Limited Editions

Since I am here working tirelessly to spread the Laidback culture, so that you can see how sweet it is, we are releasing a few limited editions. I shot you a sneak peek of the gold record. Now check out a snippet of one of the tees that I will be rocking next week at the Brooklyn Design Show. It is my goal to have 3 different ones for the 3 days of the show as well as one for my brief stage appearance at the Rapathon. What you think? There will be a limited run, so preorder now if you feel me.

Sneak Peek (New Styles)

Take a peek at 2 of the new styles that Laidback is rolling with. "Her Cherry", a distressed graphic allover print. We are also reintroducing "Ol Play" vinyl, this solid gold joint is a stylish conversation piece for any room in the house or even the studio. Watch out because we might even hit you with a platinum take. All feedback is welcome, tell me what you think before they let me have it at BK Design, lol. These 2 styles along with a few others will be available May 11-13 at Brooklyn Design and online May 15. You can preorder now to make sure you get yours. Hit me at orders@laidbackhome.com

Laidback X Rapathon

I was extrememly excited about the Rapathon and wanted to know how Laidback could get down. Well we will be down. We are working it out so that we can hit some of the sleepy headz who are trying to make the record of an ongoing 24 hr rap a lil cozy as they snooze throughout the night.

24 Hour Rapathon

The Hip Hop Culture Center in Harlem is hosting it's first Rapathon, promoting positivity and working on making a Guinness Book World Record. The way it is going down; participating mc's are going to create one ongoing rhyme, that goes on and on and on past the break of dawn. If you think you have skills they are still looking for artists to rock the mike.

Open Call: Thursday, April 26 at the Hip Hop Culture Center at 2309 Frederick Douglass Blvd (2nd FL of the Magic Johnson Theater) 6pm-9pm Phone: 212-234-7171 or email Director@globalartistscoalition.org

Fly Girl of The Week

Guess who is the Fly Girl of the Week?!?!? I am a daily reader and huge fan of the Fly Girl Blog and am honored to be the Fly Girl this week. I met Andrea last year at a designsponge meetup, she is a dope illustrator and a great creative spirit (the border is one of Andrea's funky illustrations". Thanks Andrea, go over and check out how deep your sistah can get with the Q&A

Laidback Pin Pack

Always the fan of the little buttons that people rock in a colorful cluster on their tee-shirts, back packs, and lapels, I decided to foray into the first laidback pin pack. I will introduce these as giveaways at the Brooklyn Design Show May 11-13 at the Brooklyn Designs Annex at 81 Ffront Street. Any thoughts?

H is in the House (in the Moma)

Helvetica the most widely recognized font in the world and it is turning 50 this year. The Moma has an exhibit going on that chronicles the life of this popular font. Think of the letters on the subway map, they are rocking Helvetica. For those of you who still have no clue what I am talking about, a font is the style of type that you use when you are on a computer. Unfortunately I am not using Helvetica because it is not an option in Blogger. I plan on taking my computer geek behind to check it out, it is running now until March 31, 2008.

Laidback Cries Tears

My heart cries out along with my prayers to the students, families, and teachers, that were affected my the devastating In the wake of the shootings that caused every heart and mind to shutter.

Nicky Giovanni spoke ever so eloquently at the close of the convocation. Exuding and encouraging strength to the friends, families, and the country, she helps us heal and reflect on the fact that we (the world) are in a state of moral decline. Check it out here, thank you Bella for the link.

Japanese Design

There is a great exhibit going on at the AIGA National Design Center called Suupa Pop: Package Design from Japan. The exhibit will be there until May 25. I definitely have to find the time to check it out. I am longing to go to Japan and I am totally in love with their graphics and use of color, and texture play in fashion and design. It has influenced alot of the my designs over the years. Andrea from Fly posted a tease of picts that will have any design lover feening to check it out. See ya there!

Laidback goes Uptown

Laidback is now available at the Studio Museum of Harlem. I stopped by their earlier today (Wednesday) to check it out. Looking good. The store is known for a great selection of books, novelty, and gift ideas. I am proud to be a part of the Studio Museum family.

Urban Hang Suite

One of my biggest inspirations when working on a room design project is the Hotel Fox in Denmark. The open rooms with original art on the walls that are also played out in the furnishings brings you to a fantasy place that even the most conservative adult would lust for. There are 61 rooms, 21 artists, and they say 1000 ideas. The place is crazy. I long for the day to visit the hotel and take in the art for myself. I would love to hook up an urban toile inspired room for this place.

Old Soul Tees

I stumbled on this label Friend and Foe, and fell in love with the soul oozing from the graphics on their tees. The likes of Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Thelonius Monk album artwork and vintage poster art grace these tees and give you an inspiring dose of an era of great style and music. Imagine how hot some of these styles would translate into the home, pillows, duvets, etc. Got me thinkin..

Laidback in London (one day)

Well we have not made it to London yet, but it seems like so much is going on out there and the Laidback culture needs to represent in those parts. Adornment London is this weekend and according to their myspace page this is what they are about..

ADORNMENT LONDON was the first exhibition of its scale in Europe to showcase the African-inspired creative, cultural and ethical sector - in particular, fashion and design, art, craft, hair & beauty & alternative well-being. ADORNMENT LONDON is a dynamic response to the needs of Black cultural and creative entrepreneurs and the consumers of their products and services.

Carol's Daughter will be representing for the NY over there this year. I will definitely get the scoop from Lisa Price upon her return. She is definitely one of the people that have hustled and garnered my awe and respect for her grind.

Camo

Camouflage has become a staple in pop culture and street couture and is presently one of laidback's biggest selling styles. For all of you based in London or heading to London before November there is an exhibit called Camouflage going on at the Imperial War Museum
The exhibit dissects the origin of camouflage, the design rationale and the influence it continues to have in fashion today. It looks like a great exhibit. If any body checks it out please post. I am also ordering the Camouflage book from their store, it looks like a great resource.

Jury in on Ken Brown's Book

Ok, I said I would post on the book this weekend, however I spent alot of time on the train today. 3+ hours on the train to spend 15 minutes with a new printer that I plan on using to develop 3 new styles for Brooklyn Design. The book gets ***** stars for inspiration, and ease of read. KB invites the reader into his life, he is so transparent that it is very easy to get to know him and his family and friends and make them a part of your own. I don't want to spoil the book, but it is a must read for the Everyday Hustla that has a vision and just needs courage and something to cling on to bring it to fruition.

Laidback Reading List

I am an avid reader who likes to stay abreast of what the streets are saying, wearing, debating, and rocking. That helps me to define and develop and grow my own ideas, opinions, and creations. So today let me share what Laidback is reading. I met a cat named Kenneth Brown last night as he hosted a business development seminar. He blessed me with his new book From Welfare to Faring Well that I immediately dug into on the train last night. It's an easy and inspiring read thus far, I'll hit you back with the full scoop this weekend. I am also reading City magazine which has great art direction and is always on the cusp of what's hot in fashion and culture in all of the major cities of the World, and now they offer their back issues online for free.
Swindle, another great magazine with crazy art direction, layout and content is also what I am diggin in presently and always leaves me with a ton of inspiration for new designs. Get brain, must read. Share some of your favorite reads.

Recycled Magazine Mirror

How many times have we posed in our mirrors trying to look like some model or balla that we've seen in our favorite magazine? Well it looks like someone decided to attach their magazine tears to the mirror for good. Urban Outfitters has a new mirror that is framed by colorful recycled magazine pages. Definitely a conversation piece (when not talking about how fly you are, lol) and another environmentally stylish piece for your home.

Sound in a Box

Just when you thought you have seen every possible way to transport your beats here come the cats from Japan shooting sound straight organic style. Sound in a cardboard box. Muji is a Japanese company who prides themselves on being environmentally friendly, trendy, and price conscious all at the same time. Hook up your ipod and roll. These speakers collapse and fit in your bag like a folder or book. I can see somebody spraying or tagging their joint to give it that personal touch and for $42, why not?

Bring the Noise (with color)

Check out the way pillows and pop colors can add flava to any room. These picts are from the VIP lounge at the Musiq concert but easily adaptable for your personal space. Add some paint, some graphic throw pillows, a framed photo, or framed poster to upgrade your room. The sofa is West Elm, the pillows laidback "Ol Play"