By – DeoVonte “Deo” Means As I pensively ruminate the culmination of the first month of our “new normal,” prostrate we lay in lamentation. In a state of disconsolation! Daily we’ve come to acquiesce that the world we once knew has become acherontic. Covid-19 stunned our sensibilities in the most ruthless, brutal and savage manner. …
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 …
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means Admittedly, at times it can be most difficult taking the Chicago fashion community serious. It has become common place for almost every person with a cute face to label themselves a model. Every make-up counter clerk is deemed a celebrity make-up artist, and helping select your neighbor’s prom dress garners you …
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means Prologue– Underground sub-cultures have been a fundamental aspect of the urban LGBT community for decades. Many would argue these subcultures provided much needed support and acceptance during a time not long ago when being gay was not acceptable by family, friends or society. As highlighted in the iconic documentary Paris Is …
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means …Understand me now. If sometimes you see that I’m mad. Don’t you know, no one alive can always be an angel? When everything goes wrong you see some bad…But I’m just a soul whose intentions are good. Oh, Lawd, Please don’t let me be misunderstood…- Nina Simone On Tuesday morning at …
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means Prologue– When I first heard news that Taleon Goffney was out of prison and releasing a tell-all memoir, I approached it as I do most journalistic assignments. I was a bit interested in discovering the truth behind the scandal, but I was not necessarily moved or vested. After all, in 2015, …
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, …
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 On last evening, I was granted VIP access to the High Society rooftop pool party, held in Streeterville at 211 N. Stetson. My biggest takeaway was that when it comes to hosting, it’s not so much about the number of people you have in the building; yet your ability to draw … Continue reading
By DeoVonte “Deo” Means This weekend, as a community, we came together and celebrated Market Days. Market Days this year had special relevance because due to the shutting down of our annual Pride fest, it kind of served as a substitute for the year. As I entered the festivities on my VIP, I reached … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means It no secret that this year’s Pride can be summed up in one word… Disappointing… Just when I was prepared to toss my cards in, High Society & Oui Entertainment swooped down and saved the day. The Official White Party was held at Velvet Lounge during the uber chic hours of … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means The fundamental beauty of pride has always been the ability to bring out those legends of the community that have transitioned out of a desire to be “present” every week, while celebrating the gregarious and youthful demographic that are your most loyal supporters throughout the year. I decided to step out … 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
As Beyoncé hit town in a deluge of rain and storm; multiple after parties were hosted. The fella’s of Oui Entertainment extended to me VIP access to their party held at Casey Moran’s in Wrigleyville. As I walked in, I immediately noticed the lasers embedded in the wooden grained floor- which ensured you were … 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
…I’d like to think that I’m a man of exquisite taste… a hundred percent Italian silk imported Egyptian lace! But nothing baby, I said nothing baby could compare to your lovely face….. By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means In the past few days the Flyy-Class has emerged from their dwellings and come to the front to pay … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means On Wednesday evening, Anthony Galloway and his team hosted the 2016 edition of Cocktails, Pumps & Cufflinks at the chic Drumbar on the rooftop of the stunning Raffaelo Hotel located in Streeterville. For those “not-in-the-know,” CP&C is an entity that was launched last spring to provide a refreshing outlet for … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means On last evening, Julius Martin, CEO of Berdan New York, opened up his tri-level, south loop home to debut the second business-line of his successful Bendan collection brand. Julius began his endeavors a couple years back by establishing a highly respected line of men’s underwear that cater to the specific needs … 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
…Enlightenment is man’s emergence from his self-imposed immaturity…Nothing is required for this enlightenment except the ability to use reason and an upward mobility mindset in all matters… By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means In modern-day society, the urban LGBT community is perhaps the only prevalent sub-culture, in which a healthy, educated, mature, upwardly-mobile, well-spoken and … Continue reading
By: By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means I utterly HATE writing about myself because it comes across so pompous and aggrandizing; yet this is a situation I felt compelled to share my thoughts on. So regardless of our socio-economic status; we strive to commodify all of our assets to ensure that regardless of past misgivings; … 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 …Relationships these days aren’t real until they become a social media spectacle. When partners become trophies to be paraded around for “likes” in matching outfits to be envied by “friends” that would fuck your man in a millisecond… On Monday, Chicago woke up to the devastating news that two well-known figures … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means After what seemed like an eternal hiatus, this fall we noticed that one part of the legendary K-Dock team began to slowly and quietly hit the scene again with sophisticated and selective events. The quality was not shocking, rather the re-emergence of what some can arguably say was one of … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means Well what can I say….I decided to party with the fella’s of Oui Entertainment for the holidays and it was up most delightful! The sexy and sophisticated of the city STORMED the event and I hear even in my state of being white girl wasted, my clothes was BEAT and I … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means …Lord I come, on behalf of my brother… The Flyy-Life’s annual In Memoriam piece is perhaps the most challenging to produce each year. As you begin to research and prepare; you’re filled with an overwhelming aura of hurt, loss and reverence. Taking on the position of being the honor guard of … 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 On last week, Chicago was “blessed” with the announcement that Yusaf Mack would be headlining one of our New Year’s Day parties on Friday January 1st at Coup De Tat. Now admittedly, I am a fan of New Year’s parties. It gives you the opportunity to put on nice clothes, get … 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 On Sunday, I arose to text and pictures from Juan & Gee’s 4th annual Gentlemen’s Ball, held in ATL on that previous Saturday night. The Gentlemen’s ball has prodigiously become the annual beacon for the sophisticate of our community throughout the country and even internationally. I immediately passed the pics to … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means The Venetians introduced the world to masquerade balls and the Parisian renaissance made it vogue. What most don’t realize is that these were nothing more than fashionable sex parties. The bourgeois and elite would don mask to conceal their identity and partake in a hedonistic, bacchanalian night of sex drugs and … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means On Monday, VH1 flooded the airwaves and social media with what was supposed to be its highly anticipated social responsibility initiative. Out in Hip Hop was initially positioned to target prevalent homophobia in the Hip Hop industry. Before I begin, let me state. This has been one of the most challenging … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means On last evening the tastemakers and socials of the city were invited out to toast the 34th birthday of our very own DJ Gucci Rocks. The event was to be held at the side bar club of The Shrine, known as Coup’d Etat. CDT has become the weekly Friday night spot … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte ” Deo” Means The Flyy-Life opened the spring season with the explosive exclusive interview with Taleon Goffney entailing his plight as ½ of the Goffney Twins scandal. The story immediately led to Taleon becoming the forsaken darling of the LGBT community. After months of touring the media circuit; mumblings and questions began to … Continue reading
Several sources first made me aware of a secret ATL Pride Group weeks ago. The group was founded on a notion of promoting ATL pride, but quickly turned into a cesspool of pre-arranged prostitution and sexual encounters before the actual weekend. Considering I’m in over 150 groups, I never paid it much mind. On the … Continue reading
By-DeoVonte “Deo” Means Many of the images and videos that comes down our newsfeed can mislead you to believe that Chicago nightlife is perhaps ratcheet and prone to ghetto tendencies. This summer social season has proven that Chicago, in fact has a very thriving community of grown and sexy men & women who only party … Continue reading
By DeoVonte “Deo” Means On last evening, the socials of the city descended upon what was to be David Dodd’s Black & White party. David has unquestionably ingrained himself as one of the socialites and vested stakeholders of the city. The city in turn, showered him with the love and affection due for his birthday. … 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 It is no secret that Scott and I are close palls with 14 years under our belt. We go all the way back to the Ovahnees/Chanel days. We’ve had EPIC fights and uber moments of loving kindness. The secret that most don’t know is that we are each other’s WORST critic! … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means On the back of the historic SCOTUS Marriage Equality ruling, Chicago hosted its annual Pride celebration which culminated with festivities at Montrose Harbor. Estimates are coming in with attendees ranging for 1.5-2 million. We had 0 incidents, 0 arrests, and 100% LOVE. I must take time to give special kudos to … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means Once your status is solidified and you become a connoisseur of Pride events, you develop a mindset and strategy where as you review the weekend events and you become selective about the party’s you attend. Many of the normal Friday night clubs becomes a destination for the masses of whom are … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means I recently discovered that the term “masc” (masculine) – within the black LGBT community- is by far the most highly used and weighted adjective that’s communicated when seeking to establish new connects and relationship building. I understand in recent times the manner in which mass media has erroneously portrayed the community … Continue reading
By DeoVonte “Deo”Means On Saturday afternoon, Chicago’s socialite -the legendary Zoliy “Miyake-Mugler” King-hosted the free Back 2 Basics ball. Many things can be said about modern day ballroom, but I must admit…This one here was a job WELL DONE!! Everyone in the know has witnessed, and are keenly aware of Zoliy body of work during … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means June 5th, 2013, I embarked on an unknown journey to produce a commoditized and tangible platform that would give a provocative and respected voice to my community. In the infantile stages of The Flyy-Life, many of my peers at the time were less than nurturing in their support. Some might even … 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 Many might say I’m a connoisseur of designer men’s underwear. Over the years, I’ve collected everything from Versace to John Galliano. To date, I am most vocal that my all-time favorite brand is David Beckham for H&M and Berdan New York by Julius Martin. I first met Julius over a year … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means When we first learned of the long awaited release of The Freaky Boiz follow-up video this spring, we were intrigued. We never doubted their product, and the Freaky Boiz are no strangers to pages of The Flyy-Life. But in 2015, the stakes had changed and we were ready to their rebuttal. … Continue reading
When DeoVonte “Deo” Means & I embarked upon the internet sensational article entitled – “The Tragedy and Triumph of a Twin…Taleon Talks…”- for The Flyy-Life; we were not aware of the scope or magnitude it would have on cyberspace and our peers. After this project took-off and blanketed social media, many have reached out and … Continue reading
Vince Aries annual b-day party has become legendary for bringing the finest in the city out to celebrate in good fun. Saturday’s party did not disappoint. It was advertised as a grown & sexy event and it lived up to the name. Chicago doesn’t have as many sophisticated events as we once did, but it’s … 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 On this past Saturday, I ventured to Michigan Ave. and Oak St. for what has become my seasonal “connect” with the owners, clientelle specialist and sales personnel of my favorite stores. It’s always a doozy partaking in these connects, because it allows me to catch up on the trends and tea … Continue reading
By- DeoVonte “Deo” Means This past Friday, the fella’s of High Society Entertainment Group hosted Debonair at Bevy. Before I give a review of the night, allow me to address the big elephant in the room. It’s no secret that HS and I had very nasty and public falling out over a year ago. Within … Continue reading
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means As a six year avid patron of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, initially I was a bit disappointed in this year’s tour stop. In years past, the annual tour stop in Chicago generally generates a buzz of excitement that ushers in the Spring social season with a sense of cultural … 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
By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means Well there’s not much to be said I suppose…Oui Entertainment told us what their strategy was months ago. Not only have they delivered, but they’ve also solidified themselves as Chicago’s refreshingly new balm to a sea of mediocrity and complacency. Their V-day party was brilliantly executed and hosted at Network Bar … Continue reading
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