Christian Rich and UCB at Stussy!

I recently stopped by the Stussy store in D.C. to support my homeboys, Christian Rich. If you are not up on these cats please please check them out. They are the Chicago born and bred MC duo currently residing in New York. They’ve always been supportive of The Essence of Style, so I had to make sure to hit up their show last Thursday. Now of course you know I’m all about style and swag, which this crew definitely has. They have their own unique style, fusing looks from the early 90′s with a modern flare. 

Christian Rich was joined by DC’s own UCB. Now for all you non-DC natives, UCB is one of the dopest go-go bands around. They were recently featured with Wale as the house band for the VMA’s.

Check out a few pics from the event below:

Christian Rich doing their DJing

Stussy was packed

My boy Chuck of Out The Box Management

The homie Reg and I check out his line at www.blackcollection.com

The Shoes in Brasil are Fabuloso!

Yes, I am in Brasil Honey! My first stop is Rio De Janeiro. The city is beautiful, the people are gorgeous, and the shoe game is vicious. I have seen a lot of shoes, but nothing like the shoes here in Rio. Other people have dedicated blogs to the shoes in Rio, that is how fabulous they are. I came across my new love in a trendy ultra chic restaurant in Gavea, a section of Rio. Shannon and I headed to Zero Zero for dinner and dancing. Check out the site link: http://www.00site.com.br/.

We were the first few people there as we arrived around 9pm and usually people do not start getting to dinner on a Thursday nigth until 10:30/11. When we left the restaurant area around 11:30pm the place had almost been filled to capacity. Walking through the dance floor I was immediately drawn to the gorgeous shoes these woman were wearing. I mean really they were artistic in nature. One woman had on a very feminine wedge heel, engulfed in a slouch satin material, those were fierce. Platforms are also it here, wooden, mary janes etc.  Unfortunately, I was not able to bring my camera along last night but have found a few photos to share, enjoy!

 

The Sickness 3: An Aniekan Udofia Solo Exhibit

I was able to show my support for one of the dopest artists I’ve truly encountered this weekend. His first solo exhibit was displayed at The Dissident Display Gallery located in the H St Corridor area of Washington D.C. A joint pilot artist in residence venture between Dissident Display and The Words Beats and Life organizaiton, this exhibition was truly one of a kind. Co-Curators Fred Joiner and Adrian Loving selected the work of Aniekan Udofia not only because of this artist’s talent, but the content of his work. The images Aniekan chose to express his theories, concepts, and ideologies of today’s popular culture and media were mind boggling and thought provoking. His use of color for this exhibit was extrelemly different from what many of his followers are used to seeing from him. Usually one for utilizing much color he chose neutrals, played with different techniques and textures to bring a sense of darkness to his pieces. Check out a few photos from the event below. Also, check out Aniekan, Dissident Display, and Words Beats and Life links below.

http://www.wblinc.org/AniekanUdofia.html

http://www.dissidentdisplay.com/

Dope A.R.T. Events in Washington D.C.

It’s been a while since I’ve posted. I wanted to let you all know about a few dope events that are going on in D.C. centered around the Arts.

First on the list, there is an event that occurs the last Thursday of every month called Open Canvas. The artist collective, Culture District, hosts these open mic events for visual artists and poets at Tryst Coffee House located in the Adams Morgan area of D.C. The energy and vibe of the events are great. Bringing together the creative and artistic cohort in D.C. to support artists, network, and just enjoy the event. You are able to see Artists in their element and be involved in their creative process. You are also able to support the artists by buying their work right there! Check out a few photos from the most recent Open Canvas below, shout outs to Rachel Crouch of www.rachelcrouch.com ( go check out her work !).

 

Secondly, if you are in the Washington DC area you absolutely HAVE to attend Artomatic. It’s a collection of the most talented artists in the area. Nine floors of art work by 1000+ artists. This year the exhibition is from May 29th to July 5th 2009 at 55 M St. SE Washington D.C. For more information check out the following link: http://www.artomatic.org/.

Finally, this Friday at Hillyer Art Space an event that occurs once a month at this gallery is occurring, First Fridays. Come and enjoy great music ( spinning of DJ Underdog, who actually spins at the Open Canvas events as well), people, and the art work of Frank Warren. His exhibition, PostSecret: Confessions on Life, Death and God will be featured. The exhibition is the product of a community art project that focuses on the deepest fears, desires, regrets, and obsessions of people across the nation. The event details are below:

Friday June 5, 2009

$5 donation

9 Hillyer Court, NW Washington D.C.

www.artsandartists.org/artspace.html

Post on Clutch Magazine’s Golden Site!!!

So, I am pretty geeked right now! I recently submitted a post to one of my fav online magazines, www.clutchmagonline.com. My post was really about my journey through starting a business, following my passions, and lessons I’m learning. They accepted the post! Yayyy…lol It’s already been a blessing, I’ve met a few new people, and gotten a few inquiries already. I really admire the quality of work clutch puts out there, and the market they target. So I said all of this to say, go check out the mag and my post and let me know what you think!

www.golden.clutchmagonline.com  Post name is “Essence of Style”

 

Be Blessed

L’Rai

Re-vamping!

You are the first to know, I’m revamping my business plan and structure a bit. While traveling last week to see the fam, I had ample time to think and re-think about my business, what I want to accomplish, and how best to execute that. I decided that though I love wardrobe styling, and this will be the foundation of my business, I want to incorporate elements of gallery curation and community based projects. So, The Essence of Style is no longer solely a wardrobe styling company, it is 3 tiered. 1) Wardrobe Styling/Personal Shopping – the basis of my organization. 2) Gallery Curation- coordination of art shows, fashion exhibitions within the art space etc.3) Nonprofit- Community based programs promoting art education within the community. Though I’ve been in all three spaces for a while, this was never incorporated into my business plan or marketing scheme. I’m currently working on a new site that will reflect the changes in my organization. Stay tuned!

What’s New with The Essence of Style???

What’s up people, I hope all is well and blessed. First let me say today marks the one hundredth day of President Obama’s stint in office. I hope everyone is taking time to follow his progress and efforts to move this country into a different direction.

On another note, The Essence of Style has been involved in a few events over the last few months that should not go without mention. First, I’ve been blessed to work with 2 fashion photographers both based in NY, whose work speaks for itself.  I definitely want to recognize Loredana of www.loredanastudio.com and Gabriel Antoine of www.gabrielantoine.com. These were both great shoots to work on, creative in very different ways. I was given the opportunity to explore new aspects of fashion in both of these shoots. Check out a few of the photos from those shoots below and let me know what you think?

I was also recently asked to participate in an Art Show/Fashion Exhibition organized by the Sol Source Group, www.solsourcegroup.com. This event focused on the dopest, most creative artists and designers in the Washington DC area. It was an honor to be asked to participate in this event. The response and the vibe was great! Check out a few photos of my fashion exhibition within the show below, photo credit Priscilla De Lima Ledesma:

I not only have a passion for styling but have a deep rooted interest in the visual arts. Wardrobe styling is my art and the expression of my creativity. I love being around those who express their creativity in all realms, specifically visual art. I had the opportunity intern as a curator under Mrs. Barbara Blanco, with Millenium Arts Salon, based here in DC. The exhibit featured various established artists around the globe. The show, “East to West”, focused on the influences an artists travels and life experiences expressed through their art. For more info. on Millennium Arts Salon and the forums they sponsor educating the community through the arts visit www.millenniumartssalon.org.

So, I know that was a long post…sorry, but so much has been going on in my world and I wanted to share it with everyone.

As always Be Blessed!

~L’Rai

Your Essence…

Welcome to The Essence of Style blog. I recently opened a wardrobe consultation company called The Essence of Style. I wanted to find a way to combine my love of Fashion, Art, and Music in a way that best represents me and helps others express themselves in ways they may not be aware they can. Check me out at www.theessenceofstyle.com You can view my work as well as upcoming events and contact information. Though this blogs first purpose is to keep people up to date on what I’m doing as a stylist and interact with me through my journey as a stylist, I also want to invite people to use this space as an open forum to talk about anything related to fashion, art, and music. Welcome to my world and stay True To You!