Category Archives: life

When Mister Josh Madden invited me out for some grub, I did not hesitate to RSVP. When he mentioned it would be at Miss Lily’s, a Jamaican-inspired, downtown, hotspot, eatery – I did a little dutty wine in celebration. While I normally throw this place some unnecessary shade for not being West Indian owned…they actually do an incredible job of creating a good vibe. Also, I do admit I enjoy some of their dishes but I will always prefer my West Indian food served to me by an angry West Indian woman that I fear like my own Mother.

Our evening was full of great laughs, the best food and visits by some popular friends who were also dining! It was a grand time that made me feel like we were at “The Max” on “Saved By The Bell”.

ANGELO BAQUE & JOSH MADDEN

DAVE 1 of CHROMEO & A-TRAK

I worry that in 5 years I won’t have tastebuds at all. I put copious amounts of hot sauce on everything and irie-ting. Jah bless.

Thanks again to Josh Madden for always inspiring me with positivity and thanks for an incredible dinner! Congratulations to the start of an excellent 2013! You rule!

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If you’re in the SoHo/Downtown Area, you should definitely check out…

MISS LILY’S

132 W. Houston St., New York, NY
nr. Sullivan St.
646-588-5375

Nike always does an excellent job of bringing many different kinds of influential folks together! I didn’t know what to expect from the two day excursion, but when I received an email from Nike inviting me to a New York vs. New York Basketball Game – I replied instantaneously!

DAY 1: We all gathered at the Mondrian Hotel. There were a lot of people I knew and then a lot of people I didn’t. It was nice to meet some new folks from around the world. After settling in, we were then escorted to some fancy party buses. Next stop, Brooklyn!

Heading to Brooklyn…

Party Hardy Bus.

Oh, this place.

I carved my name into the floor when no one was looking…just kidding…but that would have been rad.

Suddenly we were thrust into playing basketball games. I’m a non-athlete as you know and I had no idea what they were. I made a fool of myself in front of my peers while playing a game called “Horse”.

Florencia, Heron Preston & Yara Flinn (Nomia NYC)

My friend Todd Jordan was on site taking flicks!

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DAY 2: We met again at the Mondrian, again. This time the group was a bit smaller as we ventured on the train to head to the Barclays. A lot of the Native New Yorkers there laughed, as many of them stated that they hadn’t taken “public transportation” in years. I guess it was a very cool experience for our friends who aren’t based in New York City though…

You can’t really tell, but this thing is a box that was set up outside the Barclay’s Center. We were all brought in to take portraits that were projected on the exterior of the box. Pretty sick.

Young Scoozle was in the building repping the right team. #JustSaying

40 oz Crew & Mayor

Florencia & Virgil Abloh

Paris, London and Amsterdam were in the hiz-ouse!

In another suite were the homies Darrelle Revis and John Geiger…

Enough said.

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Thanks again to Nike for always keeping me in mind for incredible events like this! It was an honor to not only attend a Knicks vs. Nets Game, but to also spend time with like-minded and interesting people from around the world!

It’s that time of year when gifts are given, food is overeaten and we’re all very ready for the next year to begin. We all have things we want to work on, promises that we make to ourselves in order to live out our best life. A new year is so fantastic. It’s another year to start all over again – the way you want.

I think it’s important to stick to your goals. What’s worse than making a promise to yourself and not keeping it?! If we can’t trust ourselves to do right by ourselves, then how can we expect others to? How can we trust other peoples word or how can they trust ours when we let our own commitments down? Sorry to get all deep, but…I wholeheartedly believe in committing to personal promises. If you can’t, maybe you’re not trying hard enough or maybe you’re setting the bar too high. I mean, how can you promise to run a marathon when you’re not a runner? Or commit to losing weight if you don’t start working out?

So many terrible things happen in the world and so many people are robbed of their lives, why not live as fully and best as we can, while we still have it?!

As I do every year – below is my list of resolutions for 2013. By all means, use some of mine or share what yours are below. I also suggest writing them down, I believe it helps to cement these promises that way!

1. STAY FIT

It important to be fit and feel comfortable in your own skin – rather than focus on some number. Good health is your best asset, no matter what! Do not take it for granted. Do something physical everyday. Take a walk, run an extra mile or stretch. Your body will thank you.

I AIM TO: Continue my regimen and add Yoga and other fun classes to the mix!

2. WORK HARD

I think I am a hard worker, but sometimes I hit creative ruts and I find myself standing still. I sometimes have to remind myself about the struggles of my parents and the unbelievable opportunities that have come my way to ever sit idly.

I AIM TO: Stop getting caught in idle or creative rut moments and do something, anything!

Portrait of my family before I was born. Peep my ashy sister and brother. It runs in the family.

3. MEANINGFUL HANG OUTS WITH FRIENDS & FAMILY

On the other hand, it’s important to spend time having fun and enjoying yourself with the people you love. I can become a hermit from time to time, feeling guilty if I’m not “working on something” and I miss a lot of friend hangout time. I have to definitely work on spending more time with the crew…

I AIM TO: Spend time with a friend or group of friends once a week.

4. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

Its a fact. I find myself writing video concepts that are not commissioned or working on clothing designs just for the hell of it. It’s important to perfect your craft at any point of the game – whether you are a beginner or a pro, keep busy by your craft. You never know when it might help you along the way. After all, I got my first big look by directing a video that was not commissioned just because I loved the song and had an idea for it…

I AIM TO: Create when not working on a job.

5. BE ADVENTUROUS

Not to dangerously live on the edge, but to step outside of my comfort zone. As a true Taurus, I like to stay in if I’m not working.

I AIM TO: Do something out of my ordinary, once a week!

6. TRAVEL MORE

I have this immigrant guilt inadvertently bestowed upon me by my parents about work ethic. I always feel lazy if I’m not working or cleaning. Vacation? Only if I can wiggle work into it, or possible work. I haven’t taken a vacation in years. It’s long overdue and I need to make 2013, the year!

I AIM TO: Travel to at least 3 places in 2013!

7. MAKE MORE ART & DRAW MORE

I wouldn’t be making film or designing if it wasn’t for my background in fine arts like drawing. It’s the source of where my creative expression comes from and I the fact that I’ve been so far from it for so long really makes me sad. I need to get back!

I AIM TO: Drawing in my sketchbook everyday and making one new piece of art a month!

8. THINK POSITIVE THOUGHTS & BE KIND(ER)

Easier said than done, but I’ve really understood now why it’s important to stay positive. In times of stress, it’s easy for me to jump the gun and throw myself overboard. But, work never gets done that way and I only end up poisoning my system that way. I also think I can be kinder. It’s true, whatever you put out there comes back to you…hey karma!

9. GET FANCY

Again, I can’t re-iterate anymore what a lazy sloth of a Taurus I am. Dressing up and putting forth effort into my wardrobe is exhausting for me…it’s a fight against every instinct in my body when you see me dressed up. BUT – there’s nothing wrong with getting into looks and showing that you have a care for your appearance. I will aim to not wear the same thing over and over again, but look I can’t make any promises.

10. GET INVOLVED & HELP OTHERS

No matter what it is, be helpful! If someone drops something without realizing, pick it up. If there are no seats on the train and an old lady comes on, give her your seat. Find an organization that is committed to helping a cause that you believe in…whether that is donating money to abolishing horse-drawn carriages or donating warm clothes to a local shelter…GET INVOLVED!

I AIM TO: Do one thing everyday to help others!

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Share below what your New Years Resolutions for 2013 are! Maybe I can add to my list…

Another fun and Morrissey filled evening at the budding yet already legendary MEXICAN MORRISSEY Party! Angelo Baque was on the 1′s and 2′s. I dropped by to listen to some sad tunes and dance like a depressed teenage white boy for a spell. I also had some birthday gifts for our friend and numero uno creep Rafel Rios,

Vashtie & Angelo Baque 2010 at Lit Lounge

My birthday card to Rafael…he’s Puerto Rican

Classic Shirt from Santos Party House

Rafael now has a Vladenchy Tee!

Rafael’s Selfie…

Sade & Rafael

Rafael & Amanda aka Panda Moon

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Adios!

Man, when No Doubt hit…it was like an explosion. Their first hit, “Just A Girl”, was massive and Gwen was jut spectacular. A doll-faced beauty with incredible style and dynamic energy! I honestly didn’t think she could get any better, but her cool just doubles every time she makes something new! After 2 children and at age 43 (!!! like hello?!) she’s still giving these other girls a run for their money…most of them are half her senior! You go girl!!!

NEAL SANTOS, VASHTIE & TYSHAWN LYONS

Last week we celebrated another 1992 party at Santos Party House. This one was a bit more low-key than others, but somehow cranked out our regulars that we haven’t seen in years! It was nice. Check it out!!!

RAFAEL RIOS came through with the fresh cut!

We thought it would be funny to make the hand mark for paid entry a “DMX” instead of a usual “X”.

Guest & WARREN from PAPER
DAN SOLOMITO & SPREE WILSON

SOOHANG, GUEST & RAFAEL RIOS

JAVON FLOYD

TYSHAWN LYONS and VASHTIE

OSCAR, NEAL SANTOS & TYSHAWN LYONS

BLAKE, JAMEL MIMS (Free as Bird) and AMARIS

DJ HUGGY BEAR

ELLE CLAY & VASHTIE

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Stay tuned for more on 1992 here on Vashtie.Com!

Many brands try and court their perspective taste-makers in fun and creative ways, but they mostly fail to ignite the passion. If Nike was an actual potential life partner, they would be the most exciting, romantic and charming of suitors (not to mention super cute). I got the invite to participate in a secret event. No details were revealed to me, but I was told I would meet at one common spot and there would be a bus waiting for me and other lucky participants. Nike is such an adventurous lover!

On the bus, HERON explains that we are on our way to the brand new Air Force 1 store in Brooklyn…

As we pulled up to the store, which is housed in the brand spanking new Barclay’s Center – my friend sitting next to me, Ramona, said “what if they’re surprising us by taking us to a game?”. Little did I know…

They handed us these tickets as soon as we walked in!!! After some mingling, we made our way up to the suites!

Suites are cool because they usually have tons of food…but rarely anything that a non-meat and non dairy eating fool like me can devour.

The Star Spangled Banner!

I sat next to my friend KING SOLOMON. He had some of the best jokes of the night. We both loved that the time outs were “brought to you by” Hublot and Key Foods!!!

GO KNICKS!

Despite the new Barclay’s Center and popularity of The Brooklyn Nets, I am and forever will be a New York Knicks fan. I am stoked for people who love them, especially Brooklynites…but somehow, the whole craze surrounding them feels like a hypnosis trick (the craze, not them). After I left the Barclay’s Center, I felt like I needed to be de-programmed.

I will forever love The Ruler SLICK RICK, but whoever booked him for this needs to be put on a serious time out or just take a serious tap to the chin. If you saw it, you would know what I mean – it hurt to watch. He performed during halftime, when most people at the stadium weren’t even there to watch. Not to mention, it just wasn’t what it could have been. Maybe they had good intentions when booking him, but it should have been thought through.

TY LYONS and SABRINA.

Then, thanks to DAMIEN BULLUCK, I went down to the court side seats and watched the last 5 minutes of the game.

LYOR COHEN was in the building. I wonder who he was cheering for?

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Just found out that there is a part two to all of this and I cannot wait! I am going prepared!!! Special thanks to NIKE for always looking out for an ashy kid like me!

Ya’ll remember when I went out to LA with a fellow artist and friend, Eric Elms in October? Well, I couldn’t tell you exactly why we were there…but now I can. Basically, we were 2 of 3 artists who were cast in a Global Samsung Television Commercial!!! It was directed by the homie, Brian Beletic, and we had a great time shooting.

I had my own trailer!

Finally this very big commercial is out and I am stoked to share it with you! In case the concept is lost in translation, it basically starts with an art gallery owner who texts 3 different artists the phrase “Opposites Attract”. We 3 Artists interpret that through each of our perspective mediums. We were asked what our actual ideas would be for that concept, something that would translate globally and in a matter of seconds. I thought, “I’d love to shoot a film about a goth girl and a jock falling in love”. They loved the idea and we went ahead with that. Eric Elms created a sculpture that read “Str8 Up Wavy” and the other Eric took a photo of a muscular braun holding a petite doggie.

It was a lot of fun and I am so stoked to be apart of such a major production and such a forward brand like Samsung Mobile. I especially love that I got to play myself! Special thanks to Brian Beletic, Smuggler Films & Samsung!!!

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The Gallery Owner sending out the text…

Getting the text from the Gallery Owner…

Eric Elms!

Photographer Eric’s Art Pieces…

Eric Elms sculpture sketch…

On set directing my short film for the gallery…

My friends clowned and applauded me for having the only line “AND ACTION”

The finale, everyones art work at the Gallery Opening…

The stoked Gallery Owner!

The End!!!

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I got to wear and keep my incredible wardrobe. It was all the kinds of things I would normally wear, just the best version of that…

When TIGGA CALORE reached out and asked me to co-host her party THE TRINITY, I was down for the cause. Not only is she and CONTESSA on the pulse of New York City party culture…but I’ve also known TIGGA since the early 2000′s. Needless to say, we go as far back as to when her liquor sponsor, HYPNOTIQ, was popping.

TIGGA CALORE & CONTESSA

The party took place in Midtown and although I don’t like to leave my 5 block radius, this trek was well worth it. After taking a frightening freight elevator ride, we checked in on one floor and walked a couple flights to the party floor. When I tell you that it felt like the New York that I knew when I first moved here, it did. Wild parties taking place in random spots with suspect, yet delicious and strong liquor punches. That sort of guerilla, underground style is hard to find in New York these days…but it’s a thing that needs to be preserved in any city!

V VILES was on deck documenting the event…and so was VASHTIE FILES! Check it out…

When I asked TIGGA what I should wear, she replied “FUR”. As a non-fan of fur, I ransacked my closet and found a furry friend that was gifted to me in Paris years ago…cue, my Louis Vuitton Mink Bag. I know, “if you’re not a fan of fur than why do you have this?”. Well, it was a gift and I have strong feelings about gift-giving…

I love that the NEWPORT carton is there. It perfects this picture!

SAMN! Such a charmer!

ELLE CLAY

A-TRAK & BRENMAR

HARRY MCNALLY, ELLE CLAY & YOUNG SCOOZLE

I overheard someone explaining HYPNOTIQ and it just made my night…”it was a popular drink in the early 2000′s”.

RAUL LOPEZ & VASHTIE…

it’s not a party until RAUL shows up!

A.L.I.E.N. CREW!

ELLE CLAY & VASHTIE

ELLE and RAUL doing some sort of dirty dance!

A-TRAK & VASHTIE

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The End.