Proverb "The truth made simple."

New Mus(e)ic - Jose James

We’re a huge fan of this talented young singer/song-writer/producer at Proverb, most recently for the release of his fourth album, No Beginning, No End. Combining jazz, soul, drum’n’bass, and spoken word, Jose James has created a unique brand of vocal jazz, which awarded him the 2011 DownBeat Critics Poll “Rising Start Best Male Vocalist.” Often referred to as a “jazz singer for the hip-hop generation,” James’ blend of modern jazz and hip-hop presents widely in Europe, and has debuted on several of our mixtapes at Proverb.

Performing both solo and in collaborative projects, James traces his inspiration to John Coltrane and icons of ‘70s jazz-soul such as Gil Scott-Heron and Terry Callier. He has worked with some of the genres’s most respected players, and has performed in premier concert halls such as L’Olympia, Royal Festival Hall, and De Roma.

“Trouble,” James’ new single from No Beginning, No End, was inspired in part by Marvin Gaye and the beats of underground hip-hop artist Madlib. Telling the story of a man trying to love a woman, his world, and himself, James hopes that it will “inspire people to keep strong and enjoy the beauty of their own lives.”

Check out a video of his single, Trouble and the interview with iRockJazz.

 

In case you missed it... Our Saint Valentine's Day mix tape.

Congrats Boldfacers: Paul & Wesley Karger

 

Congratulations to the owners and brain children behind Twin Focus Capital for their profile on BOLDFACERS. The investment entrepreneurs have made a splash on the scene, but they didn't do it without hard work and sacrifice. After taking a number of jobs, funding themselves through college, and making lasting connections in the corporate sphere, they launched Twin Focus Capital, which is now in its sixth year and manages over $1.5 billion for high-net-worth individuals, institutions, and family offices in 16 countries.

Check out the article & video on Paul & Wesley on the BOLDFACERS website.

 

 

Ozwald Boateng: One of London's freshest creative forces.

“I’ve never looked at color or creed as making a difference to your destiny. The focus is always to be good.” - Ozwald Boateng

Ozwald Boateng was chosen by Proverb for our Black History Month, New York Fashion Week feature due to his inventive attitude and multi-faceted aesthetic. His ability to turn a tailoring business into a high fashion house is truly inspiring, as is his creative talent in both fashion and film, and empowering gesture behind the Made in Africa Foundation.

Ozwald Boateng, a British-based designer of Ghanian descent, is known for his ready-to-wear collections and line of custom suits. Switching from computer science to fashion design at London’s Southgate College, Boateng began his career as a tailor before showing his designs in runway collections during the 1990s – becoming one of the first-ever British tailors to hold a fashion show. Considered one of London’s freshest creative forces for his trademark twist on British tailoring, Boateng was appointed the first Creative Director at Givency Homme in 2001. He attributes his inspiration to his father’s suits and cultural heritage, writing “There is a unique formality bound up with the Ghanian tradition which I often think led me to what I do now.”

In addition to his success in the fashion industry, Boateng has also made a name for himself in film, receiving critical acclaim for his writing and direction of short films. He frequently combines the two disciplines, opening many runway shows with a short film expressing the essence of each collection.

Boateng also collaborated with Nigerian businessman Kola Aluko and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts to establish the Made in Africa Foundation, which focuses on first-stage funding of infrastructure projects in Africa. 

See Ozwald Boateng’s stimulating designs at http://www.ozwaldboateng.co.uk.

 

Natalia Allen: "Enough with the gimmicks and green-washing..."

“Enough with the gimmicks and green-washing…we need to get retailers, manufacturers and the guys on Wall Street to dream with us in a different way.” - Natalia Allen

Natalia Allen grabbed our attention at Proverb due to her groundbreaking work in the field of green fashion and the can-do attitude driving her work. 

Once known at Parsons The New School for Design as the “black girl building surfboards with computers in them in the fashion department,” Natalia Allen is now referred to as the “conscientious fashionista” behind Design Futurist. Founded by Allen in 2005, the award winning design studio creates “innovative and sustainable clothes and accessories – from concept to completion.”

As a senior in 2004, Allen won the coveted Designer of the Year Award, and has since been recognized as one of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global leaders, one of Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative, and one of Utne Reader’s 25 Visionaries Who Are Changing Your World. Additional awards include the Generation Award from Women, Inspiration, & Enterprise, as well as the Young Scientist/Entrepreneur Partnership Award from the IAP Global Network of Science Academies, which has led her to develop “clean plastic” textiles with scientist Stephen Miller.

Since the founding of Design Futurist, Allen has developed textiles integrating conductive fibers for DuPont, rain gear free of petroleum-based chemicals for DKNY, and photoluminescent fabrics for athletic wear. She has shared her knowledge of environmentally and socially responsible clothing production at conferences in China, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and at Davos.

What is Allen’s goal? “I’m interested in getting inside my customers’ minds and lives and in understanding – as someone with an affinity for technology, design and aesthetics and who is conscious about the environment – how that can be wrapped in a package that delivers something really new, useful and desirable.”

Read more about Natalia & her work here: http://www.designfuturist.com/

 

Duro Olowu: A hybrid of African culture with a powerful push towards the future

In keeping with Black History Month, Proverb will celebrate New York Fashion Week Spring 2012 by featuring three contemporary fashion designers whose unique perspectives and innovative designs have cause them to become leaders in the industry. 

 

Duro Olowu’s different approach to New York Fashion Week immediately caught our eye at Proverb. By opening the experience of fashion week to the public, Olowu has devised a solution that sets him apart from the multitude of designers holding fashion shows this weekend, while simultaneously featuring other artists. 

Instead of the traditional runway show, Nigerian-born London-based fashion designer Duro Olowu is curating an exhibition and pop-up shop at Salon 94, showcasing pieces from his Spring 2012 collection in collaboration with photographs, textiles, furniture, music, books, and objects by a variety of artists.

Coming to prominence in 2005 by winning “New Designer of the Year” at the British Fashion Awards, lawyer-turned-designer Duro Olowu is known for his eclectic and vibrantly mismatched prints. His signature kimono-style “Duro” dress, a favorite of Michelle Obama, has been featured across a multitude of fashion magazines for its contrasting patterns and unique silhouette. Combining bold patterns and color from his African heritage with streamlined, modern shapes, Olowu’s collection is a hybrid of culture with a powerful push towards the future.  

Clothing created by Olowu for the exhibition will include hand-made footwear, corseted and full-skirted print dresses, guipure lace jackets and paneled tail coats, collage bib sheaths and gilets, chiffon gowns, and assorted accessories.

Featured in the show are commissioned pieces by Paris-based jeweler Taher Chemirik, shown alongside paintings by Katherine Bernhardt and mirrors by architect David Adjaye. Additional works include vintage photography by Malian photographer Hamidou Maiga and designer Carlo Mollino, a large photograph by Laurie Simmons, illustrations by Bella Foster, woven canvases by New York artist Tony Coz, prints by Suzzanne Wenger, drawings by Lorna Simpson, furniture and objects by Martino Gamper and Maria Pergay, sculptures by Ghanian artist Paa Joe and London based Francis Uprichard, ceramics by Matthias Merkel Hess, vintage West African textiles and rare fabrics from couture fabric makers including Abraham of Switzerland, a selection of rare essential vinyl of Miss Lily’s Variety along with work by Kara Hamilton, Jackie Nickerson, Ludovica Gioscia, and Philip Kwame Apagya.

The exhibitions runs through the 5th of March 2012.

Read more about the pop-up stores: http://www.papermag.com/2012/02/duro_olowu_pop_up_shop.php

Personal website: http://www.duroolowu.com/

 

 

The perfect treat for that someone sweet...

Flowers aren't the only big business on Valentine's Day. In fact, it is the act of giving one's sweetheart a box of chocolate on Valentine's Day, that has been around for generations. During Valentine’s week, consumers will buy more than 58 million pounds of chocolate candy, ringing up $345 million in sales and accounting for 5.1 percent of total annual sales according to Nielsen.

It comes as no surprise, our favorite chocolate brand Taza Chocolate, is gearing up its production levels significantly in the past couple weeks. Taza's 7,500-square foot factory -- which makes the industrial area of Somerville that surrounds it smell like chocolate for blocks -- opened in 2006 as the dream of co-founder Alex Whitmore, who visited Oaxaca, Mexico and came back with an appreciation of the traditional stone grinding production of chocolate. 

As long as supplies last, Taza will sell specialty chocolates for the romantic holiday, including Mi Corazón and Mi Cariño, terms of endearment like "my heart" or "my sweet." Mi Corazón is a rose and vanilla Mexican chocolate disc. Mi Cariño features cherries and nibs in a dark chocolate bar.

Check out the recent write up on Taza Chocolate on Boston.com: 

http://www.boston.com/business/gallery/taza_chocolate_prepares_for_valentines_day/

And don't forget to get your valentine this tempting chocolate!

Proverb Celebrates Black Innovators

As February is marked as Black History Month, join Proverb as we celebrate black history, design, culture, technology, business, and more. All month, we'll be featuring wisdoms, insights, and articles of innovative individuals who have, and continue to, inspire us. 

Our first feature of Black History Month is on David Adjaye, the world-renowned architect paving his own way in history. A major distinguishing factor that sets Adjaye apart from the rest of his world-class cohort, he's one of the youngest, black architects that has achieved such a massive level of success. "Race is the elephant in the room -- every room," Adjaye says with a sigh and a soft smile. "Yes, I am a black architect." When his designs for the National Museum of African American History and Culture were described by Sheryl Kolsainki, the Smithsonian's director of planning and project management, she said of his work, "There's a dualism in the African-American experience -- there's tragic history and there's hope. He really got that." 

Read more about his style, education, and accomplishments here: http://www.fastcompany.com/design/2009/featured-story-david-adjaye

 

Corporate Culture

How to infuse your corporate culture with life & vibrancy:

- Focus: Aligns the entire company towards achieving its vision, mission, and goals.
- Motivation: Builds higher employee motivation and loyalty.
- Connection: Builds team cohesiveness among the company’s various departments and divisions.
- Cohesion: Builds consistency and encourages coordination and control within the company.
- Spirit: Shapes employee behavior at work, enabling the organization to be more efficient and alive.

Corporate culture is a hot topic among businesses who want to attract the best talent, translate their values to their products and services, and show customers what they're all about.

Read more in this interesting article: http://www.fastcompany.com/1810674/culture-eats-strategy-for-lunch

CreativeMornings: Goodbye Coffee Cup Lids

Join Peter Herman & our very own Daren Bascome, on Friday, January 27, at 8:30am at Space with a Soul (281 Summer St. 7th Floor, to discuss the Compleat cup. They'll be sharing insights on the product and graphic design and their mission to entice folks to ditch sippy cups (and that extra plastic) and instead, "fill, fold, and drink."

If you'd like to get inspired, before work, click here for free registration: Register here