You guys know me and my periodic magazine spread posts… Either I’m heavily inspired by the images, or swooning over every pose and the pieces worn by the model(s). Over the last few days, I’ve been falling madly in love with the Spring/Summer 2012 sportswear trend, that showed up in loads of collections, from Alexander Wang to 3.1 Philip Lim. What better way then to celebrate it, but by posting this incredible magazine spread from the June 2012 issue of Flare magazine. Featuring model Bekah Jenkins, and shot by photographer Chris Nicholls in the island of Jamaica, the spread captures the blue-haired stunner wearing the likes of Rag & Bone, Vera Wang and Altuzarra, and backed by sharp, bold color. The fashionably athletic looks were styled by the magazine’s fashion editor Elizabeth Cabral, while Bekah’s cerulean hair and striking orange eye shadow, was done by beauty artist Simone Otis.
It’s Been One Long Road
I think it was a mistake for me to buy these Topman chinos… Why? Because I can’t get over them! I am IN LOVE with the color, IN LOVE with the fit, and by now it’s probably the most worn item in my closet. Since I’ve done three looks in them, I can probably do one of those obnoxious “1 Piece, 3 Ways” posts haha! Nonetheless, no one can deny that they look great! Yesterday, just before I headed off to work at Freedom 5 Clothing – we’re currently preparing to launch our Spring/Summer 2012 collection – I got out of bed and went straight to my closet and pulled this rarely worn rainbow tee, along with a denim shirt I thought would somehow come in handy. Everyone is aware of my classic way-of-style, but I’ve always wanted to try this ‘shirt around the waist’ trend that’s been worn by tons of people, from celebrities including Kanye West and Rihanna, to my very own brother Junior, of SixFF. I think it came off well, and after my “Essence of Summer” post yesterday, this outfit is pretty much the epitome of my care-free summer. It’s been one long road, but we’re all here to finally say, it’s summer! Hope you guys like it!



Sunglasses – Retrosuperfuture | T-shirt – American Apparel | Chino – Topman | Denim Shirt – Tommy Hilfiger | Sneakers – All Star Converse | iPad Case (Possible man clutch) – Marc by Marc Jacobs




images | michael alexander
The Essence Of Summer Freedom
I initially wanted to post photos from my day at the beach with friends on Tuesday, however since 1) I would prefer to not revisit that day and 2) I haven’t done an inspiration post in a long time, I decided that it’s time to share my vision of the perfect summer. Words can’t describe how excited, ecstatic and thrilled I am, to finally be free from school and able to say that summer is here! I got through with all my exams, and now I can’t believe that I don’t have to get up for school everyday, endure long boring classes, or put up with crazy tutors, who don’t seem to care about your feelings, and only want their assignments when due. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this inspiration.

RETROSUPERFUTURE | Flat Top Riviera
Like I always do, I try to get a sunglasses style amid my other buys, that would be my ‘sunglasses of the season.’ For Spring/Summer 2012 I decided to go with the Super Flat Top Riviera, from the brand’s SS12 VISIVA Off Shore collection, found at the Eye Q store in Limegrove. This season, the prints which are featured on the inner side of the frame, are a collection of fantastically kitsch vintage 70’s and 80’s beach-themed postcards, scientific illustrations of fish and illustrations with an ironic, retro vibe, and fun photographs of tropical plants and fruits. I absolutely love the simple black outer of the frames, with the gorgeous inside print, and the little gold detailing. I can definitely say that these frames dethrone my 2011 Super favorites The W.
All Dressed Up In Marc by Marc Jacobs
Yesterday proved itself to be one of the worst days of my life. Apart from my house being broken into, resulting in my Ray-Ban Clubmasters and Blackberry among other things being stolen, I had a really bad day with my friends, and there was just too much going on to think straight. Anyways, like I said yesterday… Happiness is more so a state of mind, and the fact that I have life makes me much happier than the materials things would have ever been able to.
I’ve always been a believer in ‘naked’ technology from the time I first got a smartphone. But now, I think that having a cool case for your gadgets is always a good buy, especially one that’s stylish. I got this taupe Marc by Marc Jacobs neoprene sleeve for my white iPad 2, during a little splurge on MR PORTER; which is probably my second favorite online store after SSENSE. Like most things Marc Jacobs, I think it’s the perfect mix of quirk, style and class. And even though I was quite unsure as to what I’d want my iPad to be wearing this season, I think I made a good choice. What do you guys think?




A Story To Tell | The Lost Boy
It’s weird trying to post a Story To Tell having not done one since February. Being busy, it’s easy to lose track of time, and not even remember that it’s the norm to give you guys a gist of what I’ve been experiencing over the last couple of weeks. I’ve already given my obligatory apology regarding my lack of posts during the final weeks of April. Like most of the time, I was busy working on projects, and exams added to my work load. Then in the midst of working, I fell into my occasional phase of boredom and uninspiration, doing nothing but lazing around at home, and wearing t-shirts and sweatpants for comfort. The core of this story though, would have to be my prolonged yet scattered period of confusion, and disorientation that continued up until last week.

I wanted to understand why I felt the way I did, but there was absolutely no explanation. Questions began to race through my mind, as to why this feeling of a rapid decline, would have come after such an incredible month of March. However, the answers to these questions, were never there. I tried my best to make myself feel better. I thought getting out the house at times would help, but that rarely ever happened, since for me being in bed is one of the most amazing feelings in the world! In all honesty though, I began to feel like a lost boy. One who didn’t know what was coming ahead, or couldn’t find his way through the series of mazes that life could occasionally throw at you. It was almost as if all my previous success had flown through the window, and all that was to come, was blurred, and at times, felt non-existent. I was beginning to feel inspired by a need for freedom, stylistic rebellion even. The likes of Givenchy, Balenciaga, religious elements, spikes, studs and anything with grunge.

Model Of The Moment | Graham Scaife
Change for me is always a good thing. If at first it’s not accepted, coming to terms with change is something that is inevitable. Besides the little life lesson those words could give, my Model Profile column will now be “Model Of The Moment”. I know that’s nothing major, but I just felt as though I should officially mention it. I initially chose Model Profile because it’s the simplest thing, but it’s honestly so used!
Anyway, I got the opportunity to talk to someone whom I first discovered on the Daily Duo of Models.com. Graham Scaife is his name, and his perfect looks were more than recognizable. Standing 6 feet tall, the New Moston, Manchester native is certainly off to a good start in the industry. At a shocking age of 17, Graham has been so far signed to Boss Model Management, as well as Nevs Models London. Apart from me almost passing out when he mentioned his age, I was glad to see that at such a young age, he had his goals as his focus, especially his education at Hopwood Hall College.

How old are you, and where are you from?
I am 17 and I’m from New Moston, Manchester.
17? Okay, now I feel old! Haha. How did your career as a model begin?
Haha! I started my career walking through Manchester. I got asked to model for MIX-D modeling competition, which is a competition for mix-race people. I felt a bit silly in front of my friends, but I took a few pictures anyway and I ended up making it to the top 10 boys! I went on to win the competition which got me a contract with Boss Model Management.
Did you always want to become a model?
NO! Not at all! I’m not big-headed, I never looked in the mirror and thought that I was fit and should become a model. I actually took the pictures thinking nothing would come out of it, but I’m the type of person to take opportunities when they come my way and modeling is a fantastic opportunity.
What do you consider so far as your biggest life achievement?
Oooo this is a hard one… I would say modeling at London Fashion week was my biggest achievement so far. That was the first time I really got noticed in modeling and the feeling I got from seeing myself in newspapers was truly AMAZING!
What about your challenges? Have you had any in the industry?
My biggest challenge in the industry is trying to balance college and modeling together. This year it’s been really hard because only a few months ago I was not earning any money from modeling, since I didn’t have many pictures in my portfolio, so I had to go back and forth from London on the coach while I was in college three days a week. That was horrible! I was spending 13 hours on the coach in one day, and that was every time I went up. But I enjoy the experience of London and I got great pictures back.
I for one think that you would be a great Givenchy model. Are you interested in working with any particular designer labels or magazines?
I would love to model for Givenchy! I have high ambitions in modeling, so I aim to work for all the top designers and magazines. I don’t see the point in doing something if you’re not going to try to make the most of it.
How did you feel about your appearance in GQ Style?
When I first found out, I didn’t even know what GQ was. I wasn’t much of a magazine guy, but when I got told how big it was, I was in shock and at the same time, honored. I just thought I better not do anything stupid to mess it up.
How do you feel about London’s upcoming menswear fashion week Spring/Summer 13?
I can’t wait for it! I’m going down to London to cast so I will hopefully get a few shows.
Great! I know you will get some for sure! So my last question: what are a few things you enjoy doing, and things you treasure the most?
I really enjoy playing football. I represented Manchester for 2 years playing against other cities around England and now I just play for fun with a local team of friends. If I had to say what I treasure most it would have to be my money. I’m really tight with it. I organize how to spend every penny and make it last as long as possible. I even try to con my mum to get more money out of her, but it doesn’t work, because she’s worse than me. Opps! I hope she doesn’t see this. Haha!



















































