Everything is changing nothing stays the same! As I welcome the new year … I’m letting go of the past and welcoming the future. It’s been such an interesting year in retrospect, and I’ve learned so much about myself and everything around me. The biggest lesson I learned is the world is changing, and it is depending on us to make it a better place. All aspects of our society and culture are struggling to understand this change, but the change isn’t on it’s way anymore –it is here.

Our pop culture, music, style and media are all influenced by us. Me and you taking control of who we are and what we do with our time and energy — How we use our voice whether it’s through music, style, social media and everything in between. People inspiring each other, creating the news and changing the norm. The future is bright in the eyes of the people who understand their role in this changing world. But few understand the importance of it all. Why find your purpose? Why challenge the status quo? The answer is simple… Because if you don’t someone else will…”The only thing that is constant is change.”
Michael Jackson The King Of Style Book, Molami Headphones, Alexander Wang Sandals, Mason Martin Margiela ring, Fortune Favors The Brave earrings, Diane Von Furstenburg wallet

So this year is all about new beginnings…finding your purpose and challenging the status quo!  Here’s a toast to your new year and all of the ideas and goals you plan to achieve. Here’s a few items to start your new year off on the right foot. Your style says a lot about who you are… These items are on my 2013 list.  Have a Happy New Year!

Stockholm, Sweden
Model: Reese Antoinette
Stylist: Robin Westrin
Photographer: Viktor Grahn

The biggest lesson I learned about Swedish street style is:  Swedes love their jeans!  Jeans are a huge part of the everyday style in Stockholm,  a pair of jeans and tennis shoes (Converses).  All age groups, both male and female are rocking this look … this is definitely a staple Swedish trend!  The denim culture seems to be alive and kicking in Stockholm, but after working with a local brand Denim is Dead, they offered a unique perspective on the state of denim culture.

Denim is Dead is a Swedish denim label that represents the idea that we can not reinvent denim.  According to the designer/brand manager Robin Westrin
“We can only style denim and recreate how we wear it.  Denim is already created and established.” The brand emphasizes the importance of style and creativity, and how the two will affect the future of denim brands and denim culture.

No genius, no secret, no legends, no story and no tradition. Denim Is Dead.

The Denim is Dead brand challenges you to reinvent your denim style.  The idea of denim may be dead, but how you style it gives it life again!  Denim is Dead, Warner Music Sweden and I collaborated on this shoot to show how the Denim is Dead Fall 2011 collection can be styled with a little music inspiration.  Each shot was influenced by the Swedish label’s artist Armand Mirpour’s ‘Curly Boys Law (Step Aside)’ remixed with the Denim is Dead philosophy.

Armand Mirpouris a Swedish musician and model.  ‘Curly Boys Law (Step Aside)’ was the perfect inspiration for this shoot because it is carefree,  young at heart and free spirited.  These are essential elements for those who want to establish their own denim style. ‘Curly Boys Law (Step Aside)’  represents everything that style is about… listening to yourself and trusting your instincts.  Do you think denim is dead?

For Download: click the on the player above.

La Fouine (pronounced la foo-ween) is a well-known French Hip Hop artist from the western suburbs of Paris. He fuses his French suburban life into his music by incorporating his turbulent childhood with his sense of style and point of view. La Fouine which translates to”The Weasel” is definitely a character.  He creates innovative stories, videos, and music to share with the world, always staying authentic to who he is at that moment.

He released his first album Bourré au son in 2005, and recently debuted a new album La Fouine vs. Laouni on February 14, 2011.  The hip hop artist is no stranger to success, over the years he has worked with many established French and U.S artists including, ‘The Game’ on a single called “Caillra For Life”.
He also owns the music label ‘Banlieue Sale Music’ and a clothing line called “Street Swagg“.

La Fouine is currently on tour in France, but I caught up with him before the tour to ask him a few questions about his music and style. The subtitles will help you understand the interview, and if you speak French:
J’espere que vous allez kiffer! bonne interview!

We recently caught up with Maluca to get some updates on her inspirations, music and upcoming projects.  Maluca is a Dominican artist born in the Bronx and raised in Manhattan. Her music fuses her New York City style with her Dominican roots. She is influenced by ESG, Savannah Band, Wu-Tang, Gil Scott Heron, Nina Simone to styles like merengue, salsa, cumbia, house, disco, and freestyle. La Maluca Mal is a part of DJ/Producer Diplo’s  Mad Decent Record Label.

What does Maluca mean?
A crazy woman

What type of artist do you consider yourself: DJ, Singer, Rapper..All-in-one?
Im def not a Dj, I consider myself a vocalist

Your New York City Dominican roots is a huge part of your brand! Tell me a little bit about  the heritage and inspiration behind Maluca…
Diminicans are very vibrant people.  We love to eat, be around family, DANCE.  Maluca is the name my uncle gave to me as  child.  Growing up my family had a party for every occassion and I try to translate those feelings into my music

How is it working with Diplo? and How much of his ideas affect your sound and music?
Working with Diplo can be hard sometimes b/c he is so busy so trying to get him in one place can be difficult.  But other than that he’s a lot of fun to work with. Im bring the Dominican NYC shit and he brings he electro hipster shit so its a good combo

You recently released the China Food Mixtape..  Why did you name it “China Food” and what does this mixtape represent?
We have a big Chinese community in Dominican Republic. And in NYC we have a few Chinese/Dominican restaurants.  Growing up I would frequent these Chino/Latino places and eat rice and beans with wonton soup or egg rolls.  I wanted the mixtape to reflect me as a Dominican/New Yorker so I thought it be fitting to name the mix tape China Food.

I still listen and play El Tigeraso!  When can we expect another single or upcoming release from you?
I just recently released a record with  Oliver Twizt on Mad Decent and will release another record with Dillon and Diplo in the near future as well as a record with Tittsworth.

Who would you like to collaborate with in the near future?
If I could get just one feature on my album I would want Bjork…. yeah that would be hot!

Let Them Eat Music… is all about enjoying music like it’s food. So while everyone is playing your China Food Mixtape.. give us one Dominican dish we should not leave NYC without trying..
Check a restaurant called Flor De Mayo the #1 Chinese/Dominican restaurant in the city!!

Click the here to download Maluca’s free Chinafood Mixtape!