IAMWHATSHOT.com | Lifestyle - A Few of My Favourite Things

1LOVE T.O. City On My Fitted

May 12, 2012

Toronto community leaders and blog 1LOVET.O. recently celebrated their love for Toronto and the Toronto Blue Jays by bringing together a bunch of their closet friends to shoot the City On My Fitted video.

The symbol on your hat has always had a significance, whether you’re a fan of the team, or simply supporting your city. With that in mind, we decided to show some love for our Toronto Blue Jays (and the city we love), by inviting some of our friends to wear their favorite New Era 59Fifty and/or Snapback hats. This stop-motion video features a variety of logos and designs, including everything from the original Jays logo to the ’92-’93 World Series cap, plus the newly redesigned 2012 official logo.

www.1loveto.com

G-Star Raw Denim Toronto

May 5, 2012

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Thanks to Essential Homme magazine, I was invited to the opening of the first G-Star clothing store in Toronto. The private opening played host to some of Canada’s well know music artist, sports and film industry professionals. Guests included; singer Kreesha Turner, Rapper J Diggz, Down With Webster, MuchMusic hosts Jesse Giddings and Liz Trinnear, actor Daniel Desanto, Lee Rumohr, Samantha Munro and hockey players Jay Rosehill and Joey Crabb. The intimate well stocked 3800 square foot space fit perfectly on Queen Street. Signature G-Star Raw Denim Jeans aligned the store walls, while perfectly selected women’s jackets & jumpers filled the floor space. My personal favourite; the Correct Line NY Griff Suit (shown below).

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It was a great evening filled with music, drinks and some friends. The G-Star Toronto store opening (328 Queen Street West) didn’t disappoint. Don’t forget to visit the only G Star Toronto location.

Artist Ashley Barnes: Black Diamonds

Feb 16, 2012

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Among the many Black History events this month, visual artist Ashley Mckenzie Barnes presented her newest collection Black Diamonds 2012. The collection is currently on display at the intimate and cosy Nawlin’s Jazz Bar & Dinner Lounge located at 299 King Street West. A commemoration of 7 influential woman performers in Black Entertainment history, the original (mixed media and acrylic) pieces pay tribute to entertainment icons: Dorothy Dandridge, Lena Horne, the late Etta James, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Diane Ross and Billie Holiday.

Check out some of the pieces on display (below).

Stop by before Feb 29th to view some of entertainments iconic “Black Diamonds”.

Black Diamonds 2012.

Better Mus Come

Feb 11, 2012

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Sometimes words aren’t enough. Here’s the trailer to the Storm Saulter directed movie, Better Mus Come.

Thrilling!

1loveto x Done Different x ISAX

Feb 4, 2012

Posted by Karen | 17 Comments

Just before the holidays, I took in the soulful sounds of saxophonist and musician ISAX, courtesy of 1loveto’s Done Different event. The 4th and last installment of the series for the year took place at the upscale Thompson Hotel. ISAX known too many as ISAX InJah, was a great compliment to a mature evening out.

His musical journey began in his teenage years with Canadian legends Lighthouse and Downchild Blues Band.Subsequently drawn to the deep grooves of Toronto’s Jamaican reggae scene, his playing flourished in a very open musical enviroment. Isax’s musical abilities were welcomed in the Rastafarian community and the following years led to performances and studio work with all of the great Jamaican musicians that passed through Toronto,including Jackie Mitoo,Dennis Brown,King Jammy,Ken Boothe,Morgan Heritage,Dean Fraser,The Abyssinians,Etana,Queen Ifrica and Sly and Robbie to name a few. Isax has lent his signature sound to recordings by Gregory Isaacs, Alton Ellis and Ken Boothe as well horn section work for many Canadian reggae artists.Outside of the reggae world Isax has toured and recorded with Nelson Riddle, Bass Is Base,Esthero,Glen Lewis,Ivana Santilli,Blue Rodeo,NOJO Jazz Orchestra,Kollage,Eddie Bullen and others.

Check out the video here

Nowness The Expression Of A Brand

Jan 15, 2012

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rick rubin

This thing we call “technology”, is amazing. Blend it with various artistic elements and it’s a beautiful thing. NOWNESS, a collective of luxury brands (LVMH Moet, Hennessy) collaborates with some of the world’s top designers and creative thinkers in the luxury brand industry. Daily, NOWNESS presents an exclusive premiere video to influence various cultures in fashion, art, film, music, design, travel and sport. It’s their high-end way of story-telling.

Janie Taylor for Chloe: The Prima Ballerina Models the Fashion House’s Ethereal Collection

And my personal favourite…25yrs of Def Jam.

More pictures here

Mayer Hawthorne

Jan 4, 2012

Posted by Karen | 24 Comments

I’ve been hearing a lot about artist Mayer Hawthorne. A few people have mentioned him to me and me likey, likey. I’ll be honest, when I first heard his music, I assumed I was listening to something from the Miles Davis, Isaac Hayes era. Who knew this kid (well actually he’s 29), lived in the suburbs of Michigan, and recorded several of current tracks a year ago. Hawthorne is making a buzz in the industry by making the old, new again.

He says he owe’s his retro-musical style to the likes of some of his favourite artist: Smokey Robinson and Barry White. Hawthorne’s retro-quirky, clean-cut image mixed with his subtly use of vulgarities on tracks like “Walk” will definately take a few fans by surprise. Who said a 70’s sound can’t be great with a swear word or two? Guess I’m not surprised…he respects and works with the likes of Snoop Dog on the “How Do You Do” album. Enough, said.

Mayer Hawthorne…is a new type of soul.

photo courtesy: mtv.com

Shi Wisdom featuring KJ Lovespeak

Dec 24, 2011

Posted by Karen | 35 Comments

I don’t know how I missed this email. Damn me! but I did. Never the less, good music is good music. One of our Toronto singers to watch out for, Shi Wisdom, recently released the video for “Lovespeak” featuring rapper KJ. I dubb this single, one of the hottest joints in Toronto for 2011.

The first single off of the Burd & Keyz produced album “Keyz of Life” compiled as a tribute album in memory of producer Anthony “Durty Keyz” James (one half of the Burd & Keyz duo). Keyz unexpectedly passed away on June 29th, 2010 from a rare disease. At only 23 years old the producer, piano player and artist, along with his partner Burd were both known across North America for their production skills. The untimely death of Keyz was a devasting blow to his friends and family.

Burd has gone on to promote the last productions from the duo with the tribute album. Burd will continue to go by the “Burd & Keyz” in tribute to his good friend.

No truer way to “speaklove”

www.burdandkeyz.com

Jalani Morgan x Nik Dudukovic for OTMzine

Dec 20, 2011

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Photographer Jalani Morgan recently shot Illustrator Nik Dudukovic for the Winter issue of Off The Map Magazine. The finished product resulted in an unconventional way to combine photography and fashion.

Check out the images and interview here.

Roc-A-Wear Pop Up Shop And When I Met Jay Z

Nov 24, 2011

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Well the early bird catches the worm, isn’t that what they say? I’m headed to the Jay Z concert tonight but had the chance to view the pre-opening of the Roc-A-Wear Pop Up Shop earlier on in the day, prior to the customer rush. Thanks to Sandro over at Richmond Day Marketing, I was given a sneak peek while the crew set up, cleaned, folded and made things are all things Jay Z. The shop crew worked frantically, just pulling in from Montreal only a few hours prior to landing in Toronto. The team hung various Jay Z posters and filled the racks with the controversial Occupy WAll Street tee’s. But the best part of my morning happened when the man himself showed up! Yes, Jay Z showed up to the shop….or at least I thought.

While watching the team in action, the shop doors flew open and the a member of the shop team yell’s “Jay’s here!” Like any true Jay Z fan; my heart stops, sank and revives itself (all in that order) in a matter of 30 seconds. I will admit, I thought I was about to pass out for a split second. This 6-3 frame with (what I believed to be) similar Jigga-like features walked through the door. I said this ever so lightly “WTF, this couldn’t possible be happening to me, could it?”

Alas, the gentleman was only part of the shop team….lol. Who obviously must be related. Thank God I kept my composure, I would have been writing an entirely different story at this exact moment. Well, back to work I went taking pictures. At least I know my heart will go on for the concert tonight.

I’ve been told that Jay, Kanye and Beyoncé, often hang out in the shop playing video games.

If you’re at the concert tonight send me a tweet, comment @iamwhatshot

Thanks Sandro & Tony.

Check out the pics.