Friday Feature: Fashion Enthusiast + Designer Kaimel Rule

They say “never say never” but when talking about fashion enthusiast, designer, and entrepreneur, Kaimel Rule, I’ve never seen him in a bad outfit– not even mediocre. When it comes to men’s fashion and style, he rules. Even his last name declares it! With the launch of his brand, Reservation, he’s about to dominate along with several other projects underway. 

Scroll down below for style shots of the multi-talented individual and an exclusive Friday Feature interview with Pumps and Lipstick:

Xiomara: Describe your style.

Kaimel: I would describe my style as young, elderly, different, and unexpected. The young and elderly come from some of my looks. For example, some days, the choice will be a tight fit collard shirt and slacks or chinos, and others it’s a skateboarding T-shirt and Camo shorts. Every human is unique and different in his or her own right, and usually that shows through his or her choice of clothing. The unexpected comes from me not being scared to try things that normally wouldn’t seem to work, or things that I’ve never, or rarely seen been done before.

Xiomara: What are the top three brands you’re loyal to?

Kaimel: Number 1 would have to be Ralph Lauren Polo. It’s sad that they’ve done away with the rugby division of it because that was definitely one of my top inspirations for my work. Polo has always been timeless, and that is something I constantly push for. The Hundreds is a close second, not so much because of their clothing, which are high quality and stylish, but for their loyalty to their brand, way of marketing, and designs. Staying true to the way something began while becoming incredibly successful is rare. It’s not for everybody, because some brands want and need change, but the ones that don’t, and still strive are simply beautiful.

Xiomara: What inspires your style? 

Kaimel: Life and everything within it! More specifically, my attitude, my mood, and experiences I’ve been through. There’s always something on one’s mind, and I feel as if that plays a part into what somebody is about to dress themselves in. At times I’ve been inspired by what other people wear, but not often, so I can say that my feelings have always inspired my style.

Xiomara: How has your style evolved over the years?

Kaimel: By the looking at the photo timeline of my life, it goes from smaller, to larger, to much smaller. As a kid before I started choosing my own clothes I wore a lot of IZOD, paired with weird looking plaid shorts. During the rebel stage of middle school/high school I wore a lot of skateboarding T-shirts that were small, but then I would switch into a jersey that was an XXL, when in reality I needed nothing more than a Medium. I’d say my style was always nice, but off the wall at times, so it has evolved into something fairly simple paired with great coordination.

Xiomara: Who are your fashion/style icons and why?

Kaimel: Pharrell Williams from The Neptunes/N.E.R.D because that was really the first person ever that I could totally relate to, well aside from being a musician. In the time that I was growing up, the acceptance rate for African Americans being ‘proper’, and being involved in ‘Caucasian things’ was very low. As a person who grew up getting made up for listening to Rock music and Skateboarding, the movement at that time was perfect. He wasn’t looking for acceptance and neither was I. An honorable mention goes to Kanye West, pre-Amber Rose of course.

Xiomara: As a man with multiple talents –fashion enthusiast, blogger, graphic design artist, entrepreneur– what are some of your current projects that you’re working on?

Kaimel: Well, the line for my brand is an everyday process. I like to have loads of designs saved up for picking and choosing. The critiques I got on the first shirts I put out were great, and I plan to release my first few pieces very soon. With that, updates to the information on my website, as well as the design will change. I’ve been designing things here and there for people when approached about it, plus going to start working with someone on their own clothing line. I am also working with something that has to do with food. I came up with the idea, and will be designing the label for it. I’m excited to see how far it will go.

Xiomara: What are your opinions on Men’s fashion today? Something missing or want more of?

Kaimel: Everything looks pretty good to me. Lots of different styles are becoming available to men that were never available or accepted before. There are many choices for a man to catapult his style on the daily, so my only opinion really is, be yourself.

Xiomara: Biggest pet peeves in style that make you want to scream?

Kaimel: I try my hardest not to point the finger at what anyone chooses to wear, because at the end of the day it’s all on them, but I’d have to say, overmatching and unoriginality. I’m big on tones, not colors, so most of the time I’m not even really matching, but too much of one color is the death of some outfits. A person’s own conscience is the top judge on their originality, but others can tell when something is forced.

Xiomara: As a sneakerhead, what are the top three sneaks you’re looking to cop in 2013?

Kaimel: Jordan has been making a strong comeback, dropping many sought after shoes latley, so I must have the Grape 5s (V), The Black/Blue 1s (I), and the White/Black/Red/Grey 8s (VIII).

Xiomara: 10 years from now, where do you see yourself in your career?

Kaimel: In 10 years, I see myself maintaining a successful company, which under the umbrella includes, continuing to design quality clothing for a timeless brand, styling people for shoots, videos, spreads or whatever it may be, and still designing logos and things of that nature for people like I always have. That’s what I see within 5-8 years. In the total of 10 I would like to open up a center for children to teach design and other things within the digital genre. I would like to be able to provide jobs, knowledge, and my vision of a proper style to people all over. Life is a blessing, and I would feel accomplished with myself by the things I created, plus warm in the heart for the things I can possibly do for other people that never got the chance. I love to inspire. 

[END]

For more on Kaimel Rule, check out his blog Reserved Gentlemen and follow the fashionisto on Twitter. Peep an exclusive video by my blogger friend, Kim Christophersen, of Sequins + Studs featuring Kaimel and his brand here. Stay tuned for more on his brand, Reservation!

Photos courtesy of Kaimel Rule.

Shop Bobbi J! Now Available Online!

SF jewelry artisan and owner of Bobbi J, Jessica Linehan, has just opened up shop online! Each of her pieces are handmade right here in SF, uniquely designed with genuine stones and materials. Custom orders are available as well.

Check out a few of her pieces below and get to shopping here:

Bobbi J online

La Bella earrings

Romania necklaces

Toanga necklace

Deceit bracelet

For more on Jessica Linehan and Bobbi J, check out her Friday Feature with Pumps and Lipstick here.

All photos are property of Bobbi J. All rights reserved.

Friday Feature: Brittany Michelle of Irie Soiree

Once again, I’m contemplating Christmas gift ideas for mi amigas this year. As I already concluded that I’ll include some fab makeup goodies in my previous post, I thought that jewelry pieces would be the perfect pairing in my pal’s gift baskets. Of course, the pieces must be unique, stand out from a crowd and have a back story of its origins. And so, I thought of my friend from my hometown, founder and head designer of Irie Soiree, Brittany Michelle. As a personal fan from afar, it’s been incredible to watch the evolution and continued success of her brand. 

Get more on the young, up and coming designer and entrepreneur, Brittany Michelle and her brand, Irie Soiree, below with an exclusive interview and photos:

Square Biz Studs

Trinity II Studs

Brittany Michelle

Trinity Studs

Rendezvous Studs

Show Off Earrings

Kimbella from Love & Hip Hop rocking FLY studs.

Trinity II Studs

Brooke Bailey from Basketball Wives LA

Rendezvous Studs

Brittany Michelle & Daughter

Initial Studs

3 Stacks Ring

Xiomara: As a jewelry designer, where do you find inspiration for each collection and piece?

Brittany: I draw my inspiration from the world I live in. From architecture, nature, to traffic signs — the way I see it.

Xiomara: When did you discover your love for designing jewelry?

Brittany: Growing up I was a tomboy, I didn’t even start wearing jewelry until my sophomore year in high school. When I actually started buying/wearing jewelry I would always alter the pieces somehow — from adding chains and rearranging earring posts until they were pieces I loved. I was still a little shy then, so I didn’t wear my altered pieces around my friends.

Xiomara: What inspired you to establish Irie Soiree?

Brittany: At the end of high school/first year in college, I started expressing my creativity in different ways. From starting a photography business then later a T-shirt design business. I always believed in running my own company, but after starting and stopping two businesses I realized that my heart wasn’t in those two areas. At the same time, I found myself walking into stores looking for statement accessories and they were nowhere to be found — at that point I realized that I wasn’t going to find certain pieces in stores because they were designs I created in my mind and they were not in the world yet. That was my moment — to create my visions and share them with the streets.

Xiomara: What’s the story behind your brand’s name?

Brittany: Irie Soirée is a play on words. Irie means peace, at your current state and of course soirée means nightly party. Designing and creating brings me peace, and my pieces are worn all around the world by women who are in love with originality and show it when they step out.

Xiomara: Describe your brand in three words. 

Brittany: Original. Untamed. Handmade.

Xiomara: Is your fashion style a reflection of your brand? How so?

Brittany: Most definitely. Each piece is a direct reflection of my style and my world. My brand has given me an outlet to express myself in a way that I never have before. There’s no boundaries, no apologies, no regrets. Some of my visions are risky blow me away and I am in love with that. I will never conform.

Xiomara: What are some of the difficulties you’ve faced while building your brand?

Brittany: Anytime you put something into the world you’re going to come up against critics that just don’t believe in your work or want to discredit your work by comparing your brand to another designer’s. I haven’t had to deal with this too much, but it has happened. I just use it as fuel. I have a lot of exciting things coming that will keep people talking — whether good or bad.

Xiomara: Biggest accomplishments so far in you jewelry designing career? 

Brittany: I have to admit I was pretty fucking hype to see my pieces air on season 10 of Basketball Wives LA. Brooke Bailey was showing out in my Trinity Studs! Oww!

Xiomara: How do you manage it all and still succeed–jewelry designing, full-time job, motherhood?

Brittany: Honestly I have no idea. Its either the grace of God or adrenaline. Probably a mix of both.

Xiomara: What are current projects happening right now for Irie Soiree?

Brittany: I can’t say too much but I’m branching out, jewelry won’t be the only thing you see me create. Spring 2013 is going to be ILL. Stay connected!

Xiomara: Where do you see yourself and your brand in 10 years?

Brittany: In 10 years I still want to be so in love with creating. I would like to own my own boutique. It would be on a completely different level though — a place strictly for the arts. Of course I would showcase my work but it would host freestyle battles on Fridays, runway shows, photo shoots and it would have chalkboard walls that my customers could throw up mad ideas on. I just want to continue to create an serve the streets some ill shit.

[END]

For more on Brittany Michelle and Irie Soiree, check out www.iriesoiree.com and follow on Facebook and Twitter! Get the perfect gifts for your best gal pals (and don’t forget yourself)! Customized pieces available!

Friday Feature: Bobbi J

Many often struggle searching for their calling or even recognizing it. San Francisco, jewelry artisan, Bobbi J,  has found hers. It’s a beautiful thing when a simple hobby turns into a full blown business. From working at Vidal Sassoon to working from the comfort of her home, Bobbi J is onto a good thing!

The beautiful, creative, and talented artist works with genuine stones, metals, chains, leather and more. From simple to intricate pieces in a range of styles, she’ll always keep you guessing on what’s to come next. What’s baffling is that she’s still learning and strengthening her craft! From the looks of her work, one would think she has been jewelry making for years.

On a beautiful, Friday afternoon in late September, I had the privilege of meeting with Bobbi J in her San Francisco home to talk style, jewelry, and everything Bobbi J.

Get an inside look of the amazing, budding artist and read the exclusive interview below:

Bobbi J

Bobbi J in her element.

Crafting.

Tulips + Workspace.

Treasures of the sea.

Measuring.

Cropping and crimping.

Xiomara: Where did your interest for jewelry making begin?

Bobbi J: Well, when I was singing, the passion that I had for it, was kind of dying away. And if you’re passionate about something, you don’t just think about it all the time, you’re doing something about it. So, the jewelry-making was an idea that started around last year, around late November and early December, and I really wanted to do something with my hands.  So I signed up for a class in January 2012, and it was just supposed to be a hobby– just for fun because it was something that I liked. And at that time, I was going to stores like H&M and Forever 21, and I saw all this jewelry that I didn’t like. Then I realized, “Why not make my own jewels!” Soon, I started to learn more and wanted to challenge myself, and then I was giving away stuff that I was making, and later people wanted to buy them. Shortly after, I found myself making business cards and things were falling into place. 

Xiomara: What describes or defines your work? What words would describe your style?

Bobbi J: I’m still figuring it out. [laughs]

Xiomara: Oh! That’s fine! [laughs] But right now, if you looked at your collection, what are the first descriptions that call out to you? 

Bobbi J: When I first started, I was looking at African tribes for inspiration, so I was inspired by earthy tones and vibrant colors. And then I started moving into metals and more statement pieces. So versatility. 

Xiomara: Do you design for yourself or do you have a person in mind when you’re creating a piece?

Bobbi J: I never make a piece that I wouldn’t wear, so yes, I do design for myself. If it’s a custom piece, I do like to get an idea of who I’m creating for. 

Xiomara: Where do you see your brand going?

Bobbi J: Bigger than I could think of. 

Xiomara: What’s the next collection? What are you working on now?

Bobbi J: Onyx, Jasper, Agate stones…I love the different textures of Agate. Chains and whatever inspiration comes to me at the moment and defitnely earrings will be coming soon. 

Xiomara: Where do you get inspiration from?

Bobbi J: I get inspiration from different people– street wear, runway wear even other jewelry artisans. 

Xiomara: Who are your idols?

Bobbi J: Right now, Dannijo, they’re based out of NY. They’re part of the reason why I wanted to make beautiful pieces. I would look at their stuff and be like, “How the HELL did they make that?!” And as a jewelry maker, I want to keep people guessing. 

Xiomara: Anything else you want to leave readers with to know more about you?

Bobbi J: Do what you love.

There you have it. First, exclusive interview with Bobbi J. Check out her work via Tumblr and Facebook. Instagram: BOBBILINEHAN and Twitter: @Bobbi_Jsf.

All photos are original and were taken by Xiomara Rosa-Tedla. All rights reserved.