JOY

Joy Bryant is on this month's Elle magazine. While I'm not crazy about her weave in the shoot, I couldn't help but pull up some flawless photos from the past and share.

ART OF THE ANCIENTS.

First two: Nubians. Third image: Egyptian women.

WHAT IS AFRO-PUNK?

I personally appreciate the documentary film much more than the "movement," but after recently snatching a free TVOTR download on afropunk.com, I thought I would pose the question. The film and the movement have gotten a lot of heat from "other" punks, namely for dividing the punk scene into racial units. A lot of punks don't want to believe in race.

Other people argue that afro-punk has expanded into something beyond the punk rock scene, especially today. I mean, how are Mos Def and Janelle Monae (headliners for previous afro-punk festivals) punk rock? In response to this, afropunk.com argues:

Afro-punk is not as literal as Black punk rockers. It's a mind set, not defined by the clothes we wear or the hair style we rock. The images depicted are of the mind set.

The name "afro-punk" will never really make sense to people who don't want to see or discuss race. It also can't be a genre of music or a subunit of "the scene." Afro-punk is incredibly personal. And perhaps most importantly, it has changed the way a number of black musicians approach their craft.

MORE DUNYA ATAY: "ANIMALBOOK."

A duck's quack doesn't echo. Hearspray. Rats can't vomit. These are just a few of Dunya Atay's latest wisdoms shared through her "animalbook" project, which was published last February.

Dunya's work is a dream. No really, it reminds me of what I can recall from my dreams. She somehow captures familiar subject matter amidst phrases, texts, and objects that may not relate but overlap one another for unknown reasons. I'm a huge fan. Animalbook and Dunya's other mixed media work can be found in her Behance portfolio.

Follow Dunya Atay on Twitter and Facebook for more updates and info.

MILAN KNOWS PRINT: FENDI SPRING/SUMMER 2011.

Rich colors, intricate texture, and gorgeous shapes. Hands down, Fendi's RTW was my favorite Italian spring line this year. The clothing is creative and expressive, the perfect inspiration for an artistic-type who is looking for a stand-out summer wardrobe. Perhaps the best thing about this line is that it doesn't compromise any class or taste by showing too much skin-- proof that you can make a bold impression and still keep your integrity intact.

More MILAN KNOWS PRINT here.

HOWTO: WEAR YOUR DOCS FOREVER.

Doc Martens were a huge trend last year, but I believe in their lasting power. I bought my Docs bright and early before fall hit in 2009 and stopped wearing them this year until recently. These things have the durability to survive just about anything, so long as you don't follow the so-called "trendsetter's" method of outfitting Docs. In other words, I recommend that you don't do the following: 1) insist on only wearing Docs with a floral dress, 2) insist on buying Docs that have a hideous floral print, 3) insist on buying neon/fluorescent/bright shiny Docs, and/or 4) insist on wearing Docs with crazy color outfits to match your neon/fluorescent Docs.

Pay close attention to the colors on your outfit and the color of your Doc Martens. Don't make the boot stand out any more than it already does. Choose a subtle, dark toned (or black) Doc that allows for the rest of your outfit to look great. The best thing about Doc Martens is the posture and added confidence boost that they automatically give, so allow them to work their magic by showing off your legs and the rest of your outfit. And finally, don't assume that last year's floral dress + Doc trend is the end all be all outfit for these boots. Doc Martens look great with cigarette jeans, textured leggings, and short shorts as well as dresses.

[Sourced images, from top to bottom: Hipinion, Elle's Fashion Blog, Chictopia, and Faded Youth.]

ELIZABETH TAYLOR, 1932 - 2011.

She will be remembered only for great things.

RIP.

SPRINGTIME IN PARIS.

Parisian style is poppin' this spring! I'm impressed, the use of color in these photos is fantastic. Watch the video in full screen to catch all details.

Added: RIP Elizabeth Taylor.

OBAMA, ET AL: WHAT IS YOUR OBJECTIVE IN LIBYA?

The US government has been an embarrassing excuse for a  "superpower" in regards to the crisis in Libya. Some members of our brilliant government have said that the no-fly zone is not an attempt at regime change but instead a quick response to the danger posed against the civilians. Then others say that we (the Western powers) are liberating the Libyans of their forty-year-old dictatorship, kind of like the United States "liberated" Iraqis not too long ago. Indeed, Obama declared, "Gaddafi must go," although members of his military have stated otherwise. And of course, Dennis Kucinich and Ron Paul are on television arguing that the President has no right to impose a no-fly zone without congressional consent. The conversation is a mess. Who is right in this debate over the future of Libya?

Nobody. American politicians are doing what they do best: nothing. Instead of making a clear decision, members of the US government insist on babbling back and forth and contradicting one another. Does this mean that a no-fly zone is the best decision that the West should have made a long time ago? Absolutely not. The United States could have made an acceptable and respectable decision weeks ago, to either: 1) intervene in support of the revolutionary rebel groups [in other words, protect the oil market], or 2) let Libya fight its own battle. Both of these decisions come with their costs and benefits, but it makes sense to choose either one, provided the decision is made by a group of strong leaders who have carefully assessed the pros and cons.

Read my lips: the United States' intervention in Libya is a politicized decision-- one that will boost Obama's image (despite his ridiculously slow decision-making skills) and provide future presidential candidates with the soap box to critique the military strategies that are materializing at the moment. And because it's politics as usual here in the US, our government has not set a clear and rational objective in imposing a no-fly zone in Libya. The country's future is hence increasingly cloudy. Think about it, because our government isn't.

[Sourced image: Boston.com's Big Picture story on the UN air strikes in Libya.]

CUT COPY NEEDS YOU NOW.

Cut Copy's new album Zonoscope is on fire, likely because it's summer for the bandmates and we're still scraping ice off of our waterproof boots. Either way, this music will make you forget about your arctic surroundings and break out the lawn chairs and Country Time. Needless to say, CAKE BATTER is excited to see these guys live in a couple of months.

"Need You Now" is the opening track of the album and the group's latest single. The music video is odd, so I didn't really watch it.

MILAN KNOWS PRINT: BRIONI, MISSONI AND VERSACE 2011 SPRING RTW.

Apologies for being absent for what felt like a decade. CB is back and badder than ever with s'more MILAN KNOWS PRINT. Here, class meets sass and funk. Here are a couple of my favorite pieces from Brioni, Missoni and Versace's spring shows.

Brioni Spring Ready-to-Wear 2011.

Missoni Spring Ready-to-Wear 2011.

Versace Spring Ready-to-Wear 2011.

FIRST TUNIS, NOW CAIRO.

The Associated Press just released a video of a man being shot in an impassioned Egyptian protest that spread to the outer-suburbs of Cairo. There's not much more to say; the video has a jaw-dropping effect.

NECKBRACE, RATATAT ON CB PLAYLIST.

I know people found last summer's LP4 too predictable, and I know it's true. But I still enjoy this. Sue me.

MILAN KNOWS PRINT: ETRO SPRING 2011.

Ethnic funk with a lingering sizzle. Etro brings a wide array of African-inspired print to spring and summer fashion. From florals to zig-zags to intricate texture, there's something for everyone in this mix of cohesive crazies.

Click for more on MILAN KNOWS PRINT.

[Sourced images: ELLE.com]

THE ARAB WORLD ATTRIBUTES TUNISIA'S UPRISING TO THE FUNDAMENTALS OF DEMOCRACY.

There are those who say democracy is impossible where Islam is the predominant ruling force. "Those" are usually naive or politically-inclined Westerners, plus the Islamic fundamentalists that the West secretly hopes remain in power. The Arab press disagrees wholeheartedly with this assumption, and they aren't being quiet about Tunisia's revolution linking to democracy. It's a good point; Tunisia is a strong model for other Arab countries that are striving for democracy. But no one explains this as accurately and powerfully as Arab journalists, who understand that democracy does not necessarily need to replace local pride with cliched and culturally-exclusive American values. Writes al-Arabiyya:

“Are the Western values of justice, freedom, and democracy suitable for Arabs? There can be no denying that they are. As the second caliph Umar bin al-Khattab is said to have asked: ‘How can you enslave people when their mothers bore them as freemen?’...If an iconic figure like Umar promoted such values as freedom, justice, and accountability, do the Arabs really need to imitate the West? ... But whereas the West translated these values into tangible laws and civil institutions, the Arabs and Muslims merely touted them without following their spirit. And this is the fundamental difference between Western and Arab civilization. But now, with the Tunisian uprising, no one knows what direction their compass will point them. In any case, those Arabs who sincerely care for their country should study what is happening in Tunisia and do what needs to be done immediately to recreate the same set of facts in
their own land.”

[More Arab newspaper quotes found in the Economist.] 

Image Source: CHRISTOPHE ENA / AP (TIME Photos.)

"WITHOUT YOU," RAINBOW ARABIA: FIRST LISTEN.

Rainbow Arabia might just be the "next big thing" to transfer from Williamsburg parties to MTV playlists. Their single "Without You" gives listeners a catchy blend of loud, impassioned vocals and very visible percussion styles. The album Boys and Diamonds is up for grabs in March. (Click for more on Rainbow Arabia.)

MILAN KNOWS PRINT + PATTERN.

It's MLK weekend! Let's take a moment to thank Martin for the extra day off. For me, the "three day weekend" concept equates to hours of quenching my thirst for an interest that I may have set on the back burner. This weekend, that interest has been keeping up with today's definition of style. I'm not a huge fan of the latest trends, mainly because they inhibit my ability to push my style limitations. But on occasions, there is one trend that takes a necessary risk to introduce a new approach to style, and for this reason, it's important to observe trends and take note of when and how they may surpass a season.

In the January issue, ELLE listed "Mexican Riviera" as an up-and-coming trend that will be prevalent in spring and summer fashion. Among the pieces in this trend were incredible prints that skillfully blended color, pattern and texture into a gorgeous silhouette. Brilliant print overload isn't just found in "Mexican Riviera"-inspired pieces, though. And the style that should be noted is not the very specific idea of what is Mexican. That will come and go. Let's pay closer attention to prints and pattern, and how to couple them with solid color.

When flipping through the Spring/Summer collections for 2011, I concluded that the Milan shows kept it real. From Etro's ethnic to Missoni's mayhem to Moschino's Americana (featured in this post)-- each designer draws from a traditional notion of identity and transforms it into a slightly more accessible piece of modern fashion. Milan inspires and challenges what is considered "timeless style" by looking to very specific inspirations and coloring outside the lines with them. And while lot of people have complained about some of Milan's costume-like attire and mind-boggling pattern usage, there is enough variety for every individual to appreciate at least one look that opens him or her up to new horizons.

Milan's spring shows represent a sort of punk scene in the fashion industry, but certainly not in the cliched "dark and angry anarchist" way. Today, Milan's outfit stands out, it questions us and keeps us curious for more. And because CAKE BATTER is oh-so-hardcore, we're dedicating a series of posts to who we think are Italy's best designers and the brilliance that they have showcased in their spring/summer lines. MILAN KNOWS PRINT will feature the aforementioned designers' use of print and pattern, along with Pucci, Fendi, and a couple other innovative Italian lines.

For now, here is a closer look at Moschino:

[Sourced images from elle.com and fashiongonerogue.com.]

FLASHBACK: KATE MOSS, BURBERRY, AND OTHER TESTINO SHOTS.

Mario Testino is likely one of the best fashion photographers the world has seen. There aren't many who are as skilled at capturing the beauty behind style and influence, the two components that combine to create the celebrity phenomenon. Here are a look at black and white pieces from his immense body of work, including a previous Burberry campaign and other random shots that caught my eye.

FIRST LISTEN: THE SHOW GOES ON.

From Lupe Fiasco's upcoming LP Lasers. Miraculously, this man is able to make Modest Mouse-- a band I despise-- sound pretty good. Lupe's a cutie.

SUDAN'S NEW SOUTH, AS TOLD BY A SUDANESE.

Until recently, Sudan boasted its strongly diverse landscape and cultural makeup. Ancient pyramids dating from the Nubian dynasty decorate the country's North. The Blue-White Nile split marks the capital region and its three sub-cities of Omdurman, Khartoum proper, and Bahri. And from there, the Nile valley gives you a tour of the country's vast beauties, from traditional sword dances to fresh fish in the Port, to lush mango trees that grow in the South. This is the Sudan that today's Sudanese will always remember in pride, despite poor leadership within and without the country-- leaders that only serve to strip the people of their resources and strength. Leaders that hail from the States, Juba, Europe, Tel-Aviv, and Khartoum alike.

Sudan has never been new to political strife and controversy, but today we stand as two vulnerable nations. After every referendum ballot is submitted and New Sudan is announced, the two African countries will materialize and contradict the definition of Sudan. 

If the Southern people were actually given the rights that they deserve, this would be a different story. If there was a chance that both Sudan and New Sudan could be lead by fair and just politicians, then the referendum wouldn't lead to inevitable violence and divisions within South Sudan. If geo-politics surrounding all of Sudan weren't so baffling, if Sudan was truly free to self-determine itself, and if the country wasn't a victim of gross propaganda and slander perpetrated by corrupt Save Darfur and Lost Boy activists, then yes, the naive tale that the Western media tells of this "historic triumph" might actually become a reality.

But let's not be naive. A Sudanese secession is only a triumph for the countries that will reap the benefits of the Southern oil fields and leave the people to fight and fend for themselves as per usual. Divide and rule is alive and well, and accordingly, Sudan is not.

CAKE BATTER IS NOW CAKE-BATTER.COM

Welcome to CAKE-BATTER.COM.

Welcome to CAKE-BATTER.COM.

Welcome to CAKE-BATTER.COM.

Welcome to CAKE-BATTER.COM.

Welcome to CAKE-BATTER.COM.

Welcome to CAKE-BATTER.COM.

Welcome to CAKE-BATTER.COM.

Welcome to CAKE-BATTER.COM.

Welcome to CAKE-BATTER.COM.

Welcome to CAKE-BATTER.COM.

VALENTINO SPRING 2011 CAMPAIGN.

“This is a very feminine, stylish campaign, with a light, playful twist that reveals the Spring 2011 collection’s airy atmosphere and captures the brand’s lifestyle.”

[Valentino’s Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli tell Style.com.]

Following a highly successful Spring 2011 RTW show, Valentino has revealed its campaign. Black and white, delicate, and feminine, the campaign photographs will feature top models Freja Beha Erichsen, Caroline Brasch Nielsen, and Julia Saner (Saner is photographed below). Valentino's spring pieces were a hit mainly because they showcased timeless style and beauty. I personally love the intricate ruffled pieces, the pops of solid red clothing, and the varied fabrics that still managed to be cohesive. The new ad's photos capture the collection well by simply trusting the beauty of natural light.

BRAZIL TO HOLD PALESTINE'S FIRST EMBASSY IN THE WEST.

After Brazil's historic recognition of the conflict-laden region, a Palestinian embassy is in the works.

Recap: Brazil and a number of other South American countries have publicly recognized Palestine within "pre-1967 borders." Israel has deemed this decision as "seriously harmful." America is mad, too (shocking). Meanwhile, the rest of the world is happy to see some sort of progress materialize. More information can be found in Al Jazeera's article.

[Sourced image contains an excerpt from Joe Sacco's Footnotes in Gaza.]

HIROSHIMA BAGS.

I saw my friend with a Hiroshima bag and was mesmerized. Incredibly well made and gorgeous, soft leather texture. Needless to say I am jealous. Oh well.

[Source image from Hiroshima Singapore Facebook group, includes a bag from the latest Hiroshima spring/summer line.]

JERRY BROWN SWORN IN AS DEMOCRATIC GOVERNOR OF CALIFORNIA.

It's about damn time. In response to this, Schwarzenegger declined to say anything but, "I'll be back."

[A slightly more honest news report can be found on BBC.]

DUNYA ATAY: VISUAL GENIUS.

Word on the street is Turkish mixed media artist Dunya Atay is pretty incredible. CAKE BATTER agrees. According to Trendland,

“Dunya Atay does not use any glue, scissors or photoshop! The Istanbul based illustrator uses only ink and markers on various fashion magazines to create her beautiful art.”

I flipped through her portfolio and was in love with both her old and new work. Her older stuff has a cartoon-like quality to them, whereas her recent pieces contain a lot of the original magazine elements. It's cool viewing the natural progression, see for yourself.

[Source: Dunya's e-portfolio.]