“It all starts with the shoes,” explains Taboo, whose birth name is Jamie Gomez. “I think about color coordination … the shoes are what really makes an outfit for me.”
An aficionado since his first pair of Air Jordans, Taboo lends his magnetic charm and creative talents to Jump footwear to create a fashion-forward men’s collection.
“The reason I chose to do a shoe line is because I’ve always been inspired by hip-hop music and hip-hop culture. Shoes, chains, hats and accessories have always been a big part of hip-hop fashion,” says Taboo.
The collection’s futuristic look, inspired by the popular cyber movie Tron, is reminiscent of ’80s B-boy gear. The Taboo Deltah 3008 combines style, function and versatility in a non-athletic sneaker. Shoe enthusiasts can enjoy four different styles choosing between low tops, mid tops and high tops with brilliant color waves. “You have to be confident and comfortable in your own skin when you’re rocking crazy colors or different patterns on your shoes, Taboo admits. “It’s OK to go against the norm when expressing yourself.”
Unlike his previously released Deluxe line with price points of $168 to $298, the TD3008 collection is more affordable, starting at $65. The colorful assortment of sneakers can be found at FootAction, taboodeltah.com and jumpcorp.com.
Ladies, don’t fret, Taboo has heard your cries for a women’s line and he will not disappoint. The equally fresh and funky women’s collection launches in February 2011. Also scheduled for February release is Taboo’s new autobiography, Fallin’ Up: My Story. The book’s title pays homage to their first album, Behind the Front in which “Fallin’ Up” was the debut single.
The Black Eyed Peas’ new album, The Beginning, drops this month with “beats that are harder and faster,” says Taboo. The Black Eyed Peas recently won their second AMA and continue to top the charts with hit singles like, “I Gotta Feeling” that spent 27 weeks at number one. –amyr heard
Personal Style Profile:
Fave locales for shopping: Japan (No. 1 place for fashion), China, Italy, London and New York City
Fave stores: Rick Owens, Gucci, H. Lorenzo and Traffic
Top 5 songs in Taboo’s playlist (in order): Music Soulchild – “Better Man”; Michael Jackson – “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You”; Earth Wind and Fire – “Fantasy“; Prince – “Adore”; and Steve Wonder – “As”
Boxers or briefs: Boxers
One word that describes his style: Magnetic
