A week ago a client / friend asked me to help him on finding a suit for his brothers wedding. Apart from the fact my lovable Egypt is slightly eccentric in his clothes yet stable and classic at the same time. His criteria as much as many men that have sought my styling help is to make sure they don't look like a waiter or a "snooker player"
With work and my personal life taking it's toll on my search I have only managed to prowl the Internet to look though designers collections, giving me an idea of what is out there and not waste my time searching in some stores.
As it is a summer wedding I am trying to stay away from a black suit. Making it less waiter, less hot and less work. Another danger that most men can create when it comes to suiting is wearing one for a special occasion but looking like they are going to the office. An office suit for those on a budget can work as long as you accessorise with a simple buckle belt and some colour on a pocket square or tie.
For something that doesn't scream work, try Etro for mix of materials on the pockets and lapels, a touch of eccentric and texture enough to not make it too dull..
That is some of the research. Lets see what else I find and what he finally ends up choosing to go with. Update you once I get there.
: Rap, Grime & Pop (even though there was a bit of jungle
and bashment in there)
"Meet me at the lock"
Walked past security, past the crowed, straight back stage and into a cramped room full of hopefuls.
This lot know each other like a family; music the common bond. Hyped up on some well known doughnuts breezing past like a lucky give away. Pictures and videos being taken for charity documentaries as people talk amongst each other and performers walk past as they come off stage. Its havoc in here, and I'm wondering how am I going to do this interview, in this madness.
The vibe is sugar rush with butterflies, banter, and worries on the vibe from the crowed.
Clencha, a long time friend and an energetic, positive, people person, is chilling, offering doughnuts, cursing banter on his co performers dock martins in between chatting to me.
"You know they not in fashion"
"What? I'm representing in Camden... OMG hey tell Clencha they in now"
What's life like for an up and coming artist?....
Why Clencha?
When I was a kid we used to play this game coursing, dragging each other by the clothes and I would always hold on... Tight grip... Clencha... I haven't seen the name on another artist before so it got me thinking of the meaning... the symbol of the fist... Black power... clench your dreams your family.. Firm grip... It came from mucking around to something serious. Derrick is personal... Clecha is who I become my alter ego.. Derrick is exclusive to my family.
When did you start rapping and realise you want to do it for a living?
Started at 14... Make a living out of it at 17... I was developing my style and skills between that time and doing pirate radio where I got the recognition and realised that's what I want to do. Be known for the music... Better then a 9-5 and I get to please people.
What is it that makes you different?
I'm fearless 100% fearless... Innovated... Will try anything to be unique... When the lights hit me they see how I'm unique.
Where are you in life, where are you now and, what do u hope to achieve?
I was just making music for the sake of making music... it was a freedom of expression... Now I'm making a living and raising the bar! Getting recognised... Put the name to the face now... Unlike radio before.
If u were stranded on an island what 3 things would u bring?
I'm trying to preserve life so what food?? Water?! You're gonna die ain't you so water to survive... Can I say my phone? So I can contact someone to get off the island? And a watch so I know the time and not lose track...
Why would you want to keep track?
You want to know and I doubt I'll be on the island for a year?! Forget it a fillet o fish!! That's it that's my answer! your f*&%ing with me on my answers
If u could have dinner with anyone and meet anyone who would it be?
Alisha keys... 100% omg my man knows!
(Friends helping out with the answers)
Proudest moment?
Getting to kiss Alisha keys on the cheek! And she let me!
What shall we expect in the future?
Anything and everything... More music and some acting... Everything!!
Favourite quote?
I got a few but my fave for a while is "nothing happens before its time"
Best event?
Wow let me come back to that... Probably a performance one
Best place in London?
Was gonna say central but I love bricky... Brixton... everything is there for me... My home town! Garms, clubs.. And its expensive to move there now...
Best fashion item or style?
I just love a hoody its been misconstrued... It doesn't mean who you are, doesn't define you... but I can sleep in it and go gym... a hoody straight!
As the wait to the performance nears the vibe goes down as the others exit, and Clencha goes back stage to support the act before them. A few last min rehearsals to ease the nerves and some dancing muck around.
Watch out for a well connected, radio known, face soon to match, blazing the club trail Clencha supporting Mz Bratt..
Its been on of those weeks where I have just been franticly trying to catch up on things like sleep and cleaning and organising both my home and work. Needless to say there has been no time for me to blog. At least I have had time to think what to write.
Due to the weather (snow) and all the "organising" I was just thinking how I need a holiday. But due to circumstances (money, time, someone to go with, and mum going to have therapy) I can't really go on one for at least 6 months.
So I thought I'd share with you my 2 photo books from the previous trips. There have been many small trips between and there are obviously more pictures. But when I set out on making these photo books I wanted them to be about the place and not about my holiday. Like a travel guide almost or a huge brochure.
Potobox is great for uploading your photo's and printing them when you've snapped away like 600 photo's. Taking them to boots and waiting for them to print is such a chore! So to just upload and get them posted to you is great!
Making photo books is also nice as you can use your own creativity with it or, just use the samples and it does it all for you! I try to include facts about the place. You could make personal ones with "this is where I did this" or "this happened here" Share your albums and you can even sell them too!
I work with both a small point and shoot compact camera as my back up or my phone! and for trips like Cambodia and Egypt I have to carry my Canon AE1 35ml Film. I like the grain and the feel it gives to a picture. See if you can spot which pic uses which camera.
