While strolling through Fort Greene, I ran into a few lovely ladies with cool style and talent to match.

First I met Nnena who is multi-talented.  Not only is she a dancer, she’s also a makeup artist and stylist.  The fiery orange streak in her hair caught my eye from across Cuyler Gore Park.

Then I stumbled upon artist and photographer Naa-Abeka as she was getting the word “Warrior” painted on the side of her head by artist, Evan T. Bishop.

I loved her hair and accessories.  Plus these “A Different World” prints have been on my radar.

On my way back to Dekalb Avenue I met Ebony Brown.  She and her partners were selling cool vintage and contemporary wear.  She’s also a multi-talented stylist and artist who has dabbled in DJing.

We talked about how rare and insanely cool her vintage sweatshirt is.

I loved her vibrant accessories.

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First I ran into Sharae.  Her lovely silk skirt and tube top caught my eye immediately.

She accessorized this look nicely. Her belt and Tory Burch bag added to her Girly-girl elegance.

Then I ran into Breezy, who has quite an interesting story.  The 23-year-old is one half of the popular trendy eye wear brand, Coco and Breezy.  She and her twin sister moved to New York from Minnesota and later launched their company.  Their eye wear has been seen on the likes of Rihanna, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, and other celebs.

Sharae and Breezy…

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It’s common to stumble upon an indie film set here in New York City, but this set was special.  “I think she might be a sighting” my friend told me when she spotted Gabby from across Fort Greene Park acting out a scene for a movie.  I turned towards where she stood and noticed her luscious locks and her fabulous get-up.  Indeed, she was a sighting.

Gabby….

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I spotted Abdul in front of his store on Nostrand Ave in Bedstuy.  I love how his hat gave him an unexpected burst of color and print.

His preppy boat shoes, khakis, and checkered shirt are in great contrast with the traditional African wax print page boy hat.

Abdul…

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When I spotted these two ladies walking down the street in Fort Greene, I thought of the vintage New York City street photos taken by Jamel Shabazz during the late 70s to the early 80s (see examples below).  As a nod to Shabazz’s aesthetic, I decided to edit these pictures to have an old school feel.

Her acid wash jeans give the old school vibe while her Beats headphones and sneakers are unmistakably current.

I love how Jamel Shabazz captured such an important time in urban culture.  Hip Hop was a budding musical genre and black street style was the epitome of cool.

Clearly this time in urban history can’t be duplicated.  But at least we have the photos to reflect on.

To all my 2014 Around the Way Girls…

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Spotted on Nostrand Ave in Bedstuy. She had a real glow about her.

Spotted near Atlantic Mall. She looked perfect in this sheer all black number.

Standing on Fulton and South Oxford, I noticed their beautiful natural hair from across the street.

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Last night, BRIC Arts Media kicked off Celebrate Brooklyn!, a free concert series being held at Prospect Park throughout the summer.  The incomparable Janelle Monae headlined the show and attracted thousands of of her fans and admirers.

I was there to capture some of the interesting spectators at the event.

 Some of the ladies wore black and white as a nod to Janelle Monae’s signature color palate.  Check out her shoes.

The guys really stood out in bold printed shirts. I call it “A Different World” cool.

Others opted for a more easy breezy look.

Some of the ladies also embraced prints. S/O to Chanel Kennebrew (right), owner of Junk Prints.

Fun times…

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While I was walking down the street in Spanish Harlem a couple of weeks ago, Iman Alexander caught my eye.    I loved how he embraced bright colors to achieve this look.  You would think we planned to meet at that very spot.  The colorful veggie stand was the perfect backdrop.

While speaking to Iman, I found out he is a designer, but he prefers the title, “creator.”  Either way judging from the bag he was carrying–which he actually designed–his artistry is quite apparent.

Iman…

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The first time I attended the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s annual Dance Africa Street Bazaar in 2002, I remember thinking, ‘I found my second home!’ Coming from Miami that year, it was amazing to see such a large community in the United States embracing African culture and out-of-the box style.

For my readers based outside of New York who aren’t familiar with Dance Africa (or BAM as it’s often called), the academy hosts the 3-day event in the heart of Fort Greene every Memorial Day weekend.  From afros and mohawks to piercings and prints, BAM is one of the truest displays of the Brooklyn bohemian.
Below are some street style photos I took at the event this year.

Stay tuned for my video coverage, which features more interesting style!

BAM day 1: Me after a long day of shooting

Fresh face, red lips. LOVE IT!

Me at BAM, day 3

Photo by Mangue Banzima, quistyle.com

I’m focused man!

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