Herds of the Fathers: The Old Raritan Collection

Herds of the Fathers, a New Jersey-based brand which specializes in leather goods and accessories for men, is one of my favorite brands that I have had the privilege of featuring on this blog. A couple of days ago, the brand announced the official release of a new line of products entitled The Old Raritan Collection. I cannot help but to be in awe of the fine craftsmanship put into this company’s products and the overall quality of the company itself. It truly shows when business owners fully invest their hearts and souls into their work, and that is exactly what Tobi Babajide and Jason Akoi have done with Herds of the Fathers.

Such great attention was given to every detail of the products in The Old Raritan Collection. From the lush paisley print lining the inside of the bags, to the carved wooden tags adorning each product; it is clear that Tobi and Jason really took their time to produce exceptional goods for you all to enjoy. I was able to catch up with Tobi (photoed directly below) and ask him a couple of questions about the new line. His responses to my questions accompany these gorgeous photos from the lookbook for The Old Raritan Collection. Enjoy!

“This line is more of a collection than the previous line. When you look at the products you will see instantly what we were trying to achieve.”
  

“These are pieces that an average person would use in a  day to day routine, pieces that anyone can carry and pair-able with any look and you don't have to be stylish or trendy to use any of the products.”

“The inspiration behind the collection name "Old Raritan Collection" is a reflection of where we went school and the birthplace of our company. We wanted all our collections from here on out to have roots.”

“When a customer purchases a bag, 10 years down the line they will know exactly what collection it was a part of.”

www.herdsofthefathers.com

The GOOD Life: Brianna McCarthy

For the past month or so, I have been trying to think of ways to improve the “People You Should Know” interviews that I conduct from time to time; not that these interviews weren’t already excellent. I wanted the questions I asked to go a little deeper but I wasn’t sure which angle to approach them from. Interestingly enough, I found my answer in the philosophy class that I took this past semester. My professor created this eye-opening concept of “the good life” and challenged each of us to take look at our own present situations, think back on our past experiences, consider our future goals, and ask ourselves this question: What is my definition of a good life? This level of introspection was fairly new for me and, although it did give me a mild headache, it really forced me to look into myself and determine the things in my life that I place the greatest stock in.

Later on in the semester, we began reading some of Henry David Thoreau’s essays and assessing his ideologies and it was at that point that I had my Oprah-esque Aha! Moment. You see, Thoreau didn’t feel like he was placed on this Earth to please everyone or to conform to the narrow beliefs of society; his main purpose in life was to live it as deliberately and authentically as he possibly could. I felt so inspired by Thoreau’s mindset and, having realized that this was his idea of a good life, decided that I wanted to take this exploration further. Because of this sense of ‘knowledge of self’ that I gained from my philosophy class, I really want to carry this theme of “the good life” into my interviews from now on in the hopes that all of you reading this will feel challenged to look within yourselves and discover what your idea of a good life is as well!

The first individual that I will be interviewing in this new set of features called “The GOOD Life” is an artist who hails from Trinidad and Tobago and whose vibrant artwork entices the eye and sweetens the soul.

Brianna McCarthy

What is your definition of a “good life”? Do you feel as if that is what you are living?
A good life is, for me, when the things that make you smile are more powerful than those that don’t; when what is gained through sharing with others and having them share with you vast outweighs what is taken by day to day living. It isn’t about money or material possessions; it’s about having love, respect, communion with people you want to share with, tasks you enjoy, having some kind of work to do and the option to just rest sometimes. It’s fulfilling, I think, and so important. I think I do have a “good life”, yes. With a lot of support I have that as a real possibility for which I am very grateful.



How important do you feel it is for people to follow their passions, even if doing so doesn't seem like a "secure" life choice?
It’s critical I would say. Maybe not immediately but I, in deciding to practice art full time, just had to look around, to listen, to observe in order to see the impact of not following those innate passions – everywhere there are people who feel stunted, wasted, a little bitter because of that disconnect from what is essentially the thing that they’re meant to do. I’m young, it’s easy for me to say “Go for it!” but that’s ok, that’s a part of being young. It’s something I hope never lose really and something I hope to pass on to my children when they come; take a few wise risks, believe, work hard, play hard, respect others and never give up. It’s not always an easy decision to live with, not always easy to believe in myself but everyday I wake up with the anticipation of making something today, working on something today – knowing I have this freedom and being challenged to not waste it. That’s the worst thing I feel I could do; waste this. So, as discouraging as it can sometimes be, I have a gift, I have a blessing, I have been given something, decided something – however you choose to see it – and I have to make the most of that.

What aspect of your work makes you the happiest? Which aspect do you like the least?
I enjoy that the ladies seemingly have their own personalities. I’m most pleased, I find this to be a part of what makes me keep going, when I see something positive come out of my work for someone else. People contact me – women contact me – when they say that my work has helped them see themselves as beautiful beings I’m thrilled. That’s worth it. I’m my biggest discourager at times. What I dislike most is when I feel like what I’m doing is irrelevant. It’s heavy. 

Is there anything you know now that you wish you knew a few years ago that could have helped you along your life path?

That things are alright! That I shouldn’t be so afraid all the time (I’m still working on that). That it’s sometimes fine to not know exactly what I’m doing. That although some things feel like they happened a long time ago, they didn’t – my life just started at 27; I know nothing, I feel everything. Life might be short but I’m trying not to rush through to some preconceived end. Had I believed this some years ago many things may have been different, however, I can see very plainly how I needed to have NOT believed that then so that I could be here now.

In your opinion, what does it mean to be a black woman today? Are these ideals represented in your artwork in any way?

I’ve been feeling for a while, perhaps only because of my relationship with the internet in a particular context, that there’s a resurgence of the Black is Beautiful movement. It’s everywhere and it’s lovely. I’m black and West Indian – which is a unique dynamic (some might say trauma) and I do find it incredibly stimulating to attempt to understand my society at work in me and in my work. In most ways my work is about myself. By extension, it’s about women, West Indian women, Black women, girls becoming women, what does that even mean?, how am I, are we, perceived by our societies and how to we negotiate with our unique challenges. I’m deconstructing myself – sometimes literally.

 Where do you see yourself and your artwork in the next 5-10 years?
Is it bad to say I don’t have a clue? I’d like to think I would have found the next step by then and would have not been afraid to take it. I would want to have challenged myself or to have been challenged into being more. I can’t predict what that is at this point but I’m working now to ensure that I’m still making things then.

What advice would you give to someone who is unsure about what career they want to pursue?

When you’re most content, genuinely fulfilled, challenges and all; stick with it, work hard. Doesn’t mean everyday will meet you delirious and dancing with happiness but it will mean that everyday, should you feel like it’s not working, if you gave it some thought you’d be able to see that you have much to dance about. The day you can’t see that, take a break. Allow yourself to cry. Laugh as much as possible. Know your value. Choose your advisors very carefully and remember that every person struggles, every day with something– you can’t legislate for others. Make time to play by yourself or with those important to you. Be thankful for what is and make provisions for what isn’t. In Trinidad we say, “what is to is must is” – I believe that in some ways.

If you could give someone a quote to live by, what would it be?

I have a few that speak to me. I can only go with what I have learnt myself; this one changed my life quite literally - “A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself.” -Abraham Maslow. Whatever it is you are; be it with discipline, with commitment and with love. I’m trying to do the same.

www.briannamccarthy.blogspot.com

People You Should Know: Shayla Cox

I strongly believe that we were all born with talents; every single one of us has some sort of special gift, whether we realize it or not. Some people are fortunate enough to recognize their gifts early on in life while others won’t discover their callings until later. However, when we discovered our gifts/will discover our gifts is not what is most important; what is important is what we chose to do with those gifts once we recognize them. World renowned writer Maya Angelou once said; “I believe talent is like electricity. We don't understand electricity. We use it.” So how will you use your gifts? Will you take your talent of writing poetry to an open mic night and perform in front of a crowd or keep your gift hidden between the pages of your journal? Will you use your beautiful voice to touch the hearts of many or will you save your songs for the shower? Will you display your photographic genius to the world or will you just keep those images hidden away in a file on your computer? You were given your talents for a reason; they are meant to be embraced and cultivated not shunned and neglected. Embracing your talents wholeheartedly takes dedication, hard work, and often times even courage. That is why I have so much respect for those who are able to discover their calling, take their talents, and to turn them into something beautiful, tangible, and fruitful. It is this attitude of entrepreneurship coupled with a love for one's work that allows one to create something bigger than oneself. I feel that Shayla Cox exemplifies this entrepreneurial attitude which will undoubtedly destine her for success. Shayla Cox is a Brookyln, NY based jewelry designer & creator whose self titled jewelry line is nothing short of incredible.

How long have you been making jewelry? What initially got you interested?

 My initial interest came from a documentary on Beatrice Wood. She was a part of the DADA art movement, but then later became known for her pottery. I felt really connected to her and her work. The opportunity to learn this skill presented itself and I learned to throw on a wheel (yes, like in Ghost..lol) creating pottery/vessels, as well as experimenting with free form shapes. I have always had a thing for statement necklaces and about a year ago I decided to fuse those interests.

Do you make all your pieces by hand? How long does it take to complete one piece?

 I do create every piece by hand. As far as the time it takes...it's a process. I like to say 3-4 weeks to be safe. Anything can happen to a piece during the process, and I try not to get too attached to anything until it is completely done!

Are you currently in school or have you graduated? What is/was your major?

 I graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology and majored in International Fashion Merchandising.

Do you feel that the major you chose prepared you for owning and running your own business?  
At first, I questioned if I went into the appropriate major because upon graduation and for a few years afterwards I always felt too "creative" for my corporate roles. However, they were great learning experiences and now that I have a collection of my own I definitely feel as though I have a better understanding of every level of the business.

Is your jewelry making a full time job for you or do you have another job as well?  

Shayla Cox Ceramic Jewelry is my focus and receives the majority of my attention, but I freelance/consult as well.

What inspires your designs?  

I observe and absorb everything I see. The outcome of my work can be very tribal; I do love to collect images of peoples from around the world. There is so much beauty, say in a village that has little contact with the Western world. I also have a love for the fusion modern/old world architecture and interior design. And lastly, with my experience in Visual Styling/Merchandising I am constantly scanning someone's look for negative space...wondering what I could put in the space to take it to the next visual level.

 What is the biggest lesson you have learned from your journey as a jewelry designer? 

So far, I have definitely had to learn to trust in a team, and know that I can't do EVERYTHING by myself (as an only child it's my natural inclination). For New York Fashion Week, my team and I did a presentation everyday at Lincoln Center...I couldn't have done it without them. It was a lot of work, but it was a success and I am forever grateful to them.

 If you could give someone a quote to live by, what would it be?

 "Everything you can imagine is real." -Pablo Picasso...I try to live by this everyday.

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Make sure you watch these videos of Shayla’s jewelry presentations which took place during Fashion Week.

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I am so taken by the unique shapes and captivating colors in Shayla’s jewelry, it is all so effortlessly beautiful. These statement pieces will definitely add something special to any outfit. I also greatly admire the initiative Shayla took in creating her own platform to display her jewelry during Fashion Week. It is that type of tenacity and passion that turns dreams into realities. Thank you so much Shayla, you’ve got that good good!

Make sure you check out the Shayla Cox Jewelry website by clicking (here).

People You Should Know: Moruf

Hello my good good people! Today’s ‘People You Should Know’ feature is quite special because I will be presenting you all with an immensely talented individual. I had the absolute privilege of interviewing someone who I believe are the most talented up-and-coming rapper I've listened to in a very long time: Moruf. This young man is nothing short of inspiring; the fact that he are out in the world chasing their dreams and working endlessly at his craft is something that moves me deeply. Nas wasn’t lying when he said the world is yours. If you dream big and believe in yourself, you can achieve anything. It is up to us to claim ownership of our destinies. We were all born with the tools of success, we just have to put them to use.

The things that strike me the most about Moruf’s music are his flow, his lyrical content, and his choice of beats. The manner in which he seamlessly weaves storylines filled with riveting rhymes and witty wordplay over the soulful sound of clapping drums is mesmerizing. Moruf’s style of music is right up my alley; I am a huge fan of Slum Village so I was more than thrilled to hear some of their beats on his awesome mixtape entitled Garden State of Mind: Ready To Live. There is so much depth to his songs; I hear hope in his music. It's definitely something you can vibe to. I also appreciate the fact that his music stays true to what I would consider pure hip-hop: poetry to a beat. Like I always say, if you took a rap song and stripped away all the background noise and was left with the soulful sound of spoken word, you’ve got some genuine hip-hop. That is exactly what Moruf's work is; he is straight soul, no chaser.

Here are a few of my personal favorite tracks from Moruf (click to play): Love Jones, Slumdog, Peach Gone Bad, Canon

How long have you been making music? What initially got you interested?

I’ve been making music for the past 2-3yrs I would say. I always had a huge interest since I was young; started off singing in my middle school choir. I always wrote raps but I would say that’s making music. I actually started recording songs about 2-3yrs ago. The no riles factor within creating is what interested me. I love the fact I could say what I want over a beat and people would appreciate it.I'm a lover of music first before just hip-hop. I love oldies: Anita, Marvin, alternative, Theophilus London, Little Dragon, The Beatles…but hip-hop was something that I thought I was good at so I decided to give it a try.

Are you in school or doing any other type of work? If so, how do you balance these other activities with your music?

Yes, I attend Kean University in Union, NJ. Lord willing, I shall be done soon. 1 more year 8) And yes, I do work as well. Radio Shack..lol, a little part time gig. In all honesty, almost every day I’m busy from music, class or work and if I’m not doing either one I feel as though I’m not doing enough so I try to be balanced as possible when it comes to the timing. I feel I was born to keep myself busy…for now at least. It’s apart of the grind I would say.

How do you feel about the current state of hip-hop? Do you think it's dead?

Hip-hop isn't dead; THE RADIO IS! The best music nowadays is not on the radio which really sucks. Everything is pretty much the same. It sucks how the radio nowadays doesn’t give new artists a chance but rather has the same 10 artists playing in a cycle ALL DAAAAAY! AND WHAT REALLY SUCKS IS THAT AT THE JOB I WORK AT, I HAVE TO LISTEN TO THE RADIO ALLL DAY.

Who are your favorite hip-hop artists?

Jay Electronica, Mos Def, Talib, Madlib, Quasimoto, Kendrick Lamar, Kanye, J Dilla (as a producer & MC), Andre 3000, Pete Rock, Baatin (Slum Village), Melo-X

I love your mixtape, Garden State of Mind: Ready To Live because I get so much of that feel-good, soulful, genuine hip-hop vibe from it. In an age where most rap music is very commercial, what inspired you to stay true to a very conscious brand of hip-hop?

I don’t know to be honest. This is something that I just felt. I didn't think "hmm, I wonder how the radio would feel about it"; I simply created...it felt right and the homies agrees as well so I put it out.  I get that question a lot. I don’t know, I’m just myself within the music so by me not trying to sound like anyone else I guess it all works out for the best!

Garden State of Mind: Ready To Live | Twitter | Facebook | Streetwear Couture 

People You Should Know: Toyin Odutola

The gift of artistic skill is priceless. I so greatly admire those who are able to take their ideas and inspirations and turn them into tangible pieces of art. Toyin Odutola is most certainly one of those people. 

Toyin Odutola

Our families are actually long time friends and many many many years ago, my family visited Toyin’s family in Alabama. I can still remember following her around all over her house and spending so much time just flipping through her sketchbooks and staring in awe at all the amazing drawings she did. I had never seen anything quite like the images that she created. Now, several years later, I find myself still staring in awe at her drawings, only this time I am gazing through her online portfolio instead of her sketchbook. She is hands down one of the greatest artists I have ever met in my life and I am so  glad that I have the opportunity to share her work with all of you. 

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How would you describe your artistic style?

Possibly the most difficult question...I've been meaning to attempt to answer this question for the last four months. For now, I'd say it an exploration into identity art through portraiture utilizing pen ink as a vehicle to explore how rendering skin cannot simply alter perceptions of race, but how certain employments of mark-making can alter a presence in its entirety--to get at the true isolation and displacement (a la feelings) of the subject being portrayed.

What medium(s) do you work with?

Right now, I work exclusively with pen ink. However, in the past I have worked extensively with charcoal, chalk, graphite, oil, acrylic, wood stain, and oil pastel.

Are you self taught or do you have formal training?

I'd like to say both, for I feel all creative people are self taught. I mean, that's how it all got started. But am in grad school now, so I cannot deny that influence and instruction.

 

Where do you get your ideas for your pieces?

Inspiration for pieces comes from a variety of sources. I cannot specifically pin-point one, but I'd have to say I'm consistently attracted to photographic reference images which portray individuals with arresting stares. I am drawn to deadpan stares and glaring portrayals.

What is the message you want to convey through your art? Are there any beliefs you have that show through your art?

This is really difficult to answer right now, since that is the exact question I aim to answer through my studies in grad school now. I apologize for sounding so cryptic, but as of yet I don't truly know. I do know what I wish my drawings to make the viewer fell, which is along the lines of discomfort and a tinge of melancholy. When it comes to certain beliefs, it's mainly political ones that come through, I think. I'm an avid post-colonial, Black Panther sympathizer, extremely liberal, pro-feminist, anti-social-label/categorization-construct, pro-sexuality-is-fluid, keep-religion-out-of-politics individual. However, I do not feel such sentiments are overtly obvious in my work nor do I aim to inject such a stance in my work forcefully. My art exists in an extremely personal realm and my public identity simply occupies a fraction of that. The rest is a lot less noticeable.

 Do you work on your art certain hours each day or only when you are inspired to work?

I'm a nocturnal animal. I am most alive in the wee hours of the night. However, I have noticed that from the few all-nighters I've done throughout this semester, I am also most active around dawn, which is interesting. I notice that I work late simply because it is when everything is still and most quiet. I'm easily distracted and restless during the daytime. My work demands a lot of concentration and investment of time, so I have to have a moment where I can separate myself and focus.

What do you put in your art that represents you?

I like to tag my portraits with hints of myself, i.e. septum rings, cartilage rings, &etc. Hair is a signature as well, and I enjoy portraying hair from the standpoint of my experience and overlaying that experience on my subjects. Such minor touches add a sense of subjectivity to me my work that is more visible than some of the concepts and/or "ideals" addressed in the question above. One could describe these accents as acknowledgement of my existence, my stamp, on an object which can be interpreted as making the portraits more human-like, even though they are heavily abstracted.

Do you have any influences or any other artists you look to for inspiration when it comes to your art?

Kara Walker, Laylah Ali, Lorna Simpson, Kehinde Wiley, Kerry James Marshall, Egon Schiele, Adrian Piper, Yinka Shonibare, Glenn Ligon, Hank Willis Thomas, Wangechi Mutu, Julie Mehretu, Whitfield Lovell, James Jean, John Singer Sargent, ...and there are more, I'm sure, but my mind is blank of them at the moment.

 Simply amazing, these images definitely snatch my attention. Toyin’s attention to detail is incredible, there is so much emotion in every single line. Her work is a true example of fine art. Thank you so much Toyin, you’ve got that good good!

To check out Toyin’s portfolio, click here! And follow her on tumblr here!

People You Should Know: Azede Jean-Pierre

It isn’t everyday that you come across pure greatness. I mean, this world is so full of such amazingly talented people, but there are just some that literally steal your breath. It is those “steal your breath” kind of people that I love featuring on my blog and this young lady is CERTAINLY no exception. So allow me to introduce you to the ever so gifted..

Azede Jean-Pierre

I am kind of a hard person to really, really impress. Especially since I’ve started blogging, I’ve been so exposed to all types of fashion and so many designers and such. So when I see a designer, especially a young designer, that is just so amazing, I definitely take notice. I had seen Azede’s work a while ago on a website but I had no idea she had her own blog until about 5 months ago and the moment I laid eyes on her designs, my jaw dropped to the floor. I was absolutely speechless (in a good way of course). People like Azede are blessed beyond belief, to be able to turn pieces of fabric into pure artwork is not an easy task but this young woman does it with so much whimsy and finesse. What I love most about Azede is her humility; she is so talented yet so down to Earth & personable. The combination of these things will undoubtedly destine her for success. Azede is an emerging designer from Atlanta whose self-titled clothing line, Azede Jean-Pierre, is nothing short of awe-inspiring.


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Where are you from originally and where are you located now?

Originally my family is from Haiti, we moved to Atlanta when I was a toddler and I've lived here ever-since.

 How long have you been designing clothing?

That's a tricky question because I have been designing for as long as I can remember; yet I didn't start sewing and designing concept to completed designs until I was about 14 years old.

 Do you have any formal training or did your amazing skill come naturally?

I attend SCAD for undergrad, which is more like completing an assignment for a grade then actually designing for the love of designing. Beyond that, all of my collections and 95 percent of my portfolio is done outside of the classroom.

Your clothing is so unique, did you have a "muse" behind your latest collection? And if so, what was it?
I do not really have a muse, I like to pretend that I do sometimes but the women I design for is a fictitious character with real women taste. My last collection was inspired by flower petals and transparency which was not based on a muse, but rather nature and an emotion.

 Is designing for your line a full time job or are you in school as well? If so, how do you balance the two?

I am in school at the moment but it is a secondary obligation in the order of priorities of my daily obligations. Full time I design biannual collections and that is what occupies my thought and governs my actions 90 percent of the time.

What type of woman is your clothing designed for?

I am still working on the aesthetic of the brand as well as figuring out who my customer really is.

Who is your personal favorite designer and why?

I am in love with Alber Ebaz's mind, Phoebe Philo's sense of style and Nicolas Ghesquiere's luxurious taste and ability to innovate. I will miss greatly Lee McQueen, but I do not have a favorite.

What is one article of clothing you cannot live without and why?

My personal style is still in development, that being said I love statement pieces. I love to dress both feminine and androgynous sometimes at the same time. Most of all it is the perfect shoe that is of most importance, unfortunately this season I have not found it yet.

What do you have in store for the future of your brand?

In the near future I expect to be sold in a few of the better shops and boutiques in the country. Beyond that, the sky is the limit.

 Is your clothing for sale? And where can we buy it?

Not at the moment, we are working hard on it for the very near future.

Azede Jean-Pierre is greatness, passion, and raw talent personified. You will DEFINITELY be seeing more of her in the future. Thank you Azede, you have most definitely got that GOOD GOOD!

And go check out & follow her blog right now, it is amazing! You really get a peek into her whole creative process and the photography & writing is superb. CLICK HERE