'The Colour of Beauty' Documentary

Initially, I saw this a couple months back but recently Highsnobette posted it and again I watched it and was angered and moved by the video, so I decided to share with all of you. It pains me to see that in this "post racial" era that we are supposedly living in women such as the model featured in this film are seen as "too round" or having "a booty" or thick mid-section (if any body part of her is thick, I'm obese). It is totally unacceptable and repugnant that designers are flat out able to state "NO AFRICAN-AMERICANS" allowed at casting calls--it is understandable that there are "looks" that fashion campaigns are in search of, but to come right out and say that the only type of African-American girls that are needed are ones that look as if they are a white girls dipped in chocolate, leaves me at a loss. These girls are not afforded the same rights that working professionals are--i.e. Equal Opportunity Employers, we often take these rights for granted. 

One of the agent's made a ridiculous point that white people are the ones with money to buy this high-end clothing and they'd like to think they're buying it from other white people, hence, the all white models. Minorities have substantial buying power contrary to popular belief--with that of the African-American sector in particular growing at a rate of 6% per year (via my quick research). Check out this article that highlights how minorities are out pacing Anglos in buying power growth. I'm not sure whether the marketing gurus of these fashion designers understand a critical fact: in the United States minorities are "minorities" at the present time but as we all know with the Hispanic population growing at unprecedented rates it is only a matter of time before minorities become the majority. As such, minorities are going to want to see themselves represented on the run way (not that we do not already). 

It goes without saying that the fashion industry is a dog-eat-dog world, and if you're not highly qualified a hustler with thick skin there is an endless dark rabbit hole (filled with prostitution, cocaine, eating disorders, and being a sales associate) waiting for you but last I heard "Black don't crack"! For some brown people in high end fashion be sure to check in at Vogue Black regularly!

Thoughts anyone???

Mos Def can dance?

Mos Def X Ski Beatz= "Cream of the Planet". Keep your eyes open for their album 24 Hour Karate School set to be released September 7th. 

*Also keep your eyes on the director Creative Control....he's been hittin' switches lately. 

Absolut Brooklyn

Short film directed by Spike Lee and spoken word provided by Lemon Andersen 

The print ad

The bottle was designed by Spike Lee. Illustration depicts where Spike Lee grew up. 

**For the record I have not tasted this vodka, but from what the reviews tell me it is a blend of apple and ginger flavors. I'll be in Brooklyn next weekend and will be sure to try some and report back to you. 

Eric Roberson's "Still" Video

Spread the message, early detection is so important. Ladies, give yourself self-examinations. I love Erro for doing this. 

Accessory Designer Melody Ehsani- Creative Control

Melody Ehsani from Creative Control on Vimeo.

As a general rule I do not like to share my fashion faves with friends or the general public. I value my exclusivity and have had too many instances of sharing where I buy certain clothes or products from and then the next week I see my friend with the exact same outfit I had on the week before. Drives me crazy. But I digress...I could not possibly keep Melody Ehsani to myself, she's an accessory designer based on the West Coast who makes hella bad ass pieces. Check her out at http://www.melodyehsani.com she even has a pair of boots named after yours truly!

And of course I own a bahs piece from her collection!

Really???

Now usually I'm not one to post things on YFE that I'm not crazy about, but as of late I have seen more and more of these types of shoes on celebrities and the run way. I must preface what I'm about to say by stating I am all for high fashion and couture, although it is safe to say I will never be able to afford it. But these shoes are plain ole ugly, and I'm one to sacrifice comfort for looks on an as needed basis but these are ridiculous. Lady Gaga has been seen in most of the depicted shoes and has even been photographed falling in them (which is to be expected given the height of these shoes). But how does one go about wearing "armadillo" hoof shoes, heelless boots, and anything with a twelve inch heel?

Is it me? Or am I being too old school? What do you think YFE?

Ooooowwwweeeeeee

Hopefully by now the names; Eric Roberson, Darien Brockington, Little Pooh (lame, I know lol) and Foreign Exchange are not foreign to you but if they are get familiar. These talented neo-soul artists know how to do it and I'm excited that they collaborated together.

5th Annual Dilla Tribute

If you happen to be in the DMV (for those who don't know that is the abbreviation for DC, Maryland, Virginia) this weekend be sure to go to the Black Cat for the 5th Annual J. Dilla tribute hosted by Talib Kweli, this Friday July 9th. The show starts at 9pm and as usual the Black Cat makes this event affordable, tickets are $20 at the door.


And if you pay close attention to the flyer you will see that a portion of the benefits go towards the Lupus Foundation of America. If you aren't already aware Dilla passed away from Lupus as did my mother so raising awareness and funds to find a cure are causes that are close to my heart.


Peace & Progress

I Miss Him

As the first anniversary of his death passes, it is important that we are reminded why he was the greatest.  

Signs of Life From the Queen-Ms. Lauryn Hill

Looks like the rumors of the comeback may have hope to be true after all. This video is of Lauryn Hill last week at the Harmony Festival in Santa Rosa, California. Again, keep your eyes peeled for her at this year's Rock the Bells concert.  

J. Crew Women's Spring/Summer Collection

J.Crew did the damn thing this season. Hats off to them for making such classic, versatile, and chic pieces. They all come together so seamlessly. Their sizes have historically run big, especially if you have a small frame, as do I. Their quality is up to par, I just wish they weren't so expensive. But check them out at www.jcrew.com, they're having a sale right now.

"Dear God 2.0" -The Roots

Dear God from Okayplayer on Vimeo.

The Legendary Roots crew has done it again, releasing their second video off of their 11th studio album hitting stores tomorrow but currently on sale now on itunes! The Roots are raw genius album after album. We hear Tariq (Black Thought) sing on this album which is a welcomed change, I'm sure this group could make albums in their sleep. They are the hardest working in the business by far and I'm sure they have manufactured another classic with "How I Got Over". 

Peace & Progress 

"All I Want Is You" Video-Miguel Jontel ft. J. Cole

Although Miguel is a fairly unknown artist he is preparing to debut his first solo album with Jive records later on this year. YFE introduced you to him in April with this song "All I Want Is You" but now here is a look at the accompanying video. It is nothing spectacular by far and I personally do not like videos that do not follow the line of the song but regardless it is always good to get a glimpse of the next big thing, that being both Miguel and J.Cole. Go here for the introduction we gave you to Miguel in April. 

Get Over Here!

I cannot express how damn excited I am that they decided to remake not only the movie but the video game, Mortal Kombat! The 8 minute trailer above is an inside look at the movie Mortal Komat: Rebirth, which takes a much more realistic take on the Mortal Kombat story. This was actually a trailer to pitch the movie to Warner Brothers, and God knows I hope they have a clue and decide to run with it. 

You have no idea how much I played this game on my Sega Genesis in the 90's and how many times I watched the old movie. Especially since one of the characters in the game was Moleena and me name is Milyna LOL: brings back great memories of my heavy gamer days. I even used to by the magazines with all the cheat codes and finishing moves in it and practice for hours. Those were the days *le sigh*.

Make sure to tell your friends you heard it here first!

2010 Rock the Bells Line up

http://rockthebells.net/

Look at this line up! I went to one of the concerts a couple years back and it was okay, you know how Boston crowds can be. I definitely was NOT prepared to be at a concert for 12 hours, in 90 degree weather. But if I do decide to go again this summer, I will know exactly what to expect. Truth be told that although I do appreciate the line up I would only go for one reason and that would obviously be the resurrection of Ms. Lauryn Hill. I saw her live about ten years ago and she was absolutely amazing, I can't justify not capitalizing on the opportunity to see her again this summer since she's such a treat. We'll see! 

On another note, be sure to check out the website for tickets, prices, availability and venues. Thus far, there are only 4; LA, NYC, DC, and San Fran. I'm confident more will be added but please note *not all dates include the appearance of Lauryn Hill*. She will only be at selected shows/venues. 

P.S. Is anyone else surprised not to see Jay Electronica up there?

Do You Love Soccer Like I Do?

There is lots of buzz, and deservedly so, about the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The sensation begins this Friday, June 11th at 10am. The first match is going to be South Africa vs Mexico. I truly love soccer, I played the game 12 months a year for 17 years straight. I was probably as obsessed with the sport as this guy (who is also a comedian in Europe), you have to be in order to perform tricks like this. I must say I was impressed by this video and am so excited for this year's World Cup and NO the U.S. is not a contender (in my book) to win by a long shot. Enjoy!

My New Jawn! "I Want You"-Cee-Lo

Cee-lo is so underrated but oh so talented! Enjoy this one it's beautiful, if I must say so myself-stop sleeping on this guy.

Anndddd we're back!

We are back blogging guys! Thanks to all of you who continued to come back and visit YFE while we were on hiatus. Lots has gone on in the month that I've been away and I'll try to catch you all up on what's YFE...see below for a little of what I've been up to in the last month. Be great!

BP SUCKS-Mos Def X Lenny Kravitz

This BP situation has long been out of control. No longer can I even bring myself to watch the live feeds of the oil spill nor look at the devastating affects that all of this is having on nature. But through it all Mos Def and Lenny Kravitz have teamed up along with the Preservation Hall Band, Trombone Shorty, and Tim Robbins for this song to help with the Gulf Aid called "It Ain't My Fault".

I needed a little inspiration to come back to the blogsphere world and I found it in thisvideo. Hope you all are well, enjoying spring, and making fantastic plans for summer!

Peace & Progress

Milyna

Hiatus

With finals here, graduation coming up, family here from out of town and maybe a much vacation in store, I have decided to take the rest of the month off from YFE. I will miss you! But in the meantime please check out our previous posts. Expect a massive update when I return...see you in June!!!!


Peace & Progress