MCM : Cognac Viseto

What is a COGNAC VISETO?

MCM continues to place personalized brass plates with a unique number engraved on each of its products to this day.

MCM continues to place personalized brass plates with a unique number engraved on each of its products to this day.

MCM leather goods generated a resurgence in popular culture and below is a brief look into MCM and its ostentatious beginnings. MCM originally stood for Michael Cromer München , the creator of the brand, founded in 1976 in Munich, Germany. It penetrated the minds of forward thinkers and fashion forward individuals in the 1980s for its flashy patterns and in your face demeanor. To minimize MCM to its signature pattern would be demeaning, in fact MCM has turned itself into a brand that represents almost regal/progressive thinking while undeniably connecting with hip-hop and fashion's ever changing dynamic.

In the early 90's, amidst cult like popularity MCM Owner Cromer was investigated for tax evasion and eventually lost his 250 million company. Investors were not convinced that Cromer could regenerate profitability and MCM was split up and eventually all rights were acquired by a South Korean retail business that can be credited with its 2000's success. The term "modern-classic" comes to mind when thinking of MCM , penetrating that unique place where brands lie that can transcend decades of change. 

So back to the headline what exactly is a Cognac Viseto?

Cognac Visetos : MCM Brand Signature Logo

Cognac Visetos : MCM Brand Signature Logo

Cognac Visetos is MCM's brand’s signature logo which at a glance looks like a person squatting with wings, but is actually a laurel wreath which signifies the ethos of MCM , as a company true to honor and constant evolution.

Below is a gallery of the varied adoration for MCM...

So next time you see that MCM bag you can have a little more information on the history and if you already have a product you have short context on what you are repping...

"LET THE COLTRANE PLAY..."

Don't Sweat the Technique : GOLD GRILLZ

Tiger Flowers, first African American middleweight boxing champion.

Tiger Flowers, first African American middleweight boxing champion.

In present day America gold teeth and hip hop culture go hand in hand. Have you ever wondered where this sense of style or status originated. Researching several versions of the origin of Gold Teeth I believe if not the originator the Etruscan women of Tuscany were among the first group to sport what we would now call grillz, golds, fronts or in South Florida "Walls". 

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The Etruscans lived in Italy inhabiting what we now call the region of Tuscany—from around 800 BC to 200 BC. They would eventually be conquered by the Roman Empire and much of their history lie in researching tombs and graves. Archaeologists found documentation of around 20 sets of teeth woven with golden wire. The earliest of these artifacts date back to the seventh century BC.

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Etruscan women were among the first group of people to wear gold teeth for status. "Certain high-status Etruscan women deliberately had their front teeth removed in order to be fitted with a gold band appliance holding a replacement, or reused, tooth" This was not considered medical so this procedure was never done by a dentist, it was always a goldsmith for adornment. 

It is safe to say that since 800 BC gold grills have been seen as symbol of wealth and prosperity. Hip Hop / popular culture have been paying homage subconsciously. Below are a few impressive grills paying homage to the BC status statement.

Jack Johnson, first African American heavyweight boxing champion.

Jack Johnson, first African American heavyweight boxing champion.

Elderly woman from Turkmenistan.

Elderly woman from Turkmenistan.

Sean Carter aka Jay Z, music mogul and entrepreneur.

Sean Carter aka Jay Z, music mogul and entrepreneur.

Elderly man from Tajikistan. "LET THE COLTRANE PLAY..."

Elderly man from Tajikistan.

 

"LET THE COLTRANE PLAY..."

BANKSY : Three Fun Facts

ENIGMATIC / ECCENTRIC / EFFERVESCENT

BANKSY%$@?

1. He once created the opening Couch Reel on 'The Simpons'. #MILHOUSErocks

2. He receieved an Oscar nomination for his 2010 documentary entitled, ‘Exit Through the Gift Shop‘. #WhereIstheEXIT

The first film by renowned graffiti artist Banksy, became the hottest ticket at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival where it made its world debut.

3. THIS MIGHT BE HIM! 

1959. imma let you finish, but Basquiat had...

#GoDoBe