Bleu Magazine Issue 40- Rotimi

THE BEST OF ISSUE

I M I T O R

40

M Y NA K E D TRU T H ™

Dwyane Wade in our Luxury Loungewear

I we󰇧󰇧󰇧󰇧 󰇧󰇧󰇧 󰇧󰇧e󰇧󰇧󰇧󰇧󰇧 󰇧󰇧󰇧󰇧 󰇧󰇧󰇧 󰇧󰇧󰇧󰇧e󰇧󰇧󰇧󰇧󰇧󰇧 The smile, the emotion you see on the court, that’s real. That’s the authentic me. Underneath it all, I want the freedom to do my own thing. To be who I want. The best me. Because you don’t ask to be a role model, it just happens.

That’s my Naked Truth™ – what’s yours? # mynakedtruth

THE FREEDOM TO BE YOU wearnaked.com

Available at

Issue 38

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Issue 40

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MA1 Bomber $60

#WEAREUSA

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MAGAZINE

T W E N T Y F O U R

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S E V E N

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S T Y L E

“91 /100” - W INE ENT HUSIAST

“DANGEROUSLY EASY TO DRINK...

THREE OF US ALMOST FINISHED THE BOTTLE IN ONE SITTING; THAT’S HOW DELICIOUS IT WAS” - Crafted Magazin e

“COMPULSIVELY DELICIOUS” - THE POUR FOOL

CONTENTS

13

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

14

CONTRIBUTORS

15

EDITOR’S LETTER

16

IT’S ME, IT’S YOU, IT’S BLEU

18

THE 20

20

GADGETS

22

CAR

24

TREND AVE

28

BODY

30

GROOMING

32

FUEL

40

TRAVEL

44

FASHION

Cheers To The Cool Kids!

Best Of Tech Round Up

Best In Class

Bulking Properly Spa Day At Heyday

Pour It Up Culinary Comfort Zones Just Add Water...

About Town

“People are working 40 hours a week to be average. You need to be working 50+ to be better; I always say, ‘Push yourself.’“ ROTIMI

blazer STEPHEN F turtleneck sweater SOULLAND pants G-STAR hat GOORIN BROS. braclet GILES & BROTHER PHOTOGRAPHY BY NAJ WAREHAM

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MAGAZINE

WE FOCUS ON HIV TO HELP YOU FOCUS ON

TODAY

Ask your doctor if a medicine made by Gilead is right for you.

onepillchoices.com © 2015 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. UNBC1839 03/15

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CONTENTS 48

WINTER GIFT GUIDE

52

THE CREATIVES

56

OP-ED

66

FEATURE

68

FASHION

76

FEATURE

78

THE HUMANS

84

FASHION

92

SPOTLIGHT

94

SCORE

96

BLEU LIST

97

98

Winter Must-Haves

Bradley Theodore: Painting Beauty In An Ugly World In With The New...

Elvis Nolasco: Embracing And Invested Winter Bleus Devin Tracy

Street State Of Mind Vibrant Sea / We Belong Here

Utah Jazz Power Forward Derrick Favors

ICON

Janet Jackson: Your Favorite’s Favorite

STOCKIST

jacket STEPHEN F shirt SOULLAND pants G-STAR braclet GILES & BROTHER PHOTOGRAPHY BY NAJ WAREHAM

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MAGAZINE

ROTIMI | 58 ROTIMI AKINOSHO A MAN OF MANY TALENTS

BLEUMAGAZINE.COM @BLEUMAGAZINE

FA S H I O N | H E A LT H | C U LT U R E ENTERTAINMENT | ART

MASTHEAD

On the cover ROTIMI words by KISHON SPRINGER photography by NAJ WAREHAM styling by RONI FRANÇOIS & MARCUS RIGGS styling assistance by AIESHA BROWN grooming by GARY DICKSON ROTIMI COVER SHOT: jacket, shirt, tie STEPHEN F hat GOORIN BROS.

TEAM BLEU

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR GUEST EDITOR

THE BLEULIFE GROUP

DÉVON CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON CHRIS LAW

CHAIRMAN, CEO & PRESIDENT DÉVON CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON

ART & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER COPY EDITOR GRAPHIC DESIGN

CARLTON J. BROWN ERICA VAIN ANDREW HORTON DOMINIC BIELAK

DEPUTY EDITOR

JAMIE TONGE

FASHION EDITOR EUROPE FASHION EDITOR FASHION MARKET COORDINATOR FASHION ASSISTANT

RONI FRANÇOIS SEAN AZEEZ MARCUS RIGGS IDRIS GOODEN

OFFICE COORDINATOR DESIGN ASSISTANT

GARY DICKSON JESSICA GUSMEROTTI

AD SALES

TODD EVANS

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RIVERNDELL MEDIA 908.232.2021 SALES & MARKETING COORDINATOR 318.458.7200 AKEEM@BLEULIFE.COM

EDITORIAL TEAM RAYMOND MORA KISHON SPRINGER DORIELLE JACKSON

EDRIC ROBINSON YISREAL RICHARDSON BRIAN CAMACHO

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS GROOMING SPORTS FITNESS FOOD & DINING ALCOHOL & SPIRITS

RANDY REED ANGEL QUILES DAVON LIVINGSTON CLIFFORD HUNT II ADONIS FRANK

EDITOR-AT-LARGE

LENOX MAGEE

FASHION EDITORS-AT-LARGE

APUJE KALU, ALISHA CRUTCHFIELD

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

MELVIN OCASIO, MIKELLE STREET

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

PATRICK DOMOND, NAJ WARHAM, JAMIE MAGNIFICO, ALEJANDRO GARCIA, BROOKE MASON, VINCENT DOLMAN, CHRIS PIERCE, RODNEY GIBSON, GEORGE ROSE

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EBONY ALLISON, GLAMO, TANYKA RENEE, CATAANDA J, LONDON BURNS, MATIA PEEBLES, CORINNE CUTTINO, CHRYSTAL MILLER

INTERNS

GLADYS MEDAGLIA, AIESHA BROWN, CAMERON KING

INTEGRATED BRAND PARTNERSHIPS

KIM J. FORD BRAND WHISPERER 973.580.4476 KFORD@BRAND-WHISPERER.COM

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

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LEGAL & BUSINESS AFFAIRS

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BLEU MAGAZINE 500 7TH AV, 17TH FLOOR NEW YORK, NY 10018 INFO@BLEULIFE.COM

Bleulife Media & Entertainment Inc. | 119 West 24th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10011 | E-Mail: info@bleulife.com | Online: bleulife.com Printed in Canada. Opinions expressed by advertisers, columnists, feature writers or other contributors are not necessarily the opinions of Bleu Magazine or its staff.

All advertisements, photographs, text or illustrations are published with the understanding that the advertisers are fully authorized to have secured proper consent for the use thereof. Bleu Magazine shall not be held responsible for any errors, loss, expense or liabilities on advertisements accepted after the deadline. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or advertisement in Bleu Magazine is not to be constructed as an indication of sexual orientation of such persons, advertiser or organization. Partial or complete reproduction of an advertisement, news article, feature or photograph from Bleu Magazine is strictly prohibited as Bleu Magazine is a registered trademark. A $25 or 1.5% (whichever is greater) fee will be charged for all NSF checks. All rights reserved.

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MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

What's wrong with the world, mama?

People livin' like they ain't got no mamas.

I think the whole world addicted to the drama, Only attracted to things that'll bring you trauma.

Overseas, yeah, we try to stop terrorism But we still got terrorists here livin'.

In the USA, the big CIA, The Bloods and The Crips and the KKK. But if you only have love for your own race Then you only leave space to discriminate And to discriminate only generates hate...

“Where Is the Love?” The Black Eyed Peas

The more you know, you realize the more you have to learn.

There is nothing constant but change. Today becomes yesterday and tomorrow disappears before we know it. The year 2015 started full of promise and optimism. The economy was bouncing back, unemployment was down and tourism was exploding. We even thought we had a stronghold in the war against terror.

Then the Paris attacks happened. Everything wonderful was erased by fear and anxiety. The world became smaller as we fixated on the nightly news, watching the manhunt for those responsible for shaking the world up.

Doesn’t everyone want peace? History says no. There have been wars for centuries over land, gold, religion and race.

Perhaps human nature is to not want peace. Those who assume there should be, are none the wiser. The past and present have already showed the worst of us. The future has to be better. We owe it to the past to make tomorrow better than today.

Where is the love? What is the future?

@devonisbleu

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CONTRIBUTORS

Mikelle Street is a Manhattan-based writer focused mostly on fashion, art and culture. His work has appeared in publications such as Teen Vogue, Details, Essential Homme and i-D. He is also a contributing editor for Maxim Magazine.

Idris Gooden Idris has always been intrigued by edgy styling and the creativity behind a designer’s vision. He grew up on Long Island but was influenced by NYC street style and attitude. He started his visual merchandising career with Forever21 when he moved to Brooklyn and became an interior mannequin specialist.

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Gladys is a full-time student and photographer based in New York City. She is a senior at the Fashion Institute of Technology, pursuing a degree in Photography and Art History. She specializes in architectural and commercial photography. After graduating, she wishes to continue to work in the magazine industry with the ultimate goal of becoming a creative director. She’s inspired by the works of commercial and editorial photographers Cig Harvey and Stephen Wilkes.

@gladysmedagliaphoto

Gladys Medaglia

Aiesha Brown Aiesha is a fashion & PR intern here at BLEU. Aiesha is currently studying Fashion Merchandise Management at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She has a love for the fashion industry. She hopes one day to become a celebrity stylist as well as a fashion designer.

Aiesha is also interested in becoming a certified make up artist (MUA).

Juwan Williams Born and raised in Daytona Beach, Florida, Juwan felt that it was time to break away from the mold and chase his dreams. At age 20, he moved to New York City to persure his dream to become a writer. He is currently studying to earn a Bachelor’s degree majoring in Journalism. Now at 21, he is full of ambition channeling his entrepreneur spirit in hopes to tap into different industries in the New York City area.

@xosyncity

Mikelle Street

@mikellestreet

Originally from southern Vermont, Magnifico has made his home in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, where he constantly creates and develops stunning, high-end fashion photographs. He is influenced by classic beauty and creates radiant images with dynamic compositions.

Each of his carefully crafted products illustrates the care and passion he puts into his creation. Using a perfectionist eye and high-end technical ability, he gives us distinguished images.

@jamiemagnifico

Jamie Magnificao

EDITOR’S LETTER

Future and Drake’s mixtape What A Time To Be Alive is a statement that accurately depicts this year.

There’s been so much that’s gone on this year--both good and bad. On one hand, the Black Lives Matter movement was inspired from racial injustices and police brutality throughout the country. We met one of the first transgender celebrities, Caitlyn Jenner. We saw the return of legends like Janet Jackson. We saw an Emmy Award go to Viola Davis and we saw shows like Empire and Power dominate the airwaves.

Social media continues to be both a place of entertainment and a credible news source.

Guest editing an issue for BLEU has been in the works for a long time. I have always been a fan of the magazine and what it stands for. From helping to conceptualize the stories and editorials, to writing and helping to style the cover, I wanted to make sure I was hands-on with this issue.

Considering the fact that this issue is the BEST OF issue, we focused on stories, artists and ideas that represent this amazing time we are currently living in. Whether it’s an upcoming artists, the dopest car or the best way to groom your beard, this issue is packed full of amazing stories, visuals and features.

We chose Rotimi for the cover because he embodied so many attributes. These days, doing more than one thing is not only admired but applauded. BLEU is well-known for featuring talent before it blows up and this issue was no exception to that precedent. Rotimi was a joy to work with and we know that his future is looking rather bright.

So for now, sip your favorite drink, get a comfortable seat and tear into this issue.

@fresherthanchris

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IT’S ME, IT’S YOU, IT’S BLEU

Power 105.1 Powerhouse 2015 Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York October 22nd, 2015

5.

Stars were out in full force at Power 105.1’s Powerhouse 2015 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. Some of today’s top recording artists including Kendrick Lamar, Future, Big Sean, Fetty Wap, Meek Mill, Jeremih, Jidenna and Omarion performed some of their greatest hits at the biggest hip-hop and R&B concert of the year. A special appearance was also made by NY Jets wide receiver Devin Smith.

Photo by Mike Coppola

6.

1.

1. Members of the Breakfast Club, Charlamagne Tha God, Angela Yee, and DJ Envy

Photo by Johnny Nunez

Photo by Mike Coppola

7.

2.

2. NFL wide receiver Devin Smith 3. Singer/ songwriter Omarion 4. DJ Prostyle 5. Artist Jidenna 6. Rapper Kendrick Lamar 7. DJ Esco

Photo by Mike Coppola

Photo by Bennett Raglin

8.

3.

8. Rapper Future 9. Rapper Big Sean

Photo by Mike Coppola

4.

Photo by Mike Coppola

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MAGAZINE

Photo by Bennett Raglin

9.

Photo by Bennett Raglin

Limited Edition Alchemist Miami X #Heineken100 Lux Candles Miami, Florida November 19th, 2015 Roma Cohen hosted the retail launch event for the new #Heineken100 X Alchemist collaboration at his Alchemist Miami store. The two brands partnered on a limited edition “six-pack” of custom handmade candles, which will be seeded to 100 influencers. This is the very first time in the #Heineken100’s six-year history that the program has expanded into home goods.

All Images by Team Epiphany.

Photo by Heineken

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THE 20

Cheers to the Cool Kids!

We rounded up our favorite social media stars and up-and-comers of 2015 and predicted big things for all of them in 2016. There’s no ranking; they’re all pretty dope, so make sure to follow along. Here are our picks for musicians, fitness trainers, fashion brands and street art.

MUSIC

| SZA |

| BRYSON TILLER |

| POST MALONE |

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STACY-ANN ELLIS

| TORY LANEZ |

| FATHER |

FITNESS

| JONATHAN COYLE | 18

MAGAZINE

| JONATHAN COLEMAN |

| LAIS DELEON |

| LYZABETH LOPEZ |

| KYLE CLARKE |

FASHION BRANDS

| PALACE |

| BRAIN DEAD |

| COKEMAGIC |

| MIDNIGHT STUDIOS |

| STONE ISLAND |

STREET ART

| AAKASH NIHALANI |

| MARK POWELL |

| SWOON |

| MISS ME ART |

| C215 |

Issue 40

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GADGETS

BEST OF TECH ROUND UP

Up until relatively recently, technology in the forms of wearables, virtual reality, drones and self-driving cars only existed in fiction. Ray Bradbury mentions a society obsessed with communication via “the digital wall” while Kubrick’s 2001 A Space Odyssey details an iPad-like screen device used by its characters. Back to the Future, ironically, details drones and the ability to pay with mobile devices (before those even existed). So in an age where new technology and innovations are literally being invented every second, who or what will decide what is worth our attention? This list compiles some of the best tech that caught our attention this year.

WORDS BY JESSICA GUSMEROTTI

everyday The Wocket Wallet Wocket Wallet is a smart wallet that eliminates the need to carry around multiple cards because it does it for you. The information of thousands of cards can be stored on one WocketCard that uses advanced security to keep information protected. Think of it as an electronic vault for your most personal information that is encoded with biometric security which needs a PIN or voice recognition to verify its use. What differentiates Wocket Wallet from other digital wallets is that it works alone without relying on a smartphone, app or internet connection--meaning you can use it literally anywhere and at any time. $179.99

EVERNOTE Evernote is an app made for daily use that anyone--from college students to business execs--can use to keep their lives on track. Its capabilities include writing, collecting content, communicating and presenting. Evernote app offers three versions: basic (free), plus ($24.99/yr) and premium ($49.99/yr). Memberships are differentiated by price and extra add-ons including storage space and the ability to access information offline.

Free, $24.99, $49.99

health + fitness The Mondaine Helvetica No. 1 What is possibly the best looking wearable in history? The Mondaine Helvetica No. 1 Smart boasts Swiss-made quality and a beautiful classic design, but there is more than meets the eye to this timepiece. The Mondaine not only tracks your usual fitness activity such as steps, calories and distances, but it also offers sleep-tracking features as well. It uses MotionX technology (the same used by Jawbone and Nike Wearables) in combination with the Horological Smartwatch Open Platform app to show you data files and allow connectivity with social media apps as well. $850.00

RUNKEEPER Runkeeper is an all-encompassing app that does a lot more than just keep track of running progress. Runkeeper will reward users for reaching their fitness goals with incentives from brands like Saucony and New Balance. The app also offers routes, workouts, goal coaching, motivational challenges and workout comparisons to keep you on the go. Let the Runkeeper DJ create a soundtrack for your workout. Runkeeper is user-friendly and goal oriented, making it the best app for your newest fitness routine.

Free 20

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music Beats Studio Wireless Beats by Dre generally runs the headphone game, but the Beats Studio Wireless knocks it out of the park. The Studio Wireless over-the-ear wireless headphones offer Bluetooth connectivity pairing with noise-cancelling technology. These headphones offer 12 hours of wireless listening and also fold up into a compact form making them perfect for travel. Beats Studio Wireless are available in six colors with matte or glossy options, and come accompanied by a carrying case, a straight cord for wired listening as well as a remote and microphone. Also an improved digital signal processor qualifies these headphones to be known as the “Beats Acoustic Engine.” $269.99

HYPE MACHINE Hype Machine was created in 2005 and has been breaking new artists on the scene for over a decade. Known as Hypem for short, it keeps track of trending music by analyzing over 800 music blogs. Then they compile tracks so listening is easy for the user. The result is one of the most culturally diverse music discovery experiences available. You can navigate through their latest, popular, favorites, genres and album premiere sections to find the newest and most interesting music on the scene. The app lets you take all of this information and sound on the go. $3.99

creative Ototo Ototo enables you to make any object into a musical instrument. Ototo comes ready to use with 50 presets that include bass, synth, piano, dog barks, dubstep squeals and more. Use the crocodile clips to attach and connect 12 touch keys to whatever you’d like and use keys to trigger the notes. Projects featured on Ototo’s website include a “Pumpkin Piano,” a “Sound Poster” and “Music From Beer!” With Ototo, the musical possibilities are endless. $69+

VSCOCAM VSCOCAM is a mobile photography app that lets you take, edit, sync and search photos while connecting creatives all at the same time. Capture images with advanced camera controls like manual focus, shutter speed, white balance and exposure compensation. Sync your images across any iPhone, iPad or Android device or upload photos to your Grid or Journal. Use explore and discover options to search photos, journal articles and people to connect with. Additional tools and presets are available to buy as well.

Free

Issue 40

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XModel

Tesla WORDS BY GARY DICKSON

The Tesla Model X is loaded with an endless amount of surprises. This automobile surpasses any traditionally manufactured luxury car. The Model X introduces a new way of providing doors--Falcon Wings. Usually sedans would provide sliding doors for entering a vehicle but the Tesla decided to think way outside the box. What better way to separate themselves from most vehicles other than allowing doors to open from the top of the automobile. Tesla Model X is borderline road kill.

Price: $132,000 Engine: 259- hp electric motor Top Speed: 155 mph 22

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Safety & Braking: •The floor - mounted battery lowers the center of gravity so that the risk of rollover is about half that of any vehicle in its class •The battery structure strengthens Model X against side impact intrusion.

•National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has not yet conducted crash testing on the Model X. Tesla’s engineers internally conducted their own crash tests. The results indicated that the Model X should be the first SUV to receive the highest safety rating in every category.

• Active sensors with emergency braking and collision avoidance system.

Interior: •Seating for Seven + Gear-Model X comfortably seats seven people in three rows. Every seat is the best seat.

•Available in six-seat and seven-seat configurations.

Exterior: •Falcon Wings - Doors allow easy access to second and third row seats from even a tight parking space. Doors articulate smoothly up and out of the way, allowing passengers to enter from both front and rear directions.

•Aerodynamics -- Model X is able to achieve 250 miles of range in part because it is the most aerodynamic SUV in production.

•Big Sky -- Model X has the largest all-glass panoramic windshield in production, providing an unparalleled view of the stars and sky above.

Bb

Bentley Bentayga

Bentley has provided nothing but extraordinary automobiles that exceed all our expectations year after year. Just when we thought there was no more room for surprises, Bentley introduced their first SUV, The Bentayga. This automobile contains all the luxurious qualities one may desire when searching for a vehicle. The Bentayga comes in different model masterpieces—The Mulsanna, The Flying Spur Sedan and The Powerful Continental Range.

Price: $229,100 Engine: V-8 Top Speed: 187 mph

Safety & Braking: •Brakes - Ventilated iron disc brakes for the front and rear, six-piston front calipers, four-piston rear calipers, driver-adjustable brake bias.

•Safety - FIA-specification steel roll cage, Sparco six-point FIA safety harness, onboard fire extinguisher, onboard pneumatic jack system.

Interior: •Infotainment System – 8-inch touch screen that provides radio, satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, audio player, internet access and visuals with the rear camera.

•Active Cruise Control (ACC) - Maintains an active speed without human input. This helps to reduce the hassle of long motorway slogs and travels.

•British Firm Naim Audio – 18-speaker and a 1,950W output.

•Panoramic glass roof.

Exterior: •Event seat - patented sliding and folding seat trimmed in leather and finished with diamond quilting for comfort at the rear of the vehicle. This cam also be used as a convenient luggage divider.

•Front wings - Front wings - Aluminum casting with a highstrength steel.

•LED Lamps - Integrated with washers to help drivers operate through adverse weather conditions.

• Off- Road Driving - Paired with an adaptive cruise control to handle any weather conditions

Safety & Braking: •The Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) - offers a faster and more precise response especially when braking at a high speed Interior: •Two-tone leather interior in black and cream, only available as a standard for the Cayenne Turbo S. •Carbon-fiber decorative trim on the instrument panel, front and rear doors, decorative panel on the center

console and Tiptronic S gear selector are all finished in aluminum. The door entry guards with Cayenne Turbo S’ logo are in stainless steel.

•Adaptive sport seats, comfort memory packages. Thanks to 18-way electric adjustment, they can optimally be adapted to suit your needs.

Exterior: •The front - LED headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS).

•Exclusive to the Cayenne Turbo S: 21 Inch 911 Turbo design wheels with a polished rim flange and inner flow down to the muscular rear wings •The Rear - Dual twin tube tailpipes in highly polished aluminum.

Porsche Cayenne Turbo

S

The Cayenne Turbo S is a fascinating SUV by Porsche. This beauty—from appearance to manufacturing--is inherent in each vehicle. The engineers managed to increase the horsepower from 550 to 570 hp, that’s adrenaline on top of adrenaline.

Price: $157,300 Engine: 4.8 Liter twin-turbo V8 Top Speed: 176 mph

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BEST IN CLASS 2015’s most notable emerging brands and designers.

WORDS BY MIKELLE STREET

PYER MOSS This past September, attendees of the Pyer Moss Spring 2016 fashion show were slapped in the face with a rude awakening. Doing the unexpected, the brand’s creative director Kerby Jean-Raymond had decided to speak out. “This is an intervention” was the text on the screen as footage rolled showing horrific acts of police brutality committed against men of color. An intervention indeed.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the former designer for the American luxury brand Marchesa once found himself victim to the same racial profiling that has lead to the deaths of multiple people of color over the past few years. One day he was confronted by six policemen — two with guns drawn — that mistook his black cast for a gun.

The film definitely bagged the designer more recognition than ever before, but not without reason. Moss had been making a name for himself with his color punching sharp take on thoughtfully updated sportswear. The brand outfits Usher regularly and put a leather jacket on Rihanna’s back within a year of opening business. After two years in the industry, the label was well into the black, which is a rarity in the industry.

“I have a small platform,” Moss told Details Magazine after the September show. “and I need to use it.” This combination of being conscious as well as capable is what icons are made of. www.pyermoss.com

NOAH When Brendon Babenzien launched the flagship store for his new brand Noah this fall, it was a buzzy yet familial gathering. There was cake, spilled drinks, his wife and a core group of industry veterans all milling around the Nolita shop, picking through printed tees, knitted caps, shorts made of corduroy and even a double breasted blazer; it was an impressive sight.

A few weeks later when he launched the brand’s website and sent out an accompanying lookbook, its images quickly made their way through social media. And with good reason: Prior to striking out on his own, the man sat at the creative helm of Supreme, one of the most influential streetwear brands of our time.

While Babenzien’s time as Surpreme minted his ability to understand the cultural zeitgeist, don’t expect the same sort of operation for the family business he’s started. Strategizing small, meaningful steps and applying gut instinct are set to be guiding principles for growth here with a focus on making good shit. And if that sheepskin duffle coat he made in collaboration with Schott is any indication, Noah will continue to produce some of the best of “good shit” there is out there. www. noahny.com

TAB

XIMON LEE Ximon Lee came into 2015 swinging. In January the 25-year-old designer became the first menswear designer to win the International H&M Design Award. The accomplishment was a flex if there ever was one. And while the Parsons-trained designer could have easily taken a breather on the ropes, he was back the next month, bodying the competition in the bi-annual crowdsourced VFILES showcase. It was dizzying to say the least. Two accolades before properly setting up a label is quite the feat.

It wasn’t long before the designer found himself on the short list for the coveted LVMH Prize, one of the most influential designer awards. It was while competing for this honor that Kanye West that Lee was “killing it!”

Most of this success has come off of one idea morphed into an evolving collection: the Children of Leningradsky. Finding inspiration in the tired rags and recycled clothing of these Russian children, the designer used everything from trash bags to bonded denim for the line. And while that sounds slightly like a challenge from Project Runway, none of the designers from that show have been chosen to design a collaboration with H&M. Lee’s dropped in stores this October.

Of course there is the trouble of actually setting up the label and that’s what the young genius has been up to for the past few months.

Having established a small studio in Paris, expect to see him alongside Hermes, Dior and more during Men’s Fashion Week this January. www.ximonlee.com

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MAGAZINE

KITH 2015 has been a hell of a year for Ronnie Fieg the living sneaker legend behind New York-based streetwear brand Kith. In the last six months alone he’s pulled off a $2 million redesign of his Brooklyn location (which includes a dedicated cereal bar), released a new line inspired by the military called Kith Ops, hosted a pop up and book launch in Miami for Art Basel and opened a new store in SoHo dedicated to female sneaker heads.

When you pair this with his almost weekly collaborative sneaker drops that span brands like Timberland, Danner, Diadora and ASICS, it’s no wonder Fieg’s name is always in the press.

Having gotten his start in the game at age 13 back in the stockroom of his uncle’s sneaker shop, the 34-year-old has seen a pretty meteoric rise. After launching his first sneaker collaboration in 2007 (which snagged a Wall Street Journal cover and subsequently sold out), he released a staggering 85 collaborations with over 5 brands in the span of 3 years.

That steady clip of about one release every two weeks — while holding down a job as a buyer at David Z’s — got Fieg labeled as one of the prolific sneaker designers of our time.

But he’s more than that.

The Kith brand as it stands today touches almost every aspect of a hypebeast’s apparel.

The Mercer trouser silhouette (Kith’s jogger which launched before the trend caught traction) sits alongside fishtail parkas, hoodies, snapbacks and even branded underwear and leather notebooks. With the recent expansion it’s clear that the “Just Us” group the company motto refers to is a hell of a lot bigger now than it was during its 2011 beginnings. www. kithnyc.com

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BODY

BULKING PROPERLY WORDS BY DAVON LIVINGSTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY GLADYS MEDAGLIA

IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR! No not Christmas--BULKING SEASON!

For most, that means “I can do my normal routine in the gym and eat whatever I want.”

Absolutely not! There’s a lot more to bulking up then than just “lifting things up and putting them down.”

During this bulking phase of your training you will gain some body fat as well as muscle mass; there is no way to properly bulk without these two occurrences happening simultaneously. Now, assuming you’ve already increased your daily caloric intake and consume appropriate supplementation, here are a few key exercises and tips so that you can have a successful bulking season.

1

BARBELL SQUAT Strong legs are a must for bulking. I recommend starting out with this exercise to get your body warmed up. Start with the bigger muscle groups (i.e. legs, back) to get the blood pumping and to break a sweat.

1. Stand with feet shoulder width apart under the bar.

2. Unrack the weight by pressing your traps (neck and shoulder muscles) against the bar firmly and lift off. DO NOT rest bar on your neck!

3. Begin the squat by sinking the hips and pushing your butt back. ALWAYS KEEP YOUR SPINE STRAIGHT IN ITS NATURALLY ALIGNED, ARCHED POSITION. Squat down keeping your eyes looking forward until the legs are at least parallel to the ground. DO NOT let your knees bend over your toes. *If your flexibility and strength allow, sink just below parallel for added muscle activity.

4. Return to standing position.

2

PREACHER BARBELL CURL Oh yes, "Curls for the girls." There are plenty of arm exercises out there, but nothing is better for packing on mass like the good ol' fashion preacher curl. Use a curl bar for added stability and some added weight.

1. Grab the bar shoulder width apart.

2. While seated, curl the bar up to the chin. Remember to contract and flex the biceps at the zenith of the contraction. This will stimulate the utilization of more bicep muscle fibers.

3. Lower the bar back down to the rack position. DO NOT LOCK THE ELBOWS OUT FULLY. Preacher curls can be done with a wide grip or close grip. For best results, do both!

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3

INCLINE DUMBBELL CHEST PRESS Ladies love a guy with a nice pair of pecs! This exercise is best for building a strong chest. During the bulking period, it is important to know that the stabilizer muscles in and around your shoulder joint must be strong enough to support the added weight you’ll be lifting. I chose this exercise because this exercise will ensure that you’re building both—the chest and the shoulders--effectively.

1. Grab the dumbbells with hands directly in the middle to disperse weight evenly.

2. With the head of the dumbbells at your chest, press the weights straight up over the chest.

3. Fully extend your arms without locking the elbows.

4. Lower the dumbbells back down to the chest in a controlled manner.

4

SUMO/ CONVENTIONAL DEADLIFT Hands down, the most important lift to build total body strength and power is the deadlift!

It works EVERY PART OF YOUR BODY. Just don't be the guy in the gym that doesn't rack his weights after a 300lb lift. This lift can be done with both a wide leg stance (Sumo) or with the legs separated only shoulder width apart (conventional). I'm performing the Sumo deadlift that focuses on the legs as well as the lower back. For more of a focus on the lower back, go with the conventional deadlift.

1. Stand with the toes under the bar separated slightly wider than shoulder width apart.

2. Slightly turn the toes out to keep the hips and knees in alignment as you go through the movement.

3. Squat down to grab the bar, keeping the back arched and the head in a neutral position (The Neck is in line with your spine as you look forward).

4. Keeping heels grounded with your form intact, lift the barbell keeping the bar close to your shins.

5. Contract the lower back, glutes, and abs (your core) at the top of your movement.

6. Lower the barbell and return to your original position, keeping the barbell close to the shins.

BENT OVER BARBELL ROW

5

Back with a vengeance! This lift will give you just that. You want that V-taper??

You want your "wings" to be more pronounced in your fitted shirts?? It's not just about the "mirror muscles." Your back muscle are just as important as--if not more important than--your front muscles.

Hand placement and grip is very important for this lift.

Below is a guide for the grip you’ll need to incorporate when working the muscle you're focusing on: Lats — Wide Under Hand Grip Mid Traps — Close Under Hand Grip Upper Traps — Wide Over Hand Grip 1. With the feet hip width apart, squat to grab the bar.

2. Keep the back arched and lift the bar to standing position.

3. With your knees slightly bent, bend over from the hips while maintaining an arch in the back.

4. Maintain your form and pull the bar to your midsection. Contract and squeeze the lats and traps.

5. Lower the bar to hanging position.

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GROOMING

SPA DAY AT HEYDAY

WORDS BY RANDY REED PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS PIERCE

Finding time to tend to your skincare needs is a lot easier than you think. Ultimately, we all want the same thing: clear skin, less breakouts and no unwanted in-grown hairs.

A consistent skincare routine, coupled with the use of the right products, will dramatically improve your visage.

Heyday believes its treatments can fit any schedule or lifestyle regardless of time. My first experience with Heyday was over the summer when I received an express facial while at the Liberty Fairs Trade Show. I was intrigued by the concept of facials being offered in 30 or 50 minute sessions. The prices were even more accessible, ranging from $60 to $95. This was a huge advantage considering most facials I receive usually cost an average of $150.

I scheduled an appointment at Heyday via internet for the same day I requested it. Upon walking in, I was greeted by the receptionist and was asked to have a seat and wait a few minutes. My skin therapist, Marika, came out and introduced herself before walking me back to treatment area.

The treatment was broken down into these steps:

PART 1

DEEP CLEANSING Ridding the skin of any excess debris from atmospheric elements.

ADDRESS: 1130 BROADWAY, NEW YORK, NY 10010

PART 2

SKIN ANALYSIS Taking a microscopic view by using Dr. Wood’s Lamp (blue light). This allows technicians to see beneath the surface of the skin and identify various conditions (e.g. sun damage, dehydration, oil production).

PART 3

CUSTOMIZED EXFOLIATION Exfoliating the skin by using non-abrasive, allnatural enzymes (pineapple, peppermint, turmeric, papaya).

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PART 4

FACIAL MASSAGE/ MASK/EXTRACTION Increases blood flow to the skin which helps it look more youthful. Â It also helps minimize pores, remove excess debris and prepares skin for extractions. This softens the skin and helps promote healing.

PART 5

BALANCING HYDRATION/ MOISTURIZING This treatment targets the eyes + lips helping to improve the appearance of fine lines, and combat the effects of fatigue and dehydration. Technicians apply anti-aging moisturizers and SPF which hydrate and protect the skin from sun damage.

What makes this experience even more enjoyable are the charging stations for phones, the good music and the relaxing atmosphere. Marika emailed me immediately following my visit with recommendations for my morning and evening routines. If this is your first time getting a facial, your skin's reaction will be determined by the amount of pressure used during extraction and might continue to detoxify thereafter. By adding a quality facial treatment and routine to your lifestyle, you will notice immediate results that will change the way you feel about taking care of your skin.

BEFORE

AFTER

RULES FOR MAINTAINING GOOD SKIN TIP 1 Use a gentle cleanser daily to help keep skin clean and fresh

TIP 2 Exfoliate once a week

TIP 3 Use a moisturizer daily with SPF all year around

TIP 4 Create a simple routine that works for you.

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FUEL

POUR IT UP WORDS AND COCKTAILS BY ADONIS FRANK PHOTOGRAPHY BY RODNEY GIBSON

A

T A CLUB OR A RESTAURANT, A BAR OR A WEDDING

a finely crafted cocktail always proves to be the best choice. Some might call them the “Turn up Enhancers.” They help make a mediocre event a great one. They help the timid wallflower become the life of the party. An explorative of urban culture’s most popular cocktails & shots--subjective as may be guaranteed--there’re bound to be a couple of fan favorites in the bunch.

The BLEU Team crossed the Brooklyn Bridge and

headed into the Borough of Biggie & Jay to one of Brooklyn’s premier restaurants and lounge venues, Milk River to experience some of the most popular and satisfying cocktails. Home to a wide array of live-music concert series and culturally-influenced art brunches, Milk River is a Caribbean-influenced restaurant with a menu and flavors that will blow your mind…not to mention the modern yet romantic atmosphere that it provides to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

LOCATION MILK RIVER 960 ATLANTIC AVENUE, BROOKLYN NY

Long island Iced Tea The Long island iced tea has definitely been known to be the all time go-to cocktail when trying to get the night started right. A fine mixture of vodka, rum, gin and tequila, topped off with cola and a splash of sweet & sour mixer. The Long Island has proven to get you where you want to be if you are the type to want that ultimate kick-start with that ultimate mix.

BLEU mix tip: If you are a flavor buff, try kicking your LITs up a notch by trying these easy-to-mix and flavorful versions--peach, coconut, pineapple and sour apple. The addition of one of these awesome flavors in the form of a juice, puree or a liqueur is an easy switch from cola to lemon-lime soda.

Top Shelf Margarita on the Rocks The perfect combination of sweet and tart. This concoction is robust and amazingly smooth tasting, with flavor profiles of lime and orange liqueur.The right tequila with an even mix can launch your cocktail to the next level.

SHOT KINGS What Shots makes you happy? leading killer shots you can’t go wrong WITH. PATRON JAMESON HENNESSY JACK DANIELS

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Coco Loso When Diddy introduced the Coco Loso, it literally took the bar scene by storm. Coco Loso’s were being ordered left and right. The mix of Ciroc coconut and pineapple juice has proven to be a crowd pleaser. This cocktail delivers an exotic taste experience equally potent as it is sweet.

Authentic Caribbean Rum Punch The Caribbean Rum Punch is a staple vacation drink in the Caribbean, although there are many renditions of this thirst-quenching cocktail. This Punch has many different complexities—fruit juices, nectars, Rums and liqueurs—that help elevate this cocktail and uphold its reputation as one of the greatest punches around.

The Cosmopolitan-Ketel One When keeping it sophisticated, the classic Cosmopolitan or “Cosmo” is the right choice. Ketel One provides for a perfect base when enjoying a great cosmo. The smooth finish of Ketel One allows for the most amazing, yet classic, cocktail.

Cult Classics Cocktails Vodka Cran

Jack & Coke

Don’t know what to drink? There is always the crowd go-to and the Cult Classic. No matter the vodka, a vodka and cran has remained consistent at bars, restaurants and night clubs. You can’t go wrong when enjoying a nice vodka & cran.

Not only a masculine drink, the Jack & Coke has transitioned into a great genderless cocktail. Jack Daniels has proven one of the most popular and consistent whiskeys in many markets, upping its popularity by adding Jack Daniels Honey & Jack Daniels Fire. Changing the Jack and Coke game one shot at a time.

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FUEL

Culinary Comforts Zones WORDS BY CLIFF HUNT

What makes you comfortable? Could it be a nice pillow? Maybe some soothing music? Or even a great conversation with a loved one? No matter what you choose, comfort is something everyone welcomes into their space, and food is one thing that can make anyone comfortable.

Think about it! The holidays are the most exciting time of the year and one of the main reasons is because of great food. It’s

not just any ole’ food, but comfort food!

Of course, in the United States our comfort food can stem from anything such as fried chicken, mac & cheese, pies, stews, etc. But let’s not forget – food is global and so is comfort.

Let’s find out what are the comfort foods of particular regions of the world; foods that soothe the palate, warm the heart and take us down memory lane.

PHOTO COURTESY OF IPPUDO NY

Asian When we think of Asian food, the mind automatically gravitates towards fried rice, sushi, or simply anything that requires the usage of chopsticks. When it comes to comfort, research leads to one simple but satisfying dish–Ramen! Ramen is a Japanese-style soup that consists of thin homemade noodles in a flavorful broth. No, I am not talking about the cheap packet of Oodles & Noodles either! I’m talking about good al dente noodles flavored by a hearty broth loaded with veggies or other Asian-inspired aromatics. All of this is now leading to a sonic boom of Ramen eateries across the country. Don’t believe me? If you’re ever in NYC you will know for sure if you walk by Ippudo in West Midtown because you can’t miss the line outside.

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Spanish

European

Spanish food is something that you can’t deny your senses. When it’s dealing with comfort then you’re looking at Paella–a classic Spanish one-pan dish! For all of the seafood lovers and connoisseurs of rice dishes paella is the answer to your fix.

A good paella is something that will engrave on your memory due to its rich flavors of saffron, seafood, and herbs all cooked together in its own special pan.

We are quite familiar with some European faves such as sausages and hash from the U.K. to French Onion Soup and Beef Bourgeon from France, or the all too common pasta dishes from Italy like the delectable Carbonara. These dishes have found their way into the homes of the U.S. So find your way to your local eatery to find the best of this type of European comfort. Mon Ami Gabi in Chicago is my suggested spot.

African This continent has an array of comfort classics!

Let’s just say there’s no stop short of fine cuisine to warm your soul from this rich land. One specific dish that sticks out is a street food dish that is also a comfort meal in South Africa called Bunny Chow. Imagine a hollow bread stuffed with all types of goodies (usually a meat in some type of curry).

Simple but straight to the point. Like all foods and cultures, they intertwine. Supposedly some of this stems from the Indian and European cultures in South Africa. Regardless, you have to try it! One place you can find African-inspired comfort foods is at Madiba in Brooklyn, New York.

Culinary Cliff’s Kitchen There’s no way we’ll have a moment to recognize comfort food and not tap into southern roots of the U.S. Let’s explore my classic recipe that has a twist–Chicken & Grits! Get your palate and belly ready.

Oh, and grab a blanket with your Netflix cause you’re going to want a nap after this succulent delight.

Cast Iron Fried Chicken & Creamy Blue Cheese Polenta Grits

INGREDIENTS 1. Chicken Quarters or Whole chicken cut & clean 2. Buttermilk 3. Thyme 4. Greek yogurt 5. Blue cheese 6. Polenta 7. Water 8. Vegetable Oil 9. Hot Sauce 10. Flour 11. Corn Starch 12. Creole Seasoning 13. Garlic Powder 14. Paprika 15. Salt & Pepper 16. Butter 17. Blue Cheese

STEPS

1.

Take your chicken and let it marinate in a mixture of buttermilk and hot sauce.

Place in container and let marinate at least 2 hour but overnight is recommended.

2.

Heat your vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet. It should be at 300-350 degrees. Make sure to not have the oil too hot or your chicken will burn before being fully cooked.

3.

Once oil is heated – add 1.5 cups of flour, 1 cup of corn starch, thyme, paprika, and creole seasoning,

salt & pepper to a container. Add drained chicken pieces to the batter. Shake and coat until fully covered in batter.

4.

Carefully add chicken pieces to frying pan. DO NOT OVERCROWD. Allow each piece to cook at a medium heat to prevent burning and even cooking. Some pieces take longer than others but this is a labor of love process.

Nothing less than 15 minutes for a piece of chicken at the minimum.

Flip

pieces

halfway

through cooking time.

5.

Now, in a pot add 2 cups of water and 2 cups of Greek yogurt. Bring to boil and take the heat to medium as you add your 1 cup of polenta. Continuously stir. Stir and cook polenta 15-20 minutes until thick and creamy. If liquid quickly dissolves add more until fully cooked and smooth consistency.

blue cheese to taste.

6.

Once chicken is cooked allow a couple of minutes to drain on a rack or on a paper towel lined plate. Now, assemble your grits, chicken, and choice of vegetables and you’ll have a “down home” filling meal for you, your friends, date, or family.

At the end of cooking add a couple of tablespoons of butter and a dash of creole seasoning to smooth it out. Lastly, add crumbled

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TRAVEL

Just Add Water...

WORDS BY LENOX MAGEE PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGE ROSE

L

L

ast year, TIME.com reported that U.S. oenophiles drink more wine than oenophiles from any other country in the world.

But when it comes to per capita consumption (i.e. the average amount per person), France still wins, hands down. Presently, France is the world’s second largest consumer of wine. According to a market assessment by the International Organization of Vine and Wine, U.S. drinkers tipped back 29.1 million hectoliters (a hectoliter is equivalent to 100 liters) of wine in 2013, edging out France by roughly 1 million hectoliters.

As more Americans are becoming wine enthusiasts, we can’t ignore the devastating impact that the water crisis in California directly has upon wine production. While solutions to California’s water crisis is underway, it is no surprise that California cannot “conserve” its way out of the water crisis, with climate change expected to cause prolonged dry spells in the future and a possible wipe out or a severe diminishing of the Sierra snowpack, one of the three main sources of water for the state.

However, Sonoma County has come up with a sustainable plan to keep their winemakers and grape growers in business. Consumers can rest easier knowing that when they purchase any of the Sonoma County-pro-

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MAGAZINE

duced wines, they have been produced by grapes that have been grown and pressed in the nation’s first 100% sustainable county. This means that Sonoma County’s grape growers and winemakers will focus on maintaining sustainable vineyards by implementing energy efficiency, water quality assessments and carbon emission regulatory practices. Incorporating these measures will consequently diminish the long-term effects that water scarcity will have upon wine production in Sonoma County.

You haven’t fully experienced Sonoma County until you’ve had the Sonoma County Grape experience. Most people know Sonoma County is home to some of the world’s most prized grape growing vineyards in the world, with the first vineyard dating all the way back to the 1820s. What people don’t know is that for the past nine years, Sonoma County has been offering a “grape camp” that promises to deliver a wine and food experience that you will never forget. The 9th Annual Sonoma County Grape Camp took place over this past summer and provided me with a whole new look and taste as it pertains to wine. During this 3-day adventure, you will have ample opportunity to touch the grapes, smell the air, walk the vineyards, taste the wine--lots of wine--and hear passionate stories from some of the winemakers, grape growers and their families regarding their heritage, perseverance and unconditional love of the land.

STAY H ERE

Vintners Inn Dubbed Sonoma County’s Wine Country Inn, Vintners Inn provides an intimate, four-diamond luxury hotel experience where you’ll never want to leave.

It’s a relaxing, tranquil oasis away from the hustle and bustle of our modern lifestyles. Located in the heart of Sonoma County, the Inn is surrounded by the scenic northern California landscape with 92 acres of lush vineyards and beautifully landscaped grounds with courtyards and fountains. Their Jacuzzi and fireplace suite is straight out of a Jane Austen romantic novel. It’s pricey, but worth the splurge. The luxury traveler will appreciate the wide array of activities and adventures available right at the Inn. While there, it would behoove you to eat at the 5-star John Ash Restaurant. You will gorge one of the best meals your palate will ever try. With all of these great amenities—a scenic landscape and good food--trust us when we say that you will find an excuse to go back. www.vintnersinn.com

BLEU'S FAVORITE VINEYARDS & WINES

Jordan Vineyard & Winery As you sip and taste your way through Sonoma County, Jordan’s Winery is a place you must visit. Jordan’s Winery offers an intimate, personal experience, in the most elegant and beautiful environment, quiet and unrushed by the world outside its gates. Nestled in the hills of the Alexander Valley, about five miles north of Healdsburg, Jordan’s sits on 1200 acres of pastures and woodlands. Founded in 1972 by Tom and Sally Jordan, the winery produced its first vintage in 1976. One of the of the many things that distinguishes Jordan’s from its competitors is that it produces only two labels. Year in, year out, the winery bottles only a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Chardonnay. The Jordans were inspired to venture into a life of wine production by their travels to France. They believed that America could produce wines equal to the ones they fell in love with overseas. And, they were right. The Cabernet Sauvignon echoes the great reds of Bordeaux, and the Chardonnay resembles nothing less than the fine whites of Burgundy.

In addition to the fantastic wines, it is the French-inspired chateaus on the ground that will make you want to live there forever. The winery’s main building--the chateau--looks as if it had been taken fresh from Bordeaux and replanted in the hills of Sonoma. Ivy-covered and painted a warm, mustard color, it is both inviting and elegant, which are the hallmarks of Jordan hospitality. www.jordanwinery.com

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BLEU’S FAVORITE WINE TO TRY

2013 Jordan Chardonnay California’s moderate temperatures prevailed from spring through fall, and helped to inspire this Burgundy-style wine.

Intense aromas of passion fruit, persimmon and Granny Smith apples leap from the glass, woven with notes of Meyer Lemon, Asian pear and a wet stone minerality. A juicy mid-palate of honeydew melon, fresh guava and a touch of baking spice is balanced by firm acidity and a creamy mouth-feel that carries through the lingering finish. www.jordanwinery.com

Argot Karissa Krause and her partner, winemaker Justin Harmo, developed one of the west coast’s most talked about and respected boutique wineries. Argot, a boutique winery of just 2200 cases, offers a wide variety of varietals from Chardonnay to Pinot Noir, Syrah to Cabernet. Everything about these wines is extraordinary. The Syrah offers “undeniable luxurious textures, and copious amounts of red and black fruit. Deeper examination when swirling reveals distinct accents of exotic resins, eastern baking spices and a floridity speaking to lavender and eucalyptus. A long, lingering finish continues to be dominated by dark fruits and savory spices.

This wine is crafted for those who love sit-up-and-take-notice, full-throttle, hedonistic wine experiences,” Argot’s website reveals. www.argotwines.com

BLEU’S WINE TO TRY

Gary Farrell Vineyard & Winery Gary Farrell is likely best known for making some of the best Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays in Sonoma. Their rockstar winemaker Theresa Heredia joined Gary Farrell’s winery team as winemaker in May of 2012. Shortly after joining she was named “Winemaker to Watch” by the San Francisco Chronicle which recognized her keen interest in wines that offer a pure expression of their vineyard site and recognized her willingness to experiment with different winemaking techniques. Gary Farrell Winery specializes in terrace tastings that include a tour, sipping six single-vineyard releases and an opportunity to meet the amazing team that will answer all of your questions. Put a visit to Gary Farrell high on your list! www.garyfarrellwinery.com

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MAGAZINE

2013 Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir Rich and savory is quintessential for this Hallberg wine. Aromas of freshly picked huckleberries, wild mushrooms, cedar and just a hint of eucalyptus mingle harmoniously in a glass of this succulent concoction. On the palate, this wine is expressive, yet refined, accompanying the aromatics with deep, rich, earthy flavors of blackberry compote, bay leaves, cardamom and baking spices. The texture is silky and elegant, yet powerful with a strong, mouthwatering backbone of acidity complemented by mouth-coating tannins. The flavors and texture linger on the palate long after the wine itself is gone. Care for a glass? www.garyfarrellwinery.com

Sangiacomo Family Vineyards Third generation brothers Mike and Steve Sangiacomo and their brother-in-law Mike Pucci have changed the wine game. The Sangiacomos practice a philosophy where, in the grape-growing business, slow and steady can win the race. After speaking with Steve Sangiacomo, it would appear that their goal is to under-promise and over-deliver, a mantra that has catapulted them to the top of their game. Their wines offer a deep appreciation for nuance and for specialty. These days, it's no longer good enough to make wine that is merely flawless; it has to be distinctive too.

What distinguishes Sangiacomo Family Vineyards is their 100 unique sites spread over 14 vineyards in four AVAs, which allows for the extraordinary range of flavors displayed by such classics as their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir…and boy, are they great. www.sangiacomo-vineyards.com

Paradise Ridge Winery When you meet winemaker Dan Barwick, you become enthralled by his stories and passion for the winemaking industry. It was his world that caused BLEU Magazine to fall in love with Paradise Ridge. Located in Santa Rosa, Paradise Ridge Winery offers its visitors far more than fine wine. It’s an art paradise for the senses that everyone must experience before they die. Guests are invited to wander through life-size sculptures in Marijke’s Grove or gaze upon panoramic vineyard views from an outdoor tasting bar. From its sweeping views of the magnificent Russian River Valley to the rugged hillsides which perch over the Pacific Ocean, you can explore Fountaingrove’s history and the tales of its legendary winemaker.

It’s the home to the three-piece sculpture series A Brief History by artist Gale Wagner. Sculptures are displayed among mossy rocks and small grassy clearings in this natural outdoor gallery.

Its European-style courtyard welcomes guests upon arrival. Once in the tasting room, extraordinary woodwork abounds. Tasters enjoy an outdoor bar which is a perfect complement to the panoramic views which encompass a 21-acre estate of vineyards, sweeping vistas of Russian River Valley and a plush natural landscape. Additional wines available for tasting include the estate Blanc de Blanc Sparkling Wine, an estate Sauvignon Blanc, the Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, an estate and a Rockpile Zinfandel, a Rockpile Cabernet Sauvignon, the estate Petite Syrah and limited release proprietary blends. The wines of Paradise are carefully handcrafted to bring ultimate enjoyment of food, family and friends. These wines delight the palate and illustrate the diversity of Paradise’s vineyards and the nuances of each vintage. www.prwinery.com

2013 The Posse, Branham Vineyard,Rockpile This is a pure expression from one of Sonoma County’s most prestigious vineyards. The predominant use is of Syrah, with a small amount of Grenache and a splash of Petit Syrah. Pairs perfectly with Butternut Squash Gnocchi with sage brown butter sauce by Chef Bruce Riezenman. Riezenman is the owner of Park Avenue Catering, Park 121 Café and Grill and the Pair It food and wine selection app. It’s no surprise that this vineyard has some of the most sought after wines…and rightfully so! www.prwinery.com

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About Town STYLING BY IDRIS GOODEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMIE MAGNIFICO MODEL MYLES @ IMAGES MANAGEMENT

sweater TIMBERLAND jacket and jeans G-STAR

FASHION

t-shirt DR.MARTENS jacket and shoes TIMBERLAND pants G-STAR hat KANGOL

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jacket TIMBERLAND t-shirt JUNK FOOD

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t-shirt JUNK FOOD jacket, vest, jeans G-STAR

WINTER GIFT GUIDE

WINTER

FOR

MUST HAVES Winter is the time of the year when a gift can bring on good cheer to a dampened mood. Why not spread some delight with one of our winter gift ideas. From apparel to gadgets to scents, let BLEU help you spread a little happiness this winter.

the

TECHIE 1-5

3

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3. IHOME IBT12

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1. BRINNO TLC200 PRO HDR TIME LAPSE CAMERA www.brinnousa.com

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6. MISTER POMPADOUR PEPPERMINT STYLE KIT www.misterpompadour.com

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8. BLUEBEARDS ORIGINAL BEARD KIT TRIO www.bluebeardsoriginal.com

GENERAL

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$145.00

17. REVEL MIDNIGHT BLUE SHORTS www.komocean.com

$175.00

19. LOMBARD MINI LAPTOP MESSENGER www.swissarmy.com

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22. VDKA 6100

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25. CASCADING LIES

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26. UNDER THE CANOPY® ADVENTURER ORGANIC COTTON SQUARE THROW PILLOW IN AQUA www.bedbathandbeyond.com

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27. DESIGUAL MALDIVAS SCARF 28. XO,G WINE

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THE CREATIVES

Bradley Theodore: Painting Beauty in an Ugly World WORDS BY EDRIC ROBINSON

Burgeoning international artist, Bradley Theodore hails from Turks and Caicos.

He once lived in Miami before moving to NYC at age 17. Though it’s hard to believe, he has only been painting canvases and murals professionally for a little over two years. His signature multicolored skeletal portraits of modernday icons including Karl Lagerfeld, Kate Moss, and Anna Wintour, are among several of his works that can be seen in LA, NY, London, and Paris. In the midst of preparing for a showcase in London and an art installation in Hong Kong, Theodore checked in with Bleu Magazine for an interview.

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So tell us about your current projects in London and Hong Kong?

BT: Things have been extremely busy. I just flew to London for a show opening on December 3rd at the Maddox Gallery. My collection included pieces The True Queen, Ana and Karl and Marie’s Ball. Then in Hong Kong on December 10th we unveiled an installation at SOGO. It was an amazing show. A piece that was for sale at a charity auction sold.

Normally it would go for $5,000 but it sold for $40,000.

Your popularity seems to have sky rocketed. But a little over two years ago this wasn’t your profession. Explain?

BT: I’ve been a professional artist for two and a half years.

Before this, I was in digital art consulting. My work focused on creating album covers, developing interactive strategies.

I knew technology like the back of my hand, but didn’t understand the economic impact of what I was creating. I then saw a gap in the art New York City was producing at the time. Everyone was trying to copy London’s style art. And I lived in London. I was introduced to Bansky, stencil artists, and street artist. New York was trying to copy someone else.

Because New York City doesn’t copy anyone, I decided to create something that was more New York–handmade, deep, dark, colorful.

What can people expect from a Bradley Theodore piece?

BT: My artwork reflects what I feel and how I feel. I’ve always, like, shied away from dark emotions, dark feelings, but I’ve always lived in a dark place. I now embrace that. Art emotionally frees me.

What inspires your work?

BT: I get my inspiration from books, travel, people. I take photos every time I see something I like. I’m also a fan of artists like de Kooning. Warhol’s use of color is amazing. I love

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Julian Schabel and the concept he had with the plates–just monumental. I’m also motivated by the people who view my work.

“My artwork reflects what I feel and how I feel. I’ve always, like, shied away from dark emotions, dark feelings, but I’ve always lived in a dark place.”

You mentioned that you have always lived in a dark place.

Expand on that?

BT: I mean, the world we live in is dark. All sorts of fucked up things happen every day. I grew up in a rough neighborhood called Overtown in Miami. Not necessarily the way it was supposed to be, but it happened. After we moved there from Turks & Caicos my parents divorced. My mother had to work three jobs to support my eight siblings and me. We lived across the street from the projects, one of the worst ever; right over a dope house. Shootings every night; it was crazy; it felt like a Vietnam, dead bodies, everything. Killings with impunity.

How do you define success and failure in your life now?

BT: Success, to me, is being able to express myself, take care of my mom, keep a roof over my head, food in my belly. I like watches but don’t need 100 of ‘em. I like cars but I don’t drive. I like girls but you can’t fuck everyone. Failure is being controlled or enslaved. Not being the owner of your destiny.

“I remember my teacher in high school told me I couldn’t get into the college I wanted to get into. And I got into that college a year later. I fight for mine.”

You mentioned earlier, that economics was something you didn’t care to learn early on. Why do you think it’s important now, especially for artists?

BT: I didn’t realize I knew nothing about the world until I sat in this guy’s house who was a friend of one of my mentors.

He’s worth billions of dollars. And he’s black. And I was, like, “What the fuck do you do?” He’s a banker, but on a whole different side that we don’t understand. We’re more focused on the people that show their money as opposed to the

guys that don’t show you shit but can buy anything. That sparked my interest in what he did. I took a course in economics--totally changed my world. If you don’t know how it works, you can never win. My advice for artist is simple: I think making sure you study economics is pretty important.

Math is already essential if you want to be an artist, so take time to research and understand the way things work.

Can you describe the Black Experience as an artist?

BT: I think it’s a nightmare being a Black artist. 1) Everyone copies your work. 2) Blacks don’t really go to galleries to support your work. Gallery attendance is 70% White. Who’s supporting who? 3) There’s still not enough art in inner-city schools. When there’re no creative outlets, your outlet becomes non-creative--violence, corruption, unappreciative behavior. I remember my teacher in high school told me I couldn’t get into the college I wanted to get into. And I got into that college a year later. I fight for mine! If I want to do something, ain’t nobody stopping me. If my mind is set on something, your best bet is to move out the way.

In the art community, which artists do you support and call “friend?”

BT: Artists such as Antoine Verglas, Ray Smith, Rod and Cortes. Then there’re street artists Jerkface and Hank Williams.

What should we expect from Bradley Theodore in 2016?

BT: I’m going HAM. I will be doing larger works and works on paper. I also have my eyes set on doing projects in Thailand, Dubai and Beirut. I plan to have a pop-up studio session in NYC where people can see my work. [I plan to do] another show in London at the Maddox, and then Hong Kong’s Art Basel. Check me out on www.bradleytheodore.com Sum up your life right now in a single sentence?

BT: Thank God that I lived past the age of 16, seen the world, and am able to be a good person sometimes. B

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OP-ED

IN WITH THE NEW: Harlem Must Embrace Change While Preserving Its Rich History And Culture WORDS BY DEVON JOHNSON

On

an

unusually

warm

Wednesday night, small crowds are gathering and disbursing simultaneously outside Silvana, a late night eatery staple in what use to be the basement of a Washington Mutual bank. Located on the southwest corner of 116th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard in Harlem, a small doorway descends into a haze of fruit-flavored hookah smoke, allowing just enough visibility to make out bodies gyrating to a fusion of African, hip-hop and Caribbean beats.

There are no traces of storage boxes filled with bank receipt paper and rejected loan applications that once occupied the rectangular cavern. The bank ceased operations seven years ago—a causality of the economic crisis that plagued the nation.

The space remained completely vacant for a few years until the back half was taken over by Silvana, and the front space was—just this year--outfitted by famed chef Marcus Samuelsson’s second Harlem outpost--Streetbird. Both conceal a deeper past that wouldn’t find groups of millennials hanging without or dancing within, but instead a past infused with pimps, prostitutes and addicts trolling the block for a hit.

This was the scene that permeated every area north of 110th Street for decades. ess than two generations ago, the mere mention of Harlem would evoke images of abandoned cars, crime, poor housing conditions and drugs. Movies such as Paid In Full (2002), produced by Jay Z, depicts street-life in the ‘80s and the early ‘90s in the area just north of Central Park. Most of the new residents undoubtedly have never heard of the movie, and if their Netflix subscription made it a suggested title, they wouldn’t believe their eyes just minutes into the film. The Harlem of 2015, specifically the Frederick Douglass Boulevard corridor (110th

L

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Street to 125th Street) now dubbed “Restaurant Row,” has done the ultimate Houdini act. Today’s narrative yields tales of young couples, multinational entrepreneurs setting up shop, the opening of the Harlem Hebrew Language Academy and the annual Harlem Harvest Festival sponsored by Harlem Park to Park, a b2b non-profit support group for local businesses and service providers. Gone into the obscurity are the prostitutes, drug kings and shady landlords. In 1972, Bobby Womack penned the track “Above 110th Street” for the film of the same title, starring Anthony Quinn. The lyrics depicted the grim reality of what that area was like for those who lived there. As he put it, Harlem was the capital of every ghetto.

Across 110th Street Pimps trying to catch a woman that’s weak, Across 110th Street Pushers won’t let the junkie go free, Across 110th Street Woman trying to catch a trick on the street, ooh, baby, Across 110th Street You can find it all in the street…

Harlem | 1985 PHOTOGRAPH BY MATT WEBER

“I moved to Harlem in 1983 when a lot of people were moving out,” says lifestylist, best-selling author, and nationally syndicated advice columnist Harriette Cole. “But I wanted to have roots here. This was the place I was going to make my home.”

Cole, who is also a cultural contributor to NBC’s Today Show, doesn’t take the stance of being a victim in an evolving neighborhood. She, like many others, sees this as a golden opportunity to embrace the great possibilities that lie instore for the future of Harlem—the same place Langston Hughes, James Baldwin and Zora Neal Hurston called

Harlem | 2015

home. “This is Harlem’s Renaissance 2.0,” adds Cole. When Cole arrived in her surrogate neighborhood, Bill Clinton—who had received an abundance of media attention when he opened his post-presidential office at 55 West 125th Street in 2001—was only in his second year as governor of Arkansas. At that time the area was losing residents by the thousands.

According to the 1980 census, the population of Blacks in Manhattan was 310,000, down 70 thousand from the Black count of the 1970 census.

Harlem’s 1980 Black population had diminished 20,000 residents during this same ten-year period.

Been down so long, getting up didn’t cross my mind, I knew there was a better way of life that I was just trying to find, You don’t know what you’ll do until you’re put under pressure, Across 110th Street is a hell of a tester. he recent explosion of activity on Frederick Douglass Boulevard (aka 8th Ave) didn’t spontaneously combust in 2015.

Back in 2003, the City Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the Frederick Douglass Boulevard Rezoning Proposal. This was the first comprehensive alteration of south-central Harlem zoning since 1961. What rezoning allowed developers to do was to construct new mix-use buildings for both residential and commercial use. These newly constructed buildings—whether used for commercial purposes, residential purposes or both--were required to include a determined amount of low and moderate income housing.

These steps were done to sustain the neighborhood from collapsing as it had from the ‘60s through the ‘80s. “Much of what we see now is a result of the hard work of C. Virginia Fields, the Manhattan Borough President from 1997-2005. She had a vision of what this area could become with the right plan of action,” says Curtis Archer, President of the Harlem Community Development Corporation (HCDC). Archer, like many residents that have been in Harlem pre- and post-Renaissance 2.0, criticize the amount of attention that was given to Clinton when he opened his office in 2001. “It’s as if Clinton arrived and magically the neighborhood improved,” he adds, “with no regard to the nameless residents that

T

did much of the ground work.” The Clinton Foundation moved from Harlem to 77 Water Street in 2011, just 10 years after moving in.

The family on the other side of town, Would catch hell without a ghetto around, In every city you find the same thing going down Harlem is the capital of every ghetto town….

With rezoning came a boom in construction. One can’t walk north than a block from 110th street to 125th street without passing a new building or one in progress. However, as Nikoa Hendricks, Managing Director of Harlem Park to Park, points out, this same energy was present back in the early 2000s right after the rezoning took place and the recession happened.

Most of the businesses that made up the founding board of Harlem Park to Park are no longer open. “We began the organization out of necessity. We were in the middle of the economic crisis of 2008 and 2009,” adds Hendricks. “Money was not flowing into our businesses and we had to join each other for support or we would drown.” Hendricks feels that the road ahead is not simply black or white. Although the composition of its membership was once 80 percent black-owned business entities and has steadily declined to now 63 percent, she says the entire community needs to be involved to have successful businesses. Her organization--by default--has taken up that responsibility. Their fall festival is an opportunity for residents to meet the businesses servicing the community. “But we must make sure to embrace what makes Harlem attractive in the first place--the culture,” she adds, “There was once this ridiculous notion from a few insensitive newcomers that the Harriet Tubman statue should be removed from the intersection of 121st Street and Saint Nicholas Avenue.”

Hey brother, there’s a better way out, Snorting that coke, shooting that dope man you’re copping out, Take my advice, it’s either live or die, You’ve got to be strong, if you want to survive.

of Red Rooster as well as Streetbird. “It is much easier for me, as a foreigner, to get money from a bank to open a business in Harlem, than it is for someone who has lived in the neighborhood [his] entire life. I’m not saying it was easy for me because it was still hard. But it was easier as a foreigner.”

Samuelsson, the chef who prepared President Obama’s first State Dinner in 2009, has made it his mission to bridge the gap between opportunity and access to capital for the local community that has welcomed his establishments. He wants to change the perception that Black Americans have of the service industry being a second-class industry. “America has the scar of slavery. So nobody wants to work in hospitality. Nobody wants to be a cook. Nobody wants to be a maid,” he said sharply. “I didn’t come to this country with that perceived shame.” Samuelsson, who is of Ethiopian origin, yet raised in Sweden, says it feels like a homecoming.

He spends time in his restaurant meeting patrons, the majority of whom are from the neighborhood and/or Black. He sites that local support and patronage is key to businesses being successful.

He also sums up, in simple terms, how “Restaurant Row” was able to happen in very little time on 8th Avenue but not as rapidly along other corridors of the neighborhood. As he puts it, “There are almost no churches. It makes it easier to get a liquor license; restaurants need to sell liquor.”

I was the third brother of five, Doing whatever I had to do to survive, I’m not saying what I did was alright, Trying to break out of the ghetto was a day to day fight. t one time the neighborhood was steadily becoming vacant. Today new residents are moving into buildings erected on, what were once, vacant lots.

Yes, the demographics are shifting. However, they shifted before. In 1910, Blacks only made up 10 percent of Harlem’s population. Between 1920 and 1930, 120,000 whites left the neighborhood and 87,000 blacks arrived. The Black population peaked in the ‘50s. There is no simple solution for Harlem.

The neighborhood has been changing for over a century. The next hundred years will be shaped by the steps residents, new and old, take now. The new majority will be comprised of various ethnicities. Harlem has the opportunity to set the example for communities everywhere. Harlem must embrace new economic and housing opportunities and still preserve the cultural significance of the past. B

A

“The real problem is access to capital,” says Marcus Samuelsson owner

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COVER STORY

ROTIMI AKINOSHO A Man of Many Talents WORDS BY KISHON SPRINGER PHOTOGRAPHY BY NAJ WAREHAM STYLING BY RONI FRANÇOIS & MARCUS RIGGS STYLING ASSISTANCE BY AIESHA BROWN GROOMING BY GARY DICKSON LOCATION: MILK RIVER BROOKLYN, NYC

He steps in the room humming a tune. His positive energy and smile invite people to want to know more about the man behind the “bad boy” character Dre, who is lighting up TV screens far and wide. Rotimi is the newest member of the hit TV Show POWER, but he is so much more than just an actor.

jacket TOURNE DE TRANSMISSION

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suit PIERRE GUSTAVE shirt STEPHEN F

ERSEY NATIVE OLUROTIMI AKINOSHO--bet-

J

ter known as Rotimi--grew up in a Nigerian household where education was very important. Though his parents were very strict, he had their support and the freedom to engage in whatever activities he enjoyed. Rotimi’s love for music started at the tender age of six. He played the violin, piano and also sang in local choirs. “As a kid my mom was my first manager. She had me singing at weddings, and she also put me in a children’s choir and a gospel choir.”

Rotimi’s inspirations during his youth were Michael Jackson, Carl Thomas, Bob Marley and Lauryn Hill. This versatile group of artists inspired Rotimi to mold his craft into something he could call his own. As Rotimi got older, he continued to groom his music and started taking his gift of singing a lot more seriously. Throughout high school he jumped at every performing opportunity that came his way.

After graduating from high school, Rotimi continued his education at Northwestern University where he continued to perform music and chase his dream of becoming a professional musician. After obtaining a degree in communications, Rotimi’s manager at the time suggested that he venture into acting. “I always knew that I wanted to do music, but acting came calling about three years ago.

When I graduated school, it was a way to get quick money.

It wasn’t actually something I planned to [do]. I just wanted to fund my living situation as a musician.” What some people wait a lifetime for, Rotimi achieved within a week’s time span. He signed with an agent on a Tuesday and by the following Friday of the same week he was getting the news that he would be one of the leads on an upcoming show called Boss.

Being the new guy in the acting industry proved to come with its fair share of challenges. Rotimi expressed that, “I was scared because they were talking big numbers financially; they were giving a lot of money to a person who had never done this before. You don’t know what you’re in store for. It’s terrifying.” Even with a little fear, Rotimi understood that he was being given the opportunity of a lifetime, and he wasn’t about to let it go to waste. He prac-

ticed his new craft over and over, day in and day out. When it was time to get in front of the camera, he gave it his all.

“I always trust my intuition. I don’t really have any acting training, so I go by my gut. I have to ask myself, ‘Does this feel right?’” His efforts did not go unnoticed. Since his first debut in Boss, Rotimi has also landed starring roles in movies such as Divergent and Black Nativity. He definitely isn’t the new kid on the block anymore. Rotimi came in for the kill when he popped up as one of the major characters in the television blockbuster POWER. Season one of POWER had viewers on the edge of their seats. Just when they thought season one was crazy, Rotimi stepped in and took things up to a whole new plateau.

“When everyone was starting to catch up on it is when I got the audition. I knew of POWER but I didn’t know how big it was. I found out how big it was after I got the role.”

Rotimi became part of the cast alongside 50 Cent, Omari Hardwick and other notables. He fit right in amongst his talented colleagues. “I was impressed with how everyone took me in as the new guy and embraced me as family.”

VEN THOUGH ACTING HAS BECOME A HUGE

part of Rotimi’s life, he has not lost sight of his music. Since he has been filming POWER, he hasn’t had as much time to travel around and perform, but he has had more time to get into the studio and start making more music. And it was one day at the studio when Rotimi would see his original dream realized. “I ended up going to the studio one night and one of the A&R’s from G-Unit was at my session. He was impressed [by what he heard] and wanted to take me to G-Unit. So I went into the office and 50 Cent happened to be there. I played one of my singles, ‘Lotto,’ for him and he wanted to get on the track.” 50 knew “Lotto” would be a hit and he was absolutely right. Rotimi found himself trending on the Billboard Top 100. He also became the newest member of G-Unit. “They accepted me in; I’m an R&B guy and I didn’t know how they would take that, but they love how I brought in a whole other element. We all believe in what each other is doing; it’s a family.”

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“I always knew that I wanted to do music, but acting came calling about three years ago. When I graduated school, it was a way to get quick money. It wasn’t actually something I planned to [do]. I just wanted to fund my living situation as a musician.”

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Since he joined G-Unit, Rotimi’s music has been put into motion. 50 Cent has developed a working plan for Rotimi. His first video shoot was for “Lotto” which received over 300,000 views in just the first two weeks of its release. Rotimi didn’t just stop there. He dropped his big project, mixtape Royal Wednesday, following the video. This was a chance for Rotimi to tell the world what his music is all about. The mixtape showed how much variety his music has—from club bangers to the sexy slow jams. Royal Wednesday has something for everyone. On how he crafts his music he states: “If I’m not the one writing the records, it has to feel right to me and it has to feel like something I would perform; I like to keep everything authentic.” His fans are now anticipating the release of another album as well as an opportunity to view a third season of POWER. OTIMI HAS A GREAT AMOUNT GOING FOR

him at such an early time in his career. He realizes his life is nothing like it used to be. “[My life has] changed. You get stopped a lot. Women kind of throw themselves at you and there are a lot of distractions, but I try to stay away from that and do my work. I try to avoid the mix

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because that’s how a lot of artists and actors fall into a lot of BS. So for me, I focus on my craft and do what I have to do.”

Away from the cameras, Rotimi is a normal guy that loves sports and hanging out with his friends. He is completely down to earth and remains humble living the life he has worked so hard for.

HIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING FOR ROTIMI’S

career. He has already made a huge mark on the entertainment industry and he is getting tons of respect for his work. He is moving in the direction where his craft comes first.

His hard work, tied with his talent, shows in every project he works on. “People are working 40 hours a week to be average. You need to be working 50+ to be better; I always say, ‘Push yourself.’“ Rotimi’s dedication, determination and overall quality of work is putting him on the path to receive the awards he has always dreamed of--a Grammy, an Oscar and a Lifetime Achievement Award. We are all rooting for Rotimi Akinosho. B

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“I was scared, because they were talking big numbers financially; they were giving a lot of money to a person who had never done this before. You don’t know what you’re in store for. It’s terrifying.” jacket, shirt, pants PIERRE GUSTAVE shoes LACOSTE braclet GILES & BROTHER

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blazer STEPHEN F turtleneck sweater SOULLAND pants G-STAR hat GOORIN BROS. braclet GILES & BROTHER

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FEATURE

Elvis Nolasco:

Embracing and

Invested WORDS BY JUWAN WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BROOKE MASON

F

ROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS IN NEW YORK TO RECEIVING

a critics choice nomination for his role as Carter Nix on the anthology series American Crime, Elvis Nolasco proves himself a humble talent and foresees greater things for himself on the horizon. By the end of last season, it wasn’t quite apparent who would be returning to the hit series considering the fact that ABC only guaranteed one season of the series. In the first season, Elvis’s character, Carter Nix, was portrayed as a lost soul who was addicted to drugs and lead a seemingly destructive life. Things got very interesting when Elvis got the call that he would be casted on the same show, but now as a different character—from destructive to constructive. This January we will get to see Elvis step into a different role as high school principal Chris Dixon. It was a great honor to be able to chat with Elvis about him being able to embrace all of his roles—the two roles on American Crime and his role as father to his teenage daughter.

during the ‘80s, my life could’ve gone any route. I could’ve definitely been Carter Nix. Fortunately, I had someone come into my life and plant a positive seed that would always allow me to grow. Each of these roles challenged me and I embraced them both equally. I cannot wait for people to see the transformation.

B: Which moment of your career are you most proud of thus far?

E: I am proud of where I am now. After so many years of doing black

box theatre, regional and low-budget theater, I set out in 2009 to go to LA with every intention to get casted on a series. It was a very spiritual move backed by my passion. And now to go back home to where I grew up and see people who recognize me for my work is priceless. I am also proud of being a father to my daughter. She has had to sacrifice for me to be able to chase my goals.

BLEU: How did you get started in acting?

ELVIS: I always gravitated towards the arts in one way or another. I start-

B: What is it like to work with Regina King?

E: She is so well deserved. She’s such a great spirit and working with

ed out watching my family members dance around the house to salsa.

There were always festivities going on around me. I then became very attracted to body movement which lead me into break dancing. When I went to George Washington High School in Manhattan, I was brought into the world of theater and had my very first role in the Rainmaker directed by my teacher Mr. Robert Stonebridge.

her was an experience like no other. We went into filming knowing exactly what our relationship on the camera should portray. We pulled the best out of each other and strived to just be in the moment. I am very grateful to have been included in her acceptance speech at the Emmys, and for that I will forever be in debt to her.

B: In the first season of American Crime, you played Carter Nix—a

lost soul whose addiction to drugs and his dealings with girlfriend Aubry Taylor became destructive and paralyzing. What are your thoughts regarding that role?

E: It was an amazing experience from the time that I got the phone call for the project to meeting with Michael McDonald who is the executive producer. I fell in love with it immediately. As an actor it was good to get into this young man’s world. It was challenging, yet rewarding.

It was important for me that every movement or expression speak a thousand words.

B: What is it like to being a part of the same cast but now play a dif-

ferent role? How did you react to the news that your role on American Crime would completely change?

E: We know that we only had a one-year contract when going into this anthology series. So I was very excited when I was told that I would be coming back but not as Carter Nix. It’s still cool that they thought there was yet another role that I was a match for.

B: Chris Dixon is a public school principal. Whats it like to play

that role?

E: Chris is an educator. He is from a long line of educators and successful family members. He has a great heart. I compare this role to Robert Stonebridge who was my mentor and very active in my life while I attended school. He wants [kids] to do better and be better.

Because of Robert Stonebridge, I believed that I could be much more than a break dancer.

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B: Which character do you feel that you connect with the most?

E: I connect with both of these characters. Growing up in New York

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B: Was there ever a time when anything discouraged you or made

you doubt becoming an actor?

E: Many times, but I never doubted my art. I did so many jobs that I knew were temporary. Being a part of the arts has always been plan A; I never really had a plan B. Most times, doubt came from other’s views or words. My mother encouraged me a great deal. She would always say, “If you gonna to clean toilets, you be the best toilet cleaner you can be.”

B: What was is like working with Spike Lee? E: I met Spike Lee when I was an extra in the movie Malcolm X. I have

had the pleasure of working with him on five projects including Clockers, Miracles Voice, The Brick , Old Boy, and Da Sweet Blood of Jesus.

B: Who or what inspires you?

E: I am inspired by the morning; just simply waking up reminds me to

be grateful. Other things inspire me like a good book, family and all sorts of music. But most days I’m inspired by doing right. I’m always thinking about what I can do help the next man or woman. I strongly believe that it’s what we do while no one is watching [that matters]. I am inspired by good will.

B: Other than American Crime, what other projects

are you working on?

E: There are many great things lined up for me in the upcoming year.

B

“I

have been

discouraged many times, but I never doubted myself or my

“

art.

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FASHION

WINTER BLEUS

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photographer VINCENT DOLMAN photographer assistant OLIVER BARJOLLE hair and make up CHARLOTTE GASKELL USING MAC COSMETICS AT LHA REPRESENTS models AT SELECT MODELS stylist SEAN AZEEZ AT PORTFOLIO CREATIVE AGENCY stylist Assistant DANNY WALKER, MARLON HENRY

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FEATURE

Devin Tracy WORDS BY JUWAN WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEJANDRO GARCIA

ARTIST ON THE RISE channels those who are des-

tined for great things. Luckily, BLEU Magazine likes to recognize those individuals before they “blow up.” So it was only fitting to talk with singer/songwriter Devin Tracy about how it all started for him and what we can expect from him as he makes his mark in the industry.

Devin Tracy was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. A former student at Bethune-Cookman University, Devin Tracy moved to the Big Apple with only $2,000 in his bank account. After countless struggles to find financial stability, he had finally gotten to a place where he could be openly creative to perfect his talents. Many people discover their gifts when they are younger if they are lucky; for Devin, he was 11 years old when he noticed his interest in composing music. At this age it wasn’t quite clear what his passion for writing would lead to. But one day he discovered that he had a knack for singing. Growing up, it was Devin’s sister who had influenced him to persue singing as she, too, shared the same gift. “I would get jealous and told myself that one day I wanted to be better than her,” he remembers. When he turned 15, a member of his church heard him lead a song during one of the services and offered Devin some recording studio sessions. Devin then recorded his first song “I Should’ve Known” which unfortunately was never released. But Devin began to realized the impact that he had on people through his music and how he could inspire them by using his talents.

the time to listen to the lyrics than if he doesn’t.

People like Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, James Brown and Aretha Franklin are just a few artists who have timeless music that seems to live on through generations of time. However, when it comes to who inspires Devin to write his music, Phyllis Hyman is the name. “She once said in an interview that she writes from a dark place, like hurt and pain…and that’s what I do.” Although her suicide in 1995 was shocking and tragic, she inspired many others with her illustrious, power-house of a voice.

When someone is on stage, all the public ever gets to see is the finished product. Unfortunately, we are not included in the creative process and we are not there to witness the magic being created.

We don’t see the many hours of toil and effort put into the production of a record. From the writing of the original music to majority of the vocals, all elements that go into the creation of one of his musical masterpieces fall mostly to him. Devin loves being in the studio just as much as he enjoys performing in front of an audience. “When I’m creating in the studio, it’s great; but it gets even better when I realize that I get to share it when it’s finished.”

“Music puts me in a place where I’m away from everything—all the hurts and things that I go through on a daily basis. There is so much emotion behind [my music].”

As the interview progressed, it became very clear how deep his passion for music really is. “Music puts me in a place where I’m away from everything--all the hurts and things that I go through on a daily basis. There is so much emotion behind [my music].” As a singer/songwriter, Devin definitely agrees that “writing is EVERYTHING!” General sentiment says music is much more sweeter and meaningful when an individual actually takes

So many people move to New York City in hopes that their dreams will one day play out. Since moving to New York, he has released 3 major projects, performed at many open mic events at SOB’s and has done a signing at a BET Music Matters event last year. Using his life experiences to fuel his passion, he continues to make even larger strides with every step. Devin is completely self-assured that his career will only continue to progress. His next project is being produced by The Radicals. It’s too early to say what can be expected of the project, but this time around Devin says he’s going with a new sound that’s still true to who he is and what he represents as a musician. B

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THE HUMANS

Human -noun 1. any individual of the genus Homo, especially a member of the species Homo sapiens.

2. a person, especially as distinguished from other animals or as representing the human species: We humans are worth more than two lines in a dictionary. We are complex creatures full of immeasurable possibility. All of us unique on our journey of self-discovery and peer admiration. At times, the media is filled with the worst of us. We choose to celebrate the best of us. Every issue will highlight the new cool kids--those everyday people doing amazing things. Or simply living their best life possible. Bakers to bankers, painters to pastors, our differences make us rise above all other species of the animal kingdom. We are not just human because we walk upright on two feet. Indeed we are human because we use those feet to take steps that push the boundaries--of love and creativity, of intelligence, of governance, of civility--further into the deep trenches of the universe. We typically utilize a mere fraction of our brain’s potential during the course of our lives. Let’s push the levels of creativity even further by sharing stories of those already expanding the world around them.

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CHEF KPE

What do you do?

I’m an Executive Chef for HOTPANnyc. HOTPANnyc, is a culinary concept dedicated to providing international modern cuisine to those who hunger for gastronomic experiences.

What makes it worth it?

Because I am a creative soul, being able to share all of that positive energy through the realm of food excites me for what I will achieve in the future.

Tell us about your roots and your background.

I’m a country boy at heart, but a total military brat. I was born in San Diego, CA and raised in Fishers, Indiana. Indiana was the starting place of my career. At a very young age, I started hanging out in the kitchen with my mom and wanted to cook just about everything. As a kid, I thought of myself as a “mad scientist.” I would find myself growing rock candy, eating ants off of the sidewalk and mixing every ingredient in the house together to create a “masterpiece.” I have a fond memory of myself in the first grade. My teacher showed the class the movie Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory. This movie was sensory overload for me and ever since that day I have been channeling the fictional character Willy Wonka. I knew all throughout my childhood until I graduated from high school that I would become a chef. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY and graduated from there in 2011.

What was the last thing that scared the hell out of you?

Absolutely nothing. I am too blessed to be scared!

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

I would like to have the ability to consume all matter in any form.

What inspires you?

Spending time out in the wilderness inspires me. In nature, almost everything is edible and can be used in cuisine. I enjoy foraging in the woods, hunting and volunteering at farms. Nature is what inspires my menu to be so whimsical.

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

Umm, me of course ... but by then I’ll be a robot.

2015 was the year of the… ...HOTPAN!

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MATEO

What do you do?

I am a fine jewelry designer.

What makes it worth it?

Jewelry making is my burning desire. That makes it worth it. I am truly blessed to be able to do what I love—to do what makes me happy each day. I believe I am completely fortunate.

Tell us about your roots and your background.

I’m the youngest child of a seamstress. I was born June 8th, 1985 in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

At the age of 16, I moved to the United States to study. It was here in the States where I then discovered my true passion for the art of jewelry and fashion design. After completing my studies, the Mateo New York brand was born in 2009. I am a self-taught designer propelled by my obsession for contemporary art. I develop creations that are inspired by my adopted city--New York--and my undying love and passion for architecture. I am inspired by artists such as Grace Jones, architect Normand Foster, as well as memories of my childhood and my mother who is my eternal muse.

What scares the hell out of you?

Failure.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

To defeat procrastination.

What inspires you?

My mother, art and architecture.

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

Undecided. I still have so much more to experience in life.

2015 was the year of… self-discovery and growth.

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J.T. LOUIS

What do you do?

I’m a filmmaker. I illustrate personal experience through film that everyone can relate to.

What makes it worth it?

I experience the most growth throughout my life with film. And with every project I learn something new and experience some type of personal growth. So what I do doesn’t feel like work.

Tell us about your roots and your background.

My father is a Caribbean immigrant and my mother is a southern belle. I was raised in Sanford, Florida with a family full of chefs. I grew up around delicious food with all types of spices and flavors. My palate was trained at a young age. [laughs] What was the last thing that scared the hell out of you?

Watching myself for the first time on screen.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

To be able to heal quickly.

What inspires you?

To be a blessing to my loved ones. I want to be able to create opportunities for those around me.

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

Larenz Tate. He’s one of my favorite actors. He’s so underrated. I’m a big fan of actors who challenge themselves by playing different types of roles. I’m a Gemini, so he could play all the different types of personalities that I have.

2015 was the year of the… prologue for who am I to become.

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TIERRA BENTON

What do you do?

I am a professional squirrel whisperer disguised as a model and actress living in Queens, New York. I enjoy singing, grooving and bumping to Erykah Badu while baking anomalies of deliciousness.

What makes it worth it?

The opportunity to grow and learn and expand through my creative preferences while helping and inspiring others to do the same…That’s what makes it worth it.

Tell us about your roots and your background.

I was born where the palm trees dance and the volcanoes whisper songs of sweet heat--on the paradise island of Hawaii. I was raised in Georgia by my momma and pops. Momma is a jewelry maker who makes a mean sweet potato pie, and pops is a retired marine who can make anybody laugh.

What was the last thing that scared the hell out of you?

To be completely honest, I watched the trailer for the Surrogates with Bruce Willis…and was spooked! The idea of a world ruled by robots creeps me the hell out.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

I’d like the power to be able to manipulate the weather like Storm from X-men does. She does all that while rocking funky boots, Hendrix’s guitar and wearing an all-leather outfit straight out of a Matrix film. “Shall it rain love today?”

What inspires you?

I find inspiration everywhere. I love music; I love stories and literature on the concept of love. Recently, I have been finding a great deal of meaning in the color green.

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

Ha! Great question. I’m casting next week. [laughs] I hear Ciara’s interested in auditioning.

2015 was the year to…. say goodbye to your old wardrobe and donate it. Reinvent yourself, and say “ni hao” to the new you!

I hear 2016 is the year of the sheep, a time to be flexible, and a time to chill and improve your health and well-being.

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DREW NAGDA

What do you do?

I’m a connector. Currently, my focus is curating a community of creators and innovators at Alley NYC, an entrepreneurial hub based in New York City.

What makes it worth it?

Seeing the emotions on people’s faces when they win. It’s pretty awesome to be able to collaborate with some of the smartest people and startups on a day-to-day basis.

Tell us about your roots and your background.

I was born and raised in Florida and attended Indiana University in the Midwest. I always wanted to move to a big city, so before I came to New York City, I lived in Hong Kong--which was insane! Growing up, I was always with my mom and sisters. So if I could pinpoint one of the keys to success it would be surrounding yourself with strong, independent women.

What was the last thing that scared the hell out of you?

My dad had emergency heart surgery last year and that really shook me up. I was on my flight back home, not knowing what would be next. The scariest part was all the questions I still wanted to ask him and wanting to say “thank you” to him for all of his sacrifices. Thankfully, things went well and he fully recovered. My relationship with him has grown tremendously.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?

Time-pause. How is it already December?!

What inspires you?

In the words of J.Cole: “Granted 9 to 5 is how you survive, I ain’t tryna survive. I’m tryna throw my momma in rides.”

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

Am I reaching if I say Will Smith?

2015 was the year of the …. wait for a Frank Ocean album... still waiting.

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FASHION

Street State of Mind PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELVIN OCASIO & PATRICK DOMOND STYLING BY RONI FRANÇOIS ASSISTANCE BY AIESHA BROWN & GLADYS MEDAGLIA GROOMING BY DESIREE STEVENSON MODEL ZEBEDEE ROW @ MINT MANAGEMENT

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SPOTLIGHT

vibrant sea WORDS BY JESSICA GUSMEROTTI

Tucked away from the hustle-bustle of Midtown, on a street in Manhattan’s East Village, is Vibrant Sea. Only two-years-old, Vibrant Sea is one of New York City’s finest and friendliest wellness centers.

Once inside, it is easy to forget that you are in one of the loudest cities in America. The outside noise is soundly kept out of the spa area.

This oasis offers a number of services such as float therapy, colonic hydrotherapy, an infrared sauna and nutrition consultations. Guests have the option to choose what services they would like to receive and also have the option to combine services. Prices range from $40 to $600, depending on what service or package is chosen. The “triple play” ($230), as Vibrant Sea calls it, includes a colonic, sauna and a one-hour float session. Guests can also choose the order in which they receive multiple services, although if you ask a staff member they will give you

their suggestion to the kinds of services appropriate for your needs.

Furthermore, because of the intimate setup of the space, guests have the luxury of experiencing services alone, although they can choose to share the space with a friend as well. Amenities offered include shower facilities, natural shampoo, conditioner, soap, hair dryers, towels, earplugs, and more. Vibrant Sea’s staff is comprised of three main people. Gil Jacobs, a world renowned colon hydrotherapist and natural healing guru has practiced natural healing for almost 30 years. Christina Pistone is a certified clinical nutritionist and the private chef.

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Float Therapy: Users float in about a foot of extremely dense salt water (think of an aqua system like that of the Dead Sea) for 60, 90 or 120 minutes. Once inside the tank, sensory deprivation occurs as you float in a dark and quiet safe space.

Benefit: Salt water helps alkalize the body and decreases inflammation.

Infrared Sauna: Infrared heaters emit radiant heat via light to be absorbed by the skin.

Benefit: Heavy metals are eliminated and radiation in the body is neutralized. Blood pressure is lowered, circulation is increased and skin is left cleansed.

Colon Hydrotherapy: Also known as a colonic. Think of colon hydrotherapy as a cleansing bath for your insides.

Benefit: Removes accumulated waste, gas pressure and toxins in the body.

we belong here WORDS BY DÉVON CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON

As an American, the only way to truly understand the greatness of our country is to see it in person.

Many of you, like myself, hated history classes. I spent most of the time staring out of the window or drawing circles in my notebook. Recently I had a chance to visit The American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin. I jumped at the opportunity to travel to a place that many people—particularly those who look like me--wouldn’t even think of going to.

In 1978, 60 years after it was dedicated, The American Club was placed on The National Register of Historic Places. The Village of Kohler, Wisconsin is 55 miles north of Milwaukee and is home to the Kohler Design Center and Factory. It has also been recognized as a AAA Five Diamond resort hotel for the past 29 consecutive years.

The American Club was actually built in 1918 for immigrants, many of whom worked in the factories and were not yet American citizens—makes this place very American. Immigrants built our entire country. Not just the ones who claimed this land an independent commonwealth in 1776, but the ones who make a strong contribution to the many sectors of American society today. The difference is that Kohler appreciated the diversity and hard work of the newcomers, many who had left family and friends behind as they ventured to a “New

World” of opportunity. The hotel was originally an establishment purposed for “single men of modest means.” Most of those men spoke very little English. Today families of all socioeconomic backgrounds will feel right at home at the hotel.

The tradition of welcoming all has transcended time. The staff of the hotel is accommodating and friendly. The rooms are “decked out!” So, if you can’t afford to treat your home to a makeover with all the Kohler fixtures, then take a weekend trip and stay at The American Club. You will feel like royalty with all of the top-notch Kohler offerings, from jetted tubs to overhead rain showers.

There is affordable luxury in the Midwest. When you’re planning your next family vacation or annual trip with your buddies, give Florida a break and visit Kohler, Wisconsin.

THE AMERICAN CLUB 419 HIGHLAND DRIVE KOHLER, WISCONSIN AmericanClubResort.com

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Utah Jazz Power Forward Derrick Favors He describes his offseason work and off-the-court contributions WORDS BY RAYMOND MORA

Last season the Utah Jazz finished 38-44 and finished strong after the all-star break. Players such as forward Gordon Hayward and center Rudy Gobert had career season-highs and proved to be key factors for the franchise as they lead the team to the post-season playoffs. But Utah’s arsenal would not be complete without six-year veteran Derrick Favors who, game after game, displays great talent mixed in with a ceaseless tenacity helping to propel the Jazz to become one NBA team to reckon with. Power forward Favors works hard during the offseason on his game and properly prepares himself for the grueling NBA season. He also makes time to give back to the community.

He believes rookies should not only work hard on the court to improve their individual games and take their careers seriously, but he feels they should do whatever they can not to get into trouble. To the young aspiring athlete he admonishes the following: “Just make sure you always get to the gym and put in work everyday because there is always someone out there working harder than you are, trying to take your position, trying to take your job; so you always got to be prepared for that. Off the court just understand that it’s a business; you gotta know how to handle yourself a certain way. Don’t get into trouble. Have fun but stay out of trouble and enjoy it.”

Favors’ work ethic stems from his appreciation of the greatness of At 6’10”, Favors came into the league as a high prospect who dishis favorite NBA players he saw growing up. As a child, he loved played size, rebounding skills and post moves. During his six-year watching Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett on the court. He likes tenure, he averaged 10.9 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per the way these two play the game. He noticed their offseason work game along with a shooting average of 51 percent. Last season he which contributed to their ability to add to their respective games. had his best year with the Jazz averaging per game 16 points, 8.2 rebounds When Favors faced both of them for and 1.7 blocks while shooting at a 52 the first time, he was shocked by the “When I go to the gym I give it percent per game average. interactions. He was fully aware of 110 percent…and a lot of people the “killer instincts” they show on the In the offseason, Favors focuses on court. Though he could have let that don’t know that because I don’t his offense. He works on being a get the best of him, he was able to put post it online like everyone else. stretch forward and improving his that worry aside when it came time to jumpers from mid-range to the three guarding against these legends during A lot of people don’t think I put in point line. In this era of the NBA, the games. Favors still continues to the work, but I know what I do in power forwards and centers have to view them as idols even though he have the ability to shoot the long shot plays against them in the NBA. the gym.” from anywhere on the court. Favors wants to add that to his game. He While Favors has experienced great also has been working on a new set success on the court, he understands of moves against good post players. “I’m working on counters,” that basketball is not all there is to life. He also gives back to the states Favors. “I think I got the hook shot and fade-away jumper; I community. Favors contributes to Ronald McDonald charity orgot all that packed down. Right now I’m just working on counters. ganizations. He has visited some McDonald houses and a couple When they take the hook shots or take the fade-aways, just adding of McDonald restaurants to raise awareness of the difficulties that counters to them [makes a big diffrence].” struggling families deal with on a daily basis. “It’s a great feeling for me because I didn’t really have much growing up as a kid,” says Overall, his development and success is due to his coaches. Since Favors. “I know how some of the kids feel [knowing] that I can Favors lives in Atlanta, his hometown since childhood, the Utah relate to that. It’s a great feeling.” coaching staff works with him intensely. He wants to be in the best shape and be on-point offensively and defensively.

Favors is also fashion-conscious, depending on his mood. Sometimes he’s laid back about his fashion, while other times he shows He wants his mindset and body right during the season. A lot of to be a little more adventurous by throwing on crazy clothes. One of NBA fans don’t know his dynamic work ethic because they are not his fashion staples is a pair of Levi’s jeans with a t-shirt. at the practices day in and day out to get a first hand glimpse; all they can determine about his character is what they can note from What does Favors feel is the future of the Jazz? Favors knows the the internet. What they fail to notice is that he puts in as much work talent on this team. He hopes the front office continues to make imas any other NBA player in the league. “When I go to the gym I provements to the roster. He also believes in offseason training and give it 110 percent…and a lot of people don’t know that because I in putting the pieces in place for a playoff push. “We are a young don’t post it online like everyone else,” says Favors. “A lot of peoteam; we got young good players,” declares Favors. “We are headple don’t think I put in the work but I know what I do in the gym.” ing in the right direction. We can build something special and get into the playoffs and become a championship team.” B

BLEU LIST

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MAGAZINE

Aaron Rodgers

FADER

New Year’s Eve

Abbi Jacobson

Free Offset

North West

Allied Tattoo

Game of Thrones

Oxfords

Amouage

Gucci

Periscope

Apple Watch

Hillary Clinton

Photography

Arca

Homeland

Post Malone

Bernie Sanders

“Hotline Bling”

Purpdogg

Beyoncé

How to Get Away With Murder

Ralph Lauren

Brandon Marshall

Idris Elba

Ramen

Brooke Candy

Ilana Glazer

Ray Lewis

Bryson Tiller

iPhone 6S

Rihanna

Bucket Hats

James Bond

Ronda Rousey

Burgers

Janet Jackson

Russell Westbrook

Chelsea Boot

Jewelry

Scandal

Chris Paul

John Legend

Scarves

Christmas

“Jumpman”

Sentre

Chrissy Teigen

Kendrick Lamar

The Leftovers

Chuck Taylors

Kim Kardashian

The Pope

Comfort Food

Knitwear

Tory Lanez

Crewnecks

Korean Grooming

Travi$ Scott

Diamonds

KYLE!

Trevor Noah

Doc Rivers

Layering

Turtleneck

Dwyane Wade

Mariah Carey

What A Time to Be Alive

Emmys

Milk River

World Trade Center

Empire

Monk Straps

Yeezus

ICON

JANET JACKSON Your Favorite’s Favorite WORDS BY CHRIS LAW

Long before BET’s dance tribute this summer or when MTV deemed her an icon at its inaugural program, Janet Damita Jo Jackson’s status as a legend had been stamped and approved. Through her career spanning several decades, Janet has made a legendary impact in the world of music, dance, cinema, philanthropy and fashion. When exploring Janet’s journey to icon status, we find that there is more that meets the eye.

Though she was born into a famous family, becoming a star in her own right was not an easy journey. She has lived under the shadow of Michael Jackson, her famous larger-than-life brother. Unlike her brother, Jackson was never a part of a group from which she could draw strength and support or figure out her own sound before venturing out on a solo career. She was left with the challenge of having to make her own way.

Thematically, Janet has always had a lot to say. Whether it was tackling street harassment on “Nasty,” not rushing into sex on “Let’s Wait Awhile,” displaying solidarity on “Rhythm Nation” to protest racial inequality, her lightly-toned timbre made a powerful statement. Be it empowering women to own their sexuality on tracks like “If,” or supporting the LGBT community by discussing plight of depression on the album Velvet Rope, Janet has always shown just how much “Control” she has had strategizing the course of her life.

Her music videos serve as mini movies, complete with full-on choreography, innovative fashion and attractive co-stars. Her movies all debuted #1 at the box office. Her tours continue to push the envelope of theatrical experience, channeling her current hits and all the blockbusters we’ve grown up with.

On her 49th birthday in May 2015, Janet Jackson confessed to her fans, once again, that she’d soon be releasing new music and going on a world tour to bring about a new movement. Prior to this announcement, to inspire her artistry, she took time away from the spotlight to live her life (she was married in 2012) and concentrate on other meaningful things.

After her announcement, the world began buzzing about her much needed and anticipated return. At the same time, there was much talk about her “competing” in today’s musical climate. Many of her original contemporaries have passed away or have been able to capture success beyond their seminal work.

Even Janet’s last three albums were either overshadowed by her infamous Super Bowl incident and failed to be as innovative as her previous work.

Thankfully, Janet proves her naysayers wrong and continues to keep us hype.

Janet’s first single, “No Sleep,” reached #1 on the R&B charts and remained in that spot for several weeks. Her seventh #1 album Unbreakable, which is released on her own Rhythm Nation record label, debuted at #1, making her the third person to have a #1 album spanning four decades.

Janet’s influence continues to be seen throughout the industry today. Her larger-than-life videos inspired the likes of Taylor Swift. Her fervent dedication to addressing women’s empowerment and was the blueprint for Beyonce’s post-Destiny’s Child career. Her soft and sexy vocal styling has been borrowed by artists like Tinashe and FKA Twigs. Her ability to push the envelope both visually and musically is one attribute Rihanna has studied like a university subject. Her dazzling dance moves have inspired both Chris Brown and Ciara.

All Hail Janet!

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STOCKIST

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