A Look Back on Michael Jackson Inspired Style

Remember the time

by

Izetta Henderson

Michael Joseph Jackson blew this world wide open with his musical ingenious and impeccable style.

As a child growing up in Brooklyn, NY during the 80s, my brother and I rocked Micheal Jackson inspired jackets.

Zippers adorned the pockets and almost every other open space, the shoulders were garnished with studs and glittery patches. EXTRA. EXTRA.

When I really wanted to give it to them, I removed the sleeves and rocked my jacket as a vest with high water Lees and Nike sneaks and a ponytail to the side. Michael made us feel alive.


DON'T STOP TILL YOU GET ENOUGH!

We can't forget the signature style of the Jackson 5.

A time where Afro's were tough and bells rocked all night long. Polyester never looked so good. The style of the 60s is alive and well today, hell right here in BK.

Plaid pants incorporated with tight fitting button downs and men shoes, coupled with locks, tapered fro and hot shades (preferably from YAK BAK - fix you face son).

In 1979, Micheal Jackson released Off the Wall and graced his album with his well mannered Fro, Black suit, white shirt, black tie. His smile lept off the cover and you just knew, his pants were high, white socks a gleaming and loafers were rockin.

Only he could make a tux look so hip.

How many of you pushed up the sleeves of your suit and tux jackets, flipped your collar to show your cool....He was definitely a smooth operator.

In the 80s, Michael reunited with his family and blessed us with Can You Feel it....damn that song made me feel like I was 10ft tall!

The Jackson 5 refined their style and took straight to outer space. Fros were updated and the curl was added, with tight jeans and rockin tees and tops.

Don't forget moon dust sprinkled across to give those tops a certain kind of 80s flair.

Though the decades, Michael brought us many variations of his personality. Whether it was bedazzled gear reminiscent of a military general, or garments that made the Jetsons look like a bunch of lames. Michael Jackson did up his way. He made me look forward to a time when cars will fly and holograms will be the next hottest thing.

Even now, I have seen his style grace the stages of Madonna, Usher, Justin Timberlake, even the Dream is MJ style and fitted denim, yet baggy denim, a phenomenon i still don't understand...hahaha

I can go on forever about MJs out of this world style. But i just wanted to jog the memory and remember the times....take some time, look up his style resume, reminisce over glittery gloves and buckles.

Love it or hate, MJ contributed so much to our lives....I am deeply sadden that I will not see this powerhouse grace us with his upcoming tour that was in the making. But I will never forget how fly I felt, standing on Fulton street mall, standing in front of Fayva, rocking my red Michael Jackson vest and white sweatshirt with a sliver glove...thank you sooo much Michael Jackson for visiting our realm, you were simply to big to be contained on this tiny planet....

Over and Out!

I.H.


Yah's 2 cents:

First off, I never had said jacket...sigh. My family was just off the boat and we couldn't afford it...but in high school I had a Bedazzler and EVERYTHING. I MEAN EVERYTHING was studded. Hat, jacket, shirt pockets, jean pockets (not comfy to sit on but mad cute). So I think I'm almost over the trauma.

Just recently the fashion world was thrown for a loop when Mike (as I affectionately called him) was spotted in pieces straight off the runways of Balmian and Givenchy.

Womenswear, no less but who has shown us the dopeness of androgyny in fashion better than Mike. No one.

Givenchy

BTW if anyone wants to buy me the whole Givenchy's Fall 2008 Collection please email me for sizes. Thanks. Straight fire!

Balmain

Also, feel free to pick up the military/Michael Jackson inspired Demim Balmain spotted on Rihanna...totally MJ and TOTALLY me.me.me.me.me. sigh.

OK...I'm done.

Thanks ZETTA!!! Let's keep the articles coming!!

RIP MJ

Take It In.

The Fitter. The Better.

Cocolah says.....

Boom chaka laka BOOM! with BoomThreads

You have fashion designers, you have film makers, you have entertainers then you have artists. Artists who live to create. Create to live. To the artist, hustle comes secondary. They create because it's the way they communicate with the world.

Cocolah.com is thrilled to introduce BOOM.THREADS. Brought to you by the mystic Ogechi.

Self described as:

My work channels the mystique of Black skin, charged with the feminine sexual power, to examine sexual roles and urges. Sexuality is the key to the continuum of life, as we know it. My video work draws on the representational authority of the photographic image as a means of engaging the viewer in my alternate reality to comment on the biological past, present and future of the darker-skinned children of Africa on planet Earth.

Deepness.


1. Tell me a little a...Multi-media artist from the time I was a small child. I am inspired by all art forms. I experiment a lot and it usually works out. But when
it I don't love it, I just try again.

I just have one of those spirits that won't give up on my ideas.

I got into filmmaking as an umbrella to record all of my ideas and creations. But umm... I'm really hands on with what goes on before my lens...

And I'm a healer.

> 2. Your tshirts seem to tell a story, can you tell me a bit about each.

I let each shirt inspire me with a different mood. I don't plan them in advance. Sometimes I get a vision. I just paint.

Painting relaxes me. I go with the spirit.

"Sun Rays on a Cloudy Head" happened very organically. I was trying to communicate a feeling and the elements just came together. A lot of men respond to that design.

The ideal boom.threads wearer will let each shirt inspire them and be open to the experience of inspiring other folks by wearing something out of the ordinary. These T-shirts are conversation pieces.

Trust, they are empowering to the wearer. I did a focus group and the results were unanimous. Consider yourself warned. ;)

> 3. What is your personal style?

Eye on Africa. Futuristic. Cultural. Expressive. Soul searching. Trend-setting.

In my experience, I've noticed that my personal style is about 3-4 years ahead of the fashion industry.

That's usually how long I look "unusual" before people start copying. But I never let that get to me because I'm always adding to and refining my style.

It's always changing and growing and that's how I stay unique.

> 4. How would you define underground fashion?

Underground fashion is what the fearless trend-setters wear. The going shelf life is about 3 years before underground fashion is xeroxed into the fashion industry machine, but that time is decreasing in the information age. I think that we are going to see a rise in individual
style.

> 5. Ok....predict the fashion future...what do you see for fall?

Emphasis on personal style and identity. Things could definitely get tribal. Look out for Boomthreads Fall 09 Collection.

> 6. How would you describe your local LA based fashion?

I'm an east coast transplant. On the east coast the temp is always changing so we do layers. And more tailored items.

West Coast style is about comfort and not trying too hard, being able to blend into different activities, day & night. There is more of an emphasis on personality.

Going too hard on with random trendy style without a well developed persona comes off fake.

Imitation won't take ya far in this environment. At least, that's my opinion.

When the style and persona work in conjunction, that's when you're living it in color.

> 7. What do you see in your fashion future as a designer and fashionista?

I've got my sights on fabric design. Show costumes. Sculpture.

> 8. What is your fashion pet peeve?

Ed hardy. Just kidding. No really.

When people wear symbols and insignia of a culture they know nothing about. Negative & limiting statements on T-shirts. Words & images have power. They carry energy.

I've very selective about the energy factor of symbols and statements with which I choose to adorn myself.

Christian Audigier is a great business man, however... ;)

> 9. What other projects do you have on the burner?

A DVD of my video art is upcoming on Epistrophik Peach Sound label. I'm participating in a really exciting art show called M3: MC's Mic and Metaphors in July in collaboration with Declaime. It will be occur in conjunction with DC's Hip Hop Theatre festival.

> 10. What's the one MUST HAVE product on Cocolah.com?

The "So Boom" Logo Tee. It's Unisex and so versatile. You're gonna love running your hands all over it. It has a lot of... texture.

Here's a little moving picture treat from the Ogechi....just genius.

BOOMTHREADS "SO BOOM" LOGO TEE PROMO from ogechi on Vimeo.

Get Your Eyes Right

Cover your right eye with your right hand.

Read the first line, pause and repeat until you reach line 10.

Switch hands and cover your left eye with your left hand.

Read through line 10.

Now...go to the mirror and if you don't have YakBlaks on....

FIX YOUR FACE!!!!

YakBlak as SEEN on Cocolah.com!!


Now go Fix Your Face and Say Ahhh!

Subscribe to the Cocolah Newsletter.

If you wanna be my gLover you gotta get with my friend. Miss Numa!

I LOVE MY JOB!!!

COCOLAH.com brings much joy to my life...that is...when I'm not pulling all nighters photographing, retouching, blogging, web designing, marketing and researching. Sigh.

On the rare occasion where I can sit back and enjoy being able to bring you dynamic and unique items from all around the world is when I can really sit back and say ahhh!

This is one of those occasions; COCOLAH.com is super excited to introduce Miss Numa the Glover!

Gloves are oh so sexy.....and they're an accessory that really sets you apart because although they've been around since the beginnings of fashion...they're a rare treat.

Takes a special kinda girl to have to fashion sense to pull these on.


1. Gloves....aah gloves. Gloves seem to be the forgotten accessory which were once a staple of fashion. Where did they go I wonder...

What inspired you to create the Miss Numa Glover line?

It is my love for gloves that inspired the line. the way they feel when i wear them, and the way people respond to seeing them. i wanted to share this with women and men alike.

2. Tell me a little bit of your design process.

my designs often start with a color combination i see or a fabric that i love touching. i ask myself how can i make that into a glove? will the fabric behave properly? if not what fabrics can i combine to get that pattern on my hand? i wrap things around my wrist and imagine.

3. You're also a photographer, how does photography influence your sense of fashion.

my work as a photographer is a high influence on my choices in fashion. clothing that photograph well are generally bold yet fluid. allowing the person wearing them the flexibility for expression yet completely standing on their own. when a photograph is black and white yet the clothing still stands out with beauty and sensuality then you have really created something special.

Take a peek at Miss Numa's Photography on Lah Galleria.

4. What other projects are you involved in?

i am also a filmmaker, actress, and exhibiting visual artist. i am directing my first feature film titled la petite mort which deals with women, love, life, and death. all told in an experimental/non linear fashion. pun intended :)

some of the women will wear gloves in the film of course :)

6. What is your fashion pet peeve?

although i wore my first pair in three years just about a week ago -(thanks to a friend who gave me a crazy fun thrift store pair from the early 80's) i have to say my fashion pet peeve are jeans.

jeans are so very boring. and the status symbol some designers make of them is annoying me! i also think louis vuitton bags are ugly. not that they aren't constructed well, but people make themselves walking advertisements with that LV all over the place. and a lot of times it boils down to look at me and how much i paid for this.

7. What can we expect from the Miss Numa line in the future?

That's my favorite questions as it gets my imagination churning...You will definitely see more dynamic gloves with unexpected color cut and fabric combos. You will also see very soon one of a kind limited edition jackets and gowns which i am very excited to introduce soon.

8. How would you define your personal style?

this question is hard to answer. i am drawn to wearing lace and soft fabrics. i love flowing dresses. and when i am running around the garment districts of la and ny or just doing regular errands you can catch me in a simple cotton jumpsuit from american apparel.

i wear heels at night and flat boots or sandals in the daytime. and i of course love pantyhose and gloves and wear them frequently as well.

9. If you could choose between unlimited shoes and a personal tailor what would it be?

the tailor.

10. What is the MUST HAVE item on Cocolah.com?

miss numa's tuxedo gloves of course :)


Thanks Miss Numa!


Want to receive regular updates on the Cocolah.com happenings? Sign up for the Newsletter! Cocolah.com will never, ever share your name and send you updates only when it's worth it.... :)

The Newness

Cocolah.com
New Designer Alert!

Boomthreads hailing out of LA!

Miss Numa the Jetsetter!

Zachary Pryor is the Maine Man.

Studio Karma comes to you from Turkey

Overachievers deep in the heart of Texas

Shop Cocolah.com and Say Ahhh!

l'vintage: the movie

There is something dynamic about art that is based on a deeper concept than just a visual design...when there's a background story you see it and feel it.

It is a rare occasion when you actually get to take part in the inspirations, muses and background story that influence the designer, so this is a special treat from l'vintage.

l'vintage limited release t-shirt collection reflects the blaxploitation films of the 1970’s

all of the imagery used gives you poignant momentary views from the scenes of the unreleased film “élyse love” and shapes the collection from conception to construction.







élyse love characters
élyse
kenneth
élyse’s love (band)

locales
brooklyn, ny
paris, france

plot summary
the bittersweet love story of two people who fall out of infatuation and into love. élyse the main character is dealing with love, fame, fortune and her inevitable downfall as she tries to find balance in her private and public life.

the film goes through four phases: infatuation love purgatory in-love.

élyse and kenneth go from inseparable to being separate for a year. kenneth goes to paris, france to find his lost love they reunite and begin at the ending of their first relationship. (infatuation)

living in paris and working as a photographer and music producer, kenneth finds himself loving hard but getting no reciprocity. élyse is steadily pursuing her career and leaves kenneth yet again. she loves him but hides it to avoid being hurt. so he returns to brooklyn, nyc and back to his musical production. (love)

kenneth back in brooklyn, single, begins to have several relationships with other woman in the attempt to fill the void left by élyse. (purgatory)

with his personal life steadily declining, he gets an offer to produce for a band in france. he takes the opportunity not knowing that élyse set it up to get him to come back to paris. she realizes that she loves him and is willing to fall in love with him.

the story ends at the eiffel tower where they vow never to leave one another. after which they resurrect their group called “the élyse love”. (in love)

oh how romantic!!!

Get your l'vintage tshirts exclusively at cocolah.com now on sale for $37

l'vintage

Hey Good Lookn!!!

I'm proud to be part of a talented and humble collective...The "Good Lookn Collective" bringing you fashion, jewelry, accessories and guidance to a holistic lifestyle.

We'll be taking over Dance Africa at BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) this memorial day weekend. (See the YakBlak flier in my earlier post for more details.)

Here's a map so you can find us and get your Good Lookn on:

It's been a long time....

I know. I know. I've been neglecting you guys on the blogspot tip BUT with good reasons...


Whew...things are bananas on my side of this monitor I can tell you that much.


Adding new designers left and right, check out Zachary Pryor, Studio Karma and OverAchievers

I promise to blog about these guys in the next few days and give you all the dirty details on what makes them tick and create.


I've been working day and night on some new s'aint yacque designs on the jewelry and accessories tip as well as some new funky fresh t shirt cus you know the Yah can't stop, won't stop.


Most importantly the YakBlak camp has been getting ready for the summer KICK OFF at Dance Africa at BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) this Memorial Day weekend.


YakBlak (my partner C. Los and I) have been putting in some serious elbow grease (as usual).


We've not only revamped our legendary sunnies display BUT we've given over 250 sunnies a face lift, realigning and replacing lenses. They've never looked better...while I'm at it...I'll say the same for myself....tee hee...I just got a fabulous haircut so stayed tuned for the "Care What I Wear" segment cus I've reinvented myself....yes...again. I have a diva complex. Stay Tuned


Here's your (first) change to get dibs on summer's hottest accessory. It's cool to have on dope sunnies but it's doper to have on an authentic pair of vintage sunnies that FIX YOUR FACE.

Cocolah.com gives you touch of sparkle with Countess Vintage

There is something dynamic about mixing different styles. Shows the world that you're confident enough to blur the lines and create your own look.

It's cool to have one cohesive look but that's easy. How bout mixing a little dazzle with your grunge. A little flow to your tailored. A little feminine to your masculine. A little tribal with your rock and roll. You follow?

That's why I'm super excited to introduce Countess Vintage. The pieces might seem out of place but trust me when I tell you.....they make sense.

If you open your eyes to mixing and matching.

Clip on earrings were all the range in the 50s and they're back if you ask Cocolah.com.

What better way to add some sparkle to tshirt and jeans but some standout sparkly earrings. Jean jackets have made a comeback....throw on a brooch for a little dirty class. Are you a scarf fanatic too!? What's hotter than the hard to find vintage scarf clip!? A collection of them that's what.

Start your collection with Countess Vintage. Stay tuned for a line of vintage bags from this designer.

Class it up with Cocolah.com ya heard

Cocolah.com Pops Up Shop at Gen Par Come by and Say Ahhh!

Say that three times fast! whew!!

The best things happen by accident.....well...except for teen pregnancies and finding out the girl you met at the club is not really a "girl girl". heh.

So I stumbled into Gen Par Gallery today and was cordially invited to participate in their Collective Art Show tomorrow.

How can lil ol' me pass up an opportunity to mingle with an audience that hasn't heard me shout COCOLAH.COM from the mountaintop every hour on the hour.

Soooooooo, I'll be stationed at the show tomorrow
APRIL 24th from 7pm - 10pm

Find me in the backroom peddling s'aint yacque (of course) and a few pieces from select COCOLAH.COM designers.

I'll be signing autographs for $5 a pop.

Collective Art Show in DUMBO
April 24th 7pm - 10pm

45 Main Street. 12th Floor
Brooklyn, USA

View Larger Map

So impressed by Funky Lobes!!

I just LOVE this damn choker. DRAMA!


I'm excited to add pieces from the Funky Lobes Spring/Summer Collection.

These pieces are the perfect hues for the summer, stackable bangles to pair with pattern dresses for the pattern on pattern look found on runways this year. OR! Throw them on with a tone on tone color for a dramatic effect.

They're truly Yah approved. LOVE EM!

Easter Shoppin' and Not Just Vintage

For as long as I can remember Easter has been about gettin' a fresh outfit to go to church, the circus, going back to school after spring break, or just sittin' in front of the stoop lookin' cute.
um hmm.

This weekend you can find some of Cocolah.com's freshness at Sample Sale prices!!!

Not Just Vintage (BK, NYC) is hosting not the Spring 09 Samples Sale!
A two day event of Hot Designers, Cool Finds & Cheap Prices!!!!!!






Saturday, April 11th 10am-8pm
Sunday, April 12th 1pm-7pm

Featured Designers
The House of Nassat
Designs by Alicia P
Funky Lobes
Etua Atelier

For more info: Contact Us @ 347-240-5070 or notjustvintage@yahoo.com

Not Just Vintage
1256 BEDFORD AV.
BROOKLYN, New York 11216

House of Nassat

Funky Lobes

Cocolah.com Holiday Weekend

In commemoration of Cocolah.com's 6 month anniversary I proclaim "Tell a friend day"

Have you told a friend about Cocolah.com?
See something? Say Something.

April 11, 2009 is Tell a friend about Cocolah.com day!

Cus it takes a village to raise a child.

Love,

Mama Yah

I Stay Scheming

That's just part of who I am....I'm always plotting, thinking, planning, scheming....

Check Cocolah.com on Scheme Mag. Just in case you don't know how it's being and about to be done.

Cocolah.com + SCHEME MAG

Tell a friend or two.
That's an order.

Love,

Yah

Now Selling Hardware

Oooooooh.

I found these belt buckles scouting round the internet and fell instantly in love. I actually want to keep all of em they are toooo hot!!!

Unisex, rough and rugged they are an instant conversation starter.

Idle Hands Metalwork describes them as victims of a nuclear explosion and yes that's the perfect way to describe them....

Idle Hands Metal work is repping Sarasota, Florida real hard...hey it's not the most hardcore place on Earth but these buckles here give hardcore street cred to the whole state. Big Ups to Sarasota!!!

you do care!

Awwww!!! You missed me!!! How sweet!!

I've received a few emails regarding the Care What I Wear section....or lack there of...sigh. I am an eye treat aren't I...well..what can I say? I was born this way....

I'm going to be completely truthful.....I got some winter weight on me and most of my clothes don't fit. I'm tearing as I write this cus I was soooo disciplined for almost 3 years but the busier I get the harder it is to get to the gym and to make the conscious effort to eat healthy....

now I know what Oprah feel like....sigh. Mo work (not money) mo problems?

I can't even stand it...it's like a few extra pounds has thrown off my whole game....that's the problem with only owning clothes that FIT FIT....a few extra pounds and you're assed out. It's that damn grilled swiss cheese sandwich from the Dominican Bakery and the extra strong black coffee every few days. I be trying to balance it out the next day with a bowl of oatmeal......lol yeah ok...not with the fat gene that runs in my family...I have no choice but to stay on the gym grind. siiiiiiiiigh.

Top that with working an average of 13 hours a day in a seating position makes the two days at the gym almost irrevelent....the calorie count burned in an hour of cardio doesn't cover breakfast.

whew...ok I've gotten that off my chest.

Not only that but I've been HELLA ELLA ELLA ELLA AY AY AY busy. OMG!!! That's not even the word but I won't get into it.

Let's move on to the GOOD NEWS about lil ol me:

1. I've FINALLY finished my business plan which I've sent off to the money man....I'm just waiting on that CHIZECK so I can go to Dominican Republic and get lipo...JOKE!!

2. I'm in the process of adding FIVE.....count them FIVE new designers!!! oooeee!!!

Branching out of the NYC are and bringing in folks from Cali, Chicago, Florida, Paris and Numa the Jetsetter!

3. I recently added my Stripped and Bound Collection to Cocolah.com. They're going fast folks!! I'm really in love with this collection....each piece is one of a kind...cus you know thats how I do....they're time consuming but each one has a life of their own. They just fall across your body in a gracefully but rockstar sorta way. Oh snap.....sorta like me.

4. I've recently added my Kill it. Rock it. Collection to Cocolah.com. I've been making these tails for over 4 years and I'm sooooo over them but folks keep asking me for them so hey....what's a hustler girl to do but give the peoples what they want. Find them both in the s'aint yacque section.

5. Recently launched the 'Lah Galleria a section dedicated exclusively to fashion based art. With the first installment featuring Miss Numa with her the voyeurbitionist project. sexy. sexy.

The talented lady will also be featured on Cocolah.com with her DOPE ass designer glove collection.

Ya'll neva seen anything like them. PURE HOTNESS.

You HAVE to check back for that.

whew...that was a mouthful.

Stay tuned and tell a friend or two.


Yah the friendly ghost