A Sneak Peek at Daniele Tamagni's New Book on Fresh Global Street Style

So I'm in a hotel in Milan waiting on my room service and procrastinating.

The purpose of my impromptu last minute train ride from Rome to here was for me to get myself focused and finish a book I started the last time I was here, Kofi Goes to Rome. What with The Harlem Book Fair & some book signings and thangs in New York a week or two ago, I just haven't gotten my mind settled enough to buckle down and just knock the thing out.

Then my photographer homie Daniele Tamagni mentioned the other day on Facebook that he had the proof for his upcoming book on global style, Fashion Tribes (in English)/Global Style Battles (in French) and I figured I'd just make my way on over to Milan to check on him and what he's got going on and try to meet some deadlines.

I did one of those things well today.

Unfortunately I don't speak a lick of French, so I have no idea what the foreword by Rosario Dawson and Abrima Erwiah says at the beginning. I DO know the images are dynamic & brilliant and each tells a visual story. I was only too happy to hear a few of the back narratives from the guy who took the photos.

Here are some of my favorite shots:
But first, a couple of things to know--
-the images span several countries, including South Africa, Senegal, Botswana & Cuba.
-Daniele focused on style as communication and self expression, as well as underground cultures.

"These guys spend so much money on European clothes trying to impress girls.
It's a social status thing."

The Flying Cholitas

"There's a whole underground culture of black rockers in Africa."

"I like the idea of elegance and grace in a rude sport."

(his photography work featured in Marie Claire)

just dope.

*my personal fav*
hell, why don't we go ahead and link to Solange's video that Daniele was on set for.
It IS the jam, after all.
my jam.
and it's late, so i can procrastinate even more by having a dance break.

One thing that struck me was the obvious relationship between Daniele and each individual he photographed. I don't think it's an easy feat--to capture a moment, whether unexpected or planned, in such a way that it doesn't seem, look or feel forced.

 "How do you do it?" I asked him. "How do you manage to capture such intimate, authentic moments without compromising them with your presence?"

"I don't do casting calls. I just catch the moment. In a few seconds I can see what I want. I don't want to ever force it. I go to a place and spend time there."

Daniele's book is available for pre-order here and set to be released in the next month or two.

And if you love these images, some are available as prints. Just ask if you're interested.