Every year, Fashion Week is an event that many look forward to. Notable Fashion Shows; held during New York Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, London Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week, and more. Preparation is always key, for those that are invited/attend, it is known to always make certain, that they show up and show out. Selfishly, the liberation I feel out of Fashion Week is, aligned with the specific energy of showing up in your most Avant-Grande, Innovated, and Fore-looking outfits, which for me, captures the beauty of personal fashion.
As we approach New York Fashion Week, I wanted to honor Karl Lagerfeld (legal name Karl Otto Lagerfeld), known as one of the most alluring and sought figures in the Creative Direction and the Fashion Industry.
A Deep Dive into the Karl Lagerfeld’s History
To get deeper into History, one must understand Karl Lagerfeld’s legacy; from Balmain to Chloe from Patou to Chanel. Fashion Week is a work of art that means a lot to those that are into Fashion, those who follow Fashion, those who are interested in the sets, and fans of the event; Lagerfeld’s talent has imprinted on many people’s minds and marked itself in History. Karl Lagerfeld is the creative director behind the revival of Chanel (founded by Coco Chanel in 1910, in Paris, France).
Some Iconic Looks that Stick Out
The 2023 Met Gala theme, “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” was to pay tribute to the late German Creative Director for Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld. Lagerfeld was an Icon in his time, as he passed on February 19, 2019, in Paris, France. Lagerfeld left a legacy that is not easily overlooked and is heavily felt within the Fashion and Creative Direction Industry. Lagerfeld prided himself on making his shows feel like sets and is able to make you feel as if you are in another world. With Iconic Runway Shows such as the 2018 Haute Couture Show (Spring/Summer), 2018/2019 Ready-to-Wear Show (Fall/Winter), 2018/2019 Metiers d’Art (Paris-New York), 2014/2015 Ready-to-Wear (Fall/Winter) and 2017 Ready-to-Wear (Spring/Summer).
01
Fall/winter
2014/2015 Ready-to-Wear(Fall/Winter)
Turned the Grand Palais into Chanel Shopping Centre, where models walked down aisles stocked with Chanel-branded goods.The theme for this show was “Consumerism Era .”
02
Spring/Summer
2017 Ready-to-Wear (Spring/Summer)
Lagerfeld took us into the Future, with the era being “Intimate Technology.” Fun fact, a real data center seen in the Fashion Show, was provided.
03
fall/winter
2018/2019 Ready-to-Wear Show (Fall/Winter)
Chanel transformed the Grand Palais into an enchanted forest. Models emerged from a mirrored cabin onto an autumnal runway of fallen leaves and bare trees.
04
spring/summer
2018/2019 Metiers d’Art; Paris-New York (Spring/Summer)
Lagerfeld sent models around The Met’s Temple of Dendur – an Ancient Egyptian monument completed in 10BC.
Chanel Show, Fall 2014/2015 Ready-to-Wear Collection(Supermarket Show)
Set for the Chanel Show, Fall 2014/2015 Ready-to-Wear Collection aka Supermarket Show.
Karl Lagerfeld turned the Grand Palais into Chanel Shopping Centre where models walked down aisles stocked with Chanel-branded goods.
The theme for this show was, “Consumerism Era .” The set being transformed into a store, was an absolute genius by Karl Lagerfeld. As this is the 2014-2015 Fall/Winter Edition, the looks were prominent in pieces ranging from leggings and sweats to higher fashion clothing paired with trench coats, leather pieces, bomber jackets, layered clothing and practical shoe wear; such as boots and sneakers.
History on “The Consumerism Period”
This time period, was deep the conversation about Consumerism in America; and Lagerfeld portrayed that energy beautifully. From the 1940s to the 1970s, began the American Consumerism Boom/Normalization. This time created city to suburb placements, credit, blue collard jobs and more. Within this time period, majority of the population was beginning to indulge in having the best, having the trending products, etc- as the forefront as the image.
Karl Lagerfeld’s Creative Direction within this show, was a “Mirror to Society” type of energy, that many creatives express. The different with Lagerfeld’s explanation is the visual creation, combined with the fashion. This show, to me, portrayed the live version of the 1970s and molded it beautifully into the 20th century fashion, showed in the 2014-2015 shoot.
Photo of Cara Delevingne and Karl Lagerfeld.
The Era of Consumerism
Described by the, “Smithsonian Institute”
Innovations in technology, expansion of white-collar jobs, more credit, and new groups of consumers fueled prosperity. “Business and political leaders claimed consumerism was more than shopping: it defined the benefits of capitalism.“
Chanel Spring 2017 Ready-to-Wear Collection
Lagerfeld took us into the Future, with the era being “Intimate Technology.”
The looks were prominent, were extremely futuristic and did not shy away from patterns. This includes Neon Colors, Wide Framed sunglasses, unexpected color mixes, paring unlikely colors together, etc. Karl Lagerfeld’s creativity came out in these looks. His reasoning for creating a more Futuristic look, was a conversation within Technological Singularity. Technological Singularity is the merger between Technology and Human Beings.
Karl Lagerfeld walking down the Runway at the Chanel, Spring 2017 Ready-To-Wear.
Fun fact: A data center provided the backdrop for this futuristic show at the Grand Palais in Paris, which included models dressed as glossy, white robots and bags flashing with led lights.
I saw this shoot as a beautiful follow up, to the “Consumerism Era” Fashion Show. As this is a further push into the “Future,” I deemed this Show as a Top 5. From the set design, to the clothing, to the overall time period (2017) I felt this was a very forward piece that was beyond it’s time, yet exactly on time. Beyond time, Karl Lagerfeld, projected himself in a way, that was beyond his time, a true visionary.
Chanel, Spring 2017 Ready-To-Wear.
Chanel Fall 2018/2019 Ready-to-Wear Collection
Chanel transformed the Grand Palais into an enchanted forest. Models emerged from a mirrored cabin onto an autumnal runway of fallen leaves and bare trees. This Era for these looks is very 90’s esq. With the models strutting across the ground. This raw energy of creative expression, combing with the beautiful energy of the outfits; is simple unmatched.
Chanel Fall 2018 Ready-To-Wear Location
The colors associated with this particular show, bring a more Melancholy Aura; such as burgundy, black, dark blues, greens, grays and the occasional white for highlight. The Fall/Winter Season came in strong carrying practical full coverage items.
The types of clothing presented gave full body coverage, such as Long Sleeve/Long Jackets, Long Pants/Long Skirts
The types of accessories, added to the full body coverage. For example, most accessories included gloves, hoods, scarves, tights, earmuffs
With interesting pieces such as, mismatched earrings and long necklaces; these looks were intentional. Paired with the Fall/Nature Energy, Lagerfeld once again, hit the mark with the environments aesthetics- in which he created.
Models walk to Runway 2018 “Ready To Wear” Chanel X Karl Lagerfeld.
Chanel 2018/2019 Spring Métiers d’art (Paris/New York Collection)
Chanel 2018/2019 Spring Métiers D’art (Paris/New York Collection):
The looks were prominent in Jean looks, Neon Colors, Funky Colors and Ancient clothing representing the Egyptian theme. The clothing paired with the makeup and accessories; the looks created a new look mixed with ancient times and the current age.
As Karl Lagerfeld states, speaking on the Show Collection, “It is made in a very artisanal way in the best sense of the word because it is artisanal there is art. The art of doing it well. An applied art. And it is astounding. I think the image of this collection is very much down to this refinement which should be seen close up, almost touched, to understand how it is done and to appreciate the beauty of this work.” –Karl Lagerfeld
As a last look for this “Karl Lagerfeld Tribute,” we have the 2018/2019 Spring Métiers D’art (Paris/New York Collection). I included this look as finalizing my favorites, as I feel it shows the level of Karl Lagerfeld’s creativeness. As he goes from making commentary on the modern age, to a couple years ahead and back to the past- this to me shows Lagerfeld’s expansion, research and ingenuity.
Lagerfeld sent models around The Met’s Temple of Dendur – an Ancient Egyptian monument completed in 10BC.
Karl Lagerfeld brought the models to The Met’s Temple of Dendur. The Ancient Egyptian monument was carried beautifully by the catalogue that highlighted Ancient Egyptian inspired looks. The mix of history and present was beautifully executed. Down to the makeup, all of the makeup paired with
Karl Lagerfeld Exhibit
Located at “The Metropolitan Museum of Art”:
Karl Lagerfeld, currently has an Exhibit, at, “The Metropolitan Museum of Art.” The title of Lagerfeld’s exhibit is called, “The Line Of Beauty.” Here, in New York City, you can see the work that he has done from the years of 1933-2019. About 150 pieces are displayed at this location (with the descriptions), so you can get the full experience of Lagerfeld. There are certain rules, while entering the exhibit – please make sure to check them out on the Website.
The World of Jersey Club and R&B, Come Together with “Buss It Down”
LAW is Bussin’ it DOWN, with this new “Buss It Down” record. Known virally amongst her fans, the “Besties,” LAW is a strong musical force within the Women Empowerment Movement as “Ladies Always Win.” With previous hit songs such as, “No Going Back” (VENT Album), “Why Me” (Single), and her most recent song “Two” (Single); LAW surprises fans by collaborating on a Jersey Club Record.
“Buss It Down” Music Video OUT NOW, on Sloppy Vinyl’s YouTube Channel
The single is in collaboration with Philly-Based, Artists to Watch: Syheem and Sybree Williams-Rockeymore, aka 5Star. Going viral off of their first single ever, 5Star is in the realm of artists, that stand out in the progressive world of Jersey Club. 5Star is leading the Jersey Club Scene with their viral single, “Cmonnn” featuring Lay Banksz. With over 1 Million Remakes on TikTok, 13 Million Views on YouTube, and over 13 Million Plays on Spotify, there is no question why labels are attracted to the Duo.
Most people would question why a self-proclaimed R&B Artist would hop on a Jersey Club song; however, with LAW’s vocals and 5Star’s talent, the sound they bring out is harmonious. LAW and 5Star’s energy, which is emitted from this Single, ensures the audience will have to vibe out. The collaboration of two Artists with different Genres has been a recent trend. With this new release, “Buss It Down”, the era of collaboration, is now at new heights. With the combined presence of both artists, the energy in the song effortlessly caters to both fanbases. With LAW stepping out of her comfort zone, she comes on this single with power and technique.
Audiences can watch the Music Video on Sloppy Vinyl’s YouTube Channel which is exclusively located on TikTok and Soundcloud.
“I’m not a Businessman, I’m a Business, man.” – JAY Z
With the 2.5 Billion Dollars being an exceptional achievement, JAY Z is officially Hip Hop’s First Billionaire in 2019. JAY Z turned the official Rapper into a Businessman image. While he was making it in music and being a creative, he did not stop pursuing endeavors and investments that would then go to making him 2.5 Billion Dollars in 2023. Brooklyn’s own, JAY Z, is a leading force of an Iconic Movement within the Industry. Showing growth, persistence, change, and success; JAY Z inspires a generation of Artists that want to “make it” in the industry. With talent and persistence, JAY Z has all the movement and support around him. The Icon is a family man of three (3), and Married to Artist, Actress, Record Producer, Businesswoman, and Entrepreneur, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. JAY Z and Beyoncé have had several business endeavors with each other. Meeting in, 1999-2000, they began dating in 2004 and then later married in 2008. JAY Z’s last released album, “The Carters” was a collaborative, open, and honest experience, with Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. As of 2023, Beyoncé aka “Queen Bee” also set a record of her own. With a total of 32 Grammys earned, Beyoncé has achieved the most Grammy Awards of any Artist. The power couple unites their strengths in each other, as one fire burns, so does the other. Of course, as they own a multitude of businesses together, the power duo can uplift, organize and maintain their life together in harmony.
JAY Z is an Industry Mogul, someone to look up to when it comes to taking music as a business. Growth, Transition, and Transmutation are the words that come to my mind, when JAY Z, is mentioned in conversation. In this new industry and energy in music, a lot of Artists and Musicians just assume success will come if they put out one song or piece of work. They assume, that their presence amongst a sea of people currently in the industry, will outshine everyone, when it is the extensive effort. In an interview with Forbes, JAY Z’s message is clear; he states, “Music is like stocks, there’s the hot thing of the moment…People tend to make emotional decisions based on that. They don’t stick with what they know.” The passion in music, the art, patterns, calculations, and stats…this industry is more than just wishing for money. Either learn and master your work, or you will receive short-term outcomes. Passive learning is passive progress, which will equal short-term success. Money is an outcome of effort, in which JAY-Z has acquired a lot of history and learning.
According to Forbes, JAY Z reached a Billion Dollars in 2019, making JAY Z one of the wealthiest people in the world. According to Forbes, in 2019, Jay Z created aBillion Dollars in assets. As we approach 2023, Jay Z has reached 2.5 Billion Dollars.
Making investments since his childhood, JAY-Z knows how to move and make money. Below is a shortened list of JAY Z’s Largest Investments:
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie has been touring since February 2023. A Boogie has added 8 Canadian Tour Stops to his lineup. The New York-born artist began touring in February, following his most recent album, Me vs. Myself. The 27-year-old rapper, singer, and songwriter have previously had stops in the U.S., U.K., and hotspot cities like California, Denver, London, Birmingham, Dublin, and more. The most recent album was released, on December 9, 2022.
With Iconic special guests on the album like Kodak Black, G Herbo, Lil Durk, and more, the tour has attracted a lot of positive press from fans and shows sold out. During one of the performances, at the Barclay Center, in New York, the rapper gave a Tribute to PnB Rock by singing their song “Lovin.” PnB Rock was a rapper, singer, and songwriter from Philadelphia, PA. At the age of 30 years old, PnB Rock’s life was cut short and shocked fans all over the world. September 2022, PnB Rock was shot and killed while eating with his Girlfriend at Roscoe’s in Los Angeles, CA.
“Me vs Myself” Album
On March 20, 2023, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie went to Instagram and posted the upcoming tour stops and captioned the photo, “Hitting the road again soon…come out to a show.”
For the additional Canadian cities, A Boogie provided a special guest list for fans to forward to. Artists like Lola Brooks, J.I, Bouba Savage, Mariah the Scientist, and more.
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie Instagram Post of New Tour Spots
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s Added Cities and Dates:
Jun 10 — Vancouver, BC @ Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre Jun 13 — Calgary, AB @ Grey Eagle Resort and Casino Jun 14 — Edmonton, AB @ Edmonton Convention Centre Jun 16 — Saskatoon, SK @ SaskTel Centre Jun 17 — Winnipeg, MB@ Canada Life Centre Jun 21 — Laval, QC @ Place Bell Jun 23 — Hamilton, ON @ First Ontario Centre Jun 24 — Ottawa, ON @ Canadian Tire Centre
Drill Rapper and Brooklyn, NY native, 22Gz has reportedly tattooed his eyeballs completely black. Over this past weekend, 22Gz hopped on Instagram Live and unveiled his purely tattooed eyes. Catching the attention of his fans, the 22Gz audience was worried about the safety of the tattoo. Most people know, Eye Tattoos are not something to be messed with and are a serious procedure. On the other end of the spectrum, others were doubting if they were contacts instead.
No Jumper reposted the recently unveiled 22Gz’s tattooed eyes on their page, asking what followers thought. Instagram Comments vary from fans sending fire emojis to others saying, “Yes he’ll go blind soon, like the others.” Those that do not believe that the Artist even got tattoos are commenting: “These are definitely contacts.”
22Gz couldn’t care less about the bogus claims. Posting another video of his eyes on Social Media, he adds, “These ain’t no contacts, boy… these is tats.”
Recently releasing the EP “Love, 22” in 2023, this popular artist’s name started getting a lot of traction with his trending record, “Suburban Part 2”. As one of the leading forces in the Drill Scene, 22Gz is strong at his artistry. In an article with Vulture (as told to Camille Squires, Portfolio by Ashley Pena) 22Gz is quoted saying, “It’s just another route for the ghetto — for us in New York City — to speak how we want to talk, and let the world know how we feel, without sounding like everybody else.”
22Gz Complex Magazine Interview. Photos By David Cabrera.
