MAN
KOLOR THE
FALL
FASHION ISSUE
KO LO R M A G A Z IN E I S S U E 6
T h e f a s h io n m a g a z in e f o r b la c k & b r o w n m en. K O L O R M A G A Z IN E .C O M
MAN
KOLOR
KO LO R M A G A Z IN E I S S U E 6
T h e f a s h io n m a g a z in e f o r b la c k & b r o w n m en. K O L O R M A G A Z IN E .C O M
MAN
KOLOR
C O N T E N T S
DECOATED pg. 10
CHRISTOPHER BEVANS pg. 20 M ASTHEAD F O U N D E R & E D I T O R I N C H I E F Nigel Isaiah P H O T O G R A P H Y L E A D Ammar Thomas C O N T R I B U T I N G F A S H I O N C O P Y E D IT O R Kimberly Denise
GROOMING & SEX pg. 30
C O N T R IB U T IN G P H O TO G R A P H ER Wangui Kinyua
STYLE pg. 37
KOLOR ON TREND pg. 54
ACCESSORIES pg. 46
BOY BLUE pg. 60
E D I T O R 'S L E T T E R
I’ve had a bad habit of saying the word little. Nigel Isaiah, your favorite little snotty nose hood rat from the 716! If my friends ask me what I’ve been up too, “I’m just working on this little shoot for Kolor.” I bump into an industry friend at fashion week and they ask "How's everything going with Kolor?" "Tuh, it's a hustle, but I'm trying to do my little thing or whatever.” The word little is notoriously used for negative down play but alas, here I am regularly using it in my casual conversations.
KOLOR COMP CARDS by Ammar Thomas
I don’t mean any harm. Ammar and I, the models we shoot with, Kim reading over the entire issue, are working to give you the best Kolor Magazine possible. I've made the mistake of brushing off the process as little by only viewing my ideal end goal, cluttered with superficial fashion wants like a front row ticket to J.W. Anderson’s menswear show, as the big deal. The process though is a big ting. Anyone lending their time and talents towards the growth of Kolor is doing big work. Writing this Editor's Letter, knowing that some will be receiving it in our first print issue in the mail -holding this glossy, reading these pages, financially supporting this black and brown menswear space is a BIG DEAL. For our first issue available in print, we wanted to showcase black men doing big things in fashion along side the biggest fashion trends. Whether you're new to Kolor or a returning reader, thank you for rocking with us in 2019 and we'll see you in 2020 with issue 7. With Love & Respect, Nigel Isaiah
"I'M VERY HAPPY BEING A BIG OLE BLACK MAN!" - RuPaul, 1993 Arsenio Interview
CO N TEN TS
S LO P P Y T O P P Y
Great head should be soft to the touch (amongst other things) like cozy sweater. Joseph Sloppy Roll-Neck sweater is a cotton, cashmere blend has a supple feel rivaling the best pair of DSL. Vulgar? Yes, but that's how you want to your knits to feel rubbing across your skin as you move throughout the day. O N T H E C O V E R S
m o r e o n
p g . 2 6
JOSEPH Sweater $262, matchesfashion.com
BEN ARD
LEAO N
JO N ATH A N
Photographer - A M M A R T H O M A S | Fashion Editor N I G E L I S A I A H | O N B E N A R D / R e d M o d e l M a n a g e m e n t : PERRY ELLIS Jacket - LACOSTE Sweatshirt | O N L E A O N / B M G M o d e ls N e w Yo r K : MORSE Jacket - LIFE AFTER DENIM Shirt - EYEVAN 7285 Glasses | O N J O N A T H A N / B M G M o d e ls N e w Yo r k : TIBI Coat - DAILY PAPER Shirt - DKNY Pants - DR. MARTENS Boots
T H E F A S H I O N M A G A Z I N E F O R B L A C K & B R O W N M E N
A V A I L A B L E O N K O L O R M A G A Z IN E .C O M
FASHION UPFRONT
DECOATED - pg. 10 PHOTOGRAPHERAmmar Thomas | FASHION EDITORNigel Isaiah
FALL 2019 DYNE COLLECTION REVIEW - pg. 20 ONE THE MARKET pg. 26
D ECOATED THE BEST OF FALL OUTERWEAR
PHOTOGRAPHER- Ammar Thomas | FASHION EDITOR- Nigel Isaiah | MODELS- Jonathan Abu/BMG Models New York - Khial Watson/Muse Model Management
"IN A BIG
On Khial - DKNY Coat & Pants DAILY PAPER Shirt
On Jonathan - DKNY Coat - THE ROW Sweater - TRUE RELIGION Jeans NIKE Sneakers
PUFFER JACKET" J Hus - "Did You See"
"THROWING ON
THAT SHEARLING"
Pusha T - "I Still Wanna"
DKNY Coat & T-Shirt -FILA Jacket & Pants - MODEL'S OWN Jewelry
"LIKE THE
TRENCH
MAFIA"
COAT
NAS - "Quiet N****s"
TIBI Coat - DAILY PAPER Shirt DKNY Pants - DR. MARTEN Shoes
"PULLOUT THE
THE ROW Jacket - TIBI Sweater - ROBERT GRAHAM Jeans -DR. MARTENS Shoes
BLACK BOMBER" Anderson .Paak - "Haulin"
C H R I S T O P H E R B E V A N S OF
DYNE Photography by AMMAR THOMAS Written by NIGEL ISAIAH
Christopher Bevans designs in fashion’s sweet spot. It's the space where sustainability, aesthetics, function, price point, branding, market & culture trends, and exclusivity --amongst other factors-- lives, and these very details can derail a collection presented by the most gifted fashion designer. Bevans tech-savvy athleisure menswear brand DYNE, however, has navigated through these elements in stride.
This success in part comes from his extensive resume. Upon the Brooklyn born, Rochester, New York-raised designer’s return to The Big Apple, Bevans studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology, landed a job at Mood Fabrics, worked for urban streetwear brands like Diddy’s Sean John and Jay-Z’s Rocawear and held top creative positions at Nike and Billionaire Boys Club. At home, Bevans's upbringing was rooted in technology, sports and design. His father was an engineer for Kodak and a soccer player and his grandmother was a prominent dressmaker in New York City during the '60s and '70s. Eventually, Bevans decided to funnel his life and professional experience into his debut line, launching DYNE in 2014. DYNE outside the world of fashion is the centimeter-gram-
second (cgs) unit of force. One Dyne is equal to the force that would give a mass of one gram an increased acceleration of one centimeter per second squared. Much like this physics force, Bevans is also in the business exerting its menswear as a force onto the industry. Fit, Fabric and Function are the core elements woven into each Dyne piece anchored by his passion to design sustainability. Recent collections presented have scaled back the number of looks shown for the season, used textiles from fabric mills and continue to build on the brands, and Bevans’s core values since the brand's inception. Dyne’s Fall 2019 Collection, for example, consisted of only 11 looks. Presented at his alma mater (FIT) around an installation of technology relics (landline phones with the cords, CRT televisions, and original apple products) the brand's signature suit quality tailoring on active friendly sportswear continued to be a strong point. Cropped drawstring trousers, bold colors and cruelty-free outerwear —staples in DYNE collections — shared the Pomerantz Center gallery with new looks from the brand like jumpsuits, textured vests for layering and graphic tops including one that read “Save Us” in six languages. As we move into 2020 and beyond, the current fashion stage set (a growing menswear market, an emphasis on sustainable practices, the making of dope clothes) and the will of DYNE seem to be aligned for Christopher Bevan's continued success.
ON THE MARKET O u r E d it o r 's P ic k s o f w h a t 's h o t r ig h t n o w !
SU PER B U T TA Z
Deadass, a New Yorker's dream! The 6-inch wheat construction Timberland takes it up two notches with the 8-Inch Premium Waterproof Boots in the popular wheat nubuck colorway. Featuring the same signature gold eyelet hardware, and padded collar you'll reach new style height in rocking these classics with a twist. TIMBERLAND Boots $200, timberland.com
W H A T 'S K N IT T IN
This jumper features every detail but the kitchen sink. Cable, stockinette and bamboo stitching; multi-color-blocked design; vintage aesthetic; and soft wool blend make up this top from Daniele Alessandrini. It's the father of all sweaters, ideal for any situation that calls for knitwear. DANIELE ALESSANDRINI Sweater $238, farfetch.com
Q U I L T L I F E
Who knew to envision a garment as unorthodox as a pair of quilted trousers would send the mind down so many rabbit holes. Avant-garde, all-weather, sleepwear, those are just some of the few fitting clothing categories suitable for such a pant. NEIGHBORHOOD pulled the best inspiration from the 3 clothing categories to design these wearable pants. The results: comfy weatherproof streetwear slacks that scream fashion. NEIGHBORHOOD Trousers $644, farfetch.com
H E A T B Y T H E W A I S T
There's no denying the humble fanny pack's rightful title as "it bag" of the year. I can leave my block in Harlem without seeing the guys outside wearing them --and I live on the corner. This A-Cold-Wall bum bag has a swanky edge with its double straps and silver hardware but still cool enough for the guys who yell, "SOUR" at me to wear while moving through the neighborhood.
DONT SLEEP
Sleepwear with a streetwear spirit! Trendy with the quirky (but very appropriate) carrot print logo. Functional for catching some zzz's after getting your rocks off for the night. And let's be honest, you can get away with wearing these Carrots by Anwar Anwar Carrots pajamas outside with a pair of Vans, a fanny pack and whichever coat you're currently wearing. CARROTS BY ANWAR CARROTS Pajama Set $175, anwarcarrots.com
COAT CH ECK
Once the temperature drops your biggest style hurdle is balancing fashion and function. Yes, you want to look good, but not at the cost of freezing. A statement coat kills two birds with one stylish stone. With an overcoat like this Loewe Cashmere Trench, you can leave your scarf at home. LOEWE Trench Coat $4,450, matchesfashion.com
N O G L O V E N O L O V E
Even as a child I loved leather gloves. Rich and buttery on the outside with an inside lining that feels smooth on the skin. Black and brown leather tends to be the standard, but what's not to love about the fun these pink lambskin Dsquared2 gloves bring to the traditional menswear accessory? DSQUARED Gloves $259, yoox.com
Grooming & Sex
L I N E U P THE CUT BUDDY Haircut Tool $11.99, thecutbuddy.com M A N LY M O IS T U R IZ IN G HIMISTRY Moisturizer $18.99, himistry.com
S T Y L I N G A G E N T BABEL Oil + Comb Bundle $24.99, babelalchemy.com
EDITOR'S PICKS
GROOM SM EN JACK BLACK Brush $30, getjackblack.com
THE MANE MAN We don't differ from women when it comes to a hair obsession. From 360 waves to dreads and braids, full beards and even the fellas in their 50s holding on to whatever's left growing from their scalp, if you have hair to maintain daily, you sew into a special relationship with your locs, that whether you know it or not, is connected to your personal identity. There's an ever-growing list of hairstyle options black and brown men can choose from. No matter the hairstyle choice though, we all share some of the same daily and weekly hair maintenance practices. Shape-ups, moisturizing, styling touch-ups for unruly hairs, and skincare for the bearded brothas; we all indulge ourselves with these personal care practices between trips to the barber. , loctician, or homegirl making it pop in her living room. To the left, our picks to assist in keeping your mane tamed when you have to DIY.
HEADS UP?
You're nearly at the finish line of one of the best sexual acts known to man, a blow job. How you and a consenting adult chose to enjoy the experience is your business, no matter the partner, we all (hopefully) get to that same point of no return and have to make a decision. You can't hold it any longer, the release is inevitable, fellas do you give a warning before you bust in their mouth or nah? "I don’t think of it as a warning as much as I am just a vocal person and talk during sex." 30, Heterosexual
"Yes I would give her a warning or ask before hand. I smoke a lot of cigars so sometimes according to my wife I doesn't taste good." 27, Straight Man "Define warning. It's not me to get to that point and be like 'oh shit... shit! SHIT! KEEP GOIN, I'M BOUT TO NUT!' Maybe a more subtle version of that. My lady, however, knows me well enough to know I hit these awkward squirming body motions and loud exhales at that moment. Conclusion: yes physically, not verbally." 27, Pan (Pansexual) Dude
"I do. It’s as much about respecting kinks and my partner’s desires as it is about being courteous. I would expect the same from my partners!" 28, Gay "Yes I do because I like girls telling me when they're going to cum so I know they like that shit too." 28, Straight "It depends. if she’s giving me head for the first time then I’ll let her know. If she’s given me a blowjob before then she’s done it more than once. It’s either down her throat or on her face." 32, Mixed Heterosexual Male
"If I get that far with them and they can’t tell by my writhing/moaning, then #IssaLostCause. I’m usually the ‘giver’ so if a partner gets my pants off and at a point of ejaculation, he’s gonna know! So, yes, I do give a “warning”, as it were. Conversely, if I do a good enough job, I’ll know exactly when my partner is going to ejaculate.'" 29, Latino Gay Man
ASK THE LADI - If you’re giving a guy a blowjob and he’s getting ready to cum, do you want a warning? "I would definitely want a warning. For some
"Nope I don't need a warning. Majority of the
reason I never been a fan of how semen looks. It just looks GROSS, like another version of spit. As
time you can tell by his body language when he's about to cum." 30, bi-sometimes
much as I enjoy sex and experimenting. Nuttin in my mouth is just a flat out NO!" 27, bisexual
"I don’t need a warning. I usually can tell when
"I know my dude pretty well so when he’s about to cum I can tell by his body language, moans, and shit so I guess that’s my warning. I'm not going stop though, it’s just me telling myself get ready to swallow. Now if he’s not my dude you damn sure better warn me so I can get out the way." 26, black heterosexual female
a guy is about to cum but even if it catches me off guard, I’m not uptight about where he nuts. I don’t want to control my partners sexual experience either. I welcome the adventure and spontaneity that sex brings. I also don’t mind swallowing." 29, Black Female Heterosexual
"I absolutely want a warning! I’ve had two guys do it without a warning and I was caught off guard. Both times I spit that ish outta my mouth in front of them. I take it as a sign of disrespect to do that without asking me if I’m ok with swallowing. I don’t like the texture and taste is very potent. It’s definitely an acquired taste to say the least, lol. I think swallowing in someone’s mouth is pretty intimate in my opinion. So as long as we discuss it prior to game time I’d let things flow." 27, black bisexual female
F O R S T I C K Y S IT U A T IO N S
CUM RAG Towel $8.99, sextoytrading.com
KOLOR MAGAZINE The fashion magazine for black and brown men.
AVAILABLE ON ISSUU.COM
STYLE
KOLOR ON THE MOVE - ACCESSORIES - KOLOR ON TREND - BOY BLUE
MORSE Jacket & Pants - LIFE AFTER DENIM Shirt - EYEVAN 7285 Glasses
KOLOR ON THE MOVE
A F R O P U N K 2 0 1 9 B R O O K LY N by Ammar Thomas
KOLOR ON THE MOVE
D Y N E S S 1 9 P R E S E N TA T IO N by Ammar Thomas
KOLOR ON THE MOVE
R O M E O H U N T E S S 2 0 SHOW by Ammar Thomas
R O M E O H U N T E S S 2 0 SHOW by Ammar Thomas
ACCESSORIES PHOTOGRAPHER- Ammar Thomas | FASHION EDITOR- Nigel Isaiah | MODEL- Leaon Gordon/BMG Models New York
MITCHELL EVAN Sweatshirt & Pants DANIEL PATRICK Hat - BRANDBLACK Sneakers
DAILY PAPER Jacket - DKNY T-Shirt CITIZEN Watch
MORSE Jacket & Pants LIFE AFTER DENIM Shirt - EYEVAN 7285 Glasses
KOLOR ON TREND PHOTOGRAPHER- Ammar Thomas | FASHION EDITOR- Nigel Isaiah | MODEL- Codie Robinson/Q Model Management
3.1 PHILLIP LIM Vest & Pants - BILLY REID Sweater - APL Sneakers
K N I T S 'R ' U S
KAPPA Sweater - DYNE Pants
P L A I D P A I R I N G S
JULIEN DAVID Suit - 3.1 PHILLIP LIM Shirt - MODEL'S OWN Sneakers
N * * * * S I N N E U T R A L S
3.1 PHILLIP LIM Coat, Vest & Pants - BILLY REID Sweater - APL Sneakers
M R . M O N O C H R O M E
NICCE Coat - DYNE Shirt & Pants
BOY BLUE PHOTOGRAPHER- Ammar Thomas | FASHION EDITOR- Nigel Isaiah | MODELBenard/Red Model Management
PERRY ELLIS Jacket LACOSTE Sweatshirt
JULIEN DAVID Shirt DYNE Pants MODEL'S OWN Socks APL Sneakers
PERRY ELLIS Jacket & Pants 3.1 PHILLIP LIM Sweater
JULIEN DAVID Shirt
A.P.C. Jacket & Pants BILLY REID Sweater
WHERE TO BUY
Benard Cover: Perry Ellis Resist Spill Shirt Jacket $185, perryellis.com; Lacoste Men's LIVE Hooded Signature Print Fleece Sweatshirt $160, lacoste.com.
dkny.com; Citizen Eco-Drive Men's Promaster Diver Black Rubber Strap Watch 46mm $450, macys.com. pg 52. EYEVAN 7285 319-SUN-301 Smoke Blue $500,
Leaon Cover: EYEVAN 7285 319-SUN-301 Smoke Blue $500, 180 The Store - 180 Duane St, New York, NY 10013; Life After Denim Shirt, for similar styles visit lifeafterdenim.com; Morse Decode Jacket, for similar
180 The Store - 180 Duane St, New York, NY 10013; Life After Denim Shirt, for similar styles visit lifeafterdenim.com; Morse Decode Jacket, for similar styles visit @morsedecode.
styles visit @morsedecode. pg 10 - 13. On Khial- DKNY Quilted Velour Puffer $229,
pg 54-55 & 58. 3.1 Phillip Lim Shearling Bomber Jacket $2,250.00, 31philliplim.com; Billy Reid Boucle Crew
dkny.com; Daily Paper Navy Stripe Checked Gemo Shirt $170, dailypaperclothing.com; DKNY Sateen Pants $69, dkny.com. On Jonathan - DKNY Quilted Velour Puffer $229, dkny.com; The Row Connor Sweater in Cashmere $1,795, therow.com; True Religion Jeans, for similar styles visit truereligion.com; Nike Sneakers, for similar styles visit nike.com.
$250, billyreid.com ; 3.1 Phillip Lim Vest, for similar styles visit 31philliplim.com; 3.1 Phillip Lim Carpenter Pants $450, 31philliplim.com; APL Techloom Chelsea $250, athleticpropulsionlabs.com.
pg 14. DKNY Coat, for similar styles visit dkny.com DKNY Back Seam T-Shirt $19, dkny.com; Fila Velour Track Suit, for similar styles visit fila.com.
pg 57. Julien David Suit, for similar styles visit juliendavid.com; 3.1 Phillip Lim Shirt for similar styles visit 31philliplim.com. pg 59. NICCE Deca Jacket - Reflective $170, nicceclothing.com; Dyne Shirt & Pants, for similar styles visit dyne.life.
pg 16. Tibi Coat, for similar styles visit ssense.com; Daily Paper Brown Stripe Checked Gisi Shirt $136.00, dailypaperclothing.com; DKNY Sateen Pants $69, dkny.com; Dr Marten 1460 Color Pop $140, drmarten.com. pg 18. The Row Bomber Jacket, for similar styles visit therow.com; Tibi Sweater, for similar styles visit ssense.com; Robert Graham Dooley Jeans $248, robertgraham.us; Dr Martens 1461 Color Pop $120, drmarten.com;
pg 56. Kappa Sweater, for similar styles visit kappausa.com; Dyne Pants, for similar styles visit dyne.life.
pg 60. Perry Ellis Resist Spill Shirt Jacket $185, perryellis.com; Lacoste Men's LIVE Hooded Signature Print Fleece Sweatshirt $160, lacoste.com. pg 62. Julien David Shirt, for similar styles visit juliendavid.com; Dyne Pants, for similar styles visit dyne.life; APL Techloom Wave $225, athleticpropulsionlabs.com.
pg 46 - 49. Mitchell Evan Sweatshirt & Pants, for similar styles visit mitchellevan.com; Daniel Patrick Dad Cap, for similar styles visit danielpatrick.us; Brandblack Kite Racer Sneakers $200, 180 The Store - 180 Duane St, New York, NY 10013.
pg 63. Perry Ellis Faux Suede Jacket $99, perryellis.com; 3.1 Phillip Lim Shirt for similar styles visit 31philliplim.com; Perry Ellis Pants, for similar styles visit perryellis.com.
pg 50. Daily Paper Green Snake Goach Jacket $227.00, dailypaperclothing.com; DKNY Back Seam T-Shirt $19,
pg 66. A.P.C. Jacket & Pants, for similar styles visit apcus.com; Billy Reid Boucle Crew $250, billyreid.com.
KO LO R M A G A Z IN E I S S U E 6
T h e f a s h io n m a g a z in e f o r b la c k & b r o w n m en. K O L O R M A G A Z IN E .C O M