State Ya Bizz…The Official Start

Are you an innovator, a resonator or a trendsetter? Throughout the next few months, the IRT brand will bring you exclusive, classy, intelligent, trend forecasting news and information that reflect the IRT lifestyle… just plain interesting shit, from politics to music, fashion, the dancehall and everything in between.

We’ll let you know what IRT is thinking about this month, forecasting the innovators we think have serious buzz factors. We’ll also keep your fresh factor updated with the IRT Fresco Cartel report, “Fashion Fridays,” including our “Excess” category for those of you that want to stunt. If something is pissing us off, we’ll let you know that too, so keep an eye out for our Pet Peeve Tuesdays. To keep our supporters coming back, exclusive footage from the cutting-room floor, segment leaks, previews, tech tips and a lot more content will be published ONLY on our web presence. Check the homepage for a schedule of appearances, the IRT team will be at all pirate stations and events near you. So now that you know the point, welcome to the first 2008 installment of “State Ya Bizz,” it’s gonna go something like this:

Yes, the IRT crew is opinionated. We’re comprised of everything from a borderline right-wing Republican, a leftist die-hard liberal and all the other political outlooks you can think of. On our minds: 1) Why aren’t Latinos voting for Obama? 2) Why is Hilary Clinton contributing personal funds to finance her campaign (not to mention this Emir of Dubai business) 3) Why are Republicans so thirsty to shut down immigration when the U.S. economy depends on the work of millions of undocumented individuals? (we know most of us aint washing dishes 12 hours a day for $5 an hour) 4) What’s up with Bill Clinton begging the Kennedy’s not to endorse Obama (are you nervous)? 5) Why is the media so obsessed with this Reverend Wright situation, beating a dead horse is sooo 80’s. 6) Of course, we love to hate Bill O’Reilly, but why does his news on the campaign seem so much more unbiased than the liberal coverage? Something to think about…

Everybody Hates Chris…word on the street is, after a recent request to KRS-1 for a speaking engagement at an elementary school in the Bronx, the rapper (for decades identified with political and social conciousness) requested a pretty stiff “fee” for his appearance. Needless to say, this public school in the Bronx was unable to pay the requisite rate and the appearance didn’t happen. You’re charging to speak to kids in your hometown, the Boogie Down??? The kids NEED you! Shame on You Chris!!!

For the ladies: So You Wanna Be Fresh? Let the IRT Fresco Cartel give you our behind-the scenes wrap-up of this season’s Fashion Week, for all the hotness to expect next winter. The IRT team has several non-media hustles, fashion being one of them. So as usual, we were ever-present backstage, in the production room, at the tents, etc etc. This was one of the least exciting Fashion Week’s in quite a few seasons. Of course, our usual peeve about the stifling lack of diversity is still an issue, as well as how disturbingly underweight some of the girls are getting (yes, they are even skinnier than last September). Even non-fashion people like Dylan McDermot noticed the “dead” look, check out his quote in the April issue of W magazine.

But getting back to what everyone wants to know, what are going to be the must-haves for next fall? Boots, boots, boots…don’t worry, you’re investment in those tall conquistadors/equestrians is thriving. Next fall we’ll see more boots, including the low heeled and flat versions we love so much right now, just slightly more mannish in shape and color…we get the feeling Frye’s bottom line is about to increase back to 1990’s levels.
The palette is still dark and more dark, with tiny pops of color here and there. And thanks to the VERY downtown and buzz-worthy Matthew Williamson collection, for giving us some great non-dreary options. Zippers are EVERYWHERE, from Lyn Devon to Marc by Marc Jacobs. We loved that despite how commercial MJ now is, the collection still gave us a new view on the typical tulip dress and switches up the silhouette a little. It’s still punkish, with the ability to be dressed up with accessories. Too bad his after party took place after 24 other parties, by the last day of Fashion Week, we were all too pooped to party with Lil’ Kim and entourage. Our HANDS DOWN favorite for presentation this season was Lyn Devon. Not only did she choose a venue well off the beaten Bryant Park path (yes everyone from yours truly to WWD made the troop out to 37th and 11th to christen this artful space’s first foray into the fashion world) but Ms. Devon skipped the typical runway walk and set her girls up on an Olympic-style stage with variable heights. The girls stood stock-still while press and onlookers admired and photographed the looks. It definitely made an impression.

Sheer COLORED stockings drop freshness onto the dark heavy tights we’ve been wearing for 2 years, which aren’t going anywhere but expect them to be refreshed with color here and there. Hate to say it (for reasons to be disclosed another time) but we loved Behnaz Sarafpour’s flapper-themed show. It was pretty and elegant without over-glamorizing, and at a price-point much more wallet friendly than her similarly styled colleagues. (Big up to one of our favorite runway girls, Irina Lazareanu, who worked the HELL out of that show). Though we are married to black and red nail polish right now, we’re sensing a shift to other super-dark but more interesting colors from anthracite to deep violet. Note: your nails must be well-shaped and SHORT for these profound colors, lest you get the unwanted Count Dracula look. For a huge wollop of sophistication, we loved the Monique Lhullier collection. It makes you elegant without feeling dated. Check it out on www.style.com, we’re sure you’ll love it too.