[ URBAN + TAKE(ØUT) ]

One of the best ways for women to add character to any outfit during the Fall/Winter season is to take FULL advantage of unique accessories. Sure, everyone is gonna have a scarf or a bracelet here and there, but how many ladies will have truly eye-catching pieces? ….riiiiiight…not many.

Insert B-Side by Ken & Dana. Their latest accessories collection features a variety of exotic, vibrant pieces. B-Side recreates the modern accessory by using geometrical shapes and mixing them with fluid, yet textured staples like silk scarves and beaded neckwear. The dopest thing about these accessories is that they actually have VOLUME! Chunky accessories are GREAT complements to fall/winter wears. Kudos to B-Side for being bold in the fall, and kudos to the Graduettes with enough moxie to pull of these accessories.

OPENING TODAY IN NEW YORK (via Crosby St.) is the GUCCI ICON-TEMPORARY pop-up store. This “flash sneaker store” has brought Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini and DJ Mark Ronson together to design a limited edition collection of sneakers. At each stop on this 18-city international tour a new Gucci Ronson sneaker will be introduced to the world, in addition to exclusive editions of 18 sneaker styles in the Gucci Icon-Temporary collection. The Gucci Ronson sneakers retail between $500-$600, while the Gucci Icon-Temporary sneakers are between $500-$1,400. Each sneaker comes with exclusive packaging and the option of having your initials placed on the leather lace adornments.

Shout out to Bay Area Kicks for the photos.

**UPDATE** — Here are some shots from the pop-up store, courtesy of Nitrolicious

Check out the upcoming Jimmy Choo for H&M Ad Campaign! Mark your calendars Graduettes, November 14th, 2009 — It’s goin down.

A couple weeks ago, we got up with our friends over at Watermelon Democracy to talk about their brand, the vision of their label, and their Fall 2009 collection (available through the Watermelon Democracy® website or Red’s Swagger in Cedar Hill, Tx). Check out the interview:

UTO: Off top, the name Watermelon Democracy® stands out among other brands. Tell us about the name’s origin.

WD: WD truly started out as just a joke with my friend.  We were discussing funny clothing line names and my friend mentioned Banana Republic.  I made a joke about [Watermelon Democracy being] the opposite of it.  I couldn’t sleep that night because I kept thing about the phrase, so I woke up and started researching the meaning of Banana Republic and what WD [being its opposite] could represent.    came up with a definition of WD.

UTO: Ok, I can dig that. So, how is WD defined?

WD: The image of the Watermelon symbolizes toughness and an inner spiritual richness (sweetness).  Democracy symbolizes freedom and power, 2 traits we should aspire to achieve as individuals and the two most important aspects of Democracy.  The combination of the two presents this message.  Develop your Watermelon and achieve individual Democracy.  Through the development of your mind, body, and soul you can put yourself in a position to achieve your goals.

UTO: That’s very empowering! Now, since the last time we talked, you all have been preparing a fall product line. Tell us a lil bit about that.

WD: The concept of the new line is “The Anatomy of WD”.  [Expect to] see images of the body with a WD spin on it, [conveying] the message that, bit by bit, we should all develop and achieve our own WD.  You’ll also see more color offerings and exclusives with a set number printed this season.

UTO: Dope, as usual. You guys are known for having thought-provoking tees. Is there any chance that WD will be expanding into other apparel markets?

WD: Absolutely, our tees are setting the stage for our full apparel line. We have to always keep that in mind when we come up with designs.  We’re getting ready to release some crazy winter products, which will be our first step to branding ourselves as more than just a t-shirt company. With investment groups reaching out to us, we must do everything we can to ensure them that WD is not a fad, but rather, a way of life.

UTO: These days, longevity is definitely the name of the game. Sounds like you all have great direction! What can we look forward to from WD? What’s on deck?

WD: There will be a lot of surprises, exclusives, and collaboration with a popular Atlanta Blogger (ASampWasRight.blogspot.com) and a Houston based brand that is the only brand that I love right now almost as much as WD….lol.  We also have a design competition that will give a young designer a chance to make a name for themselves by having their design printed through our distribution and marketing channels. I’m really excited about the future of WD!

UTO: So are we brother, so are we.

As an Urban Graduette I’ve come to realize two truths.

Fact 1: Men like when we wear their clothes. Fact 2: Every girl wants to wear items of men’s clothing.

It’s not really a secret, sometimes we just want to breath and not have everything so close. And I’ll agree, women do have a thing for an Urban Grad who can bring out his inner Brett Favre and make it his own. But sometimes we just want to be “ruggedly sexy” in our own way.

Hunter Chic isn’t just for the boys anymore. It’s for us women who want to show that clothes can empower us in an appealing way [sans the big shoulder pads of the 80s…gross]. To get the look across successfully there needs to be that mandatory dance between hard and soft; rugged and smooth. The subtle play between opposites that a guy who appreciates a mean shoe game will recognize. Let’s do some fashion addition:

- Ceci Staff writer & F.I.T. student

We caught up with Korto Momolu backstage at the Boston Fashion Expose last weekend for an exclusive chat about her upcoming collection. Ladies, I have to say, she put her foot in this collection! Check out the clip.