Wind Beneath My Wings - Gotham P.R.

I now know that to outward appearances our company, Mal Sirrah, looks like this really sleek well oiled machine. I know this to be true as often when buyers and/or editors stop by or call they are usually shocked to be greeted by me answering the telephone and/or the door. But the reality of the matter is that this tightly ran ship is manned by a small crew of insanely dedicated part-time employees and interns. I also truly know that I am an extremely blessed man to be surrounded by people whom believe in our collective vision. If there is one person on this planet that truly gets and shares in my vision 100% – it is my publicist and friend, Courtney Lukitsch.

Courtney Lukitsch, unlike me, runs a very sleek well oiled machine which goes by the name of Gotham P.R. One glance at Gotham P.R.’s client roster on their website reads like a veritable “who’s who” of entertainment, fashion, art, technology, etc. And then there’s me - - - the proverbial “bull in a China shop” with middle finger a blazing…

Courtney and I actually met last summer on the 4th of July weekend. I remember this wonderful afternoon as if it were yesterday. You see, I was attempting to have a nice quiet brunch “alone” at the original MeatPacking District eatery Florent (the anti-Pastis) and noticed a very attractive blond woman reading several of my favorite New York-centric mags and papers (i.e. The New Yorker, New York Magazine, The Observer, etc.). The weather was perfect, the street was quiet and my kir royals were flowing and soothing… Then out of the blue I hear someone from across the street scream my name, or should I say my handle, “Malcolm You Bitch!” As a gay man living in New York eventually you get used to hearing your name attached to the words “You Bitch”. It was my dear friend and famed fashion photographer Dahlen. I have known Dahlen since I first moved to New York in the late 80’s. Dahlen has lived in the now trendy MeatPacking District when you couldn’t throw a stick without hitting meat racks, trucks, and/or a transvestite hooker. (Ah, the good old days…) Not only was Dahlen screaming “Malcolm You Bitch” but he also had his three overweight Shar-Peis in tow. What a sight (I wish I could have found a photo of Dahlen on the web – but for some reason I couldn’t find a single one.) Anyway, for the next 45 minutes Dahlen divided his time between his huge loft/studio directly across the street from Florent and my table where he sipped on my cocktails and picked at my fries – all whilst playing fashion gossip and gay catch-up. The entire time, the blond woman smiled, read quietly and shared in my pain.

Photos by the infamous : Dahlen

As this stunning blond stood up to leave I noticed that she was wearing a beautiful dress and carrying a great summer bag. She reminded me of my very first visit to St. Tropez, France. There was a warmness and kindness of spirit that radiated from her that made me want to know more. Somehow, before Dahlen had made his way back for another French fry and alcohol drive-by, Courtney and locked eyes and introduced ourselves. We got to chatting about Dahlen who was also trying to get me to rush off with him to Central Park for Pat Field’s annual Fags In the Park Picnic (I kid you not that is the name of soiree) and it turned out that Pat was also a client of Courtney’s. Pat Field was also my previous employer and had guided me through my early years here in New York. Long story short, we shared a few other quick three-degrees of separation stories, exchanged business cards and vowed to stay in touch… Not even a week later, I found myself in need of a new publicist.

Fast forward…. There are days now when I speak with Courtney and know for sure I am speaking with a woman that has mediated and chanted herself to a higher plain. I know this because my spirit is drawn to learn this same sense of calm. Unfortunately, there are also times when I telephone Courtney completely wired on either caffeine and/or adrenaline with one of my grandiose and elaborate ideas, often void of plan and filled with purpose. No matter how lofty the goal and/or concept, Courtney always calmly listens as I ramble on and on without any interruptions; she simply listens. One of the great things I love about Courtney, amongst many others, is that she has never once attempted to talk me down or out of an idea or goal. She has always asked me one simple question, “How can I help you achieve your goal?” If you have never heard these wonderful words before – then you are looking into the eyes and speaking into the ears of the wrong people.

Courtney and her wonderful team at Gotham P.R. have assisted me in expanding Mal Sirrah’s visions and goals, guided Lydia Hearst and I with our charitable endeavors through Designers For Darfur, and acted as my tether as she has allowed me to strategically sore and grow often with reckless abandon. Courtney understands that I have no desire to become yet another cookie cutter fashion designer nor to someday be heralded as the “darling of the industry”. I simply want to be Malcolm Harris - a conscious and evolving citizen of the world.

Courtney Lukitsch is truly the wind beneath the expanding wings of Mal Sirrah and Malcolm Harris.

Afternoon Quickie

I have heard you all loud and clear via your special emails to me...

Therefore, we are currently offering a limited number of "General Admission" tickets for Friday's event. Please visit www.ticketleap.com or click below to purchase tickets Now...

INVITE TO DON CHEADLE'S DOCUMENTARY "DARFUR NOW"

To all of you who always inquire as to how you can be invited to "those" events - - - here is your V.I.P. invitation...


COME CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF DON CHEADLE’S
“DARFUR NOW”

You are cordially invited to join us at the exclusive Socialista lounge (owners include Harvey Weinstein and Sting) for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres as we celebrate the release of Don Cheadle’s co-produced “DARFUR NOW”. Darfur Now is a story of hope in the midst of one of humanity's darkest hours: a call to action for people everywhere to end the catastrophe unfolding in Darfur, Sudan. In this documentary, the struggles and achievements of six different individuals from inside Darfur and around the world bring to light the tragedy in Sudan and show how the actions of one person can make a difference to millions.

Venue : Socialista, 505 West Street, New York, NY

Date : Friday, November 2nd, 2007

Time : 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Hosted by : Prayers For Darfur, Designers For Darfur, Socialista, Ford Models and Sagatiba Cachaca Brazil

Benefiting Charities : Save Darfur Coalition / Doctors Without Borders

Event Highlights : Attendees may also participate in the launch of the documentary “Prayers for Darfur”. There will be a designated filming area where attendees will have an opportunity to contribute prayers and well wishes on behalf of the people of Darfur. Footage will be featured with the likes of contributors George Clooney, Don Cheadle, U.N. Peace Ambassador Angelina Jolie, politicians, and other concerned citizens just like you.

Donation : US$100.00 per person

Online Ticket Purchase : "ONLINE TICKETING" (www.ticketleap.com – “Darfur Now”)

RSVP via email : rsvp@designersfordarfur.com

***this is not a screening – complimentary tickets for the film will be issued during event***


PLEASE CLICK ON INVITATION TO ORDER TICKETS and/or REVIEW EVENT DETAILS...

On The Street Where You Live

Malcolm Harris and Nina Clemente from Paper Magazine

Have you ever missed a friend so much that it physically hurts??? Well this is how I am actually feeling today about my dear friend Nina...

Tyson, Nina and Malcolm

Today, was one of those days when my boyfriend and I decided we would have a beautiful brunch at home and then head downtown for a bit of window shopping. Therefore we hurried through brunch, quickly dressed and headed for the subway. As soon as we came out of the train at West 4th Street in Greenwhich Village, I could feel my feet wanting to take their old summer path straight to Nina's house which is only a few blocks away from the station. I almost felt like the guy from "My Fair Lady" - the one that sings the corniest song in the world "On The Street Where You Live"... Before, I could say a single word about how I was feeling I heard my boyfriend say "Remember when Nina..." Just from the tone of his voice, for the first time I realized that we had all shared a weird sort of platonic threesome this summer - and he was also - missing our dear Nina as much as I...

My Fair Lady "On The Street Where You Live"

No matter how fast and far we walked today, I just couldn't stop wondering if she was okay? How was her day going? Was she taking care of herself? Was she taking enough time to enjoy herself? You see Nina is very much like me - we don't know when to stop working and striving. It was all that I could do not to immediately start dialing her number, but I knew I would have that weird "come back to New York voice" - - - You have to be a New Yorker that has attempted to moved away to understand the voice of which I speak. But for most New Yorkers, we occasionally believe it is possible to move away from New York and never return... It's this thing that just happens - New York just seems finished for us, and we just have to escape. But once find the courage to make the move and are in the midst of trying to stay away for as long as possible, there is always that friend which severely misses you. A friend that misses you so much until everytime you speak with them they have that all to familiar "come back to New York voice"... This friend either tries to tease you into coming back by telling you all the wonderful things you are missing or they try to guilt you back by telling you how much they miss and need you... So I really didn't want to be that dude with the voice, so I decided I wouldn't call Nina today - I would go cold turkey... I would tough it out... But, oh my God was it difficult...

Lauren Hutton and prankster, Nina

I must admit there are two things that give me great solace when I think of what's going on with my Nina these days... I know that her God Mother the venerable, Lauren Hutton, is looking out for her and making sure our Nina is okay... But most importantly, I know that our dear friend and inspiration Keith Haring is up above watching out for the both of us.

Keith Haring and Little Nina

"Colleagues not Competitors"

As I told you all many many posts ago, I plan to use CS&B to highlight emerging designers that I personally believe are on the brink of making their mark in the industry. As explained before it is my intent to dispel the myth that designers can't get along. It is my belief that this is such a primitive way of thinking and does nothing but prevent are industry from moving towards enlightenment. Therefore it is my crusade (yet another crusade) to prove that we are all "colleagues" and not "competitors".

Therefore I introduce you all to the amazing Marco Hall :

Designers Marco Hall and Malcolm Harris

Fashion Designer Marco Hall, is one of New York's most exciting, creative and cutting edge designers. Halls creative silhouettes wrap and drape the body of the woman or man who dares to be different and individual. Hall's designs combine color, cut, fit and spirit. Void of sloppers, he makes each piece with a couture technique that embraces the personal style and flare of each individual wearer.

By fusing the past and future, Hall's silhouettes are influenced by music and art, but most importantly by the spirit, energy and style of the people he adores. Hall's designs are also greatly influenced by New York's night life and can regularly be seen on the likes of Night Life Superstars such as Amanda Lapore, Tre' and his friend/muse Andre J. Hall's work has recently been featured on the covers of Vibe Vixen and Kitten, as well as on the pages of Ebony Magazine.

Marco Hall who is a self-taught designer has also dressed and designed for a host of celebrities such as Patricia Field, Mya, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Monique and Mike Epps to name a few. You can currently find a few of his unique pieces at Patricia Field's boutique in New York City. Marco Hall personally stands out just as much as his designing philosophy: "There's nothing greater then being yourself and loving you. Individuality Rules!!!"

Rihanna in Marco Hall Original

Marco Hall Originals

Andre J in Marco Hall

Marco Hall design on the cover of Kitten

NY Night Life Club Queens -Amanda Lepore and Andre J

Marco and the mother of us all - Patricia Field

Prayers for Darfur

I will use the today's post to ask you all to join the following organization - Prayers For Dafur. Designers for Darfur have partnered with this amazing organization in order to document the voices and prayers of the entire fashion industry...

Please join and lend your prayers, voices and support.

PRAYERS FOR DARFUR
“When you have done all things humanly possible, there is nothing left but prayer…”

What is Prayers For Darfur?

The “Prayers for Darfur” project is made up of individuals who have set a goal of raising awareness and funds on behalf of ending the genocide currently taking place in Darfur. Contributors simply submit taped video footage and raised contributions of individuals issuing their prayers, well wishes and concerns on behalf of the people of Darfur. It is our belief that our collective prayers and voices can encourage the world powers as well as the United Nations to act much more swiftly and effectively in bringing the crisis in Darfur to end and soon thereafter assist the people of the Sudan in rebuilding their lives.

Join Prayers For Darfur!

Becoming a contributor is easy and anybody can do it. First, set a monetary goal that you would like to raise, then simply request, complete and return the online registration form and let your video camera begin to document your contribution. To date, we have had the most success when our contributors start by signing up and videotaping their family and friends at a minimum of $10 donations per individual video submission/sponsorship (10 prayers X $10 donation = 100) / 10 prayers X $20 donation = $200) and so on… Contributors soon thereafter begin to widen their sponsorship net/contributions by asking strangers to add their prayers for the people of Darfur. Most contributors attest to the fact that you can immediately begin to feel what our collective prayers can accomplish.

Prayers for Darfur’s Goal:

Prayers for Darfur’s goal is to compile at 1,000,000 video submissions which will thereafter be compiled to form the basis of a feature documentary. The video documentary will be debuted during the Cannes Film Festival as well as an art installation sponsored by Designers for Darfur and the “Deitch Project” gallery in New York City. It is also Prayer’s for Peace’s goal to raise funds to assist charitable organizations such as the Save Darfur Coalition, Doctors Without Borders/ Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and The International Rescue Committee.


MORE ABOUT The Crisis In Darfur:

According to recent estimates, at least 400,000 people have died in Darfur since the genocide began in February of 2003. It is impossible to know what the final number will be, however, as the genocide is still taking place today. What is known is that there are approximately 3.5 million men, women and children in the western Darfur region of Sudan trying to survive the Sudanese government-sponsored campaign of violence and forced starvation. These innocent victims are essentially on life support, their continued existence dependent on U.S. and international humanitarian aid and the presence of African Union peacekeepers. Despite the best efforts of the under-funded and under-manned African Union peacekeeping force, attacks have increased in recent months, leading to tens of thousands of new arrivals at refugee camps in Darfur and across the border in Chad.

Benefiting Charities:

Save Darfur Coalition:

The Save Darfur Coalition utilizes media outreach, public education, targeted coalition building and grassroots mobilization to persuade policymakers and other decision-makers in the United States and abroad in an effort to help and save the people of Darfur.

Doctors Without Borders:

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an independent international medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural or man-made disasters, or exclusion from health care in more than 70 countries. Each year, MSF doctors, nurses, logisticians, water-and-sanitation experts, administrators, and other medical and non-medical professionals depart on more than 4,700 aid assignments. They work alongside more than 25,800 locally hired staff to provide medical care.

The International Rescue Committee:

The International Rescue Committee is a critical global network of first responders, humanitarian relief workers, healthcare providers, educators, community leaders, activities, and volunteers. Working together, the IRC provides access to safety, sanctuary, and sustainable change for millions of people whose lives have been shattered by violence and oppression. Founded in 1933, the IRC is a global leader in emergency relief, rehabilitation, protection of human rights, post-conflict development, resettlement services and advocacy for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression (www.theirc.org).

To request forms please email: PFD@designersfordafur.com
Also become a MySpace friend at: http://www.myspace.com/prayersfordarfur

"I Told You So..."

For all of you who questioned why I decided to feature Andre J in our recent Mal Sirrah Spring/Summer 2008 Presentation – “One Dress – All Women – One World”… I will not use this opportunity to tell you “I told you so…” Instead, I will simply allow the new November cover of French Vogue to speak for me…

Andre J (The Oracle) has finally arrived!!! And now we share him with you once again…

CLICK BELOW TO SEE THE ENTIRE VIDEO:

Afternoon Quickie

Sometimes you never know where your name will end up in this business and in what context... Someone forwarded me the following and thought it was very cute and funny... Of course I am my worst critic and thought that the article made me look like the vacuous cherry on the top of this piece of satirical fluff...

♦An after-party was held up the street at Socialista, the Havana-inspired lounge whose investors include Harvey Weinstein and Sting. Drinks were provided by Christiania vodka—“ironically, the name of an anarchist encampment in Copenhagen,” said Doug Henwood, the editor of the Left Business Observer, sipping a vodka-and-soda. Word got out among the club’s patrons that they were part of a Che Guevara party. “Great,” Malcolm Harris, a clothing designer and a former stylist for Madonna, said, as he ate dinner with several friends. “Great movie. Great T-shirt.” Harris was wearing a T-shirt with a silk-screened image of Kate Moss on the front. He looked down at Moss’s face. “This is the shirt for me,” he said. “I don’t know. Maybe she’s our revolutionary.” ♦


I can't help it... I simply adore Kate Moss (especially vintage Moss as seen in the video below)... Shoot me... I admire the survivor in Kate... J'Adore Kate

Check out the complete article at http://www.newyorker.com/talk/2007/10/22/071022ta_talk_widdicombe

(Tribute to Kate Moss - Part 1 of 3)

Eyes On the Prize

On Monday evening, I was faced with yet another personal dilemma – whether or not I should attend the second part of the “Blacks in Fashion” forum hosted by Betheann Hardison, Tracey Reese, James Scully and others. Many of you may recall my recent purging after the last gathering of “Blacks In Fashion” and if not, you can check it in my previous posts as this is an issue that I have finally put to rest and will never revisit again.

Blacks in Fashion Conferene - Part 2

However, I would be remiss if I attempted to pretend there wasn’t a small bit of me that wanted to attend this meeting in order to prove my efforts towards equality in fashion have not been deterred. Luckily I was still in the “after glow” from another gathering of great minds in the Bahamas where I was the personal guest of The African Diaspora Heritage Trail Conference.

It is so strange how similar there logo is to mine… Destiny…

You may recall, a few days ago I posted that I would be spending a long weekend in the Bahamas, however, what I didn’t reveal was that I had very little knowledge as to what I would be doing in the Bahamas (Nassau in particular). You see, several months ago China Robinson (mother of model Chanel Iman) asked me to assist her in organizing a fashion show similar to Designers For Darfur. This fashion presentation would coincide with an annual conference held by the ADHT (African Diaspora Heritage Trail) organization next year in Bermuda. Unfortunately I had never attended an ADHT conference before and therefore didn’t have a clear picture as to their goals and/or mission. I now fully understand the concept of the ADHT which is one of a unified transnational heritage tourism initiative to educate visitors, enhance economic viability of African Diaspora countries and conserve the essence of African descent, culture and history (I actually stole that description off of their website – but I would encourage you all to check out their efforts via my link list).

Malcolm and China

China Robinson as recently seen on the Tyra Banks Show

As China has become somewhat of a big sister to me these days (she is wiser than I could ever dream to be), I didn’t really require such a cohesive description of ADHT’s efforts, I simply knew that if she needed my assistance, I would be there… So when we arrived in the Bahamas late Thursday afternoon, I had no idea what our itinerary would entail and/or if we were obligated to do anything in particular. I have to tell though, I really enjoyed the three and a half hour flight which felt like the first time in a long time that I could sit and do absolutely nothing. It was a much needed break from it all… However, upon arriving at the hotel we were greeted by the ADHT welcoming committee. Within this group was one of China’s cousins, Jake Henderson, which I had met during a brief but inspiring lunch at the beginning of the summer. Jake quickly and dutifully introduced us around to all the key players and organizers of the event and for some reason I could instantly tell this entire conference would have almost the same vibe as a family reunion of sorts. It didn’t even matter that I only knew two of the perhaps 300 to 400 people that were in attendance.

We stayed at the magnificent Atlantis Hotel in Nassau

After we were all checked in and handed room keys, we were informed we had only two hours before a shuttle would take us to a Bahamian Style Reception that the Board of Tourism had organized for the conference attendees…

My boyfriend and I with one of the Bahamian Greeters (what an amazing costume)

When we arrived at the venue for the evening’s soiree, I found myself speechless… The Bahamian Tourism Board had literally rolled out the red carpet for this conference. There were dignitaries and their spouses from all over the globe in attendance. I couldn’t stop looking at Ms. China Robinson and wondering how and why my boyfriend and I had been invited to this amazing event. But before my brain and heart had a chance to process it all – the festivities were in full swing… There was dancing, singing and frolicking like my eyes hadn’t seen in a very long time; not since I was a kid growing up in South Florida where we would celebrate the annual Bahamian Goombay Festival. What a difference it makes to see these sorts of festivals through grown up eyes. Each dance movement and every modulation of tone was now pregnant with meaning, spirit and tradition.

Throughout the conference I found myself entrenched with the sharing of new ideas, engulfed by the sense of community and enlightened by purposeful debate. At one point I felt sheer joy in the knowledge that contrary to popular belief, we as a people are definitely on the right track. It is sad however that the media never chooses to report on events such as the ADHT and instead choose to highlight gang violence and/or hip-hop rivalries. This is really a shame. However, now that the ADHT has me 100% on board – self proclaimed “media whore” – things are going to change very quickly.

I actually sat on a panel discussing “Strategies for the Performing Arts within the African Diaspora”


Then on Friday, October 12, 2007 at approximately 12:15 p.m. – I met a man – Not an ordinary man – an icon – a legend… A man that whispered to me words that would change my life. This man graciously took a few minutes out of his hectic schedule to listen as Mr. Jake Henderson (event organizer) explained to him my struggles as well as accomplishments as an African American fashion designer, humanitarian and citizen of the world. He listened with great diligence and concern whilst I stood there for the first time void of embarrassment by neither the joys of my accolades nor the pain of my hardships. We both listened as Jake spoke. This man then leaned in, shook my hand and whispered the following to me, “I am very proud of you my son. No matter what the world throws at you, you keep on going. You stand up and you keep on going. I can look into your eyes and tell that you are destined for greatness.” I will never forget that moment for as long as I live… This man was none other than Mr. Andrew Young. Yes, first African-American Ambassador to the United Nations, former Mayor of Atlanta, civil rights leader/activist and last but not least - - - the former right hand man to Dr. Martin Luther King. Yes, Mr. Andrew Jackson Young Jr. My life’s purpose was confirmed and decided within those few words.

Andrew Young and Malcolm Harris

Jake Henderson, Mrs. Carolyn Young (Andrew’s wife and president of the Lynx Association), and yours truly

In conclusion, when I say that I was faced with a dilemma on Monday as to whether it would be prudent for me to attend Monday’s night forum of the fashion industry’s black elite – I must admit that the use of the word “dilemma” at this point is beyond an exaggeration. My decision had already been preordained. My heart and soul immediately reflected on the fact that I had been given a charge. A charge that did not and would not be given to me by the dictators of fashion and/or self-proclaimed arbiters of style… My charge had been given to me by one of the greatest minds and spirits of our lifetime…By a man whom had been a part of an era that moved civilization towards enlightenment. My charge had been given to me by Mr. Andrew Jackson Young Jr. Therefore, as I sat down in front of my computer on Monday evening to attempt to write down my entire experience from this amazing weekend (it has taken me almost three days to finally come down from the after-glow in order to write today’s post), I immediately knew that not attending the “Blacks in Fashion” forum was for the best. I also knew that my efforts and energies would be best utilized by keeping my “eyes on the prize” and not on the “fashion spotlight”…

The photo above has always haunted me… I never thought I would live to meet one of the great men that stood on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel on the day Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated.

One Man's Red Carpet is another's Man's Magic Carpet

Last week before I dashed off to the Bahamas (full post on its way) I had the privilege of attending Kanye West’s performance for the 5th Anniversary of In Touch Magazine. I also had the pleasure of being joined for this event by one of my new blog colleagues and friends Claire S. (www.fashionbomb/blogspot.com) as well as my friend and personal advisor Jacques R.

Malcolm and Claire

Now I wouldn’t say that Kanye West and I are close friends but we have become quite friendly over the past year or so. Kanye has been very supportive of my career since the onset by appearing at my fashion shows as well as supporting our efforts with Designers For Darfur. Therefore when I was personally invited to this event I immediately moved around several other engagements to ensure my attendance.

Kanye and Alexis attend the Mal Sirrah Show

Of course, when we arrived in front of the hotspot Tenjune in New York's Meatpacking District it was almost impossible to see the front door let alone anyone the talking head that would possess a guest list. I must admit when I saw this mob scene there was a part of me that just wanted to turn straight back around and hop into the first cab smoking. However, my friend Jacques is a huge Kanye fan and I knew that this intimate performance would be very special for him. Therefore I forged ahead. But still there was the situation of the “front door and the red carpet.”

Crowd gathered for the In Touch Soiree

Richie Rich of Heatherette

Emmy Rossum

...and of course, Kanye West

To be quite honest I have never been a huge fan of doormen, security guards and/or anyone manning the front door especially when there is a red carpet draped across its threshold. Door people always seem to behave as though they are the gatekeepers that have been put on this earth to keep the rest of us out… So I was very hesitant to put myself through this exercise of “are you good enough to pass?” But then my dear friend Jacques had to snap me back into some weird sort of reality by reminding me that I had been personally invited by Kanye’s “team” and most importantly that I am no longer on the outside looking in… I am now a part of what happens behind the velvet rope. It’s feels strange to believe that somehow this is true but I still don’t look at this as something to be proud of… That’s just me…

So my friend Jacques went into “pseudo publicist mode”… He was able to find the person that was holding the V.I.P. list for the event, however, she said that unfortunately my name was not on her list - - - In my head I said to myself – “Thank God, now we can turn around and leave.” But before I could turn around on my well heeled Nike Air Max trainers – I could hear another one of the more New York-Centric P.R. girls say, “If Mr. Harris is willing to walk the red carpet we can let his group in…” I could hear my inner voice scream “SH*T”…

...yours truly, Malcolm Harris

There is still a part of me that hasn't really become accustomed to this whole “red carpet” thing… One of the reasons I believe I dislike the carpet so much stems from the fact that not so long ago these same clipboard carriers and photogs would vigorously shoo me away from the carpet as I shyly stood there attempting to assure that a celebrity’s client’s train and/or frock was positioned just right for the perfect photo opportunity. Or if I were allowed to stay for one photo - the next day it would read on WireImages or Getty - "Reese Witherspoon and friend"...

Germain Dupri and Janet Jackson inside party

Shaggy chillin while everyone waits for Kanye to take the stage

Kanye ignites the stage - truly an amazing and intimate performance

Not until recently and moreso due to my work with Designers For Darfur have the photographers and clip carriers started to recognize me and request my presence on their dusty-ass red carpet. Now that I think of it, I don't believe I will ever get used to this part of my job... But luckily my purpose for stepping on the red carpet now is much larger than my ego and/or any sort of marketing strategy…

Therefore, I will share with you an excerpt from a long email trail that I received not so long ago from a young African American boy and aspiring fashion designer - Fuquan Wright. Fuquan now serves as my motivation to walk to the front of the line and to step on the big scary red carpet in order to be photographed like the day's catch. So from now on when you see me throwing myself in front of a camera and/or standing on a red carpet, you will know the true reason why I now do so…