Gimme some skin - Afro-American entertainers wearing the latest leather and suede fashions

Gimme Some Skin!

ROYALTY We've always had titled stars in our music world: King, Count and Duke. Sophisticated ladies, too, who didn't lead bands, but always had bands - of loyal aficionados. Rap music has its own regal personages, and none is more royal than Queen Latifah. Raised in East Orange, New Jersey, by a schoolteacher mother, Queen Latifah (aka Dana Owens) bestowed the title on herself. In a few short years, however, she has earned her crown. In a field dominated by young males, Queen Latifah is one of the first females to make a place for herself at the top of the record charts, and she's done it with raps that carry strong messages about getting and using Black power. The sister doesn't hit a listener over the head with her words, but delivers them in clear, straightforward classic rap. An honest-to-Allah natural woman from the top of her African crown to the toes of her leather boots, Queen Latifah (in Arabic, her adopted name means "sensitive") is destined for a long reign. Her unique given name is a clue to the singularly spectacular voice and talent of D'Atra Hicks. Lucky theatergoers were moved to the edge of their seats when she unleashed her five-octave-range soprano in the long-running off-Broadway hit Mama I Want to Sing. D'Atra could take the play title for her own life's theme, but unlike the show's heroine, she faced no parental opposition to her childhood musical ambitions. In the tradition of our greatest rhythm-and-blues artists, she began singing in church (at age 4) and has never stopped. The play's worldwide tour introduced D'Atra to audiences in Europe and Japan, and like her American fans, they greeted her debut namesake album with cheers. Bronxborn D'Atra is one of the hardest workers in the business. She's known for the long hours she puts in, practicing her craft. And she does it without complaining. Ain't no stopping her now! Christopher Williams says he wants woman to "listen to the words" of his love songs, but that's asking a lot. Too many of the sister are too busy sighing, whistling and barking when Williams is onstage. No telling what they do when they listen to his romantic, positive songs in the privacy of their own homes. Williams, who hails from Harlem, is uncontestably a major hunk - and may well be able to carry his good looks and talents into major movie roles. But he's also a smooth and arresting balladeer, a crooner in the best sense of the word. His smooth baritone appeals to listeners across the board, and that's more than understandable when you learn that the incomparable Ella Fitzgerald is really, trully his aunt. "She's my grandfather's sister," Williams reveals. And a sweet inspiration. Their sound is a kind of a capella history of all the music we've ever made. Listen, and you'll hear gospel, jazz, rock, pop, blues. The strongest strain, though, is gospel, and Take 6 has taken that music to places it's never been. Like to the contemporary jazz chart, as back-up for the era's top vocalists - Stevie Wonder, Stephanie Mills, Johnny Mathis, Anita Baker - and as an opening act for Al Jarreau. Among their fans is music producer Quincy Jones who says, "They've got it all together musically. Simply put, they're bad." Woven through their six rich voices and close, intricate harmony is a deep, abiding commitment to Christianity. The Nashville-based group grew out of the informal singing of four students at Seventh Day Adventist - run Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama. They originally called themselves Alliance. All the group's current members have completed college, and two have advanced degrees in music theory. Take 6's music, performances and lives remain grounded in spirituality. Take 6, left to right, are Cedric Dent, Mervyn Warren, David Thomas, Mark Kibble, Claude V. McKnight, III, and Alvin Chea. And the winner is . . . Milira Jones! That was the announcement one hot summer night at the famed Apollo Theatre Amateur Night two years ago when a stunning, Manhattan-born teenager with a powerful voice swept the audience away. That triumph eventually led to Milira being signed as the first artist for the brand-new Apollo Theatre Records label, which Motown will distribute. Milira has won fans with her versatile voice - she handles rhythm and blues, pop, jazz and gospel with equal ease. On her first, self-titled album, she also pays tributes to Motown great Marvin Gaye with her own stirring rendition of "Mercy, Mercy Me." A professional backup gospel singer since she was ll, Jones is a dynamo we'll be seeing and hearing lots from for years to come.

The world of rap is crowded with homeboys from Brooklyn and Queens, New York, who swagger and boast about their abilities to get over. But the one who has proven, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that he can stand (or sit or take the stage) and deliver is Big Daddy Kane. This rapper's brooding magnetism, street smarts, smooth style and exceptional rapping, writing and dance talents have taken him straight to the top. His hit song tells it: "I work. I get the job done!" That refrain often intercepts Arsenio's monologue. On one appearance early this year, he demanded - and got - the same kind of backdrop given to the show's nonrap stars, rather than the gaudy set, complete with giant boom boxes, that had originally been planned. Look for him in the film biography Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones. The camera seems to be captivated by Kane's handsome features. It sees what legions of fans have always seen: He's got the power.

CARING FOR LEATHER AND

SUEDE

Leather and suede garments can look beautiful and stay supple for many years if you take good care of them. Here's how: Buying * Feel the skin to judge its quality - the best ones are soft and supple, rather than brittle and stiff. * Smell the skin. It should have the natural scent of a hide, not a chemical or artificial odor. * Look for marking and grain lines in leather. Higher-quality leather has fewer imperfections and thus a lighter finish, so the natural markings show through. * Check to see that the dye used in the leather or suede doesn't rub off on your hand. Bright colors can have a tendency to fade, and even professional cleaning won't revive the color. * Subtle variations in shade are acceptable with suede because of its natural properties. * Although leather does stretch, buy the right size. When skins are let out, the original stitch marks will show. * Look for the same quality in construction you would expect in a cloth garment. Turn the garment inside out to check the seams, which should be smooth with no puckers and pressed flat. Cross seams should match at the armhole and crotch. The garment's shoulders should fit yours and not slip or slide. All pleats, gathers, vents and tucks should hand evenly, without a ripple. The garment should be lined because this ensures a good fit and relieves stress on the outer garment. Topstitching on pockets, cuffs and collars should be unbroken, and darts should be sewn in securely. Storing * Never store suede or leather in a plastic bag, because these skins need to breath and plastic prevents this. (It can also dry out and discolor the skin.) Instead, store in a cloth garment bag or cover with a sheet. Even a simple white paper cover (tissue paper works) over the shoulders will keep dust off the garment. * Store in a cool place, away from heat or direct sunlight. * Never store soiled or damp garments because they collect bacteria and mold that can ruin the skin. * Use contoured wooden or plastic hangers because they help maintain the shape of the garment better than wire hangers. Cleaning * Always use professional cleaners who know how to give the specialized treatment that leather and suede require. * Don't clean too frequently. Jeanette Nostra, vice-president of Siena, a division of G-III Leather Apparel, Ltd., in New York, suggests spot-cleaning with commercial products that are formulated to protect and preserve leather and suede and to extend the life of a garment. When using one of these products, first do a spot, or patch, test on the reverse side of the garment. If there are no spots or rings on the skin after 24 hours, the product is safe to use on the outside of the garment. Suedes, which are more delicate, may require professional cleaning. Nostra says that if and when a suit is cleaned, both pieces should be cleaned at the same time because the process often results in subtle changes in color. * For between-cleaning maintenance, revive suede with a soft brush. For leather, wipe with a clean, damp cloth. Other helpful hints * If your leather garment gets wet, let it dry at room temperature - never next to a radiator. To eliminate wrinkles, cover garment with brown paper and press, using low heat. * Don't carry heavy objects in your pocket; it stretches the skin. * Don't let a newspaper rub against your leather or suede because the newsprint will quickly soil it. * If the hem is falling, reglue it with rubber cement only; other glues may damage the skin. * Wearing a scarf can help prevent neckline stains from hair oil. With special attention, leather and suede will seldom need professional cleaning and can last a long, long time.

PHOTO : Suede dress, DaHLIA Courture. African crown, Martel Fashion for Primitive Boutique. Earrings, R.J. Graziano. Necklace, Henrik Bang. Gloves, Carlos Falchi. Leggings, Hue Hosiery. Shoes, The Frye Co.

PHOTO : On Hicks: Slim-fitted leather dress with cutout, Vakko Leather Fashions, Inc. Earrings, Imani at Mart 125. Bracelet, Kris Ruhs. Ring, Touba Jewelry at Mart 125. Hosiery, Hanes Silk Reflections. Shoes, Stuart Weitzman. Draped fabric, Craft Caravan. On Williams: Alpaca and wool double-breasted coat and pleated pants, Sabato Russo. Shirt, Bradley Bayou. Hat, Medina. Eyeglasses, Renaissance Eyewear. Pendants, Imani at Mart 125. Belt, Do It Girl! Shoes, Allen-Edmonds.

PHOTO : On Dent: Maxi-length coat, matsuda. Shirt and baggy pants, Heaven On Earth. Hat, Quida Wyatt. Eyeglasses, Renaissance Eyewear. Neckpiece, Imani at mart 125. Belt, Do it Girl! Watch, Perry Ellis Watches. Socks, E. G. Smith. Shoes, Allen Edmonds. On Warren: Zip-front jacket with drawstring hem, Andrew Marc. Shirt, Heaven On Earth. Neckpiece, Imani at Mart 125. Socks, E.G. Smith. Shoes, G.H. Bass & Co. On Thomas: Jacket, shirt, Heaven On Earth. Pants, Sabato Russo. Pendant, Imani at Mart 125. Socks, E.G. Smith. Shoes, G.H. Bass & Co. On Kibble: Suede jacket, shirt, Heaven On Earth. Pants, Matsuda. Eye-glasses, Renaissance Eyewear. Neckpiece, Imani at Mart 125. Socks, E.G. Smith. Shoes, G.H. Bass & Co. On McKnight: Jacket with fringed sleeve and front, Mirage Men. Shirt and baggy pants, Heaven On Earth. Eyeglasses, Renaissance Eyewear, Neckpiece, Imani at Mart 125. Socks, E.G. Smith. Shoes, Allen Edmonds. On Chea: Maxi-length suede trench coat, Matsuda Shirt, baggy pants, tie, Heaven On Earth Belt, Do It Girl Socks, E.G. Smith. Shoes, Allen Edmonds.

PHOTO : Milira Jones's double-breasted leather jacket, bustier and slim skirt, Cherte at ADK Fashions, Inc. Earrings, Reine Pokou. Necklace. M.& J. Hasen. Bracelets, KOmplementez by MIsha and Craft Caravan. Stockings, Hanes Silk Reflections. kane's fringed jacket, M. julian. Shirt, Zylos/George Machado. Pants, North beach Leather. kente Scarf, Craft Caravan.

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COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group