. The products have been nothing less of reassuring. I think you will find that freedom, among many things, has no state of infinity, but rather entails the acknowledgment that the self requires a unit of government. To most, freedom is the freedom to express freely without any dire consequence. Reflect on how inconsiderate that definition is; freedom at the expense of the freedom of others. Do not think me restrained because I pose limitations on myself. I am free because I am aware certain aspects of myself must be constrained during certain intervals of my existence. I say that to say this: Thursday was undoubtedly one of the most refreshing days I have experienced. It was a delight to break free from the grasp of solitude. Solitude is a cruel mistress. Shattering my vow not to eat Mickey D's had to be the most delightful aspect of my day: I went without it for 4 short months. One thing that I did realize due to the events of that day: friends are easily obtained, but friendships, seldom. Many friends, yet very few friendships.




Click the jump for more.
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