VASHTIE

As I was planning a trip to Paris for Men’s Fashion Week last week, I was invited by Lea Juliano of Madison Square Garden to attend a New York Knicks/Squarespace event in London. You know I am always down to rep for the home-team, so I made a few travel changes to land in London and train it to Paris. It would only be an 18 hour stay, but it was worth the adjustments!

I always pack food and snacks, because my vegan ass can get caught out there with nothing to eat from time to time. This was me chilling in the airport lounge before the flight…

I flew my first Business Class Virgin Atlantic Flight and it was pure heaven! They had pajamas and a full bar, so you could chill and sip! It was amazing!

I love taking the “black cabs” in London because they are spacious and the drivers know EVERYTHING about the city. You don’t have to Waze or GoogleMaps a thing. They have to learn the roads perfectly so that if you give them an address, they know exactly where to go – no cross streets needed! It’s called “The Knowledge”. It’s also expensive, ha.

 

I had a little time before the event so I took some flicks around London with Lewis Watts.

Thanks to Maya Jama, who I had not even met yet but had an Instagram friendship with – I found a makeup artist! I sent her an Instagram DM and asked who could do glam for me and she offered up her makeup artist, Letitia Sophia. She was amazing and got me perfectly ready for my night out in London Town.

Of course I was sipping on some enriching and nourishing herbs and tonics!

The affair took place at Abbey Road Studios, a real music studio where The Beatles and many more super influential musicians recorded iconic works. The event was very private and intimate; featuring a few New York Knicks, influential locals and fun internal team members. AlunaGeorge performed while delicious cocktails and passed food were handed out, it was beautiful.

I met John Starks, for the second time.

First time was when me and Desus saw him at a Knicks event a couple years ago and took a flick with him!

Meeting Maya was super lovely. She’s such a funny character, which is a nice balance to her being a perfect glamazon! We immediately had an impromptu photoshoot right after.

I also invited out my other Instagram friend, model/skateboarder Sam Roberts. It was so lovely to meet him and his guest Chloeanna.

Such a wonderful night, all and all. I also learned that when British people ask “You alright?”. It’s like their version of “How are you”. Ha. If someone asked me that in New York, I might aggressively reply “I’m good! You good?”. Hahahaha. A little discovery, but it made me happy.