David Magazine v8_i28 | Summer Blaze

V8-28 07.10.24

Mekahel Makes A Splash

Ready for the Pool Party?

Mounderwear Swimwear

+ Photos & More

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davidatlanta.com

JULY 10, 2024 V8-28

DAVID Magazine Peach Media 6050 Dawson Blvd, Ste O Norcross, GA 30093

MANAGING PARTNER PUBLISHER & OPERATIONS Brian Sawyer brian@davidatlanta.com

EDITORIAL & SOCIAL MEDIA Editor-in-Chief Mikkel Hyldebrandt mikkel@davidatlanta.com

SALES | EVENTS

Josh King Josh@peachatl.com

Russ Bowen-Youngblood info@davidatlanta.com

CONTRIBUTORS Russ Bowen-Youngblood Frank Doll Romeo San Vicente

NATIONAL AD REP Rivendell Media 908.232.2021

COVER IMAGE Courtesy of Mounderwear

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On Mekahel Makes a Splash With his Swim Collection and Blazing New Summer Song

BY FRANK DOLL

On Mekahel is an entertainment and I’m not afraid of opening myself up powerhouse. He is a model, actor, to judgment. fashion designer, and social media influencer with nearly three million Is that why you exited your show after followers. He is best known for starring two seasons? Did you grow tired of on the reality show Putting On, which the judgment from viewers? ran for two seasons on Revry TV. The No, it was more due to creative show followed the ups and downs of his differences with the network. While I personal and business life, with viewers loved the process and the results of watching as the underwear model built doing the show, filming two seasons took his Mounderwear fashion empire from a lot of time and energy. We won the the ground up.

Queerty Award for best streaming series in 2021, and after that, we sort of hit a Mounderwear continues to thrive today, plateau with the network and decided it with On Mekahel recently unveiling the was in everyone’s best interests to go company’s summer 2024 collection. out on top.

He’s also adding one more title to his resume this summer: pop singer. This What did you learn from shooting the month, On Mekahel is debuting his first reality show? music single, “Play with Fire.” Produced I learned about the art of storytelling

by DJ Ran Ziv, the song is a European and all that is involved in the process house and dance-pop record that of sharing your life with the world. It’s captures the energy and excitement of not nearly as simple as turning on the the dance floor. We caught up with On camera and filming. In order for the Mekahel from his home in Los Angeles. audience to engage with the show, the story has to make sense and grab Congratulations on the new song! interest. As the person whose life is Thanks! This song is just the beginning. under a microscope, you want to make I’m working on an entire EP! sure that certain elements of who you are and what you stand for shine Is singing a new thing for you? through, but it’s hard to do that when you Not really. Growing up, I was that kid have producers twisting the story to fit who performed in every school and their narrative. community event, the one who put on a show wherever he was. The world has What were the best parts of doing a always been my stage. reality show?

Working with my husband every day.

Why was now the right time to release There is nothing I love more in life than a music single? spending time with him. The show also There is never a better time than now to kept me extremely busy, which I loved. do absolutely anything. That’s my life’s I’m a better version of myself when I’m motto! Also, I just felt ready and like I busy. couldn’t hold it in anymore. I feel more confident now than ever before: ready to Worst parts? make the transition from shirtless boy on Having cameras in your face when Instagram to someone who is creating a things are not great in life. Like when body of work that goes deeper. I know my first love broke my heart or when my the direction I want to take my music, husband and I were struggling with our

we put out. Our customers are vocal, and we listen.

Your tattoos…

You like?

Oh, yes. There are so many! Do you have a favorite?

I have two. I love the Eiffel Tower tattoo because my husband and I got married in Paris, and we had what I can only call my dream ceremony. The second tattoo that has major significance would be my dog paws. My dog babies are my world.

They are my rocks. My soul. I put their paws on my leg so we can walk together forever. relationship. Those were really personal moments, but when you’re on a reality show, you’re required to show up and film, no matter what. But man, having a camera crew in the room with you makes life’s problems so much more difficult.

Would you do it again?

I don’t know. I’m forever thankful that I was given the opportunity, and I will always cherish the many messages I received, especially after the first season, about how simply sharing my story had inspired men to come out, follow their hearts, and chase their dreams. That On Mekahel’s debut single, “Play with made everything worth it.

Fire”, is available on Apple, Spotify, Do you credit the show with the and all major streamers. success of your Mounderwear brand?

I believe that it helped in some ways, Follow On Mekahel: absolutely. It shined a spotlight on the Instagram: @iamonmekahel brand, the creative process, and the TikTok: iamonmekahel hard work we put into it. My social media Facebook: on.mekahel X: iamonmekahel channels also deserve credit.

How has the Mounderwear brand evolved in the last few years?

We grow a bit with every new collection

Make a Splash with Mounderwear

Model Damian and Brian wearing the Meat Rack and Enchanted Forest designs

COVER MODEL

Entertainment powerhouse and underwear model On Mekahel – best known for starring on Revry TV’s Putting On – is back with a new Summer 2024 collection for his Mounderwear brand, featuring vacation and poolready swimwear styles, perfect for making a splash.

See and shop at mounderwear.com

Information or to order: info@davidatlanta.com Superior quality at the lowest price in town!

Buy and support local businesses!

Getting Ready for the Ultimate Pool Party Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt

Summer is here, and it’s time to dive into the season’s most anticipated event: the pool party.

Whether you’re hosting or attending, the key to standing out and having an unforgettable time is all in the preparation. Here’s your ultimate guide to getting ready for a big pool party, with a focus on sexy swimwear, the perfect fragrance, sun protection, and must-have accessories.

Swimwear: Making a Splash with Style The first thing to consider is your swimwear. This is your chance to make a bold statement, so don’t shy away from vibrant colors, unique patterns, or a sleek, fitted design that highlights your best features.

Bold Patterns: Floral prints, geometric designs, or tropical motifs can make your swimwear pop. Brands like Charlie by MZ and Rufskin offer eye-catching options that are perfect for poolside flaunting.

Cut and Fit: Choose a cut that complements your body type. Trunks, briefs, or swim shorts with a shorter inseam can accentuate your physique and give you that sexy, confident look.

Versatility: Consider swimwear that can double as casual shorts. This way, you’re ready to transition from pool to party without missing a beat.

Fragrance: The Subtle Art of Attraction

Accessories: Finishing Touches for the Perfect Pool Party Look

A well-chosen fragrance can be your secret weapon. It’s not just about smelling good; Don’t forget the accessories that elevate it’s about leaving a lasting impression. Opt your poolside style and comfort. for something light and refreshing that embodies the essence of summer.

Towels: Invest in a large, plush beach towel.

It’s not just practical but also an opportunity Citrus and Aquatic Notes: Fragrances with to add another layer of style. Look for bold notes of citrus, marine, and fresh herbs are designs or your favorite brand logos. perfect for the pool. They are invigorating Shades: A pair of stylish sunglasses is and convey a sense of effortless cool. essential. Choose frames that suit your face Long-lasting: Go for eau de toilette or shape and offer UV protection. Aviators and cologne with good staying power. You want wayfarers are classic choices that never go to maintain that fresh scent throughout the out of style. day without constant reapplication.

Hats: A trendy hat can provide extra sun protection and add a fashionable touch to your look. Consider wide-brimmed hats or Sunscreen: Protect and Serve Looks sporty caps depending on your style.

Hydration: Don’t forget to stay hydrated. A Sunscreen is non-negotiable. It’s not chic, reusable water bottle can keep your only about avoiding sunburn but also drinks cool and ensure you’re refreshed all about maintaining your skin’s health and day. appearance.

Broad-spectrum SPF: Ensure you use a Extras: Small Details that Make a Big broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least Difference SPF 30 to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

Beach Bag: A spacious, stylish bag to carry Water-resistant: A water-resistant formula all your essentials. Look for waterproof will keep you protected while you swim options that can handle wet swimwear and and sweat. Reapply every two hours for towels. maximum effectiveness.

Portable Speaker: If you’re allowed, bring Invisible Finish: Look for sunscreens that a portable Bluetooth speaker to keep the don’t leave a white cast, such as those from vibes going with your favorite summer brands like Supergoop! or La Roche-Posay. playlist.

Floaties and Games: Fun floaties and pool games can add an extra element of fun and provide great photo opportunities.

QUEER

By Romeo San Vicente Photos: KathClick, Jon Keng, Lowell Meyer, IMDB, PR

Margaret Cho returns in Yen Tan’s ‘All That We Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells star in ‘I Don’t Love’ Understand You’ Gay filmmaker Yen There is nothing quite as entertaining or satisfying Tan’s indie dramas as watching gays behave badly while smugly “Pit Stop” and thinking, “I’d never “1985” have earned be like that.” him a reputation for But in “I Don’t intimate, characterUnderstand You,” driven movies that the gay/straight aren’t afraid of being actor alliance of earnest. His latest, Andrew Rannells “All That We Love,” and Nick Kroll premiering this month (from “Girls” and at the Tribeca Film Festival, looks to continue “Kroll Show” respectively, but also the animated that tradition as Margaret Cho takes the lead as a series “Big Mouth” as a team) star as a married grieving woman facing an empty nest and a desire couple on a disastrous anniversary vacation in to deepen connections with her family and friends. Italy, during which bad decisions and fish-outCo-written by Clay Liford with Tan, the film costars of-water entitlement might be what saves them.

“Modern Family” vet Jesse Tyler Ferguson, rising The story, loosely based on writer-director team stand-up comic Atsuko Okatsuka, Kenneth Choi David Joseph Craig and Brian William Crano’s (“9-1-1”) and Alice Lee (“Zoey’s Extraordinary life together, also involves the men wanting to Playlist”). Since “All of Us Strangers” inspired adopt baby from an ambivalent woman (Amanda audiences to leave theaters sobbing, it may be Seyfried). The film took its bow at South By that heartfelt is the next wave mood of queer Southwest and is currently making the festival filmmaking. Look for this one to make the festival rounds, with early reviews praising the dark-yetrounds before hitting an arthouse or streamer later heartfelt comedy of errors and the great comic this year. chemistry of its leads. Look for it to show up somewhere near you later this year.

Andrew Scott joins the new ‘Knives Out’ sequel ‘Harry Potter’ star Harry Melling submits to Alexender Skarsgård “Ripley” star Andrew Scott is the latest buzzedabout actor to join the list of potential suspects If the last time you saw Harry Melling was when in Netflix’s “Wake Up Dead Man: A ‘Knives he grew up in the “Harry Potter” film series as Out’ Mystery” from Dudley Dursley, you’re in for a bit of a shock. The filmmaker Rian Johnson, now-adult Melling has been taking on daring roles oddball indie musical alongside “Priscilla” star lately, particularly in 2022’s “Please Baby Please” Cailee Spaeny and Josh which took his character O’Connor (the bisexual into a decidedly queer churros-loving tennis dude sexual awakening. Now, of “Challengers”). Scott in “Pillion,” the upcoming is also hot off the heels feature debut from of the queer heartbreaker filmmaker Harry Lighton “All of Us Strangers” and (and co-written by British novelist Adam Mars Jones), he’ll be joined by Kerry Melling will star opposite Washington, Jeremy Alexander Skarsgård as a Renner, Mila Kunis, Daryl meek, shy man who has McCormack (“Good Luck a different sort of queer to You, Leo Grande”) and, sexual awakening when of course, Daniel Craig, he falls for a handsome reprising his role as queer and dominant leader of a motorcycle gang. Yes, sleuth Benoit Blanc. It that kind of dominant. As in he becomes a fullgoes into production in the coming weeks, for an time BDSM submissive. Now, it’s rare to see that unspecified 2025 release. Now, since we like to particular queer subculture depicted authentically make public requests, we’d really enjoy a return on screen — see the British indie “The Duke of cameo from Craig’s “Glass Onion” romantic Burgundy” for a thrilling lesbian variation on the partner, Hugh Grant, if that’s possible. And why subject — but we live in hope that this time around a contemporary film gets it right, with all of its shouldn’t it be? inherent complexity, for all the Doms and subs in the audience. Shooting now, so wait for it. Beg for it, even.

Summer Fun @ BJs

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A snapshot of Gay Atlanta’s favorite destinations. View their ads in DAVID & visit their websites for weekly event listings.

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We all have those moments of ‘wait, did they just say that?’ Lucky for you, we compile the best of the best right here on this page.

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Submit your own nuggets to info@davidatlanta.com.

The 4th of July this year felt more like a I know I called you bro – I was trying to flirt… going-out-of-business blow-out.

I will say bless you when you sneeze maybe twice. Beyond that not getting involved your dramatics.

I will annoy you just because I love you. Itʼs my love language.

I don’t enjoy “outdoor living” – it’s why I have a house.

Oh, to be young again and think you’ll end up with a man over 6’!

Everything he says is a lie, so of course he has veneers.

Why are gay parties always advertised as everyone is 6’2’’, jacked, and tickets start at $125?!

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