Diddy Raises Symbolic Fist On The Catwalk During Black History Month
Sean "Diddy" Combs is a mess, that we know. The former Howard University brotha is also smart, shrewed and clearly conscious, returning to New York fashion Week Friday night with a runway show that's got everybody talking. The full-fledged over-the-top presentation began with the dramatic act of raising three chandeliers into the air at the upscale Cipriani club.
From there, it just got better. This season marks the 10th anniversary of Combs' Sean John label and he celebrated with mostly grown-up clothes, mostly suits, in fact, instead of the super-casual urban styles that have made the brand famous. Check out the models and the clothes under the hood. 
In his notes, Combs paid homage to the great African American designers who came before him, including Willi Smith, Patrick Kelly, Karl Kani, Byron Lars, Stephen Burrows, Patrick Robinson and Tracy Reese.
"My being here is a direct result of their hard word and dedication, which is such an inspiration. They never saw limits or boundaries, only possibilities," Combs wrote.
The all-black cast of models wore styles that actually translated many of the fall season's women's trends into menswear. Tyson Beckford closed with show in a boucle double-breasted jacket with fur trim.
The collection also included flashes of purple, sequins on otherwise casual sweaters, and asymmetrical jackets with exposed zipper details.
The hardest look for men to pull off would be the layers: half-length sweaters or blazers with long sweaters underneath worn with skinny pants. The key to the success probably lies with Combs himself. If he wears it - and gets his superstar friends to wear it - then it has a chance.
When Combs came out for his bow, though, he opted for a three-piece suit. [AP]