Men's Fly Fashion: T.I.'s Akoo Spring 2010 Lookbook

T.I.'s clothing brand, AKOO, has had the kind of public trouble lately that could rival...well, T.I. himself. They caused controversy for their risque Newark billboard that featured a woman simulating oral sex. Weeks later, they were sued by Akoo International for trademark infringement regarding the brand name.

Still, the drama hasn't deterred the label from churning out another flawless collection for the Spring 2010 season. The look imbues classic, Americana style with a hip, urban edge.

From plaid cargo shorts to cool denim to faded nautical tees, the collection offers time-honored classics with a youthful vitality. The impeccable fit and rich fabrics are unrivaled across the urban 'rapper-turned-designer' clothing landscape, with the exception of Diddy's successful brand, Sean John.

In short, the collection proves that the 'King' title from the brand's moniker, 'A King of Oneself' is truly deserved. Check it out below:

What do you think of the collection? What piece are you picking up when it hits stores?

Kisses,

Coutura

Sex Sells, but is T.I.'s Clothing Ad Taking it Too Far?

What does simulated oral sex have to do with jeans?

Everything, according to T.I.'s clothing brand, AKOO. Their advertisement, which graces a billboard in Newark, New Jersey (woot! woot! Sorry, Jersey girl moment), depicts a woman pulling down a man's AKOO jeans, with his hand lovingly dictating what she should do with her head. Sigh.

There's been nothing short of an uproar among Jersey residents about the explicit nature of the ad. Even the mayor spoke up, but his gripe wasn't about the simulation, it was about the jeans sagging off the male model's behind...umm, so simulated oral sex in tight jeans is better?

Anyway, I do agree that the ad is not something I'd want my impressionable, pre-pubescent cousin to see while out and about in Newark.

But as we all know, billboard sex is all too common in the high-end fashion world, with Calvin Klein and Dolce & Gabbana being repeat offenders. They make AKOO's ad look tame. Check out some jaw-dropping risque ads below (NSFW).

Implied gang rape at Dolce & Gabbana.

Simulated orgy at Calvin Klein.

Eva Mendes' boobs at Calvin Klein.

Pretend Masturbation at Emanuel Ungaro.

Simulated oral sex again at Puma.

Yes, I guess it catches your eye when you're stuck in traffic on a city street. But is it socially responsible to put these offensive ads out there? 

And what in the world does it have to do with clothes? Sex sells, yes, but vulgarity won't encourage me to purchase a pair of jeans. Thoughts?

UPDATE: T.I.'s ad has been taken down from the billboard in Newark. Do you think removing the ad is excessive or understandable?

Kisses,

Coutura