Wilbert talks to artist and designer Taz Arnold about how to dress when you're a Freaky Bitch

June 12, 2012 3:43 PM

It's so lame when you go to a fashion site and they have features like "What to Wear to Work" or "How to Dress When You Meet Your BF/GF's Parents." Who even has jobs or long term relationships anymore? Don't let those losers dumb your life down into cookie cutter scenarios. You're much more of an individual. You have crazy unique experiences, like the time you went to a gay strip club with your first grade teacher and he bought you a lap dance or that other time you tongue-kissed your cousin in church just to find out if the intense level of sin would make you both disintegrate into dogma dust. And during both of those incredibly weird and strange happenings, didn't you wish you had worn a better outfit? Well, this column is here to solve your super obscure and strange fashion needs with the help of really famous or, at the very least, really cool people's advice.

For the inaugural "What to Wear When," I tapped Taz Arnold. Taz is a regular renaissance man, constantly creating in so many mediums it's kind of impossible to keep up. He's known by most as a member of Sa-Ra Creative Partners, the hip-hop group and production powerhouse that has crafted beats for legends like Jay-Z  and Dr. Dre, and released their own stellar albums. He's also a street fashion maven, running his own label Tisa, which helped spawn the current  snap-back craze and has turned out an incredible collaborative collection with luxury leather brand MCM. Right now he's focusing on growing his vintage Ralph Lauren-inspired El Americans fashion label—in the 90s Taz was a well known Ralph Lauren enthusiast and booster. 

Taz just dropped his first solo LP, Rad America, which features the sexy single "Freaky Bitch." Excited about the prospect of being a freaky bitch myself, I wondered what does one wear when they get into freaky bitch mode? And so started my hypothetical discussion on what to wear when, with Taz Arnold. 

Wilbert L. Cooper: So, there's a huge party being thrown by Twelv Magazine for Obama's second inauguration ceremony and I get invited. I'm bringing ethiopian model Liya Kebede as my date, and I want to look like your music sounds—completely "Freaky Bitch." What should I have on?
Taz Arnold: I would suggest a tuxedo, a really a fitted tuxedo. One that is on some James Bond or Peter Gabriel type shit—very sophisticated and chic.

How would you accessorize it?
Everything would have to be understated with gold accents. But maybe blow them away with some gold shoes.

OK, and what about my girl Liya Kebede? Given her profession, I imagine she's well versed in the ways of the "Freaky Bitch."
The lady might wear some lingerie and a garter belt  with a longer trench coat on top and some heels. That's the kind of outfit that you can get crazy with really quick. It definitely promotes some freaky scenarios without being too risqué.

What kind of lingerie?
Anything that has some French lace. It could have a little black or red satin. No brand in particular, though. Whatever is her favorite. The more time she puts into it, the more freaky it will be—and the more effective. And she can still wear a very nice trench coat and very nice shoes to offset the sexy.

Was there ever a tuxedo that you wore that really made you feel like you were a freaky bitch?
I produced a song with my group Sa-Ra that has everybody on it; Kanye West, Bentley Farnsworth, Andre 3000. We are all in the video wearing these Hugo Boss tuxedos. I'm not too into Hugo, but there was something about these particular tuxedos that was special. It might have been the way we had them altered.

What'd you do to them?
We went to the tailor and had them fitted like we were in the 60s with the flooded pant legs that let people see our socks. I felt like I was David Ruffin from the Temptations. It was the first time I'd ever worn a tuxedo and it really helped change my perspective on formal dressing.

How so?
I could see how a well cultured man back in the day with his mind focused on being successful in business or trying to look sharp for the ladies would wear clothes like that regularly. It represents a certain classiness that people don't have as much today. It's great too because with the pants up about a half inch higher than they would regularly be, you get that sleek effect. None of that baggy stuff. People didn't wear that back in the 50s and 60s.

A Twelv party is where I want to look like a freaky bitch. How about you? What's your ideal place to really express yourself through your clothes?
Paris. It's kind of corny because a lot of rappers are talking about Paris right now, but its true. I really love that city, it's so romantic. 

Any event in particular?
Paris during Fashion Week, where everyone is just enjoying each other's fashion and style.

Yeah, people still talk about the leopard print pants you wore to Fashion Week years ago when you were hanging with Kanye. They even spoofed that outfit in South Park! You definitely had your freak bitch swag on there. Moving on to scents, what kind of fragrances might you use to complete the whole package?
I really like Bond Street Cologne. But when I want to step it up, I like to use some oils from India or maybe Malaysia. Oils like that can run you up to $400 for one bottle. But it's worth it, because the right scent can send a girl who's not really thinking about you way into her favor.

Really? Any experiences with that?
Definitely. I was hanging out with a chick, she lived in Clinton Heights. I was just stopping by to see her house. We were both attracted to each other, but it wasn't a pending situation of us having sex.

And you had on the oils?
Yeah, and every time I would sit next to her she would move away. I thought I had done something wrong. She wouldn't even let me get close enough to her to talk. And I didn't want to be yelling in her apartment. I asked what was up and she was like, "Uhhh, you smell really good." So, I kind of cornered her and was like, "I think you're moving around too much."

And the rest is history… Thanks for the tips Taz! Those oils are on my shopping list. I'm trying to get my freaky bitch on ASAP. 

Listen to Taz's new album Rad American below:

http://www.2dopeboyz.com/2012/03/08/tia-taz-arnold-rad-america-mixtape/

Wilbert L. Cooper is an assistant editor at VICE Magazine. He loves his job and Morris Day and the Time. Follow him on Twitter: @WilbertLCooper 

edited by Jessica Appelstein

related posts

BALENCIAGA WINTER 2019

BALENCIAGA’s 19 winter campaign see’s Paris as the inspiration.

August 20, 2019 4:28 PM  |  Fashion

TWELV MAGAZINE SUMMER PARTY@PUBLIC HOTEL

As the Men's New York Fashion Week came to a close, TWELV hosted a party on June 26th  for everyone in need of an unwind during this blistering summer.

July 13, 2019 9:41 PM  |  Fashion

BALENCIAGA PHONE HOLDER BAG

BALENCIAGA phone holder bag, first seen in the Winter 19 runway show, launches on July 12th. 


BALENCIAGA made such a cutest bag! Check it out!

July 13, 2019 6:00 PM  |  Fashion

FASHION STORY "STARDUST MEMORIES"

FASHION STORY "STARDUST MEMORIES" is now available! 
 
Check inside for the Full Page Editorial.
June 27, 2019 10:00 AM  |  Fashion

TWELV MAGAZINE SPRING PARTY @PUBLIC ROOF

We had spring fashion party at Public hotel rooftop. Very successful event and all guests enjoy in our amazing night. Check out super cool guests photos by CHAMA.

June 26, 2019 2:37 AM  |  Fashion

DIOR MEN'S SUMMER 2020 COLLECTION

The past of the future, now becoming then.The notion of the relic – The idea of constant evolution, investigation and creation of history – Sits behind every haute couture maison. T...

June 26, 2019 12:37 AM  |  Fashion

FASHION STORY "LA FEMME" by CHAMA

FASHION STORY "LA FEMME" by CHAMA is now available! 
 
Check inside for the Full Page Editorial.
June 25, 2019 8:00 PM  |  Fashion

Swedish Midsummer Party 6/21/19 By Tommy Saleh/ NY Cult

It is officially summer! Well, Midsummer if you ask the Swedes! 

June 25, 2019 7:00 PM  |  Fashion

Raf Simons F/W 2019 Campaign

Raf Simons Fall/ Winter 2019 Campaign 

Check out their newest beautiful campaign shot by Willy Vanderperre and styled by Olivier Rizzo!

 

Photographer: Willy Vanderperre 

June 20, 2019 1:00 PM  |  Fashion

DSQUARED2 FASHION STORY "WONDER WOMEN"

FASHION STORY "WONDER WOMEN" is now available! 
 
Check inside for the Full Page Editorial.
 
June 19, 2019 6:00 PM  |  Fashion

CITIZEN OF HUMANITY FASHION STORY "CITIZEN POL"

FASHION STORY "CITIZEN POL" is now available! 
 
Check inside for the Full Page Editorial.
 
April 19, 2019 12:00 PM  |  Fashion

"LESS IS MORE" AG & Blanda | Capsule Collection

The AG & BLANDA capsule celebrates women, water, and the interconnectedness of the human experience, illustrating how the support of one another leads to a...

April 11, 2019 8:39 PM  |  Fashion

M·A·C "POWDER KISS CABARET " EVENT

New York, NY (April 10th2019)… On April 9th, the spring event season kicked into high gear with the celebration of M·A·C COSMETICSPowder Kiss Lipstick collection.  Sony Hall, the...

April 11, 2019 11:18 AM  |  Fashion

Cartier Supports Trailblazing Female Entrepreneurs With Cash Grants and Personal Coaching

The Cartier company is renowned as a purveyor of fine jewelry for collectors who demand--and can afford--the very best.

March 20, 2019 4:00 PM  |  Fashion

LOUIS VUITTON HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Louis Vuitton Holiday Gift Guide

Celebrate and show your love to everyone (and even to yourself) this holiday season with Louis Vuitton!

  

SMILE

December 24, 2018 3:00 PM  |  Fashion

Lagerfeld is Golden A Look at Chanel’s Metiers D’Art

Start with the exceptional savoir-faire of the French metiers d’art, sprinkle generously with ancient Egypt, add a dash of New York City 80s streetwear, and wrap it up in an iconic boxy...

December 16, 2018 8:00 PM  |  Fashion
Shot by Ryan Kim

TWELV MAGAZINE HALLOWEEN PARTY 2018 @PUBLIC ROOF

There was a different type of dress code at TWELV Magazine's most recent party, one that involved copious amounts of glitter, wigs, superhero capes and animal prints.

November 05, 2018 3:00 AM  |  Fashion

PRADA MFW S/S19 READY-TO-WEAR

October 10, 2018 5:00 PM  |  Fashion

DIOR MFW S/S19 READY-TO-WEAR

On the surface, dance and fashion could appear as two distinct forms of art. Closer consideration, however, reveals similarities of monumental magnitude. 
 
September 30, 2018 5:00 PM  |  Fashion

TRAVIS THE UNDERGROUND: Chelsea & Walker NYFW S/S19 Backstage

When asked by my old friend and mentor Hissa Charma to shoot the backstage photos for the Chelsea & Walker show it was an exciting new challenge for me.

September 28, 2018 2:00 PM  |  Fashion

Chelsea & Walker NYFW S/S19

It was big hair, bold suits and boogie music at the Chelsea and Walker SS19 New York Fashion Week Runway Presentation last week.  

September 19, 2018 3:00 PM  |  Fashion

Leuni NYFW S/S19

To beat the heat of the early days of fashion week, Leuni's cool Spring Summer 2019 fashion show took place on September 4th at 123 Bowery.

September 18, 2018 6:00 PM  |  Fashion
Shot by Pedro Torres

Chelsea & Walker x Twelv Magazine NYFW S/S19 Party @Better Days

It was Saturday Night Fever at Better Days...except that it was Sunday.

September 11, 2018 6:00 PM  |  Fashion

HUMANITY in Charitable Campaign #WeAreAllHumanity

In today’s political climate, more and more designers realize fashion cannot not be political.

September 05, 2018 2:00 PM  |  Fashion

MIU MIU F/W2018 CAMPAIGN "THE CONVERSATION"

 
August 03, 2018 3:00 PM  |  Fashion

TWELV MAGAZINE "TANABATA PARTY" @LADUREE

Summer is for easy nights with beautiful people, and the love that comes with it. That's what Tanabata, the Japanese midsummer festival, is all about.

July 11, 2018 2:00 PM  |  Fashion

DOLCE&GABBANA "GRAFFITI SUNGLASSES ARE AS FUN AS DRAWING ON WALLS"

"GRAFFITI SUNGLASSES ARE AS FUN AS DRAWING ON WALLS" 
 
 
June 19, 2018 5:00 PM  |  Fashion
Paris Jackson

The Life Ball in Vienna

Perry Ellis. Willi Smith. Gia Carangi. Tina Chow. Franco Moschino. Herb Ritts. Way Brandy. Angel Estrada. Leigh Bowery. Chester Weinberg. Halston.

June 11, 2018 6:00 PM  |  Fashion

Fashion Story "Over the Hills and Far Away"

FASHION STORY " OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY" is now available!
 
 
Check inside for the Full Page Editorial.
May 31, 2018 11:00 AM  |  Fashion
Fashion designer Azzedine Alaia holding his two Yorkshire terriers, Patapouf and Wabo, walking in Paris street with model Frederique who wears one of his creations, a black leather zippered dress, 1986. Courtesy of Arthur Elgort.

"Azzedine Alaia: The Couturier" at the Design Museum

 The Design Museum in London has curated a new design exhibition in honor and exploration of the late designer Azzedine Alaia.

May 21, 2018 1:00 PM  |  Fashion

TWELV MAGAZINE "BLONDE SASHIMI FROM PLANET TWELV" PARTY @BETTER DAYS

TWELV is back again at Better Days on Broome Street for our monthly "Blonde Sashimi from Planet TWELV" Party.

May 16, 2018 12:00 PM  |  Fashion

Interview: ThreeASFOUR x Epson's cymaSCOPE Capsule

All clothing design involves an amalgamation between form and function and a negotiation between art and commerce.

April 26, 2018 10:00 AM  |  Fashion

TWELV MAGAZINE "BLONDE SASHIMI FROM PLANET TWELV" PARTY @BETTER DAYS

TWELV returned to Better Days on the Lower East Side for our legendary "Blonde Sashimi from Planet TWELV" as New York City celebrated the 'medicinal' day of April 20th (4/20).

April 23, 2018 5:00 PM  |  Fashion

Pier59's Federico Pignatelli Proposes a Model's Bill of Rights

Federico Pignatelli, founder and owner of Pier59 Studios and the Art and Fashion Group Company and Industry Model Management called for a gathering of the fashion industry on Thursday...

April 23, 2018 4:00 PM  |  Fashion

Fashion Story "Ne Va Pas Tranquillement"

FASHION STORY "NE VA PAS TRANQUILLEMENT" is now available!

 

April 16, 2018 12:00 PM  |  Fashion

Maison Kitsuné X Ader Error Launch Genderless Capsule

Maison Kitsuné’s latest collaboration hit stores on Friday, as the Parisian label teamed up with Korean cult sensation Ader Error for a 15-piece, genderless capsule collection.

April 10, 2018 4:00 PM  |  Fashion

Pages

SITE BY: monocomplex©Marbles & Marbles International Inc. Drupal Development by: DivDiv, NYC
▲ back to top ▲