The thalassic pearl ambassador

BY: CHAUNIELLE BROWN

Encompassed by liquefied waves of infinite possibilities, South Florida’s breath and life of water is unmistakably its engraved markings of a tattoo. As city dwellers, do we truly know the essence and ingredients of the sparkling water surrounding us? Spotlight drops and may we introduce the ‘Ambassador of the Ocean,’ Danielle ‘Danni’ Washington.


(Shown above: Kingston City Tee)

A blossomed young woman with roots in Miami, Fl, a recent graduate of the University of Miami having studied both Marine Science and Biology, and a worldly navigator of South Africa, Galapagos Islands, Peru, and Costa Rica, to name a few, it is her heart’s desire to fuel the advancement of knowledge where oceanic conservation is concerned. The tender age of six is when her adulate devotion was first birthed and since then it has sustained bearing priority and relevance in her life as she moves along. Danni’s arduous admiration for the oceanic waters has inevitably led her to spur her collective energies to become a spokesperson for the ocean.

Her time at the University of Miami proved impressionably profitable having served more up for her than just a degree. Danni’s role as a team leader for the South Florida Student Shark Program (SFSSP), a collaborative multidisciplinary research and education program geared towards encouraging high school, college undergraduate and graduate students to learn about the study and conservation of Floridian shark species, mangrove fish habitat and the Florida watershed, has undoubtedly laid her impressive foundation and equipped her for the rippled waters ahead. To add to her awe-inspiring resume, she also served on the executive board of the University of Miami’s Marine Mammal Stranding Team; which actively aided the rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine mammals that stranded along the coastline of South Florida.

As of late, the ocean continues to rise high for Danni, as in August 2008, she was awarded with $10,000 having entered and won the ROXY ‘Follow Your Heart’ competition presented by Schick® Quattro for Women®; a contest driven by the ‘Follow Your Heart Tour’ – a 12-location tour intended to inspire girls to follow their dreams. And for Danni, following her dreams has become that much more apparent and made manifest. Following her heart has led her to victory in the ‘Follow Your Heart’ competition and open doors to design the path she has envisioned for so long.

Now we look at Danni, and she is more than the woman you see…the ‘Green Marine Spokeschick,’ exceptionally intelligent, inventive and adamant about her continuous flow of knowledge, she is incessant, as she educates the masses on preserving our precious resource. “The ocean is so vast, so beautiful and so mysterious – but many people don’t realize how much our lives depend on it. Our society as a whole needs to change its perspective. I want to focus on the children. They are the ones that will really make the change.”

(Shown right: B Royal Tee)

Perhaps one of the accomplishments she can be most proud of, is her own formation of ‘The Big Blue & You Foundation,’ a non-profit organization aiming to inspire and empower today’s youth to become diplomats of the Ocean and Earth. The foundation is centered around a special television show intended to invigorate, instill, enlighten and empower today’s youth to foster respect for our environment and to become stewards of the existence we live everyday in – the Earth and Ocean. Through amusing and educational adventures the show is an encouragement to young viewers to initiate change by becoming tomorrow’s leaders today.

Upcoming on Danni’s agenda is ‘The Big Blue & You’ National Marine Educational School Tour set to kick off in January 2009 composed to be an innovative presentation that will tour elementary, middle, and high schools to teach our youngsters about the emphasis and influence of the ocean, its current threats and the solutions to help such issues. Through the blend of science and the arts the tour is assured to make a significantly sensational splash.

As echoes of the Caribbean, the crystalline clear ocean is our pride and glory, one of our gifts and a cherished slice of our living story. I&I is in full championship for Danni and her venture and you are sure to see continued praise and love sent her way. With Danni, I&I hopes her attributes and charismatic flair will motivate the love and knowledge of our blue planet where making a difference isn’t miles away…but mere steps to framing beauty and harvesting change.

Feel the movement…Rock di Waist...Jump up and Wave

BY: CHAUNIELLE BROWN

coco2157@hotmail.com

The 24th annual Miami Carnival was recently held on Sunday, October 12th at Bicentennial Park downtown Miami. The eclectic processional celebration began at 12 noon on 20th street and NE 2nd Ave and proceeded east to Bayshore Drive and clocked into their final destination at Bicentennial Park.


With roots begun in 1984, from the humble environs festival, expansion and evolvement took force and grew to become an international event drawing live blithesome and enterprising bands and calypsonians from the islands. The ever-present Caribbean Mardi Gras is the most successful in South Florida and is the leading and most favored Carnival in North America, with participants planning milestones in advance; as early as November of each year for the following October jubilation. Carnival invites to experience imagination, color and a fantasia-like extravaganza through a mosaic of incredibly detailed costumes, steel bands, soca, calypso, compas and reggae music.

Among this year’s promoting participants, a fresh addition to the yearly celebration, we introduce Vibrationzz, sponsored by I&I Clothing. Vibrationzz, also known as VBZ, may easily be noted as an energetic and vigorous movement that commands you to your feet and catapults the soul to an effervescent realm of expression and joy. They are intent on designing the ultimate getaway, having you, “forget about everything and just feel the movement of the rhythmic beats and voices of our beloved Caribbean stars.”


Having only been in their second year on the road for Miami Carnival, VBZ came in a most acceding and recognizable 6th place for ‘Band on the Road’ and a flattering 1st place for ‘Best Music’ on the road. It may be surely affirmed that I&I Clothing discerns vision, drive, and passion where Vibrationzz is concerned. VBZ actualized in the hearts of two, “that live, love, and believe in innovation.” It is the desire and mission of this influentially lively group of individuals to do none other than, “infuse the world with our culture,” and to that, they have succeeded and shall continue to do so without a doubt.

VBZ has a long accredited list of talents, and whether it be Carnivals, social events, talent and/or fashion shows, fundraisers, family fun days, concerts or parties, confidence is written on their resume with seasoned stunner performances.

UPCOMING FESTIVAL EVENTS

Stricly Soca
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Grand Palms Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Miami

3rd Annual Parang Show & Dance
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Miami

Miami Carnival 2009 Parade & Festival
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Bicentennial Park, Miami

Offishall release and feature of Numba 1 (Tide is High) and I&I Clothing’s ‘MIC TREE TEE’

BY CHAUNIELLE BROWN
coco2157@hotmail.com


It wasn’t too long ago when Canadian’s finest rhythmic radiating music sensationalist released his latest video, Numba 1 (Tide is High), from his current album Not for Sale featuring ‘the musical flowerchild’ Keri Hilson. The video note and style electrifies the moment the initial star-lighting strobe and beat collide, soon introducing Kardinal’s compelling vocals followed by Keri’s sultry sonant accenting the 40-year old chorus. The audio gripping single infused with Kardinal’s influential brew of hip-hop, reggae, dancehall, and rap emanates from the timelessly seasoned Jamaican jingle later remade by pop icon Blondie in 1980.

Born Jason Harrow with immigrated Jamaican parents, and bred in the West Indian quarter of Toronto, the island beats echo throughout this dance track as music and fashion guise intermingle throughout each frame inevitably revealing I&I’s very own Jason Panton’s aesthetically fluid imprint. The dernier cri of I&I’s summer catalog is stapled with ‘Beat the System.’ The dynamic artistic union comes as no surprise, as ‘Beat the System’ poetically roots, radiates, and respires the Caribbean inspirits and flavor that both Kardinal and Panton hold and exhibit.

The Kardinal Offishall signature animates from the great 17th century politician Cardinal Richelieu, regarded as the Red Eminence and known for his adept and dominating nature…certainly similar traits Kardinal exudes in Numba 1 (Tide is High) along with the rest of the musical compositions on the album. Not 4 Sale, significantly and inventively titled, is meant to provoke. An idea originated by Kardinal a few years ago as a T-shirt with a barcode on it; the album cover, title and paramount nature of the artist resonates throughout. As he says, “My idea was something provocative – that went beyond gender, went beyond race, went beyond what type of music you’re into…There’s energy you can’t buy – the essence of people that can’t be bought or bottled, and lives within them.” Indeed it is the essence of people, the stamp of the spirit which leaks into the moments, the words, lyrics, brush and paint and resounds in our visual representation.

I&I Clothing Co. Budding clothing designer wants his Jamaican roots to shine through

BY MICAELA HOOD
mhood@MiamiHerald.com

Jason Panton took a break on the couch and gazed at the clothes hung neatly on the racks and shelves at the Miami clothing boutique, Yard -- No Place Better.

When two customers entered the store Panton quickly jumped to his feet and pointed to a new line of threads.

''This is one of my first designs,'' said the Kendall artist as he held up a women's T-shirt named ''Queen,'' which features a picture of a black woman with long black hair wearing a red, green and yellow necklace.

Panton visited the boutique, located at 153 NW 36th St., to take pictures for his summer catalogs which are displayed on his company's website.

Last month, models danced and swaggered to reggae tunes as Panton picked outfits for them to wear.

''My clothing is a reflection of my life here in Miami and Jamaica, and I reflect on things that may have happened to me and it just brings itself out,'' Panton said.

The 30-year-old said he's set high hopes for himself. He would love to make a line of clothing that Caribbean natives would be proud to wear.

''I noticed the Caribbean community didn't have a brand of clothing they could identify to and I wanted to change that,'' he said, flipping his long dreadlocks.

''Rule Your Destiny,'' the company's motto is the philosophy that drove Panton to create the clothing line I&I, now finding a home in three South Florida stores.

The designs, a whirl of colors, images and shapes, feature themes Panton said are easily identifiable to the Caribbean community.

Among the designs: ''Hummingbird,'' which shows pictures of the red, green and yellow images of the Jamaican national bird, and ''Dancehall Explosion'' has pictures of two speakers with the names of several dance moves popular in the Caribbean during the 1990s.

Panton also drew inspiration from Rastafari -- a religion common in Jamaica.

The T-shirts, some written in Amharic, show hand-drawn images of Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie and Jamaican civil rights leader Marcus Garvey.

Panton, who moved to Miami from Jamaica in 1984, said the idea to launch a clothing line came while he was studying art at the University of Central Florida.

After college, Panton worked as an artist and spent most of his time traveling to exhibitions in Miami, Jamaica, Fort Lauderdale and New York City.

In 2007, he decided to market his artwork on cotton instead of canvas as T-shirts.

Panton, needing a partner, contacted longtime friend, Keisha Hall, who quickly jumped onboard. Hall, whose job is to handle the financial and business development for I&I, said the clothes are funky and appeal to everyone.

''People of all colors and races approach me when I wear the clothes, they're usually curious about the art and what it means,'' she said.

Joy Haizen, owner of Yard -- No Place Better, agreed.

''They touch a nerve with our core customer because they are unique and at the same time fashion driven,'' she said.

I&I designs men's and women's apparel, T-shirts, tank tops and dresses. Prices range from $25 to $50.

I&I Clothing is being sold at Yard -- No Place Better, 153 NW 36th St. in Miami, and Reggae Wear, 943 Washington Ave., in Miami Beach.

To shop online, go to www.iandiclothingco.com.

I&I SUMMER ART WORK & LIMITED EDITION JACOB MILLER TEES

I&I Introduces our summer graphic show. We are pleased to feature this artwork and also our limited edition Jacob Miller Tees. We will feature a new Jacob design every season, so get this collectors item while it is available. SPECIAL THANKS TO T. Miller, Justin "JUSBUS" Nation, and Breanna Rae.

I&I ~RULE YOUR DESTINY~







ABOUT JACOB MILLER

At age 10, Jacob Miller knew that he would become a singer- Jacob born May 4, 1952, in the cool hills of Mandeville, central Jamaica. Was the only child of Joan Ashman and Desmond Elliot. All Miller knew of his father was that he was a singer whose stage name was Sidney Elliott. Unfortunately, Miller never had the opportunity to go to England and look for his father (as he declared he would one day do). Miller is also related to the English born singer Maxi Priest, a cousin from his absentee's father's side of the family.

When Jacob turned eight years old he was sent to live with his grandparents on Rousseau road in Kingston. While attending Melrose High School, Miller hung out at popular studios around the music capitol. Augustus Pablo, a good friend, musician and producer took Miller around to several Kingston studios. He introduced the young singer to Reggae's leading producers-" Sir" Coxsone Dodd, Joe Gibbs and King Tubby. Miller's first release, "Keep on Knocking" was recorded for Augustus Pablo. He was also greatly influenced by his relationships with the leading musicians of his time-an illustrious group that included Dennis Brown, Ken Boothe, Bob Andy, Jackie Mittoo, Carlton and the shoes, and the Heptones, to name a few. This is where and when his musical future began to unfold, until his untimely death on March 23,1980. Tragically, the car Miller was driving along Hope Road struck a pole, promptly ending his short yet promising singing career.

By this time, the 26-year old singer, songwriter and performer had won the hearts of Jamaicans with his witty social commentary and explosive stage performances. He unwittingly stirred controversy among the nation's leaders when he sang of the serious problems and tribulations within Jamaica's ghettos. His solid base of U.S. and European fans also felt the loss and were deeply saddened. Collectively, fans mourned this robust, unique individual with a distinct tenor and trademark, stuttering style.

Miller's confidence and ability-supported by a sense of humor and unhindered frankness-led him to an audition with Inner Circle on Kingston's famous Red Hills Road. This popular, emerging group had recently gone through band member changes and a replacement singer was being sought. Circle leader roger Lewis recalls that Miller had been everywhere Inner Circle had performed: "He would always come around. He was at every show bragging about what a great singer he was." Lewis had been told several times what a talent this young man was and decided to give him an audition. Lewis remembered the day Miller showed up to audition as lead singer and brought his own nine-piece band to back him up. "That was Jakes," Lewis remembers, "always happy and jovial. He always made jokes. Everyone liked Jakes." The group consisting of Roger Lewis (guitar), Ian Lewis (bass), Bernard "Touter" Harvey (keyboards) and Rasheed McKenzie (drums)-added "Jacob the jester" to it's strong line-up.

The group attached the moniker "killer" to its new lead singer and in 1976 the musical rampage began. The first song Miller recorded with Inner Circle was "Tenement Yard," a personal lament for Rastas lack of privacy in the ghettos. This song became the singer's biggest hit. The group also recorded songs that were submitted to Jamaica's Festival Song competitions. The most famous contribution, "All Night 'Till Daylight," was placed at second because the judges-it has been claimed - "didn't want dreadlocks representing Jamaica" that year.

In spite of that impudence, Miller and Inner Circle had been invited many times to perform for dignitaries and royalty at Jamaica House, the residence of then Prime Minister of Grenada, who expressed his respect for the music and Miller's lyrical messages. In fact, bishop used Miller's hit song. "Forward Ever, Backward Never," as his political campaign anthem. The two became good friends, often getting together when Bishop visited Jamaica.

Inner Circle, featuring Jacob "Killer" Miller, was signed to Capitol Records in 1977. The first album was Reggae Thing, followed by Ready for the World. Both Albums achieved international acclaim for hard-driving rhythms, outstanding arrangements and heartfelt lyrics. The group had become a force in Jamaica, taking charge musically along with Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Bunny Wailer, Third World, Gregory Isaacs, and Peter Tosh. The famous 1978 Peace concert, held at the National Stadium in Kingston, was one of the high points of Jacob Miller and Inner Circles career. Standing side-by-side to Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, Inner Circle was hailed as the top performers for the evening.

After the memorable Peace Concert, Island Records founder Chris Blackwell approached Miller and Inner Circle to offer a recording deal. The third album, Everything is Great, was released on Island in 1979 and sold over half million copies in Europe. The title track reached the top10 in France's National Charts and No. 20 in England.

Blackwell had taken Jacob Miller and Bob Marley to Brazil to celebrate the opening of Island's new offices in South America. The Entourage returned to Jamaica on Friday, March 21, 1980. It was two days later Jacob Miller succumbed to fatal injuries on Hope Road and the celebration quickly turned to grief.

Jacob Miller was Jamaica's Reggae Soldier, and he lives on in his timeless reggae classics.

I&I SUMMER COLLECTION

I&I CLOTHING COMPANY- Your Caribbean Lifestyle Brand launches its eclectic summer collection. We have expanded into stores in NYC, WASHINGTON DC, & TRINIDAD.
ENJOY THE PICS MORE TO COME AFTER OUR TEAM RETURNS FROM JAMAICA INDEPENDENCE IN NEGRIL. These items are available in stores, and will be available online by August 5th.

ETANA in I&I for her upcoming video "Dont Forget"

KINGSTON, JAMAICA

ETANA the strong one wears I&I Clothing Co.Your Caribbean Lifestyle Brand for her new video "Dont Forget" directed by Tyson.

Her album is available now on I-Tunes:CLICK HERE

Look out for the video soon to be released.

The album that everyone has been anticipating is finally here! Etana's latest album, "The Strong One" was released June 24, 2008. The album was already release digitally and will now be available in stores today. Everyone knows Etana for her conscious lyrics backed by her powerful voice.
Etana would like to say, "Thank you to all the people in my life that were instruments of all the lessons learnt. Thank you very much for playing your part in making me who I am today if I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing. Love and well wishes to you all. Live and love life. Jah bless!"

I&I CLOTHING CONNECTS WITH JR. REID, BRICK AND LACE, CEZAR, and SHIAH COORE

To wrap up our successful spring season we visited some of our favorite artists in the studio, at home and on video shoots. Needless to say they were wearing I&I the Caribbean Lifestyle Brand.

I&I Clothing Co. visited Brick and Lace as they shot a video documentary at Big Yard studio. We linked Jr. Reid and Jay Will on the set of a video starring Jr. Reid and Jah Cure, and caught up with Cezar and Shiah on the daily musical grind.

A big forward to Cezar for his affiliation with Coca Cola and the Olympics in China. www.cezarmusic.com

Special thanks to Jay Will, Odessa Chambers, Sabriya Simon (photographs), Lookyah Photography, Huntley Forte, and Trecia Panton

Summer Shoot coming in 3 weeks.

I&I CLOTHING CO.
Your Caribbean Lifestyle Brand.
-Rule Your Destiny-
www.iandiclothingco.com














CHECK OUT BRICK AND LACE LATEST VIDEO

I&I CLOTHING CO SPONSORS FLASHPOINT FILM FESTIVAL

I&I Clothing Co your Caribbean Lifestyle Brand is proud to be one of the sponsors of the Flash Point Film Festival. Stay tuned for picks following the festival.





DATES

Thursday, June 5 – Sunday, June 8, 2006
LOCATION

Fort Charles and the Historic Naval Hospital, Port Royal
Kingston, Jamaica
CONCEPT

A four-day Caribbean film festival with regional and international film submissions that have at least one strong Caribbean element (cast, writer, director, location, etc) or explore subjects that resonate with the Caribbean experience. Flashpoint was conceptualised in 2004 by Paul Bucknor and The Caves proprietors, Greer-Ann and Bertram Saulter, with the blessing of the resorts co-owner Chris Blackwell.

Flashpoint is the forum for the emerging Caribbean film and TV production industry. The festival seeks to attract new, experienced and aspiring film makers. It is a place where local film and TV professionals have the opportunity to meet international film industry professionals, and be kept up to date on developments in the global film industry.

HIGHLIGHTS
Festival goers can expect to participate in a host of activities including the film premier of three Jamaican feature films, mobile movies on the Port Royal Public Square with Mutabaruka, original sound tracks featuring legendary producer Jay Will, a star-studded film line-up with budding actors Everaldo Creary, Sheldon Shepherd, and super model Nicole Grey, and other on screen appearances from old favourites like Rohan Daley, Ragashanti, and the Godfathers of Jamaican performance art, Oliver Samuels and Charles Hyatt.
FESTIVAL TIDBITS

* Flashpoint ‘08 takes place on the anniversary of the catastrophic Port Royal earthquake of June 6, 1692.
* Flashpoint ’08 commemorates the life and work of festival founder, Greer-Ann Saulter (b. February 15, 1948, Montego Bay, Jamaica - d. July 31, 2006, Jamaica) and legendary film maker Perry Henzell (b. March 7, 1936, Annotto Bay, St. Mary's, Jamaica - d. November 30, 2006, Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth's, Jamaica).
* Flashpoint ’08 will christen with its inaugural use the newly designed Multimedia Centre at the Historic Naval Hospital. The Multimedia Center is a state of the art facility available for rental by the general public.
* There will be public screenings of Jamaican films for the Port Royal community and other interested persons in the Port Royal Public Square courtesy of Mutabaruka’s Mobile Movie Theatre.
* Charles Hyatt, Jamaica’s outstanding actor, theatrical director, emcee, comedian and broadcaster, made his last film performance in Goathead before his untimely death. Jamaica still mourns the loss of this cultural icon. Hyatt will make an on screen appearance in the newly released version of Goathead at Flashpoint ’08.

I&I ONLINE STORE GOES LIVE TO THE WORLD MAY.26th

We are finally launching our online store in a few short days... We will feature our best selling designs from the Winter/Spring Collection. We are pleased to now offer our collection worldwide.

Please log on to: www.iandiclothingco.com