Bleu Magazine Issue 43- Afred Enoch

Anniversary Issue

ALFRED ENOCH 43

IT MAKES SO MUCH MORE THAN A STATEMENT

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MY N AK E D T R UT 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?

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Contents

Tenth Anniversary Issue

68

Alfred Enoch could probably get away with murder. He’s Charming, smart, funny, handsome and modest. Oh, and he can act too. Not only is he turning heads in L.A, but in the UK where he has been touring with King Lear.

WORDS ANNA SAMPSON

Suit and T-shirt ARMANI EXCHANGE

6

MAGAZINE

PHOTOGRAPHY VINCENT DOLMAN

The Law Of Attraction: Alfred Enoch

Contents 10th Anniversary Issue

11 Publisher’s Letter

58 Fashion Cozy Transition

14 Access by Bleu 16 The 4 by 5 Welcome To The Show!

18 Soled Up 24 Gadgets Then & Now

26 Car Decade Of Dominace

28 Fashion Into The Night

40 Grooming Fresh Face For Fall

42 Fuel Via Veneto Santa Monica Dishing Star-Caliber Italian Cuisine

44 Fitness Why You Showing Off Your Legs?

!

46 Travel Pura Vida!

54 The Creatives Design Extraordinaire

Suit and T-shirt ARMANI EXCHANGE

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MAGAZINE

78 Op-ed What Happened To The Real Men?

80 Feature Everything For A Reason: The Story Of Bernard Flowers

82 Feature For Urban Rock

86 The Humans 90 Profile Superwoman

92 Fashion Come Correct

102 Score Self Value

106 Spotlight Sneaker Haven / Dope Pins

108 Feature Spinning With Fashion

112 Bleulist 113 Icon Prince: The Purple Innovator

114 Stockist

PHOTOGRAPHY VINCENT DOLMAN

12 Contributors

Issue 43

9

MASTHEAD

On The Cover ALFRED ENOCH Words ANNA SAMPSON Photography VINCENT DOLMAN Photography Assistant OLIVER BARJOLLF Fashion SEAN AZEEZ Grooming JOLANDA COETZER ALFRED ENOCH COVER SHOT: Jacket HELEN ANTHONY Shirt ARMANI EXCHANGE

TEAM BLEU

THE BLEULIFE GROUP

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

DÉVON CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON

FASHION EDITOR-AT-LARGE DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER

CHRIS SANDFORD ERICA VAIN

GRAPHIC DESIGN LEAD

DOMINIC BIELAK

AD SALES

CONTRIBUTING FASHION EDITOR EUROPE FASHION EDITOR

RONÇOIS FRANCOIS SEAN AZEEZ

TODD EVANS RIVENDELL MEDIA 908.232.2021

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

RAYMOND MORA, CHRIS LAW

CHAIRMAN, CEO & PRESIDENT DÉVON CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON

BRAND STRATEGIST

EDITORIAL TEAM ADONIS FRANK ANGEL QUILES DORIELLE JACKSON

EDRIC ROBINSON YISREAL RICHARDSON BRIAN CAMACHO

COPY EDITOR OFFICE COORDINATOR PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

TREVOY ROSS JOSE MATEO NAYA AGARRAT

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

ANNA SAMPSON JALEEL MACKEY EVAN MAJORS RANNON HARRIS DOMINIQUE CARSON SABLE SWEEPER MERILEE KERN JUWAN WILLIAMS

VINCENT DOLMAN TERRENCE MIELE SOUL BROTHERS MYRONE “MAJESTIC” POWELL OLIVER BARJOLLE STEVEN TAYLOR BRENDAN BONNEY OBI ANYANWU

CHRISTOPHER FINDLEY @CHRISTOPHERMFINDLEY

EVENT PRODUCTION:

INTERNS TERENCE MCNEALY, JOCELYN MERCADO, LAWRENCE PITTS, CHAE LIN LEE, RHESAMAE BERNAL, SHAMECHA LYWOOD, HENOCH BELLANTON

TRAVIS WEEKS @DRIVENSOCIETY

REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE RANNON HARRIS (CHICAGO - MIDWEST)

LEGAL & BUSINESS AFFAIRS THOMAS J. WILSON ESQ

NEWSSTAND DISTRIBUTION

SUBMISSIONS

INGRAM CONTENT GROUP INC. 1 INGRAM BLVD. LA VERGNE, TN 37086 PHONE: 615.793.5000

BLEU MAGAZINE 500 FASHION AVE, 17A NEW YORK, NY 10018 INFO@BLEULIFE.COM

BOMBSHELLBYBLEU EDITOR EBONY ALLISON CONTRIBUTORS GLAMO, TANYKA RENEE, CATAANDA J, LONDON BURNS, MATIA PEEBLES, CORINNE CUTTINO

10

MAGAZINE

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.

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

For me, it has always been about the work. Not popularity. Not accolades. But simply doing my best to make my family proud. From an early age I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I started my first business in third grade selling lollipops for twenty-five cents to classmates. That was decades ago. Way before my big dreams manifested into reality.

Before Instagram and Twitter followers. Before Facebook likes and Snap Chat videos.

When a little boy they called “Dee,” dreamed the so-called-impossible, yet imaginable.

Regrets, I’ve had a few But then again, too few to mention I did what I had to do and saw it through without exemption I planned each charted course, each careful step along the byway And more, much more than this, I did it my way Yes, there were times, I’m sure you knew When I bit off more than I could chew But through it all, when there was doubt I ate it up and spit it out I faced it all and I stood tall and did it my way “MY WAY”, FRANK SINATRA

Today, I am still that little boy dreaming. True, I now have the power to make most of them a reality. True, today’s dreams are a little more realistic. But, I am the same.

Nothing has changed me. Where I have arrived is the destination I foresaw. So, I am not comfortable with the accolades. I don’t feel that special. I am still doing the work to make myself and my family better. I don’t have time to celebrate. I am busy planning my next move.

What I will celebrate is Bleu Magazine. Ten years as an independent media outlet is hard. Peers didn’t believe it would work. Other competing magazines cast negative energy in our direction. Instead we stayed the course and persevered. In the words of Madonna, “Absolutely no regrets!”

We celebrate year 10 by celebrating year one. That’s when it mattered the most. It is easy to believe in the brand now, after 10 years and 44 covers. Who was there before any cover was booked? That is what counts.

No worries, if you missed the first 10, we won’t hold it against you. We plan on being around several more decades. Sit back. Relax. Enjoy your BLEU!

DÉVON CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON

FOUNDER AND GROUP PUBLISHER @DEVONISBLEU

Issue 43

11

CONTRIBUTORS

ANNA SAMPSON

12

JALEEL MACKEY

Anna Sampson grew up in the Middle East but now works in London and Paris. She’s a journalist an artist, who has an online diary Stir, featuring interview with young creatives and satirical stories. In her spare time she studies fine art at Chelsea College of Art. Eating burgers, bowling and Jake Gyllenhaal are some of her hobbies. Check her out on Instagram here: a_littlelovin.

Jaleel is a writer, poet, speaker and coach living in Santa Cruz, California. He is drawn to people’s life journeys where he enjoys pinpointing pivotal moments and connecting the dots to uncover a cohesive narrative.

Jaleel believes that stories can teach, persuade, and inspire those who are willing to listen. He believes stories award us opportunities to learn about ourselves and grow with newfound understanding. He has been capturing and sharing snippets of life for more than 10 years in an effort to empower others. You can find Jaleel on Twitter (@jaleelmackey).

EVAN MAJORS

MERILEE KERN

Evan Majors is a NYC-based TV Casting Director and Talent Manager who graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in English and Journalism. He has written for the Ann Arbor News and Kalamazoo Gazette.

He is passionate about books, jazz, long distance running, equality, and working with kids. Not to mention, has a penchant for horror films, Wu-Tang Clan, and Kanye West.

“The Luxe List” Executive Editor Merilee Kern scours the luxury marketplace for exemplary travel experiences, extraordinary events, and notable products and services.

Submissions are accepted at www.TheLuxeList. com. Follow her on Twitter here: www.Twitter.com/ LuxeListEditor and Facebook here: www.Facebook. com/TheLuxeList.

TERRENCE MIELE

SABLE SWEEPER

Terrence Miele discovered photography when he was 14-years-old and never looked back. He attended Rochester Institute of Technology and Salzburg College graduating with a degree in Photographic Arts and Sciences. He is based out of New York City with a client list that includes New York Times magazine, Fortune, Village Voice, Sony, Absolute Vodka, Vibe, Twisted Records, Nervous Records and Newsweek.

Sable Sweeper is an artistic guru who has combined the world of fashion and journalism. Holding a double BA in English/ Sociology and an Inter Arts minor from Georgetown University, Sable has produced notable articles for Vibe Vixen, Hype Hair, Live Civil, as well as enhancing independent companies through written content. As an active fashion stylist and brand manger, she has conquered worldwide audiences with notable placements of top brands.

MAGAZINE

BLEUMAGAZINE.COM @BLEUMAGAZINE

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

ACCESS BY BLEU

TONI BRAXTON, WENDY RAQUEL ROBINSON AND CHARLES TILLMAN AMONG THOSE HONORED AT 13TH ANNUAL MCDONALD’S 365BLACK AWARDS NEW ORLEANS JULY 1, 2016

1.

The 13th annual McDonald’s 365Black Awards just wrapped up at the ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans and it was a great affair! The Awards, which honored celebrities, including Grammy Award-winning artist Toni Braxton, NFL cornerback Charles “Peanut” Tillman and award-winning actress Wendy Raquel Robinson.

PHOTOGRAPHY SOUL BROTHER 2.

3.

5.

6.

4.

7.

1. The Braxton Sisters, left Traci, Tamar, Towanda and Trina 2. Amber Riley 3. Ro James 4. King Bach 5. Jordin Sparks 6. Lonnie Bunch 7. Anthony Hamilton 14

MAGAZINE

ACCESS BY BLEU

CULTURE CREATORS BRUNCH: A CELEBRATION OF SOME OF MUSIC’S BIGGEST EXECUTIVES LOS ANGELES, CA JUNE 28, 2016

1.

Over 200 guests gathered at Mr. C in Beverly Hills at the Culture Creators Brunch, in celebration with the 2016 BET Awards. Culture Creators’ founder and Senior Vice President of Marketing and Brand Partnerships at Atlantic Records, Joi Pitts, called on the music industry’s most powerful figures to celebrate their contributions to furthering Black culture in the music industry. Katt Williams, DJ Drama, Laz Alonso, Estelle, Bridget Kelly, Bevy Smith, and more joined in on the festivities honoring the industry’s leaders and innovators.

PHOTOGRAPHY REVOLT TV 2.

3.

4.

5.

1. Yvette Noel-Schure 2. Nicole Lyn and Kristen Fraser 3. Mark Pitts and Wayne Barrow 4. Dj Drama

6.

5. Miss Diddy and Claire Sulmers 6. Estelle and Katt Williams

Issue 43

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THE 4 BY 5

WELCOME TO THE SHOW! For ten years rising stars have graced the cover of Bleu Magazine. Every entertainer starts somewhere and we have featured many before they became stars. Here are just four who are now more than the average Joe. WORDS RAYMOND MORA

1

Big Sean

PROFESSION:

COVER:

Rapper

Digital Issue 3

DISCOVERED: for his third mixtape entitled Finally Famous Vol. 3: BIG, which featured major artists including Drake, Tyga, Mike Posner, Chip tha Rapper and several more.

KNOWN: for meeting with Kanye West at 102.7 FM in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. He left West a demo tape after the freestyle and two years later Sean was signed to GOOD Music thanks to West.

BLEW UP: His first studio album Finally Famous, spawned three hit singles: “My Last”, “Marvin & Chardonnay”, and “Dance (A$$)”.

SEBASTIAN MIKAEL

2

PROFESSION:

COVER:

Rapper

Issue 36

DISCOVERED: for his breakout video single “Beautiful Life”, capturing what Mikael’s music is as a whole.

KNOWN: for collaborating with Jim Jonsin, Rico Love and many producers in the business after signing with Epic Records.

BLEW UP: after his first official studio album Speechless, featuring Rick Ross and Teyana Taylor, hits stores and on iTunes.

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MAGAZINE

SEBASTIAN MIKAEL +

Shameik Moore InkMonstarr Ice Cube

36

THE 4 BY 5

3

FRENCH MONTANA PROFESSION:

COVER:

Rapper

Issue 25

DISCOVERED: for making a series of DVDs called Cocaine City with his friend Cams. The DVDs featured major and upcoming rappers and personalities, also focusing on street music.

KNOWN: for collaborating with Rick Ross on a song call “Choppa Choppa Down”. It was featured on the MMG collaborative album Self Made Vol. 1.

BLEW UP: for his song “Shot Caller”, which was a hit song between 2011-2012. Fat Joe and Waka Flocka accompany Montana on the video shoot for the song.

4

MICHAEL B. Jordan

PROFESSION:

COVER:

Actor

Issue 16

DISCOVERED: for playing single episodes of Cosby and The Sopranos.

In 2001, Jordan appeared in the film Hardball playing the character Jamal.

KNOWN: for playing the quarterback Vince Howard on the NBC hit drama series Friday Night Lights. He played the character for two seasons and was one of the rising stars during that time.

BLEW UP: playing Adonis, the son of Apollo Creed in the Rocky sequel Creed. To play Creed he put in one year of rigorous physical training and a low-fat diet.

Issue 43

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SOLED UP

PHOTOGRAPHY TERRENCE MIELE

ADIDAS ORIGINALS Stan Smith Primeknit Adidas.com

$120 18

MAGAZINE

K-SWISS

Classic Tortoise VN Kswiss.com

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CONVERSE

Chuck Taylor All Star Converse.com

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SOLED UP

COACH 1941

C210 Available at select Coach Men stores and Coach.com

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BUSCEMI

Buscemi.com and Bergdorf Goodman Stores

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BUSCEMI Buscemi.com

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LACOSTE

L.12.12 Mid Lacoste Stores and Lacoste.com

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COACH 1941

C210 Patchwork Available at select Coach Men Stores and Coach.com

$275

Issue 43

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SOLED UP

1

2

LACOSTE

BUSCEMI

Turbo Amazon.com

$170

$750

3

4

LACOSTE

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MAGAZINE

Buscemi.com

CONVERSE

L.12.12 Mid Lacoste Stores and Lacoste.com

Chuck Taylor All Star Converse.com

$190

$75

SOLED UP

K-SWISS

D R Cinch Chukka P

$90

Kswiss.com

BUSCEMI Buscemi.com

$65

LACOSTE L.12.12 Mid Lacoste.com

$190

ADIDAS ORIGINALS Rod Laver Adidas.com

$65

Issue 43

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SOLED UP

CREATIVE RECREATION Adonis Revolve.com

$140

CREATIVE RECREATION Forlando Amazon.com

$100

CREATIVE RECREATION

Cesario Woven Bloomingdals Department Stores

$70

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MAGAZINE

SOLED UP

VANS

Sk8-Hi Mte Cup Vans.com

$110

VANS

Sk8-Hi Mte Vans.com

$85

VANS

Cord Plaid Sk8-Hi Reissue Vans.com

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VANS

Mono Sk8-Hi Reissue Vans.com

$80

Issue 43

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g

GADGETS

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MICROSOFT ZUNE (FIRST GENERATION)

THEN & NOW Everyday technology grows within our imaginations, making leaps over previous gadgets. From a DVD player to a Blu-ray player and from laptops to iPads, it looks to continue that trend of growth for the next generation of tech products going into the future. Check out tech gadgets in 2006 to the new, improved ones in 2016, with the original prices.

ORIGINAL PRICE

$250

2006

Microsoft’s portable music-and-video player came with 30GBs of space and supported MP3 and WMA music files.

WORDS RAYMOND MORA

SAMSUNG BD-P1000 BLU RAY PLAYER

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NINTENDO DS LITE

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ORIGINAL PRICE

ORIGINAL PRICE

$129

$1,000

The first ever Blu-ray player in existence, delivered a life like video from high definition Blu-ray discs. It started the era of home theaters coming alive for the viewers.

An upgrade over the Nintendo DS that played Game Boy Advance games and regular DS games. Kids were able to play their favorite handheld games on the portable console, which is still playing to this day.

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APPLE MACBOOK PRO

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PIONEER 50-INCH HDTV

ORIGINAL PRICE

$1,999

ORIGINAL PRICE

$8,000

The first Apple MacBook Pro featured an Intel “Core Duo” processor, making it the first Mac notebook to have Intel microchips. It was discontinued early in 2007, but came throughout the years with improved technology leading up to other types of Macbooks.

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MAGAZINE

A 50-inch high definition resolution TV with improved color filter for enhanced contrast and detachable side speakers. Almost all of the images were coming to life, filled with so much detail making you look at TV differently.

g

2016

g OCULUS RIFT

GADGETS

SAMSUNG GALAXY S7

A first generation Virtual Reality gadget, putting an individual into their favorite game or watching an immersive VR movie. It’s a remarkable experience which triggers the evolution of Virtual Reality at the highest level.

$650 $600

This smartphone comes with free VR equipment by Oculus, it’s one of the best smartphones in the world that is water-resistant as well. The phones can an additional 200GB of memory with a microSD card, auto focus on photos and a Samsung pay app, which can store your cards onto the phone to cruise through checkouts.

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AMAZON ECHO

$180

9.7 INCHES

$750 $1,400

A hands-free, voice controlled device that can play your favorite music, order pizza from Domino’s and request rides from Uber using the Alexa Voice Service. The more an individual uses Alexa, the better it adapts to their personal preferences, speech patterns and vocabulary words.

DJI PHANTOM 4

APPLE IPAD PRO

The sexiest drone ever designed by DJI, features precision hovering, tap to fly, visual tracking, sports mode and extended flight time. The drone is also compatible with iPhones, iPads and Samsung phones.

The iPad Pro is the next generation of iPads, leaping past portable PCs with touching, swiping, or writing with a pencil. Products are sold in 12.9inch or 9.7inch models.

Issue 43

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CAR

DECADE OF DOMINANCE

It is virtually impossible to find a man who does not love cars. We all have our favorite; the fast ones, the luxury, the practical, the status symbol, and the ones that guarantee that you are noticed. Check out the cars from 10 years ago and the car as it is for 2016. These cars have evolved. The evolution is seen in the exterior styling and felt in the interior upgrades and powertrain advances.

WORDS RAYMOND MORA

CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06

2006

2016

PRICE: $62,500 DIMENSIONS: WHEELBASE: 105.7 in, LENGTH: 174.6 in, WIDTH: 75.6 in, HEIGHT: 49.1 in, CURB WEIGHT: 3150 LB TOP MPH: 198

PRICE: $96,O00 DIMENSIONS: WHEELBASE: 106.7 in, LENGTH: 177.9 in, WIDTH: 77.4 in, HEIGHT: 48.6 in, CURB WEIGHT: 3619 LB TOP MPH: 210

PORSCHE BOXSTER

2006

2016

PRICE: $45,795 DIMENSIONS: WHEELBASE: 95.1 in, LENGTH: 171.6 in, WIDTH: 70.9 in, HEIGHT: 51.0 in, CLUB WEIGHT: 2900-3100 LB TOP MPH: 159

PRICE: $83,095 DIMENSIONS: WHEELBASE: 97.4 in, LENGTH: 173.4 in, WIDTH: 70.9 in, HEIGHT: 49.7 in, CURB WEIGHT ( C/D EST): 2900 LB TOP MPH: 180

CAR

FORD MUSTANG GT

2006

2016

PRICE: $25,860 DIMENSIONS: WHEELBASE: 107.1 in, LENGTH: 187.6-188.0 in, WIDTH: 73.9 in, HEIGHT: 55.455.7 in, CURB WEIGHT: 3500-3700 LB TOP MPH: 143

PRICE: $33,295 DIMENSIONS: WHEELBASE: 107.1 in, LENGTH: 188.3 in, WIDTH: 75.4 in, HEIGHT: 54.4 in, CURB WEIGHT: 3782 LB TOP MPH: 150

DODGE CHALLENGER

2006

2016

PRICE: $27,990 DIMENSIONS: WHEELBASE: 116 in, LENGTH: 197.8 in, WIDTH: 78.6 in, HEIGHT: 57 in, CURB WEIGHT: 3970 LB TOP MPH: 174

PRICE: $32,990 DIMENSIONS: WHEELBASE: 116.2 in, LENGTH: 197.9 in, WIDTH: 75.7 in, HEIGHT: 57.5 in CURB WEIGHT: 3834 LB TOP MPH: 155

Issue 43

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INTO THE NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY TERRENCE MIELE FASHION CHRIS SANDFORD

Snapback HERSCHEL SUPPLY & GORE-TEX Sweatshirt MATIERE Coat CONTROL SECTOR Sweatpants JOHN ELLIOTT + CO Three Quarter Length Pants MATIERE Shoes DR. MARTENS

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TAB

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MAGAZINE

TAB

Hat GOORIN BROS Shirt MATIERE Poncho KITH Pants CONTROL SECTOR Sneakers ADIDAS

Issue 43

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TAB

Hat STETSON Sweater CONTROL SECTOR Jacket HYDROGEN Jeans CULT OF INDIVIDUALITY Boots TIMBERLAND

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MAGAZINE

TAB

Bomber Jacket MATIERE Parka Coat KITH Jeans CULT OF INDIVIDUALITY Boots TIMBERLAND

Issue 43

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TAB

Hat BICKLEY + MITCHELL Hoodie and Sweatpants KITH Jacket CONTROL SECTOR Sneakers REEBOK

34

MAGAZINE

TAB

Hoodie KITH Jacket MATIERE Jeans CULT OF INDIVIDUALITY Boots KAUFMAN’S ARMY & NAVY

Issue 43

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GROOMING

WORDS CHRIS LAW

Someone once said that age is the one thing you can reinvent. That someone may have been me, but I digress. For such a long time, there’s been little focus on men’s grooming. Besides getting a pimple or using Noxzema for everything, the world of men’s grooming was basically nonexistent.

Thankfully that has changed. And while we’re on the subject of change,

FACIAL FUEL ENERGIZING FACE WASH BY KIEHL’s You can skip that extra shot of espresso if you’re using this facial fuel energizing fac e wash from Kiehl’s. Formulated with caffeine, vitamins and citrus extracts, this cleanser is designed to be refreshing and awaken the skin. The perfect choice for those late nights where you have early mornings.

$28

FACIAL SCRUB BY BAXTER’S OF CALIFORNIA Crafted from cornmeal, walnut shell powder, chamomile, honey, and lavender this facial scrub by Baxter’s of California aims to gently remove impurities and dead surface cells. In addition this scrub also tones and exfoliates skin.

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MAGAZINE

let’s discuss the season change. I can take a guess; your summer ’16 was lit right? From the hours of working on your tan, to the sweat-induced dancing at a day party or a late night of drinking with the fellas, you’ve probably spent the summer focused on relaxing and not regimen. As we approach fall, it’s time to revisit your morning ritual.

CLEANSER Next to your brushing your teeth, washing your face is one of the most important parts of your grooming rituals. Using a proper cleanser helps to keep your skin clean and protected.

EXFOLIATE While aging is inevitable, looking your age is controllable. One of the ways to keep your face looking great is to exfoliate. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and unclogs your pores.

$19

GROOMING

MOISTURIZE All men weren’t born with the same skin type. Whether you have oily, dry, or normal skin, the benefits of moisturizer apply to all types. Moisturizers work to minimize wrinkles and sagging, and help to keep looking like your best self.

$48

DAILY MOISTURE DEFENSE LOTION BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 15 Lab series has been dedicated to keeping men’s faces clean, moisturized, and young for over 20 years. This award-winning product contains SPF15, which helps to protect your skin from UVA/UVB rays, smoke, and pollution which makes it a perfect everyday moisturizer. It also works on normal, dry, and oily skin types.

PRESHAVE $22

Being clean-shaven without bumps can be a hard job, but someone (read: you) has to do it. Many guys concentrate of the type of razor and the aftershave without realizing the importance of the pre-shave. This is a common mistake that can now be avoided thanks to a plethora of products on the market.

SOFTENING PRE-SHAVE OIL BY DOVE Dove has been getting men fresh for years. Recently they’ve released a set of shaving products.

This award-winning (Best of Beauty 2014) shave oil is crafted from sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, and Shea butter. Use this product to soften stubble and ensure a clean shave.

Issue 43

41

FUEL

Via Veneto Santa Monica Dishing Star-Caliber Italian Cuisine WORDS MERILEE KERN

Los Angeles is a city known as much for its distinctive award-winning eateries as it is for its celebrity residents. In fact, many of the city’s restaurants— particularly those frequented by Hollywood’s elite—often become as revered as the star clientele, themselves. One such establishment is Via Veneto in Santa Monica, which enjoys its fair share of celebrity patronage. From David and Victoria Beckham's joint birthday party to distinguished diners the likes of Madonna, Sean Penn, Eva Longoria, Harrison Ford and Duran Duran’s Warren Cuccurullo, who is actually one of the restaurant’s investors, this locale has received more than its fair share of A-list adulation.

Understandable amid an authentic, locavore-minded approach to European-style Italian cuisine that’s served up in an impeccably intimate setting.

Via Veneto has made a name for itself not only in Santa Monica but Los Angeles at large. Renowned

LOCATION 3009 Main St Santa Monica, Ca 90405

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MAGAZINE

for its enticing menu complimented by a remarkable wine selection and uber-cozy ambiance, the restaurant has become a staple in the community for discerning locals and tourists, alike. While serving up Italian standards like ravioli, gnocchi, spaghetti and fettuccine, the restaurant has mastered the art of elevating common Italian fare to a level that reflects superior culinary skill, creativity and artistry.

The success of Via Veneto is due, in large part, to the dedication and expertise of its owner, Fabrizio Bianconi. He migrated to the United States from Rome and, after working his way through some of the finest restaurants in both Italy and California, he opened this eatery to aptly express his passion for the Italian fare he grew up with. His vision came to life within a classic structure on Santa Monica’s Main Street. Fabrizio quickly became enamored with the inherent character of the building’s lofty ceil-

ings and stone floors. This fitting venue, combined with Fabrizio’s strong ethnic roots and elevated European-style menu, have made Via Veneto a go-to for those seeking a truly memorable Italian dining experience.

Via Veneto’s menu, itself, is brought to life by two of Los Angeles’ top chefs. For his part, Chef Ruben Vasquez (aka Lo Cheffone) brings to bear a rich culinary history. With more than 30 years of experience in some of Los Angeles’ finest restaurants, a thorough knowledge of Italian cuisine and decidedly-apparent attention to detail, his level of craftsmanship is duly complimented by his kitchen counterpart: Oscar. Affectionately known as the “Pasta King,” Oscar is the genius behind Via Veneto’s pasta dishes. The chef’s expertise is reflected in the menu’s authentic gnocchi, perfectly executed spaghetti and fettuccine entrées, and superb ravioli.

FUEL

The ability of the two chefs to ensure Via Veneto’s menu is consistently executed in extraordinary form has kept restaurant patrons—both the famous and the famished—coming back again and again.

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS Creating their trademark fine dining dishes begins with uncompromised, artisan-level ingredients, each personally sourced by Chef Ruben, and Via Veneto makes use of some of the finest that the local region—and Italy—has to offer. For example, their meat products like beef, lamb and veal are held to an exceptionally high standard. Sourced from nearby sustainable ranches, the animals are solely fed a vegetarian diet and are never given antibiotics or growth hormones. This extra level of care ensures these proteins are top caliber.

As well, many of the restaurant’s most notable dishes utilize distinctive and even highly coveted ingredients such as white truffles. Due to the delicacy’s very particular growth requirements regarding climate and soil, this fungi is known to exist in only certain locations during certain times of the year, making them incredibly rare and highly sought after. During the three months (October through December) that these exceptional culinary treats are available, Via Veneto imports them straight from Alba, Italy and integrates them into an inventive seasonal menu like none other.

During my own visit in May, black truffle was the featured menu item and the ingredient was exquisitely utilized in numerous dishes, including the Filet

Mignon Carpaccio I ordered. The prime carpaccio, sliced impossibly thin, featured a generous layer of rich, thick and creamy Taleggio cheese fondue that boasted an explosive shaved black truffle punch.

While in my estimation the portion of fondue was a little heavy handed relative to the extraordinarily delicate meat it covered, I thoroughly enjoyed the overarching flavor profile of the dish that was otherwise well-executed.

While the carpaccio was a pretty hard act to follow, I also reveled in the Ravioli Trio appetizer—a tantalizing flight consisting of handmade pasta pairs stuffed with sweet lobster and a bright organic tomato sauce; fresh asparagus (inside and atop) with a delicate white sauce; and, my favorite of the lot, pumpkin with butter and sage that was just the right balance of sweet and savory.

Ever the appetizer aficionado I pressed on to sample a few other starters, including the Polipo Alla Griglia. This fresh grilled octopus salad with red and yellow tomatoes, sliced fingerling potatoes and caramelized onions included two octopus tentacles that were perhaps the most tender and succulent I’ve ever had. I also appreciated the grilling technique whereby the amount of bitter char was minimal as compared to the unfortunate industry norm.

For its part, the Crostini with Prosciutto and Wild Mushrooms duo could have been a meal unto itself.

The fork-and-knife dish consists of two tantalizing types of large-form crostini: one topped with melted mozzarella and a generous layer of prosciutto, and another with melted mozzarella and a heap of meaty porcini mushrooms.

meat that, for my entrée, I ordered the Scaloppini di Vitello Al Porcini—three veal scaloppini cuts generously topped with a decidedly salty pancetta, all blanketed with a glistening porcini mushroom sauce that added a velvety quality to the dish. Another in my party ordered the enormous Tomahawk Ribeye to share. This behemoth Tuscan style, dry-aged bonein ribeye from a grass-fed, GMO free source drew much mouthwatering attention as it commanded its way through the dining room. This super thick, simply seasoned “cowboy cut” steak, with its gorgeous sear locking in profuse juices dutifully permeating the supple meat, was carved tableside to the delight of all.

As a lighter-side end to such a magnificent, albeit heavy, meal, I opted for the Panna Cotta on the recommendation of the server. The mild mannered vanilla flan was served with cross sections of two complimentary sauces: red berry and chocolate with Nutella. Fresh raspberries and blackberries, a sprig of mint and a crispy Italian cookie as an apt foil to the creamy base rounded out this lovely dessert.

When you are in the Los Angeles area and have a yearning for exceptionally high quality Italian fare—and can appreciate a moody, candlelight-laden atmosphere exuding a chic rustic elegance—proceed directly to Via Veneto. Whether you opt to sit in the charming upstairs private loft area where you can have a romantic Italian dinner for two or a party of twelve, or situate yourself under the glow of the chandelier in the cozy main dining room with other Via Veneto guests, prepare yourself to be impressed with the dining experience on the whole. No matter who you are, here you’re sure to eat like a Hollywood A-lister. B

So wonderful was the porcini juxtaposed with cured

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FITNESS

WHY YOU SHOWING OFF YOUR LEGS? Every time the summer comes people complain about trying to get toned legs. They look at the mirror and are not ready for the summer. Even though the summer has arrived it is not too late to get your legs in shape. Here are four exercises each person should do in a leg workout, with proper diet, in order get strong and toned legs for the summer.

WORDS RAYMOND MORA ILLUSTRATIONS CHAE LIN LEE

1 MUSCLES WORKED

GLUTES QUADRICEPS

JUMP SQUATS TIPS

REPS AND SETS

3 SETS OF 8-10 REPS

Go for form rather than rushing the exercise. Always bend your knees when you touch the ground.

HAMSTRINGS CALVES

2

LUNGES MUSCLES WORKED

QUADRICEPS HAMSTRINGS GLUTES

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REPS AND SETS

3 SETS OF 12-15 REPS

TIPS A shorter stride focuses on the quads. A longer stride focuses on the hamstrings. Either stride will work the glutes.

FITNESS

3

GLUTE BRIDGE

TIPS

MUSCLES WORKED

REPS AND SETS

GLUTES

3 SETS OF 15 REPS

HAMSTRINGS If you do the bridge on the heels, it shifts the focus to the hamstrings. Hold the bridge at the last rep for about 20-30 seconds to feel the burn.

4

WALL SITS

TIPS Do not do the exercise on the toes as it puts pressure on the knees and may result in an injury. Using dumbbells makes the exercise much tougher, but strengthens and produces lean muscle mass for the quads.

MUSCLES WORKED

REPS AND SETS

QUADRICEPS

2-3 SETS 30 SEONDS TO A MINUTE PER SET

HAMSTRINGS ADDUCTORS

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TRAVEL

PURA VIDA!

!

Whether you are looking to be one with nature, or you want to step out of your comfort zone and face your fears, or simply relax and soak up the sun, Costa Rica is the vacation spot.

Surrounded by beautiful beaches, volcanoes, and tropical rainforests, the beautiful country offers tourists an array of activities that are sure to create long lasting memories.

WORDS SABLE SWEEPER & TERENCE MCNEALY ILLUSTRATIONS CHAE LIN LEE

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COSTA RICA FACTS w RELAXATION

If you are looking to simply relax, Hotel Riu Palace is the place for you. The all-inclusive beachfront resort has everything one needs from unlimited drinks, a build in spa, casino and a remarkable food experience. There are 6 outdoor swimming pools, comfortable beach chairs with an open and close option for the cabana to block the sunlight. During the day there is a Costa Rican style BBQ in the pool area with the most delicious local food. The buffet BBQ offers everything from salad, ribs, chicken, paella, and an amazing shrimp dish. As far as your beverages, no need to move, the waiters bring everything directly to you. You can also get a deep tissue massage on the beach, which will run you about $25 USD.

FO O D Costa Rican breakfast, lunch, and dinner have two main ingredients in common: rice and black beans. Most Costa Ricans eat at home or cook at home and take their food to school or work from home. If people eat out on therun, they usually eat at a typical little sodas (restaurants that cater to tourists) that serve very balanced and very reasonably priced meals. Rice and beans mixed for breakfast is called Gallo Pinto.

FA SHI ON In the city, most people dress as they do in any other large city in the world. Even though the temperature is higher here, people still wear long pants, jeans, long skirts and even layers or sweaters. The typical guy on the street is wearing jeans and a tee-shirt with tennis shoes. For the trendier and younger groups of people you will see the same trends you see in the United States or Europe.

S O C I A L L I FE

ZIP LINING

One of the most daring and adventurous activities is Zip-Lining through the rain forest of Costa Rica. The activity is totally safe and secure, if you follows the directions.

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Costa Ricans love to party! Most people go out on Fridays and Saturdays, but there are exceptions when the club or bar hosts a discount night, or especially popular, a ladies night. For example, Monday nights in San Jose, Cuartel de la Boca del Monte is a hot spot. Ladies nights are always guaranteed to be popular because ladies get in for free, and are treated to free drinks.

Some bars and clubs offer discounted drinks and entrance fees for showing up before 9pm, but the crowd usually does not come out in full until 10pm or 11pm.

NIGHTLIFE IN CO STA R I C A

CLUB VE RTI GO

DEEP SEA EXPLORING

The house, hip-hop, and reggae enthusiasts of the world can do no better in Costa Rica than Club Vertigo. This expansive, exclusive club books some of the most famous artists who venture to Costa Rica, from Fatboy Slim to The Crystal Method, and regularly packs hundreds into its Moroccan-themed lounge dubbed The Den.

MIRAFLORES DISCO CLUB Coco Island is a National Park located right off the shore of Costa Rica. The Island is most famous for tourists who wish to snorkel and deep-sea scuba dive. It should be noted that while exploring the seas of the island is a terrific experience, it is expensive. Deep Sea Scuba Diving can easily cost you one thousand US dollars.

Miraflores Disco Club has been the hottest spot to dance and party in the otherwise subdued suburb of Heredia, a short ride from the capital city of San Jose, for more than forty years. This legendary dance club is only open Friday to Sunday, from 9pm to 6am. Hitech lasers, plasma screens, and a state of the art sound system enhances the experience, and two DJs spinning danceable electronic and Latin mixes keep everyone on their feet.

Two bars serve thirsty partygoers, and the newly installed kitchen means you can satisfy cravings for a midnight snack, and work up an appetite for breakfast on your way out.

B A R M A RI TZA Just when Puerto Viejo was in need of a little more night music, the black and white themed Bar Maritza has stepped up to the plate with a remodeled interior and a shiny new facade, bringing life after dark to the otherwise quiet stretch of beachfront it occupies. Maritza is attached to the front of a hotel with the same name, and encompasses a long wooden bar, dance floor, and several cocktail tables.

HISTORY

If you are interested in exploring and learning about the history of Costa Rica, I would suggest visiting Cartago. Cartago was the original capital of Costa Rica, before it was changed to San Jose. Cartago has some of the country’s oldest communities and it features ruins that are said to date back to the 16th century.

There is also the famous Lankester Botanical Garden and historical churches.

MANGO SUNSET One of Puerto Viejo’s most popular spots to party after dark, Mango Sunset, formerly called the Sunset Bar, has maintained its old-school vibe and infused new life into this open-to-the- ocean-front beach shack.

Inexpensive drink specials such as $1 Tequila and Guaro shots, rotating DJs, and free cocktail hours for ladies have kept Mango Sunset on the local nightlife map.

THE CREATIVES

Extraordinaire

WORDS RANNON RAY HARRIS

A Bleu Man is trendse+ing, smart, influential, and cu+ing-edge.

Justin Q. Williams exemplifies all of these traits and more. Justin Q. Williams is a Bleu man planning to take over the interior design world. He is currently an interior designer and a lifestyle specialist residing in Atlanta, Georgia. He is also now the lead set designer for national playwright, Jeremy Cormier – who many are calling the next Tyler Perry. Bleu had the opportunity to sit down with the multi-faceted Justin Q. Williams.

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justin q. williams

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THE CREATIVES

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THE CREATIVES

BLEU: How long have you been in the interior

design field?

JUSTIN: 6 years.

at, and sell it.” And of course make sure the something is legal lol.

What was your first interior design job?

The condo of a friends Aunt.

Who is your biggest client to date?

My biggest client in notoriety has been Necole Bitchie of XONecole.com

How would you describe your interior design style?

Transitional, clean lines of modern and the comfort of traditional.

Where can readers go to get more information about TradeMark Design Co? Our Facebook Page - Trademark Design Co. or the website TrademarkDesignCo.com

When was your first piece of work published?

How did it make you feel?

I was first published in JEZEBEL magazine and I felt super accomplished.

So we now hear you are expanding your brand and will be opening a furniture company?

Yes, we’ve established relationships with furniture manufacturers and will carry pieces that best reflect our style, this allows us to provide our clients with affordable and unique pieces that are of the best quality.

Tell us about your interior design company, TradeMark Design Co? Trademark was created to bring quality design to the everyday home, functional yet stylish all at once.

Creating an owners footprint or personal Trademark is the goal – also we make the homeowner feel included during the process so they can feel as if they designed it themselves.

What inspired the name of your company?

I was working on design before I had a name and as time went on I wanted the name to reflect what I was doing which was creating a trademark for my clients home.

How long ago did you start it? What motivated you to start your own business?

I was so young and I think the fearlessness of youth allowed me to just jump into it; however what made me turn this into a career is what my college professor told me which was, “Take something you’re good

What will the name be?

Trademark Home Where will it be located?

Atlanta, Georgia What type of buyer are you targeting?

We’d like to appeal to homeowners and apartment/ condo dwellers who want the most for their money, quality and stylish pieces with appropriate pricing.

What type of style will the furniture be?

We would stay consistent in the furnishing department as our design style which is Transitional.

Describe your own personal fashion style?

Who’s your favorite designer?

I’m pretty much a classic man, my fashion is pretty clean and simple. I’m not much of a labels guy so I

can’t say that I have a favorite designer.

What’s your five year industry plan?

Honestly, I know it’s good to have a plan but things change constantly in the market and in order to keep up with the growth and advancement of changes you have to be willing to constantly change which I feel I do.

What advice do you have for any designers in the industry that are reading this article?

Keep fighting when you get discouraged.

Can you tell us about your YOUTUBE Channel?

At the moment that is still in development.

Will your YOUTUBE channel be for upcoming designers? Or will it be a place for you to showcase your talent?

The YOUTUBE channel will allow my supporters to get to know me, my personal and design style a little better. It’s my hope for the YOUTUBE channel to help people in every stage of design.

What’s next for Justin Q. Williams?

It’s my ultimate goal to design furniture and accessories for the everyday home. I’d like to create luxury for less for families who want great substantial pieces at affordable prices.

Justin Q. Williams is a man with a plan and a vision.

He possesses the skills and the wherewithal to rise to the top of the interior design field! He is an example of resilience. He has worked to brand himself and his company, TradeMark Design Company. Bleu, if you are looking to upgrade your man cave or update the décor of your pad, check out Justin Q. Williams and let him put his trademark on your home. B

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FASHION

COZY TRANSITION As days get shorter, clothes get longer. Break into fall with long-loose fits that flow with ease.

PHOTOGRAPHY MYRONE "MAJESTIC" POWELL FASHION EDITOR CHRIS SANDFORD FASHION STYLIST AMBER LEON

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Beanie Hat HERSCHEL SUPPLY CO. Shirt RIDEAU Pants MATIERE Chelsea Boots LACOSTE

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Shirt ORIGINAL PENGUIN Pants PALMIERS DU MAL Coat LACOSTE L!VE

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FASHION Sunglasses AWEAR Gilet and Pants PERRY ELLIS Sweater ORIGINAL PENGUIN Oxford Shoes FLORSHEIM

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FASHION Tracksuit Jacket and Cable Sweater PERRY ELLIS Pants PALMIERS DU MAL Coat CALVIN KLEIN Sneakers LACOSTE

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Sunglasses SAMA Patagonia LUCIO CASTRO Coat LACOSTE L!VE

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Hoodie and Joggers MATIERE Robe PALMIERS DU MAL Boots FLORSHEIM

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ALFRED ENOCH COULD PROBABLY GET AWAY WITH MURDER.

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THE LAW OF ATTRACTION: ALFRED ENOCH WORDS ANNA SAMPSON PHOTOGRAPHY VINCENT DOLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT OLIVER BARJOLLE FASHION SEAN AZEEZ GROOMING JOLANDA COETZER

HE’S CHARMING, SMART, FUNNY, HANDSOME AND MODEST. OH, AND HE CAN ACT TOO.

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NOT ONLY IS HE TURNING HEADS IN L.A, BUT IN THE UK WHERE HE HAS BEEN TOURING WITH KING LEAR.

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got a week off, so trying to catch the things that I’ve missed and have wanted to see.

RED HOT SUCCESS OF HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER clearly hasn’t gone to Alfred Enoch’s head.

Immediately he insisted we call him Álfie, making me feel like we were school friends who hadn’t seen each other in years.

IN REAL LIFE HE’S JUST AS STRIKING AS HE IS ON THE

screen. Tall, statuesque, and a smile that could melt anyone from your granny to your girlfriend. And he’s more than just a pretty face. I thought I’d break the ice before the interview by plugging in my Spotify and before I knew it he was cutting shapes like you’ve never seen. For him it’s all go, not just with playing Wes on HTGAWM but travelling the UK (his home town) with the production of King Lear.

Some people pretend not to use social media to seem above it, but Alfie genuinely doesn’t. In fact, he often doesn’t watch episodes of his own show. Devastating for his fans, as they can’t stalk his Instagrams or Tweets but actually, it makes him a lot more humble.

Despite having the physique of a model, the man can eat. We went to a greasy spoon cafe, where instead of ordering egg whites he opted for a full English breakfast: beans, toast and sausage, washed down with a cup of tea. Not a trace of it splashed on the salmon pink Dunchamp suit he was wearing, which made me think “can he do no wrong?” Though he is not “into fashion” he was desperate to wear something similar to an event. I don’t blame him.

U BLEU: What’s been going on this week?

ALFRED ENOCH: I’ve been watching loads of plays

because I’ve been up in Manchester doing one. I’ve

What play are you in?

I’m doing a production of King Lear which was at the Manchester Royal Exchange and now is going to be at the Birmingham Rep. We did about five weeks at the exchange and in Birmingham we’re going to be on for about a week and a half.

Is it weird acting without the american accent?

No! It’s weird acting with the American accent. I used to do it all the time because I had never worked in it before and thought ‘I really don’t want to cock this up’. This is now a reversion to normality.

You star in How To Get Away With Murder. Did you realize how big it was going to be when you got the role?

No. I didn’t have a clue .You know, it was a pilot so obviously you never know if it’s even going to get picked up. I remember when I was in L.A. some people felt quite confident about it because the show’s got Viola Davis in it and and all the crew and everyone was really positive..but I was skeptical - I didn’t really know what it was going to turn into .I was trying to be pessimistic as a matter of course so I would let myself down more gently if hadn’t had gone well. So it was a pleasant surprise.

That’s a good outlook!

Yeah, self protection (laughs).

You and Viola Davis’s character Annalise have a rather complicated relationship. Is it much the same off screen?

Thankfully not at all, it’s a very weird relationship.

I think if I had to deal with that in my working life I wouldn’t be as tolerant as Wes is. That character is an awful woman. I mean she’s got extenuating circumstances but she is extraordinarily manipulative and cruel to my mind. Viola is a joy to work with!

From the start, Wes seems to be a promising lawyer. Is there anything else you wanted to do apart from acting?

No. I mean my dad’s an actor and probably like a lot of kids I was all, I want to to do what my dad does!!

The more I found out about what my dad

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did, the better it looked (laughs). No, acting was always my hope because it is. I’ve been saying this a lot recently because I’ve been having a blast doing King Lear it’s just the best job in the world. If that’s what you’re into, if you don’t like the idea of standing in front of lots of people then that’s going to be problematic. For a showoff like me, it’s great!

For a while I was tempted to try and be a teacher at my old school. I studied Spanish at school and had a sensational teacher called Graham Bartler who sadly will never read this but I would love for him to read me mentioning him.

When you’re filming in Los Angeles what do you miss most about London?

Lots of things (laughs). I’m London born and raised and I love it! Um, my Missus- but she comes out to L.A so, that’s nice. I get a little slice of that. What else… fry ups and ahh steak and ale pie. I like having a pie and a pint at lunch and then having a nap, but that doesn’t really happen in L.A. Hiking and green juice instead?

Yeah, exactly but that’s not really my thing. Oh, and the winter- I really miss the winter. When it gets dark early and it rains and you get into a nice pub! This has become very pub themed, I’m going to have to say something else before I give a worrying picture of myself ! (laughs) Walking is one of the things I miss most. London is nice to walk around in but in L.A I’m like the only person who walks. I often see people I know driving by, and they’ll pull over and

U “I like having a pie and a pint at lunch and then having a nap..but that doesn’t really happen in L.A!” 72

ask if I need a lift. Strolling the streets in L.A isn’t quite the same as walking through the parks in London or along the Southbank. Oh and theatre, I watch a lot of theatre when I’m In London.

Best play you’ve seen recently?

That’s such a difficult and good question..I’ve seen three excellent plays. Yesterday I went to see two plays. I had a two show day! (laughs) I saw two shows at The National by American Playwrights.

I saw Les Blancs by Lorraine Hansberry and was a smash!

The other play I saw was Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom which was a great production with fantastic performances. I saw the play I Am Thomas by a company called Told By An Idiot when I was in Manchester, about Thomas Aikenhead who was the last person in the United Kingdom to be executed for blasphemy. I was in bits after that. The company are so in

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U ventive and playful.. it’s sort of pure storytelling and not what people always expect when they go to the theatre. There’s something very special about theatre, that you’re sitting there and something comes alive before your eyes and then it’s gone.

Is there a role in a play you’ve been dying to play?

[King] Henry VI. The really good one is the last one. Henry VI Part Two and Henry VI Part Three are both great but Part Three... there’s a speech in it that is fantastically written because the context in the scene you get the king bemoaning his situation.

I find it sort of moving because you think, poor guy, and then Shakespeare immediately undercuts that.

It’s an amazing play; surprisingly neglected. There are lots of Shakespeare parts I’d like to play.

You’ve obviously never tried to get away with murder but what’s the worst crime you’ve committed?

When I was at Oxford University I used to break into balls. Like fancy balls. It was great! So there’d be a ball coming, where the college would be shut off and everyone would buy their over expensive tickets and regalia. We’d find out what the wristbands were and essentially would forge. One ball they had a yellow laminated wristband so we then went shopping for folders- you know with the laminated bits? We’d then strip off that section and cut it into the thickness of the bands and then would flash them at the bouncers.

Did you start a trend?

No, it’s been going on for a long time. It’s an old tradition! Once a couple of older guys went to the ball in wetsuits through river boarding the college.

They put their black tie in little water proof bags

and waded through the water and got changed in the bushes. Apparently they had a brilliant time but were called in to meet the warden the next day because they’d left their named wetsuits lying around.

Still, pretty impressive.

What’s the plan after How To Get Away With Murder?

I dont know! We finish shooting in February so hopefully something: exciting, fun, different and all the good things you want from an acting job.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Hopefully not unemployed with no job prospects! (laughs) Devastating for many fans, you don’t have Instagram. If you did, what would your username be? look_else_where That’s so effective!

I would just want to lower expectations! (laughs)

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OP-ED

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE REAL MEN? In a culture where masculinity and femininity overlap in fashion, music, and pop culture - men straight and gay struggle to define what is means to be a man in today’s society.

WORDS EVAN MAJORS ILLUSTRATIONS LAWRENCE PITTS

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decade ago Nas released Hip Hop Is Dead. Jay-Z released Kingdom Come, The Game released Doctor’s Advocate, Lupe Fiasco released his debut studio album Food & Liquor, and J Dilla released his last album Donuts before his untimely death. National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) president Ted Haggard, who had been an ardent preacher against homosexuality, had fallen from his moral kingdom for allegedly having a gay relationship with a male prostitute/ masseur and using crystal meth with him as well. The Sean Bell shooting incident took place in Queens, New York, when three men were shot a total of fifty times by a team of both plainclothes and undercover NYPD officers, killing Sean Bell on the morning before his wedding and severely wounding two of his friends. And now, we end our 10-year anniversary issue with one of the biggest mass shootings in U.S. history in Orlando, Florida.

A

As we look back at 10 years of music, fashion, and culture it’s hard not to be somewhat disillusioned by a decade of “bitchassness,” a term mogul and icon Sean “Diddy” Combs coined. Men behaving badly or rather men acting like boys. To me, it’s the decade when men stopped being “real men.” When guys stopped handling real beef in parking lots and turned to Twitter beefs. The decade when white guys started wearing fauxhawks ala David Beckam, shaping their eyebrows like Pauly from MTV’s Jersey Shore, caring more about their abdominal muscles than teenage girls, and when black, male rappers started wearing skinny jeans, and tight V-necks.

Actually, tight V-necks on men were and still are equal opportunists; they do not discriminate. Moreover, according to TIME magazine, it was model and fashion icon Kate Moss who paved the way for the skinny jean, the biggest fashion trend that started at the beginning of 2006 and continues to hang on like extra long t-shirts.

What happened to all the “real men”? It’s a question many of my female friends of all races have asked me over the past decade, as they’ve been relegated to metrosexual straight men who spend more time primping in the mirror than they do. No one can deny the feminization of today’s modern straight man and the influence of gay culture on fashion. However, it also depends on how we define masculinity. The idea of “manliness” is often a social, societal, or a cultural construct, as well as biological created factors that we define ourselves.

My examples of strong men in film were Shaft and Paul Newman in Cool Hand Luke. Both characters exemplified the traits I personally associated with manliness at that time. They were defiant in every way. They were tough even in the face of the law. They were fearless. They were respected, admired by men and woman, and both ruggedly handsome.

Being black, Puerto-Rican, and gay I too have struggled with the idea of masculinity throughout my life. Especially, coming from a culture that places a high value in the overly hyper machismo type of male. Growing up the

outwardly characteristics I associated with being masculine were toughness, assertiveness, exuding physical strength, bravado, and later prowess in the bedroom. For me, within hip-hop culture those guys were Tupac and DMX. It’s the reason why women and many gay men lust after the construction worker type, the man in uniform – the police officer, firefighter, or football player. In the gay community this type of man is referred to “butch,” i.e., masculine. Joseph Pleck, Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at University Of Illinois, Urbana-Champagne and author of The Myth of Masculinity argues that a hierarchy of masculinity exists largely as a dichotomy of homosexual and heterosexual males: “Our society uses the male heterosexual-homosexual dichotomy as a central symbol for all the rankings of masculinity, for the division on any grounds between males who are “real men” and have power, and males who are not.”

The idea of masculinity within hip-hop culture is indeed about power. It has even permeated outside of the culture to young white males who also feel the need to flex, even if their power and influence is imagined only showing up in your Instagram feed wrapped in a lo-fi filter. It’s also the reason the hip-hop community continues to have issues with Drake constantly discussing his masculinity, and his Charmin tissue lyrics because of course, rap lyrics can’t be sensitive, nor can its messenger, but like it or not Drake is changing and challenging the status-quo within the culture.

In the same way the hip-hop community took aim at Kanye West when he arrived on the scene wearing pink polo’s with his collar popped - the color pink being associated with femininity.

No matter if your power is real or imagined being a man is more than style, or whether you’re masculine or feminine, gay or heterosexual. Manliness is having standards, a set of values and principles you subscribe to. Being a man is about having integrity, respect for yourself and others, and honor. It’s about showing love, tenderness, and vulnerability as a friend, son, brother, or lover. Having the ability to stand up for what you believe in makes a man a man. Understanding that apologizing when you’re wrong makes you strong not weak. My hope is that we see men acting and dressing more like men, and less “bitchassness.” B

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FEATURE

E V E T H I F O A R E A S

R Y N G R O N :

The Story Of Bernard Flowers WORDS JALEEL MACKEY PHOTOGRAPHY STEVEN TAYLOR

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FEATURE

Epic Records signed a new artist, and his name is Bernard Flowers.

His debut single, “This Feeling,” is already shaking up the R&B charts, and although he may be the freshman on campus, Flowers, 23 comes to Epic with a decade of experience and the city of Memphis backing him. “I’ve been making music since I was 13,” says Flowers, dialing in from his mother’s home in Memphis. “That’s why, what I’m doing, now, is so respected and appreciated by my city.”

His passion is palpable; his gratitude, genuine, as he walks me through his experiences as it becomes clear: Flowers’ story is one of divine intervention brought on by an unwavering commitment to his craft.

Growing up in Westwood, South Memphis, Bernard’s talents awarded him hometown fame at an early age. “Everybody knew me from basketball,” reminisces Flowers, and “before I was making music, I was freestyling on the bus.” Music was a hobby until his sister’s ex-boyfriend invited him to the studio. “He was the only person that ever kept his word,” recalls Flowers with his Memphis conversation. “Everybody always told me they would take me to the studio, but they never did.” Bernard walked out of that session a member of PaperBoyz.

Throughout high school, Flowers played basketball

and recorded, building a buzz for himself beyond Westwood. “On top of the sports…I was handing music out at school, in the ‘hood...church; I would give folks at church [our] CDs,” chuckles Bernard.

It wasn’t until Bernard’s senior year, when the basketball coach retired, that he devoted his full attention to recording. Flowers realized, “music was the go to thing for [him]. He said, “this is my cue to put everything I have in music.” So he did.

By the time Flowers was 17, PaperBoyz was featured on WorldStarHipHop and recorded tracks with Gucci Mane, Young Dolph, and Drumma Boy. “We was buzzing. Can’t nobody tell you that we wasn’t them guys in the city,” quips Bernard. “My first big break came with the group.”

But as Bernard got older, his interests changed. He notes how he wanted to sing more, to explore different topics with his music, and when “the phenomenal guys [he] was in the group with…grew apart,” Bernard was crushed. He muses, “the true measure of a man is [defined by] when he’s going through it, I prayed and I said ‘this is what I wanna do,’ and I was willing to die for it, [so] I started putting videos out on my own. I was doing whatever I had to do to see another day, musically.”

In need of advice, Flowers called his father who told him, “If you sit around thinking something’s

gonna come to you, you got another thing comin’.”

So, Bernard found a construction job, and it was while playing his music onsite that a coworker offered to introduce him to the Atlanta music scene.

“I was just determined to let this music be the reason why I got up,” recalls Flowers, so at 20, he left home for Atlanta.

It was in The ATL where Flowers received an opportunity of a lifetime: to showcase his music for Epic Records’ CEO, L.A. Reid. “That’s when I knew I was elevating [my game],” admits Bernard, but their meeting left Flowers unsigned yet inspired. “Me not getting the concrete situation just motivated me to say, they gon’ see me again, and they gon’ respect it the next time, and it’s gonna be a beautiful thing.”

As soon as he touched down in Atlanta, Flowers went straight to the studio with Ikey Boy, the producer on “This Feeling.” Bernard describes how, when he heard the beat, he stepped into the booth and, immediately, started recording the hook. “It was so organic,” remembers Bernard. “When [he] did that song, it wasn’t for nobody in particular to hear it,” but it was a rebirth for the young artist.

Two weeks later, Flowers played “This Feeling” for PatchWerk Recording Studios who played the track for L.A. Reid. Six months later, Flowers found himself performing for Reid a second time. “It was divine intervention.” This is Bernard Flowers. B

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FEATURE

Hailing From The Mid-West By Way Of Columbia, Missouri, New Singer Reasn Is Fusing R&B Soul With Hip Hop And Rock N’ Roll Influences. In The Midst Of His First Major Tour With B.o.b, He Sat Down With Bleu Magazine To Discuss Everything From His Beginnings In Church To Lessons Learned While On The Road.

WORDS EDRIC ROBINSON

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PHOTOGRAPHY BRENDAN BONNEY

FEATURE

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LIKE IT WAS YESTERDAY, NEW ARTIST REASN

recalls his mother stopping service as he sang at Russel Chapel CME church in Columbia, MO one morning saying, “I’m sorry, Michael doesn’t want to sing today y’all, so we’re going to start him over.” “And she was serious.

If I wasn’t singing loud enough that’s what she would do in front of the entire church,” Reasn recalls. This discipline combined with household respect, honesty and a passionate drive are most likely the qualities his mother instilled in him back then that would lend to the man and artist he aims to be today.

He is on the 34th stop of B.o.B’s 40 city “STFU” North American tour which kicked off on April 27 of this year at Omaha, Nebras84

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ka’s Slowdown Rock Club and ends in St. Petersburg, Florida’s State Theatre. On this night they’re in New York City at the Hammerstein Ballroom. It is about seven in the evening and Reasn is hanging out with B.o.B a few minutes prior to the rapper’s meet-andgreet with fans. This is his first major tour and he seems to be soaking up every minute.

“I’ve learned a lot from B.o.B. He’s versatile and can do everything from the hardest hip hop track to the those pop chart hits. I’ve watched him adjust to what crowds want to hear- it’s inspiring,” Reasn says. And he’s implemented the same in his performance.

As a relatively new artist, most crowds are not familiar with Reasn, or his music. “I change it up every night, because I’m try-

ing records out. If they don’t like this, then I’m trying something new tomorrow,” he reveals. For Reasn, this tour will form the next steps needed in his career. He views this tour as a challenge, trying to win over crowds at every stop. “I come out to crickets every night. It’s like my name is announced and you hear solo claps, Reasn says as he demonstrates clapping with pauses in between. “But I use that to pump me up. And by the end people are cheering, ‘Reasn, Reasn!’ That’s what I live for,” he continues. According to his management team, Reasn has seen an increase in followers on social media due to this “STFU” tour, which means his fan base is increasing.

Right out the gate, Reasn says he hits crowds with songs that allow him to punch vocals to up-tempo rhythms. He describes his sound as urban rock. “It’s that R&B with urban drums, a classic rock guitar and my urban personality,” explains Reasn. “I’m not Tommy Lee; I’m the new age black rock star. A black dude who likes rock and R&B. It’s also about speaking how you feel. I’mma say what I want, to who I want,” he continues. His set list is comprised of songs, “I lied”, “Control issues”, and “American dream”.

“These crowds want to move and dance. I gotta show them what I can do quickly,” says Reasn.

When it comes to his idols, Reasn has a love for classic greats like The Beatles and Marvin Gaye. “I also tend to identify with artists who some think are a lil crazy. I watch a lot of documentaries; It makes me feel a lil less crazy I guess,” he laughs.

After tonight, the tour is back on the road for six more venues. For as much as he is an industry neophyte, he seems to be anchored in a real humble way. Reasn says he simply wants people to see his heart the most. His EP entitled 70 West was released at the end of July with music also available on Soundcloud & Spotify. B

THE HUMANS

TRAVIS WEEKES WORDS JUWAN WILLIAMS

Driven Society is a New York City based hub for music artists and entrepreneurs to develop their careers. The company curates events that bring positive likeminded individuals together through events that couple music and culture. Whether you are an aspiring artist, an entrepreneur, or want to your industry network Driven Society has something for you. Bleu spoke with the founder of Driven Society, Travis Weekes: BLEU: Where are you from?

TRAVIS WEEKES: I was born in Brooklyn, spent three

years of my childhood in Barbados, after that I was in Jersey all throughout High School.

Tell our readers what Driven Society is all about?

Driven Society is a go-to company for artist, creatives, and millennials to be aligned with people who can help them to further their career. Every so often we will host either a seminar or conference, providing a space for people to come learn and take on their dreams. We like to educate and empower artist so 86

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that they have more knowledge about the industry.

and brands.

What is your role in Driven Society?

CEO and Business Developer.

Are there any artists out there you’d like to work with?

I would like to produce an event for Anderson Peak, J. Cole, or Jay Z. Our goal is to continue to do more events like conferences, and music festivals to introduce new talents and artist. We try to find cool things before people know it is cool; we want to set trends.

What was the idea for Driven Society?

Well most kids have an idea of what they want to do or become in their adulthood. If you’re good with numbers, you may want to be an accountant. If you played sports maybe you wanted to become a professional athlete. For me I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I felt like my purpose was to help people to advance their career. When we started with Driven Society, the plan was to make connections and get people together. We work with many artists and brands, and put them with likeminded people to who could help them. The Driven Society team provides an environment for people to be inspired.

How many artists do you work with?

So far we have worked with about 80 artists in the Tri-State [NY-NJ-CT] area. As everything progresses, we are looking to work with many other artist

What is your favorite thing about what you do?

Providing the opportunity for people. Being that element for people to go to the next level through Driven Society. I like the results that I get from bringing different entertainment people together.

What is the ultimate goal for Driven Society?

To be one of the top media and event platforms for driven and creative individuals. We want to have a reputation for putting on the best workshops, festivals, and seminars. It’s about empowering the people that we work with. We are doing everything that we can to uplift and bring it back to our culture.

THE HUMANS

KRIS JOYNER WORDS JUWAN WILLIAMS

Inspired by his own style, Kris Joyner developed a clothing brand that is truly original and on the rise.

Since graduating with a computer science degree, Joyner has worked in different industries even producing music on the side; known as “West Love”, before finding his passion in fashion.

BLEU: Where are you from?

KRIS JOYNER: I represent Brooklyn, but born in New

Port News Virginia.

What is AmeriKan Dreamin’ Clothing?

AmeriKan Dreamin’ Clothing is a clothing brand started by my business partner Kamaya and me. We started out in 2012 and since then, we have grown a great deal. As time progressed, we introduced more products and are always getting good feedback about our quality.

What is unique about your clothing brand?

This brand has something for everyone. It is inspired

by the American Dream. The American Dream is something that we are living every day. I feel like this brand represents that.

What made you want to start a clothing brand?

It just came to me. I have always had this idea that I was a “fly guy”; I would always get compliments on my style. When my business partner Kamaya and I started the brand in 2012, we didn’t really know much about the business. Everyone is trying to start a line but you have to have the knowledge. I graduated with a Computer Science Degree so I was always current with computers and social media. When we came up with AmeriKan Dreamin’ Clothing; we used social media to sell our products and make connections with different people. I was always learning something new so that I could get it done myself. I started drawing up designs and getting the prints put on my shirts. When we started doing popup shops, we introduced our flight jackets that somehow seem to sell out every time.

Who do you look up to in the clothing industry?

Kiy and his brand Club Foreign. I am usually on the lookout for his stuff. He doesn’t know it but he is the one who inspired me to get started.

What is next for your brand?

I always have people directly contacting me to buy some of my products. In the future, I don’t want it to be like that. I want the purchasing of AmeriKan Dreamin’ Clothing to be on a completely different scale. I want to have such a huge selection of items that the best way to purchase is through a website.

That’s more gratifying for me. AmeriKan Dreamin’ Clothing will be branching out into other lines.

It’s about being ahead of the game so even now we are getting geared up for winter so that we can introduce more products. Soon we will be releasing Legal Trappin’ which is an extension to AmeriKan Dreamin’ Clothing.

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THE HUMANS

MICHAEL MCCULLOUGH WORDS JUWAN WILLIAMS

Michael McCullough is a brilliant painter and designer most known for his innovative and one-of-a-kind molecule artwork. As most artists, McCullough uses his paintings to express himself which means that no two pieces are the same. He wants to display his art work on just about everything you can think of; In recent years, McCullough has put his print on shoes for the Jordan brand and celebrities like Missy Elliot, Drumma Boy, and Nas. Operating under his name he plans to launch his career to the next level with some pieces that are soon to be released.

BLEU: Where are you from?

MICHAEL MCCULLOUGH: I was Born in Rochester

New York, moved to Atlanta when I was a teenager then moved back to New York to attend the Art Institute.

What do you do?

I am an artist and I hand paint and create specific prints. My most known pieces are my molecule arts which is God’s creation that cannot be seen by the 88

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human eye. This is where I gain much of my inspiration. I also put my artwork on things like clothing, furniture, murals, vases, pretty much anything that you can paint.

What is your role?

As a painter and designer my role is a creative one; to think innovatively. I am on the look-out for more inspiration each and every day. With my signature molecule artwork, I am looking to relaunch my career to another level. I am working to expand in every way possible. The goal is to express myself through my artwork as much as I can and share that with as many people as I can.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Being able to create new things every time. Nothing is ever the same. Each art piece is authentic. I get a lot of joy from being able to create limitless prints.

It’s also great to people’s reactions when I reveal the work for them; Its let me know that I am on the right a path. I also like that I don’t have a specific

demographic of clients; my clients are all different and want different things.

What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far?

One of my proudest moments was when I had to chance to work with the Jordan Brand and design some shoes for them and Music Industry artist like Nas, Trey Songs, John Legend, Missy Elliot and Drumma Boy. What are some things you plan to do in the future?

Lately all my focus has been geared on finishing my latest and largest molecule piece. It is 4ft x 5ft and its almost finish. I also want to collaborate with a couple of clothing brands. It will help to take my business even further. I want to be one of the biggest and most versatile brands; I want to see my print on all kinds of things. I want to be a household name in many ways.

THE HUMANS

LAMAR BAYLOR WORDS JUWAN WILLIAMS

Lamar Baylor is a dancer currently working in the Broadways “The Lion King”. Although he as a huge role on stage in front of many people, Lamar has taken on other roles. Aside from dancing in 8-9 Broadway Shows a week, Lamar has the time to be fulfill his role as cultural ambassador for MindLeaps working with children in post conflict countries of Africa. Baylor also has a scholarship named after him and is working hard to enrich the lives of many children in this world.

BLEU: Where are you from?

LAMAR BAYLOR: I am from Camden, New Jersey.

I’ve been in New York about four years.

When did you start dancing?

I started dancing in high school, my aunt was a dancer as well. My family was into many things. When I was younger I also played the trumpet; Dance was the thing that stuck with me.

How many children have you helped with the

Lamar Baylor Scholarship?

So far we have been able to send one boy from Rwanda to a boarding school through the Lamar Baylor Scholarship Fund. In the future we are looking to do many great things and help as many children as we can.

What is the one of the best parts of being a part of this awesome show?

To see so many people out in the audience and to know that I am reaching them with my talent is a great feeling. This is an amazing show. When people see the show brought to life makes it very relatable and it taps into many emptions.

Have you one any other shows on Broadway?

Lion King was the Debut of my Broadway career.

Before that I danced for Philadanco.

Besides Lion King, what is there another musical favorite of yours? Is there one that you would like to be a part of in the future?

It would have to be some sort of revival show like Hairspray, Shuffle Along, or Newsies.

What is it like to work with Misty Copeland?

Although we all know how “high profile” she is very giving of her time an energy. She is a part of the girl’s program with MindLeaps.

How did you get started with MindLeaps?

With MindLeaps I started out as a dance instructor since then my roles has expanded to Cultural Ambassador.

Where is the most interesting place you have every been?

Congo and Rwanda.

What does the future look like for you?

Well I am in school pursuing my Masters in Science in Arts Administration. I’m looking to become a director of programing. Do much more traveling around the world to as many places that I can go.

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PROFILE

Superwoman Jasmine Graham’s Journey From Sales Executive to Fitness Entrepreneur and Guru WORDS RAYMOND MORA

Jasmine Graham

Before creating two successful fitness businesses, NYC resident Jasmine Graham danced professionally for 15 years and was also a Sales VP. She was making a good salary but the work did not satisfy her and did not bring her happiness so Graham decided to do something about it. Inspired by her love for running, she decided to create a business centered around fitness. Fitness set the tone and foundation to focus on one goal: build companies that help others unleash their inner athlete. This led to the creation of Pace For Success and Fit Factory NYC. Both of these entities have established her as a successful fitness entrepreneur.

“Pace For Success consists of myself, my trainers, and my fitness model,” says Graham at the Fit Factory studio. “[It is] what has worked for me, what I think works in the market and what works for our clients. Fit Factory is the actual location; I give trainers this location to grow their business through personal training, small group and classes.”

The idea of Pace For Success and Fit Factory NYC were her response to the difficulties she faced as an up and coming fitness coach. Graham’s friend Michael provided her with the use of an indoor fa90

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cility to grow her business, which resulted into the concept of Fit Factory.

In addition to being the proprietor of Fit Factor NYC and Pace For Success, Graham is an experienced coach, fitness expert, and has certifications in Kettlebells, Tabata Bootcamp, and is a TRX suspension trainer. Graham’s work ethic is intense and

“I tell people when you walking in your destiny and doing what you’re suppose to be doing, you figure it out.” very competitive. The fitness expert says she gets inspiration from athletes like Serena Williams and Michael Jordan. Both are consistent and disciplined, which in her mind are the necessary components to be successful.

“I strive for balance,” says Graham, “I really do.”

She adds, “I tell people, when you are walking in your destiny and doing what you’re supposed to be doing, you figure it out. Yes I had one company and I had Pace For Success. I decided, ‘Alright I’m going to get a studio for my Pace For Success brand.’

Then, I put my whole concept for Fit Factory into play by opening the other studio for the brand. I’m still always striving to do more, but it’s just a matter of thinking things through.” In her free time she ran marathons in Alaska, San Diego, Paris, and New York. Graham loves to distance run and work out her legs to keep the hamstrings and quads strong.

She also spends this time reflecting on her life and how to improve her work-life balance.

Everyday Graham does what she loves. Her tips as a fitness guru can help anyone achieve their goals.

When asked what an average person who hits a plateau in their workouts can do to prevent slowing down their progress she says, “Find someone to help keep them accountable (like a workout buddy). The second thing I would say is to try something different. Try a fitness class, do a boxing class, get involved in a sport or activity that you’re not used to doing. Or better yet, get into an activity you may have done when you

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Come Correct

Self Value

PHOTOGRAPHY OBI ANYANWU FASHION CHRIS SANDFORD

WORDS RAYMOND MORA PHOTOGRAPHY CHENOA MAXWEL ILLUSTRATION CHAE LIN LEE

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Sneaker Haven/ Dope Pins WORDS HENOCH BELLANTON/ TERENCE MCNEALY

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Spinning With Fashion WORDS SHAMECHA LYWOOD FASHION CHRIS SANDFORD PHOTOGRAPHY ANDRE LAVEL

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COME CORRECT London. Morocco. Houston.

New York. Four cities that put their own touch on fine-tuned details. Its the little things that matter most.

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PHOTOGRAPHY OBI ANYANWU FASHION CHRIS SANDFORD LOCATION ALLEY CHELSEA NY, NY

London 1.

BAILEY OF HOLLYWOOD Hiram Fedora

$125.00 Baileyhats.com

2.

HERSCHEL SUPPLY Walt Wallet

$69.99 Herschelsupply.com

3.

LACOSTE Rafael Leather Messenger Bag

$345.00 Lacoste.com

4.

NAUTICA $145.00 Nautica.com

5.

HYDROGEN Military Scarf

$59.99 Hydrogen.it

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Morocco 1.

COACH Metropolitan Soft Backpack

$450.00 Coach.com

2.

GILES & BROTHER Black and Brass Vintage African Bead Necklace

$295 Large Faceted Brass Bead Necklace

$255 White African Bead Necklace

$295 White & Blue Vintage African Bead Necklace

$295 Anchor Charm Necklace

$295

3.

AWEAR $199.00 Awearcharmant.com

4.

CASIO G-SHOCK Master of G Mudmaster

$320 Gshock.com

5.

GILES & BROTHER Hook & Dogtag Clip Key-ring

$125.00 Gilesandbrother.com

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Downtown

New York 1.

HERSCHEL SUPPLY Barlow Backpack

$109.99

2.

SAMA Loree Rodkin Nero

$450

Samaeyewearshop.com

3.

HERSCHEL SUPPLY Network Pouch

$34.99 Shop.herschelsupply.com

4.

KANGOL Cotton Bucket

$45.00

5.

TRITON Braided 316L Stainless Steel & Black Wire/Electric Blue Bracelet

$175.00 Herzogjewelers.com

6.

NIXON Nixon Sentry Leather All Black/Rose Gold

$150.00

Nixon.com

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Uptown New York

7

1.

GREAT GEORGE The Mercer

$249.00 Greatgeorgewatches.com 9

2.

COLE HAAN Wayland Billfold Wallet

$80.00

2

ColeHaan.com

3.

BEN SHERMAN BS4950 in Pinegrove

$65.00

1

Bensherman.com

4.

CHRISTOPHER FINDLEY Travel Day Duffle

$595 Christopherfindley.com

5.

SAMA Combustion 5

$640 Samaeyewearshop.com

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Houston Twist Cuff Brass

1.

$135

(Left to right)

GILES & BROTHER Nut & Bolt Cuff Brass

$125 Blue Leather Narrow Visor Cuff

THOMAS SABO Sterling Silver Rebel at Heart Collection Ring

$175

$198

Red Leather Narrow Visor Cuff

Thomassabo.com

$175 Gilesandbrother.com

THOMAS SABO Sterling Silver Glam & Soul Collection Ring

$129 Thomassabo.com

THOMAS SABO Sterling Silver Rebel at Heart Collection Ring

$198 Thomassabo.com

2.

DR. MARTENS Di Paolo

$32.00 Drmartens.com

3.

THOMAS SABO Sterling Silver Rebel at Heart Collection Pendant “Maori Tooth”

$149 Thomassabo.com

THOMAS SABO Thomas Sabo, Sterling Silver Rebel at Heart Collection Pendant

$198 Thomassabo.com

4.

STETSON Shore Club

$210.00 Thomassabo.com

5.

BURTON Curbshark Pack

$84.95 Burton.com

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SCORE

$ELF VALUE Martin Morse emphasizes to athletes the importance of knowing their worth.

WORDS RAYMOND MORA

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A

A MONEY FIXER CAN HELP AN ATHLETE MAKE SMART

decisions for insurance in their careers. The business of professional sports continues to grow and the top athletes earn notably high salaries often in the mid eight figures. However, the average professional athlete earns only 2 to 3 million dollars. These relatively low earners may move to the ranks of their higher earning colleagues if they talk to sports financial fixer: Martin Morse.

Sports have been an integral part of Morse’s life from his childhood. His family moved from southern New Jersey to Florida where he played football, basketball, and baseball. His mother and grandmother encouraged him to play basketball and track while in college. He graduated with a degree in political science and prelaw. After college, he worked outside of the United

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States as he says, “chasing a hundred thousand contracts”, which was unsatisfying. During this time, he took a job at the Wall Street firm headed by Mark Fisher who became a kind of father figure and mentor. Morse worked for 12-years and although he earned millions he found less passion in his work. At the same time, he would regularly give financial advice to friends of his who played professional sports. Often they were concerned about taxes and if their agents were getting them the best possible deals. He saw that many other athletes could benefit from his expertise and get the money they were actually worth. Says Morse, “I started to do my research and homework, and being a market guy and numbers guy, I just saw the overwhelming need for mentorship.” He continued, “The financial mentorship, business mentorship, brand mentorship, and then from that start putting in the pieces together to create a firm to service those guys and those girls.”

Morse put the pieces together and created the MM Leverage Group. The company is designed to empower professional athletes to leverage their buying power by providing them with the tools necessary to create positive changes and spurring growth to redefine their legacy. The group helps underserved athletes to recognize where they are financially and what steps they should take to build a business and avoid the pitfall of many athletes who, after their sports career ends fall into bankruptcy because they took bad financial advice and made unsound business deals.

As CEO Morse has a wide-range of responsibilities on any given day, he may field private inquiries, any num-

“I started to do my research and homework, and being a market guy and numbers guy, I just saw the overwhelming need for mentorship”

SCORE

ILLUSTRATION CHAE LIN LEE

ber of branding opportunities, or manage a personal or professional crisis for a client. One of Morse’s team members at MM Leverage is Robby Tebow, Tim Tebow’s brother. Robby Tebow helped his brother with is money and he worked with Dominique Wilkins. Both athletes are good examples of how making intelligent financial and business decisions can lead to success in making their legacy grow.

Morse believes all athletes should emulate what Gary Sheffield, who understood the value of how much he was worth entering the league. “He didn’t spend one game check until he was 33 years old, which his first contract was when he was 18,” says Morse. “Towards the second half of his career, he negotiated all his old contracts. He understood the value of his self-worth, very early, literally the first year that he was in the league. His rookie year he understand the value of what he is, who he is as a player, and as a business, and he looked at it that way.” Working with

MM Leverage, Sheffield expects to open up 19 baseball fields in the Florida’s Tampa BaySt. Petersburg area. The $100 million dollar project will raise the profile of youth baseball in the United States.

Morse, the financial fixer’s, motto for athletes is simple, “Recognize your self-value through self-worth, and the opportunity that you have as someone in the spotlight.” If every athlete were to see his or her worth, the business will sustain itself for a long time. Morse hopes each athlete in the future gets an opportunity to capitalize and earn more money, like the elites. “I want to see the average athlete be empowered by the opportunities that he can capitalize, and not just take a check to go put on a helmet or swing a bat or throw an orange ball through a hoop,” says Morse. “I want to see them make a bigger impact with the opportunities that they’re afforded by being a professional.” B

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SPOTLIGHT

SNEAKER HAVEN Stadium Goods market gives sneaker enthusiasts a second chance to acquire the ones that got away.

WORDS HENOCH BELLANTON

New York City’s SoHo neighborhood is known for its variety shops and boutiques. Hidden like a gem amid the cobblestoned streets, is Stadium Goods, a premium high-end marketplace that brings a fresh approach to buying and selling sneakers and streetwear. The retail space provides sneaker enthusiasts, avid collectors, and general consumers, with a source for highly sought-after Adidas Yeezy Boosts, NMDs, Supreme clothing-accessories, and many more.

Once popular products like these instantly sell out of retail stores, Stadium Goods provides consumers with another chance at getting their desired sneaker, a solution process that is authenticated, and made convenient by the staff.

From the moment you enter the store, you are greeted by the customer-friendly staff, and made to feel comfortable without the typical aggressive retail cadence. The minimal white brick backdrop combined with the well-lit space, make for a visually pleasing sneaker gallery; complemented by the culturally appropriate mix of hip-hop classics and current fan-favor-

ite music selections. On the opposite end is the consignment shop; immersed into the competitive hustle and bustle of Canal Street, where sellers can drop off their sneakers with consignors.

Stadium Goods prides itself in prioritizing both the sellers and buyers, which Co-founder John McPheters describes as “catering the right way to both sides of supply and demand”. Partnerships with Amazon, EBay and GOAT (a mobile sneaker marketplace) help to increase a buyer’s chance of coming into contact with the sneakers they missed out on. For a seller, the partnerships mean reaching more potential buyers. It’s winwin solution for all.

The store’s gallery like sneaker presentation extends to its Instagram, contributing to it’s growing social presence with over 270 thousand followers combined. Athletes, celebrities, artists, such as Brooklyn’s native rapper, Desiigner, and New York Mets pitcher, Matt Harvey, have made appearances, cashing out on

sneakers they could not pass up on. Since the opening, the store has hosted events for Sweet Chick, G-Shock, and welcomed DJ Khaled on his epic “We The Best” pop-up shop where sneakershead fans flocked to the storefront by the thousands, to meet with “the key” himself.

If you’re not quite ready to drop the extra cash on the after market sneaker prices, you might still be in luck. Back in November, 2015, the company launched a promotion for Black Friday that allowed consumers to purchase sold-out sneakers like Nike Air Force 1 Riccardo Tisci’s, Air Jordan 1 Pinnacles, and many more, for retail price. They’ve also held raffles for social media followers to receive a free pair of Adidas Yeezy Boost.

The company continues to innovate and redefine the concept of a brick-and-mortar with its customer- oriented service, robust collection of sneakers, and approach to selling sneakers.

A visit to Stadium Goods at 47 Howard Street is one that is worthwhile, and sure to impress.

LOCATION Stadium Goods (Retail) 47 Howard Street New York, NY 10013 stadiumgoods.com

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SPOTLIGHT

LOCATION PINTRILL 231 Grand Street New York 11211 pintrill.com

DOPE PINS For the people who want to take their outfit to the next level, PINTRILL is the one stop shop for fashionable people to go above and beyond with their creativity.

WORDS TERENCE MCNEALY

Established in 2014 by owner and founder Jordan Roschwalb, PINTRILL is a lifestyle accessory brand, specializing in pin fashion. In only two years, PINTRILL has pinned itself as a go-to brand for witty pins and accessories. The brand’s catalog pays homage to vintage mementos of the past as well as of-the-moment pop culture staples, like Kanye West and emoji pins.

the brand that we’re building,” Roschwalb says.

Roschwalb has experience building global brands with luxury aspirations. He worked at

“I can sell a $12 pin to somebody, and they can be happier than anybody else in that moment,” Roschwalb says about the start of his pin selling business. “Maybe because they missed out on their dream pin, or they couldn’t get it, but they came [to the online store] and I had it.”

PINTRILL has recently opened their first physical storefront in the heart of Brooklyn in May 2016. “It’s important to be able to invite people to a place that represents the community and

Mercedes-Benz before leaving to start PINTRILL. “I think it’s really important because Mercedes is one of the top three luxury [brands]

in the entire world, and they’re one of the top five most recognizable brands in the entire world, so, it showed me the way luxury customers operate, through exclusivity and how they want to be treated, and the attention to detail.” It’s this type of experience and ambition that will help propel PINTRILL far beyond the Brooklyn store.

PINTRILL will also house some of the exclusive collaborations between PINTRILL and other brands like Levi’s, OBEY, Perry Ellis and the fast food chain Shake Shack. PINTRILL is also selling vintage products, like Nike hats, which serve as a great canvas for pins. The plan in the future is for PINTRILL to collaborate with brands and make apparel that is pin-ready. The flagship store will sell a rotating showcase of items, though the brand’s collection pins and an assortment of vintage pins will be on permanent display.

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FEATURE

Spinning With Fashion DJ Sweat has already conquered the world of music, now he’s ready to take on the rest of the world.

WORDS SHAMECHA LYWOOD FASHION CHRIS SANDFORD PHOTOGRAPHY ANDRE LAVEL

DJ Sweat is a New York native, born and raised in the South Bronx. Sweat grew up surrounded by music in different forms; from playing the drums and singing in the neighborhood church choir, to performing as a drum major in his high school marching band.

DJ Sweat makes sure that wherever he goes, he is fashionably ready for every camera, hug, selfie, and every crowd’s taste to make every party jump! You can guarantee that your party, club, radio station, or fashion event will leave the attendees saying, “Where’s the after party?! And will DJ Sweat be there?”

Where did you get your name from?

Sweat was the Ken name I created for the urban burlesque company The Dollhouse.

Having DJ’d for some of today’s hottest celebrities and parties, DJ Sweat is making a name for himself as one of the DJ’s to listen out for.

Who/what inspired you to be a DJ? What inspired me was being able to make people feel good and enjoy themselves. DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Skratch, DJ Scratch Bastard, Tiesto, Avicii, DJ Envy, DJ Prostyle, DJ Bamboo, DJ Ned Nice, DJ Dirty Digits, Fatman Scoop, the list goes on and on.

When did you start DJing and when did you realize that you wanted to make a career out of it? What moment confirmed that you should do this?

I first learned back in college back in 2008 but stopped. Then picked back up while on tour in Japan. I realized I wanted to make it a career on my birthday

Was there a moment where you felt discouraged from DJ’ing?

I was djing a party in Brooklyn and the owner said mixed music/genres and the promoter wanted reggae, dancehall & soca. I was not very good in that particular genre so I felt very defeated. The next day however, I spent the entire day researching and downloading reggae, dancehall & soca.

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when I decided to DJ at a hookah lounge and the response I got was amazing.

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ICON

Prince: The Purple Innovator WORDS DOMINIQUE CARSON ILLUSTRATION LAWRENCE PITTS

I In 1996, television mogul, Oprah Winfrey asked Prince an important question during her segment.

She asked him, “What does he want to be remembered by,” and Prince simply answered “the music”. The iconic musician accomplished his goal by releasing a number of hits for every occasion including, “I Wanna Be Your Lover,” “Kiss,” “When Doves Cry,” “If I Was Your Girlfriend,” “How Come You Don’t Call Me,” “Musicology,” “Adore,” “Breakfast Can Wait,” “I Will Die For You,” “Most Beautiful Girl in the World,” “Diamonds and Pearls,” his signature hit, “Purple Rain,” “Party Like It’s 1999,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” and many more.

For over three decades, the world explored the life and career of multi-platinum singer, songwriter, producer, instrumentalist, and actor, Prince Rogers Nelson. The Minnesota native was known as a musical pioneer with electrifying dance moves, flamboyant stage presence, his frequent wardrobe changes, vocal ranges, and lastly disseminating the color, purple. Prince was an ingenuous artist whose musical genres stem from R&B, soul, funk rock, dance, and pop. He is one of the best-selling artists of all time, sold over 100 million records worldwide. The seven time Grammy award winner also received a Golden Globe Award,

an Oscar, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004.

Prince also made his way to the big screen, starring in the semi-autobiographical film, Purple Rain in 1984 and released a soundtrack. The movie grossed $68 million at the box office and the soundtrack sold over 13 million copies in the United States. Once Purple Rain was released, Prince was certified as a mega superstar. Even though Prince received mainstream success, many actors, songwriters and singers launched their careers under Prince’s guidance including Sheila E, The Time, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Vanity, Apolloina Kotero, Carmen Electra, and Janelle Monae. He introduced his superb songwriting skills to Madonna, Chaka Khan, Alicia Keys, Sinead O’ Connor, and Celine Dion.

Outside of music, Prince was a selfless and generous to a number of different people and charitable organizations. He understood the importance of giving back and demonstrated acts of kindness. Prince launched his fragrance, 3121 by charitable fundraising. He donated money to the family of Trayvon Martin, City of Hope, Jazz Foundation of America, Urban Farming, The Bridge, Edith Couey Memorial Scholarship Trust Fund, and the Eau Claire Promise Zone in Columbia, South Carolina.

He also showed signs of bravery and standing behind

his word when he inserted the world, “slave,” on his cheek due his legal troubles with Warner Bros about having more input in his musical endeavors. The dispute caused him to change his name at the time as a way to break free from Warner Bros’ business practices concerning artists. After an 18 year split, Prince acquired his master recordings from Warner Bros and returned to the label in 2014.

Unfortunately, celebrities, family, friends, and fans said their final goodbyes to the musical legend. Prince died on April 21, 2016 at his Paisley Park complex which was his home, recording studio, and performance space from an accidental overdose of fentanyl.

He was only 57 years old; it was truly devastating news for the entertainment industry. We are losing more musical heroes who paved the way for younger artists.

Prince was a cultural icon who was unique and lived by the phrase, “dare to be different.” He encouraged others to not be bashful about what you believe is right and develop a relationship with God. His musical journey was a source of inspiration for artists especially for Minnesota natives such as Next, Sounds of Blackness, and Mint Condition. He is musical pioneer that will never be forgotten and his line of work cannot be mimicked. Therefore, the music industry strives to celebrate what Prince left everyone: his music.

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