Vato's Run Down On MKE Fashion Week 2016

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Milwaukee Fashion Week was definitely a memorable experience. The three days consisted of lots of style, designs, and beautiful people. Right in the mix of things, CopyWrite (CW) was in the building every night (styling, of course). As media, we even got to check out the scene before all the attendees arrived. As the crowd filled in on the first day, I began to observe what Milwaukee Fashion Week was really all about. With CW’s Editor-in-Chief, Art Director, and Photographer with me, we set out to find dope designers, fashionistas, and runway killers.

Let me give you a rundown of this 3-day event:

Day 1:

CopyWrite's attire for the night consisted of an Oriental theme; Chinese robes, chop sticks in hair, and accessories that matched to set it all off. We came in to notice that MFW made a mistake about the WHOLE TEAM (#SQUAD) coming to cover the event. But you know CopyWrite, we all still got in. We set up shop and started introducing ourselves to the many people we encountered. We even got to meet the individuals behind the scenes of the event; Deb, Abe, and Kryg. As well as Miss Wisconsin, who ripped the runway as a model for a few designers. During the intermission; CW got to highlight some styles from fashionable people, fun supporters, great designers, and even some of our followers. (See our Instagram this week). Our two design favorites for the night were B.A.Q, and Em Ris.

Fashion?

I'm guessing since it was the first day; not many fashionable people came. We felt a little over dressed. We went overboard coming in styled themes, but that’s just how CopyWrite likes to express ourselves (We do us!). However, the fashion in the show was awesome. It built anticipation for the days to follow.

Day 2:

Our presence at MFW was definitely notice the night before. We got in with no problem; "You guys are good," so we strutted on in. This day CW dressed in our own personal styles; to express our individuality but still reflecting our unity. I wore layers, with color coordination. Carsyn came with the classy but edgy side to her style. Lexi displayed her cultural eloquence look, and Madhi took on a clean punk rock hipster style.

Everyone must have talked up Fashion Week Day 1, because everyone got the memo now. There were so many faces in the building. So many fashionable people; I was thrilled to capture photos of the people in style. Black and white color schemes seemed popular. Men were styled in various jacket cuts; denims, blazers, and leather. Many of them even had on this seasons trending colors on. Great job to us men for putting a little time and effort in #WeSeeYou. I loved the look of women in the short and fitted dresses, long stylish skirts, and accessories that compliment outfits. People were definitely trying to make statements this time around.

Day 3:

The last day of Fashion Week, everything seemed to be moving fast; the people, the conversations, and the event itself. This was fun for us. My good associate, Christine Yang was one of the designers in the showcase with her line as Christine James. She without a doubt caught my fashion eye with her amazing choices in detail, style, and great music for her models to stump to. My favorite piece was the over the shoulder fur scarf. I can still see myself rocking it now.

This night, was a fashion must for attendees. Photos are a must see. But did you see the ladies of CopyWrite though???? Good Gawd. Everyone was dressed to impress; tailored suits, glamorous dresses, and all purpose outfits, rockin’ furs and prints. That’s what we all had been waiting for.

Fashion Week in Milwaukee was interesting to see. Maybe even kindled a few new features for the fashion spread in our next issue....stay tuned.

Overall, it had a good turn out. I've been in places around the city on a everyday basis with more fashion, and glamour then a fashion show, but this was all about the talented designers, and the great cause; supporting Pathfinders. I just hope the city sees the potential, and we strive for more in the fashion realm of the 414.

- Vato

See the photos of the event here.

 

 

 

SuperDopeCloset Blast

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Quinton Shotwell has taken flight, so about 2 years ago, Quinton launched his business, SuperDopeCloset. I personally had a wonderful time at his 'Sip&Shop' pop-up shop and I really got to see him in his element. At this event, Q showed love and remained humble on so many levels. I was just happy to be invited to one of his successful endeavors. It's amazing how he followed his dream and brought it to reality. SuperDopeCloset's CEO now lives in ATL and styles for a multitude of different music artists like some of the cast of 'Love and HipHop ATL', Gucci Mane, Rick Ross, Black Youngsta, Migos, Sammie, Milwaukee Own's Jacob Latimore, Zaytoven, Young Dolph and the list goes on.

He plans to open up shop here in Milwaukee and talk about ways he want to give back.

Be on the look out for SuperDopeCloset.

/Vato

Grandparent's Closet : Men's Top Coat

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Introducing CopyWrite’s fashion series, Grandparent’s Closet.

We all have those one-of-a-kind or very unique items that we love to wear. The big question is “where did you get it from?” and with no shame; our fashion editor Vato will say his Grandparents Closet. “If your grandparents we’re as cool as mines when they were younger, then I’m sure you’re familiar with what’s in their closet.”

In this segment, Vato displays his quarter length trench coat his grandfather thrifted.

Today we want to share with you a vintage Tan Men’s Top Coat with complimented with a chocolate fur collar, His grandfather calls it the chocolate chip coat. The coat has fur inside but your able to remove the fur, to have a light trip in your day.

/Vato

Instagram @Vatomke

WANT TO BE FEATURED IN GRANDPARENT’S CLOSET?

Have an amazing set of earrings from your Aunt? A killer pair of retro jerseys from pops? E-mail us at copywrite.mke@gmail.com to be featured in our next post.

Vatofied Experience // CW Premiere

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We live off of creativity at CopyWrite. It's who we are. It's why we get up in the morning. 

Our Fashion Editor Vato is the same way. Vato is a triple threat in every sense of the word. When he's not making music, hosting events, organizing a photoshoot or working for Milwaukee non-profit companies, Vato brings new and innovative ideas to CopyWrite. This time, Vato brings us Lookbook Volume 1 from his Vatofied Experience. 

Though we want to keep him to ourselves, our fashion editor is a stylist and an image consultant ready to make sure you're ready for any occasion.

Peep Volume 1 of his lookbook below and get fresh by emailing Vato at paidwithroots@gmail.com. And see the rest of his lookbook right here.

MKE Street Style with Ashleigh

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MKE street style with Ashleigh // FB: Ash Ashleigh Early

Ashleigh is a good friend of mine. We go way back to our high school days. We always had common interest but as we got older; style became a priority. When I linked back up with Ashleigh she definitely has something to say in the way she dressed. Ashleigh and I met for our interview at a park in the Eastside area. As she arrive; she comes walking gracefully through the bushes with this long light denim color trench flowing like a sweet sweet aroma. 

Leaves were everywhere and the sheek look she had complimented very well. Under the trench she wore a wool grey cardigan and a long sheek floral dress with a beautiful maroon fedora. The colors was setting for the season. 

Ashleigh's is all about thrifting at the inexpensive and expensive thrift stores, we both caught each other one time shopping in the same thrift store. When shopping she loves searching for heavy and thick materials. Overall materials is important; the feel of it, the texture, the color, basically making sure it's the right one. 

There's a few people that inspire Ashleigh but most importantly women who can walk in there own identity and help her find what it looks like to dress with confidence. Solange is a great example of Ashleigh inspiration in her style. 

She enjoys gaining inspiration from other cultures to liven up her style once in a while. Being herself, loving herself, and being comfortable in her own skin creates a personal style all her own. 

/Vato

Photographer: Tiandra Coleman, co-owner of Lotus Lion Productions

MKE Street Style with Shakayla Curtis

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Shakayla Curtis (FB: Kayla Danielle)

Shakayla Curtis (FB: Kayla Danielle)

What is your style?

My style... Hmmm I would have to say My style is very modern chic. Very stylish but extremely graceful. I'm always about updating classics when I choose my garments and pieces.

Who or what influences your wardrobe or style?

My influence for my style comes from the way I am feeling at that moment when I am getting dressed. If I am sad I tend to go for pieces that will uplift me... Make me feel good about myself you know. If I am happy and joyful it presents itself through my choice of clothing. I was also truly inspired by the fashion presented in "Sex in the city"! Those women gave me soooooo much life. Whomever the stylist was for that film did an amazing job!

How does your closet look?

My closet looks like a thrift store lol. I am a recent graduate from Tennessee State University and all the while in college I was unable to afford to shop anywhere but thrift stores. Being also a recent mother of twin girls my finances hasn't permitted for me to go purchase a completely new wardrobe! But the good thing about fashion IT ALWAYS REPEATS ITSELF! So my pieces work out just fine.

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Favorite Places to shop?

I enjoy thrifting, any second hand store. I am really into H&m, Windsor and Akira.

What is your favorite clothing item, why?

My favorite clothing item that I currently have would be my smock shirt I designed and created myself. My intention is never to become a designer and creating that shirt in one of my required courses in college was a huge accomplishment for me. I will never forget me thinking "I'm going to fail this class" because I am not good at drawing or sewing, but because of my shirt that I created, I passed my course with an A. Very humbling experience that I will never forget.

/Vato

Men Styling & Profiling Part 2

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Dressing well is a form of good manners." 

So our fashion editor Vato sat down and discussed style with a series of trendy men for a two part series.

Read below and be on the lookout for the Stylish Men in Milwaukee feature in CopyWriteMag fashion segment.

Brandis "Mr.NewYork" Frater

What is style to you?

"Style is Embracing cultures and putting them on your body to me."

How would you define your style?

"I can't define my style because I like wearing what ever looks cool to me."

When did you first notice you had style?

"I still think I can't dress 😂😂😂  hard to embrace it lol" 

Dino Black

What is style to you?

" 'Style' to me is identity. It says who you are and what you believe in."

How would you define your style?

"My style if I had to truly describe it, I'd say comfort & elegant."

When did you first notice you had style?

"I never noticed I was stylish, I just always do what feels right. It's a humbling feeling when others share thoughts and opinions based upon my 'style.' "

Favorite Style-Related Quote?

"I quote 'Own & Love Thee Five.' "

Kendall GMoore Russell

What is style to you?

"To me style is a art form, it shows off your characteristics, and it's portrays who you are."

How would you define your style?

"I would define my style as simple yet, I stand out, and kinda Californian like lol."

When did you first notice you had style?

"I noticed I was stylish after I allowed my ex to dress me bout 2 or 3 years ago." 

Anthony Parley 

What is style to you?

"Style Is Love."

How would you define style?

"Style is Your Own Personal Vision that embodies who are, what you are and what you stand for."

When did you first notice you had style?

"When I stopped dressing the norm and took risks to be different with clothing, patterns, designs. And then I start setting my own trends." 

Charles Smith

What is style to you?

"Style is a way to speak without having to. A way to express yourself, take risks, and be synthetic."

How would you define style?

"My style is simplistic, edgy, timeless, and thought provoking."

When did you first notice you had style?

"I noticed around the 4th grade." 

Favorite Style-Related Quote?

"My quote basically goes along with the first question."

If you want to be featured in out next segment on Men's Fashion please email us at copywrite.mke@gmail.com.

MKE Street Style with Rakim Wil

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Rakim agrees to meet in front of my home on the porch. As I sit, awaiting his arrival, I hear wheels rubbing the concrete pavement. I look toward the sound and Rakim comes boarding down the block in full speed. He hops off his skateboard as if it wasn’t nothing. The homie was fly, he just skated with $800 kicks on (Yeezy’s); we sit and start the interview.

My 1st question for him was ‘How are you?’ he replies with a familiar phrase by saying "Sensational."

What is your style?

Rakim Wil considers himself to be the street prince. Pink Silk, Polyester, and Shiny Material are what you can catch him wearing. Very different from the usual

Who or what influence your style?

Prince, Theophilus London, Ken Rebel, Luka Sabbat and Ian Connor are influences; when it comes to his personal style.

Whats something you would wear all the time?

Rakim said he will wear his Yeezy’s everywhere. They’re $800 kicks, so why not rock them every chance you get. But he also says he doesn’t have to think about what he has to wear, its already envisioned; it’s a process that is already instilled in the fashion membrane.

Name places you shop to find your style of clothing?

Joann’s Resale, Value Village, H&M at Bayshore and GetBlatzed Vintage.

Rakim wants everybody to know he is a VISIONARY. And ready to share his passion with fashion.

After the interview Rakim wanted to acknowledge some of the individuals in the city he likes to believe has the juice in the fashion industry.

Here’s his top 10:

• KLASSIK

• Rakim Wil

• Debonair

• Vato Vergara

• Lamontrés

• Carson Kellogg

• Kane The Rapper

• EyeSeeYou (Lorde Fredde & FreeDOM)

• Chris G

• Cool Tay

/VATO

Men Styling & Profiling Part One

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First impressions are fundamental in setting you apart from the competition.

So our fashion editor Vato sat down and discussed style with a series of trendy men for a two part series.

Read below and be on the lookout for the Stylish Men in Milwaukee feature in CopyWriteMag fashion segment and stay tuned for Part Two.

Alex Edwards

What is style to you?

"Style to me is everything!"

How would you define your style?

"My style - is like the male peacock. I wear all different types of different colors. Some people think I be showing off, but it attracts the ladies."

When did you first notice you had style?

"Like 5 or 6, when my moms use to keep me in all the new Jordans." 

Favorite Style-Related Quote?

"Some get fly, I am fly."

Rakim Wil

What is style to you?

"Style Is Your Essence and Aura as a Whole. "

How would you define your style?

"EXPRESSIVE."

When did you first notice you had style?

"LAST YEAR." 

Favorite Style-Related Quote?

"STYLE IS PURE EXPRESSION."

Jeffrey McAlister 

What is style to you?

"Style is subjective to me; it is slanted towards the individual, and what he or she prefers to wear. So, I always make sure that my personality and my intention is reflected in my look, not my taste in copying famous people and their bank account.

I want to show people that they can get great pieces from anywhere and make it their own. I want to show that style is about your creative ability."

How would you define your style?

"I would have to go with dapper! Neatly and stylishly dressed. Well fitted, tailored clothing, accented with splashes of color with lapel flowers, pocket squares, socks and other men accessories."

When did you first notice you had style?

"I really started to notice it by the time I entered into high school. I grew up in a small town that did not have much to offer as far as good shopping so my parents always brought me up here to buy clothes for school. Those experiences is what peaked my interest and I started reading GQ and expanding from there growing into my own style." 

Favorite Style-Related Quote?

“Whatever signature look you create, be bold and own it with confidence!"

Rosario

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What is style to you?

"Style is everything.... its creativity, its how you feel.... its way of life."

How would you define your style?

"Fresh Prince Of Milwaukee."

When did you first notice you had style?

"6th grade when them haters came lol."

If you want to be featured in out next segment on Men's Fashion please email us at copywrite.mke@gmail.com.

Street Style Interview with Meraki

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Read out fashion editors interview with stylish and sultry artist, Meraki.

What is your style?

"I'd say my style varies. For the most part it kind of displays the person I am. Very carefree and simplistic. I enjoy wearing colors that compliment my skin tone. Since I am a brown skin girl my favorite colors are all tones of nude colors, grey, olive, and dark Browns. I like for my nails to be nude colors as well. I enjoy dark lipsticks (preferably burgundy), high waist denim, vinyl material type clothing, distressed stitching, cropped tops, etc.I think style is just a way to make yourself feel good inside and out, admire yourself, and to express emotion and creativity. It's apart of who you are."

Who or what influences your wardrobe?

"I'd say women like Vashtie influences my tom boy style. Sometimes I like to wear baggy apparel, boxer briefs, cropped tops and more. She also influences my interest in street wear. Karrueche and Rihanna influence my more girly side. They've put me onto a lot of sites for clothes. Their style is very dope and I've found myself merely mimicking them from time to time in HS."

How does your closet look?

"My closet is full of stuff I'm ready to get rid of lol. I go through phases sometimes and get an urge to switch everything up. I have lots of street wear things, selection of heels and tennis shoes, and random stuff lol."

Favorite places to shop?

"My favorite places to shop are of course American Apparel, Matte Brand and NastyGal."

What is your favorite clothing item, why?

"I'd say my favorite clothing item would have to be my supreme hockey jersey or my grey suede jump site. My hockey jersey bc it displays my Tom boy side and it's just dope as hell. Very rare. My suede jumpsuit because jumpsuits compliment the figure of a woman and suede is one of my favorite fabrics."

And if you want to hear Meraki do her thing, listen to her song, "HurtALitte" featuring the homie Von Alexander below.

- Vato

"HURTALITTLE" ft. Von Alexander Written & Performed by Meraki Produced by ClntFrd (@ClntFrd) Recorded, mixed, master by @JBMIXEDIT Follow Meraki on Twitter: twitter.com/Merakicsl Follow ClntFrd on Twitter: twitter.com/clntfrd Follow Von Alexander on Twitter: twitter.com/whatsupvon Follow Meraki on Instagram: instagram.com/merakicsl it might hurt a lot.....

"HURTALITTLE" ft. Von Alexander Written & Performed by Meraki Produced by ClntFrd (@ClntFrd) Recorded, mixed, master by @JBMIXEDIT Follow Meraki on Twitter: twitter.com/Merakicsl Follow ClntFrd on Twitter: twitter.com/clntfrd Follow Von Alexander on Twitter: twitter.com/whatsupvon Follow Meraki on Instagram: instagram.com/merakicsl it might hurt a lot.....