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100% Sexy: When Pride Becomes a Fashion Statement

by Greg Serebuoh

Power Is Sexy Shot

Tom Middleton

What do I love so much about 100%G?

Ever since I’d first heard about it, I had been trying to find the answer to that question. I met Peruvian photographer César Mansilla Sialer on a photo shoot for a swimwear campaign I was modeling for, and he was, as I like to say, the answer to all questions, so we stayed friends. It was César who first hipped me to 100%G (or OHP), a designer from his hometown of Lima.

Its design concept was straightforward. Skillfully cut, limited edition T-shirts made from soft, Peruvian cotton with simple words printed on the front.

G Shirt     Grey Shirt

Its online presence [NSFW] and marketing were equally straightforward. Witty and irreverent posts about boys, sex, and fun, pics of guys around the world sporting their gear, and campaigns that had a raw, DIY quality, like stealthy captures of those genuine, private moments, of modeling a new favorite outfit or dancing with total abandon in front of the mirror before a night out on the town (you know you do it too). Still, there was something more that drew me in.

It certainly helped that the face of its campaign was my old friend Tom Middleton, one of the former stars of Fuerza Bruta and current cast member of Hombre Vertiente. Tom’s devastatingly handsome looks, radiant smile, and tangible kindness made the shots effortlessly steamy.

Tom Middleton Campaign

 Tom Middleton Campaign 4     Tom Middleton Campaign 2

The fact that the shirts framed the male form perfectly didn’t hurt either. And yet, there was more.

I still hadn’t figured it out, but I knew I had to be in on it, so I reached out to 100%G and ordered a couple of shirts from its latest campaign, “Party Animals.”

407520_479180782120261_539570365_n

As I pulled my new shirts out of their packaging, reveling in the feel of the soft, smooth fabric against my fingers, my eye caught the writing on the inner printed tag: “One Hundred Percent Gay. One Hundred Percent Love.” G is for Gay? Apparently I had missed something key.

Pool Shot

I took a look at its website: “Made 100% for the gay community. In Lima, we noticed an absence of trendy, fun, cool clothes made with the gay person in mind. That’s when the idea for 100%G began. We make our shirts using 100% Peruvian gay cotton, some of the best fabric in the world.”

Wish You Were Queer Shirt     Screen shot 2011-12-23 at 7.41.20 PM

First of all, clap clap clap and snap snap snap for the use of the term “gay cotton.”

But seriously, as I got a glimpse into the thinking behind the brand, everything began to come together for me, and I found my answer.

I love 100%G because it is deliciously sexy. If you know me well, you know that I love sex, not only as a physical act in which to partake (often…very often) but also as an idea. Sex or sexiness for me has to do with a lot more than just naked bodies and dim lighting or indeed marriage and heavy promises. It is a basic energy that courses through all of life, and 100%G taps into that fundamental energy in order to encourage a different kind of (gay) pride, more human, more inclusive, more complex, less complicated.

Party Animals Campaign

The irreverence. The unabashed, playful sensuality. The unapologetic attitude, free of rigid definitions and precarious binaries. And the beauty. Real beauty. The kind that comes not just from a pretty face and a hot body, but from an easy smile, a mischievous nature, a relaxed poise. Beauty that isn’t afraid to get messy, silly, or frisky. Beauty that doesn’t take itself too seriously because it knows that it’s here to stay.

100%G says that it is “STRAIGHT FRIENDLY.” Of course it is. Because the sexiness that it ascribes to is the kind that Idris Elba can wear just as easily. Or James Franco. Or Legolas Greenleaf (proud geek here). Or Lupita Nyong’o. Or you. It’s the guys and girls that turn you on, not just with their looks or what they say, but with the titillating ease with which they live in their own space. An uncomplicated confidence that is flexible, free, and universal.

Damian Fox      Loverboy Shirt

At the base of the blog entries, the campaigns, the aesthetic, and the fashion design is this basic principle. I interviewed 100%G to get a bit more insight into their vision.

Tell me how 100%G began.

OHP was born out of a design project created by El Cartel Design Ghetto, out of a need not only to create a product that was commercially viable but also to communicate an idea. We strive to use skillful design to represent a lifestyle. We want to represent the gay lifestyle in a fun and light way.

Party Animals 2     Party Animals 3

Your campaigns and your branding seem to have a very specific intention. What inspires your choices in that regard?

We openly celebrate gay lifestyles and the idea of facing everything with a positive attitude. It has been an interesting task since we are based in Peru, which is a really conservative country. Even so, we’ve been noticing an incredible trend in the country, thousands of guys are coming out of the closet, and we obviously wanted to do what we could to make sure they were well represented.

What does it mean to be sexy?

Sexy is being exactly who you are. It’s being true to yourself in words and actions. It’s being part of a multifaceted, global community. Sexy is being proud of who you are.

Red T-Shirt 1      Power Is Sexy Shot

Tell me about your current campaign.

Our current campaign is in dialogue with the issues that face our community today. We’re using it to support 100% Equality.

 One Hundred Percent Summer

 

Filed Under: FASHION, LGBT, LIFESTYLE, STYLE Tagged With: Argentina, Cesar Mansilla Sialer, Coming out, community, cosmopolitan, design, designer, Equality, fashion, Fuerza Bruta, gay, Hombre Vertiente, Idris Elba, james franco, Latin, Latin America, Legolas, lgbt, lifestyle, Lima, lord of the rings, love, Lupita Nyong'o, nightlife, Orlando Bloom, party, Peru, queer, sensuality, sex, sexuality, style, t shirt, tee, Tom Middleton

Model Alexey Kim on Making Style an Art Form

by Greg Serebuoh

Alexey Kim Editorial

As a creative artist, I am naturally drawn to other creative spirits that are unapologetically unique, nuanced in their choices, sophisticated, and undeniably fierce.  Enter Kazakh model Alexey Kim.  The day I met Alexey, he was wearing a slinky black tank top, a baseball cap tilted to the side, and acid washed jeans that were shredded and covered in silver spikes that I later found out he added himself.  I knew immediately that we would get along famously and was surer still when I caught wind of his quirky sense of humor.  Alexey not only has a truly artistic fashion sensibility but also the attitude and confidence to carry even his most avant-garde couture creations.  Needless to say he’s given me some great tips on posing when I’m modeling for photo shoots and has become my fashion hero.  Here’s a bit of our conversation about his career and his thoughts on fashion and style.

What excites you about fashion and style?

Personal style is what actually excites me the most.  There is a certain art to putting together a great outfit.  It is cool to see people getting clothes from here and there, from a luxury label and mixing it with a national retailer, to come up with their own unique way of making all the items work as a whole.

Alexey Street Style 10     Alexey Street Style 9

 

How did you get into modeling?

I was approached by a scout from Elite Models in Miami.  I was sitting in Starbucks crying my ass off.  I’m still thinking how awkward she must have felt when she approached me, looked into my mascara-smudged face, and asked, “Do you model?”  Just kidding.  I never wear mascara.

Name your three favorite new things in your wardrobe.

1.  Dark purple bomber jacket from H&M.  It’s short but warm, and the color is kick ass too.

2.  These shiny pleather pants that I got.  They are Alice & Olivia…ahem… for…men…  Don’t judge!  Men’s pants usually don’t fit me!

No judgment here.

I love seeing people’s reactions when I wear them, “Is that made from a garbage bag?”  Haha awesome!

3.  KTZ gloves.  They have huge pop-out red hearts on them, are too big, and aren’t warm, but who cares?  I just like them.

Alexey Street Style 8     Alexey Kim Street Style 7

What designers are you really into this season?

I’m always into Balmain, Helmut Lang, and Phillip Lim.  Balmain has the most impressive looking clothes while not being too over the top.  Helmut Lang is luxury necessities.  Clean lines, solid colors.  Phillip Lim – I really like his use and combination of colors and his fabric choices.

Alexey Street Style 6     Alexey Street Style 5

I know that you also alter a lot of your own clothing.  Where do you get your inspiration? Have you ever thought about being a designer?

Well I got my very first inspiration to alter something from…don’t you dare laugh at me…Britney.  Remember at some point she was all about wearing low-rise jeans, like in that video for “I’m Not a Girl Not Yet a Woman”?  You could almost see her babies come out.  Well, I wanted low-rise jeans too.  Do you think you could find those in Kazakhstan?  No!  Mom’s jeans all day every day for everyone!  So I cut off the upper part of my jeans, took in the sides, and attached the loopholes lower.  Now you could almost see my babies come out.  I loved it.  And yes, I think about designing every day.

Alexey Street Style 4     Alexey Street Style 3

You’re also a street style blogger.  What new trends would you like to see in men’s fashion?

I would like to see more men wear slick tailored suits with nice ties and watches, a pocket-handkerchief too, perhaps.  I also think long brim fedoras look sharp.

What advice do you have for guys that want to look stylish but aren’t as edgy or adventurous as you are with fashion? Where are some easy places for them to find good clothes?

Thing is, national retailers are doing the most right now.  You can go to H&M and buy something from their Dark Purple Label.  That’s a bit more expensive but also much more stylish and well made.  Or Zara.  You can come out looking like you just dropped money at an expensive department store.  When I buy something I always think, “Can I wear this with most of the stuff that I already own?”  It’s always best to recycle and mix an item with things that you already have.

Alexey Street Style 2     Alexey Street Style 1

 

What projects do you have going on now?

Right now I am starting my own digital design agency, and I also just had an important interview with a great fashion house.  Fingers crossed.

Alexey Kim Editorial 2

Filed Under: FASHION, LIFESTYLE, STYLE Tagged With: Alexey Kim, artist, Balmain, creative, designer, Elite Models, fashion, Fashion Week, H&M, Helmut Lang, male fashion, Manhattan, manhattan digest, menswear, model, NEW YORK, New York Fashion Week, Phillip Lim, style, Urban, Zara

Kim Kardashian’s Charitable Spirit To Be Applauded

by Blair Kaplan

Credit: justjared.com
Credit: justjared.com

 

Don’t get me wrong, I am not Kim Kardashian’s biggest fan. I don’t agree with her over the top affairs (72-day wedding anyone?), her multitude of daily wardrobe changes, or her obsession with all things vain. So I have to say I was most surprised when I found myself coming to her defense.

Let me be the first one to say that the amount of money that the Kardashian family makes per year is staggering to say the least. While many agree that the famous clan is famous for nothing, it cannot be denied that the Kardashian family members have successfully marketed themselves all the way to the bank. And while I will never begrudge anyone of their wealth (after all we live in a country that prides itself in the American dream), it is understandable that when another has such a large amount of money we expect them to be generous. But I found it hugely shameful that many jumped on Kim for an act of charity.

This past week Kardashian announced that she would auction off some of her designer wardrobe on eBay to benefit victims of Typhoon Haiyan, a storm, which devastated the Philippines.

On her website Kardashian explained her altruistic plan:

“Hi guys, this is a very special auction because a portion of the proceeds of my eBay auction are going to International Medical Corps., a nonprofit organization that provides critical health services on remote islands where families are struggling to access medical care and basic resources like food, clean drinking water and vital medications,” she wrote. “The proceeds will go directly to the communities they’re serving in the Philippines and will help typhoon survivors get access to medical care and ultimately save lives. My prayers and thoughts are with those affected by the typhoon.”

It would seem that because Kardashian was thinking of others aside from herself, we would all applaud such a positive action from such a seemingly materialistic person. However this proved not to be the case. The masses were quick to attack Kardashian for only donating 10% of the auction’s proceeds to charity, calling her vile, and mocking her for lacking generosity.

A rep for Kardashian found the backlash to be disappointing and expressed frustration that she had become an “easy target” for criticism. What many may not realize is that this act of charity is not a first for Kardashian. Inspired by her late father, Robert Kardashian, she has consistently given away 10% of proceeds from auctions she holds on eBay throughout the year. Although the proceeds of her auctions generally benefit her church, she decided to donate the money for this particular auction to a charity benefitting a current global disaster.

That’s why as far as I’m concerned we should be ashamed of ourselves. When did we begin to judge one another for giving in the first place? Sure Kardashian could afford to donate more from a financial prospective, but how many of us have sat silently while others, less fortunate than ourselves, could have used anything that we could have afforded to give? How many of us who continually point fingers and judge have kept that 10% for ourselves? Wake up guys! Sure wealth is relative, but generosity and a giving heart is not. You either give or you don’t. And Kim Kardashian has given when she had every opportunity (and every right as far as I’m concerned) not to. As long as we continue to judge or criticize another person for their kindness, we remain the problem.

During this holiday season (and always,) I urge each and every one of you to put your proverbial money where your mouth is. Rather than pass judgment on someone for giving, get off your asses and give of yourself. You don’t need millions, or even thousands; all you need is your time. Let’s spread positivity and encouragement towards one another; anything helps. As I said, I may not be her biggest fan, but I’ll be the first to applaud Kardashian’s recent actions, and I suggest you be the second.

Filed Under: ENTERTAINMENT, FASHION, LIFESTYLE, OPINION Tagged With: auction, charity, clothing, criticism, designer, eBay, Giving, kim kardashian, Philippines, Typhoon

My exclusive with Kristin Cavallari- Jewelry, shoes and more

by Ryan Shea

Credit to: EMC Bowery
Credit to: EMC Bowery

 

Boy has Kristin Cavallari come a long way in her short 26 years of life.  From her humble beginnings as the star of the first two seasons of “Laguna Beach” and subsequently “The Hills”, she has truly defied herself as more than a former reality star.  Now after becoming a mommy to her beautiful son Camden with Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, she is set to make a huge splash in the fashion world, more notably jewelry and shoes.  She recently launched a jewelry line with famed designed Pascal Mouawad and on top of that has created a really unique shoe line for Chinese Laundry.  What a difference a couple of years make right? I sat down with her recently to get a more inside view of both her lines and the future that she has with them.  Check it out.

What inspired the shoes you designed?
 I wanted to create a shoe line that I loved and wanted to wear but at affordable prices.

What trend this summer? 
Pastels are a huge trend and I have a mint and lavender that I love. Also, white is really big right now and I included white on 2 different wedges that I have.

What are your favorite items and which ones will you anticipate people wearing of your collection? 
I honestly love them all but if I had to pick one favorite, it would be the bootie. It’s the perfect bootie to wear year round. Another favorite is the strappy sandal. It’s such a classic shoe and comes in 3 different, fun colors.

Credit to: EMC Bowery
Credit to: EMC Bowery
How was working with Pascal Mouawad creator of Glamhouse?
 It was an amazing experience. They really listened to me and were open to my ideas.

How does your jewelry line relate to the fashionistas on a budget? 
Everything is under $50 and it’s perfect to mix and match with the jewelry already in your own collection.

Which heels that you currently launched and accessories from your jewelry line would you pair with what kind of spring/summer outfit? 
The great thing about my jewelry is that it can be worn with any outfit. They are very simple, effortless pieces. The wedges are a great spring/summer shoe to wear from day to night and you could just throw on a few more pieces of jewelry to take you into the night. I think wedges look great with a dress and blazer for the day then take the blazer off for the night 🙂

What future projects would you like to work on down the road?

I’m currently working on my fall shoe collection. I want to keep expanding my brand but only doing things I love and that are organic to my life. I would love to do something in the mommy/baby world. I just don’t know what yet.

Do you see yourself launching another jewelry line with Pascal in the future?

I would love to!

Awesome girl and a smart businesswoman indeed.  Want to know where you can get these great fashion items at a great price? Go to Glamboutique for her jewelry line and Chinese Laundry for her shoe line.  Can’t wait to see what she comes out with next! Congrats to Kristin and all her future endeavors!

Filed Under: BREAKING NEWS, FASHION, LIFESTYLE Tagged With: beautiful, chicago, chicago bears, chinese laundry, designer, fashion, fashion world, glamboutique, jay cutler, jewelry, kristin, kristin cavallari, laguna beach, nfl, pascal mouawad, shoes, son, the hills

Fashion and Technology: Diana Eng on CNN’s The Next List

by Ryan Shea

Diana Eng Fibonacci Scarf

Diana Eng is an American Fashion designer who gained popularity on the second season of the hit show Project Runway.  Unfortunately, Diana was eliminated on the sixth episode, The “Nicky Hilton Party Dress” episode.  Although she did not make it to the winner’s circle on Project Runway, her talent and ingenious designs have certainly won the attention of fashion lovers and nerds alike.

 

Diana Eng is best known for her innovative and technological designs, yes I said technological.  Diana says she like to, “look at technology, math and science and how to integrate it into fashion designs.”  Diana Eng has surely brought technology into the fashion world with her thermochromic scarves.  Thermochromic you ask?  Scarves that change color and design according to the weather!  She has designed a scarf that when the temperature is below 64 degrees snowflakes begin to appear, and as the temperature decreases, say below 38 degrees, the size of the snowflakes increase and the pattern slowly engulfs the scarf.  It is truly magical to watch and one of a kind.  Below is a video from CNN’s The Next List and shows the science of the scarf.

 
http://cnn.com/video/?/video/tech/2013/02/19/exp-the-next-list-diana-eng-preview-1.cnn
 

I just checked out Diana Eng’s website and I am officially obsessed!  She has some amazing items featured.  You must check out her website!

 

http://www.dianaeng.com

 

Below are a few of the items that really sparked my interest.

FortuneCookie
Diana Eng Fortune Cookie Purse

 

Diana Eng Lady Bug Pins
Diana Eng Lady Bug Pins

 

Diana Eng Fibonacci Scarf
Diana Eng Fibonacci Scarf

 

The above Lady Bug pin is featured on CNN’s The Next List’s Blog.

The Fibonacci Scarf utilizes the famous math formula known as the “Fibonacci Sequence.”  Basically the sequence involves adding the next number to the previous.  For example, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21,…  The Fibonacci sequence occurs in nature and Diana Eng used the sequence to knit this impeccable scarf.

Diana Eng is the definition of a unique designer.  Her mix of fashion and science are remarkable.  In a field where being inventive and forward are keys to being successful, Diana Eng undoubtedly brings something original to the fashion world.  Personally, I look forward to watching her career develop and am fascinated to see what new technologically ground-breaking designs she will come up with next.  CNN is going to be featuring Diana Eng on their show The Next List this Sunday at 2:30pm.  I’ve caught this show a few times and admire the way CNN features a new innovator or idea each week.  The subjects of the show are not always well known but definitely deserve to be.  You can also check out their blog if you happen to miss an episode.

 

 

http://whatsnext.blogs.cnn.com/2013/02/19/high-tech-meets-high-fashion/

 

Follow The Next List on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenextlist
Follow The Next List on Twitter: @cnnthenextlist

Filed Under: BREAKING NEWS, ENTERTAINMENT, FASHION, SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, TELEVISION Tagged With: accessories, afternoon, blogging, clothing, cnn, cnn's the next list, designer, diana, diana eng, eng, fashion, fashion design, fibonacci, fibonacci sequence, hln, innovation, invention, math, mathematics, project runway, science, sunday, technology, the next list, www.cnn.com, www.dianaeng.com

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