The Monster Within, Now In My Clutches

My very talented and creative artist-designer friend had recently made a “working prototype” of a Monster clutch and had given it to me for a “test drive.” Before I go into a tiny bit more detail about the Monster clutch let me write about my young artist friend. From here on out I will refer to this friend as Ken-chan. Ken-chan is not my friend’s real name but it’s easier to call my friend by a nickname rather than “the artist.” In any case, Ken-chan likes to remain anonymous to create a sense of mystery to his work (and so far, it's working...people have been admiring this clutch and all I tell them is that my "designer friend" made it). In fact, the clutch has no name and Ken-chan has not though of a brand name for any of his creations...yet, anyway.

A few months back, Ken-chan was diagnosed with a particular Monster dwelling inside and has left Ken-chan emotionally and physically drained. At such a young age, Ken-chan has accomplished what many only dreamt of doing… his accomplishments in various fields, from business to investment to fashion and art are the kind of things that would make Ken-chan an inspiration for many young aspiring individuals, be they artist, designer, or otherwise. What I admire about my dear talented Ken-chan is his perseverance in his work and craft. Ken-chan does not let the Monster within take over his life but rather turned that Monster into a clutch and took control of it.

Don’t let the Monster take control of you or your life! Whether the Monster in your life manifests itself in a form of a disease, a negative moment in time, a circumstance of Life, or whatever it may be…remember that you are free in this world. You are free to let the Monster run amok in your life and you are free to keep it at bay. Perhaps it’s an overly optimistic view on life but I believe in freedom and fashion has certainly become a matter of freedom (think personal style or street style). Long gone were the days where specific fashion rules were strictly adhered to. Life is about freedom and it starts with how you choose to dress.

The Monster within is now a fashion accessory (well…not really, I’m holding onto the only one made by Ken-chan).

About Monster-chan

Just to re-iterate, the Monster clutch has no name or brand but I like to call it Monster-chan. Monster-chan was crafted with leftover materials that Ken-chan had on hand in his studio and an inspiration from Fendi’s Peek-a-boo collection.

Despite being called a Monster, Monster-chan was not created from any animal product: the material used are faux leather, metal studs, and Velcro (i like the Velcro...it makes me feel slightly kiddy every time I reach in to get a pen or a notebook). Et Voila~ Monster-chan is born and in my clutches.

What I love about Monster-chan is the very look that it was designed with, a kind of maleficent, evil, Monsters-in-the-closet that stares any admirers in the face with its sharp red eyes, all the while drooling for your possessions with those large sharp teeth sticking out from its Velcro lips. I can't tell you how many things it has swallowed; my keys, wallet, lip balm, Iphone, Patch NYC notebook, a pen, and my IPhone charger (being an Instagramer means that my phone dies pretty quickly so I need to be ready to charge at any given moment). Isn't Monster-chan just one greedy little thing. The good news, however, is that I can quickly rip apart Monster-chan's Velcro lips to retrieve what was once swallowed. Monster-chan is different and its features have gained a lot of attention from onlookers.

To be honest, I've never been a "clutcher" but after Monster-chan I'm clutching to it for dear life! I simply love my Monster within my clutches.

Photo Cred:

The photos of me in the long-sleeve t-shirt with the skull and Native American headgear print by Ralph Lauren Denim & Supply, red pants by Ralph Lauren, Tod's blue suede men's drivers, and purple stripes Happy Socks were taken by @Lanneken.
The shots taken of me in the short-sleeve floral shirt by Ralph Lauren Demin & Supply, blue Levi's jeans, and Cole Haan shoes were taken by @__paganpoetry