Knockin’ Boots
Posted on March 11, 2009
Filed Under INSIDER, IN THE KNOW
“It is the sand in which irritates the oyster that makes the pearl,” is quite the grand literary interpretation for hustle, but it seems to fuel the non-stop drive of Marquis Phifer. Brandishing a Kanye swatch of ego and a sensibility indicative of a new age dandy, the 22 year old LateBoots.com founder has cultivated an online extension of his world of self expression and social enlightenment that is shared amongst his bevy of blog followers. Be it coverage of the high fashion market, the introduction of emerging designer talent, or quick tips on maintaining during the current economic climate, Phifer stays true to what makes him happy and simply reveals his day to day discoveries and witty repartee.
The self-proclaimed artist, whose mediums are more fashion and socializing than canvases and photographs, shares his platform with his female right-hand simply known as Sham. The strikingly attractive tomboy who has been apart of his movement since its inception, serves as the rough antithesis to the more polished demeanor of Phifer. “She likes BBC, I like Lanvin,” an epithet that remains displayed on their site, rings true in the sense that without her presence the relatability to the urban sector of the site’s audience would be non-existent. But while his lieutenant presents what the people might know, the braggadocios captain is bent on exposing that same audience to the likes of Ann Demeulemeester, Dries Van Noten, and Comme des Garçons—not to mention the joys of style supremacy.
So one question arises: How did he spring such a feat? The simple answer: hard work, if you ask him. “I often find myself irritated because I thirst to be the greatest at what I do” states the Texas native, who currently attends Morehouse College in Atlanta. Launching his site in 2007, the strong willed one simultaneously completed assistant styling gigs and later an internship at a major magazine publication. With over two years in the cipher, his popularity has grown and his opinion is becoming respected amongst others in the industry (new and established) and beyond.
Does he pull off wearing pink polka dot socks effortlessly? Yes. Is he the black love child of Andy Warhol and Glenn O’Brien? Maybe. Whether his eye for the urbane is natural or learned is a trivial detail. However, one thing is obvious Marquis Phifer is definitely helping trail blaze the path to a new definition of sartorial righteousness for the young black generation. “I’m so not traditional, and neither is my life.” Well stated.
LATE.