"Dear Class of 2020" Love, Chloe x Halle
YouTube’s “Dear Class of 2020” was an extravaganza of musical performances and celebrity appearances that culminated into an online commencement ceremony for the titular graduating class.
YouTube’s “Dear Class of 2020” was an extravaganza of musical performances and celebrity appearances that culminated into an online commencement ceremony for the titular graduating class. While there was never any doubt that superstars like Lizzo and Megan Thee Stallion would deliver spectacular shows, audiences were most captivated by the divine, dulcet melodies of Chloe x Halle.
Proving their worth as Beyonce’s protégés, the sister duo performed an enchanting rendition of their hit song, “Do It”. Further embodying what they called “black girl magic,” they were both draped in bejeweled cage dresses crafted by high-fashion designer Zana Bayne. Even the undergarments they wore were the creations of the distinguished brand Venus Prototype. While not as flamboyant or ornate as their fellow musicians, Chloe x Halle nonetheless awed viewers with their vocal talents alone. The class of 2020 certainly felt honored by the sisters’ harmonious brand of congratulating them, turning their remote, unorthodox graduation from isolating to unforgettable.
Report: Nia Hunt
Time to Pretend II Art Show Recap
This past weekend on Saturday, September 9th I had the pleasure of attending the second annual “Time to Pretend” art showcase which was an all female art show that exhibited a variety of artists from fashion to performances of all kinds.
This past weekend on Saturday, September 9th I had the pleasure of attending the second annual “Time to Pretend” art showcase which was an all female art show that exhibited a variety of artists from fashion to performances of all kinds.
The art show was located in South Philadelphia’s Philly Pack and was a spectacle of dancing, drinking and talented artists showcased on each wall of the room. There were many artists that were highlighted that night but some of my favorites were PhobyMo, who was the host of the event, Heidi Cannon, Allegra Gia, Freshie Juice, Madison Nuemann and Idaslis Yvette. It was such an inspiration to see so many artists, especially female artists unite under one roof to showcase their art and to be celebrated. I was able to speak with some of the artists about their work and was really intrigued to hear all of the amazing things that inspired them and even hear their art process.
That night really put into perspective the lack of credit female artists in any genre gets in the creative industries. So, when I see events championing the minority in any field I am always excited to see people unite and let them know they are an inspiration to many. Hopefully, with art shows such as Time to Pretend, we can continue to lift up woman in the creative fields and give them the applause they greatly deserve. Be sure to take a look at all of the wonderful talent that was showcased that night by these pictures below:
Access Exclusive: Digital Art Gallery x Walt (VH1's Black Ink Crew)
At the Digital Art Gallery's 1 year anniversary event, we had a chance to pull Walt (VH1's Black Ink Crew) aside for a quick chat.
At the Digital Art Gallery's 1 Year Anniversary event, we had a chance to pull Walt (VH1's Black Ink Crew) aside for a quick chat. Partnered up with Kwashee Totimeh, the duo works to create redefined art exhibits in various cities. With no limit on mediums or expression, the events pull massive audiences to celebrate the cities creatives. Many recognize Walt by his role on a popular network reality tv show, Black Ink Crew; what most don't know is he's first and foremost an artist. Displaying his art through photography, Walt finds expression in all things.
Check out our full interview below.
Digital Art Gallery: @theDAGtour
Walt: @da_Wizrd
Credits -
Interview: Megana, Access Intern, @anagem12
Directed by: Access by NKC, @accessbynkc
The Complete Guide to Filthy Rich Aesthetics
What happens when you mix street wear with archtectual design concepts..
Up and coming fashion designer, Mohammed Cherif will be showcasing Filthy Rich Aesthetics at Wildfire: The Series. The event, taking place April 30th, is aimed at providing a platform for emerging creatives and artists to showcase their designs and talents.
The concept of Filthy Rich Aesthetics (FRA) started while Mohammed was in high school. His clique at the time was called Filthy Rich Boys so the name carried over to his brand. Built on frustration, FRA turned in a clothing brand the year Mohammed was set to graduate college. It was during his senior year at Temple University, when Mohammed realized that he did not want a regular nine to five job. “On the verge of graduation, thinking about career options, I realized that I didn’t want to work a job that was routine or meaningless to me.” Stemming from his success thus far he encourages other creatives to pursue their dreams now, not later.
“There is never going to be a right time or enough money, but if you have a vision just do everything in your power to make that a reality.”
The FRA brand’s mission is to be clean, casual, and simple. Filthy Rich Aesthetics is a true street wear clothing brand. The brand pulls inspiration from their environment and the life experiences of the brand founder. The aesthetics of the clothing are met to be a continuation of the inspiration invested in them; with hopes that new concepts bud. Music and art play a major part in the designs as well. The clothing brand distinguishes itself from others by focusing on the quality of their clothes. In order to create a lasting relationship with consumers, the brand ensures that each piece is always up to par. Right now only T-shirts are available, but he anticipates releasing a body of work that includes hats, jackets, pants, and joggers.
In the coming year, you can expect to see Filthy Rich Aesthetic throughout the city. The brand plans to attend many pop-up shops and host personal events through out the summer. You can also catch them at Wildfire: The Series. Learn more about Filthy Rich Aesthetics on their Instagram - @fr_aesthetics.
Quick Q & A with Filthy Rich Aesthetics
Where do you see your brand in a year?
Being a new brand I am only doing T-shirts right now. In a year I want to be able to produce more than T-shirts. I want to release a whole body of work including T-shirts, hats, jackets, pants, joggers etc. Raise awareness about my brand, doing more and building certain relationships to take it to the next level.
How would you describe your overall style?
My overall style is clean and simple. I design for everyday people so my style is very casual. I want people to be able to wear my clothes in an everyday setting. I want to be able to wear my products for almost any occasion and would never have to question if it’s inappropriate, offensive, or make them feel like that can’t wear my clothing in certain settings.
If you could collaborate with any fashion house, who would it be?
If I can collaborate with any designer, who will it be? Why? This is a difficult question for me because there are so many brands and designers that I’ll be honored to work with. It’s so many brands that I love and support that I cannot just pick one. Honestly, I would love to work with Bape, Offwhite, Supreme, Stussy, 10 deep etc. because I love their products, and I think I can learn a great deal working with these brands. It’s just hard to pick just one.
Curated by Niani Patterson (nianipatterson@aol.com)
Meet the Visual Art Visionary at Wildfire:The Series
Kira Dixon will be your new favorite artist, get to know the body-painting creative.
Artistic Philadelphia Native, Kira Dixon aka Nebulus Flair, is set to showcase her art at Wildfire: The Series. The event, taking place April 30th, is aimed at providing a platform for emerging creatives and artists to showcase their designs and talents.
Kira took her first leap into painting in 2012. At first it started as a hobby. Painting was a vehicle for her to escape the struggles of everyday life. Since then, her hobby has bloomed into a paid side project. Thanks to the emergence of social media apps, Kira has been able to showcase and capitalize her artwork.
“I just started posting my art and before I knew it, people began hitting me up for shows.”
Kira specializes in canvas art and bodypainting. Some of her favorite colors to use on her models are her black, red, and gold. "I love to make the body art look like cat suits - that's why my black lines are always so thick."
One of the most enjoyable parts about painting the models at creative events is the networking aspect. Whether it’s a photoshoot or a showcase, bodypainting is one form of art the offers effortless networking and friendships. Kira makes it a point to stay nonchalant about her work, she believes that putting too much pressure on herself would stop the fun.
When asked if she could paint anyone in the world, Kira said Josephine Baker. “I know she would have been inspired by what I created on her and it would have been interesting to see what she would have came up with.”
Expect to see Kira and her artwork at Wildfire: The Series on April 30th. Her paintings and upcoming events can be found on her Instagram (@Nebulusflair_).
Quick Q&A with Kira Dixon
How would you describe your overall style?
I would say it's raw and untamed..
If you could collaborate with any artists, who would it be?
I would love to collab with Solange! I know she doesn't actually do art but she's so creative & daring so I'm sure her and I could conjure up something dope.
Tell us a little known fact about yourself?
I'm a Leo and my favorite color is gold.
Curated by Niani Patterson (nianipatterson@aol.com)
At the rise of Covid-19 many of us first questioned the timeline of fashion week and would we see the regular calendar continue - the question weighed over many of us for months! It was refreshing to see design houses and designers across the globe take advantage of the uncertainty and plow into production mode - thus my interest in Jerri Reid New York - The Black Designer based in Brooklyn New York wow’d instagram with his latest collection paying homage to the Black Is King film which debuted earlier this year in July. I was taken aback at quick of a turn round the young designer produced and released his well crafted designs reflecting some of the films most memorable moments.