Richard Avedon

If there's one type of illustration I've always been a sucker for, it is the classic and original view of the black and white photograph. For some reason, this timeless form of picture has always been alluring to me. My curiosity and emerging interest in photography led to the research of American portrait photographer Richard Avedon. I've seen images of his work before (a portrait of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor was one), and the simplicity of his effort stood out to me. While my interest further grew, Avedon's captured art motivated and forced me to dig deeper for more.

Richard Avedon has taken pictures of Andy Warhol, Malcolm X, the beautiful Marilyn Monroe, the Spanish artist Pablo Picasso, the tap dancer Savion Glover, and a massive number of individuals apart of theatre, fashion, and the arts. What stood out to me was Avedon's steady commitment to a career; he dropped out of high school and immediately pursued what he loved. Not only did this show that he had a plan, it also showed he was ambitious enough to take such a gigantic and life-changing risk. This risk led to jobs at big-name fashion magazines and the grand opportunity to capture portraits of many different significant people.

A Day-Late Christmas Gift

If there's anything me and my father have in common, it is the devotion we possess for strapping on a timepiece. I remember when I was younger…all I used to do was rush downstairs to "borrow" one of his watches to wear to school. This was a task that had to be completed before he awoke, and though I passed every mission, he'd always come searching in my room for it later that same day. This Christmas, I guess he learned a valuable lesson along with growing tired of me taking away from his own collection. The morning after Christmas, on my dresser laid a neatly-placed orange and white box with a beautiful watch inside. It was a gorgeous brown chronograph from Fossil. While I won't make any promises stating I'll now stay away from his compilation of time instruments, I can proudly say he'll be looking forward to borrowing from my growing one.

Women

I will be the first to tell anyone that I am a genuine lover of life; I take advantage of every opportunity I get to indulge in it. It only begins here. You see, God placed these beautifully-created females to join us here on Earth…and I thank Him every single day for giving me that blessing. In my humble opinion, a female is God's greatest gift to man. They were created to be cherished, loved, and valued at the highest level—nothing more and definitely nothing less. When you learn to perform these simple actions, you've discovered the true meaning of sincerely treasuring God's ultimate gift.

"Small sacrifices and appreciative gestures toward women are well-deserved…even if she doesn't deserve it—give it to her. That's what God does." – Enitan O. Bereola, II

A female needs to feel secured. She needs to feel independent all while enjoying the extra effort of a male catering to her. It's imperative for her to be introduced to a cultured way of life, whether you introduce it to her or she's brought up that way. Be a gentleman to her. Never think of females as disposable pleasures, but as meaningful pursuits.


"I really loved everything in life. And a beautiful woman is the most beautiful thing of all." - Gianni Agnelli

The truth is this: The sooner you find that special one, the better off you are. Show your appreciation for them all as much as you can, but only give your heart to one. God's priceless gift to every man in the world should be treated as if it was worth all the money in the world. Work hard to make sure a beautiful smile remains on her face at all times and you've got her for life. What's more valuable than that? Nothing.

I would like to wish the love of my life a happy birthday. You entered into my world at the tender age of thirteen; without you, I would not be as grounded and well-balanced as I am today. You are my support system, my better half, and most importantly, a blessing I genuinely cherish. You've added and contributed to my well-being and I sincerely thank God for putting you in my life. I love you with all my heart.

Style Is Life

"Style is a difference, a way of doing, a way of being done." – Charles Bukowski

When you are passionate about style, you dedicate your life and your lifestyle to the word. Some only think of style as a way to exhibit an ensemble a certain way, but there is more beauty to it than that. Those who truly understand the proper value of the five-letter word see magnificence in each opportunity to contribute to their way of life. You do not need a lot of money to live a stylish life, because style, more than anything, is about the amount of character, individualism, and quality a person decides to add to their life. Style is your outlook on life along with the way you'd like the world to be. It is your dedication to eccentricity or the joys you get out of simplicity.


"Style is the answer to everything." – Charles Bukowski

Style is the way Fred Astaire extravagantly danced across the stage with the lovely Ginger Rogers. Style is the way James Bond approached a lady. Style is Marlon Brando in the film, A Streetcar Named Desire. Style is a Yusef Lateef composition. Style is the décor you choose to have on display in your home. Style is the gang from the 1975 film, Cooley High.

"Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn." – Gore Vidal


There are no rules when it comes to style. From the very food you consume to the places you decide to grace with your presence to the creative individuals you strive to surround yourself with—it all leads to living a memorable lifestyle. Take pleasure in all that you set out to do. Style is standards. Style is life.

Barker Black

Barker Black is a legendary British men's footwear brand. In 1880, Arthur Barker established Barker Black in the village of Earls Barton. Today, Barker Black is in the hands of the dapper Derrick Miller. Miller—the designer and creative director of the brand—discovered the "Death or Glory" motto in an ancient silk weaver's archive in Sudury, England.

The British-born brand is drenched in history; the same specialized footwear craftsmen have been working with Barker Black for more than twenty years. This displays the unconditional devotion the craftsmen have for their job, even more a brand.


Barker Black's design philosophy is known as "subversive sophistication." Every single pair of Barker Black shoes are completed by hand. On select styles, the signature skull and crossbones logo is inserted into the sole of the shoe by hand as well. For the craftsmen, this is no easy task. Offerings of subversive sophistication can be found in the details of a Barker Black shoe: toe-punching, sole-tacking, and "Good Year Welted" construction.

The Barker Black brand is a testimony proving that quality will surely stick around. When something is uniquely crafted with quality in mind, it will last for years to come. A price tag means nothing when you are on the hunt for the best, and that is what you get from the passionate individuals who have contributed to Barker Black.