Written By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means Visionaries push boundaries to bring a wider, more exciting vision that others may not initially see, but can ultimately support. We own our decisions without apology while striving to make choices that have impact and speak to the moment. In a now viral video, the congregants of Virginia Commonwealth University– … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means …If God one day struck me blind; your beauty I’d still see…Love’s too weak to define, just what you mean to me!” -Prince The wedding between Dustin and Alex set a new precedent within our community. It’s easy to get carried away in the optics, labels and degree of execution in … Continue reading
…An icon Emeriti -crown’s a successor as the Dauphin of his iconic legacy…Deo… By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means The iconic French designer, Jean Paul Gaultier; commonly dubbed the “enfant terrible” of fashion – began the year 2020 – with a jovially auspicious message announcing his retirement. “Gaultier Paris will continue Haute Couture! I have a new … Continue reading
“Reading is throwing shade: A brutal insult wrapped inside a glorious wordplay.” –RuPaul Written By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means Taking a comedic; yet powerful blow at the critics of the highly controversial, yet wildly popular Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH ) initiative, RuPaul used his appearance on SNL to illustrate just why “reading is fundamental!” Ru-as … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means Upon first hearing about the new Netflix series that’s on the tongue of all the “in the know”- Styling Hollywood – I was a bit more overjoyed than normal. Hailed as a present-day, black, gay, male equivalent of Sex In The City; this series is centered around the day-to-day work of … Continue reading
By DeoVonte “Deo” Means …Two lost Angels discover salvation, under vast pink skies watching the sun rise… – Miguel Initially when I started the preparation process for this project, I decided to do things differently. I prayed and asked God to use me and direct my path. It was frustrating at times because He didn’t … Continue reading
Repertoire repertoire noun rep·er·toire | \ ˈre-pər-ˌtwär , ˈre-pə-\ Definition of repertoire: a supply of skills, devices, or expedients, a list or supply of capabilities From the Late Latin noun repertorium, meaning “list,” has given us two words that can be used to speak of the broad range of things that someone or something can … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means Sampson McCormick, the name that carries dual jurisdictional respect, both within the world of mainstream comedy and within the urban LGBTQ community at large. Born in Washington, D.C., partially reared in Evergreen, North Carolina and returning to Washington D.C, ; he has become a popular, award-winning, stand-up comedian, writer and activist. … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means Hailed by many as a modern-day personification of Michelangelo’s “David”; one of the first features recognized in Christian is his strikingly-captivating; almost angelic gorgeousness! With the prowess of a corporate titan, within the span of almost 2 years, he’s transitioned his social media acclaim into a marketable business-line by becoming a … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means Disclaimer- (1) According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. (2) Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems. Your friends at The Flyy-Life, remind you to drink … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means “She say, Do you love me? I tell her, Only partly I only love my bed and my momma, I’m sorry”– Drake, God’s Plan The three fundamentals of an ethical theory are to be Descriptive, Evaluative and Analytical. Drake’s 2018 hit, God’s Plan, lyrically is a masterpiece because he flawlessly evoked … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means In a time before party hosting became a lifesaving career for the unemployed, under employed and society rejects; there was one name that gathered the socialites of the city and set a standard. That name was Stevie…as in Stevie Edwards! Regardless of what demographic or sub-culture of the community you … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means When word first spread of the 50th anniversary of the House of La ’Beija, I was immediately taken back 15 years ago to my earliest days as a young college freshman entering the underground world known as “ballroom.” The name La ‘Beija signified New York! It was the finest level of … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means This upcoming weekend, Chicago will become the destination spot for the top show performers from around the world. They will compete in the legendary Continental pageant and their legions of fans will follow them as the “super-bowl” of the pageant world takes place. Years ago when I first hit the scene, … Continue reading
By:DeoVonte “Deo” Means The web series About Him, reached an almost epic level of support this summer on social media. The scenes, storyline and actors were the topic of many conversations held in the private Face Book groups. Here at The Flyy-Life, we strive to utilize our platform to highlight and chronicle the artistic, enterprising, … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means Since my earliest years of being a young fashionisto, I’ve always been most fascinated with the art of haute couture millinery. One of my most fond memories was meeting the iconic Phillip Treacy years ago at a Neiman Marcus event. Pharrell Williams, and his now infamous Vivienne Westwood hat, can be … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means …It may be the Met Ball, but it’s Anna’s Party…The Super Bowl of social fashion events…. This past Monday, social media was in a doozy. Even the least most connected with fashion perhaps found himself intrigued¸ if not giving a play-by-play of the fashions slowly produced at “The Met Gala.” The … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means During a normal lunchtime connect, I was encouraged by a colleague to checkout the new Versace store that opened this past Sunday on Rush Street. Considering the legendary Donatella Versace personally paid a visit to Sunday’s event, I found myself intrigued. My excitement was stimulated not merely from the accessibility of … Continue reading
By DeoVonte “Deo” Means I suppose one could argue I’ve become the Alvin Ailey ambassador of Chicago! Each year the locals can count on me to make the Alvin Ailey Chicago tour stop a must attend event. You can only imagine the delight I feel, when a first time young lad venture to a performance … Continue reading
By-DeoVonte “Deo” Means Now in our 3rd year, The Flyy-Life’s Most Flyy & Eligible Bachelors article has become an annual listing that highlights the depth and diversity of our audience. Our goal is simple. We live in a community whereas the fundamental rubric for dating tends to be placed on physical attraction and outward sex … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means This article is perhaps one of the most proudest moments in the history of my column; because the person featured is not just a peer of mines but someone whom I witnessed burst unto the Chicago scene-years ago as a young lad- with an exhilarating energy that immediately conveyed to everyone … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means To those in the know, the name Damien Crawford has become synonymous with the triple threat of sexy, educated and talented. Damien’s been labeled a “gifted and versatile performer” and in recent days, he’s been dominating the stage with electrifying performances and opening for the likes of KeKe Wyatt, … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means The beauty of being a documented stakeholder within any community, is the ability to witness your peer’s ideas spring forth! If they are diligent and committed to their craft, you’re privy to witness stages of implementation, sacrifice and eventual success. This growth process is the fundamental pillar in which any evolving … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means As new generations usher their way into the relevant fold, you find yourself committed to paying homage to those of your era whom broke the barriers and made a profound and everlasting impact upon the game. Without any question, comment or concern; Amy Winehouse is that “one” of the “Grown & … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means When we were first approached to do a follow-up on Lee Hayes– BAIT, we were beyond honored. The honor was heightened when the idea was floated to utilize The Flyy-Life platform to exclusively debut Episode 3 of Season 1. For those unaware, BAIT is the new groundbreaking webseries that’s spreading like … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means Erroneously, most of us are taught that the fundamental driving force behind African-American slavery in the United States was a superior race hegemonic desire to dominate an inferior race. The story generally goes; after a few generations of forced labor, Northerners and Abolitionist discovered the immorality and sinful nature of … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means Admittedly, I’ve long retired my membership in the “trendy hairstyles club” for a more efficient and conservative style. I am clean shaven. Not because of a loss of hair, but because in my line of work, it’s deemed most appropriate. Still, I am always intrigued by the new varieties of trendy … Continue reading
On New Year’s Day, I was invited to a private screening of the Ava DuVernay and Paul Webb’s new film “Selma.” Within the first five minutes of the film, as diverse as the viewers may have been, we were assured we were all beholding one of the most provocative and breathtaking masterpieces since perhaps the … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means The early part of 2014 I was forwarded a promotional teaser for a new and breathtakingly provocative film that was being produced. I heard about it previously in passing, but with the deluge of low budget, poorly produced web series that are debuted daily, I played it no mind. This mindset … Continue reading
By DeoVonte “Deo” Means The later part of summer 2014 brought about exciting news for Chicago. Spring was greeted with rumors and mumblings among the socials that Chicago’s social scene had become stagnant with very limited options for the “grown & sexy” of the community. Many of our traditional events were either slowly abandoned by … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means Unless you’ve been under a rock for the past several months, you know about Chicago’s newest rising star Mr. Corey Raé. Corey is the sultry, sexy, sophisticated and tantalizing voice that is consistently performing for diverse and sold out audiences and leaving them in awe as he manifest his divinely … Continue reading
Our community is often erroneously portrayed in cyber space as a culture that comfortably recline in the depths of poverty, while being guided by the sophomoric inclinations of sex, drugs and Rock & Roll. Statistical reports attempt to argue that we are a demographic that has increasingly become dependent upon and complacent with government … Continue reading
As an international traveler and citizen of the world, on last weekend, the ever alluring and captivating Durell Smith, returned to Chicago to enjoy a provocative and stimulating weekend in the company of good friends and family. It soon became apparent that as a 4 year NYC resident, he planned his trip to be selective … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means Considering Chicago is now the new home to one of my long time favorites, Dolce & Gabbana, I knew I would have to pay close attention to the upcoming showing of the menswear collection. And thus it was on first day of Men’s Fashion Week in Milan on June 21st that … Continue reading
By DeoVonte “Deo” Means …And immediately, I feel as if I’m in the presence of a strong and provocative diva; much like the great Leontyne Price. I gasp at the alluring power of this woman, yet, after hello, I begin to feel an overwhelming sense of warmth, wisdom and compassion take over my conscious… … Continue reading
By DeoVonte “Deo” Means When it comes to Langston John Blaze it is said “ we cannot isolate him in one genre. This Kentucky native has blossomed in Atlanta as an overall entertainer. He is a singer, dancer, actor, model, as well as a writer of many avenues. This child of the Army … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means It’s been well documented that within the last few months, the established socials of the city have begun to abandon the notion of frivolous weekly nightclubbing. They are embracing the mindset of intimate social networking events; in which the invited guest can enjoy good music, cocktails, conversations and entrée’s while … Continue reading
By DeoVonte “Deo” Means Within the last two weeks, those within “the know,” have been in a giddy excitement over the news of the upcoming release of a publication from one of our native sons. Although he has relocated, Jeffrey will always be identified as a contributor and active participant in Chicago’s “Golden-Age.” He garnered … Continue reading
On last week, cyberspace and armature fashionistos were all abuzz over the presentations of the Fall 2014 menswear collections. The major player that most caught my eye was Olivier Rousteing. Rousteing is the 28 year old young black guy that’s at the helm of perhaps one of the most prestigious European fashion houses, Balmain. Balmain, … Continue reading
Following the highly anticipated and highly disappointing collaboration between Jay Z and Barneys New York, I lost all interest in pop-stars and designer collaborations. As a lover of luxury menswear, I felt as if pop-stars failed to understand the essence of menswear and were only capable of making a mockery of fashion while attaching outrageous … Continue reading
Here at The Flyy-Life, we take pride in paying homage to and highlighting the talents within our diverse community. Although they are at times marginalized, this latest video production clearly illustrates that Ballroom still has the power to nurture & develop impressive talents while producing a beautiful & intriguing product. This montage, entitled “I AM”, … Continue reading
The newest song/video that has the sophisticates in a tizzy is John legends Made To Love. After almost three million views, I now see what the hype is all about. Creatively, this is a work of art in which Director Daniel Sannwalk and Creative Director Yoann Lemoine joined forces to produce not only a music … Continue reading
The streets of Paris are all abuzz after Thierry Mugler announced his first show marking the return to the iconic fashion house as creative director. The world of fashion is in an uproar! Who can forget the legendary Mugler show at the 1995 VH1 Fashion Awards in which his show was so captivating he was … Continue reading
I adore art. Unfortunately I’m not yet financially able to invest in pieces. It’s my goal. I envision a flyy condo spread with a few pieces of insured art in which I can converse about at cocktail parties. I will get there one day. This piece I recently viewed at a past event, struck me … Continue reading
Dancers from world renowned dance troupes throughout the city, descended upon the Auditorium Theater to shoot this pic. Reminiscent of the collaborative spirit of the city, it illustrates the ascending movement that we manifest when we cohesively work together for a common goal. Continue reading
After almost 60 million views, Justin Timberlake’s Mirrors glide across my desk and I now behold the beauty that the others have already captured. Rarely, in our age, do we witness a music video that’s 8 minutes long. What’s even more impressive is that it’s not merely a video but an ingenious work of art … Continue reading
This piece is breathtakingly beautiful. A very interesting, thought provoking, conversation piece for a sitting room. The surrealism, theme and character of the work makes me think its a Salvador Dali, but I’ve followed the work of Mr. Dali for years and I’ve never stumbled across this one. Surely it would be one his most … Continue reading
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