Visionary Director, Party Producer, Style Maven, Lady of Leisure, Jordan 3 Villain, TomBoy Extraordinaire, Luxury Handbag Queen, Vintage Don, Fashion Addict and Art Nerd. This is Vashtie Kola, or as she is often called “Downtown’s Sweetheart.” With a friendly demeanor and uncanny ability in bridging the gap between underground cool and industry mainstream, Vashtie can take a meeting with cigar chomping execs and chill with graffiti crews on the streets of the East Village in New York City, where she currently resides.
Born and raised in Albany, NY as the youngest of three children of Trinidadian parents, Vashtie was reborn in New York City in 1999. Her sights were set on the film world as she attended The School Of Visual Arts in Manhattan to study directing/cinematography.
Upon graduation in 2005, she was signed to Box Fresh Pictures as a Director alongside Anthony Mandler. Many of her first videos were done with this company, including videos for artists such as Beans, J-Status and Tony Hussle. At the same time, she was also writing music video treatments for established directors such as Anthony Mandler, Lenny Bass and Dr. Teeth & for Common’s video “Testify” which starred Taraji P. Henson and Wood Harris.
In 2006, she was asked to re-vamp the company of Island Def Jam as Director of Creative Services. Antonio “LA” Reid, president of Def Jam, said she would be “the one to keep the building cool, someone in tune with downtown cool and pop mainstream.” The corporate work environment took its toll on Vashtie. She found her creative expression was stifled. In 2007, she left her job at Def Jam to once again pursue her directing career.
Feeling the creative energy flowing, Vashtie continued her directing path. She shot an independent music video for the song “Us Placers” off of a Kanye West mixtape, which features child versions of Kanye and featured artists Lupe Fiasco and Pharrell Williams. The personal project was commissioned entirely by Vashtie and was a huge success, reaching a million hits via YouTube in less than a day. Soon after, she was once again back in the director’s seat creating music videos for Solange (“T.O.N.Y.”), Kid Cudi (“Heaven At Night”), Jadakiss featuring Faith Evans (“Letter to B.I.G.”), Justin Bieber (“One Love”) and more.
Also in 2006, Vashtie started an iconic monthly 90’s party with her best friend Oscar Sanchez, titled “1992”. Spinning only music from the early 90’s, the event brought out a mix of tastemakers and celebrities such as Ne-Yo, Jermaine Dupri, Patrick Ewing, Redman, DJ Premier, The Clipse, Maxwell, Kid Cudi and more. Although its residency is in New York City, the party has spread as far as Miami, Paris and Amsterdam. In 2008, 1992 was nominated for Best Party at the Paper Magazine Nightlife Awards and also received a style feature in The New York Time.
With the overwhelming response to 1992, Grammy award winner Q-Tip asked her to join forces to create a weekly party at Santos in Manhattan alongside DJ Rich Medina called Open. Like 1992, it attracts a mix of people you won’t find anywhere else; celebrities ranging from Jay-Z and Diddy to Mick Jagger and Ben Stiller. Like all of Vashtie’s events, her main concern is creating an environment where everyone is welcome. All types of people, all different styles and scenes, can come together and have fun without barriers.
Among the overload of brands launching every season, Vashtie never found one brand that consistently represented her tomboy flair and high fashion sensibility. With this in mind, Vashtie created her own line, VIOLETTE. With an official debut in Fall 2008, the clothing is inspired by a mix of opposite worlds: uptown and downtown, hip-hop and rock, feminine and masculine, casual and couture.
As Vashtie says, “Imagine if Louis Vuitton had a daughter living in the Lower East Side – she’d be rocking a luxury handbag and a fly pair of kicks. Her wardrobe would consist of rare designer items and delicate vintage pieces. With superb style that is effortless and uncontrived, she starts trends without thinking. The harmony of contrasts is a distinction of her true sense of fashion.”
VIOLETTE is currently carried at specialty boutiques across the globe like Colette (Paris), Essence (Yokohama, Japan), and Fruition (Las Vegas). While still expanding, VIOLETTE is primarily be for the Ladies but, there is also a VIOLETTE HOMME line dedicated to the Gentlemen.
November 22, 2008
Wow your videos are really nice – just checking out your blogg and want to leave you a note just to say – “keep that creative energy flowing – yours is the light” -
Meta Physics
November 28, 2008
Hey Vashtie,
Hope all is well and congrats on the cool line and all sucessful ventures.
Im the wardrobe stylist for the BET Network and would love to place some of your tees on Rocsi and DJ Diamond Kutz of “The Deal”
Pls reach out when have a moment…
Ty
xoxoxo
November 30, 2008
Hey Vashtie,
Okay so I’m late. I didn’t realize you had your blog AND Violette up and running. I just happened to check Violette today and I have to say Violette looks wonderful! I will be placing my order tomorrow.
I wish you continued success girl!
November 30, 2008
Hi Vashtie,
Was passing by your blog…I discovered a truly talented person amazingly down to earth.
I m not that kind of person who like to leave comments! But this time I had to. See…I have a project on my mind. This project is going to be held in NY, (city I would have dreamed to live in), and I have to be surrounded not only by the best, but also by real and sincere people. My feeling is that you are exactly one of those.
I would love to get to know you. I am not in NY at the moment, but if you agree, we could keep in touch and eventually meet up next time I get there.
Herebelow are points we have in common that could help us to build an intersting frienship
- You like french accent. I m a french speaker. When you have your child, promise I would learn him to talk in french.
- You are a “all or nothing girl”, so do I
- You seem to be ecclectic. I love classical music as much as rock, rap, rnb. Sorry no techno.
- You don’t like facebook, I m not in it. I hate it as well.
- You re from NY downtown…I m dreaming of NY downtown. Please help me make my dream come true.
If you think I m a weirdo. No problem. Just let me know by sending me an email. So at least I would know that you have actually read my message.
Bonne soirée et j’espère a très bientôt Vashtie! (BTW, did u know that Vashtie is a slang in french to say “a lot”!!!!)
Aisyah
December 8, 2008
your an inspiration and i love what you do.
props from berlin/germany
December 9, 2008
Love the blog! Your doing great!
but one word of advice. its not cool to smash on people just because they are different from you all the time. you tend to stereotype people a lot negatively.
December 18, 2008
Hi, Vashtie
I just wanted to tell you that your such an inspiration. I want to be a video director as well, and hopefully cross over into big films, and your work is so well done, and I really respect you as a woman and as an artist. Keep up the good work.
P.S. Your really beautiful too, and I love the Violette line!
December 21, 2008
Hey,
I caught a charlie-horse in my stomach (<I didn’t think this was possible) from watchin’ your funny short with Kid Cudi. He’s a really funny dude… talented too. I like some of your other videos. I saw an interview you did and they were showing clips of J-Status vid “roll.” Did you direct this? If so, I love that video. My brother was one of the dancers in the freestyle scene with Luam and her crew.
On another note…
I’m in the midst of finishing my BS degree in broadcasting and thinking of soon heading to grad school … maybe SVA… to focus in Films. How was SVA?
Later,
J
January 12, 2009
Hi Vashtie!
We talked about you in this article here on our blog/site http://www.livincool.com Art, Music, Design & Lifestyle
Have a look:
http://www.livincool.com/uncategorized/a-day-in-the-life-vahtie
Kisses from Rome, Italy!!!!
January 15, 2009
I see you are interested in films… Please check out..
2046…by director Kar Wai Wong….He actually has a series of films that mesh together… The cinematography is amazing.. such great composition I’m sure u will appreciate..:)
yaYa
January 16, 2009
Trini’s stand up!
January 17, 2009
Yes!! Vashtie is Sexy and Creative. Vashtie + Tapia = The Future. Random Thought.
January 27, 2009
Whut up Vashtie,
Wanted to introduce myself to you. Truly a fan of your artistic vision. I thank you for showing respect to the golden era of hip-hop by launching ’1992′, folks like myself who lived it appreciate your steez. Actually Dr. Roxanne Shante is a neighbor of mine in Queens. Reincarnating the 80′s-90′s isn’t a easy feat without looking poserish, but your movement is so real and def, that I might have to get out the old black Gortex stomp-a-bitch-out boots from the closet, throw on the army fatigue jacket and blast the Conscience Daughters through my pop yellow Aiwa cassette walkman en route via subway, mean grillin it. Ha!
Anyway, how can one reach you directly with event and business queries?
-Shirley, Jackson Heights, Queens
January 30, 2009
What’s up Vashtie,
This is the Original link we had you down for, gurl you doing your thing. http://www.theoriginalheads.com/2008/12/us-placers-video-directed-by-vahtie.html
February 3, 2009
Just wanted to tell you that you are very pretty and I like your blog! Saw it on BBC. Keep it up pal
“Scuba Steve”
February 3, 2009
Oh ya
http://WWW.SHOPSCUBASTEVE.COM
February 4, 2009
I kinda want to say I hate you (even though I don’t) Just because you say the same thing about cats like me (I love cats and love to sleep). And I have a crush on you.
February 5, 2009
Does Vashtie have a twitter account? Yeah you need to get one on your BB. Twitter.com/k581
February 10, 2009
Va$hite is the $hite !!! … ever in Houston Town… myspace me… hottest clubs and night life at your leisure….
Peace…or ….One….
Ms.Floyd
February 15, 2009
VA$H!! It was great meeting you today. Completely unexpected, but cool none the less. I hope you remember our meeting at the Nike ID store cuz if you didn’t that would be devastating lol. Oh and be sure to visit the blog at http://www.Thegasconade.blogspot.com for your viewing pleasure.
February 16, 2009
Sat down at the computer and watched as many of your videos as I could find. Now I’m in love with your work! You have a great eye for interesting images. So glad to see something other than the usualy corny videos that are shoved in my face these days. I always thought you were a cool chick, and these vids confirm the suspicion.
OUT,
Dorian Missick
February 17, 2009
I LOVE VASHTIE. swag and style on a trillion.
you inspire me.
thanks
February 18, 2009
What up Vashtie!!!!!
Huge fan of yours. I check the website regularly but never got the balls to write to ya yet!!!! I think its dope how you incorporate quality and style into everything you do… Especially your line!!!!
I met ya a while back during Winetr Music Conference down in Miami at one of your parties for 1992. Need i say it was bananas!!!LOL… Gotta quick question, are you guys coming down for conference this year??? It would be a blast I’m sure!!!! I also know you and Cudi are close and wanted to know what’s the best way to get in contact with him for a show?!?!?! I’m picking everybodies brain that I know up there!!!!! “Cuz Miami needs something dope and fresh like him! When he was down for a show at Manion, he didn’t have the right people showcase his talents… sooo I was wiondering if ya could point me in the right direction!!!! Thanks a milli!!!
February 18, 2009
Oops! My bad for the typo…
*wondering*
Mama always preached grammar! Ha!
-holler-
February 18, 2009
I just saw your picture on Lupe’s blog and I had to check out your blog. Why are you so beautiful?
February 21, 2009
Hello Ms. Va$tie,
I’ve been reading a little here and there getting to know you. I’m finishing up school right now for Print Journalism with a minor in spanish then soon head over to get my masters in Media Management. I’ve always had a hunger for fashion and directing videos…but writing is my heart.
You’re living proof that anything is possible. Thank you for the inspiration. I look forward to more of your success in the future and hopefully our creativity and minds will cross paths someday.
-Mai*Tai
March 9, 2009
hey vashtie. my boy told me about you a couple of months ago. i dig your whole flavor. your blogs are interesting i feel like i’m looking at a mini series but in a written format about your life. your folks and pics are cool. keep getting your hustle on renaissance sista.
i want to get into directing music videos and commercials but my passion is video editing that’s my 9 to 5 in los angeles. maybe you can give me some advice on how to break into the directing game. i would love to work on some of your projects with you in the near future. holla back, peace.
p.s. keep posting those old school videos those are the best.
March 11, 2009
too ill..lovin your blog. Keep keepin it real
March 21, 2009
Hey Vashtie! It’s Awol.
I was trying to get in to give you my Flyer for My show at Cooper Union I told you about awhile ago at the HOOD BY AIR launch party but I couldn’t get in at OPEN because I’m not 21 for a few more months
BUT I would lIke to Invite you Via your blog. I hope that link i put up works, it has the front and back of the card.
FAMOUS FACES/ DIFF’RENT PLACES
new works by Awol Erizku
Reception Night is March 31st (tuesday night)( in two weeks)
in The Great Hall Gallery at
The Cooper Union School of Art
7East 7th street
Ny, NY 10003
HOPE tosee you and Oscar and whoever else want’s to look at some photo art.
Please feel free to contact me with more info.
347-679-0388
PEACE!
March 24, 2009
Wats up
I was wondering if you get a chance could you check out my mixtape “2 Mph”?the download link is on my blog and da myspace (myspace.com?ronnymy).
Thanks
Peace and Blessings
The My’ster
Ronny My
March 25, 2009
VASHTIE WHATS GOOD?? I TRIP SOMETIMES ABOUT THE POWER OF THE NET..GET @ YOUR PHLI GUY I WOULD LOVE TO TALK YOU..
April 3, 2009
Hi Vashtie,
I came across you over at RIOTT. And, decided to stop by your blog and I am glad I did. I wasn’t aware of your previous projects or who you were, So I was intrigued when I found out about… not your videos, or fashion line but, your fine arts background!!! Once you said that in an online interview you did, that I watched knew that there was something genuine behind what you do.
Also, you spoke of your Family growing up. So That vulnerability that you showed combined with your artistic ability showed that you are “different.” Grounded I mean. Anyway…
I wanted to send you a link to my blog. Well webpage I guess. I think you will like it. THINK. But you wont if you don’t read it, because to read it is to understand why this damn post is so long, and why I am acting like you have no life and time to read it.
This is all that I ask that you let me know what you REALLY think, I know your busy doing films and all, but I am interested in your feedback.
http://theartistresolution.webs.com/
Laters
Kat kelly
April 13, 2009
Do you ever get tired of doing THE SAME FUCKING POSE IN EVERY PICTURE? Year in & year out? No hate, it’s just that you have a blog & like to show pictures of yourself… Mix it up a bit Vash damn… Work the fucking mirror for a couple more options & then break those shits out every once in a while!
April 14, 2009
The Killers vs. Curtis Santiago – Human Feat. Mickey Factz (Produced Ill Angelo) http://www.zshare.net/audio/58606738d345805b/
Check out this record, your opinion is valued
April 21, 2009
Hi Vashtie!! I’m Emanuele from the italian blog/site http://www.livincool.com !! I’ve met you at Santos club at Q-Tip birthday on 10th April ! We took a picture together…
Here you can see the picture:
http://www.livincool.com/clubs/q-tip-birthday-party-at-santos-new-york-city-10th-of-april
baci,
Emanuele!!
June 3, 2009
you put change in my coffee
June 14, 2009
Hey Va$htie!
Your so dope! Jordan 3 Villain! haha. Giving you a shout all the way from France!
By the way since you’re a self proclaimed “bridge between the underground and the industry” you should check out this kid Young Vaughn from Dubai. For a kid that’s on the other other other side of the world, I think he’s just a step away from getting heard. Really dope and down to earth guy. I heard him in some sneaker store in Paris. Maybe you’ve heard of him.. maybe you haven’t. But anyways yeah just hitting you up lol cause all I listen to is Big Sean, Cudi, Ye and Vaughn lol.
Stay up and Stay fre$h!
June 14, 2009
Oh shit I just realized you have a friend named Young Vaughn too lol!
well http://www.myspace.com/youngvaughnmusic !!
June 19, 2009
Vashtie, you are my inspiration!
June 21, 2009
http://www.modcloth.com…i‘m not tryin to solicit anything…i don’t even know the ppl that run that site
…but i liked the clothes on there and based on ur style in the photos it looked like u would too…ms. kola
June 23, 2009
Duuuude, you are sooo rad! I’m only 19 yrs old & I really have no clue what I wanna with my life but I wanna be like Va$htie! [: You are so successful & beautiful & oh-so-fashionable. You are def one of the few people that I really admire. I hope to meet you some day!
P.S. — You and my friend look resemble each other & are alike in so many ways… it’s crazy. No one sees it but me. =\ Lol
June 23, 2009
Hello, i was checking out your blog, very nice. I’ve been in and finally out of the music biz. i’ll be in New York this week, might come by your event on friday. Do i need to reserve a table? How does it work there?
i’ll be the tall doofy light skin kid, lol
Snow
June 28, 2009
Hi please add our site to your homepage. We’ve added you on our site.
Thanks
July 6, 2009
Hi Ms. Tie,
I’m Mi’Jae’ 11 yrs. old checkout my page/ music I just shoot my 1st video hear in the Bay area my moms and I net work with alot of different people to get my music off the ground check me out maybe you can put your creative ideas together to create a video for one of my songs how do we contact you for more info.
Mi’Jae’ http://www.myspace.com/mijaeboss
July 6, 2009
Vashtie your blog is amazing & youh look amazing your self =]
July 10, 2009
In short…ur dope! I think I have a record you like at: http://www.myspace.com/misland
If so, let me know and I’ll get it to you asap to have on ur in your personal collection, blog, or even open to connecting for a vid! Stay beautiful! Love…
July 10, 2009
*correction* “..to have in your personal collection…”
July 10, 2009
I’m in love.
July 15, 2009
Wow-I just stumbled across your blog via LupE.N.D. blog and I love it! What an amazing life it seems you have! If you have time, check out my blog at http://lydiasimmons.tumblr.com. I’m also a recent college graduate from Duke desperately looking for a job in marketing/music, so if you have any suggestions for me, please let me know! I’ve included my email in this comment. Thanks! Best of luck to you!
July 15, 2009
im a big fan of the blog and i was wondering if u had an email..because i had a question to ask u and i was hoping you’d give me some advice. i’d appreciate u hit me back pls : )