The Kerwin Frost Artist Box from McDonaldās launched this week causing a lot of people to ask āwho is he?ā.
Being a writer of both food and fashion, Iām here with some answers.
Kerwin Frost is an artist from Harlem, most well known for his work within fashion and music. He is a creative director, a DJ, street style icon and host of his own interview series.
As a lifelong fan of McDonaldās and the McNugget Buddies, Kerwin is proud to team up and bring āThe Kerwin Frost Boxā to life. His Frost Way collectible designs marry a vivid fashion style with a respect for the enduring iconography of the McDonald’s brand.
āPeople in Harlem always did have a different outlook on doing things,ā Frost has stated.
When Frost was growing up there in the early ā00s, drug dealers were still as influential as rappers when it came to serving the most outlandishly flamboyant looks.
āI remember seeing one of the local drug dealers in Harlem wearing the Moncler X Pharrell jacket that had all the little trees on it, but with a tank top and some fur Ugg boots.ā
The Harlem-born entrepreneur has hustled his way to hosting an annual film festival, an Apple Music radio show, and Kerwin Frost Talks, his popular YouTube talk show.
Adidas fans go wild over his sneaker collabs.
āIām the king of self promotion. Iām the loudest, proudest zad of my own work. I wonāt let you not know it happened.ā
Now when you open up that Artist box meal, and unbox the collectible toy, know you now own an iconic piece of fashion history.
Last week I listed my top five picks for the ladies on your holiday shopping list. Now itās time for the men in your life!
1. A Perky Collar:
This item was invented and Patented by my friend David Frankel.
Collar support system for dress shirts. It lifts up the top button region of the dress shirt to give you a high collar, professional look every time. Nothing feels better than wearing a brand new shirt. This product gives your collar the look it had the 1st time you wore it. People will notice the difference and you will definitely feel more confident.
He also has a kiosk at Southpark Mall and online store providing all the things men need to stay dapper!
Skincare, Shaving, fragrance, shower and bath and grooming.
From a daily exfoliating cleanser to a purifying charcoal maskāaromas that invigorate his senses to formulas that soothe his skin, they have what he needs to put his best face forward.
3. Hex Tie:
Unique luxury ties and belts.
I guarantee he has NOTHING like these pieces in his wardrobe!
So Iām here to help with those hard to buy for ladies in your life.
Hereās my top five picks for the holiday season!
1. Natasha Denona Glam Face Palette:
Create a complete, ultra-glam look with one limited edition palette.
2. Jo Malone Travel Candle Trio:
Create a sensual atmosphere with Orange Bitters, boost the celebrations with Pine & Eucalyptus and add a warm, inviting mood with Roasted Chestnut. Presented in a gingerbread house gift box.
3. Kendra Scott The Elisa Necklace:
Their #1 Best Seller comes in so many varieties one can never keep count! Check out their festive new designs!
4. Michael Kors Empire Medium Patent Chain-Link Pochette:
Silver Bells meets Y2K Fashion with the perfect holiday bag!
5. Lāoccitane Almond and Flowers Duo:
Limited Edition Shower Oil and Hand Cream duo for soft skin with a delicately warm, floral scent.
These are all items I love and also give as gifts. I hope you found some ideas to complete your holiday shopping!
It showcases the remarkable moments of a designer who fell in love with fashion at 4 years old while living in Ridgeway, South Carolina, and has become one of the biggest names in the industry today.
āWhen I was 5 years old, I said this is what Iām going to do,ā
In 2013, he was the first person to win Bravo’s reality TV series “Styled to Rock,” hosted by Rihanna. Following this win, he came back to Columbia to continue working on his brand and made a name for himself by styling clients and creating custom designs for his all-women’s clothing line.
āFocused on the Fit,ā features nine garments from Hudson’s career, as well as 43 fashion illustrations and four items of memorabilia, ranging from the beginning of his career to current day.
We then entered the private area for Sweets and Sips.
Hudson took the stage to accept The Key to the City from Mayor Daniel Rickenmann.
We were then treated to the story of his life from the man himself.
Megan Pinckney Rutherford moderated as Hudson spoke.
As images flashed on the screen beside the stage, the designer spoke about pivotal moments in his life and career.
He recalled his leap of faith to move to L.A., and the challenges faced in his first undersized studio.
āWe would have to cut the fabric because at night mice would come in and they would leave whatever they left over the silk and everything. It was an episode. it. I never complained about it because I always knew it.ā
āI made the pattern for Kamala Harrisā dress from that place,ā he revealed. āWe made Michelle Obamaās from that place. So, it is a part of the journey. It was tough, tough, tough. Anybody who knows me knows I pushed myself to be positive. Even though it isnāt a part of my nature, I learned to be a positive person.ā
His team, Co-Owner Inga Beckham and Co-Creative Director Charles Lynch, later joined the stage.
He considers them family and they are the backbone of his brand.
He spoke about a mural the street from his studio in LA he watched being painted. Each day he saw the progress. On the day it was completed he had had one of the worst days of his career. Filled with doubt. And then he saw the completed project. Believeā¦you got this.
He never gave up. He went full steam ahead from that point on.
To pay homage to the painter, artist Jason Naylor, he created a dress based up on that mural. He included the artist to the point of matching the colors exactly.
Family is most important to him. He spoke fondly of his mother, siblings, husband and children. As well as his beloved grandmother.
Hudsonās philosophy is that fashion should be for everyone and include everyone. He designs to empower the wearer and often includes a nod to the ā90s of his youth. Focused on the Fit features eight signature garments from key moments in his career alongside more than 20 sketches and drawings exploring his career from the early days winning Bravoās Styled to Rock in 2013 up through the present day.
Cheers to one of the most memorable moments of my life.
I was recently invited to attend a Truck Show Sip and Shop at Neiman Marcus.
Joel Cheatwood brought three amazing jewelry designers to the Queen City.
Leigh Maxwell:
Hearts and Pearls were placed in satin finished gold.
āInspired by the women of the world, Leigh Maxwell jewelry crosses cultures and generations. Made by hand from precious gemstones and solid 18k goldā.
Moksh:
Intricate designs and gemstones take front and center with this designer.
āCreativity is joyous. Originality is everything. Inspiration is everywhere – in history, in culture, in life itself. ā
Jorge Adeler:
Turquoise and coins used in these pieces take me back to my high school days.
He incorporated retro designs with an updated twist.
Creative and exquisite design showcasing unique stones, exotic pearls and ancient coins in one-of-a-kind pieces.
This show was full of Beautiful, Lux Jewelry that can be worn everyday.
Thank you Neiman Marcus and Joel Cheatwood for introducing me to these incredible designers.
Alexander McQueen. Thereās so much I can say about this designer.
But pictures are worth a thousand words.
I recently headed down to Columbia Museum Of Art for a viewing of some of his most notable designs.
This exhibit was brought to the public by his longtime friend and photographer Ann Ray.
Her photos dotted the walls along with his designs. Almost as a love letter to her beloved friend.
From the dark eras to his final moments, she was there.
The chronological displays showed the journey of designs and emotions of McQueen through the years.
The juxtaposition of the dark, against the playful spring dresses was jarring. It reminded me of my own mental ebbs and flows.
The use of contrasting colors and textures is genius.
From darkness to light, then back again.
Gothic Elegance.
From sketches to patterns, we got to see his actual work.
These pieces remind me of nature in all its glory.
This blue is one of my favorite pieces.
I took in the beauty of this breathtaking piece for quite awhile.
This coat with the Edger Allen Poe poem Annabel Lee stitched into it(yes, those are actually words on the coat) was a tribute to his dear friend Annabelle Neilson. It was one of the most incredible things Iāve ever seen.
Again his grief took over.
And soon he gained the closure heād been seeking since the passing of a close friend and then his mother.
McQueen was a troubled soul, as most creatives are. He never felt he belonged in the world of fashion amongst the beautiful people.
His dear friend Ann Ray proved that he indeed did belong.
