Back in the summer of 1991, just before going into the seventh grade, I remember sitting over my friend, Naheemah's house watching music videos when I first saw TLC. Ain't Too Proud to Beg came on and I saw these petite twenty-somethings dancing around with their bold style in loud colors, all energizing my senses. They were young women with strong identities promoting self-esteem, safe-sex and of course just having fun. I immediately fell in love with TLC. They seemed like the cool older sisters that would be okay with their pre-teen little sister hanging out with them.
The items below are inspired by three of my favorite TLC music videos: Ain't Too Proud to Beg, What About Your Friends, but mainly Baby, Baby, Baby. The latter is my favorites of the faves! When I first saw that video I said, "I can't wait to go to college!" For the most part each video has similar elements: bright colors, some graffiti, big clothes, condoms, and suspenders. In Baby, Baby, Baby big dots, HBCU references, and fun colorful pieces also inspired what you see below.
Grambling State University sweatshirt. Can't forget those Africa medallions that can be seen throughout some of their videos. Well Stacked Mug in various bright colors. Diagonal Striped Suspenders. Gold hoop earrings. Cynthia Vincent for Target wedges in bright yellow. J.Crew Purple Tank. Splatter Paint Bongo Headphones. Jumb Polka Dots Tank. Good Wood Africa medallion. Ndeur hand painted graffiti shoes. Maripol plastic rings. Rag & Bone Classic Motorcycle Boots.
