KOBE BRYANT’S STYLIST EXPLAINS RECENT SHOOT
THE FACTS
After being bombarded with criticism, the stylist for Kobe Bryant’s recent shoot with LA Times magazine speaks out.
THE SPIN
I know you know the type. They can be an accountant, a lawyer, a teacher, your favorite fryer at the carryout, or anyone with Internet access and a Web cam. Doesn’t matter what they do, but who they believe themselves to be. Unfortunately, a growing number of people think that they’re models. And so, they get their model on and ultimately post their best Naomi Campbell impersonation online to a resounding chorus of jeers.
You know, “Baby, that ain’t it.” Or the even more sinister, “Oooh, you should really look into modeling.”
No, you shouldn’t.
The most recent case is Kobe Bryant.
While I’m no Laker fan I admit that Kobe certainly is on the way to becoming one of the most celebrated basketball players of all-time (if not the most celebrated).
However, modeling ain’t for you, pimp, and tell your cousin on your payroll that brainwashed you into thinking this is a good side hustle for you to shut up and stay on the grill.
Or maybe I’m just hating (no, not really but let’s pretend).
The stylist for the shoot, James Valeri, had this to say about those of us talking slick about the shoot he styled:
On the negative reactions:
“The scarf picture and the hat picture were more to create an iconic image. When you do a portrait, you do think of the styling in how they’re going to be different and how they’re going to stand out. In 10 years time, or five years time, there has to be something particular or strange or different that will stand out. That image will stay in your mind. That’s how it’s going to become iconic. … A lot of people aren’t used to that, so when iconic pictures come out, they’re disturbing, insulting, fascinating, it has a strong feeling attached to it, good or bad.”
Oh ok. He still looks like Zoolander hits Arabia to me.
YOUR SPIN: What do you think of Kobe’s picture? Tell us here.
Image courtesy of bleacherreport.net
(*The views contained herein are solely the views of their respective authors, and do not express the views of TV One. TV One does not take responsibility for their content.)
I may get in trouble for saying this but homeboy looks emfeminate as hell!
No boo that is not it
No boo thats not it
He needs to stick with playing BB, modeling isn’t his cup of tea. He looks real scarry!!
Trully the results of not having a Father/Son relationship with his Father.
I’m gigglin’…..do i know you or what?Anyway I am not getting the image that this cat is trying to project for Kobe. He should be fired! This is not one of his best pix and the artist/idealist behind it is insane. He know that this is for his eyes only….Some people just cannot accept criticism. Kobe could do some modeling, just that this go ’round ain’t fittin’!
Forgive me for this, but what the hell?? Kobe looks like a groom dressed for a country wedding in the 30′s.
I agree, there is an effeminate vibe to the picture, and I hate it when men wear rags on their heads anyway. This look is not working.
wake up people! that’s kobe’s gay side, and there are a lot more like him! but he may be one that will never out himself:(
Rance, thank you! The first thing I thought was “drag queen!” LOL!
I’m going to leave this picture alone.
I’ve always thought Kobe was handsome, sexy, especially when he speaks in Italian. He has amazing bone structure. But, whatever this dude is selling, I sure ain’t buying. He looks freaky in those pics. Kinda scary lookin, if you know what I mean. LOL!!!
Oh. His gay side must be on the right. Maybe he should only take pictures posing left.
I saw several other pictures and got the concept of the photo shoot. The all white/black contrast. They photoshopped those pictures, making him appear darker and creating a more dramatic effect. I actually like the photos especially the arab/muslim concept of one, it was iconic because the first thing I thought of was Moor. But maybe that’s just my artist/photographer side talking.
Yeah, I will agree with the other people and say Kobe needs to stick to basketball.
I love Kobe!! However this is not a great picture.
Damn KOBE did u really let this stylist make u look like a damn fool it looks as if u have on way to much make-up sort of like a mixture between drag queen and when they make up the dead people PLEASE NO MORE PHOTO’S LIKE THIS especially wit this stylist.
I admit, I have not been on this webpage in a long time… however it was another joy to see It is such an important topic and ignored by so many, even professionals. I thank you to help making people more aware of possible issues.
HE LOOKS LIKE SINGER JERMAINE STEWART WHO DIED OF AIDS IN 1997…
I don’t care how they try to clean it up(for the sake of Kobes image and the stylist trying to keep his job) he still looks like a 2010 Amish drag queen.
That is some inspirational stuff. Never knew that opinions could be this varied. Thanks for all the enthusiasm to offer such helpful information here.
Me and my friend were arguing about an issue similar to this! Now I know that I was right. lol! Thanks for the information you post.
I admire what you maintain done here. I like the factor where you divulge you are doing this to come apart back but I would try on next to all the comments that this is working also in behalf of you as well.
Kobe.. I wish you would come back to Philly Please!!
He looks like Jeffrey Daniel from the group Shalamar and its not appealing for his persona
Don’t be haters of Kobe, the LAKERS nor the Stylist. He is an icon and he is UNIQUE people. Michael Jackson left an impression on us all, maybe not all of you agree with his sensibility beyond fashion but he left in many cases a mark of greatness because not only for his music and songwriting talent, and his ambition to give money to charities but because he danced to the beat of his own drum, ….including the way he wore his jacket, glove and anything else he decide was cool.
He looks like Paul J mooney in this picture , BUT I do think Kobe is very handsome, but this picture , rather the styling is off. Kobe was outstanding last year in his appearance in Italian Vouge for Men.
Kobe what the shit. what the hell did u allow these people dress u like that they should be smack. This picture make kobe look like miss j from america next model… Not cool.
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everybody has a bad picture im pretty but im not always photogenic kobes handsome pictures outway this one OMG did he look good in the pro mo pictures for a party he was scheduled to attend at the 2010 all star game and he’s not gay yall just wish he were hint hint stop hating!
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Great stuff as usual…
I enjoyed this. Where is your contact details though?