MCM : Cognac Viseto

What is a COGNAC VISETO?

MCM continues to place personalized brass plates with a unique number engraved on each of its products to this day.

MCM leather goods generated a resurgence in popular culture and below is a brief look into MCM and its ostentatious beginnings. MCM originally stood for Michael Cromer München , the creator of the brand, founded in 1976 in Munich, Germany. It penetrated the minds of forward thinkers and fashion forward individuals in the 1980s for its flashy patterns and in your face demeanor. To minimize MCM to its signature pattern would be demeaning, in fact MCM has turned itself into a brand that represents almost regal/progressive thinking while undeniably connecting with hip-hop and fashion's ever changing dynamic.

In the early 90's, amidst cult like popularity MCM Owner Cromer was investigated for tax evasion and eventually lost his 250 million company. Investors were not convinced that Cromer could regenerate profitability and MCM was split up and eventually all rights were acquired by a South Korean retail business that can be credited with its 2000's success. The term "modern-classic" comes to mind when thinking of MCM , penetrating that unique place where brands lie that can transcend decades of change. 

So back to the headline what exactly is a Cognac Viseto?

Cognac Visetos : MCM Brand Signature Logo

Cognac Visetos is MCM's brand’s signature logo which at a glance looks like a person squatting with wings, but is actually a laurel wreath which signifies the ethos of MCM , as a company true to honor and constant evolution.

Below is a gallery of the varied adoration for MCM...

So next time you see that MCM bag you can have a little more information on the history and if you already have a product you have short context on what you are repping...

"LET THE COLTRANE PLAY..."

Don't Sweat the Technique : GOLD GRILLZ

Tiger Flowers, first African American middleweight boxing champion.

In present day America gold teeth and hip hop culture go hand in hand. Have you ever wondered where this sense of style or status originated. Researching several versions of the origin of Gold Teeth I believe if not the originator the Etruscan women of Tuscany were among the first group to sport what we would now call grillz, golds, fronts or in South Florida "Walls". 

The Etruscans lived in Italy inhabiting what we now call the region of Tuscany—from around 800 BC to 200 BC. They would eventually be conquered by the Roman Empire and much of their history lie in researching tombs and graves. Archaeologists found documentation of around 20 sets of teeth woven with golden wire. The earliest of these artifacts date back to the seventh century BC.

Etruscan women were among the first group of people to wear gold teeth for status. "Certain high-status Etruscan women deliberately had their front teeth removed in order to be fitted with a gold band appliance holding a replacement, or reused, tooth" This was not considered medical so this procedure was never done by a dentist, it was always a goldsmith for adornment. 

It is safe to say that since 800 BC gold grills have been seen as symbol of wealth and prosperity. Hip Hop / popular culture have been paying homage subconsciously. Below are a few impressive grills paying homage to the BC status statement.

Jack Johnson, first African American heavyweight boxing champion.

Elderly woman from Turkmenistan.

Sean Carter aka Jay Z, music mogul and entrepreneur.

Elderly man from Tajikistan.

"LET THE COLTRANE PLAY..."

LAURIE : The Football Dandy

Laurie Cunningham may not be a household name in the US, but I am sure he was lead my way through Google's complex algorithm of my constant search for outstanding athletes, trendsetters and style tastemakers. Laurie Cunningham was the son of a Jamaican prize horse jockey hailing from the north side of London. 

The above image has popped up in my Pinterest numerous times and I just assumed it was a guy from the Sub-Saharan culture Sapeur Movement or Society of Tastemakers and Elegant People. To my astonishment this is Laurie Cunningham, the first black professional footballer to represent England at any level.

“At a time when institutionalised racism was rife throughout society it would have been easy for Laurie to fade into the background, but his passion for music and fashion ensured he stood out from the crowd...”

Cunningham was the first of a group of homegrown African - American pioneers who shook up the English football landscape in the 1970s and 80s. He achieved a total of six full international caps. The black players of this generation were required to tune out the constant disrespect of chants and unimaginable actions of having bananas hurled at them by fans. SALUTE TO MR. CUNNINGHAM for fighting through the noise to leave a legacy of Style and Grace.

Check out the below to see a 4 part documentary giving you a little more context on the legendary Laure Cunningham!