Talk of the Tents

By Mark La Monica

With that cream cashmere overcoat, I'd be walking like a panther. With that anthracite suede trench coat, I'd be bigger and deffer.

Whether the fabric is rayon, silk or maybe even denim, it really doesn't matter as long as I'm in 'em.

LL Cool J debuted his new clothing line today in an extremely cool atmosphere at The Carlton Hotel on Madison Avenue. The line is called Todd Smith, two-thirds of his real name, and it's jingling baby.

After sipping champagne, loungin' and schmoozing with a few around the way girls because I need love, I decided it was time to meet the man who will rock the bells for future entertainers looking to branch out into fashion.

I somehow talked my way into a sit-down interview with J, and I brought along my peoples - Journalista friend Lauren and Fashion friend Anne. How I pulled this one off I'm still not sure, but I eliminate punks and cut 'em up in chunks because I'm bad. Or maybe I'm just something like a phenomenon.

An LL Cool J gathering is more my style than any of these other fashion shows. I grew up in Pumas and Kangols.

In this session, we're No. 4 on J's list of interviews. Everyone will have already asked the same questions. Nothing we can do about that, but J and I both understand the same thing: he wants the pub and we want to give it to him. However, I'm the type of guy who won't waste an opportunity. I immediately started thinking of what ridiculous thing I could ask at the end to make us stand out at the end of the day when J and his boys are hanging out reviewing the day.

Style TV, print reporters and NY1 took their turns. Clearly no one there has even thought about asking anything different.

Uh oh, we're up. Should I ask why none of the models are wearing bamboo earrings (at least two pair) and a Fendi bag? Nah, too cliche.

It's readily apparent that J is genuinely a nice guy. Sure he has to be that today considering he's doin' it, doin' it and doin' it well with his new clothing line. But still. It's refreshing.

We ask questions, he answers them. J makes it a point to explain that this is Todd Smith's clothing and that it has nothing to do with LL Cool J, rap music or anything like that. One look at his gear and you'll see he's correct.

It's a smart business move for J. His persona will garner plenty of initial publicity and create a huge buzz, but eventually if his design concept remains true, the distinction between LL Cool J and Todd Smith will exist peacefully in people's minds and closets.

I ask J a question about his clothes and suggest I was going to steal that cream cashmere overcoat. He laughs and talks about the coat, the fabrics and designs.

Here's my chance!

"So, you're basically the new Cut Creator," I said.

J does that half head-turn people do when they're stunned by greatness. He gives a genuine laugh, points his finger at me and says, "That's funny."

Don't call it a comeback, I've been here for years!

We wrap up the interview and thank him for his time. I extend a handshake as is customary with my interview subjects. He obliges and then I say, "LL, you're going to answer the same questions all day, but you know no one else will call you the next Cut Creator."

"You're right."

Go Cut Creator go.

(Note: For those not in the know, Cut Creator was the DJ on LL Cool J's early albums.)