Tag Archives: FASHION

A Fresh Start For Inland Fashion

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Paul Martinez, a San Bernardino resident, plans to be a leader in fashion with the launch of his upscale clothing brand, Fresh Clinic, early next year. In photo, model Asia Dee sports “The One Love Tee” from Fresh Clinic.
Photo by Brandon Hicks.

(SAN BERNARDINO, Calif.) The Inland Empire has become a Mecca for the fashion industry. Local residents shop at specialty boutiques, attend fashion shows or begin careers as fashion designers. Paul Martinez, a San Bernardino resident, plans to be a leader in this movement with the launch of his clothing brand, Fresh Clinic, early next year.

Martinez  has been obsessed with fashion since his first day of college at UC Riverside. “I remember thinking that if I wanted to make myself presentable to employers in the fashion industry, then I better start taking my clothes more serious,” said Martinez.

As a new college graduate, Martinez struggled to find a job and fashion internships were competitive. Financial setbacks and the economy made Martinez a fashion entrepreneur. Fresh Clinic started as a blog for Martinez to express his love for fashion, but because of the weak job market it’s now become a business. Fresh Clinic combines urban and upscale clothing for a unique take on modern fashion.

Martinez embraces what his home, the Inland Empire, can bring to the table. “I believe it is important to buy from local designers, hire local models and work with local professionals. The only way the Inland Empire will be competitive in this industry is if we work together and bridge the gap with professionals in Los Angeles,” said Martinez.

Martinez works with local graphic designer Luke Vicious (http://lukevicious.com/), of Rialto, to design a collection of shirts. “I have been following Luke for a few years as a fan of his art, but now it’s cool we are working together,” said Martinez. Vicious has made his impression on the fashion industry for the past few years, and designs for Los Angeles brands StampdLA, TISA and JoyRich.

As a young veteran in the fashion industry, Vicious is confident in Martinez’s future success. “Paul is a great client to work with, being that his ideas have meaning behind them. It motivates me to do my best, and I see his graphics as works of art that tell a story. These original concepts will always stand out because they can’t be bought on a site or duplicated. This makes Fresh Clinic a rare, valuable brand because it keeps fashion traditions alive,” said Vicious.

Martinez also works with Amanda Pelaez (http://www.amandasilvia.com/), a graphic designer and graduate of Cal State San Bernardino. “I like Amanda’s work because she is able to design the ideas I give her without needing much direction. She is definitely a self starter who does not waste time,” said Martinez.

Pelaez is excited about her work with Fresh Clinic. “Working with Paul has always been gratifying. He knows what he wants, and he tells you clearly & concisely. I look forward to the future of Fresh Clinic,” said Pelaez.

Martinez is hopeful for the future. He now has a job and is managing his own business. “I learned to create opportunities for myself, instead of waiting for them to come my way. I encourage everyone, especially the youth in our communities, to do the same.”

Fresh Clinic’s goal for the community is to provide free fashion shows, fashion events and scholarships to Inland Empire residents. “I want to give our people something to look forward to, to bring hope back into their lives. We all have a long road ahead, but the most important message is to never give up. I’m happy to say my team has no room for quitters.”

You may contact Fresh Clinic by email at FreshClinic@live.com. Visit our Fresh Clinic website regularly for updates on the brand and follow Fresh Clinic’s Creative Director on Instagram @freshclinicpaul.

About Fresh Clinic: Fresh Clinic was founded in early 2013 in San Bernardino, CA by fashion entrepreneur Paul Martinez, and is an upscale-urban clothing and lifestyle brand. This fresh, young brand steadily makes its mark as a top contender in fashion by offering invigorating designs in a mundane industry. Fresh Clinic’s inspiration ranges from a variety of genres, including 80’s and 90’s urban fashion, street culture, classic art and indigenous cultures. Fresh Clinic is more than a clothing brand, but rather a lifestyle brand that encompasses everything from jewelry and accessories to blog posts about fashion, food and art.

Fresh Clinic 1st Collection Photoshoot A Success

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Hello Thugs & Lovelies,

Our first photo shoot with Los Angeles Model Asia Dee and Photographer Brandon Hicks was a success. Every shot was smooth and classy. Be on the look out for our upcoming “1st Collection Preview.”

Peace,

-Mané

Stop The B.S. Conversation, Start Some Business Conversatin’

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Yesterday was the first time I “went out” since September. I gave up a majority of my partying and fun because I noticed that every time I went out most people only wanted to talk B.S., or Bullshit for short, instead of talking some real business. Me and some of my closest friends are at a point where we’re fed up with the nonsense, and would rather spend time making money or establishing helpful organizations for our communities. The only reason I went out last night was to keep myself sane. Still I found myself in a similar position where most people just wanted to have fun and talk dumbshit. Luckily I ran into a homie I hadn’t seen in a hot minute.

I got to talking with the homie and eventually our conversation made it’s way to business. I was so happy that I went out last night because I found out the homie has connections with a clothing company. I never would have thought this dude had anything to do with a clothing brand, but I guess you should never judge anyone before talking with them. I felt as if I had been placed in that situation for a reason, as if the Lord wanted me to be there to make this business connection. This is how all parties, social events and outings should be, a combination of fun and business.

I recently read an article about a young businessman who has worked with several CEOs, including Oprah. One characteristic he noticed about all of these business leaders was that no matter where they were (a party, charity fundraiser, or vacationing in Europe while relaxing in an exotic swimming pool) they always took time to discuss business. These business conversations may only seem like casual exchanges of skeletal business ideas. In reality these are groups of leaders who always think a billion steps ahead of the competition, as they plot their next power moves over dinner. It doesn’t matter whether the conversation is business, politics, community and the like. It only matters that the conversation leads to productivity, as opposed to consumption.

I agree. It’s okay to have fun, but you must surround yourself with the “right,” fun people who also want to accomplish big goals. You can have your cake and eat it to, so to speak.

AMEN

-MANÉ

My Recent Love For Madonna

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Madonna Justify My Love

I don’t know what’s come over me these last few months, but I am becoming increasingly obsessed with the sounds and style of Madonna. Her swagger in the late eighties and early nineties is unparalleled by any other artist during that time. She reeked of risque, sexual innuendos and images of female power that only Madonna could pull off.

This song and video is one of my favorites. Produced by Lenny Kravitz and Andre Betts, “Justify My Love” is a standout track that defined Madonna to the fullest and where her musical talent took on it’s purest form. This track was written by Lenny Kravitz and Co-Written by Mexican-American Poet Ingrid Chavez, which explains the spoken word feel of this song, with additional lyrics added by Madonna to round out the track. Ingrid Chavez’s name never appeared in the credits for this song, but she sure got a large settlement for it.

I look forward to using this song for a fashion show one day. Enjoy!

-MANÉ

The Last Words of Vogue Legend Willi Ninja

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We found these wonderful videos of Vogue Legend Willi Ninja offering advice to models and recounting his days as a Voguer in the 80’s. As I was watching the NYC House Dance Culture video, it seemed Willi was showing signs of illness in his tired face. May he forever rest in peace.

Music Videos: A Place for Fashion

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In our effort to bring you meaningful content, we’ve decided to combine to of our favorite themes: MUSIC AND FASHION.

Here is a list of some of our favorite music videos featuring fashion and legendary fashion icons.

David Bowie- Fashion

Right Said Fred- I’m Too Sexy

Madonna- Vogue

George Michael- Freedom! ’90

Michael Jackson- Remember The Time

Michael Jackson- In The Closet

 

Jay-Z- Change Clothes

Pharrell Williams- Number One

Kanye- Flashing Lights

Enjoy your week & Stay Fresh!

Kid Frost: The O.G. Chicano

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O.G. Kid Frost

If you’ve ever visited San Bernardino, California, then you know it’s not a pretty site. I should know, I was raised there. However, once in a while a glimmer of light passes through the city that brings hope. I met hope at The National Orange Show a few weeks ago, and he was a bad-ass Chicano named Frost.

The Man:

If you’re not familiar with Kid Frost, he was the first rapper to bust open the doors for Mexican Rap Artists in the United States. He is the undeniable Godfather of the modern “Chicano Rap” genre, and he doesn’t take shit from anyone.

Frost made his first big impression on the rap game with his song “La Raza” in the early nineties, spawning a string of hits that includes “La Familia,” “Ain’t No Sunshine,” and my personal favorite “East Side Rendezvous.” Listening to these songs, I am reminded of how great Chicano rap once was, and where it could go if today’s Chicano rap artists could spit like Frost.

The Encounter:

As me and my family were looking for the best fried, greasy Orange Show Festival food to eat, a booth caught the eyes of my father. Dad noticed a black sports team shirt that read “Los Angeles,” the Clippers name below being replaced with “Chicano.”

At first I felt a little uncomfortable at the booth. A white dude with blonde hair tapped me on my shoulder, and as I turned around he asked “Can I help you?” I thought he was some random guy that was tripping out on speed. He was skinny and seemed out of place in a predominately Latino crowd. He turned out to be one of Frost’s employees.

My dad wanted to know if the LA Chicano shirt came in a Lakers style. An older gentleman chillin’ in the back of the tent started to answer my dad’s questions. He was a humble, calm man, but the chains around his neck spoke of a different character.

I couldn’t quite place where I had remembered him from. Was he a family member? Maybe one of my father’s forgotten friends? I started to piece this riddle together: older, gold chains, looks Mexican, hardcore look in his face, tattoos…he’s got to be a rapper. It all clicked when I remembered seeing some photos of music producer Scoop Deville and his father Kid Frost. I was standing in front of a Legend!

I stepped back and noticed the giant “Meet Kid Frost” sign at the booth. Kid Frost CDs were sprawled on the table. What I found interesting about Frost was his non-pushy personality. Not once did he pressure us to buy his music or clothing. I guess he figured if you were really there for him and respected his talent, you would buy it regardless.

I didn’t say anything to him or act like a groupie. I hate groupies. I walked away with my father. A few minutes later I told my dad who he was, and he insisted that we go back to Frost’s booth to introduce ourselves.

After my dad said his hellos, all I told Frost was “I like your son too, he’s a good producer,” to which he responded “He was here earlier, he just left.” I thought “Damn I came so close to meeting one of the rap games hottest producers, but I’m happy I met the man who made him.”

Frost’s Ropa Clothing Line can be found here: http://www.ogkidfrost.com/Frost/ROPA.html. Sadly Frost does not have the Los Angeles Chicano shirts on his website. I knew I should have bought one at the fair!

I’ll leave you with a cool video and quote from Frost:

“All of the risks and moves that I’ve made have come from wanting to take care of my family.” – O.G. Kid Frost

Peace Ya’ll

Kirko Bangz & DJ Mustard want you to wear a “Shirt By Versace”

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Being that I’m a Fashion Fanatic and admirer of DJ Mustard’s production style, I had to drop this track on ya’ll. “Shirt By Versace” by Kirko Bangz is your typical club banger with references to expensive clothes attracting women. Of course Kirko had to bring the homies French Montana, YG & G-Haze for the ride.

I give this track credit because it seems DJ Mustard has increased the complexity of his melodies in this track compared to his previous work. Hopefully he continues to produce more tracks with a similar structure. I thank everyone involved for paying homage to the late great Gianni Versace…

R.I.P. The Legendary Gianni Versace

Peace Ya’ll