Too Big to Fail

After racing to the theater to catch the highly anticipated release of “This Is It” last night, I woke up this morning to an upsetting and utterly appalling critique of the film, written by New York Times writer Chris Richards.

Chris, I can only conclude that every morning you wake up on the wrong side of the bed and perhaps, this is a mere reflection of your discerning disposition on any given day. But as a zealous fan of the King of Pop, I cringed and clinched as I digested your chilling thoughts this morning. [along with my granola bar for breakfast]

It’s painfully obvious that you're short sighted and lack depth to appreciate the biggest artist in music history. I mean, it's rare for mere mortals to materialize the vision of a musical genius and you're a prime example. During the 111 minute film, I'm going to assume that you were too busy jotting down your preconceived perceptions that you paid little attention to the actual footage. There's no way that we saw the same concert.

Last night, I saw the magic behind a well-woven production in the making, while you saw nothing more than a string of dress rehearsals? I caught a glimpse of Michael's peerless voice ringing in full throttle. And at age 50, he easily upstaged his dancers while shuffling through his signature moves to say: “At least you get a feel of it.”

And you consider that half-singing and half-dancing?

Sure, during rehearsal he baby sat every aspect of production just as anyone with a superior inclination for music would do. To us, he bickered with his music producer over 808s and voice infliction, when in fact; his bionic ears deciphered every vibration and sound pattern of the song.

We did, however, agree on one thing and one thing only. The dry run of “I Can't Stop Loving You” was undeniably the film’s highlight. My heart melted instantly as Michael crooned his hit and poured out bits and pieces of his raw soul.

Don’t worry, I won’t spill anymore details ― just go see it yourself. I don't know what you were watching Chris, but I caught a glimpse of someone whose passion for music left little room for disappointment. Everyone's entitled to an opinion I guess. So, in the words of Michael last night... let it burn and the lights out.

Goodnight.

The Strangest Comfort

What's your interpretation of the photo above?

A pair of retro Air Jordans meshed into an obscure foreign object or an intriguing mosaic piecing together the fabric of mainstream urban culture? Either you're the twenty-something die hard Jordan fanatic, or you know someone with an immaculate collection.

For bragging rights, every now and then you [or them] will carefully pull out your most prized possessions and marvel at the vast empire you've earnestly built since boyhood.

Hardly worn [if ever] and preserved in the original shoe box, these made your heart melt before it fluttered for any girl.

Ironically, that same delicate treatment is being shown right now at the National Museum of the American Indian, where Indian artist Brian Jungen's Air Jordan sculpture is showcased at his newest exhibit.
Rightfully so, the Air Jordan mask is displayed behind premium plexiglass and theatrical spotlighting ― the same treatment given to any sacred artifact at a museum.

Those aren't just any sneakers though, but the most prized of them all. The ones that cause stampedes at local malls whenever a new model debuts. The ones that single-handedly transformed the fashion of athletic shoe design when the line launched in 1985.

Yes, the ones that the G.O.A.T Michael Jordan himself wore when he was fined $5,000 per game for playing ball in his own shoes ― which were banned from the NBA's footwear policy.

Surprisingly, Jungen merges popular culture and art with his latest masterpiece, showing that "Indian-ness" exceeds the skewed perception of head beads and cultural carvings.

His unconventional approach to contemporary artwork will make you rethink what the actual object really is and ponder any underlying meaning behind what it could be.
From high-end shoes to sports jerseys, golf bags and plastic chairs, Jungen uses everyday objects laying around the house to disband stereotypes of Indian art on a regular basis.

It's the strangest comfort to know that those red, black and white Jordans can no longer be worn as shoes, but more so as a cultural mask.

And how the deconstruction of the well-designed shoe can make you ponder its global impact on popular culture.
Or maybe it's just me, I guess I find comfort in the strangest things.

Visit Brian Jungen's exhibit, "Strange Comfort" from October 16, 2009–August 8, 2010 at the National Museum of American Indian on the National Mall, Washington, DC

Serenade To The Supremes

"When the bold branches/
Bid farewell to rainbow leaves/
Welcome wool sweaters." -B.Cybrill

We're in the midst of fall and that calls for knitted sweaters, leggings and my favorite ― cardigans!

As I flip through this month's issue of Essence, I must applaud beauty and cover director, Mikki Taylor for setting the tone for the season. The cover's sultry green hues infused with warm earth tones truly rekindle the spirit of fall, the most exciting time for fashion.
Speaking of fashion, I'm uber excited about the issue's fabulous style picks that include no other singing group than The Supremes. Since, I'm known for exalting exuberance and excellence myself, [hence the blog's description] it's only fitting that I pay homage to the1960s Motown divas. After all, three young girls with big dreams rose from Detroit's housing projects and ascended to iconic heights with a string of number one hits, becoming one of the most successful female groups of all time. I think that's pretty commendable. 
So, here's my ode to them:

The fashion industry has electrified since Michelle O. became the first African-American first lady. The fitted belts, string of pearls, brooches and wool skirts seem to blend her signature style while adding distinction from her drab predecessors. But whoever Michelle's stylist is ― I'm sure she/he draws constantly from the old-school, doo-wop style The Supremes popularized nearly fifty years ago.

Known for their classic music and even classier style picks, the trio's eye-popping and glitzy costumes inspired legions of black girls and women across the country ― they too, could look sophisticated, elegant and chic. I'm sure my mother and her friends giddily strutted across their living rooms when The Supremes swirled around in shimmering and lavish gowns on "The Ed Sullivan Show."

Unfortunately, I was denied that coveted experience as a young girl growing up. Being a product of Generation Y, trends change ever millisecond and it's hard to stay abreast of the latest style when the high-waisted jeans you bought two seasons ago are now a no-go and you're off to scoop the next big thing. I just can't keep up, so I don't.

Meanwhile, I would've loved to peek into Diana's fitting room to observe the elaborate styling process that took place before each performance. Since I can't hop in a time machine, I've decided to channel my inner Diana Ross and company's fall fashion pieces, which will make timeless staples in my wardrobe. Here's to oldies, but goodies...

Suited and Booted

I absolutely love the bold-colored trench coats the trio popularized. With brisk winds and rainy days during fall, a professional woman needs a tailored coat to take her from the boardroom to church. As for footwear, I can't go wrong with black suede boots.

 Mix it Up 

Washington, D.C. gets cold, but not like the chilly weather in The Supremes' hometown of Detroit, Michigan. With that said, I think I'm going to opt for standard leather gloves instead of the elbow-high ones from my grandmother's prom. But I can give my sweaters a little pizzazz with one or two crystal brooches and I'll layer up with a cashmere checkered scarf.

Shady Weather

Black and bold shades are fall essentials that instantly add mystique and edge to any outfit. It doesn't matter if there's a monsoon outside, I always want to be taken seriously or at least, look like it. 

Big Hair and Bigger Earrings

I like sleek, straight hair during the summer. When fall arrives it's time for my glamorous "Dream Girl hair" ― affectionately coined by my friends and family. For this look you don't need a wig, but streams of big, dazzling curls. And with BIG hair, you need oversized jeweled earrings to exaggerate the look.

I always have fun remixing my doo-wop look, what do you think?

A Fabulous Find

I'm sure you've seen a woman with gorgeous cascading curls and fierce Jimmy Choo pumps, but her foundation was terribly wrong. By that I mean it was two shades lighter, caked to her pores and oozed off once the sun striked.  For that same reason, I've steered clear of wearing foundation for years ― especially if it's that liquid, messy kind. But I've found a make up line designed to prevent such atrocities from ever occurring.

Bilkerdijk is a New York-based company that specializes in "custom blended foundation" that is quickly mixed up by a consultant to perfectly match your skin tone. The company was founded by a black celebrity make up artist from Holland, Barbara Bilkerdijk. Similar to my frustrations, Barbara launched the line out of dissatisfaction with the heavy and unflattering make up that is saturating the market now. Now, my own beauty essentials usually doesn't exceed  golden eye shadow, Dior black out mascara and a thin liner, but Bilkerdijk is definitely worth the works. Trust me, whether you're a professional everyday woman or a glam queen, this foundation will illuminate your natural hues and leave you with a fabulous finish.

My own mother, a make up extraordinaire who's been faithful to Iman products for years, was so impressed with Bilkerdijk's foundation that she bought the foundation, shades of lipstick, eye shadows and everything else. So, if you  live in the New York area or plan on visiting, go get your own bottle of customized foundation. There's one location in NYC and another in New Jersey. If you're visiting and your initial bottle of foundation runs low, mail it back for a refill and your personal blend will be saved in the system.

Ciao!

Politickin' and Parlayin': The Real Art of Networking

Do you want to know what really nails the art of networking? It doesn't involve schmoozing to the big shots in the room or even chasing them for a chance. When you pull this out, you're guaranteed to beeline straight to the VIPs while everyone else fades in the background. Still wondering?

It's a camera. Not just a regular point-and-shoot from Wal-Mart ― but a rugged, high-resolution, 10.1-megapixel professional camera used by serious photographers. It has a $1,000 price tag, but it's probably the most worthwhile investment you'll ever make. I recently found out the advantages of this pricey tool during the Congressional Black Caucus' annual conference.

Roland Martin, one of my favorite journalists  made an appearance at a posh reception that took place during the conference. He strutted into the night club with a slew of camera men who were filming footage for his new show on TV ONE, Washington Watch with Roland Martin. While he was flagged down for pictures, the cameras captured him two-stepping and wooing the crowd with his fancy footwork.

Being that I absolutely love this man [seriously] for his candid and cool back approach to politics, I had to get a close up with us together. A friend of mine hurriedly pulled out his Canon 40D, snapped the picture and I was happy. Instead of that moment highlighting the evening, Roland smoothly slid my camera man friend his business card which sealed the night. The bottom line is that I need to get a camera ― a professional one ― because it's apparently the golden ticket to networking.