ABS is a short film that stemmed from my experiences as a first generation American born to Sierra Leonean parents. Black Americans are quite familiar with the prevalent public-school taunt “African Booty Scratcher”. A markedly “different” young girl, my, retrospectively desperate, desire to fit in caused me to be ashamed of my heritage. I recall the first time my mother showed up to a parent teacher conference. Some of the other children happened to over hear her distinctly thick African accent and initially posed questions of pure curiosity. Curiosity quickly turned into taunts and thus began an acute awareness of isolation. My ongoing struggle with allegiances to both Sierra Leonean and American Culture forced me to bring this subject matter to the fore.

Through striking visual imagery, Jeff Soto communicates profound visions and fears, his youth, and themes of love, lust, and hope. Soto’s distinct color palette, subject matter, technique and bold themes relate with a growing audience. Inspired by childhood toys, the colorful lifestyle of skateboarding and graffiti, hip-hop and popular culture, Soto’s representational work is simultaneously accessible and stimulating.

Here are a few random discoveries that Swagger Lifestyle has made in the last week that were emailed to us, experienced or we stumbled upon by iDigging. Check it out below Swagger Lifer’s:)

I had a ticket to go to this show and I didn’t. What is wrong with me? Kayne West and Jared Leto were in the 1st row!!! I opted out of going because I always have a better chance of viewing entire collections online rather than at the shows.

Dynasty is the word! In a time where a lot of designers are playing it safe due to economic conditions, Venexiana shines, literally.

This is the second edition of “IN THE LENS” with Swagger Lifestyle. Meet Joy Bryant, Bryants’s beauty earned her an exclusive contract with brand names such as Tommy Hilfiger & RocaWear, getting her a contract with Next Models Management in New York City. Her acting debut came about in 2001 in Robert Townsend’s Carmen: A Hip Hopera. After a small role in the action comedy Showtime, she made her big breakthrough in Denzel Washington’s directorial debut, Antwone Fisher. In 2005 she appeared in high-profile films such as The Skeleton Key, London, and Get Rich or Die Tryin’

“…a truly diverse blend of soulful broken beat, nu soul, nuevo salsa, electro-hip hop, chilled-out drum n’ bass and downtempo”

The GRAMMY Museum celebrated its grand opening with a slate of activities on Dec. 3 – 6, 2008. The 30,000 square-foot facility will explore and celebrate the enduring legacies of all forms of music, the creative process, the art and technology of the recording process, and the history of the premier recognition of excellence in recorded music — the GRAMMY® Award. The one-of-a-kind “21st Century Museum” will feature interactive, permanent and traveling exhibits — with four floors of dynamic and engaging multimedia presentations — and will be located within L.A. LIVE, the downtown Los Angeles sports, entertainment and residential district. The grand opening of The GRAMMY Museum will also mark the culmination of the milestone 50th Celebration of The Recording Academy® and the GRAMMY Awards.

Hello Swagger Lifers! Meet Omahyra Mota, Dominican Supermodel and Actress. She made a name for herself in the fashion industry as a chic punk model. Omahyra was featured in “INDIE MAGAZINE” fall 2008 Issue photographed by Phillip Meuller. She has modeled for designers such as Bill Blass, Alexander McQueen, Cynthia Steffe, Fendi, Nina Ricci, Sean John, Baby Phat, Heatherette, Jean Paul Gaultier, Roca Wear, Samantha Treacy, and Jay McCarroll.