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.....

Respect the Shooters: Cody LaPlant & Damien Klaven

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In a world where we tend to focus on the artist on the stage, CopyWrite has always appreciated the men (and women) behind the scenes. 

Which is why we will happily welcome to our spotlight, videographers Cody LaPlant and Damien Klaven. 

Photo Cred: Weston Rich // via www.westonrich.tumblr.com

Photo Cred: Weston Rich // via www.westonrich.tumblr.com

This powerful duo is a force to be reckoned with by themselves but get them together and watch out for the flames. There visuals bring together a whole new outlook onto the story-telling effects that can be seen in video. Taking modern twists on historical landmarks and creating a whole new voice to something that might have felt lifeless before. 

With collaborative videos for a list of local creatives such as WebsterX, Ish Darr, New Age Narcissism, Kiings, Antics, Job Jetson, Reggie Bonds and Milwaukee's own Among The Prime fashion collections; we understand the hype to get these videographers on your team. 

Check out there 2015 demo reels below and be on the lookout for what 2016 may bring.

Grandparent's Closet: Code Zero

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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 takes one-of-a-kind “vintage” clothing from his relatives closet and gives it a modern twist.

Today we want to share with you a vintage code zero classic old school genuine leather suede jacket giving to Vato by his Great Uncle. The Black in the jacket is leather and suede and forest green in the jacket is all suede with the words "Code Zero". This jacket has gotten a lot of attention.

Model: Jakhaan

Instagram: @Jakhaan

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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.

On the Street Fashion - Oby Nwabuzor ( @obyoso )

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I’d just arrived to the coffee shop and Oby comes in seconds behind. And as she walked in I promise you her theme song should have been, I’m The Plug while you hear “draped in all designer, draped in all designer” in our Future voice playing in the background.

Black frames, black leather tote bag, black leather gloves, black long fit trench with a black fur collar, blue jean denim with ½ inch cuffs, and black boots! “Oby OhSoFly has just entered the building,” I said with open arms.

Oby style is very hard to be placed in a box. She likes to reference style as a genre, a mixer between business and urban. Because of her family traditions and proper upbringing she was held to a higher standard of presentation. Oby is very clean and neat in her everyday attire but you can see her very cultural background as she represents her Nigerian roots through her style.

Professionalism is key when it comes to picking out her outfits. With a traditional Monday through Friday work life, why not add some style in the business world? And did we mention when she’s not killing the professional world with her style, she’s working with local brands like Mission10Eleven and the House of Renji.

Inspiration for Oby comes from artist like Teyanna Taylor and Janelle Monae, but she continues to create her own lane in fashion. As a true shoe-a-holic we might say, Oby owns a wide variety of shoes such as Jordans, Timberlands, Nikes, and loafers; combined with a more feminine collection of heels from classy to retro, to switch up the game when needed. One of her favorite pieces is this vintage bomber jacket shown below.

Favorite places to shop: H&M, Boston Store, K&G Fashions, for jeans - Levi only

Follow her Instagram for more fashionable updates @obyoso

IMAGES AND INTERVIEW BY VATO VERGARA

Grandparent’s Closet: 8 BALL

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Introducing CopyWrite’s newest 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 takes one-of-a-kind “vintage” clothing from his relatives closet and gives it a modern twist.

So, today we want to share with you a leather jacket originally owned by Vato’s father. This leather jacket features red, mustard and black details with the number 8 on the back of the jacket and elbows. It’s sure to catch anyone’s eye. Let us know what you think of it below.

Model: Diallo Mayo

Instagram: @ProfessorD_TSU 

 

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.

PressBite: Quinton Maurice of O2G (Sip & Shop)

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Instagram Like! Going!

Quinton Maurice, Stylist & Designer, has been forming his mark on the industry. Recently (October 3rd, 2015) he unveiled a new venture, O2G’s Sip & Shop, with an event in his home town of MKE. The event ran from 4pm to 11pm but I arrived around 7pm. As I walked in to the O2G’s Sip & Shop, there were already announcements and acknowledgements being given. Quinton shared with the crowd of people about his journey thus far in the fashion industry. He also showed his front cover on J.Marie Magazine, another form of media here in Milwaukee, WI. The location of the event was held at the freshly opened local shoe store Trusted Kicks,  located on the fashion district of Water Street. As I continued to browse around I noticed some clothing that caught my eye, customized ripped t shirts and personalized graphic sweatshirts. Trust me when I say the items where one of a kind. For entertainment he gave out unlimited supply of Absolut Vodka, and a DJ on the 1s and 2s. Many people appeared to share the moment with O2G in Milwaukee. I walked up to get a photo with Quinton who was already surrounded by many others who wanted to talk and take pictures with the man of the night. This showed me the love his city has for him. Though he no longer lives here his presence is definitely noted. Quinton’s relevancy can be seen by his stylistic works with the multiple “celebrities” he has worked with such as Sammie, Will from Day 26, Mimi Faust, and Milwaukee’s own Jacob Latimore.

Quinton will definitely be coming back to his hometown and share more of his journey with his city, and of course we will be watching.




On The Street Fashion - Virgilette Adams (@artsyqveen)

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Virgilette refers to her style as a timeless era. What she wears usually matches her mood; always being unpredictable in her everyday outfits. She titles it - Modern Vintage.

Favorite Shopping Locations: thrifting at Goodwills and taking trips to Chicago for a store called Belmont. 

 

Virgilette gets her style inspiration from the 40s and 80s. Colors Patterns and artwork influences what wears in the beginning of her day. Musical talent Janelle Monae and Virgilette shares similar taste when it comes to fashion.

Favorite Item: Virgilette prefers to be comfortable when she makes a final decision on her outfit of the day. One of her favorite items being her vintage acid wash high wasted jeans with 3 buttons in front of the waistline. She says it's easy to be versatile when incorporating them into her outfits.  

Follow her on Instagram to see more of her looks: @artsyqveen

IMAGES AND INTERVIEW BY VATO VERGARA