All That's FAB » Ian Jarrell

Fab Female: Misa Hylton

Ian Jarrell — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:10:36 +0000

There are many women who have children with a successful man, and decide to settle and live off of their significant other for the rest of their existence. There are also few women that break out and do their own thing. Misa Hylton is one of these women.

Misa was Diddy’s college sweetheart, who he also took along on his rise to stardom. They eventually had a child together but after a while, Misa broke free of the relationship, stepped out on her own, and went on to become a successful fashion designer and stylist.

In this interview, Misa sits down with ATF and lets us know how she does it all, from being a mother of three to a highly sought after stylist and business woman.

“Diddy has is own sense of fashion and I have mine, but having worked so closely with him, I believe we have inspired each other.”

ATF: What does Fashion mean to you?

Fashion is an exciting way for people to express themselves in a creative and unique manner.

ATF: So when did you decide you wanted to get into the fashion business?

Fashion is a Philosophy. I was born with a sense of fashion and I have spent a lifetime cultivating and developing it. If I’m not learning from fashion, I am teaching it.

ATF: Diddy is very into fashion; do you feel you may have inspired him very early on?

Diddy has is own sense of fashion and I have mine. But having worked so closely with him, I believe we have inspired each other.

ATF: How does being a mother effect your personal style?

Being a mother doesn’t reflect my personal style. My style is reflected in everything I wear, whether it’s a business suit or an outfit for fashion week! You’ll never see me dressing like the average soccer mom.

ATF: From doing research, we know you were around at the very beginning of Bad Boy, what was that experience like?

It was a special experience, a time when young people were given the opportunity to express their creativity in music and fashion. When those opportunities proved successful, we were then able to create and run companies. These opportunities turned hip hop from fad to culture.

ATF: How do you balance being a mother of three and being a business woman, that has to be difficult?

I do exactly that, I balance it. It’s not always easy but I manage to prioritize and do my best. I also have great children who understand that mommy works.

ATF: Who have been some of your favorite people to work with, and why?

I have enjoyed every client. Each experience is unique. As a stylist I try to learn and grow with every job and I continue to learn various aspects of style and fashion with each opportunity

ATF: Do you ever plan to write a book about your life?

Yes, I plan to write a book about my life. I look forward to sharing my experiences.

ATF: What are some skills do you think are necessary to become a stylist?

You must be able to multi-task and be very resourceful. Your ability to produce, find, or create what your client demands is what will set you apart from the rest. You also have to be observant and listen. It isn’t about the new must have item in a fashion magazine; it’s about making someone look and feel their best.

ATF: Do you believe women have it harder in the fashion business?

Fashion and business are 2 words. Woman are fashion, they are trendsetters, if as a mother, senator, actress or a celebrity. The business has a habit of identifying the best and that is where ‘haute’ comes from. Woman with a great style and presence have always succeeded in the business of fashion, they are the exceptions and not the rule.

ATF: Now if you children wanted to get into the entertainment business, what would you tell them?

I don’t think you and I both have enough time (Laughs)! I would first tell them the same things I tell them about all of their other life choices. Keep God first, become knowledgeable, don’t make hasty decisions, and always uphold your morals and values.

ATF: That is some great advice that honestly everyone should listen to. What do you think makes you different from other stylist?

I have keen and distinctive eye. I think I’m versatile and have a natural ability to visualize the finished product, create it and execute it. I always deliver.

ATF: What are some future goals for Misa?

To continue to grow as a person, be the best mom I can be and create a timeless legacy.

ATF: What is some advice you would give up and coming stylist and designers?

Learn and understand the craft, once you decide you want to pursue fashion styling as a career, stay focused and remember fashion is a business. Don’t be disillusioned by all of the glitz and glamour of it all.

Interview Conducted by Ian Jarrell

Event Recap: Rocawear 10th Anniversary Party

Ian Jarrell — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 21:58:46 +0000

Last night, ATF attended the Rocawear 10th Anniversary Party, held at the Rocawear Showroom in Times Square, and we were in the mix among some of New York City’s most notable movers and shakers. Celebrities such as Melody Thorton of Pussycat Dolls, Gorilla Zo, actor Brian White, Terrance J, DJ Clue, Laurie Ann Gibson, Teyana Taylor, photographer Derek Blanks, and more were in the building. The man of the hour, Jay-Z also stopped through and Beyonce even came through to show her hubby some love.

More pics and event coverage after the jump…

First of all, we would like to thank Absolut Vodka for keeping us right throughout the entire party. Anytime we go to event sponsored by Absolut you can always expect themed drinks. Since the night was for Jay-Z, they named the drinks after a few of his albums and the Reasonable Doubt (Absolut with a splash of pineapple juice and ginger ale) was our hands down favorite.

Walking around the showroom, it was hard to not notice all the classic Rocawear ads through out the loft. Rocawear has been around for 10 years, which is amazing for an urban apparel line. The most stand out ads that we saw have featured Victoria Beckham and Naomi Campbell to Larry Johnson and Tearri Mari, and more.

Now we must say one of the highlights of the party was when the man of the hour, Jay-Z, finally showed up. He arrived so late to the event, that we almost started to forget about him. (Absolut will do that to you.) Hov just appears to be humbled by everything, and we adore that, and he lit up the room when he walked in. Not only that, the groupies were definitely flocking as well. (You know who you are.)

Another highlight was choreographer Laurie Ann “Boom Kat” Gibson, absolutely GETTING DOWN on the dance floor like there was no tomorrow. (Pictured with Jay-Z above). Notice how she’s rocking a similar hairstyle to Cassie’s new ‘do. We hope that this is not a new Bad Boy trend of some sort.

While at the party, were were able to hear several select tracks off of the newly released “The Blueprint 3″. Its amazing that is his 11th studio album, and folks are still worshiping the ground this man walks on. If you were at the party and you didn’t hear the album before last night, DJ D-Nice made sure you heard it! He played all of our favorites including “Empire State Of Mind” with Alicia Keys to “Venus .Vs. Mars” (D-Nice was actually playing the demo version of this track featuring Beyonce). DJ D-Nice is one of our favorite NYC DJs, and that man will keep you on your feet. Usually events such as this can be quite stuff, but he manages to keep everyone dancing and smiling!

SMH @ Gorilla Zoe and his chain.

Okay so what you all have been waiting for! The true hightlight of the party for ATF was when Beyonce strutted her diva self into the venue. The whole aura of the party just took a turn when she graced the place. This fab chick runway walked to her hubby wearing some cut-off jean shorts, an over-sized gray t-shirt, red 6 inch heels, and some Ray Bans. Now, her hair was a mess of course, you know she is going through her “messy look” faze right now, but she still looked effortlessly fab. We loved how she was so laid back and chill. The sad part is she only stayed for 10 minutes, it seemed like she just came to pick up Jay and go home (GROUPIES fall back!)

Overall we must say the event was one of the best of the year, and Jay is truly the King of NYC. If you haven’t gone out an bought The Blue Print 3 yet, you are late! The album has some of Jay’s best work, he is turning pop fans into hip hop heads.

More Photos and inside twitpics below:

(Brian White was super nice)

Photographer Derek Blanks

Roc Nation’s new artist, J. Cole. (He’s got next!)

Additional pics are courtesy of Gabe of StuffFlyPeopleLike.com

Fab Female: Krys Ivory

Ian Jarrell — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:17:57 +0000

R&B music has a new girl on the block, that has already caught the eye of, not only us, but of R&B powerhouse, Ryan Leslie as well. Krys Ivory is a young church girl that made her way to the R&B/Pop world like a lot of talented singers with the same background, but the thing that makes Krys so different is the fact that she has survived the ultimate battle, Cancer. Check out more about this talented and inspirational woman after the jump…

ATF: Now tell us a little bit about your start in the music game?

Krys Ivory: Well I grew up singing in my church at my dad’s homeless ministry. But I was 11 years old when I got my real taste in the music game when I joined a gospel group called “All Gods Children“. We got this great opportunity to sing back up for Barbara Streisand for an event and it forever changed my life. After meeting Barbara I knew that singing was the profession for me. No doubt about it (laughs)

ATF: We are curious, so tell us more about you background in music?

KI: I grew up singing in a black Baptist church called Mount Zion in Inglewood, CA where my father was the deacon. Then after that church was no longer there my father began to pastor his own homeless ministry in Hollywood. He would have me sing for the homeless every Sunday. The people who attended my father’s service were so humbled and grateful for my shared gift. It touched me in a major way. Besides the fact that my dad is also vocally inclined, He has a Motown background from when he worked for Motown Records in the late 60’s and early 70’s. So I was practically was born into it!

ATF: So how did you go from little ole church girl to getting in the hands of Ryan Leslie?

KI: I met Ryan Leslie because his business partner Rasheed Richmond hit me up on MySpace after hearing my music and offered me a chance to record a demo for him. I did of course and the first song we cut “Next 2 Ya” ended up being my single, it all happened super fast.

ATF: After doing so research on you, I heard that you had to recently deal with cancer. Let’s talk about that experience.

KI: Yeah well I was just about to get signed with Ryan Leslie; he was going to take me overseas with my project. I was so ready to go! But life brought me to a HAULT and I was diagnosed with Hodgekins Lymphoma. I had to stop and focus on my health. I lost my hair during the process from the chemo, but I gained so much more internally. God got me through it! And Ryan Leslie still signed me!

ATF: How has going through that tragic experience affected your music and outlook on life?

KI: It has made me a whole lot more spiritually sensitive! My music speaks a whole lot more honestly now. I don’t regret my battle.

ATF: This a questions that we can’t avoid. You are going to be compared to Cassie a lot because of linking up with Ryan, how are you going to deal with that?

KI: It doesn’t bother me, it won’t be an issue for long because I feel people will quickly see that we are both two different type of artist.

ATF: Do you think NextSelection was the right place for you to go, being that Ryan Leslie is an artist himself?

KI: It’s an emotional roller coaster ride in this industry but I am always completely honest with myself. There will always be a conflict within a label. I respect Ryan’s grind as an artist as he does mine, but I’ve learned that it’s in my power to make things happen regardless of where I am signed. I just feel so blessed that I have an amazing team! Rich Dollaz and KLPR Group. I can’t forget Danni Rouge and Allie Marquee my stylist. I will never give up or stop!

ATF: Describe your music to us…

KI: Imagine Teena Marie, Mary J. Blige, and Beyonce had a love child…That is what I’m aiming for my album to sound like! (laughs). My music can have a nice melodic groove to it. I feel like my vocals makes people wanna chill out. Or at least that’s what I am aiming for.

ATF: What separates you from other pop singers?

KI: I’m not compromising my integrity as a woman to rise to the top. My music needs to speak for itself.
ATF: How did you come up with your name, if it isn’t your birth name?

KI: Krys (pronounced Chris) is short for Krys-tina…And Ivory is who I am. I’m a strong and precious commodity to come by.

ATF: That was cute.

KI: Yeah I think so too (laughs)

ATF: What are you bringing to the music game, that we have no seen before?

KI: I want to be an inspiration to people musically and spiritually. When young girls look at me I want them to say “If she can do it, so can I.” YES YOU CAN! (laughs)

What Artist…

What artist level of success do you hope to attain? Beyonce

What artist record do you wish you would have recorded? “Big Yellow Taxi” – Joni Mitchell

What artist style would you compare to yours? Keri Hilson recently…my single doesn’t reflect that, but my album definitely does.

What artist keeps you grinding?

Beyonce! She’s a hard working PERFECTIONIST. And I love it.

What artist do you dream to collab with? Kanye West please holla at your girl. You’re a beast.

Check out more Info on Krys Ivory:

Twitter: @KrysIvory

www.KrysIvory.com

Interview Conducted by Ian Jarrell

Exclusive Interview: Lyfe Jennings

Ian Jarrell — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:30:03 +0000

AllThatsFab.com sat down with R&B star Lyfe Jennings to catch up with him and get the juice on his new album and love life. Lyfe has came along way since his days on Apollo. He is now working on this fourth studio album entitled Sooner or Later, which is reportedly also going to be his last album.

Below, Lyfe also talks about his crazy love life and what he loves about women. Check it all out after the jump…

Interview Conducted by Ian Jarrell

Allthatsfab.com on Essence & Roc4life

Tini — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:59:52 +0000

Essence.com

Allthatsfab.com has been around for 2 years now, and thanks to our readers and supporting friends, 2009 has been a great year for us. Justin over at Essence interviewed us for the 2009 Black Web Awards and posted an excerpt on Essence.com.

We are very excited, thankful, and honored(!) to be on this list along with our other favorite bloggers: Stuff fly people like, Necolebitchie, Str8nyc, Blogxilla, and others!

In other ATF news, last week Allthatsfab.com was invited to Rocawear’s 10th Year Anniversary Digital Campaign Shoot and

had a great time talking about Rocawear and posing for the 10th anniversary ad campaign. Check out more here.

(Shout out to Monee at Roc4life.com)

Again, we want to thank all of our dedicated readers and friends! We look forward to a promising future.

*MUAH*

ATF Exclusive Interview: Sammie

Ian Jarrell — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:37:11 +0000

Time flies, child stars grow up, and it can be really hard for some of them to stay relevant while sticking to the same formula that they had when they first emerged on the scene. (Just ask Bow Wow). However, there are a few stars who make that trip to adult hood seem effortless. Sammie is one of those artist that has always been bubbling under the radar, and is growing into quite a young man. He just recently dropped a dope mixtape called “Swag & B Vol. 1“, and is still making his own lane while defining who he is as an artist.

In this interview, Sammie talks to us about working with Trey Songz, his views on females and relationships, and let’s us know who’s career he models his after…Check out the exclusive interview with Sammie under the fab hood…

ATF: Hey wassup Sammie

Sammie: How You doing Ian?

ATF: I’m good man. So what you been up to lately?

Sammie: Well I just did the song, Kiss Me Through the Phone with Soulja Boy. I have been working on my mixtape, Swag n B Vol. 1, with DJ Holiday. I got Cassidy on it, Yung Joc, Trey Songz, just to name a few. I’m just tryna expand as an artist and show a different side of me. I feel with this economy you have to give the people a free album before the actual album, so they can see how you coming. I am also working on my new album Coming Of Age also.

ATF: So what inspired you to want to do a mixtape? A lot of R&B guys don’t really go down that lane you know.

S: Yeah that’s the beauty of it. A lot of R&B dudes don’t do it because it takes talent. Not every R&B dude can do it. The main guy that you really know who does mixtapes and remixes is Trey Songz; aside from him you don’t really see a lot of guys doing it. You see, a lot of people don’t know I write, I’m not just a singer. I feel like I can creatively remix something that is already out on the radio and make it R&B. Me being young you have to challenge yourself. After putting out a few songs on twitter and getting a lot of positive feedback I just decided to put out a mixtape.

ATF: So you have worked with Soulja Boy and Trey Songz, and now they currently have a song out right now together. How was it working with both of them?

S: It was crazy man! Trey is like my big brother to be honest with you. A lot of people don’t know how gifted he is. He actually engineers and records himself. That’s something that I am learning to do. The chemistry like I was crazy. We bust the song out in less than an hour. And there not a lot of times you see two R&B guys collab and it be nothing but positive. It just makes sense ya know. He is more in that R.Kelly lane, and I think I am more in that pretty boy Usher lane. So I think it was a nice balance between the both of us. You know working with Soulja Boy was just dope. He already had “Kiss Me Thru The Phone” done with him singing on auto-tune, but he hated how he sounded. So he hit me up and I came through and knocked it out in 15 minutes. Fast forward a couple months later, we have the number one record in the country.

ATF: Speaking of Kiss Me Thru The Phone, is there anyone you are kissing through the phone these days?

S: (Laughs) Naw I’m single you know. So if there was a girl I was texting or kissing through the phone, she wouldn’t feel too special right about now. I do sometimes have that one person when I am out on the road that I miss. I think a lot of dudes can relate to that song, it just wasn’t for the females. But me I’m single, and my priorities are really God first, family, then music. As far as females you would have to be really understanding to really be involved with me.

ATF: What is the most special thing about a female to you?

S: Well for one we can’t live without them. It’s something about them being nurturing, and I just love everything about a woman. From the way she talks, the way she smells, to the way she carries herself. I notice that the girls that I actually go for have the same qualities that my mother has.

ATF: So now describe how Sammie is in a relationship?

S: When I am gone and really sprung over a girl, I can be a real R&B dude. You know I’ll send her flowers just because it’s Tuesday. I listen pretty well, she probably wouldn’t even have to ask for something you really want. I may here her talking to a friend about something, then I’ll go buy it. My job is just to make that girl happy, in any way shape, form, or fashion. I am like really ALL IN once I really dig a girl.

ATF: Okay so when was the last time you were in a serious relationship?

S: Like in 05, my senior year in high school. That was my first love, my first everything. That was when I like test the waters with the whole relationship thing and being in love.

ATF: So it’s been awhile for you I see. So how does a woman get at Sammie? How does a female get your attention?

S: Just don’t pay me any attention. If you see me in the club and you see a bunch of girls trying to get at me and u don’t pay me no mind. That’s the woman that will get me. Since I was like 12 I never really had to approach women, just from me being on television they come to me.

Name Game/Favorite Things

Favorite Record Right Now: R.Kelly – Number One featuring Keri Hilson

Favorite Female Artist of Right Now: Keri Hilson

Favorite R&B Male Artist of Right Now: Trey Songz

Dream Producer to Work with: Polow Da Don

ATF: Whose career do you mock yours after?

S: I am following the Usher blue print, he is one of the only R&B artist that is still relevant today that actually came from a child star like myself, to be the grown man that he is today. That’s really the formula I am tryna follow. He really set the path for other R&B cats of my era. You know I didn’t grow up watching Michael Jackson, I watched usher. Usher grew up watching Mike, but Usher is my MJ you see.

You Can download Sammie’s new mixtape here

Interview Conducted by Ian Jarrell

ATF Interviews Fab Female, Briana Marie

Ian Jarrell — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 12:57:44 +0000

We are always supporters of strong, independent, dynamic females. We are constantly showcasing up & coming men in the entertainment industry, but now we are bringing you some women that are doing their thing in the big city. “Fab Females” will give you the chance to get to know some ladies that are taking charge and making moves in a male dominated world.

Our first ATF Fab Female is none other than Briana Marie of Harlem Heights. She is a fashion designer who is making her own lanes. Briana is not just a reality star, she is a woman with goals and aspirations. After reading this interview, you’ll see why Briana was chosen to be one of NYC’s fab females..

Name: Briana Marie
Age: 28
Location: New York City by way of Atlanta, GA
Zodiac Sign: Taurus (In every way from what I was told…lol)

ATF: So tell me what inspires you to do what you do?

Briana Marie: I think when you’ve wanted to do a certain thing as long as you can remember, that dream wakes you up every day. You push more and climb higher to reach it.

ATF: Now I know there are a few people you have to admire, Who are some of your fashion icons?

BM: Icon is a word a lot of people use loosely for the wrong reasons.

ATF: Agreed (laughs)

BM: (laughs) But for me there are a few:

Diana Ross. She transcending the defined the word ‘Diva’ by making breakthroughs for Black Women in music, film, and fashion. Mahogany has always been an inspiring movie for me, because like me she left her home and the Man she loved to pursue her ultimate dream. And that is one of the biggest sacrifice you can make.

Karl Lagerfeld. He rebuilt the House of Chanel and elevated Fendi. He has the world in his hands but is not jaded and leads a very simplistic life. True genius!

My Parents. They started dating at 20 and were an extremely fabulous power couple. In the 80’s they took fashion to another level. With matching Burberry trench coats, and scarves, YSL suits, and family photos with Lacoste Polos. I thought everyone’s mother wore a Louis Vuitton bag. They loved to experiment with looks and taught me about trends at a very young age.

ATF: What made you jump into designing bags?

BM: From a young age bags were my thing. For some girls it’s shoes or make up. For me I’ve always been a fiend for designer bags. In middle school I rocked Dooney & Burke and Coach. High school my Mothers vintage Gucci that she wore in her college days. Then when I got to college, I went nuts with a designer bag collection today up to almost 80. One month 3-1/2 years ago I bought 3 Fendi bags and Bridget (Harlem Heights cast member and cousin) gave me an intervention. She said with my eye and design talent I needed to quit wasting money and make my own bags. That’s where the Signature Tassel Hobo was born. It was entered in a bag design contest on Glam.com for Marie Claire Magazine. I was chosen as a finalist so I knew I was on to something.

ATF: This is a question I have to ask you, how has Harlem Heights effected your life thus far?

BM: I still wake up and put on my clothes and get on my grind like every other day before the show. It’s just now a lot of people know my face. It has been extremely humbling when people say I inspire them. Since day one my main goal was to give a face to a part of the fashion industry no one sees. There are so many who work tirelessly without so much as a thank you to bring the world beautiful clothes for someone else’s vision. If that inspires another person to go for their dream then my sacrifice was worth it.

ATF: Tell us some of your background in fashion.

BM: I moved to New York in 2002, and graduated with a Fashion Design degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology. I came straight out of college and became an outerwear designer for ESPRIT and Laundry by Shelli Segal. During my time there I won some industry awards and spreads in magazines like In Style and Outerwear Magazine. I left there to become a Technical Designer for Victoria’s Secret Pink. Now I have started to develop my own brand B. Marie.

ATF: I see you are very accomplished female, you have been around the block haven’t you?

BM: Yes I have paid my dues (laughs)

ATF: So what celebrities would you love to see wearing one of your bags?

BM: Kelis is one of my all time favorite style mavens, and Nicole Richie’s Bohemian look works for my denim bags. Taylor Momson (Jenny from Gossip Girl), and love Dawn Richard from Dirty Money’s new punk look. There are many more that’s just a few. I think it’s more than celebrities; I just want a fab girl who has carefree style to enjoy my line.

ATF: Has being on reality television made people lose respect for you?

BM: Not at all! The people that know me and have been truly down for me since day one have always respected my honesty and hustle. If anything I think I gained more respect from them by opening my world to everyone and staying grounded.

ATF: So Briana what made you want to move to the Big Apple?

BM: Fashion. I left a very comfortable, fun, and glamorous life behind to start from the bottom. Any move you make to accomplish a goal is emotionally challenging. There were plenty of times I could have given up. But I ate the battle wounds and kept fighting. New York is the hardest city to make it in the world. And I respect those that at least try. It’s not a place for everyone, only the strongest survive.

ATF: That is such a true statement about New York. So describe your personal style for us?

BM: That question is always hard to answer because I never stay in the same lane. My style changes with the weather, so I guess it’s how I feel when I wake up.

ATF: What bag do you love the most out of your line?

BM: The Signature bag for sure because it was my first. I have reworked it at least 50 times to get it just right. And will probably change the design some more in seasons to come.

ATF: Now here is your chance to squash any rumor that is floating out there about you…?

BM: That I’m a self proclaimed ‘bitch’, that back stabs her friends. That might be what others want people to think of me. But it’s as far from the truth as possible. I am a loving daughter, big sister to two girls Tiffany and Carolyn. I have strong southern morals, and I’m an extremely loyal person to the people I call friends. In a way that trait might be my biggest weakness, because I take that term serious. When it comes to meeting new people I am very nice but cautious. I’m cool with you until you give me a reason not to. I never let a person disrespect or run me over. The major mistakes I’ve made living here were trusting people without doing my complete homework. I also have a very cool demeanor, and at times an emotionless face. I’m always thinking, so it’s not that I look mean, I’m focused.

ATF: Tell us about your brand new web site, and what was the inspiration for it?

BM: My website B. Marie has been up since April with my collection displayed, a few articles, and a video on me. I have given it some more interactive sections to dig into the fashion side of me. I wrote a blog on bet.com for my show. Now I have added a blog called ‘Southern Girl and the City Style’ that chronicles some of the events of my life in the city. There are funny stories, pictures, and sketches of my work.

I also added a style section that highlights the upcoming trends, how to wear, and buy them online. I have lived in KC, Dallas, and Seattle. When a new trend hits NYC, it takes another year and a half to two years to make it to that city. This gives places like the Midwest an outlet to keep up with what’s hot now.

ATF: Who is Briana Marie?

BM: Real and hard working.

ATF: What made you want to do Harlem Heights instead of a show like Project Runway?

BM: Project Runway is a competition, Harlem Heights was my life. It’s hard enough grinding in my daily life than trying to do it with 14 other people. I just want to be me, and launch my line around my supporters.

Favorite Things:

Favorite NYC Club: I don’t have a favorite club, I love fab events.

Favorite NYC borough: Manhattan of course

Favorite NYC designers: Durant, 3rd Floor, Jerome Lamaar, Atumn Adegibo, Matthew Deasia. Young Black NY

Favorite Blogs: Any blog that is about building up people rather than tearing them down (like AllThatsFab.com)

Favorite Bag Designer: Fendi

For More Info on Briana Marie:

Twitter: @BMarieStyle

Website: BmarieStyle.com

Interview Conducted by Ian Jarrell

Fab Men: DJ Boy Wonda & Panama – Double Feature

Ian Jarrell — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:47:44 +0000

AllThatsFab.com has decided to revamp our Fab Men section. We’ve brought you men from all different parts of the industry, such as fashion, film, music, etc..Just to give you all something different we are bringing you a double feature. Our newest edition to the Fab Men are New York’s DJ Boy Wonda & Panama. They are taking you back to the DJ & rapper combo we all grew to love when Run DMC and Will Smith & Jazzy Jeff brought it to the forefront. No more Q&A interviews!! After the jump you can catch the footage of the interview with Panama & DJ Boy Wonda…

ATF’s Ian Jarrell met up with the guys on the streets of NYC to bring you that really New York vibe, so we filmed these guys on the streets of NY. DJ Boy Wonda is well known mixtape DJ in NYC, and we wouldn’t be surprised if our readers have more than one copy of his mixtapes in their CD collection right now! If Panama looks familiar, you’ve probably seen him star in the HBO hit show “The Wire“— the actor turned rapper is making sure he doesn’t leave this world without making a mark on music.

ATF: So how did you come up with your names and how did you get your start in the industry?

Now you know we have to give the ladies something. Women always want to know what guys look for in a lady. Sometimes it’s not always about the physical appearance. These guys are looking for a little something different.

ATF: What is your relationship status and what do you look for in a woman?

Fab Men Favorite Things: Music & Dating Edition

Music is not a easy game to break into, you have to have a love for what you do. Music inspires many of us, it helps with break-ups, getting ready for a party, and can simply brighten up your dar. We want to know what inspires Boy Wonda and Panama to love music, they are a rapper and a DJ after all…

We hope you enjoy our newest edition of Fab Men. Stay tuned for many more guys, you never know who we are going to bring to you….

Credits:

Interviewier: Ian Jarrell

Check out Boy Wonda’s Mixtape:

Exclusive Interview: F.L.Y (Fast Life Yungstaz)

Ian Jarrell — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 16:45:58 +0000

F.L.Y (Fast Life Yungstaz) the boys that brought you the hit “Swag Surfin“ sat down with AllThatsFab.com to tell us how they feel about their new success, not have the big name co-signer, and being on Def Jam Records. ATF’s Ian Jarrell chatted it up with the boys so we all can ride the wave they are bringing to the clubs.

“Its crazy that we can go somewhere like Oklahoma and see people ’surfing’. There’s no water in Oklahoma!”

Check out the video interview after the jump.

Check out their video for Swag Surfin below:

BREAKING NEWS: Vibe Magazines Closes!!!

Ian Jarrell — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:35:55 +0000

This is truly the end of an era. It’s being reported that Vibe Magazine has closed down, and these aren’t rumors anymore. Its a sad day in the world of urban entertainment. Vibe has always been your one stop source for everything in the urban world, it was our very own lifestyle mag. The biggest stars of yesterday and today have graced the cover of Vibe. ATF’s Ian Jarrell was lucky enough to work there before the closing. We wonder will Vibe Magazine just turn into a internet magazine. You can check out some covers after the jump..

Dear VIBE Team:

It is with a heavy heart that I share some tough news, VMG is closing down effective today, June 30th.

It’s been an 16 incredible years since VIBE’s inception. There are very few magazines with the richness of history and breadth of talented visionaries who created the powerful lens in which VIBE viewed and shaped urban music and culture.

Ever since I first set foot in this courageous company, I’ve regarded myself as incredibly fortunate to be be involved with this remarkable brand and group of individuals whose performance has never been nothing short of outstanding. We finished 2008 in an improved position versus the prior year, and accomplished so much, including:

* Editorial Awards
* Editorial transformation into content dept
* New Ad accounts being broken
* The Most Mag Launch
* Award winning re-design
* Profitable digital operation
* VIBE.com growth and improvements and programs such as Best Rapper Ever, #1 Stan, etc
* Mobile VIBE launch
* Micro-site development Mostmag.com to start off.
* V Sessions
* Improved PR coverage

Unfortunately, over the last several months, a confluence of events has obviously posed VMG to exceedingly serious challenges.

* The collapse of the capital markets has impacted us greatly. Over the past several months, we have actively pursued investment resources while working intensively with our bank to find a solution. But the deal market right now remains very poor and at the end of the day, the lack of investment resources to restructure the huge debt on our small company has made this outcome become a reality.

* The print advertising collapse hit VIBE hard, especially as key ad categories like automotive and fashion, which represented the bulk of our top 10 advertisers, have stopped advertising or gone out of business. It’s also unfortunate that in a recession many companies reduce the multi-cultural campaigns. These facts, coupled with the continuing decline of the music industry not to mention the newsstand wholesaler consolidation in early 2009 all negatively impacted our business in a significant way.

* The relentless economic situation has depressed our growth initiatives on the digital front. To be clear, VMG has made significant improvement in this part of our business, but not at the accelerated pace required to offset the devastating effects of the most severe recession in our lifetime and the accompanying print losses.

I want to thank you all for your hard work and commitment, and for all of the adventures along the way. I’ll miss this place a lot, but I’ll miss you all and the magic you create.

Vibe will be remembered as a shockingly brilliant content company that everyone can be proud of and I look forward with great excitement to all of future endeavors you all pursue.

With great affection and respect –

Steve Aaron

former CEO of VIBE Media Group

SOURCE