READing Your Style: Personality Page (Part 4)

As I explained in my Editor's Letter for the month, I wanted to make it a point to delve into the sartorial aspects of different personality types. As I explained in my birthday post from February in which I introduced that there is essentially 16 personality types according to late psychologist, Isabel Briggs Myers, and her Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Below I chose looks for one's work day based off what, in my fashion, each personality type would find interesting from this SS2013 show season. The first look in each row represents a strong corporate look to wear at work; the second represents an wound-down after work look; third are bold party/evening wear looks; and the last looks in each row are lax, weekend looks. Here are the next four of the sixteen personalty types:

The Inspirer: 

Suno 

Skaist Taylor 

Jeremy Laing

threeASFOUR 

Enthusiastic, idealistic, and creative. Able to do almost anything that interests them. Great people skills. Need to live life in accordance with their inner values. Excited by new ideas, but bored with details. Open-minded and flexible, with a broad range of interests and abilities.

ENFPs are lucky in that they're good a quite a lot of different things. An ENFP can generally achieve a good degree of success at anything which has interested them. However, ENFPs get bored rather easily and are not naturally good at following things through to completion. Accordingly, they should avoid jobs which require performing a lot of detailed, routine-oriented tasks. They will do best in professions which allow them to creatively generate new ideas and deal closely with people. They will not be happy in positions which are confining and regimented.

The Giver:

Timo Weiland 

Naeem Khan 

Narciso Rodriquez 

Thakoon 

Popular and sensitive, with outstanding people skills. Externally focused, with real concern for how others think and feel. Usually dislike being alone. They see everything from the human angle, and dislike impersonal analysis. Very effective at managing people issues, and leading group discussions. Interested in serving others, and probably place the needs of others over their own needs.

The flexibility of these characteristics leave the ENFJ a lot of leeway in choosing a profession. As long as they're in a supportive environment in which they can work with people and are presented with sufficient diverse challenges to stimulate their creativity, they should do very well.

The Visionary: 

Chadwick Bell 

Jenni Kane 

Made in Africa
by Arise Magazine

Ohne Titel 

Creative, resourceful, and intellectually quick. Good at a broad range of things. Enjoy debating issues, and may be into "one-up-manship". They get very excited about new ideas and projects, but may neglect the more routine aspects of life. Generally outspoken and assertive. They enjoy people and are stimulating company. Excellent ability to understand concepts and apply logic to find solutions.

ENTPs are fortunate in that they have a wide range of capabilities. They are generally good at anything which has captured their interest. ENTPs are likely to be successful in many different careers. Since they have a lot of options open to them, ENTPs will do well to choose professions which allow them a lot of personal freedom where they can use their creativity to generate new ideas and solve problems. They will not be completely happy in positions which are regimented or confining.

The Executive:

Helen Yarmak

Pamella Rolland 

Emerson 

J. Crew 

 Assertive and outspoken - they are driven to lead. Excellent ability to understand difficult organizational problems and create solid solutions. Intelligent and well-informed, they usually excel at public speaking. They value knowledge and competence, and usually have little patience with inefficiency or disorganization.

ENTJs are especially well-suited to be leaders and organization builders. They have the ability to clearly identify problems and innovative solutions for the short and long-term well-being of an organization. Having a strong desire to lead, they're not likely to be happy as followers. ENTJs like to be in charge, and need to be in charge to take advantage of their special capabilities.

Style Maven: Kanye West

In lieu of this month's Presidential debates, while it is taboo to mix racial judgments with politics, considering President Obama is the first African-American President of the United States, the issue is continually brought to light in the media. After the first round of debates where Governor Mitt Romney appeared to have conquered Obama, in response to Obama's reserve during the debate, Michael Eric Dyson , a professor of sociology at Georgetown, made a controversial observation on MSNBC, “Lest we forget this, lest we pretend this doesn’t make a difference, the specter hanging over him is: ‘I can’t come off as too vigorous because then it looks like I’m being an angry black man.’ ” Mr. Dyson postulated that because of the "Angry Black Man Phenomena" Romney was able to play to that strength. Regardless of whether this was, in fact, the intent of Romney's strategy that night, Obama showed no reserve in the final two debates, where Obama showed outright disapproval of Romney's flip-flop policy proposals, without coming off as a brute.

Samsung Galaxy Note II New York Launch Event, October 2012

I recently read an essay by Professor of Sociology at Ferris State University, Dr. David Pilgrim on “The Brute Caricature” which summarizes a brief history of the “Angry Black Man” stereotype, its origins coming from the Reconstruction Era of the United States (1867-1877). "The brute caricature portrays black men as innately savage, animalistic, destructive, and criminal -- deserving punishment, maybe death. This brute is a fiend, a sociopath, an anti-social menace. Black brutes are depicted as hideous, terrifying predators who target helpless victims, especially white women. Charles H. Smith (1893), writing in the 1890s, claimed, "A bad negro is the most horrible creature upon the earth, the most brutal and merciless"(p. 181). Clifton R. Breckinridge (1900), a contemporary of Smith's, said of the black race, "when it produces a brute, he is the worst and most insatiate brute that exists in human form" (p. 174)." This stereotype since then has traveled through time, mainly promulgated by the media. From of white supremacist novels of the early 1900s that incited fear and loathing of the African-American male, to the false criminal accusations of black men in the 1980’s and 90’s that fed off the black brute caricature, it has been determined by historians that, in fact, “The brute caricature was a red herring, a myth used to justify lynching, which in turn was used as a social control mechanism to instill fear in black communities.”

I'm Just Me

Halloween is tomorrow, and I thought it funny that Kanye West new collaborative studio album, “Cruel Summer” has come out around this time for he is portrayed in the media himself as somewhat of an “Angry Black Man” of our current generation (especially considering his father, Ray West, was a former member of the Black Panthers). Dr. Pilgrim explained above that the “Angry Black Man” is the most feared person on Earth. Based on his laudable political statements and public rants, not to mention the stunt he pulled against Taylor Swift at the 2009 Video Music Awards, West is perceived as irrational, politically incorrect, and unpredictable in the public eye. While wildly controversial, the quality of his work in entertainment continue's to quench audience's thirst for innovative, original, and progressive art, music, and fashion, especially in the urban market. It leaves us to beg the question, "Is there method to his madness?" Last month, Kanye West released the collaborative studio album, "Cruel Summer" which featured tracks from current and new members of his G.O.O.D (Getting Out Our Dreams) Music label. Below are the lyrics to one of his emotionally charged tracks, "Cold", a track which, in my fashion, addresses those who don't nay say against him and his mission in entertainment:

Samsung Galaxy Note II New York Launch Event, October 2012

                                                      Can't a young nigga get money any more?

Tell PETA my mink is dragging on the floor

Can I have a bad bitch without no flaws

Come to meet me without no drawers?

Dinner with Anna Wintour, racing with Anja Rubik

I told you mahfuckas it was more than the music

In the projects one day, to Project Runway

We done heard all that loud-ass talking, we're used to it

I'm from where shorties fucked up, double-cupped up

Might even kill somebody and YouTube it

To whoever think their words affect me is too stupid

And if you can do it better than me, then you do it!

We flyer than a parakeet, floatin' with no parachute

Six thousand dollar pair of shoes, we made it to the Paris news!

Don't talk about style cause I embarrass you

Shut the fuck up when you talk to me 'fore I embarrass you

Coachella Valley Music Arts Festival

And the whole industry want to fuck your old chick

Only nigga I got respect for is Wiz

And I'll admit, I had fell in love with Kim

Around the same time she had fell in love with him

Well that's cool, baby girl, do ya thang

Lucky I ain't had Jay drop him from the team

La Familia, Roc Nation

We in the building, we still keep it basement

We flyer than a parakeet, floatin' with no parachute

Six thousand dollar pair of shoes, I made it to the Paris news

Don't talk about style cause I'll embarrass you

Shut the fuck up when you talk to me 'fore I embarrass you

GOOD Music, we fresh, we fresh

Anything else, we detest, detest

Bitch-ass niggas got ass and breasts

All that said, let me ask this quest'

Don't talk to me 'bout style, nigga, I'll mothafuckin' embarrass you

Talking 'bout clothes, I'll mothafuckin' embarrass you

Hollering 'bout some hoes, I'll mothafuckin' embarrass you

Way too cold, I promise you'll need some Theraflu

Get the Theraflu

READing Your Style: Personality Page (Part 3)

As I explained in my Editor's Letter for the month, I wanted to make it a point to delve into the sartorial aspects of different personality types. As I explained in my birthday post from February in which I introduced that there is essentially 16 personality types according to late psychologist, Isabel Briggs Myers, and her Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Below I chose looks for one's work day based off what, in my fashion, each personality type would find interesting from this SS2013 show season. The first look in each row represents a strong corporate look to wear at work; the second represents an wound-down after work look; third are bold party/evening wear looks; and the last looks in each row are lax, weekend looks. Here are the next four of the sixteen personalty types:

The Doer:

Reem Acra 

Costello
Tagliapietra

Son Jung Wan 

4 Corners of a Circle

Friendly, adaptable, action-oriented. "Doers" who are focused on immediate results. Living in the here-and-now, they're risk-takers who live fast-paced lifestyles. Impatient with long explanations. Extremely loyal to their peers, but not usually respectful of laws and rules if they get in the way of getting things done. Great people skills.

ESTPs have some advantageous traits which are unique to their personality type. Their skills of observation make them extremely good at correctly analyzing and assessing other peoples' motives or perspectives. Their people skills allow them to use this knowledge to their advantage while interacting with people. For this reason, ESTPs are excellent salespeople. They also have a special ability to react quickly and effectively to an immediate need, such as in an emergency or crisis situation. This is a valuable skill in many different professions, perhaps most notably in action-oriented professions, such as police work. ESTPs enjoy new experiences and dealing with people, and dislike being confined in structured or regimented environments. They also want to see an immediate result for their actions, and don't like dealing with a lot of high-level theory where that won't be the case. For these reasons, they should choose careers which involve a lot of interaction with people, and do not require performing a lot of routine, detailed tasks.

The Guardian:

Oscar de a Renta 

Lauren Moffatt 

Louise Goldin 

Tory Burch 

Practical, traditional, and organized. Likely to be athletic. Not interested in theory or abstraction unless they see the practical application. Have clear visions of the way things should be. Loyal and hard-working. Like to be in charge. Exceptionally capable in organizing and running activities. "Good citizens" who value security and peaceful living.

ESTJs have a lot of flexibility in the types of careers that they choose. They are good at a lot of different things, because they put forth a tremendous amount of effort towards doing things the right way. They will be happiest in leadership positions, however, because they have a natural drive to be in charge. They are best suited for jobs which require creating order and structure.

The Performer:

Tommy Hilfiger 

Jonathan Simkhai 

Betsey Johnson 

A Détacher

People-oriented and fun-loving, they make things more fun for others by their enjoyment. Living for the moment, they love new experiences. They dislike theory and impersonal analysis. Interested in serving others. Likely to be the center of attention in social situations. Well-developed common sense and practical ability.

ESFPs are good at many things, but will not be happy unless they have a lot of contact with people, and a lot of new experiences. They should choose careers which provide them with the opportunity to use their great people skills and practical perspective, which will also provide them with enough new challenges that they will not become bored.

The Caregiver: 

Honor 

Elie Tahari 

Behnaz Sarafpour 

Carolina Herrera 

Warm-hearted, popular, and conscientious. Tend to put the needs of others over their own needs. Feel strong sense of responsibility and duty. Value traditions and security. Interested in serving others. Need positive reinforcement to feel good about themselves. Well-developed sense of space and function.

The ESFJ has two primary traits which will help define their best career direction: 1) they are extremely organized and enjoy creating order, and 2) much of their self-satisfaction is gotten through giving and helping others. Accordingly, they will do well at tasks which involve creating or maintaining order and structure, and they will be happiest when they are serving others.

Style Watch: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

One of the major issues facing our nation as we move forward electing a president for the next four years is the issue facing homosexuals and our human rights. Today is the last round of Presidential debates and although the topic focus will be foreign policy, each candidate's views on social issues such as the aforementioned weigh heavy on the hearts of many. I saw this video last Friday on 106 & Park, and I am not ashamed to say I was brought to tears. I was moved by how the video's message was so beautifully presented. In my fashion, this video says don't be afraid to go down the path of life you feel is most true to yourself. It's the only way you will find your destination to happiness. Through all the adversity one will face trying to find one's true happiness, nothing miraculous happens to those who stand safely on the riverbank and don't stand for what it is we want out of life. I relate to this video in that, I being homosexual myself, feel that there are certain unalienable rights that should not be governed by national policy. In my fashion, the candidate who shows a genuine interest to adhere to this notion would do well at the polls. I, myself, envision growing old with the love of my life, whether I was gay or straight, and to deny a right such as who it is that one loves is wildly preposterous to me considering not only our nation's history in civil rights, but the simple morale of the situation. Support marriage equality!

READing Your Style: Personality Page (Part 2)

As I explained in my Editor's Letter for the month, I wanted to make it a point to delve into the sartorial aspects of different personality types. As I explained in my birthday post from February in which I introduced that there is essentially 16 personality types according to late psychologist, Isabel Briggs Myers, and her Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Below I chose looks for one's work day based off what, in my fashion, each personality type would find interesting from this SS2013 show season. The first look in each row represents a strong corporate look to wear at work; the second represents an wound-down after work look; third are bold party/evening wear looks; and the last looks in each row are lax, weekend looks. Here are the next four of the sixteen personalty types:

The Protector:

Carmen Marc Valvo 

Christian Siriano 

Concept Korea 

DKNY 

Quietly forceful, original, and sensitive. Tend to stick to things until they are done. Extremely intuitive about people, and concerned for their feelings. Well-developed value systems which they strictly adhere to. Well-respected for their perserverence in doing the right thing. Likely to be individualistic, rather than leading or following.

The INFJ is a special individual who needs more out of a career than a job. They need to feel as if everything they do in their lives is in sync with their strong value systems - with what they believe to be right. Accordingly, the INFJ should choose a career in which they're able to live their daily lives in accordance with their deeply-held principles, and which supports them in their life quest to be doing something meaningful. Since INFJs have such strong value systems, and persistent intuitive visions which lend them a sense of "knowing", they do best in positions in which they are leaders, rather than followers. Although they can happily follow individuals who are leading in a direction which the INFJ fully supports, they will very unhappy following in any other situation.

The Idealist:

Proenza Schouler 

See by Chloe 

Marchesa 

Nicholas K 

Quiet, reflective, and idealistic. Interested in serving humanity. Well-developed value system, which they strive to live in accordance with. Extremely loyal. Adaptable and laid-back unless a strongly-held value is threatened. Usually talented writers. Mentally quick, and able to see possibilities. Interested in understanding and helping people.

The INFP is a special, sensitive individual who needs a career which is more than a job. The INFP needs to feel that everything they do in their lives is in accordance with their strongly-felt value systems, and is moving them and/or others in a positive, growth-oriented direction. They are driven to do something meaningful and purposeful with their lives. The INFP will be happiest in careers which allow them to live their daily lives in accordance with their values, and which work towards the greater good of humanity. It's worth mentioning that nearly all of the truly great writers in the world have been INFPs.

The Scientist:

Suzanne Rae 

Sally LaPointe 

Calvin Klein 

Cynthia Rowley 

Independent, original, analytical, and determined. Have an exceptional ability to turn theories into solid plans of action. Highly value knowledge, competence, and structure. Driven to derive meaning from their visions. Long-range thinkers. Have very high standards for their performance, and the performance of others. Natural leaders, but will follow if they trust existing leaders.

More so than any other personality type, INTJs are brilliant when it comes to grasping complex theories and applying them to problems to come up with long-term strategies. Since this type of "strategizing" is the central focus and drive of the INTJ, there is a happy match between desire and ability in this type. Accordingly, the INTJ is happiest and most effective in careers which allow this type of processing, and which promote an environment in which the INTJ is given a lot of autonomy over their daily lives.

The Thinker:

Barbara Tfank 

Joy Cioci 

Dennis Basso 

Helmut Lang

Logical, original, creative thinkers. Can become very excited about theories and ideas. Exceptionally capable and driven to turn theories into clear understandings. Highly value knowledge, competence and logic. Quiet and reserved, hard to get to know well. Individualistic, having no interest in leading or following others.

INTPs have a special gift with generating and analyzing theories and possibilities to prove or disprove them. They have a great deal of insight and are creative thinkers, which allows them to quickly grasp complex abstract thoughts. They also have exceptional logical and rational reasoning skills, which allows them to thoroughly analyze theories to discover the Truth about them. Since the INTP is driven to seek clarity in the world, we have a happy match of desire and ability in this personality type. INTPs will be happiest in careers which allow them a great deal of autonomy in which they can work primarily alone on developing and analyzing complex theories and abstractions, with the goal of their work being the discovery of a truth, rather than the discovery of a practical application.