Coming Soon

Fly Women are hard to come by, ones that have beautiful exteriors and dreams that have wings.

Yesterday I had the honor of sitting down with Miss Kristia of Doorknockers, to discuss school, love, family, and visions. Here's a little bit about Doorknockers.


1. WHO IS DOORKNOCKERS?

A blog run by and for women, as well as the larger Hip Hop Nation. We are women who were raised on hip hop, make hip hop, and of course love-hate hip hop.

We come from the streets, and as J-Live would say, the sidewalks. While not everyone here is anti-capitalist, we are all seriously critical of a profit-focused way of life. Some of us went to college, some dropped out, some graduated with honors. Most did all four just not in the same order. This means we aren't afraid to philosophize, spit theory, or get serious. We ain't afraid of book knowledge, in fact we seek it. But we don't depend on books for our lessons.

2. WHY "DOORKNOCKERS"?

I chose this name to (1) celebrate a distinct form of hip hop and hoodrat adornment, (2) shout out Black and Brown women of our age group and older who have defined beauty and strength for me since day one. There's also that bit about knockin on the door of your mindtstate, your ears, the doors to the powers that be.

3. WHAT'S THE POINT?

I'm tryna to fill a void between the petit-B (petit-bourgeosie) streetwear femme magazines, and the often White-dominated world of revolutionary feminist publications. Basically, I'm too critical to read MissBehave without bein disturbed by the fact that my people can't afford that shit and need healthcare. Yet I maintain gold hoops in 3 sizes, keep my nails fresh, and my humble kicks clean.

This is a space for us to discuss these issues and to encourage women to stay critical of the hip hop they consume, the ways they measure their happiness, and the patriarchy they allow to exist. This is one Filipina's way of contributing to the intellectual blog culture of hood scholars like Davey D.


Be sure to click the link to read more by Kristia and the sistren at Doorknockers.

Bird Tales: 1333 Minna is Out of the Box

Some things are meant to be kept secret, but then again some secrets are meant to be unleashed only when the time is right. It's been along time coming but some heart is being brought back to the hat game and 1333 Minna is being let out of the box.

Hats have always been a defining accessory in fashion and in history, helping to illustrate the personality of the wearer while still conveying an air of mystery.

1333 Minna is a collective of artist based in the Mission District of San Francisco, who's aesthetic is rich in craftsmanship and who's products are like nothing I've ever seen before. The Master minds behind this endeavor... world renowned graffiti artist Steel and fourth generation hat maker Ben Goorin this unlikely team has created a new level of millinery craftsmanship fusing family and culture and fashion with the help of other art "G's" such as Reyes ,Ewok, Miss Amanda Lynn, Norm, Retna, The Mac, Ben Belsky, with their look book shot by Dylan Maddox. And with a list that grows each season. I can't even explain in words how FLY these hats are ... Just Check it out for yourself and if you're in San Diego for the Agenda Trade Show stop by their booth they will be giving away a limited amount of the of Limited Edition Posters that they hand sceen printed for the trade show. (Damn!) And here are a few shots of their creations.

Statues of Living

When I was 14 years old my cousin Krish recommended that I read the book "The Alchemist" By Paulo Coelho. The story is a coming of age story that can speak to everyone who has asked themselves where do I belong in the Universe. Before reading this book I'd never really thought of life as a personal journey. I was living life for the approval of other people instead of just living life, with the intention of being someone that I could be proud of.

In 2005 I spent a semester abroad in Europe, and while I was getting my text books I stumbled upon a day planner inspired by the writing of Paulo Coelho which ironically is where I kept a log of my adventure. My own chapter of my own personal legend. =) But I haven't looked at it for a long time until recently, almost forgot that it existed. It was like unearthing a lost treasure with in your self. When I found my self in a bad place a few years ago, I called my cousin Krish crying on the phone, the best advise that she gave me was that I needed to take everything I was feeling and learning and write it down so that you never forget. So you can remember the steps along the way.


Now a decade later Paulo Coelho's writing once again puts me in awe and gives me faith that there are still people who are pushing for the progression for the generations.

So I wanted to share what has once again inspired me. Click on the bottom right corner to turn the pages.

New Lady Bird Header

Growth

For the Made Women

I met the Ladies of MADE Jewelry at The P.A.C.E Fashion show at San Francisco State earlier this year. Abigail and Debbie are two women on top of their hustles. The two of them have been juggling studying for their B.A.R exams, running their jewelry line AND organizing a Mix Tape for all those MADE Ladies out there. Come out and help them celebrate Tuesday at Club Otis on Maiden Lane. Downtown SF. Also hosted by Acrimony & The Brooklyn Circus

Viva la Vida

Finally! Every week since the Frida Kahlo exhibit opened in June I've been trying to make some time in my chaotic schedule of photos, the developement of a few Lady Bird SF mini collections and some new product developement (yes, new things to come) to view the life work of the very amazing Miss Frida Kahlo at the SF MOMA.

All dolled up in my Lady Bird SF earrings and red lipstick and black Nisa sunny dress, I went to pay homage to one of the greatest artist is history/Her-Story.

Frida's life story has been a major inspiration for many artist including myself. Born to a Hungarian Jewish father and Mexican Indian mother she exprienced a multi -racial up bringing. As a youth she was a tom-boy who wore mens clothing which was un heard of for any traditional Mexican female. She was a surrealist artist before there was a world movement in surrealist art, illustrating her fiery vivatious personality and life through bright bold colors, and cultural symbolism. I could talk about this women and her work for hours and create a lifetime of work inspired by her spirit that reinvented itself as her life progressed. Here are a few of my favorite Frida works. And if you get a chance check out the exhibit at the SF MOMA up until September 28th 2008.

This peice is title "Moses." The painting was inspired by the essay "The death of Moses" by Sigmund Freud that made a link between Ancient Egyptian beliefs, Moses and the origins of monotheistic religion.

"The Two Fridas"

Here is one of her very few large scale paintings, here she illustrates two facets of her own personality. Saying one is the Frida that her husband Diego Rivera loved and the other Frida that Diego did not.

And the last painting that she ever painted. A still life of cut watermelons with the words "Viva la Vida," "Long live Life."

Lady Bird SF: Tribute to Miss Nina Simone

This BBC interview with Nina Simone Nina Simone is such an inspiration to me in regards to her ideals, career, and activist dedication, not to mention she knew how to use her voice.

Gold Medals and Gold Grills - Support Female M.C's

YouTube Video Mix: Girl Time

Just One of them Days- Monica

Weak- SWV

Right Here-SWV

Just Kick it- Xscape