SNAPPED & CAUGHT

 TEDRICK LaMAR

Tells Most..Not All

Every now and then we find ourselves drawn to those that we feel that we can either identify with, or learn from. For me in this case, its both. This weeks Fashion Forward-It Guy Tedrick Lamar is not only a beautiful man, but he is also extremely kind and was blessed with a wealth of talent. But truth be told, what I appreciate about him most is his ability to sift through bullshit and tell you exactly whats on his mind exposing a carefree and honest persona.

After visiting a dear friend in Atlanta, Tedrick knew that he was ready to leave Virginia and make his move to a faster paced city. He moved to Hotlanta in 2001 and has been making a name for himself in the arenas of the make up, modeling , and interior design field every since. Being the curious mind that I am, I had to get his response on a few noticeable things that are currently going on in the ATL... When asked what his thoughts were about Atlanta's fashion scene, his response was quick and to the point. “IT'S A HOT MESS!!!.”

After containing my laughter(although in agreement), I had to hear his quick yet humorous responses towards fashions that got under his skin...Lamar didn't disappoint. He revealed his annoyance with Ed Hardy trend, and skinny jeans made in bold and pastel colors such as pink, red, baby blue. “That era is over, “ he explodes. “Another thing that annoys me is when people feel that the have to go around telling people how much they spent on their high end clothes, especially when they don't even have a high end lifestyle to begin with,” he says practically boiling.

This brings up a very valid point, one can have all the money in the bank, but that still doesn't mean that labels will have you looking fab. I have had clients of both sexes and all body types thinking that they will look like Mehcad Brooks or Chanel Iman, simply because they can afford the garments they see these two wonders adorning.

And although Etro, Dolce and Gabbana, Paul Smith, and Yves Saint Laurent are a few of Tedrick's favorite designers, he wasn't afraid to admit that he frequents Top Shop, Swear of London, and Zara. TRENDY CLASSIC is the term this It Guy chooses to describe his style, adding that he likes embellishments varying from feathers to beads. Trimmings of this caliber worn by a man, would have a great many to raise a brow if they were to spot this look walking pass.

“I have heard everything from, “I don't get it”, to “you are my fave,” to “YOUR HAIR”, to “Yo Yo Dude,” followed by outburst of laughter.” “I don't deal with them, if i have to. I just take it... And if they have a problem then most likely their bad dressers,” he laughs. I will have to say that its quite obvious that Tedrick Lamar has a very Tough skin, knows what he likes, and wears it.

“Play with it... play dress up .... follow your gut ... but like Coco Chanel said, “always remove on piece before leaving out,” he advises when asked on his advice to others trying to express their own individuality.

Humble, sensible, with a spit of fire, Tedrick LaMar embodies what it takes to be a Fashion Forward-It Guy, as well a level headed individual in a society of closed minded souls.

(see Tedrick's work at www.tedricklamar.com)