Bleu Magazine Issue #76 Steelo Brim by Bleu Magazine

V O L U M E

76 E FA

ISSU

HION

76 T

Adapt to Your Environment. www.tombogo.com

HH BESPOKE SPIRITS

FEATURING

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Table of

Contents

62 C OV E R S TO RY :

s Photography by Daion Chesney

m i s e m i m

photography by Isha Shah

Table of

Contents

46 Travel Aruba

50 Travel Amalfi Coast

56 Feature Luke James

70 Books

72 Feature Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins

14 Activism by Bleu

16 Soled Up

76 Feature Skyh Alvester Black

78 Op-Ed Inclusion vs. Ownership

20 Feature TJ Atoms

28 Cars Designer Car Collabs

32 Advertorial Todd Patrick

Photography by QUAN BRINSON

80 The Humans

84 Feature $not

90 Spotlight Lips Cafe

42 The Creatives

95 Icon

David Gibson

Willi Smith

MASTHEAD

On the Cover STEELO BRIM Photography By DAION CHESNEY FASHION STYLING BY APUJE KALU

Publisher/Editorial Direction DéVon Christopher Johnson

Contributing Writers

AD Sales:

Becca Blond, Truth Hawkins, Evan Majors,

Todd Evans, Rivendell Media 908.232.2021

Kent Olden, Kaylin Young, Dominique Carson,

Head of Content EIC Bombshell by Bleu Ebony Allison

Art Direction & Design

Emmanuel Perilla, Myrlaun Walker, Lauren

Web Design

Williams, Sable Tempest

Muhammad Azeem

Contributing Photographers

Ecommerce Partnerships

Daion Chesney, Quan Brinson, Ben Abarbanel,

Justin Wallace

Vee Banionis, Agnes Mazeikaite

Copes, Leigh Kiely

Managing Editor

Contributing Editors

Taylor Edwards

West Coast Fashion Editor Apuje Kalu

UK Fashion Editor Sean Azeez

Licenses & Joint Ventures David DeGraff,Oaklins | DeSilva+Phillips

Chevy Wolf, Omar Constantine, Mia Jackson, Amber Contreras, Treyana Brown, Jadier Rojas,

Special Projects Coordinator

Lelani love

Antheny Raiy

Interns

Brand Ambassadors

Madison Allison, Ryan Kwon, Victor Edwards,

Rannon Harris (Chicago-Midwest)

Nyanna Oliver, Israt Jahan, Anna Liu, John Cobos

Copy Editor

Newsstand Distribution TNG 1955 Lake Park Drive, Ste.

Trevoy Ross, William Flores

400 Smyrna, GA 30080

Staff Writer Elysia Tanswell

Cover Story Design Anahi Flores

THE BLEULIFE MEDIA GROUP Chairman, CEO & President DéVon Christopher Johnson

Submissions Bleu Magazine 26 Broadway, 3rd floor New York, NY 10004

Bleulife Media & Entertainment Inc. | 26 Broadway 3rd Floor New York, NY 10004 | 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.

MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

ow do you dress for a pandemic? Fashion trends of the past few decades were clear reflections of society. With work and social life going virtual, does it really matter what you wear below the waist? This time we may need the fashion industry to take the lead and guide us to appropriate fashion expression even in isolation.

… Come gather ‘round people Wherever you roam And admit that the waters Around you have grown And accept it that soon

The normal depression has been that “art imitates life.” However, with the ever changing mandates of vaccines, indoor versus outdoor dining, to mask or not to mask, fashion doesn’t have time to wait and see. Creatives are going to look into the crystal ball of style and figure out what a post-pandemic “look” will be.

You’ll be drenched to the bone If your time to you is worth savin’ And you better start swimmin’ Or you’ll sink like a stone For the times they are a-changin’ … Come writers and critics Who prophesize with your pen

As we emerge from behind the cover of Zoom and need to dress below the waist, what will we wear? Maybe a hybrid of pajama pants and oxford shirts? I personally wouldn’t mind that becoming a trend. One thing is for certain, future generations will look back on this moment in time and better prepare themselves and their closets.

And keep your eyes wide The chance won’t come again And don’t speak too soon For the wheel’s still in spin And there’s no tellin’ who

DéVon Christopher Johnson Founder & Group Publisher

That it’s namin’ For the loser now Will be later to win For the times they are a-changin’ BOB DYLAN THE TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN’

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C O N T R I B U TO R S

Evan

MAJORS

Apuje

Apuje Kalu’s talents are indefinable. He is an instinctive freelance fashion stylist and creative director from Washington, DC known for his eye for detail. Apuje injects forethought, creativity, and boundless energy into every project and brings an aptitude for organization and structure thanks to his engineering background.

Daion

Daion Chesney is a portrait photographer based in Los Angeles. She graduated from Loyola Marymount University, class of 2018, in which she received her BFA in Film Production with a minor in photography. During her downtime she likes to fantasize about being a student at Hogwarts the school of Witchcraft and Wizardry, as she sometimes believes she’s a wizard.

KALU

CHESNEY

Ruth

H AW K I N S

Kaylin YOUNG

Kent OLDEN

MAGAZINE

Evan Majors is a freelance writer and Founder of Major Media + Casting LLC, a casting and talent development company. He’s an avid hot yoga enthusiast, runner and vinyl record collector who has his therapist on speed dial. Follow on IG: @mr.evanmajors

Ruth Hawkins, pen name “Truth” is a New York-based writer with a passion for sharing diverse experiences - knowing there is untapped value in ensuring everyone’s voice is heard and seen. She’s contributed to the likes of Bossip, xoNecole, and Black Doctor, to name a few. When she’s not nurturing her craft, you can find her breaking barriers as a Black woman in tech.

Kaylin Young is the Digital Content Strategist for Bombshell and Bleu Magazine. She has interviewed nationally-recognized CEOs, influencers, and celebrities, including Jacquees, Miko Branch, and Kierra Sheard. Outside of Bleu, Kaylin brings three years of public relations experience to Kaylin Young Multimedia Consulting where she elevates and exposes brand missions.

Buffalo native Kent Olden is an Aquarian creative who gets excited to push people to see life through a different set of shades. Extremely involved in his community, he is a proud and active member of both Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and the Prince Hall Affiliated Free & Accepted Masons (Paramount Lodge #73), and instills that commitment to community in his daughters, Kendall and Khloe (no, they’re NOT named after the Kardashians -- he didn’t even know who they were when his daughters were born). Kent holds a B.A. in Psychology from Morehouse College (Atlanta, GA) and an M.S. in Public Relations Management from Buffalo State College (Buffalo, NY). Kent’s favorite thing about being a part of the Bleu team is when our Founder + CEO calls him out in meetings and on conference calls to share who his famous relative is -- because he very rarely talks about it on his own!

IT’S NOT JUST A MAGAZINE

BLEUMAG.COM @BLEUMAGAZINE

it’s a lifestyle. Issue 76

AC C E S S BY B L E U

Words by: TAYLOR EDWARDS

Photography by: SOVEREIGN BRANDS

Sovereign Brands rolls out the blue carpet for their new beverage, Belaire Bleu.

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AC C E S S BY B L E U

This summer over a thousand people attended Sovereign Brands’ first-ever event, Summerfest. A celebration of the summer hosted at the Rick Ross’ Promiseland Estate in Atlanta, Georgia, Belaire Bleu is the latest addition to the house of spirits [Sovereign Brands]. The blue-themed party attracted guests from far and wide to celebrate the brand new Belaire Bleu. A blue carpeted greeting, a fleet of vintage blue cars, an all-blue dress code, and endless Belaire Bleu welcomed guests to the largest private pool party in the country. Belaire Bleu joins Bumbu Rum, McQueen and the Violet Fog Gin, Villon Cognac, and a series of champagnes under the Sovereign umbrella. VIPs in attendance include Rick Ross, Light Skin Keisha, Peachie Wimbush, Curren$y, Flipp Dinero, Lil Keed, Anaya Lovenote, Calboy, Melly Sanchez, Poni Capri, JuS, Sovereign Brands CEO Brett Berish, and more.

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SOLED UP

Sneaker

Showdown

Omar Constantine is a true sneaker aficionado, with a collection that speaks for itself. From retro to modern, his collection boasts a unique style that emulates his versatile flair. His devotion to exploring various styles proves his inherent knack for discovering exclusive and rare footwear. Not to mention, Omar’s collection displays a gratifying colorway that gives him a fun swagger that steals the attention of any room he’s in. He is guaranteed to make a statement with every step. Check out this exclusive look of the kick-connoisseur’s highly esteemed troupe of shoes below.

MAGAZINE

SOLED UP

UNION LA X AIR JORDAN 4 RETRO ‘OFF NOIR’

SACAI X LDWAFFLE ‘VARSITY BLUE’

NEW BALANCE AIMÉ LEON DORE X 550 ‘EVERGREEN’

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SOLED UP

CACTUS PLANT FLEA MARKET X BLAZER MID ‘SPONGE BY YOU’

LEFT TO RIGHT: AIR JORDAN 5 RETRO SP “OFF-WHITE” THE 10: AIR PRESTO “OFF-WHITE” NIKE BLAZER MID “OFFWHITE” OFF-WHITE X AIR JORDAN 1 RETRO HIGH OG ‘CHICAGO’ OFF-WHITE X DUNK LOW ‘UNIVERSITY RED’

SOLED UP

SEAN WOTHERSPOON X AIR MAX 1/97 ‘SEAN WOTHERSPOON’

O P E N I N G F E AT U R E

Outerwear: FLYING SOLO Top: ALL SAINTS Pant: BALENCIAGA

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O P E N I N G F E AT U R E

THE Realm OF TJ ATOM’S UNIVERSE TJ Atoms is on the rise. The North Philly native who currently plays the late Ason Unique aka Ol’ Dirty Bastard on Hulu’s “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” series, is said to be one of Hollywood’s young actors to watch and right now, everyone is indeed watching.

“The Black Man is God!” exclaims TJ Atoms over the phone in his raspy, spastic voice that audiences have come to know and love since captivating viewers with his portrayal of the late sword-swinging charismatic, wild and unpredictable MC Ason Unique aka Ol’ Dirty Bastard in Hulu’s hit drama-biopic series Wu Tang: An American Saga, which was recently picked up for a third season. “It feels good to be a young, Black king in my position coming from where I come from,” says Atoms about not only the success of the series but about being widely discussed amongst entertainment insiders and peers alike as one of the up-and-coming Hollywood actors to watch.

Photography by QUAN BRINSON Fashion by MIA JACKSON Fashion assistance AMBER CONTRERAS TREYANA BROWN JADIER ROJAS HAIR & GROOMING BY LELANI LOVE Production by PAUL THOM VIA THE THOM BRAND Words by EVAN MAJORS

Atoms is one of those rare talents that don’t come around often. His “it” factor is undeniable, which is probably why he was discovered at the iconic LOVE Park in Philadelphia and cast on the spot in the heavy metal band August Burns Red’s, “Fault Line” music video. Adding to his natural on-camera dexterity, Atoms has never had any formal acting training. From his Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn apartment, Atoms wants you to know that Hollywood loves him. “They really love me!” says Atoms in a cocky, self-assured laugh sounding

like a young man who hasn’t quite come into his own yet, but knows he has something special. As a kid, Atoms was the creative free spirit type which has allowed him to embody the role of such a polarizing figure like Ason Unique. “I just let the character come naturally, for real man,” says Atoms. “I let it flow freely. I’m not trying to be one way or another, and not thinking too much when I’m in character.” Born and raised in North Philly, Atoms always wanted to express himself as a child. “I was always on some creative shit,” says Atoms. Whether it was music or me skateboarding, I always wanted to be the center of attention growing up. I always wanted to be a star.” Growing up in an unsafe neighborhood that Atoms describes as “grimy and dark,” is also the place that shaped him, taught him how to grind and go after his dreams. It’s the place where there was lots of love and support in his single-parent household. “My mom always supported me,” says Atoms. “I love both of my parents, they both inspired me to work hard. My dad really inspired me to hustle, he put the battery in my back [as far as business].”

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O P E N I N G F E AT U R E

““It feels good to be a young, Black king in my position coming from where I come from” “

Like an atom, surrounded by one or more electrons, causing a negative and positive charge, the multi-talented Atoms is all about shifting his frequency as a multi-hyphenate musician and actor. Not only did Atoms drop his new single “Potato Chips” this year from his upcoming 2022 debut album, but it was recently announced he will be starring in the forthcoming Iron Mike mini-series on Hulu currently in production which chronicles the life of former professional boxer Mike Tyson, in which Atoms plays Tyson’s early childhood best friend. “I’ve always been a fan of Mike Tyson,” says Atoms. “Mike Tyson is a legendary figure. He was the best boxer in the world for a long time. He was like our Muhammad Ali in Philly, so I always been a fan of his story when he came up. Mike is a real legend.”

Not staying stagnant and capitalizing on his moment, Atoms continues to push his first love: music. His voice shifts again into excitement as he talks about his upcoming debut album. “My project is going to shift the culture,” says Atoms. “I think the coaches just need me 22

MAGAZINE

O P E N I N G F E AT U R E

Outerwear: ALLSAINTS Top & Bottom: ZARA Footwear: DR. MARTENS Jewelry: DAVID YURMAN

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O P E N I N G F E AT U R E

Outerwear: FLYING SOLO Top: ALL SAINTS Pant: BALENCIAGA Jewelry: DAVID YURMAN Footwear: CLARKS

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O P E N I N G F E AT U R E

I“ was always on some creative shit” “ Top: ZARA

Bottom: ZARA Jewelry: DAVID YURMAN

Top: TEDDY VONRANSON Pant: FLYING SOLO SHOWROOM Jewelry: DAVID YURMAN Footwear: DR.MARTENS

right now, especially in a time when all the [rap] artists are dying. It’s sad. That’s why I’m giving them something different, man. Something a 13-year-old Black kid can listen to, and have fun and be motivated, and [something] a 45-year-old white lady can listen to.” Bridging generations like the late legend Jimi Hendrix is something Atoms aspires to do, but not just through his music. “Jimi was a Black rock star,” says Atoms. “It wasn’t really about the music aspect [for me]; it was his style. He inspired me with the sauce he carried. He was a different type of Black man.” It’s not an example of cause and effect, nor is it about being in the right place at the right time that explains what is transpiring for Atoms’ career these days. Instead, it’s about being his naturally free-spirited self. “I think my whole belief system is based off energy,” says Atoms. “Most people are lower frequency and get consumed by life, like you’re a consumer. I want my legacy to be about shifting my energy into an abundant space and just being who I want to be.” Issue 76

check out 26

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BOMBSHELLBYBLEU.COM

Issue 76

CARS

Words by RYAN KWON

CA$HIN OUT ON

Exclusivity BAPE x SCHUCO BAPE XXV 25th Anniversary Mercedes After celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2018, the iconic fashion company BAPE partnered with German toy company Schuco, to make a tinplate mini G550L BAPE X MERCEDES. This iconic toy car was covered in BAPE’s 1ST CAMO green print; “A Bathing Ape” can also be seen on the front and side of the vehicle. Although it is a toy car, the collaboration is a pretty penny starting at a price of approximately $228.

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CARS

HERMÈS BUGATTI CHIRON The only word that is fitting when describing the Bugatti x Hermès collaboration would be elegance. A luxury connoisseurs’ dream, this oneoff vehicle was created for renowned car collector Manny Khoshbin. Khosbin collaborated with the two French luxury powerhouses, to conceive the beauty. Dipped in Hermès Craie off-white paint, the grandeur of the car speaks for itself. And if that wasn’t royale enough, the door panels of the vehicle are lined with cashmere fabric. #toptier Though the price of this car is undisclosed, one can imagine that Manny must be in the one percent gang to cash out on a ride like this.

FIAT 500 by GUCCI The Fiat x Gucci collab defies the definition of luxury vehicles. Created for the style-conscious consumer, this tiny vehicle packs massive charm. This collaboration was to honor both Gucci and Fiat’s own anniversaries. More specifically, Fiat was celebrating the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy. Whereas Gucci sought out a way to celebrate its 90th birthday. And what better way to honor and celebrate two different yet momentous occasions than with a special collaboration. Released and available in both black and white, the iconic Gucci green and red on green stripe runs perfectly along the car’s side, fitting just under the car’s windows. With that said this car came at the price of $24,550 back in 2013.

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QUALITY FOOTWEAR. S PA N I S H A R T I S A N S . I T A L I A N M AT E R I A L S .

@mandeauxshoes scan for more info 30

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FA S H I O N

Michigan Bred Brand Todd Patrick Releases FW21 Collection Even Weeds Grow A blend of streetwear, contemporary and elevated garments for those with sophistication and taste. Even Weeds Grow first delivery is now available on Todd Patrick Website.

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FA S H I O N

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C R E AT I V E S

Words by TAYLOR EDWARDS

A NEW BALANCE How David Gibson Is Creating a New Wave in the Sneaker Culture Global Product Manager David Gibson is changing the sneaker game one move at a time. Ten minutes into our call and David Gibson assertively states, “I’m trying to go down as the realest to ever work in the sneaker game!” So far, he’s spot on. In eight years at New Balance, his moves from tech rep to product manager have paid off for himself, the brand, and the culture. In the 80s and 90s, the original sneaker wave donned athletes as influencers before we knew it: Michael Jordan, Penny Hardaway as Lil’ Penny, and Larry Johnson as Grandmama. Now, the influential include designers, enthusiasts, and executives like David Gibson – a guy from Flint, Michigan by way of Boston that is catapulting New Balance into the class of hard-to-get footwear with Nike, Jordan, and Adidas. “If you know, you know” is the best way to describe the sneaker culture. Knowing exclusive drops, beating bots and site-crashes, accessing near-impossible raffles, and long wait lines are all a part of the game as a player. Just like sports, gatekeepers like Gibson are responsible for our favorite plays. “I think it’s super inspiring…and people can see the power of this space and the jobs that can be had and created throughout this now,” says Gibson. Using creativity and comradery to succeed, David doesn’t take his team or people who appreciate them for granted. Thrusting more Black creative talent into the spotlight he is modest and motivated to push products for the culture and to make his wife, Julise Gibson, proud.

MAGAZINE

New Balance has come a long way from the 2 for $89.99 special “and it’s only getting bigger and better”. We caught up with David Gibson about New Balance’s new future and more. BLEU: The Lecrae and St. Jude collaboration sneaker was seemingly the beginning of a new era for New Balance. Tell us more about that time. David: I wasn’t on the [lifestyle] team at the time; I was foot to pavement (smiles). Lecrae was like the baseline. He [Lecrae] kind of jump-started it and helped us get those conversations going. Now we’re at a space where brands, people, these creatives are interested in our brand and we’re not just an ‘if you know you know’ brand anymore, right. People know and are standing in line for our shoes. A major play in the brand’s expansion are the collaborations with elite and emerging Black creatives: Bricks & Wood, Salehe Bembury, Joe Fresh Goods, and Jayden Smith. What drove you and your team toward these people? Near and dear to my heart was the Joe Fresh Goods part of it. I went to college in Ohio, right. When I got a chance to come to New Balance I was singing it from the raptures ‘we need to work with this guy’. We’ve [JFG, Joe Grondin, Kevin Trotman] been cooking ever since. Persistence paid off. To see what he’s doing, connecting with the Black associates at the company on a personal level and being a man of his word… and all of those guys have been that part of it. Kasey [Lynch], Salehe [Bembury] have all spoken to us Black associates directly and made us a part of the collection. It’s almost like a salute. They feel like they’re reflected internally and we’re also reflected externally as well.

C R E AT I V E S

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C R E AT I V E S

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C R E AT I V E S

A constant in the sneaker world are hard-to-get Jordans and Nikes. How does it feel to have New Balance among this crowd now? To come from a fashion staple to a fashion must-have? I remember the earlier days when we [New Balance] weren’t as hot as we are right now. We didn’t have the partners that we have now, we didn’t make that shift. Now, it’s incredible to have people reaching out for our shoes all the time and seeing lines and our website crashing it really shows the strength of the brand, it shows the strength of the collaborators and the people that we choose to work with and I think that we’re having a huge moment and we’re continuing to have a moment whether it’s in basketball or within lifestyle that are going to continue to push the envelope for us. You beam with pride about your team. I love the diversity. Tell me how this directly influences and reflects in the products that are being released with New Balance? The progression from Black History Month is probably the perfect example. As it continues to get bigger and bigger the company continues to be reflected internally and externally. We’ve made more conscious efforts to be more diverse, to have those tough conversations; we see the product being reflected externally in a broader light. The My Story Matters campaign was a huge success for us, and externally for the brand, it [the brand] being represented in a positive light. It’s just a testament to what diversity looks like internally and then how we’re able to make those changes externally. I just want to inspire the next generation to have that same opportunity, that same feeling…you can do it too! David’s “big 3” principles – and feats that obviously carry into his work – are honor, integrity, and respect. Pushing the needle as far as creatively possible, his plans to grow with the brand include taking his talents to the basketball division of the company. Not bad for a person who saw their first pair of New Balance 990v3’s on their college roommate, right? Gibson lives in color, dreams on purpose, and has no regrets about earning his keep in the sneaker world. “Remembering my 16-year-old self and when we make a product, I just feel like I would be so proud of myself if I look back at that kid. We really made an impact, we saw a change and it’s truly inspiring and it’s incredible.”

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T R AV E L

Words by BECCA BLOND

One Happy Island:

A Visit To Aruba Is All About Good Vibes and Experiential Diversity Images courtesy of Aruba Marriott, Becca Blond

With good vibes, good food and drinks, great adventures, and a burgeoning art scene, Aruba has it all. The self-described “One Happy Island” sits just 15 miles off the Venezuelan coastline outside the hurricane belt and unlike most of the Caribbean doesn’t have a rainy season. Seeing just 15 inches of rain per year, Aruba has a desert landscape that’s home to towering cacti, which means your holiday in paradise is unlikely to be marred by dreary days. Aruba is also graced by near-constant trade winds that keep temps warm but not scorchingly hot and humid. With coastlines of white sand beaches and calming turquoise sea waters, Aruba is indeed One Happy Island.

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T R AV E L

One Happy Island:

Photo by Paulo Evangelista on Unsplash

Stay

Offering good value and a great location right on gorgeous Palm Beach, the Marriott Aruba Stellaris Hotel & Casino is one of the best places to sleep on the island. The hotel has more than 400 rooms and 24 suites and caters to everyone from groups of friends, to couples and families with kids. It also offers adults a “resort within a resort” experience with its Tradewinds Club. Guests here get VIP treatment before and during their stay. The 49 rooms are located in one section of the resort and have their own private lounge where free gourmet selections for breakfast, lunch, and happy hour are served. You’ll also have access to a secluded section of beach

reserved for Tradewinds Club guests. As an adults-only section of the resort, you won’t be bothered by the sounds of small children on your floor. Regardless of whether you are staying at the Tradewinds Club, adult guests in any room category have access to the H2Oasis Adults Only Pool. The pool has its own bar and food service. If you are traveling with kids or want a swim-up bar experience head to the main pool. It is large and has a fun waterfall area. The hotel also offers sun loungers and umbrellas on the sand for guests. Guests also have the option to order food and drinks from passing wait staff. There is no shortage of dining choices at the Marriott Aruba with 10 onsite restau-

rants (note this is not an all-inclusive resort) ranging from a lobby dining room serving sushi and other small plates to the romantic Atardi, the property’s signature dining experience. The alfresco restaurant is dinner only and serves guests at tables set up on the sand by the sea. Book for sunset. The menu is seafood forward but there are also options for meat eaters and vegetarians.

Play

Aruba offers all the usual tropical beach vacation activities and then throws in a few unusual ones. De Palm Tours is another one-stop adventure shop for island excursions offering everything from diving and

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snorkeling excursions to fishing and snuba. A highly recommended offering is the 3-hour Andicuri UTV Off-Road Adventure Tour. It lets you experience Aruba’s wild natural beauty in a way you can’t see from the paved roads around the island. You’ll have the opportunity to drive your own UTV through steep terrain with loads of adrenaline fueling obstacles. There are stops along the way to take in attractions like a black sand beach, a natural bridge formation, and a lighthouse. Dress to get really dirty — you’ll be covered in red dust by the end. Aruba also has a vibrant street art scene. In the once-abandoned town of San Nicolas on the southeast end of the island, there are now more than 50 murals and other art installations to see. Check out the scene on an Art Mural Tour run by the enigmatic Tito who is passionate

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about building Aruba’s reputation as an art destination. Tito’s tours last about 2-hours and go over the history of the art and his vision for the future. Additionally, the Aruba Art Fair is a yearly art festival that takes place over three days in September in San Nicolas. During the festival, local and international artists perform live art and display their unique creations. There are also local food and beverages served and music, dance, and live entertainment.

Eat

Aruba’s proximity to South America influences its culinary scene and you’ll find the food here is quite different from other Caribbean Islands. The capital of Oranjestad

is home to numerous restaurants and bars including the new hotspot Lima Bistro at Harbor House Marina. Peruvian cooking influences the international fare served here and the food is bursting with flavor. Begin with the tuna tostada or beef anticucho and then move on to the short ribs with mushrooms and potato or the fish with black rice, calamari, and aioli lemon pepper butter. The craft cocktails are also amazing. With strong ties to the Netherlands, Dutch fare is also present here. Linda’s Dutch Pancakes is a must-visit for breakfast. Similar to a crepe, the Dutch pancakes here come sweet or savory and fill an entire plate. You can choose your own fillings or go with the house recommendations. They also offer a range of boozy breakfast cocktails and you can even pay with Bitcoin.

T R AV E L

W H E R E T O S TAY :

MARRIOTT ARUBA STELLARIS HOTEL & CASINO

W H AT T O D O

W H E R E T O E AT :

ZIGGY BEACH

ATARDI

BOARDWALK BOUTIQUE HOTEL

ART MURAL TOUR IN SAN NICOLAS

LIMA BISTRO

RENAISSANCE WIND CREEK ARUBA RESORT

ARUBA ART FAIR

LINDA’S DUTCH PANCAKES

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Words by SABLE TEMPEST

The Illustrious Amalfi Coast Planning to travel to another country can be overwhelming. This guide outlines the best time to travel, budgeting, food, and activities to make one’s trip to the Amalfi Coast memorable.

From the likes of the Harvey’s, Johnson’s, Diddy, to the iconic HOV and Bey, we have learned that the Amalfi Coast is the IT place to be. The luxurious Italian coast, which is over 25 miles long, is located on the Gulf of Salerno in Southern Island in Southern Italy. The coast is known for its exquisite seafood cuisines, specifically fish, lemon terraces, scenic drives along the iconic cliffs, vineyards, and sparkling blue beaches. While we here at Bleu Magazine are not celebrities, we too live for a luxurious trip and you should too. Below we have provided a detailed outline on everything you will potentially need to know on traveling to the Amalfi Coast and living lavish life on the coast.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL:

•

The heavily popular tourist months are July and August. During May and September the weather ranges from the low 70’s to 80’s and the large crowds are gone.

•

The down season is November-March. It should be noted that ferries and restaurants tend to close during these periods

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Photography by Jordan Steranka

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ONE CAN GET AROUND THE COAST BY CAR, TRAIN, OR FERRY. DRIVING: One can drive into the town by car from any nearby village or towns Nearby villages and towns include, but not limited to: • Salerno • Positano • Praiano TRAIN: The train is one of the quickest and efficient ways to get to the Amalfi. It is said that the train provides the best scenic view when traveling FERRY: The coast can be accessed by ferries. Ferries are leave and enter the port various times a day, 7-days a week.

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Whether you are in the mood for seafood, pizza, or pasta, the Amalfi Coast is known for their exquisite Italian dishes. Our personal picks for restaurants include: Ristorante Belvedere, La Tagliata, and Rada Restaurant. Below are our top four Italian cuisines from the coast. • Mozzarella di Bufala • Gli Scialatielli all’Amalfitana • Pizza Napolitana • Pasta al limone The scenic coast comes with more than just a scene. Depending on your mood there are an array of activities one can choose from ranging from day to night, historical to adventurous, water to land. Most day activities are all day, so it is important to keep that in mind when planning. It is usually best to do one day-activity per day. • • • • • • •

Wine Tasting and Lunch Capri Water Tour Italian Cooking Class Pompeii Tour with an Archeologist Mozzarella Workshop Positano Photoshoot Visit Lemon Terraces

BUDGET: • • • • •

Meals average $34 USD per meal Tours average from $30-180 USD (private yachts exceed this average) Photoshoot average $170 USD per hour Train rides range from $10 to 45 USD depending on your place of origin Ferry rides range from $8-25 USD depending on your place or origin

Whether traveling to splurge or on a budget, one should be able to build an itinerary filled with long lasting memories from the guide featured. As always, be safe when traveling to the Amalfi Coast - be sure to become familiar with the culture, the local city laws and mandates, and finally, bring your best looks for pictures. choose from ranging from day to night, historical to adve

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this is for the kings

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT www.YOUNGKINGHAIRCARE.COM

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Luke James on Thoughts of a Colored Man: “It is asking for us as men to be our authentic selves and step into our light.” WORDS BY TRUTH HAWKINS

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A Wild and Ridiculous Ride With Steelo Brim WORDS BY EVAN MAJORS

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Words by TRUTH HAWKINS

Photography by BEN ABARBANEL

Luke James on Thoughts of a Colored Man: It is asking for us as men to be our authentic selves and step into our light.”

Set in the city that never sleeps--more specifically, Brooklyn Thoughts of a Colored Man asks the question, “What does it mean to be a Black man, in America, today?”

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“What does it mean to be a Black man, in America, today?” “A lot of these characters, well all of the characters--it’s interesting, we find ourselves in all of them. That’s the beauty of the work. The beauty of Keenan Scott ll’s writing. This is one man, broken up into seven [Anger, Depression, Happiness, Love, Lust, Passion, and Wisdom] - which is really cool. First off, you think it’s caricatures but it’s not. It’s real people. It’s us,” says multifaceted talent Luke James, who plays the role of Passion, just one of many symbolic personas navigating a single day in the Borough of Churches. “I really didn’t have to go far. I just had to be myself.” Lending both his impeccable vocal and acting prowess, the three-time Grammy nominee, who recently recurred opposite Cynthia Erivo in Genius: Aretha shares that opportunity of nabbing a role in one of few Broadway shows to be written, directed by, starring, and produced by African-American artists - is in short, “A magical, uplifting experience. This experience thus far - since beginning this broadway journey has been therapeutic and transformative.”

Although tight-lipped on how his personal journey has poured into his impassioned performance, joking “that would be giving away a lot of my stuff --all the secrets,” the New Orleans native resumes, “But my life, childhood, hopes and dreams - my thoughts of fatherhood and being a beacon of light for young people, young brothers,” all contributes to his role. “If ever lost in the dark, [I want to] be a light that they can see and say ‘Okay I can move towards that. That’s love.’” Of the multitude of men whom James pulled inspiration from, he says, “This play is a celebration of our fathers, brothers, uncles, our friends--people we grew up watching that always walked around the corner of the block or the old man that sat on the stoop. It’s a celebration of those people--myself.” “That’s what’s so special about this. That’s why I said it’s been so therapeutic. I think that’s why this [Thoughts of a Colored Man] resonates with the audience, at least

Black men particularly [and women]. Because they see themselves. They see their people. Not trying to create an idea. This is who we know.” And while, helmed by an exceptional cast of Black men (Da’Vinchi, Tristan Mack Wilds, and Esau Pritchett to name a few) the message is not to be lost beyond our community. Per James, there’s a lesson to be learned by all, with an emphasis on empathy for the Black experience in the U.S. “It de-centers whiteness and creates a space for everyone - there’s a diverse group of people involved and this space was created for all of us to be our authentic selves.” “The mission has been to create, leave people with a deeper feeling of empathy for the Black man. And from that, quite like veganism, once you start, you begin to see the world differently and I think that’s the mission, to show Black people their beautiful selves [and ] that you deserve space. And to show spectators who are invited [in love] that we are people - you felt that

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- we go through similar things and we all deserve space to have those human experiences.” In case you missed it, in conjunction with his Broadway debut, James, who credits Mint Condition, Joe, Tony! Toni! Toné!, Silk, and many more as musical influences dropped his latest project A Live Sensation mid-October 2021. Telling Bleu Magazine, it’s a dream come true. “It’s weird how one thing influences another. Since I’ve been on this journey, I’ve been open. The beauty of doing film and reading all these different scripts [about all these different characters], you give yourself a chance to let all the different personalities come out and live. And, you learn more about different people [other people] and in that I’ve longed for understanding that all these people deserve space - in that, I deserve space too. I deserve to let my dreams and aspirations come to the forefront. So, something that I had always wanted to do I grew up listening to live albums - Donnie Hathaway live albums, Aretha Franklin live

albums, Nina Simone - I mean, the list goes on. Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye - all these live albums that I listen to avidly to this day, I was like ‘I have to do that! I want to do that.’ And, I’ve gotten to a place where I’ve allowed myself to do that and I’m grateful.” He continues, “I’m a music freak. I love music. I love what it does to me. I love what it does to people. I once heard someone say ‘it [music] is a piece of God’s consciousness’ - I’m paraphrasing. And I feel that. I feel holy - holy holy - like on another plain. Having the opportunity to create music and then reimagine it with an orchestra such as Nu Deco, I’m like a child in a candy store.” Up next, James is set to reprise his role [as Victor] on Showtime’s hit series, “The Chi,” telling us, “She [Emmy® winner Lena Waithe] gave me a little inkling that my character will still be on a journey of finding himself. But, I think he is more in the space of trying to let go of his nickname and be called by his birth name, to have a new beginning. Maybe he’ll put on a suit

and tie. Who knows. I think that’s the path we’ll see. We’ll see how that works because we are products of our environment. But he’s a man of great will and believes in change and family and is trying to be the best man he can be for his brother, his woman, and his community.” On the music front, fans should keep an eye out for potentially private jam sessions. “I’d like to do some live performances - intricate experiences. For me, I like to think of the albums that I named - the live albums - as experiences rather than just listening. When music is good, it can be full-body - if it is good. So, I’d like to have some live experiences with a very small audience.” In the meantime, catch James and the cast of Thoughts of a Colored Man at John Golden Theatre, in midtown Manhattan, through March 2022. Grab your tickets now.

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Grooming by STAR BAHATI

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BOOKS

HAUTE VOLUMES Must reads for the style-conscious bookworm

ANDRÉ LEON TALLEY A MEMOIR (THE CHIFFON TRENCHES) ANDRÉ LEON TALLEY

Fashion extraordinaire, André Leon Talley’s invigorating, anguishing and unique story is compellingly portrayed in this memoir. His story is not an average one as he faces setbacks such as prejudice and racism. In spite of it all, Talley makes allies with remarkable people and finds himself thriving even in unlikely circumstances. His astounding talent, work ethic and determination are at the forefront in this memoir. If you want a look at the authenticity and sincerity of recent history in fashion, glimpses at how he became allies with icons such as Anna Wintour and Andy Warhol, and a feeling of encouragement and inspiration then this is the perfect read for you.

DAPPER DAN: MADE IN HARLEM DANIEL R. DAY

New York Times bestseller Dapper Dan: Made in Harlem portrays Dan and the heroic, innovative, and creative impact he’s made and making on the world. He introduced a new era of originality and innovation with his unmistakable designs. This coming-of-age story details the adversities the designer faced and how he conquered them in the end.

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DANDY LION SHANTRELLE P. LEWIS

Redefining what it means to be a part of the Black community and breaking down barriers in fashion is all discussed in Dandy Lion. Author Shantrelle P. Lewis has coined the term “Dandy” and given it a new definition: high-styled rebels. The book takes you on a history of England’s slave culture and how Black style and fashion has since influenced the world.

THE NEW BLACK VANGUARD ANTWAUN SARGENT, ADDY CAMPBELL (PHOTOGRAPHER), ARIELLE BOBB-WILLIS (PHOTOGRAPHER), MICAIAH CARTER (PHOTOGRAPHER), AWOL ERIZKU (PHOTOGRAPHER)

Your view on photography in fashion and art can be impacted in a great way after experiencing The New Black Vanguard. Author Antwan Sargent discusses the purpose and contribution of the Black community within art, fashion and culture. This book features astounding photographs from Campbell Addy, Arielle Bobb-Willis, Micaiah Carter, Awol Erizku, Namsa Leuba, Renell Medrano, Tyler Mitchell and many more.

WALKING WITH THE MUSES PAT CLEVELAND

Patricia Cleveland captivates her readers with her amazing ability to put her skill in art and fashion into words. Walking with the Muses is not only a book but a way for people to experience Cleveland’s career in the fashion and model industry. Being one of the first iconic black supermodels in NYC during the sixties and seventies, Patricia has a story worth reading about. With NYC being her playground, the story takes you on a ride as she struts her way to success.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY COPES

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Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins Talks Life, Love, and the Legacy of Dear White People WORDS BY KENT OLDEN

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A Sit Down with $NOT WORDS BY EMMANUEL PERILLA

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Words by KENT OLDEN

Photography by TISHA BRENEE

Fashion Styling by SCOT LOUIE

Hair by ALEXANDER ARMAND

LIGHT AS A FEATHER… Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins Talks Life, Love, and the Legacy of Dear White People The Netflix hit Dear White People streamed its way into our souls back in 2017 and it hasn’t missed a beat since. Giving us a firsthand look at what life is like for students of color on a contemporary fictional Ivy League campus, Dear White People takes us through every twist and turn that these students endure as they navigate their way through every microaggression and macro-IKYFL so they can finally just be. We see them unapologetically live their lives, search for love, and triumphantly leave a legacy that will last long after they’re gone. And what’s better than getting to play that story out onscreen to serve as an inspiration for millions of viewers? Getting to fulfill it in real life as Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins does. She reprised her role as Joelle Brooks, originally named Curls in the 2014 film of the same name. Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins has taken television screens by storm as she breathed new life into her character for four straight seasons. With the farewell season being one modeled after one of Ashley’s first loves – musical theater – we really got to see Ashley in her element living it up and loving every second of what brought her to where she is today, while she con-

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stantly encourages her people to be the best them they can possibly be – just like Joelle. FOR THE CULTURE… “I knew from the very beginning how important [Joelle] would be for the culture,” says Ashley of her Netflix alter ego. “How much of an inspiration she would be to Black and Brown women and girls around the world is something that I took really seriously, and it’s been an honor portraying someone like that.” Falling right in line with her own point of view and outlook on life, Featherson’s college years at Howard University – studying musical theater no less – was the perfect preparation to play Joelle Brooks, especially in this final season. “It was thrilling! I couldn’t wait to get to work!” That same commitment to community, encouragement to empower, and dedication to bring the drama that only an HBCU can provide proved to be an excellent resource to pull from whenever Joelle had to fight for her voice and friendships and relationships just as soon as she’ll fight for someone else’s. While her love to keep the fight was instilled in her at her beloved Howard University, it just may continue to be fueled by another. FOR THE COOL IN YOU… “The most challenging part about playing Joelle has been seeing her suffer so much heartbreak and disappointment,” says

Ashley, reflecting on the ups and downs of making Joelle come alive. “The easiest part, though, was just showing up to work every day.” With the support of her castmates, the writing staff, and the rest of the Dear White People team, Ashley was able to approach each day of acting with comfort and ease that we all look forward to. One of her biggest cheerleaders provides her with all the love and support she could ever ask for--her husband! A recent newlywed, Featherson married long-time partner Darroll Jenkins in September 2021. “Black love is great,” says Featherson. “[Being married] feels so unfamiliar but in the most familiar way, and I’m just enjoying it.” FOR THE WIN While Dear White People may have come to an end, we surely have not seen the last of Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins. Always fighting the good fight and rooting for everybody Black, she took on and tackled storylines in the Black community – mental health, sexual identity, and the like – that tend to be suppressed but have long deserved a spotlight to educate and spread awareness. She takes the spotlight that shines on her and uses it as a beacon to light the way for others. “Remember us,” she says. “I hope that people remember and hold in their hearts the work that we did, and who it was for, and what it was for, and why we did it. Thank you, and remember us.”

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PLAYBOOKMG.

INDIVIDUALLY WE ARE POWERFUL TOGETHER WE ARE UNSTOPPABLE WELCOME TO PLAYBOOKMG. “PR is a mix of journalism, psychology, and lawyering – it’s an ever-changing and always interesting landscape.” – Ronn Torossian WWW.PLAYBOOKMG.COM TEAMMPLAYBOOKMG.COM MPLAYBOOKMG

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Words by LAUREN “BOBBY PEN” WILLIAMS

Photography by LEIGH KEILY

How Skyh Alvester Black Went From Car Valet to Hollywood Sex Symbol in Less Than a Year When talent, tenacity, and faith align, Black is proof that dreams do come true. “Art is man’s refuge from adversity.” This quote from Greek Dramatist Menander holds weight for many artists, specifically those in the Black community. Dancer and actor Skhy Alvester Black’s rise to stardom exemplifies that refuge. Born in Miami, Florida, Black experienced hardship from the very beginning. “I always tell people ‘the real Miami isn’t South Beach. I’m from the hood,” said Black. The odds were stacked against him. After experiencing homelessness three times in his 33 years of life, Black dug his heels into his faith for an almost unbelievable story of overcoming. Just last year, before the pandemic, he was working as a caterer and an attendant with a valet company in Los Angeles. “I was parking cars last year,” he said. “Pre-pandemic, I was doing the artist struggle even after an amazing dance career.” Black got his big break in entertainment as a backup dancer for some of today’s biggest names-Rihanna, Mariah Carey and Beyonce to name a few. He believes the secret to his success is his ability to always be a student. “I go into every single set, every single interview, with an openness to learn from the person sitting in front of me,” he said. He jokes that while he didn’t go to college, he did attend “Knowles University” after working with Beyonce as a teenager.

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He tips his hat to women like Debbie Allen, who happens to be his mentor and the one who recognized Black’s potential before anyone else. He recalls a conversation with the actress, dancer, director and the first Black woman to receive the Governor’s Awards at the Emmys this year. Allen told him, “Chile, I’m going to make your ass an actor,” he said. While the then 16-year-old Black didn’t believe it, she insisted, “Honey, you don’t know who you are yet.” The truth is, he didn’t. Black was first introduced to the arts as a baby. He took an interest in dance at three years old while watching Michael Jackson on television and would practice his dance moves frequently. After breaking his leg from doing a spin in his grandmother’s kitchen, doctors questioned if his leg would heal and grow properly, let alone dance again. Despite the circumstance, his grandparents pushed him towards his passion and enrolled him in tap dance and ballet. By middle school, he joined the church choir and won several awards as an alto saxophone player. He attended New World School of the Arts for high school where he hoped to hone his artistry and take advantage of national opportunities like attending summer programs at the New School in New York City. These experiences opened him to harsh truths about the arts; some of these truths were too complicated to navigate for a 16-year-old. He learned to be conscious of his body composition and became more aware of his blackness. His teacher told him he’d never be a ballet dancer. “That’s the worst thing you can tell me,” Black said. “I’m going to be whatever you said I couldn’t be.” More than a decade later, Black is at the inception of a legendary career in acting. His breakout role as Jacobi in BET’s Sistas blew his mind as he didn’t expect the role to become recurring. He remembers auditioning six times for Tyler Perry before securing 10 episodes and being offered the lead in the BET+ original All the Queens Men as Amp, a fearless and complex exotic dancer.

“When I got the news that I landed the role, I broke down crying,” he said. “Thank you, God. That was the first thing I said,” as he came to understand that his life has been forever changed and that his dream is realized. He’s also starring in a new show Laced on the ALLBLK network. “It’s taken me 18 years to get to this point so my advice to anyone is ‘don’t stop.”

try where you are judged and told “no” so often. Black shares that he is proud to be a part of a generation of millennials and Generation Z-ers who have prioritized mental health and are more comfortable than ever to vocalize when they are not “OK.” His faith and tenacity have worked to support his talent and skill to a dream fulfilled.

As a Black man in this country he identifies with “survival mode” instincts, and suggests it’s only intensified in an indus-

“I’m still in a daze,” he said about this moment in his career. “Day by day it’s hitting me a little more.”

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OP-ED

Words by KAYLIN YOUNG

Designing the Seats of Fashion: How Inclusion has overshadowed the value of Ownership The faces of fashion have changed over the years, but the racial reckoning of 2020 called forth a new set of leaders who have forced us to question whether it’s better to have a seat at the table or eat alone.

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Questions that need answers: Which came first...the chicken or the egg? Which is better...the seat or the table? On the heels of New York Fashion Week, we pose this question to the industry that brings us the Met Gala and the “September Issue”… When it comes to fashion, is inclusion better than ownership? The white and wealthy gatekeepers of fashion have held onto the keys of entrance with an iron-clad grip. From Vogue’s editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, who dictates which designers receive an invitation to the Met Gala, fashion’s most important night… to Steven Kolb, the chief executive officer of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CDFA). CDFA is a group of 477 American fashion womenswear, menswear, jewelry, and accessories designers, who determine the labels to present during New York Fashion Week and beyond. For generations we’ve waited for the gates to be opened, only to have them only cracked or slammed in our faces time and time again. The gate has cracked open for inclusion, but does inclusion let us in, or does it only get our foot insider? According to Merriam-Webster, “inclusion” is defined as the act or practice of including and accommodating people who have historically been excluded. In fashion, we see this in brand partnerships with influencers of color or global hiring initiatives to diversify workforces. In the past few years, we’ve also seen this in the form of invitations for people of color to occupy executive leadership --“a seat at the table.” A notable case study for inclusion was when Virgil Abloh, founder of Off-White, was invited to be the artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear collection in March 2018. The high-end streetwear designer founded Off-White in 2013 in Milan and rose to recognition with the Off-White in-

dustrial belt, jitney quote bag, and partnerships with Nike, Mercedes-Benz, Ikea, and more.

your table and watch you eat, with nothing on my plate, and call myself a diner. Sitting at the table doesn’t make you a diner.”

Inclusion is what happens when you accept the seat offered at the table. Innovation is what happens when we aren’t invited but join the party anyway ‒ or, in the words of Shirley Chisholm, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” 2020’s racial reckoning brought to light, and then brought down, a myriad of fashion companies who lacked socially conscious language or had a workforce that did not reflect the diversity of its consumers. Following the amplification of conversations from hashtags like #PutUpOrShutUp and pledges from the Kelly Initiative (which sent a public letter to the CFDA accusing the organization of allowing “exploitative cultures of prejudice, tokenism, and employment discrimination to thrive,”), the 15% Pledge was born.

Taking a look at ownership within the fashion industry means staring at the words of Aria Hughes, who so eloquently said, “Black people own so little of an ecosystem that heavily depends on them to buy and promote its products.” According to the US Census, Black people own only seven percent of all businesses in the US. In the fashion industry, that number dwindles when referring to mainstream luxury or globally-recognized brands that have ascended the heights of Off-White or Pyer Moss. Growing up in Flatbush, New York, Kerby Jean Raymond began interning in the fashion industry at age 14 and officially launched Pyer Moss in 2013. At one of its first NYFW showcases, the luxury streetwear brand played a video of police brutality as models walked the runway, taking a firm stance that Raymond was not creating apparel for the white consumer and that he wanted his work to narrate a strong political conscience. Since then, his fashions have made statements like “Stop Calling 911 on the Culture” and “Vote or Die”. As the owner, Raymond knows that “Nobody can shut the door in your face if you own the door.”

The 15% Pledge is the innovative nonprofit brainchild of Aurora James, founder of Brother Vellies, which calls on retailers to match their representation of Black business owners to the Black population of America. At the same time, another organization, the Black in Fashion Council, was created by Lindsay Peoples Wagner (former Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue), and publicist Sandrine Charles. As its mission states, the Black in Fashion Council was “Founded to represent and secure the advancement of black individuals in the fashion and beauty industry.” These concepts of innovation are presenting a solution for white-owned brands to make room for Black businesses and owned brands to thrive. As inclusion knocks on the door, innovation pushes in to greet the gatekeepers with an ultimatum. All the while, ownership is under construction across the street. In the words of Malcolm X, “I’m not going to sit at

Inclusion, innovation, and ownership exist simultaneously to balance the scales of inequity in fashion. We need Teyana Taylor as Pretty Little Thing’s creative director as much as we need retailers like Macy’s making at least 15% shelf space for Blackowned products. We need Christopher John Rogers designing for Target as much as we need Kerby Jean Raymond amplifying the movement for Black lives. As Black creators, our impact can be felt in each area, so long as we keep creating and hold the door open for those coming behind us in every industry.

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HUMANS

Retail, Runway, Reality Black Fashion Influencers to Follow

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The term “fashion-forward” has continually changed with time – and so have the faces that control the terms and the tone. If the 90’s gave us the era of print magazines and the supermodel, the new millennium will be known for the age of social media and influencers. In a place where fashion houses traditionally looked to celebrities to raise their profile, later trends have now led brands to lean on trusted and influential voices within the culture. As their “reel” lives play out on Instagram, TikTok, and other digital platforms, thousands watch their favorite personalities and take notes; from the things they wear to the food they eat, to the places they visit. Long gone are the days of needing the “right place” or that “right time” to flaunt off-the-runway fashions. In this day and age, our favorite everyday people are swaying our pockets and persuading the way we style. From stylists and designers to buyers, personal shoppers, and fashion journalists, these style enthusiasts lead the charge for the up-to-date fashion trends, traditions, and culture.

Here are our favorite fashion influencers you should know!

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Shateria Moragne A beauty by way of Baltimore School of Arts, Shateria Moragne rose to fashion fame at New York Fashion Week 2013 for her collection, Front Row. A designer and brand ambassador, Shateria is favored for her ability to master high-end and fast-fashion trends via her brands, Front Row and Kill Wardrobe. She is most recognized for her signature red lip and blonde tresses.

Salehe Bembury An American designer, Salehe’s designs are recognized worldwide. His collaborations range from several hard-to-find New Balance to the most famous 2Chainz Versace Chain Reaction sneakers and now Crocs. Following a long tenure as the lead designer for men’s shoe wear for Versace, Salehe Bembury is now one of the most sought-after shoe designers in the industry.

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Jeremy Haynes Working for years without a digital footprint, Jeremy Haynes earned the name “NoIG Jeremy” from his adoring clients that refused to let his social media absence defeat his resume. Jeremy is known to “get the girls together” from reality television favorites to beaus, actress Lala, and recording artist, Monica.

Kwasi Kessi Kwasi Kessi is a classic man – his taste in style is trusted and preferred to represent the Harlem world in all its glory. A front runner for style and for sport, Kwasi is an ambassador for Adidas. His cool, contemporary, and colorful sense of fashion is favored by all of New York, especially client, ASAP Ferg. Putting his heritage first and fashion immediately after, Kwasi is the creator of the term and platform, AFRICONIC.

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Fiskani Williamson Fiskani Williamson is a fashion gatekeeper and respected fashion figure widely known for her luxurious private showroom, the Ivy Showroom. Stylist, personal shopper, and award-winning enthusiast Fiskani is seen as the Dapper Dan of Atlanta, Georgia. She is celebrated for her fashionable flair, outerwear, and unmatched range of furs.

Elly Karamoh Elly is a purveyor of style with simple rules; have fun and own the room. Known to simplify formality, his signature style is his sleek ability to pair suites and high-end sneakers. Raised in Paris, France, Elly became a favorite in the states among socialites in designer boutiques. Today, Elly is the stylist to Steve Harvey and Tyler Perry.

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A SIT DOWN WITH

Interview by MYRLAUN WALKER Photography by COPES

$NOT

Words by EMMANUEL PERILLA

Bleu Magazine gets real and candid with rapper $NOT about his newfound fame, upcoming projects, his place in the industry, and his upbringing.

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Brooklyn-born rapper $NOT rose to fame with his debut single” Gosha” and maintains his new stardom with hit singles like “Tell Em” and “Whipski”. His up-coming project, Ethereal has fans on edge awaiting a release date. $NOT began his rap career on Soundcloud in 2016 and has been climbing the charts since. He cemented his place in the industry with hits like “Moon and Stars”, “Like Me”, “Mean”, “BERETTA”, and “Kill Cupid”. At 23, the Brooklyn to Florida native has just a few years in the game but has created a cult following while capturing the attention of countless others.

$NOT: If somebody tells me I can’t do something I’m just like ‘fuck it! I just show ‘em with my actions. I go crazy, I think outside the box and make sure to do all the shit nobody would expect me to do. When you’re not on the road or in the studio, what do you like to do at the crib? I’m a regular ass guy. I just be home chilling watching tv or some shit. It’s easy to fall into a place of greed. You know having so many things thrown at you for free, what keeps you so chill and normal?

Loved for his quirky banter, and bars, $NOT is the type of artist who stands on his opinions, even if unpopular.

It’s just material stuff. I appreciate it all but I don’t get caught up in the material shit.

BLEU: What’s the one thing that pisses you off the most, what makes you rage?

Being born in New York City but growing up in the South, does that give you a sense of pride over either place?

It’s different in the South, you know you see a lot of different shit. There’s a lot of shit in New York though but in the South it’s very groovy and shit, you know. What makes you feel the most at home when you’re visiting either place? We can start with New York. I don’t know, the atmosphere you know walking around seeing people it’s kind of fast I fuck with it, the food. The South is the complete opposite, real slow, and still has good food. Since you’ve come on the scene, it seems you’ve managed to keep your nose clean from any drama. How do you deal with envy to where it doesn’t become a big spectrum to the public? I don’t know, I find it funny because it’s just music. We’re really just rapping on a mic. I don’t really take this shit too seriously, it’s kind of like a video game. Like,

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you mad over some rap shit? I just ignore all of that. Anything in particular you’re excited about going on tour? Any particular city you’re excited to go to? I’m excited to go to Texas, California, New York, those cities always go crazy! You have a project coming out soon called Ethereal, the name nods at perfection. What can we expect? For my project Ethereal, it’s 12 songs, a lot of different vibes and features. It’s going to be crazy. A lot of rappers say that about their album but this one is crazy too. When it comes out, you’ll fuck with it. Is there a certain vibe you’re going to give us on the project? There’s no theme to it. It’s just you listen to it and pick which song you like.

Issue 76

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Words by DOMINIQUE CARSON

Lips Cafe

A Chilled Ambience in East Flatbush A hip, family heirloom, Lips’ owners are mother-son duo, Jamane and Donna Weekes. In November 2019, just eight days before Thanksgiving, the Weekes shared their gratitude and gave thanks and gave birth to the coffee shop. Their first food and beverage venture, Jamane and Donna brew a strong business and bond many can appreciate. Whether your grind is on the computer or in a coffee cup, Lips Cafe is Brooklyn’s best choice for coffee, community, and culture in East Flatbush.

A family business and East Flatbush phenom, Lips Cafe serves booze, bites, and vibes in Brooklyn, New York.

In East Flatbush, the “F” stands for food and fellowship thanks to the family-owned business, Lips Cafe. Spreading love “the Brooklyn way” - in New York’s favorite borough - on Nostrand Avenue, the hidden beauty bistro is a neighborhood favorite. Lips Cafe expresses gratitude to the community for their ongoing support through events like “Preciate Y’all”. Along with special events, Lips Cafe hosts poetry readings, parties, comedy shows, and even weddings. It is truly a venue of versatility, where one can put their feet up after a hard day of work, just lounge with friends, or enjoy with family.

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We caught up with Lips Cafe co-owner, Jamane Weekes, about the business, entrepreneurship, surviving through COVID-19 pandemic, and plans for the restaurant. Bleu Magazine: Let’s talk about the startup of the restaurant and the concept of the business. Jamane Weekes: The business was inspired by my late grandmother; she was always into fashion. My mom, Donna, who is the co-owner, has a fashion line, Ethel Fashion, named after my grandmother. The name, Lips, was inspired from my mother’s fashion line. She came up with the Lip Line after the fashion line because we had lip bags and other lip merchandise. My mom also thought of lips after hugging and kissing

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others when we see them as a form of endearment. I thought it was a great brand but I didn’t know how to bring it to the forefront. But, then I got into cafes and art galleries and it became my thing. I would visit different coffee shops in Brooklyn and Manhattan and soon I started thinking about the symbolism of people visiting coffee shops. I wanted the same atmosphere for Lips Cafe BK. We were inspired to open the restaurant after my grandma’s passing and her love for wanting to do new things. We thought opening a restaurant would be a creative capital transition. My mother and I have always been close and wanted to start a business together for years. Right before the pandemic, you opened the business but COVID-19 took a shot at a lot of different businesses, including restaurants. How did you guys bounce back from the pandemic? It was interesting because in February of 2019 , we just started getting our foot in the door. We already knew that it would take time getting a profit from a business

and it was pretty slow. But, in February, I started questioning what we’re doing as a business and then COVID-19 hit. COVID gave us a chance to go home for a month to deal with everything and figure out what’s working and what’s not working. When we reopened after COVID,it was still extremely slow but we changed our menu. It was a big change and the menu change catapulted us into where we are now and trying to go as a business. COVID was our roadmap to helping us get the word out about the restaurant. More and more people started supporting Lips Cafe. People came and we made sure that we gave them a great experience. We are extremely grateful that we received so much support from the community and it really helped us get through the pandemic. The pandemic allowed you to refocus and come up with a menu and see what was working and what’s not working. Why Caribbean-American food? Is it because of your own personal background? Is it because Brooklyn is predominantly Afro-Caribbean?

Caribbean-American food is what we know and my family is from St. Vincent and it just made sense. We came up with the idea organically . How do you set yourself apart from other cafes in Brooklyn? People come to the restaurant because they are comfortable and we create events where people can use the space most of the time. We didn’t open the restaurant solely for monetary gain and the feedback is amazing. I know what it’s like growing up in this neighborhood [Brooklyn] and we didn’t have too many spaces where we could hang outside of your library or private space. I don’t know a lot of cafes that have mixed drinks and food, plus our cafe has diverse products. Bleu Magazine: What are some things that you plan to obtain going into 2022? I would like to create an atmosphere where people can feel more comfortable and just learn from experience about running a cafe while making my dreams come true. So that’s kind of what’s on the agenda for the year and the upcoming year.

Issue 76

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BLACK SUPERMODELS Naomi Campell

Naomi Sims

Kyra Green

Oluchi Onweagba

Diandra Forrest

Michelene Auguste

Noémie Lenoir

Adonis Bosso

Roberta Narcisco

Tyra Banks

Jillian Mercado

Laya Kebede

Leomie Anderson

Precious Lee

Malaika Firth

Joan Smalls

Corey Baptiste

Marihenny Rivera Pasible

Iman

Maria Borges

Melodie Monrose

Alek Wek

Halima Aden

Nykhor Paul

Winnie Harlow

Liya Kebede

Senait Gidey

Adut Akech

Saffi Karina

Sessilee Lopez

Jourdan Dunn

Kimora Lee Simmons

Sharam Diniz

Slick Woods

Paloma Elsesser

Kai Newman

Jasmine Tookes

Cindy Bruna

Mounia

Veronica Webb

Pat Cleveland

Selita Ebanks

Lineisy Montero

Beverly Peele

Jessica White

Duckie Thot

Gail O’Neill

Ayanna Stevens

Broderick Hunter

Ajok Madel

Janaye Furman

Staniel Ferreira

Lana Ogilvie

Lameka Fox

Valentine Rontez

Debra Shaw

Amilna Estevão

Beverly Johnson

Cynthia Bailey

Aqua Parios

Grace Jones

Georgie Badiel

Wallette Watson

Chanel Iman

Arlenis Sosa

Adwoa Aboah

Karia Kabukuru

Anais Mali

Selena Forrest

Karen Alexander

Aya Jones

Anok Yai

Roshumba Williams

Binx

Mayowa Nicholas

Issue 76

BLEULIST

Words by TRUTH HAWKINS

Photography by ANTHONY BARBOZA, MAX VADUKUL

Remembering Streetwear Pioneer Willi Smith: Fashion For the People He’s arguably one of the most successful Black designers in fashion history but was soon forgotten. Remembering Willi Smith.

For many, when dreaming of draping oneself in designer drip, the idea of accessibility and affordability is just that--a fantastical fashion fantasy. Herein lies the importance of legacies such as trailblazing designer Willi Smith - arguably one of the most influential and successful Black creatives in fashion history. One, whom everyday women like myself consider to be an inspiration. Growing up in a small-scale community nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, located in Northern Virginia, it was seldom that I, a budding style enthusiast, had access to trendy fashions, nonetheless, those that were representative of my diverse background. In fact, as one of ten children of my father, a pastor and mother, a retired teacher and matriarch I, as did my siblings, often donned hand me downs; think graphic tees and OshKosh B’gosh dungarees, one-of-akind flirty frocks that my mother would so carefully and expertly execute on her Singer sewing machine and anything resembling seasonal trends that I could pull together from Ross Dress for Less. Although my parents went above and beyond to dress us in desired looks, it wasn’t until I was introduced to Willi Smith and his mission to produce reasonably priced ready to wear inspired by everyday people, that the lens through which I viewed self-expression, and more importantly, how one could SERVE without burning a hole in their pocket, changed for the better. You see, it was Smith’s very philosophy that made him so unique. “Fashion is a people thing and designers should remember that. Models pose in clothes. People live in them,” Smith once said, of his incredibly successful streetwear line, WilliWear. A philosophy that ran deep, telling Women’s Wear Daily in 1972, “I have it through my head now to give women simple, packaged clothes that adapt to a lifestyle, rich or poor. People really only need a few clothes. My idea is that a woman could go into a store, pick up a pack in blue, green, and black and in it would be five pieces that all work. The only change a woman should have to make in her wardrobe for spring into winter is a coat.” Humble Beginnings Born in Philadelphia in 1948, Smith was raised in a working class family. The son

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of an ironworker and mother skilled in the arts, Smith’s thirst for creativity can be traced back to his early childhood. “I was Mr. Bookworm. I was the artistic child that no one understood. But, my parents supported me. If I was doing a little drawing my father wouldn’t say ‘Why don’t you play baseball?’ … The family sometimes used to say there were more clothes in the house than food,” Willi previously said of his support system. Following his passion, Smith began his journey studying commercial art at Mastbaum Technical High School before taking fashion illustration classes at the Philadelphia Museum College of Art. However, it was his grandmother, Gladys Bush, a housekeeper, who by way of an employer aided in scoring Smith a life changing opportunity - an internship with couturier Arnold Scaasi. During this time, Smith assisted in creating garments for the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Barbara Streisand, Mamie Eisenhower, Mary Tyler Moore socialite Brooke Astor, among others. In 1965, Smith enrolled at the Parsons School of Design in New York City where he fine tuned his craft and submerged himself in the bustling, chaotic art scene of the 1970s - experiences that would heavily influence the remainder of his career. Though

dy School Daze and Bill T. Jones and Arnie Zane’s Secret Pastures.

“Being Black has a lot to do with my being a good designer. My eye will go quicker to what a pimp is wearing than to someone in a gray suit and tie.” his time at the private art school was cut short, he persevered, designing collections for sportswear lines Glenora and Digits Sportswear. A Legacy Once Forgotten, Revisited In 1976, alongside friend Laurie Mallet, Smith would spread his wings, co-founding WilliWear - “producing clothing, events, and experiences with a wide range of collaborators who used new technologies and progressive ideas to transform their creative fields and instigate social change,” writes Cooper Hewitt noting a new exhibition honoring the legacy of the once forgotten American designer. Such collaborations included Nam June Paik, Keith Haring, Alvin Ailey, and Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Later, creating costumes for Spike Lee’s 1988 musical come-

But, it was his signature, gender-neutral pieces featuring oversized, easy fit, bold prints - considered staples in today’s streetwear scene - toting reasonable price points, that signaled he was well ahead of his time. Of course, it was not until the debut of WilliWear’s Fall/Winter 1983 release “Street Couture,” that he received the recognition he truly deserved, nabbing the coveted Coty American Fashion Critics’ Award for Women’s Fashion. “Being Black has a lot to do with my being a good designer. My eye will go quicker to what a pimp is wearing than to someone in a gray suit and tie. Most of these designers who have to run to Paris for color and fabric combinations should go to church on Sunday in Harlem. It’s all right there.” Smith said at the time, single-handedly birthing a new wave of fashion. By 1986, Smith was a hit, scoring WilliWear placement in more than 500 department and specialty stores including Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s - racking up over $25 million annually in sales. Smith died in 1987 at the age of 39.

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