As a extra treat to my fab readers, Strictly Fab will now spill all of the juicy details of the luxurious Lexus Listening Lounges sponsored by the Lexus Luxury Awaits campaign.  Since I can’t be everywhere at once (even though I feel like I have to be!), Strictly Fab correspondents from around the globe will be provide nothing but the best in news and content.  Chicago correspondent Ishea Brown attended the Chi-town Lexus Listening Lounge last night.   Here’s the luxe report:

Sophisticated. Haute. Timeless. Seductive. These are just a few of the words being used to describe the Lexus Luxury Awaits campaign. Recently launched with hopes of becoming the premiere lifestyle, fashion, and luxury destination for consumers young and old, last night marked the kick-off of the Lexus Listening Lounge.  The Chicago crowd was treated to a night full of the lavish style Lexus is known for via the sleek sight of the new IS Convertible and soulful sounds of R&B crooners Hal Linton and Ryan Leslie.

A native of Barbados, Linton developed a love for music at an early age. After taking home four awards at the 2007 Barbados Music Awards (including song of the year for his hit single “Cardiac Arrest”) Linton ventured to New York with manager Teneille Doyle to continue developing his sound. Harboring the perfect mixture of charm, raw talent, and determination Linton caught the attention of Universal Motown President Sylvia Rhone and was signed to the label in October 2008. He has been featured in publications such as Essence and Vibe, more recently appearing as one of BET’s Rising Icons.

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Linton after his soulful performance and getting to know the man that’s quickly becoming a star.

Ishea Brown: First off, great performance. I love your sound.

Hal Linton: Thank you.

IB: How would you define your personal style?

HL: My personal style is definitely clean, minimalistic and accessorized.

IB: What are your must have accessories?

HL: Ray Bans and chains. I like to put stuff together, especially that means something. This chain has sand from my home country.

IB: Who are your top 3 style influences?

HL: I can’t say a person, but I love the Italian fashion. It’s almost like you stepped right off a yacht. It’s real breezy and easy going. It’s not restrictive at all. I love non restriction and for everything to fit.

IB: How would you say that your music influences your style?

HL: Well, my music is kind of fun, sexy and introspective in ways. A big thing for me when I perform music is I must feel comfortable. Comfort is always a major factor for me. I think the music makes me want to be comfortable. It makes me laidback and feel at ease. I think that influences my fashion for sure.

IB: Before you go on stage to perform are there any rituals that you do?

HL: I normally pace back and forth a lot. I just kind of psyche myself up; punch the air a little bit. It’s really like a prize fight in a lot of ways. In the new artist hustle no one knows you and you have to go up there and give them a good fight.

IB: If you weren’t singing what would you be doing?

HL: I’d definitely be doing film. I actually dropped out of film school to do music but I still have a very big love for film. It’s all kind of interconnected so I hope to get back there eventually.

IB: What’s the last movie you saw?

HL: Inglorious Basterds

IB: How was it?

HL: That was the most fantastic thing I’ve seen for the year. Tarantino did a movie, a real movie. I love Tarantino to death. I love the artsy, kind of pushing the envelope thing he does but this one was script. It was acting. It was plot. It was shot well and the story was beautiful, incredible.

IB: How does the Lexus Luxury Awaits campaign relate to your music and style?

HL: Come on, it’s Lexus! It’s sleek and it’s sexy. I think that’s a good reflection of what I’m trying to put out and what my music is about.

To find out more about Hal Linton visit his myspace or facebook page.

Ishea Brown is a native of Chicago, IL and has been writing since the age of 10. First appearing in Sister 2 Sister magazine in the mid 90s, Ishea continued to write throughout high school, frequently contributing material to the Chicago Defender. She is currently finishing her BS in Marketing Communications while working full-time for a Publishing Company in the downtown loop area. You can read more about her life in Chicago on her blog Six Twenty Seven at www.ishea.blogspot.com.

Keep it strictly stylish!