Melanin Gods
Fashion to me is most fun when I can play around with different styles; and Melanin Gods is a brand that specializes in exactly that!
Known for playing with different fabrics, colors, and looks, Marquis the creator and designer of Melanin Gods has made a number of original pieces that are some of the most creative articles of clothing I've ever seen.
When Marquis hit me up a few weeks ago about putting together a photo shoot I bit at the opportunity. We met a few years back in Columbia when we both sold sneakers at Finishline. While we had plenty in common from our love for Duke basketball to just being interested in the same type of culture, we bonded for real when I found out that he made clothes and had his own brand. Every year he's gotten better at his craft, and to see him at the level he is at now is pretty exciting.
He gave me the chance to pick and play with a number of pieces that he's made and since I was in Columbia for a friends birthday party I decided I'd kill two birds with one stone, style one of my friends and model for another. I dress myself on the daily but I don't always get the chance to dress and style others so whenever I can I take great pride in it. So in my first real editorial I hope you guys can get some dope inspiration and enjoy the vibes!
Vintage Hoodie w/ Custom Jean shorts & Custom windbreaker w/ custom sweat shorts
This is one of my favorite pieces that I got to put together. This streetwear combo is one that can be worn in any chill setting. Both of these outfits were handmade and customized. The hoodie is literally pieced together with a number of different vintage pieces and fabrics, and the jean shorts are distressed and customized with some crazy patchwork. The windbreaker is also handmade, giving you the classic 80's vibe with a modern twist. The sweat shorts are hand painted and distressed as well, showing off some dope artistry work.
Hooded T-Shirt
Casual streetwear is a go to when you want to look different than the average joe. While this hooded T-shirt can be worn with a number of outfits I wanted to be both dress down and dressed up. So, I paired this simple hooded t-shirt with some navy chinos and my favorite double strapped monk loafers from Aldo.
Farewell Obama Camo Jacket
The man that changed America for the better, at least in my eyes couldn't be better remembered than with this fire camo jacket. With this piece I wanted to be as presidential as possible. I didn't have the classic Khaki suit that Obama has made iconic during his time in office but I figured wearing a simple black and white attire would allow this amazing jacket to speak for itself. I simply wore a white button down grandad collar shirt, with a black pair of chinos and some black oxford dress shoes from Aldo. We love you Obeezy!
Pinstriped Overalls
It's not everyday that you see overalls being worn, however as of recent they have made a huge comeback in the fashion world. When Marquis showed me this pair that he made I had to figure out a way to incorporate it into our shoot. Overalls were originally a sign of a blue collar working man. Your hard labor working man who went to work all day and came home ready to unwind and do it all over again the next day. I wanted to play into that theme with a modern day twist. So ironically I paired them with this denim button down and a pair of cognac double monk loafers and a few additional accessories to set it all off.
Stripped Button Down & Denim Custom JAcket w/ Stripped T-shirt
These were my favorite pieces from the entire group. Both of them gave off such a classic old-school vibe that I couldn't pass it up. The first piece that I styled myself in was a handmade button down short sleeve shirt. I paired it with some black chinos and a cool white pair of Stan Smith Adidas. The look is very casual and old-school, almost felt like I was in Cuba...minus the women, cigars and dope cars.
The second piece is a custom denim jacket with some intricate stitch work. The design matched perfectly with the green stripped T shirt that was worn underneath, paired with a pair of navy chinos and some brown Chukka Boots. I added a few accessories to the outfit with the vintage frame round glasses to really capture that classic look.
Special Thanks To:
Marquis, creator and designer of Melanin Gods. All of these dope pieces are handmade and authentic. For all inquiries about anything you've seen in this editorial please contact Marquis on Instagram at @melaninpapi24 or go to click on this link to take you to his website --> Melanin Gods
Phillip (stage name Phillip Isaiah) is an upcoming artist from Columbia, South Carolina. Besides being one of my closest friends he's a dope artist and overall talented individual. Since elementary school he's been the one to dance at every pep-rally, rap in every rap circle, and sing at any moments notice. So when he told me that he was going to really start taking his music seriously I wasn't surprised in the slightest. Besides being my model in this photoshoot his music is A1. To say he is only an R&B artist is an understatement but for now I guess he fits the mold, the kid has talent, so be sure to check out his most popular track --> Feel X Phillip Isaiah