Men of Color: Fashion, History, Fundamentals [Illustré] [Anglais] [Relié]

Though very slick in appearance and presentation, this book is actually a history of black men in America, their style variation and self-expression in a nation that has offered few venues for such. The popularity of black male sports and entertainment figures has brought attention to the way they dress. Yet, we've seldom seen writers of color reflect on the topics of fashion and race. This book reveals the substantial influence of black men on the fashion industry, if for no other reason than the rebel role that has so often been assigned to black men who couldn't find acceptance in the culture, e.g., the contributions the hip-hop style on fashion as well as music. The book includes interviews with or essays by several prominent black men, including Cornel West, Bryant Gumbel, Ed Bradley, Jesse Jackson, Samuel L. Jackson and LL Cool J. Readers interested in U.S. fashion history and the interplay with race and politics will enjoy this book. Vernon Ford

Through photographs, interviews, and instructional features, Tommy Hilfiger's Lloyd Boston documents the effect Black men have had on fashion and outlines key elements for building a classic, yet contemporary look. 300 photos.

CUTTING EDGE. CONTEMPORARY. CLASSIC

African-American male style is a dynamic, diverse expression of what works. Men of color are trendsetters who carry tradition in their hip pockets. Black men keep style moving.

For generations of African-American men, outerwear has been at vital expression of inner development. Against the backdrop of a segmented society, men of color have held on to style as a means of self-definition and self-defense. From the oversized industrial sportswear inspired by both urban dancers and incarcerated brothers to the classic, bow tied slim suit adopted as the unofficial uniform of the Nation of Islam, the trends invariably reflect current social climates. But in spite of the "trickle-up" effect of street gear on haute couture, there remains an absence of positve images identifying men of color as influential figues in the history of fashion.

In Men of Color: Fashion, History, Fundamentals, through more than 300 photographs and interviews with such notables as Jesse Jackson, Wynton Marsalis, and Gregory Hines, author Lloyd Boston documents the effect Black men have had on all areas of fashion. The timeless elegance of Nat "King" Cole, sophistication of Sidney Poitier, colorful comfort of Bill Cosby, hip-hop panache of LL Cool J, undeniable sex appeal of Denzel Washington - each embodies the essence of Black male style. With solid advice about all aspects fo grooming, from polishing shoes to purchasing a suit, Boston outlines the key elements necessary for building a fashionable, yet undeniably original, look. Both a gift book and a guidebook, Men of Color resonates with history, folk wisdom, and multicultural flair.

What women are saying about MEN OF COLOR:

"He doesn't take fashion too seriously. He doesn't follow the rules. Whether matching from head-to-toe or sporting every color under the sun, he always seems to be having a good time,you go, boy!" - TYRA BANKS

"From the eroticization of the big, bulky body, as represented by Heavy D or "Biggy" Smalls, to the cross-culture play of Jean-Michel Basquiat, living on the downlow yet wearing his Armani, Black male style transcends class and pulls folks in, seducing because it ain't got no boundaries. It's frontier-wear, ready for the future." - BELL HOOKS

"Sisters have always known that brothers can dress! I'm so thankful Lloyd Boston has brought it all together in Men of Color. From his expert style advice to the hundreds of beautiful photos, this is the book for every man in your life." - PATTI LABELLE

Includes:
-Interviews and portraits of such notables as Samuel L. Jackson, Tyson Beckford, Jesse Jackson, Savion Glover, George Benson, Isaac Hayes, Bryant Gumbel, Billy Dee Williams, Ahmad Bashad, Reggie Miller, Cornel West, Maxwell, Wynton Marsalis, and Sean "Puffy" Combs

-Contributing essays from such fashion-industry writers as Constance C.R. White (The New York Times) and David Thigpen (Time)

-Foreword by Quincy Jones

-Introduction by Andre Leon Talley

-Straightforward advice on how to evaluate menswear, care for leather goods and accessories, incorporate ethnic elements into traditional dress, and develop individual style through use of color, pattern, and texture

-Source listing and size charts

-300 full-color photographs, both original and archival

About the Author
An authority on image and style as it relates to the man of color, LLOYD BOSTON is behind many aspects of the corporate and commercial identity of the multimillion-dollar Tommy Hilfiger clothing label. Currently Hilfiger's vice president of art direction, Boston began his career at the company in 1990. Men of Color: Fashion, History, Fundamentals is his first book.