Bleu Magazine Issue 51 - Kofi Siriboe

J A S O N S A LT Z M A N

KOFI SIRIBOE SHEMAR MOORE

CLOCKWORKCROS

HUGH HEFNER

V O L U M E 4

51

DRIVE THE WORLD FORWARD. THE NEW BMW M4 AND 4 SERIES GRAN COUPE.

With leading innovations in technology, the new BMW M4 and 4 Series Gran Coup move the world in a new direction. Each member inherits the engineering behind the unmistakable 425-horsepower BMW M4 which, with a 0-60 mph time of only 3.9 seconds, finds itself as the vehicle of choice for most BMW Motorsport racing teams. In other words, the BMW M4 is made for the track and the BMW was made 4 Series Gran Coupe from it.

It boasts its own impressive 320 horsepower and 0–60 mph time of 4.7 seconds.

Visit your local BMW Center to experience athleticism and performance with a test drive in the BMW M4 and the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe today.

Visit bmwusa.com to learn more.

Š 2017 BMW of North America, LLC. The BMW name, model names and logo are registered trademarks.

H O T O V E L I • N E W YO R K

| H . LO R E N ZO • LO S A N G E L E S

G E O R G E T O W N O P T I C I A N • WA S H I N G T O N , D . C .

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T H E A R C H I V E • SA N F R A N C I S CO | L A E Y E WO R KS • LO S A N G E L E S

A R T S E E B P C • N E W YO R K

|

M O R G E N T H A L F R E D E R I C S • C H I C AG O - AS P E N

LORALI’S OPTICAL • BELLEVUE | BLINK • PORTLAND | MODERN EYE • PHILADELPHIA | ART OF OPTIKS • MINNEAPOLIS I M A G E O P T I C A L • N A S H V I L L E | T H E E Y E G A L L E R Y • H O U S T O N | E N V I S I O N • B O U L D E R | R I M S & G O G G L E S • M I L L VA L L E Y M A R C M I C H E L E Y E W E A R S T U D I O • P A C I F I C P A L I S A D E S | E Y E G O T C H A • S A N F R A N C I S C O | B R U C E E Y E W E A R • VA N C O U V E R B R ASS M O N O C L E • C A LG A RY

| K A R I R E Y E W E A R • TO R O N TO | M A R I E - S O P H I E D I O N • M O N T R E A L |

B L A K E K U WA H A R A . C O M

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CONTENTS

jJ Turtle Neck SACKS FIFTH AVENUE Jacket and Pants DDUGOFF Jewelry TALENT’S OWN

Photography MICAIAH CARTER Location Z HOTEL LONG ISLAND CITY

THE C R E AT I V E ISSUE jJ

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KOFI SIRIBOE, THE FEMINIST

WORDS RAVAL DAVIS

Issue 51

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TAKE THE LEAD

Take an active role in your health.

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

onepillchoices.com GILEAD and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc. © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. UNBC4619 06/17

CONTENTS jJ Clothing PALMIERS DU MAL Jewelry TALENT’S OWN

Photography MICAIAH CARTER

16 The 4 by 5

54 Fashion

Creative Escape

Double Agent

19 Gadgets

76 Feature

Smart Sounds

Get S.W.A.T.

21 Cars

80 Op-ed

Panty/Pants Dropper

Entreprenuers are the New Rock Stars

26 Fashion Street Walkers

82 Feature Culture Forward

34 Grooming Fresh AF!

36 Fuel Super Taste

86 Fashion Kids

94 Spotlight Wirth Checking Out

38 Travel The Unbreakable, Undeniable, Undefeatable Detroit, Michigan / Blue Ridge

50 The Creatives

96 Bleu List

97 Icon Hugh Hefner

The Realist Mordern Surrealist

Issue 51

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MASTHEAD

On the Cover KOFI SIRIBOE Words RAVAL DAVIS Photography MICAIAH CARTER Fashion APUJE KALU AND RAVEN ROBERTS

TEAM BLEU

Make Up MYANH NGUYEN Hair NESTOR LEBRON

Editorial Director DÉVO N C H R I S TOPH ER J OH N S ON

Executive Editor GEO RGE KEV IN JORDAN

UK Fashion Editor SE AN AZE E Z

Sr. Fashion Market Editor CHR IS SAN D FORD

Contributing Editors RAYMOND MORA, CHR I S L AW

Sr. Graphic Designer D OMIN IC BIEL AK

Copy Editors TREVOY ROSS, JE RMAINE B ROW N

Design & Illustration L AWR EN CE P IT TS

Fashion Production Coordinator TE RE NCE B. MCNE A LY

Contributing Fashion Editors A M B E R LEON, BRIAN GO ODWILL, KENNETH K Y R E LL , JUAN O RT IZ , RO NÇOIS FRANCOIS, AT I BA N EWS OME

Booking Coordinator NAYA AG ARRAT

Contributing Writers

Interns

EMEKA DI B I A EVAN M AJ ORS PAULEAN NA R EI D A N G EL QUI LES R AVAL DAV I S

C AI TLI N DUR N I NG LI YA NA M OH D R A D Z I EM I LY S PELM A N KAYL A DAV I ES N I C OLE G OR R I T Z S AB R I NA R AMI R E Z R EB EC C A R I C H AR D S MI C H ELLE LEE

Contributing Photographers A LEJAN DRO G A RC I A M I C A I AH C A RTER ELI AN EL C LI N TON DANI EL I GBI NYEM I

Bombshellbybleu Editor EB ON Y ALLI S ON Contributors TANYKA REN E E , C ATA A N DA J, LON D ON BU R N S , MATIA PEEB LES , C OR I N N E C UT TI N O

THE BLEULIFE GROUP

Chairman, CEO & PRESIDENT DÉVO N C H R I S TOPH ER J OH N S ON

Business Development

Ad Sales

Digital Manager

BRE NT ZACHARY, MASSIH AZAD

TODD EVA N S Rivendell Media 908.232.2021

J ULI AN K I M

Event Production

Regional Representative

Newsstand Distribution

Submissions

T R AV IS WE E K E S @Drivensociety

RANNON HARR I S (Chicago - Midwest)

Ingram content group inc.

1 Ingram blvd.

La vergne, tn 37086 Phone: 615.793.5000

Bleu Magazine 119 West 24th Street New York, Ny 10011 Info@Bleulife.com

Bleulife Media & Entertainment Inc. | 119 West 24th Street, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10011 | E-Mail: info@bleulife.com | Online: bleulife.com Printed in Canada. Opinions expressed by advertisers, columnists, feature writers or other contributors are not necessarily the opinions of Bleu Magazine or its staff. All advertisements, photographs, text or illustrations are published with the understanding that the advertisers are fully authorized to have secured proper consent for the use thereof. Bleu Magazine shall not be held responsible for any errors, loss, expense or liabilities on advertisements accepted after the deadline. Publication of the name or photograph of any person or advertisement in Bleu Magazine is not to be constructed as an indication of sexual orientation of such persons, advertiser or organization. Partial or complete reproduction of an advertisement, news article, feature or photograph from Bleu Magazine is strictly prohibited as Bleu Magazine is a registered trademark. A $25 or 1.5% (whichever is greater) fee will be charged for all NSF checks. All rights reserved.

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PHOTOGRAPHY MICAIAH CARTER

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

We are searchlights, we can see in the dark We are rockets, pointed up at the stars We are billions of beautiful hearts And you sold us down the river too far What about us?

What about all the times you said you had the answers?

What about us?

What about all the broken happy ever afters?

What about us?

What about all the plans that ended in disaster?

What about love? What about trust?

What about us?

We are problems that want to be solved We are children that need to be loved We were willin', we came when you called W H A T A B O U T U S , P!NK

Choices. They are more difficult to make the more you know. Knowledge is power. It’s also an inconvenience. As a child, it is pretty easy to take risks. We are void of the knowledge of consequences. Failure is immeasurable and judgment hasn’t manifested itself in a tangible form in our lives. Children, unlike adults, live a freedom that can only be appreciated in reflection of a time long since passed. If hindsight is 20/20 then foresight is opaque and undervalued.

We are truly living in unique times. The Trump administration has opened our eyes to the many open wounds of a period we thought had long passed into condensed narratives on pages of history books. Regardless of the side of the aisle you find yourself aligned, neither would exist without the other. The greatness of who we can be is rooted in the lessons we learned from who we used to be, but, only when the lesson is acknowledged by both parties. I don’t have to agree with your decisions, political affiliation, friendships, or love life.

You don’t have to agree with mine. However, we both need to respect the spaces we’ve chosen to occupy. Unless, that position impedes on my right to exist and flourish, then we have a problem.

The magic of our humanity is the ability to shape the world around us for a common good. We have a responsibility to protect that opportunity for future generations. That is accomplished through respect and understanding of one another. No matter what obstacles, the most creative of us, will find a way out of the most adverse circumstances. Like children playing in a sandbox, instinctively collaborating to build awesome sandcastles we adults can build a better society. The choice is ours.

DéVon Christopher Johnson Founder And Group Publisher

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AC C E S S BY B L E U

MoCADA AWARDS BROOKLYN, NY OCTOBER 26TH, 2017

Executive Director of the Council of Urban Professionals Chanda Gibson Photo by Bennett Raglin

Honorary Gala chair attendees dazzled in their costumes at the 18th MoCADA (Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts) awards on October 26th at the BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music). The event held its 3rd annual Masquerade Ball hosted by, Tai Beauchamp and Emil Wilbekin. Among the Council of Urban Professionals, celebrity guest appearances paraded through the ballroom such as Lian Babe, Gina Belafonte, Sharon Carpenter, Mashonda Tifere and many more. The ball consisted of an intimate performance by R&B artist DJ Set by Lian Babe. Of course there was a VIP cocktail which was presented by 1800 Tequila. MoCADA celebrated individuals who inuenced the Contemporary African Diasporan Arts and the community including Rashid Johnson who received the Artist Advocacy Award as well as Shantell Martin for the Emerging Artistic Voice Award.

Shantell Martin accepts the Emerging Artist Award Photo by Bennett Raglin

Opal Tometi accepts the Social Justice Advocacy Award onstage Photo by Bennett Raglin

Jillian Hervey (Lion BABE) Photo by Dave Kotinsky

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Singer Maxwell

MoCADA Board Members and leadership

Photo by Dave Kotinsky

Photo by Dave Kotinsky

MAGAZINE

AC C E S S BY B L E U

A

Virgil Abloh performs onstage

G-SHOCK 35th ANNIVERSARY PRESS CONFERENCE

Photo by Mark Von Holden

MANHATTAN, NY NOVEMBER 9TH, 2017 On Nov 9, G-Shock celebrated its 35th anniversary with an exclusive press conference and a live performance by A$AP Mob and Ferg. The conference introduced a first look at the new G-SHOCK all-sapphire crystal and GPS Rangeman timepieces, announced by COO and President of Casio Computer, Kazuo Kashio. It also had words from Grand Prix Champion Snowboarder Louie Vito, Author and Conde Nast Traveler Editor Matt Hranek, KITH Owner Ronnie Fieg and Founder of Pigalle, Stephane Ashpool, on the brand. Celebrity attendees include T-Pain, Skepta, artist Jon Boy, and more.

Artist T-Pain Photo by Mark Von Holden

Cozy Boyz/ A$AP Mob Photo by Mark Von Holden

Rapper A$AP Ferg Photo by Mark Von Holden

Robert Gellar Photo by Ryan Muir

Stéphane Ashpool Photo by Ryan Muir

Kikuo Ibe Photo by Ryan Muir

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CREATIVE ESCAPE

T H E 4 BY 5

This is Bleu’s list of the top four cities and their most creative locations to visit. This is not your average list of just regular museums to visit but instead, our lineup of places have a strong hold on their city’s history while also guaranteeing excitement.

WORDS LIYANA MOHD RADZI

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BERLIN, GERMANY

Germany’s capital packs a whole lot of attractions that are both creepy yet creative which will surely pique your curiosity. Landmarks and tourist attractions that are filled with rich history still possesses the spirit of their long-lost era. The Berlin Wall is a must see for it’s historical importance, then imagine taking a warehouse and turning it into a complex with things from your nightmares such as robotic insects, malformed sculptures and hidden rooms that you could get lost in and you’ve got yourself Berlin’s Monster Kabinett.

Feel like being in a pre-WWI ballroom filled with mirrors?

Go to Hall of Mirrors in Clärchens Ballhaus. Berlin also has a large dimly lit salt-water floating pool surrounded by arches and multi-colored lights with a musical ambience that ranges from classical to techno at Liquidrom. Lastly, get ready to fall down the rabbit hole into a surreal journey of human consciousness at Peristal Singum it is A truly immersive theatrical experience that mirrors the evocative trip in Alice’s Wonderland.

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MONSTER KABINETT 2

B E R L I N WA L L 3

HALL OF MIRRORS 4

LIQUIDROM 5

P E R I S TA L S I N G U M

PHOTO BY HENRYK WEIFFENBACH

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ISTANBUL, TURKEY

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This ancient city that was founded by the Greeks in the 7th century is undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest cities.

Their iconic architecture style is recognizable from around the world because of their history of once being the capital of a Byzantine Christian world, which later fell to the Ottoman Turks. Istanbul is definitely a place surrounded with beautiful architecture with an array of saturated colors. The Hagia Sophia Museum has a flat dome that was built in the 6th century and is filled with 30 million gold

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tiles on the inside. Their Blue Mosque was built in 1609 and its unique character would be their first floor, which is covered entirely in blue Iznik tiles. You can then take an adventure underground and explore ancient cisterns of water chambers at Basilica Cistern. Want to see street art done by locals then visit the Bohemian Kadikoy. One of the most historic places to visit would be the Topkapi Palace which was the home of the Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years.

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HAGIA SOPHIA MUSEUM 2

B O H E M I A N K A D I KOY 3 3

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BASILICA CISTERN 4

BLUE MOSQUE 5

T O P K A P I PA L A C E

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T H E 4 BY 5

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SEATTLE, U.S.A

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Seattle has some very fun spots to visit and explore. First of which is the Space Needle which was built in 1962 for the World Fair and has become Seattle’s icon. While up there you can enjoy a spectacular view of Mount Rainier as well as the city’s skyline. Pike Place Market has over 9 million visitors from all walks of life from around the world that visit them. It is not like every other market as it contains authentic food and personalities.

The Museum of Pop Culture was built by Frank Gehry and features the Science Fiction Hall of Fame. The Great

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Wheel was only built in 2012 but within that short period has manage to make itself into a huge tourist attraction.

It is air-conditioned and shows you impeccable views of Washington. Lastly, a local landmark with a side of eww maybe? Nonetheless, the Gum Wall is definitely a birth child of a true creative mind. It’s a brick wall covered in used chewing gum in an alleyway in downtown Seattle where parts of the wall can go up to several inches thick of chewed gum with the wall itself being 15 feet high and goes as far as 50 feet long.

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S PA C E N E E D L E 2

PIKE PLACE MARKET 3

THE MUSEUM OF P O P C U LT U R E 4

T H E G R E AT WA L L 5

G U M WA L L

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BARCELONA,

SPAIN

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You would associate Barcelona with their sunny beaches and humid air, not sub-zero temperatures but imagine being able to switch between climates by just walking through a door. That’s what you’ll get when you enter Barcelona’s Ice Bar. Drink vodka from a frozen glass, admire beautiful ice statues, and dance away. The next attraction is one of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces that was designed for a wealthy aristocrat named Josep Batlló hence the name Casa Batlló. The outside resembles bone like pillars as well as colorful mosaics. You can take a train to a 1,000 year old farmhouse in Penedes wine

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region of Spain and bottle your own brew of Cava, the Spanish version of Champagne. This next destination, Park Güell, is definitely one for all you architecture lovers out there. It is a park composed of gardens with buildings so unique that they look like they were straight out of a fantasy film. Lastly, if you’re up for a hike and want to climb up the tallest mountain in the Serra de Collserola area then head up the Tibidabo Mountain, enjoy the breathtaking view overlooking Barcelona, and at the summit lays the gorgeous The Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor.

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B A R C E L O N A’ S ICE BAR 2

C A S A B AT L LO 3 3

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PA R K G Ü E L L 4

TIBIDABO 5

BARRI GÒTIC

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+).&/,+,)&% #/-

SMART SOUNDS WORDS DOMINIC BIELAK

GADGETS

G

VINCI 2.0 HEADPHONES If you are an active person who likes to workout then these are the perfect headphones for you. They are great for any workout and activity because the headphones can work handsfree and phone-free and you can put up to 2000 songs or 8Gigs on these headphones. They are super light at about 90 grams. Vinci 2.0 includes WiFi, notifications, Bluetooth, 3G plus calls and messages. Vinci 2.0 also integrates with Soundcloud, Amazon Music, KKBOX and Spotify so you can stream just about everything. These headphones have great voice control also. So everything you do is just easier and fun. The headphones also have a fitness tracker that includes activity trackers, a GPS, and your heart rate at that very moment. Vinci 2.0 is your perfect sports partner. You can’t get better than this. It makes getting the perfect body a lot less stressful. Right now, you can get it on Kickstarter for only $89 and later for the retail price of $149. So, do not miss this wonder.

N OW $ 8 9 O N K I C KSTA RT E R

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#BeAnOriginal originalpenguin.com

CARS

C

PA N T Y/ PA N T S DROPPER WORDS RAYMOND MORA

PRICE

$500,000

T H E 2 01 8 F E R R A R I 8 1 2 S U PE R FAST

is arguably the most powerful and fastest Ferrari ever made. Engineers designed a new 12-cylinder engine, which supports its maximum power output of 800 Cv at 8,500 rpm. This is the highest mark for any Ferrari and it also comes with Electric Power Steering. The Electric Power Steering fully exploits the Ferrari 812 Superfast’s potential with electronic vehicle dynamics controls.

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The car features a Virtual Short Wheelbase 2.0 system, which combines electric front-wheel steering assistance built around tire

dimensions and the rear-wheel steering. The Ferrari 812 Superfast also features Ferrari Peak Performance and Power Oversteer to support the driver’s performance. On the interior side, the car is completely redesigned with a sporty type of feel for the driver. On the exterior side, which was designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, it has a two-box design with a high tail reminiscent of the 1964 Ferrari Daytona 365 GTB4.

With an estimated base price of $500,000, it falls in the range of dream car for many, but for those few owning this masterpiece is sure to delight.

DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT

ENGINE

LENGTH

4,657 MM

TRANSMISSION

7- S P E E D A U T O M AT I C

WIDTH

1,971 MM

DRIVETRAIN

RWD

HEIGHT

1,276 MM

TYPE

V12 6.5 LITRES

WHEELBASE

2,720 MM

POWER

800 HP @ 8,500 RPM

FRONT TRACK

1,672 MM

TORQUE

530 LB-FT @ 7,000 RPM

REAR TRACK

1,645 MM

INDUCTION

AT M O S P H E R I C

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STREET WA L K E R S 26

MAGAZINE

Photography DANIEL IGBINYEMI

Fashion SEAN AZEEZ-BRIGHT

Grooming DAVID SESMERO

Fashion Assistant RACHEL KORANTENG

FA S H I O N

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Left and Right Photos: Jacket ASOS Suit NOOSE & MONKEY Top UMBRO X HENRY HOLLAND Shoes COLE HAAN Hat RALPH LAUREN

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FA S H I O N

Full Tracksuit DIESEL Jacket NOOSE AND MONKEY Shoes COLE HAAN

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Jacket ASOS Tracksuit Jacket FILA HEAD BAND

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Top: Left and Right Photos UMBRO X HENRY HOLLAND Trousers Left Photo: ANTONY MORATO Right Photo: NOOSE & MONKEY

FA S H I O N

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FA S H I O N

Jacket VINTAGE TRACKSUIT Trousers ANTONY MORATO Bag JACK RUSSELL

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Shirt MOSS BROS Trousers ANTONY MORATO

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GROOMING

FRESH

Af

!

The products below will help you put your best scent forward.

PHOTOGRAPHY DOMINIC BIELAK jJ

3 C O M F Y B OY S I N T I M AT E DEODORANT FOR MEN 1

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MALIN+GOETZ JOJOBA E X F O L I AT I N G C L E A N S E R

The MALIN+GOETZ exfoliating cream cleanser is as gentle as it is effective. Nourishing jojoba meal and biodegradable ecoscrub® combine in a hydrating cream base to thoroughly yet gently buff away dull, dry skin without any irritation. $38

V 7 6 BY VAU G H N ENERGIZING SHAMPOO

This lightweight, daily-use revitalizing shampoo actively cleanses the hair and scalp without stripping any natural oils, leaving hair clean and healthy with an easy shine. $19

This amazing product prevents odors, humidity and discomfort around the groin area. Men can take this product anywhere.

If you’re an athlete, throw it in your gym bag along with your underarm deodorant and use before you start sweating. If your profession requires physical labor, apply this deodorant before you leave the house. $15

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GROOMING

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5 K I E H L’ S N O U R I S H I N G S H A M P O O AND CONDITIONER

This 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner leaves scalp and hair moisturized and dandruff free.

Infused with a woodsy blend of cedarwood, sandalwood and eucalyptus essential oils, it hydrates and leaves behind a refreshing scent. $20 4 7 K I E H L' S U L T I M A T E M A N BODY SCRUB SOAP

Ultimate Man Body Scrub Soap allows you to exfoliate skin and clean with a traditional bar form. Made with bran and oatmeal, this bar soap efficiently cleanses skin and leaves behind refreshed, lightly scented skin. $15

AQ UA P H O R A DVA N C E D T H E R A P Y O I N T M E N T B O DY S P R AY

6 PULSE SKINCARE M ATC H A S C R U B

This scrub is gentle enough to use on your face but powerful enough for your whole body. It specializes in removing dirt and impurities from your pores while banishing dead skin cells, leaving you with skin so your training partners will be green with envy. $15

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A breakthrough innovation that immediately soothes, and relieves dry, rough skin all day. The cooling spray is easy to apply and leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. Unlike a spray lotion, the ointment is water-free and locks in moisture to keep skin hydrated. $9

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FUEL

SUPER TASTE In a tech and food-retail first, from 15th November 2017, busy New Yorkers will be able to purchase four unique dark chocolates that have been designed to combat the specific deficiencies of the city’s inhabitants, revealed by analysis of food tracking and behavioral data sourced from the New York-based users of digital health and wellness app, Lifesum (www.lifesum.com). These nutritionally-tailored dark chocolates will include a calcium-rich chocolate for strength, a vitamin E-infused chocolate for glowing skin, a chocolate containing potassium to promote calm, and a zinc-based chocolate to boost the immune system.

In a partnership between NYC-based Swedish coffee culture chain, FIKA (www. fikanyc.com), and Lifesum, one of the world’s biggest health apps with more than 20 million users worldwide, the anonymized dietary and nutritional information of 100,000 of the app’s users in New York City was analyzed by in-house nutritionists at Lifesum to identify the key nutrients missing from the average diet of an NYC resident. This analysis revealed that Lifesum users in New York were lacking in calcium, and had a shortfall in the consumption of vitamin E, potassium, and zinc.

Using this data, Lifesum’s in-house nutritionist, Frida Harju-Westman, suggested nutrient-rich, healthy recipes to FIKA’s award-winning in-house chocolatier, Håkan Mårtensson, who then created the chocolates using a base of 99% pure

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cocoa. He infused them with a cocktail of complementary ingredients, designed to each target a particular deficiency, resulting in the chocolates; “Calcium Colada”, “Raw Radiance”, “Cocoa Calm”, and “Cleanse and Reboot.”

In Sweden, the cultural concept of fika is a way of life. A fika is essentially a short break that typically involves a coffee, pastry, and, most importantly, some time to relax and reflect. Frida Harju-Westman, in-house nutritionist at Lifesum, who analyzed the data, comments, “Rather than ask individuals to change their whole lifestyle to avoid missing out on vital nutrients, we believe that adding new healthy habits step by step is far more effective. As such, we wanted to work with FIKA to create a set of chocolates that both address the common deficiencies and health needs of New Yorkers, and could replace the ‘typical’ candy bar consumed during a snack or fika break. Collaborating with FIKA has enabled us to devise a unique set of data-driven chocolates that taste fantastic, as well as giving your body a much-needed vitamin boost. While chocolates are not typically considered a health food, the nutritional value of chocolate is often overlooked, especially in its rawest form. Store-bought chocolate can sometimes be packed with sugar and preservatives, which lowers its nutritional value, however dark chocolate and raw cacao have numerous proven health benefits, such as improving cognitive function and reducing blood pressure.”

FUEL

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CLEANSE AND REBOOT

Contains vitamin E, a fantastic antioxidant that helps to protect the body from free radicals. As well as working to prevent heart disease and to balance cholesterol, vitamin E offers a beauty boost by decreasing environmental damage to your hair, and can repair damaged skin.

Packed with zinc to support run-down immune systems, with added antioxidants from cayenne pepper and ancho chilli to elevate body temperature, which increases immune system activity.

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

Cashew nuts, Coconut, Salt, Dark chocolate 99%, Quinoa, Cinnamon

Pumpkin, Low Fat Yogurt, Nutmag, Cinnamon, Ancho Chilli, Cayenne Pepper, Dark Chocolate

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C O C OA C A L M

C A LC I U M C O L A DA

Created to offer a hit of potassium, encouraging relaxation and reducing stress.

Designed to boost calcium intake, which contributes to bone health and strength. Flavor-wise, it is reminiscent of a pina colada cocktail.

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

Dates, Cashew Nuts, Vanilla, Lime, Dark Chocolate 99%

Matcha, Low Fat Yogurt, Pineapple, Lime, Vanilla, Stevia, Darl Chocolate 99%

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THE UNBREAKABLE, UNDENIABLE, UNDEFEATABLE DETROIT, MICHIGAN

A few years ago I wrote a piece titled Detroit Isn’t Dead. It was a recap of my first visit to the Motor City. Though written with the best intentions, the title suggested that one assumed that the city was deceased. Left to decay and forgotten. The truth is, as it was then, although my virgin eyes were unable to see – Detroit has always been alive and well!

WORDS DÉVON CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON

T R AV E L

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W H AT M A K E S A C I T Y fourish

has nothing to do with bricks and mortar. The people are what make a city thrive. Without the energy of the population one city is indistinguishable from the next. This recent trip was part apology for my previous prejudices and part eyes wide open to all the awesome experiences the city and the surrounding area offers. Aside from the big buildings under remodel or the new glass and steel structures going up everywhere, I missed the everyday experience.

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If you are not a native of Michigan, it is very easy to fall into the played out clichĂŠs about the city. Let’s skip over the exhausted dialogue about economic depression, the car industry bolting, and broken city infrastructure. That story has been told 100 times too many. Detroit today is its own narrative. Fresh with innovation and people defining the future of the ‘D.

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T R AV E L

Brush Park Neighborhood

PHOTO BY MICHELLE AND CHRIS GERARD

Eastern Market

Bleu Publisher Dévon with the owner of Fowling Warehouse Chris Hutt

Punch Bowl Social

R I V E R S I D E K AYA K CONNECTION

THE TONE IS SET FROM

the moment the plane lands.

Let’s start with the airport.

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport or just DTW, is a major international airport.

It services just about every airline and every destination. It’s a hub for Delta. Because of this flights are relatively inexpensive. The airport is absolutely huge. In a good way. Unlike a few other large and busy airports that can cause you to miss connections, DTW has a terminal shuttle that runs express between gates.

The airport is not based in Detroit proper, but in Romulus, one of the many suburbs that anchor the city. So, if you ever wanted to visit the city, but didn’t want to commit to a full weekend, that’s ok.

Try and book a flight with an extended layover and enjoy a full day of the city. Any of the places we

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list would be an awesome as a day trip, solo or with family and friends.

We recommend starting your excursion with a solid bite to eat. Take your Uber to Traffic Jam & Snug.

It’s one of the city’s first brewpubs. They’ve been around since the 60’s so they must be doing something right. Most of the meals are made from scratch and sourced from local farms and suppliers. “Local” is a recurring theme in this city, despite the actual size of the land covered - every place feels homely.

Now that your stomach is coated the time has come to have a few cocktails. Everyone has their opinion of who and what is the best brewery in town. There are the micro-brewers. Then, the semi macro-brewers. Then, the mini micro-brewers. They are all great in their own way. There are the straight tradition hops with light amber colors and smoky flavors.

Then there are the part brewery part chemistry experiment spots. If there is flexibility in your schedule take the Michigan Pedaler tour. This way you can hit up a few spots and not worry about taking multiple Ubers. If traveling alone, it is actually a great way to meet complete strangers and get to know each while getting a buzz. Plus you get your cardio workout.

At this point, around three hours in, its time to fill the stomach back up. Between the peddling and the beer, lunch has burned off. The easiest thing to do is go to Greektown. There, two birds can be killed. Great food and a little gambling at Greektown Casino.

If this is a layover for a family vacation, I suggest setting a strict budget. The plan is to get back to the airport a little richer, not broke. And since casino food isn’t always that tasty, I suggest before going inside to let the dice roll, stop by Santorini Estiatorio. Everything on the menu is tasty. As if prepared

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on the sands of the place of which it is named. It’s not just authentically Greek food by name, its amazing.

The wait staff is super knowledgeable and will pick out the perfect dish based on your palate.

The sport is the brainchild of a native Detroiter named Chris Hutt. (see photo on next page) With little athletic ability needed you may even win the game on your first try, as I did.

Depending on how long it takes to finish eating the clock may be running out for your layover.

There’s just time for one other activity. I suggest doing something that can only happen in Detroit.

Catch your Uber over to The Fowling Warehouse in Hamtramck. This is just the right activity to prepare your body for a great sleep on the plane. If you are anything like me you’ll be sleep before takeoff. At this point you’re probably asking yourself what the hell is fowling? Well, think part bowling, part football and add lots of beer. There you have it.

And there you have it. Six hours in Detroit. There’s more. So much more to do! But, this should be enough to make you want to come back for a full weekend. What is most important is not bothering with the entire “city planning” stuff. Save that experience for a Google search. Visit Detroit by visiting her people. Getting to know local businesses and hearing real stories. There’s a few additional suggestions listed on the next page in case you wanted to extend your stay by intentionally missing your connection. Have fun in the ‘D.

W H E R E T O E AT

W H AT T O D O

Bookie’s Bar & Grille 2208 Cass Ave Bookiesbar.com

Detroit Institute of Arts 5200 Woodward Avenue Dia.org

Polonia Restaurant 2934 Yemans Street Hamtramck, MI 48212 Polonia-restaurant.net

Eastern Market 2943 Russell Street easternmarket.com Fowling Warehouse 3901 Christopher Street Hamtramck, MI 48211 Fowlingwarehouse.com

Punch Bowl Social 1331 Broadway Street Punchbowlsocial.com Santorini Estiatorio 501 Monroe Ave Santorinidetroit.com

WHERE TO DRINK

W H E R E T O S TAY

(Great Beer): Brew Detroit 1401 Abbott Street Brewdetroit.com

Aloft Detroit at the David Whitney 1 Park Avenue Detroit, MI 48226 Aloftdetroit.com

Atwater Block Brewery 237 Jos Campau Atwaterbeer.com

Batch Brewing Company 1400 Porter Street Batchbrewingcompany.com The Henry Ford Museum 20900 Oakwood Blvd Dearborn, MI 48124 Thehenryford.org

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MGM Grand Detroit 1777 Third Street Detroit, MI 48226 Mgmgranddetroit.com

WHERE TO DRINK

(Great Cocktails): Gold Cash Gold 2100 Michigan Ave Goldcashgolddetroit.com

Standby 225 Gratiot Avenue Standbydetroit.com Traffic Jam and Snug 511 W. Canfield Street Trafficjamdetroit.com

Motown Museum 2648 W Grand Blvd Motownmuseum.com Riverside Kayak Connection Flynn Memorial Pavilion Belle Isle Park, Detroit Rkcadventures.com

The Sugar House 2130 Michigan Ave Sugarhousedetroit.com

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RIDGE

Virginia's Blue Ridge, located in the Roanoke Valley, features outdoor amenities like mountain biking and hiking, live entertainment, craft beer and wine, and famous restaurants for food lovers. If you’re an adventurous that loves the outdoors and would like an unforgettable experience without spending a lot of money, visit this region as soon as possible.

WORDS RAYMOND MORA

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its awesome views of the forest. It is a sight worth the exhaustion, especially for city individuals like myself.

Later that day it was time to rejuvenate myself. When it comes to food and alcohol, they have some of the best restaurants that most travelers would enjoy. I got to experience a place called Blue 5. According to public relations manager Taylor Ricotta of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, she said, “Blue 5 has a killer reputation for their beer selection (voted best beer bar in VA and 2017 VA winner for Great American Beer Bars) as well as jazz and live music. Then Mangos is prime for the lake (Smith Mountain Lake) with live entertainment on the weekends and a super fun atmosphere.”

AS I CAME OUT OF THE ROANOKE-BLACKSBURG

Regional Airport I couldn't help but feel “free.” After living in Queens for 20 years, the closest I've ever been to nature was Central Park, so touching down in a town with so much grass and greenery made me feel like a trapped farm animal raised for meat that has been granted freedom for the first time. Over 300,000 people live within the Roanoke Valley making it the largest metropolitan area in Western Virginia and the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

And get this, the mountains are actually blue! Scientifically, the reason why it is blue is because of the organic compounds released from trees and plants, which creates a blue haze all over the mountains.

While on this trip, I realized something, driving and biking are requirements for most places here. Day one, I was taken to a spot called Champloo Dessert and they served me cookies and cream flavored rolled ice cream. What makes this ice cream place so great is that it appeals to any demographic, broke college student? You’ll like it here. Stressing about refinancing your mortgage?You’ll like it here. Kids won’t shut up? Definitely bring them here.

On my second day, I was brought to a place that really caught my attention. The Roanoke Star, this eye-popping attraction is the world’s largest freestanding illuminated man-made star. Constructed in 1949 at the top of Mill Mountain, visitors and hikers go there looking at the famous Catawba, Brushy or Tinker mountains. Better bring good camera lenses and binoculars to have a great view of these mountains because you won't get the best view with the naked eye. I got up Mill Mountain by car; however, getting down is where it got interesting.

My first experience riding on a rocky trail within this area was the worst at Mill Mountain Park. I was sweating bricks at first because I haven’t ridden a bike in a year and that was in Central Park. The saying we all know is true, you never forget to ride a bike but going on this particular trail was a different kind of beast. I had my bike backpack, helmet, tights for the body and water bottles seated on the mountain bike. Now this may seem like useless information, but I cannot tell you how handy this stuff comes in when you bike down rocky trails. God bless the person who came up with those biking tights for all those times I fell off.

Periodically I had to make stops downhill due to rocks, branches and a cliff. Fell down twice and rolled safely on my back to avoid lacerations and scratches. Nevertheless, I would do it all again.

Overall, it was exhausting and a truly wonderful experience, the trail was nature at its finest with

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Going to Blue 5 after an exhausting day of mountain biking was worth it. I ordered St Louis Ribs with macaroni pie for dinner and trust me it was

delicious. The beer they presented was also tasty and different compared to regular ones. Compared to living in New York, Virginia does a great job of growing their local breweries and being competitive, which is why they won these awards. It is a really terrific place to go for lunch and dinner, especially after doing adventurous activities.

But before you leave Virginia's Blue Ridge and get back into reality, try to do kayaking or jet skiing on the beautiful Smith Mountain Lake. It made my very first time jet skiing a very memorable one by doing it here. I can't swim but I had a life jacket on, I held the handles tightly traveling throughout the lake, taking in nature and the houses by the shore. Still, for me to endure all of these wonderful activities in Virginia for a week was worth it. Visit this unique place anytime and I guarantee it will be something worth talking about with friends and colleagues, especially if you persuade them to try out these activities.

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WHAT TO EAT

WHAT TO DO

WHERE TO STAY

CHAMPLOO DESSERT

B R I D G E WAT E R M A R I N A & B OAT R E N TA L S

COUNTRY INN & SUITE BY CARLSON

16410 Booker T Washington Highway Moneta, VA 24121 540 721 1639

7860 Plantation Rd Roanoke, VA 24019 540 366 5678

9 South College Avenue Salem, VA 24153 540 999 1229

THE LANDING RESTURANT

B LU E R I D G E V I N E YA R D

H I LT O N G A R D E N I N N

773 Ashmeade Read Moneta, VA 24121 540 721 3028

1027 Shiloh Drive Eagle Rock, VA 24085 540 798 7642

4500 S Peak Blvs Roanoke, VA 24018 540 776 3400

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R OA N O K E M O U N TA I N ADVENTURES

H O M E 2 S U I T E S B Y H I LT O N

312 2nd Street SW Roanoke, VA 24011 540 904 5338

ANGELLE’S DINER 2609 Lee Highway Troutville, VA 24175 540 591 7208

806 Wasena Avenue SW Roanoke, VA 24015 540 525 8295

SALEM MEMORIAL B AS E B A L L S TA D I U M 1004 Texas Street Salem, VA 24153 540 389 3333

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4830 Valley View Blvd NW Roanoke, VA 24012 540 581 1000

H O L I DAY I N N R OA N O K E 3315 Ordway Dr NW, Roanoke, VA 24017 540 362 4500

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THE REALIST MODERN SURREALIST WORDS ANGEL QUILES

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N E W Y O R K C I T Y ’ S electric

pulse derives from the eccentricities of its vast cultures, and unique ideas cultivated daily by its inhabitants. No one embodies this spirit more than native New Yorker, and pied piper of modern surrealism, ClockWork Cros. Clockwork also known by his first name Crosby has taken over New York’s art scene like King-Kong did to the Empire State building. His idea of turning the faces of popular figures in life into surrealist style wall clocks, has art enthusiast filling up galleries like thanksgiving turkeys.

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The clocks are captivating. The mechanisms used to keep the dials ticking are imported from London.

The laminated faces of the subjects are uncanny in detail. The way the eyes are cut off in order to place the golden dials that give the clocks a 1920’s era feel are quality. Surrealist masters Salvador Dali, and Andre Brenton would have been proud, because these works of art evoke emotion. “I had somebody drunk at one of my shows. Take a Mohammed Ali of the wall, break it, and stomp on it. I came upstairs and the bouncer had his foot on dudes neck.

He was like, Yo! How much is the clock? They were 50 back then. The guy on the floor pulled out 50 bucks, and shouted he was taunting me” said Crosby. Moreover, the clocks are inspiring a new generation of art collectors. According to clockwork, “Some people buy my art, and say man this stuff looks so good I want to buy another piece from you, and that’s the point of my work. I want to leave an impact”.

Crosby’s clocks are leaving an impact. “I’m in

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about 4,000 homes with individual clocks. And I started with on show that was a silent auction. I sold all of them, and I just took off from there” said Clockwork. Talking to Crosby you instantly can tell he has that New York, ‘city that never sleeps’, hustler type vibe. “I never say no to anything man, I’ve done like three hundred shows all over. I’m constantly moving on to the next” said Crosby.

Crosby was born and raised on New York’s lower east side to artists parents. He graduated high school, and went on to get his bachelor’s degree at

I'M IN ABOUT 4,000 HOMES W I T H I N D I V I D UA L C L O C K S .

A N D I S TA R T E D W I T H O N S H OW T H AT WA S A S I L E N T

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SUNY Purchase through the Educational Opportunities Program (EOP). His mom was the lead singer of a female punk rock band called The Innocence who toured with The Clash. His parents were influential in his development as an artist. “My parents and I did a show before and that was dope man!

Getting to work with my parents, and people seeing that I had that second generation touch, made me want to grind. It’s funny too cuz my mom wouldn’t let me build a gallery in the house, I had to paint in

the yard in the back”. Growing up things weren’t peaches-and-cream for Crosby. He was one of the only white kids in his neighborhood and faced a lot of ridicule, and bullying. “I was getting made fun of because of my long hair, skin color, but I only knew how to be me” said Crosby. He even left school at a time because of the anxiety that he was feeling.

Nevertheless, he used his artistic expression to fight through the pain, and now is receiving recognition for his controversial and inspiring artwork.

Clockwork is the realist Modern Surrealist Artist.

The figures chosen for his clock pieces are not only popular cultural icons. He also makes them out of people considered infamous. Clockworks skillful artistry will stir up emotion inside you. “I have an OJ Simpson piece I created with Simpson taking a knee while he’s holding up Nicole Brown Simpsons bloody head, a piece with Darryl Strawberry and a spoon”. Social consciousness and touchy subjects is not a forum Crosby avoids. “I don’t really care if no one likes me, the real people will stick around and understand my vision, and the fakes will disappear”.

This dude grinds like Clockwork. Growing up in the hood helped develop that hustler spirit. “I observed how the hustlers move. But when you have street recognition, when you are reaching success, you have to stay on point to fight to the next level” said Crosby. Fight through he has done. Clockwork has permanent showcases now in Miami, Los Angeles, and he is all over New York City.

He is developing a thought provoking tapestry of, motifs, on the water crises, and athletes who have fallen from grace. Pieces that surreal rock!

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jJ Left Model: Coat MISBHV Fur Pullover BIANNUAL Pants DANIEL PATRICK Sneakers REEBOK

Right Model: Coat PARAJUMPERS Track Shirt DANIEL PATRICK Jeans DEATH TO TENNIS Sneakers PONY Backpack GRAF LANTZ

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Photography ALEJANDRO GARCIA

Fashion Stylist TERENCE MCNEALY Grooming ROBERT R.

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Fashion Assistant KIARA MICHE

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There are moments when the Universe aligns the stars ever so perfect.

When it reveals itself, you must grasp immediately or relinquish to a more prepared recipient. . This cover story and photo-shoot with Kofi Siriboe is just that chance encounter. He, the intense actor with the rapidly burgeoning résumé, we, the publication looking to give women a greater voice within our brand, and she, RaVal Davis, the speaker, actor, body positive advocate and journalist. Kofi celebrates women in all their beautiful incarnations. So we let these two tell a narrative without limits, just truth.

WORDS RAVAL DAVIS

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PHOTOGRAPHY MICAIAH CARTER

STYLIST APUJE KALU

Stylist Assistant RAVEN ROBERTS, Hair NESTOR LEBRON, Make Up MYANH NGUYEN

KOFI SIRIBOE, THE FEMINIST

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Millennial AF. Talented AF. Fine AF. And Feminist AF? The 23 year old heartthrob who just made People Magazine’s sexiest men alive list, just might surprise you because he isn’t just eye candy. Kofi Siriboe is also soul food. Writer RaVal Davis talks to every girl’s favorite MCM, one feminist to another.

Kofi Siriboe is late. An eager cluster of groomers, stylist, photographers, editors, and interns stand by patiently waiting; ready to receive the actor as soon as he arrives to the Z Hotel in Long Island City Bleu Magazine Publisher, DéVon Christopher Johnson gets the call. His car is just arriving.

Kofi Siriboe is a hugger. When his 6’2 modelesque frame descends from the car, there is no actual beam of light following him, yet he radiates. His smile is wide and inviting. And the second he envelops you in those long arms and the smell of essential oils, you instantly forget you’ve been waiting for him for over an hour.

Hi I’m Kofi, he offers modestly. “Nice to meet you.”

He’s already not exactly what you’d expect from 2017’s hottest Hollywood breakout sex symbol. In fact he doesn’t seem Hollywood at all.

But that isn’t because his career isn’t completely on fire. Starring in his second season of OWN’s Queen Sugar as the earnest Ralph Angel, Siriboe’s been flexing some serious acting chops. Adapted from the novel by Natalie Baszile, Queen Sugar tells the story of three siblings —Nova, Charley, and Ralph Bordelon — who inherit their father’s 800-acre sugarcane farm. Siriboe plays the complex, formerly incarcerated, single father who struggles with becoming the man his father knew he could be.

And Kofi’s been flexing something else entirely different as Jada Pinkett Smith’s lover in this summer’s $100 million dollar grossing film Girls Trip too. Yes, we see Kofi Siriboe in all his chocolate glory starring opposite icons like Queen Latifah.

He’s certainly had quite a year. He is even making his writing and directing debut in his new project Jump—a film about mental health.

Still, when he steps on set for his cover shoot he’s oddly unassuming. The actor however does not arrive to set alone. A stylish young woman in designer frames and a fitted gray dress accompanies him. Koshie Mills is Kofi’s publicist and mom. She’s warm and welcoming and no nonsense at the same time. She is the muse behind Kofi’s very deliberate feminist talk on twitter and IRL (in real life).

“It’s just the simplicity of the fact that my mom is really awesome, we have a great relationship, and as I’m getting older, I’m learning more about her journey and her struggle,” says the actor. “I mean really she wears the cape. I don’t wear a cape, she does.

Kofi half smiles and reveals, “I’m just honoring

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her, and honoring her through my existence...like who I am, what I represent. That to me is rooted in my character and my mother—I came out of her.

That’s an ode to her. “ I’m instantly blown away by his reverence for his mother. Remember he’s only 23.

But can a man be a feminist? Of course he can. Still, being a feminist is an alien concept for many men.

And not to be all judgy but, a 23-year-old black male feminist almost sounds like an oxymoron.

But Siriboe unequivocally affirms, “I am [a feminist]. Period. I champion women, I value women, I respect women.” Simple right?

spect women”, he poses the scenario. “I think being a feminist starts at home. It means you understand first, taking the time to get the knowledge. Put yourselves in situations to have these conversations.

Once you get that knowledge, process it and figure out a way to be helpful, offers the actor in a “woke” but not condescending way.

It’s Feminism 101 according to Nana-Kofi Siriboe, “Value the people that you can value. Let it start with your mom, your sister, whoever is close to you and extending it from there”, he suggest. “That way young people are able to say I’m a feminist--it’s just about starting somewhere. That to me is being a feminist. I think it’s about respect, understanding and taking action.”

Still when we think about a hand full of popular millennial men and their relationships to women, feminist isn’t exactly the first word to come to mind. And in the midst of the huge Hollywood sex scandal—the male advocates have been far and few in between. In fact many men have copped to knowing about the reckless behavior of their Hollywood pals and never saying a word.

His thoughtfulness is pretty astounding. But honestly what else would you expect from the guy hand plucked by Ava DuVernay and co-signed by the almighty Oprah? Ava DuVernay Director and producer of QS, was in Kofi’s second audition and doesn’t mind taking full credit for discovering Kofi Siriboe according to People magazine.

But Siriboe if anything is very vocal. “Like Imagine saying you’re a feminist but in real life you disre-

“I will take responsibility for the current phenomenon that is Kofi Siriboe,” the 44-year old creator

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I Think Being A Feminist Starts At Home. It Means You Understand First, Taking The Time To Get The Knowledge.

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and director joked at Essence Festival. “The sweetness, the humility, the effort that he puts in to try and live a better life [as character, Ralph Angel], really that is part of the sex appeal.”

She also told Vulture, “He’s older than his years.

There’s a wisdom there that’s innate and comes across in the choices he makes as Ralph Angel.”

In conversation, Kofi is resolutely introspective to the point where one might question his age. So is 23 your Hollywood age I ask? We laugh for a moment but then it’s back to serious Kofi Siriboe.

He has the highest admiration for Ava DuVernay and Oprah when he speaks of them. The way he looks up and places his palm close to his chest gives away his feelings for them.

“I respect Ava so much”, he reflects. “Its like a kid trying to live up to their parents expectations.

You know I’m working so closely with people like Oprah and Ava and its literally magic. I’m just taking it one step at a time.”

Wise beyond his years, but still every bit millennial. We are mid conversation when he gets a text, looks down at his phone and begins to laugh. “I’m sorry what were you saying,” he says as he remember he’s in the middle of an interview. Theres the millennial I was expecting. I mean it wouldn’t be right if he wasn’t on his phone and distracted for just a second.

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where else he’d rather be in this moment. “I’m sorry. About how much longer will we be”, he asks politely. “Not long,” I assure him.

We’ve switched venues at this point. It’s Sunday afternoon and Kofi has invited me out for a one on one lunch date at Ludlow House, a Private social club on the Lower East Side. It’s a less swanky offshoot of Soho House geared toward a younger audience less enamored with luxury, pomp and circumstance. That says a lot about Kofi actually. Yes, he undoubtedly Hollywood in some ways. Here we are at a private social club. Yet it’s super understated kind of like Kofi who’s wearing distressed dark denim and a military inspired bomber jacket.

He is sipping a picante which he informs me is “ like a spicy margarita… really good.” Kofi is in his element here. Around a crowd of groomers, stylist, and magazine editors on a photo shoot set—not so much. He’s maybe even shy but definitely reserved in that environment. But one on one, sprawled across half of a Ludlow House sofa—he’s right at home. He’s keyed in, attentive, dynamic and loquacious even.

But believe it or not, Kofi wasn’t always that guy.

He describes himself in his formative years as a teen and young man as awkward. He laughs, “Yeah I was the chubby middle brother. I was the one who people would come up to and ask if I ate all the food”, he laughs again.

“But again, for me I just wanted to be my true self”

he says earnestly. Kofi found a way to be true to himself as a creative; a writer, a poet, and a photographer. A natural born artist, Kofi is undoubtedly a feeler. “[Poetry and photography] are my outlets, When you have a lot of passion...I see so much and feel so much and I want to share all of that.”

On set of our cover shoot, the actor took every chance he got to collaborate with stylist Apuje Kalu on choosing his own ensemble. He even collaborated with Micaiah Carter to select angles, and set up shots. And although he doesn’t seem 100% cozy with a staff of 10 fawning over him at a photo shoot, he’s quite dexterous when it comes to being behind the camera. “It feels natural, he confesses.

“I’m very specific in what I want and how I see something.”

“Micaiah is somebody I’ve worked with and shot in the past and we’ve built a dope creative relationship. I’ve seen him grow as an artist and vice versa...and that further empowers my notion that we can do this without anything pre-established.

We can create our own spaces for ourselves. Young people need to take charge and create these spaces for ourselves.”

And that’s exactly what Kofi plans to do—create more, starting with his first feature. In the film Kofi plays Ziggy, a character who is battling mental health issues and even suicide. Written, produced and directed by the young actor, he admits,” I just used [this] as an experiment to learn all the creative sides of things. I’ve been acting a lot but I want to

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I’ve learned. [I’ve] made mistakes and now I’m just trying to make them right. All I’m doing right now is creating.

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get behind the scenes. I’ve learned. [I’ve] made mistakes and now I’m just trying to make them right. All I’m doing right now is creating.

To be young, gifted and Black what a lovely precious dream. Kofi Siriboe is living a dream and most importantly, he is creating his own dream. He is defining it himself for himself. And what could be more beautiful than that slice of black boy joy. His ambitions don’t stop there either. The actor who is of Ghanaian descent recently took his first trip back to Ghana in December of last year where he met the King who he shares the name NaNa. The name NaNa means King or highest office in society.

When I ask Kofi about being related to the Ghanaian royal family or his first trip back to his motherland he gushes like a tween would about a crush. “Amazing, it was amazing”, he grins, “It was eye opening just because I’m from Ghana and I myself didn’t know how much value there was back home you know. You kind of just overlook it because you just think I’m from there. I guess it opened my eyes to a whole other world and now it’s a big part of me.”

Talk about thinking big, Kofi Siriboe wants to “bridge the gap of Africa and America,” he says. I feel like there’s a disconnect between Africans and African-Americans. More than 80 percent of us have never been back to Africa. I’m Ghanaian and I just went back for the first time. It’s just a lack of information, a lack of knowledge, a lack of understanding.

Africa is a subject Kofi would gladly talk about all day. His love for his heritage is palpable. Somehow we start discussing the subject of Beyoncé and her African inspired baby shower some months back and the criticism that the singer was appropriating culture. “She came from somewhere in fucking Africa period!,” asserts Siriboe” So how exactly could she appropriate her own culture in the sense that it is her culture?

“I guess what happened is that people take offense [because] you can go ahead and rock the braids or wear the Kente cloth in a video, Kofi explains, “but you need to take time to actually understand the root.

Try and get the information that comes along with the aesthetic and I think that goes back to the disconnect.”

But Kofi remembers being pretty disconnected at one point in his life too. “My dad would talk about these things and I’d be like “alright dad, whatever, Kofi remembers “And the way you have to place your cloth and the way you kneel, the way you greet the king. There’s real culture there and real history there. And once you see something like it, it adds a piece of value to you. You just realize there’s more to yourself, you come from so much depth of our origin. But how are you to know that until you know that? It’s impossible. “ And that’s the beauty of Kofi Siriboe. He’s not so woke that he’s not clued into pop culture. He’s clear that it is all important. But to be young gifted and black is his superpower and his ability to mold the future. By the time we are wrapping up our interview, Kofi’s phone is buzzing. He’s going to meet friends later. He’s mentions that he’s excited to see some NYC friends that he hasn’t seen in a while and to celebrate someone specials bday. He even mentions a girl that he really likes from DC. It’s common 23 year old stuff. Yes, he’s young. He’s definitely gifted.

And certainly unapologetically black.

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GET S.W.A.T. SHEMAR MOORE FINDS HIS DREAM JOB

MOORE TELLS WHY THE LEADING R O L E O N S .W. A . T. P U M P E D PA S S I O N BACK INTO HIS CAREER. WORDS EMEKA DIBIA

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W We all search for purpose in our lives and we search for that “thing” or calling which will fulfill us. Almost everybody wants to leave a mark world and make a difference. Sometimes on that road we find ourselves in the career we like, but not the exact work, so we end up doing what we have to do until we one day we can do something that fulfills us.

Actor Shemar Moore can relate to that search. He has been in the acting game nearly for almost 25 years. You may remember him from The Young and The Restless. In 1994, he warmed the hearts of many soap opera-lovers (including my mother, who can’t get enough of him) as Malcom Winters.

It was his introduction to mainstream television. He

spent many years on the popular soap, with stints from 1994-2001, and then 2004-2005. In 2005, he portrayed Derek Morgan an FBI Special Agent on Criminal Minds.

He portrayed Derek Morgan for 11 seasons and then one day he decided to leave the show. No job. No plans. Just on a search for a fresh start. “I decided to walk away from all of that, because I wanted some time off. I wanted to find a way to continue to grow. I didn’t know what that was going to be,” Moore says.

To his surprise that leap of faith would lead him to what he now calls his “dream job” in his new lead role on the upcoming television series S.W.A.T. Moore says we will see a side of him we have never seen before.

“For 24 years I made the most of what’s available to me. Now I’m doing what’s in my heart,” Moore says.

“You’ve never seen me want to go to work as badly as I want to go to work and that’s been translated in my performance. That’s been translated in my leadership and it is going to translate in what you see on the screen.”

On S.W.A.T. Moore plays Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson, a S.W.A.T. sergeant from South LA. He found

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his way into law enforcement ironically after being roughed up by police. The wounds of his mental anguish caused him to lash out against those who protect and serve, until one day his father challenged him to make a difference and join the force to help create positive change. During the series you see Harrelson fighting a two-front battle: serving and standing by the community he grew up in while also being loyal to his profession. In the very first episode, you see that struggle when a character yells out to Harrelson during a rally and asks, “Are you black or blue brother? You gotta decide.”

It is not the first time S.W.A.T has come to the small screen. S.W.A.T. was a 1970s show and later it was movie in 2003 (Samuel L. Jackson played ‘Hondo’). The difference? This time it’s bringing hardcore crime fighting within point-blank range of today’s prevalent issues, including the Black Lives Matter movement.

The realistic intensity in this 2017 edition of the crime drama was created by executive producer Aaron Rahsaan Thomas. He’s a television and film screenwriter who began his career as a writer’s assistant on the TV series Soul Food. He also worked as a staff writer on shows such as: Friday Night Lights, CSI:NY and Numb3rs. The native of Kansas City,

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Kansas also holds an adjunct professor position at his alma mater the University of Southern California in the School of Cinematic Arts.

we’re going to go into [range] from immigration, to religious persecution, to class, to gender, to race, to sexual orientation, to perils of what it is to be a cop.”

“The idea of S.W.A.T. started from the idea of a character I’ve had in my head since I was a kid, basically since I was in middle school or high school. This idea of understanding multiple worlds that may be opposed to each other,” Thomas said. “A 12 year old neighbor of mine was a kid who got shot in the head by police officer. It was controversial. He was a victim of police violence. It was tragic and infuriating. On the other hand there’s another guy from the same neighborhood literally on the same block who was a police officer. He was cool. He was very generous. He was a guy who used to give people rides to school. He was a guy that if you needed money for clothes or shoes he would chip in. He would teach people how to ride bikes, how to drive, that kind of thing. He was always a really good example of a police officer.”

Thomas mentioned that the show itself is a symbol of the new generation and progress. “This is not a situation where we’re tossing in or sprinkling in diversity because it’s called for that. In this case everyone has a back story… a storyline that is organic to who they are and we’re going to explore each of them in their own way in our show,” Thomas said.

Thomas believes the diversity on S.W.A.T. is something traditional prime time television has never seen. But he doesn’t just credit himself. He gives props to everyone behind the scenes from different backgrounds who add their own unique flavor to the melting pot. “You have Justin Lin, a highly successful Asian American action director who directed our pilot. You have Shemar Moore an African American and Caucasian actor as our lead. You have an African American male as an executive producer that combination if I had to bet money probably has never happened in the history of network television,” Thomas said. “When you look at our cast and when you look at our story lines we’re presenting [something] that is not just ethnically diverse, but also diverse in the worlds we’re going to go into. The issues

Shemar Moore says when he got the initial script he knew he struck gold. “I think the entire script was 55 pages long. I got to page 14 I think, which is the end of what they call the ‘teaser’ the opening segment of the show. I had to stop myself and take a pause. It was that good,” Moore said. “Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson is from South LA. He’s from the hood but he doesn’t call it the hood. The outside calls it the hood. He calls it home. Shemar Moore is from East Oakland but I’m half black my mother is from Boston. My father and his family are originally from Birmingham, Alabama but moved to the West and found the hood. But we call it home. My mom wanted to help inner-city Black kids,” Moore said.

“There are sides to “Hondo” that got nothing to do with me. This is an ex-marine, a physical specimen.

His skillset is crazy. But I took that as a challenge.

So, I started training. I started learning. I started asking questions.”

Moore said he trained with LAPD, S.W.A.T, San Diego PD SWAT, and Seal Team 6, just so he could learn the physical requirements and be believable in the role. “I’m fight training. I’m lifting. I gained 10 to 12 pounds for the role. Not just to be cute for the baby girls, but to do right by the men and women

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who do this [job]. Because by rule they workout an hour per day because they have to have the stamina and the physical ability to carry the weapons; deal with the weapons and go out there and fight crime,” Moore said. “You can’t fake what they do, so I spend a lot of time with them.”

Moore admits one of the hardest challenges about this leading role is the schedule. “I’m very proud to be number one on the call sheet, but man there are no days off [and] there are very few breaks. But I’m not complaining at all because I see the bigger picture. I am proud to be the lead of the show that I care about. S.W.A.T. is going to amount to something that is bigger than me, bigger than Aaron, bigger than CBS because it is going to resonate with people. It’s going to touch people and you can’t touch that. To be a part of something that’s going to the playing field, change consciousness, bridge the gap of social issues, make people think, inspire people, this thing is going to explode and change the way people think and look at television and look at each other.”

“Hollywood, fame, and success is cool. But all of that could be gone like that *snap of fingers*.

I want to do something that matters. And to be remembered and for you to matter it has to be bigger than yourself.”

Although there are distinct differences between both Daniel “Hondo” Harrelson and Shemar Moore ultimately they share the same journey.

It’s to leave a legacy driven by “purpose” to spark change that goes far beyond what you see on a TV screen.

S.W.A.T. premieres November 2nd on CBS.

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$ ENTREPRENEURS ARE THE NEW ROCK STARS WORDS EVAN MAJORS ILLUSTRATION DOMINIC BIELAK

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Starting your own company is not easy. It is not for the faint-hearted or those who break easily from extreme pressure. Anyone who tells you starting and running a business is easy clearly does not have your best interest or has never tried to turn an idea into action to see either the fruits of their labor, or the hard cold pavement from falling flat on their face after an unsuccessful attempt or many attempts.

If you muster up the courage to launch a business, you will do everything. There is no such thing as being “too good” for menial tasks. You will be the intern, secretary, assistant, customer service liaison, janitor, marketing, and promotions designer, business development, social media manager, sales associate, accountant, and bookkeeper and somewhere in there you will have to get shit done.

You will have to execute your plan beyond your vision into a tangible product or service. When things go wrong, because they will, it will be your fault. You will have to take ownership of it. No matter how big or small your business is, that ‘L’ is yours to take alone. It will hurt your once-confident ego, your bank account, or both.

Entrepreneurs are the new rock stars. You don’t believe me? Take a look Gary Vanerchuck. Gary is the founder of VaynerMedia and a four-time New York Times bestselling author who as become an internationally recognized social media personality. Gary is a favorite of mine as he is a real entrepreneur, and has created a tremendous social media presence by creating value within the digital space.

Daymond John, the founder, president and CEO of FUBU and a Shark Tank investor on ABC started creating his clothing company by selling hats and T-shirts during the early 90s era of hip-hop.

Comedian Lilly Singh who is better known by her social media name, Superwoman. She has been able to turn her vlogger and on-line videos through her YouTube channel into an über-successful branded business to become one of the highest paid YouTube stars/influencers. In 2016, Lilly pulled in $7.5 million, which landed her 3rd on the Forbes list of highest paid YouTube stars worldwide.

Chris Guillebeau, best known for his blog and the author of Art Of Non-Conformity is close to completing a tour of every country on earth – he has already visited more than 175 nations; and yet, he has never held a “real job” earning a regular paycheck, according to his website 100startup.com developed from his recent book, The $100 Startup.

These individuals are genuine entrepreneurs. They put their necks out, took the risks, and have been rewarded financially for their efforts. The entrepreneurial mindset is thousands of years old, but the social media explosion of the last decade has let the language of entrepreneurship invade our cultural lexicon. While job and enterprise creation is a good thing, the pervasive use of entrepreneurial terms has fomented a widely held belief that working for someone is a negative thing.

Let’s be clear: If you work for someone else, you are not an entrepreneur. A quick glance through social media profiles will reveal these people, many whom are our ‘friends’ or who we ‘follow’ as they aggressively self-promote themselves as “entrepreneurs,” a “boss,” a “CEO,” or president of an unknown company with an important sounding name.

Not all of us are built to be business moguls. There is no shame in your game

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working for someone else. What is vital is that you are working in your lane, doing your best work, verses appearing to be important by blasting to the online world that you are The Boss.

A consistent income will never go out of style. However, people jumping on the entrepreneurial bandwagon need to accept that income is sporadic, not guaranteed, or worse, non-existent.

Today, being an entrepreneur is like the good ole’ days when everyone wanted to be a rapper. It is still true today as everyone wants the rapper-baller lifestyle, or simply to be Beyoncé. People want or use the title just for the reputation without putting in the lean years of sweat equity required to build a successful business or brand.

Social media has created an on-line version of high school where the goal is too often to be seen and liked by as many people as possible with thousands of strangers following our every post. Unfortunately, we make it hard to like ourselves if we constantly measure who we are against someone else’s illusionary Photoshopped life.

While some of us want to be important, all of us want to feel that we are important in some way as an extension of our self-esteem. What are specific insecurities fueling our need to feel important that cause people to front to the extent that they lie about their ride, job, home or social status, while trying to hide how they really make their money?

People who take pictures with cars they do not own, or show themselves on pay day Friday holding up stacks of dollar bills with one $100 bill they borrowed on top, posting pictures of mansions and jewelry from stock photo websites to stunt on IG for their followers to admire. All of this can make it hard to decipher what is fact or fiction in their lives, especially if it’s a celebrity.

Remember Shad Moss, a.k.a. Bow Wow and his alleged baller lifestyle, who a few months back posted a photograph on his Instagram page with two Mercedes on the tarmac in front of a large private jet with random hashtags insinuating he was doing more than just fine financially. Shad was caught in his lie almost instantly after an IG follower and fellow passenger took a photograph of him flying commercial at the same time he was stunting about flying private.

The ability to manufacture an artificial on-line persona is but one part of a larger collective cultural shift towards a hollow narcissism. The synthetically inflated words driving an egotistical bravado while exaggerating one’s own importance create an insatiable need for constant attention and empty admiration of strangers and friends. Some of us are already narcissistic; it only took the introduction of digital platforms to bring it to the forefront.

Self-esteem is not narcissism. Narcissists are saddled with a personality disorder whereby they are in complete denial of reality, believing they deserve more for the work they do, and are not driven to do all the work necessary.

Being an entrepreneur is all about the work.

In today’s get rich fast culture, very few people are interested in waiting for the oven to heat up; everyone wants it now. People want to be placed at the top of the achievement pyramid because they think they deserve it. Reality does not work that way, regardless of how much talent someone thinks they possess; there will always be someone more talented or gifted with an insane work ethic, which gets them to the mountaintop.

The process is what being an entrepreneur is all about. You have to love the process. Social media has helped even the most narcissistic entrepreneurs grow their businesses, no matter how big or small. ‘Fake it til’ you make it’ philosophy might work for some, but eventually fake entrepreneurs will be exposed like Milli Vanilli. There is no cheating the blood, sweat and tears of real entrepreneurship. The real hustlers have the receipts to prove it.

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CULTURE FORWARD H O W J A S O N S A LT Z M A N ’ S ALLEY IS REVOLUTIONIZING CO-WORKING WORDS PAULEANNA REID

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I N M I D T O W N M A N H A T T A N , just a few blocks from Penn Station, is an office space that’s flipping the way we think about work on its head. Walk through its doors on any given day, and you might find a group of tech experts writing code, a CEO preparing for an upcoming presentation, or a marketing team planning a product launch. And while all those people may be working in the same room— at the same table, even—it’s entirely possible that none of them work for the same company. What they do have in common is that they are members of Alley, a carefully curated community of entrepreneurs and businesses that is redefining co-working and collaboration.

Alley is the brainchild of Jason Saltzman, a savvy millennial businessman who is the founder of several startups, a mentor for TechStars, and the US State Department’s “Special Advisor to Entrepreneurship and Technology.”

Alley came to be after Saltzman found himself in New York City at a time when co-working spaces like We Work were gaining popularity in the city’s downtown core. A natural collaborator himself, Saltzman was immediately

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intrigued by the concept and the shift it represented. People were no longer operating their businesses in isolation, carefully guarding ideas in fear that they’d be stolen. Co-working spaces were a physical manifestation of the way businesses were making space for both competition and collaboration to co-exist.

“People weren’t building in a vacuum anymore. They were sharing experiences,” Saltzman notes. “I knew I wanted to get involved with collaborating with individuals and sharing my experiences to help benefit other people.”

With co-working spaces already cropping up all over New York City, Saltzman spotted an opportunity to create a space that would cater to entrepreneurs from New York’s suburbs. Like any businessman, Saltzman started his venture with his sights set on bottom lines. His initial business plan, though inspired by his passion for collaboration, was underscored by the intention that drives most real estate ventures: use the space in whichever way would make the most money per square foot. But that quickly changed when Saltzman began to see the potential for Alley to revolutionize co-working.

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“It became really apparent rather quickly that the business was not about square feet. It was about people and how to create value and foster the growth of meaningful relationships in their lives. We’ve humanised real estate.”

Alley’s five locations in New York, Cambridge, and Washington D.C. have all the things you’d expect from an office space, including inviting interior design, private and shared workspaces, and conference rooms. But it is the community, collaboration, and care at the center of Alley’s approach that truly makes it a standout. From the range of services available through Alley and their partners—including legal office hours, marketing and digital services, insurance advice, hiring assistance, and cool perks like yoga classes—to opportunities for collaboration and feedback, Saltzman has made Alley so much more than a place to work.

“If you’re looking for office space, we’re not that space. If you’re looking for a community and a really tight-knit group of like-minded people that you can collaborate with and tap into, that’s what we do here,” Saltzman explains.

Saltzman has been very careful to protect that vision, both with Alley’s staff and their membership. He’s hired managers who understand the importance of including businesses that can both add value to and gain benefits from the Alley community, and he’s trusted those managers to practice a careful vetting

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place, it’s the most boring conversation ever.”

WE REALLY FEEL THAT WE’RE GREAT AT BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN STARTUPS AND MASSIVE ORGANIZATIONS. J A S O N S A LT Z M A N

process to make sure interested member applicants are a good fit for the space.

While definitions of “value” in the business world often lean heavily on dollar figures, Saltzman has chosen a different measuring stick, focusing instead on the value of diversity. Alley’s members include well-established legacy companies, as well as early-stage entrepreneurs and startups across a wide range of industries. This mix is very intentional.

Saltzman explains why very simply: “One thing I know for sure, when you put a bunch of people in a room together that are from the same background that are working on the same shit from the same

Through Alley’s diverse membership, Saltzman hopes to facilitate the exact opposite of boring conversations: meaningful and powerful partnerships, like the one the he’s had with Verizon for the past year and a half. Together with Verizon, Saltzman and Alley have been able to open locations in Cambridge and Washington, launch a mentorship program for underrepresented youth, and host multiple successful events for both companies.

“We really feel that we’re great at bridging the gap between startups and massive organizations,” says Saltzman.

And with additional partnerships with companies like Anheuser Busch, Spotify, PayPal, NASA, and American Express, Saltzman has the power to link smaller companies and young entrepreneurs to big organisations so that resources, ideas, and strategies can be exchanged in ways those businesses might have never imagined. For Saltzman, that makes all the challenges that come with running a business like Alley worthwhile.

“We’re building Alley into a solid infrastructural organisation that creates revenue and provides an experience for each and every one of our members,” Saltzman says proudly. “And as long as the world wants to build things, and they want to connect with each other, Alley will be there to help do those things.”

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WIRTH CHECKING OUT LO CAT E D O N W EST 2 2 N D ST. B E T W E E N 1 0T H & 1 1 T H AV E N U E L I ES T H I S EC C E N T R I C CA F E /A RT GA L L E RY. Y ES, T H O S E T WO ACT UA L LY CO - EX IST. IN A CIT Y L IK E N E W YORK, JUXTA P O SITIO N IS A N O R M .

WORDS LIYANA MOHD RADZI PHOTOGRAHY EMILY SPELMAN

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ADDRESS

548 W 22nd St, New York, Ny 10011

Once you enter, you may be asking yourself wait, am I in a bookstore or..? because shelves of art books on display is what you’ll be approached with first.

Look over to your left and you’ll see the cafe peeking behind a wall dividing the two spaces and if you go to your right you’ll be lead to the art gallery.

Now let’s talk about the cafe. Think of all the oddities you’d see in a junkyard and then imagine hiring an avant-garde artist to mesh all that “junk” into a big beautiful mess. Stay with me and keep that image in your mind going and now add some tables, chairs and bar stools for people to hang and that sums up the ambience of this unique cafe. Exposed brick walls that are half painted and half left empty hugs the cafe’s interior and adds pizzazz to their “beautiful mess aesthetic”. Stacked old television sets, spray painted chairs, a cluster of candles that sits at the end of the bar counter with it’s melted wax dripping down to the floor and once hardened creates a coat over an old toy car. All of these wacky details makes the perfect place for creative minds to come

and get a cup of coffee, wander off, get inspired, all while also getting work done. (Bonus points to all the Stranger Things fans out there as I reckon you’ll appreciate their use of multi-colored christmas lights to add some color).

Say you’re the type who can’t sit still, you can just switch rooms and head over to their art gallery to take a little walk to refresh your mind. Take your time to look at the array of art they have displayed.

The art gallery however, is all white. Just a massive all white space that creates the perfect canvas (pun intended) for the art to stand out and do the talking . The art is spaced out quite generously between one another allowing the viewer to properly appreciate each piece individually without it crowding each other.

Here’s a little backstory on the Hauser & Wirth business. They are an international gallery that specializes in contemporary and modern art. It was founded in Switzerland by husband and wife Iwan and Manuela

Wirth together with Ursula Hauser (Manuela’s mother) back in 1992. Today, the brainchild of the trio has turned into a global enterprise that has branched out to some of the biggest cities in the world where art is appreciated and longed for. Cities such as Zurich, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Somerset and our very own New York makes the list too. The gallery represents some 70 artists from different corners of the world. These artists are a mixture of both established and up and coming artists. Which provides fresh new talent the opportunity to share the same platform with well known artists. This in return gives us another reason to love this place even more. A space that supports new talent by giving them a stepping stone to be featured in an established gallery. According to ArtReview (an international contemporary art magazine based in London) “Power 100” list in 2015, Iwan Wirth and Manuela Wirth were ranked together as the number 1 most powerful and influential figures in the art industry and The New York Times labelled Wirth as “one of the most powerful players in contemporary art”.

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3rd Ward

Hype Williams

Pier 59 Studios

ABC Kitchen

IDK

Pink

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iPhone X

Printermatter.org

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Henry Selik

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Huey P. Newton

Picasso

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ILLUSTRATION LAWRENCE PITTS

ICON

HUGH HEFNER WORDS NICOLE GORRITZ

The name Hugh Hefner is synonymous with many things: writer, illustrator, entrepreneur, producer, and pioneer. The list goes on and on. In 1953 the male entertainment magazine, Playboy, was created, changing the game forever. And that is all thanks to one man—Hef. Before building his groundbreaking, yet controversial empire, Hefner grew up in Chicago, Illinois the eldest of two sons. He was born on April 9, 1926 to strict Methodists parents. From a very young age, Hefner expressed an interest in journalism and writing, starting with his high school’s first newspaper. He was a creative spirit with quite the imagination, which led to him developing a comic book entitled, School Daze.

Following high school, the publishing mogul served two years in the military. Upon being discharged

he enrolled in summer courses at the Chicago Art Institute until he eventually ended up majoring in psychology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he earned a bachelors degree.

He married Millie Williams, his first wife during this time. Hefner would go on to have three marriages total and four children, two with Millie Williams, and two from his marriage to Kimberly Conrad. He was married to his third wife, Kimberly Harris when he died.

In his professional career, Hefner got his first big break as a copywriter for Esquire, working alongside influential publication, illustrative, and literary figures. After resigning he went out on his own to create his own magazine, and that is when Playboy, and the famous bow-tie-clad bunny was born.

Playboy was first seen on stands in December of

1953. In order to make certain that the magazine would take off, he inserted a purchased nude photo of Marilyn Monroe, and it instantly sold 500,000 copies. Fast-forwarding past the magazine’s Golden Age, challenges, re-branding, and re-re-branding, Playboy remains one of the most recognizable and respected American global publications of all time, providing a dazzling combination of literary prowess and sex appeal.

Hugh Hefner’s died on September 27, 2017, in his beloved Playboy Mansion. Coming full circle, he was entombed at Westwood Village Memorial Park in Los Angeles, California in the mausoleum drawer to the left of Marilyn Monroe. In death, he lies next to the woman who is partially responsible for giving him so much life. Of all the words that Hugh Hefner can be associated with, Icon fits the best.

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Right Model: Coat MISBHV

PHOTOGRAPHY ALEJANDRO GARCIA

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THE FIRST-EVER LEXUS LC 500 A MASTER OF LIVING IN TWO WORLDS The Lexus LC 500 features a 10-speed Direct-Shift transmission, 21-inch wheels1, and near-perfect weight distribution giving it better overall handling performance than the BMW 650i coupe2. Yet, the LC 500 also offers a striking design and meticulously crafted cabin complemented by innovative technology. Experience the exhilarating combination of power and luxury with the first-ever, 5.0-liter V8 Lexus LC 500 and Multistage Hybrid LC 500h. Experience Amazing.

Lexus.com/LC | # LexusLC

Options shown. 1 21-inch performance tires are expected to experience greater tire wear than conventional tires. Tire life may be substantially less than 20,00 miles, depending upon driving conditions. 2AMCI Testing Certified; 2018 Lexus LC 500 Performance Package with Carbon vs. 2017 BMW 650i Coupe equipped with M sport Suspension, Adaptive Drive, 20” Wheels w/performance tires. ©2017 Lexus.