The Meeting.

Today is one of those "FIRST Day of the rest of my life" days.

Today I'll be attending a "very important meeting" with some "very important people". I'm not really willing to compromise or "sell out". But you know this already.

Sadly, I'm not allowed to take photos, but I understand. At any rate, I'll be tweeting & posting notes via my Facebook status. I want to kind've share this story with you as it unfolds. They've approved us to tweet & such during the meeting, at certain times.

If you've read a few of my past Facebook notes, I've referenced some of these persons before. They vary from music exectives to Hip-Hop, Pop, and R&B artists.

My work hasn't been in vain. I've only made it this far because of God & the support from people like you. God will be leading me through these next few steps, as He's always been.

I brought a special photo that I may post on FB later. It's a photo of when my career began. In the meantime, stick with me & follow the story as it unfolds via my Twitter & FB pages.

Your Brother,

Jackson Harlem

Twitter.com/JacksonHarlem

I Normally Don't Do This.

Since this meeting hasn't started, I have my laptop and I've decided to post. Thanks free-Wifi.

Lady Gaga met the Queen & performed at the Royal Variety Show. Who knew?

Recognize that costume ensemble, do you? Somebody's educated.

J. Harlem

Dear Jermaine Dupri.

Your wife Janet is still a great performer these days. Her performance on last year's British X Factor was refreshing and relevant. I've noticed that no one in the industry is making music like hers, which still keeps her in her own niche.

Much success to her everlasting career and such. Check the video.




J. Harlem

[Not So] Wise Guy.

You're on Twitter, right? I'm not sure how many people you follow, but have you noticed how smart-mouthed and overconfident people are getting there?

It's like an epidemic. I'm all for being informed on the daily about some of my closest contacts, but random, shallow tweets and insults hurled at perfect strangers??

That's just sub-human primitivism.

People need to wise up and have more dignity.
It's easy to be childish & arrogant; it takes character to be adults.

Having tons of followers is good, but having their respect and support is a different thing.

J. Harlem
Twitter.com/JacksonHarlem

Leather So Soft.

I hope you're a true admirer of unconventionally beautiful things. Yes? Well observe these Damir Doma’s Silent high tops from thir S/S10 diffusion line.

I admit, the colorway of the first shoe concerned me at first, but after thinking about the shoe on, I considered that yes, I'd buy these. One great factor is that I wouldn't see many people in them. That exclusivity is a big plus.

J. Harlem

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

For some reason, I feel that a greater part of womenswear is heating up. I think it's due, in part, to great design of women's shoes. I think it has helped women regain a level of sexuality often lost in femininity. The following shoes articulate what I mean.

Christian Louboutin "Macarena" Wedge Sandals

Chrissie Morris Spring/Summer 2010 footwear, the ‘Enola".

See what I mean? These are the kinds of shoes that make us men melt...considering everything else is on pointe [smiles]

J. Harlem

Animal House.

In celebrating 2010's Valentine’s Day, Louis Vuitton will release the Louis Vuitton Monogram Vernis Animaux collection. "

Inspired by Gaston Vuitton’s wife who used to run a toy store at the Avenue Marceau store from 1954 to 1970, the designs here were sourced from the archives. There are a total of 6 different designs, including the Pochette Rooster and Pochette Bird shown above. The other 4, include coin purse bird, coin purse squirrel, coin purse bunny, and coin purse rooster."

Source: Bagaholicboy

I'm always looking for special, yet unconventional gifts for my female family members and friends. This fits the bill. No word on price yet, but begin thinking outside of the box a little.

J. Harlem

Rated R.

Rihanna's new album Rated R is killer. Laced with electric guitar flourishes and heavy metal-esque dance tracks, the album gets an A from me.

My faves include "Rockstar 101", "Rude Boy", and "Hard". I like that the album is really aggressive in the candid, smart-mouthed way only Rihanna can be.

Rihanna - Rated R

J. Harlem

Coming to Your AID.

In light of AIDS Awareness, stop having unprotected sex. Know your sexual status & be honest and respectful to yourself and your sexual partners.

African Americans between the ages of 18-24 are leading the world in the contraction of AIDS. Both here in America and Africa. Coincidence or not, do your part and be responsible enough to save your own life.

As they say in the hood, Do or Die.

J. Harlem

Somebody Came to Work.

Here's a peak at the Christian Louboutin's Men's S/S 2010 collection. These studded numbers are making a splash in the menswear scene. The studded slippers are surprisingly comfortable and actually more versatile than you'd imagine.

J. Harlem

Eating the Fruit of Gratitude.

When we complain, we hinder our perception. It is great practice to be thankful. What you appreciate appreciates. Developing a high appreciation for what you have opens up a life of insight and strength.

Be grateful for everything that you're going through. Accept God's peace right now, without the attachment to a job, an item, or anyone else.

Everything you really need, you already have.

J. Harlem

Inspiration is Free.

In light of being thankful 365, I'll share this Picasso video with you. I was moved by its content and by the artists' ability to depict real human (and other) emotion in such an abstract form.




J. Harlem

Part 2 of: All I See is Red

As if I weren't seeing enough red, designer Natacha Marro has created ONLY 10 of these hell-less Red Glitter Mary Janes. This is the kind of art you keep around the house, ladies.

Red doesn't seem to be a very popular color this season, but it's becoming so in my mind, especially so through accessories and shoes.

J. Harlem

Welcome to Royalty.

Welcome all new followers and visitors. I'm Jackson Harlem, an author & menswear designer. It is my pleasure to share with you the artwork, products, music, and other artistic topics which I hope will inspire you to lead a better life somehow.

I notice many of you visit and do not comment, which is fine. I thank you for your interest and support. This is your place as well as mine. Make yourself at home.

This is an ego-free zone; No B.S., no bragging, no need. Enjoy and spread the word.


J. Harlem

Never Say Never.

Gentlemen, you may be aware that a simple pair of frames can strengthen your profile and give your face strong definition. A pair of these Chronicle of Never Sunglasses, which come in tortoise shell and classic black, are shaped to deliver such definition. The thickness of the frames helps with this affect as well.

J. Harlem

All I See is Red.

Despite being a casual shoe, this Converse (PRODUCT) Red LEather Jacket Chuck Taylor All Star shoe moved me with its details & color. The shoe debuts December 1st at The (RED) Store locations in New York, San Francisco and London.

The "patchwork of motorcycle jacket inspired red leather, the shoe comes complete with a quilted lining, heavy-duty zips and snaps and leather rand with clean emboss detail" captured my attention.

I've been considering a red pair of this shoe and I believe these to fit the bill. You've got the job.

J. Harlem

Watch Me Work.

Dear Mr. Nooka, A.K.A. my good friend Ralph Lee.



I wanted your take on the new collaboration that Nooka teamed up with MTV to produce as part of the Streetmuse line of products. These MTV watches utilize the styles of two Nooka timepieces – Zub ZenH 20 and Zot Leather – and are inspired by the cities of Berlin and Moscow.




The gold one is the one I've got my eye on. (Dear Santa)



J. Harlem