Kolor Magazine, The September Issue by Kolor Magazine

Issue 3

KOLOR

@KOLORMAGAZINE

Issue 3

KOLOR

CONTEN

NTS

FASHION pg 7. FASHION UPFRONT: The Notorious Fashion Icon; Old Coat, New Look; Ok So Boom; The Kollections; Styled & Profiled; #WearBlack; HC101: Intro Haute Couture pg 23. KOLOR ON TREND: Say It With Your Chest; Wild Wild West; Color Theory; Animal Instincts. Photographs by Ammar Thomas pg 40. THE KOLOR PALETTE : The New New Nudes; Editor's Picks; Hair In Hip Hop pg 64. Where To Buy 3

EDITOR'S LETTER

Issue by issue I'm learning to fall in love with the process of composing Kolor Magazine. Once I got on board with starting Kolor, I immediately began to pray for the end product: luxe editorials, sharp features, a beautiful design, the fashion glossy of my dreams that I would eventually present to you all. However, in working towards my dream, I was met with every mountain and every trial one can imagine. I worked exclusively from my phone because my laptop died and had to start the issue over from scratch. The struggle of securing samples for shoots, not knowing if the "no's" and "sorry we can't accommodate" responses are because you're a new publication still building a foundation and need more time

to grow or if it's because of the black and brown faces that fill the pages and sit at the helm. Wondering if the surprised eyes that greet me at the showrooms are because the English name Nigel is attached to my big black ass. In those moments, I reminded myself nothing will stop me from completing my assignment. When I began prepping the premiere issue of Kolor, this September issue was also on the brain. As Candy Pratts Price so eloquently put it in The September Issue, "September is the January of fashion." Whether you’re a monthly, bimonthly, quarterly, or biannual fashion magazine, you’re dropping a September/Fall fashion issue and I want Kolor’s September issue to be the best. So I welcome the roadblocks in creating Kolor, they force me to tap into my faith bag, making me that much more elated to share this September issue featuring the distinguished Rose Cordero on our cover. With love and respect, Nigel Isaiah

COPPED

Everything in my shopping bag for this season

From left to right: WOOLRICH Logo Knited Hat $69.00, farfetch.com; FILA Half Zip Track Jacket $83.38, harrods.com; COLUMBIA Wallaby Chukka Boots $60.00, Dillards.com

CONTENTS

pg 50. MATCH ME: Corduroy's, turtlenecks, casual suits, bomber jackets and stripes, Prynce and Jonah match each other look for look in new classic fall menswear. Photographs by Ammar Thomas pg 56. CHECKMATE: Checking in as one of fashion's biggest trends for the fall season is plaid. We headed into midtown Manhattan to shoot Rose Cordero in the tartan print. Photographs by Ammar Thomas ON THE COVER Rose Cordero (Click Model Management) photographed by Ammar Thomas for Kolor Magazine; styled by Nigel Isaiah; hair and makeup by Merli Estime & assisted by Bamike Ogunrinu; On Rose: MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION Blazer, Sweater, Dickey, Pants, Bag & Scarf Jonah & Prynce (Red Model Management) photographed by Ammar Thomas for Kolor Magazine; styled by Nigel Isaiah; on Jonah (left) BILLY REID suit and sweater & FLORSHEIM shoes, on Prynce (right) LACOSTE suit and shoes & SELECTED HOMME shirt. 5

KOLOR MAGAZINE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nigel Isaiah EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Bryant DeBerry COPY EDITOR Kimberly Denise CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Ammar Thomas

KOLOR ON LOCATION

CONTRIBUTORS Michelle Williams, D.Love, Merli Estime Bamike Ogunrinu

EVERYTHING IS BETTER ON KOLORMAGAZINE.COM

FASHI ON

UPFRONT

The Notorious Fashion Icon

His presence in the physical is absent, but the late Christopher "Notorious B.I.G." Wallace reign at the top remains the same. With only two albums to his name before his untimely passing, Ready to Die and Life After Death solidified the "Ten Crack Commandments" rapper as the best to ever do it. That legacy as the greatest rapper isn't all he left behind for fans; Biggie

ON THE MARKET

TOP IT OFF

NICK FOUQUET Fedora $1,225, barneys.com

also had an impeccable sense of

ensemble to match.

style. The Brooklyn native kept a rotation of signature looks that continue to pop up on fashion trend radars from season to season. On one end of the spectrum B.I.G. donned threepiece custom fitting suits with homburg hats to coincide with his mafioso Frank White persona and turtlenecks with low hanging chains with crosses and Jesus piece pendants. On the other: printed silk shirting, black and gold Versace shades paired with Kangol 504 Driver's caps, the recognizable multicolored Coogi sweaters, Karl Kani logo shirts, wheat construction Timberland boots and wallabies. For every fire bar that Biggie Smalls had, there was an equally iconic 8

Standing at 6 foot 2 inches ACNE STUDIOS Baseball Cap $120, barneys.com

FENDI FF Logo Hat $750, farfetch.com

GUCCI Wool Hat $450, gucci.com

and weighing 395 pounds, he was the original poster boy for "eff your beauty standards." Not slim and trim like many of his other fashion-forward peers of the 90s, it's no question B.I.G. had to work twice as hard to find and create looks that fit his stature to look just as dapper. He defeated many challenges big and tall men face when it's time to buy and wear clothes. His presence may be missing from mens style and fashion icon lists across the world wide web, but The Notorious B.I.G. was a fashion force that we won't ignore. Image Courtesy: @fytnotoriousbig, @notorious_big_

ON THE MARKET

Seeing Double? Fresh Coating

APPARIS Faux Fur Coat $295, intermix.com

PROENZA SCHOULER Puffer Coat $695, intermix.com

REJINA PYO Trench Coat $762.85, harrods.com

OLD COAT, NEW LOOK

Blackish leading lady, Tracee Ellis Ross (@traceeellisross)

might be a new face on the fashion scene to some, but Joan Carol Clayton has been styling since the 2000s when Girlfriends premiered on the now-defunct network, UPN. Need proof? See Ross, reposted this picture of herself strolling through NYC in 2000 in a full-length rust colored shearling paired with pink pants and a jacquard print bag; this is the kind of mixing and matching you'd see on a daring street style star today. "OMG look what @thecut found. Me in 2000 strolling through NYC. Thank you paparazzi. This was my fav look. I thought I was killin it," she captioned the throwback photo. Want to recreate Ross' bold ensemble? Dion Lee may have you covered. Walking in his Fall 2018 show was a cropped shearling jacket that resembles Ross' full-length beauty. With shaggy lamb fur trimmings and gold button hardware, this crinkle effect leather coat should keep you just as fly as Trace Ellis Ross for seasons to come. DION LEE Shearling Jacket $3,800, dionlee.com 9

THE BRAND FORMALLY KNOWN AS CUSHNIE ET OCHS REBRANDS AS CUSHNIE Change has arrived for one of New York's new school staple brands. After the departure of cofounder Michelle Ochs and chief executive officer Peter Arnold, remaining cofounder Carly Cushnie is rebranding the 10-year old label as simply, Cushnie. With a NYFW debut set for Friday, September 7th this will be Carly's first debut as the sole CEO & Creative Director of the brand known for its expert tailoring and clean lines.

NICHOLAS K OPENS A POP UP SHOP IN SOHO

Nicholas K is temporarily setting up shop downtown with their first brick and mortar location. With decor that includes cowhide rugs, green foliage, and parachutes hanging from the ceilings, the pop-up shop will sell the brands Fall 2018 collection as well as a menswear capsule

ok so

line. The shop is open seven days a week throughout September with more dates announced in the future.

BOOM... Here's what's happening in fashion right now.

THE SEPTEMBER ISSUES EXPLODE WITH KOLOR Even September issues are better in color! Dubbed as the most coveted copies of the year, the September "fashion" issues have hit newsstands and many of these monthlies have the following in common: black women are front and center on the covers. Black household staples Essence and Ebony Magazine chose Naomi Campbell and Issa Rae respectively to front their September issues. Major fashion publications both stateside and internationally join in on the hashtag black girl magic too including Beyonce for Vogue US, Rihanna for Vogue UK and Nicki Minaj for Vogue Arabia. Elle UK and Canada, Glamour US, Marie Claire US, Porter, LOVE magazine and more (The Hollywood Reporter, Shape, The Sunday Times, WSJ, I-D to name a few) all have at least one black and brown face fronting their autumn issues. In fact, according to fashionista.com, the diversity on major American based fashion publications has increased by 30% for 2018, now that's a lot more color on the newsstands. We guess the myth isn't accurate, black women do sell fashion magazines after all.

NICHOLAS K

We've seen a number of designers pull inspiration from western influences, among them, Nicholas K's Nicholas and Christopher Kunz. To differentiate themselves from the pack, after going west the brother-sister duo took a nose dive south to Peru. You won't find gaudy belt buckles and flashy plaids here. Instead, this cow, or should we say alpaca girl manages her herds in soft alpaca knit dresses and sweaters paired with boot cut denim that had the perfect amount of fit and slouch. True to the traditional cowgirl

CHRISTIAN COWAN

look though, she was accessorized with boots and hats with tall crowns and steep slopes.

Th Kollec

Fall 2

Rappers love Christian Cowan. Remy Ma sat front row at his Fall 2018 show. Cardi B "came through dripping" in one of Cowan's creations for her Invasion of Privacy album cover, and the Queen rapper from South Jamaica, Queens via Trinidad Nicki Minaj wore his neon brooch jacket in her "ChunLi" video. His designs are for wow moments. Take his Fall 2018 collection for example. Sequin suits, marabou trimmed mini dresses and mixed checkered trench-coats all fit the bill for rapper appropriate attire.

DURO OLOWU

You'd be hard pressed to find a designer who can mix prints like Duro Olowu. Season after season an explosion of colors and patterns decorate his offerings. Fall 2018 was no different. The Nigerian-born, London based designer's line up of printed mid-length skirts, knit turtlenecks, fuzz (or fur) trimmed outerwear with clashing printed waist ties and fringe trimmed dresses are fit for the most daring fashionista. Take these looks apart, and you'll find the bold separates, pops of color and graphic pizzazz that women want for spicing up their wardrobe.

he ctions

2018

JEREMY SCOTT

There's always some kind of fashion spectacles lying within a Jeremy Scott collection. They're bright in color, gutsy in graphics and wildly wacky in concept but for Scott, who also holds the Creative Director's position at Moschino, it works. This season's extravagant piece was the moon boots, thigh high for the ladies and calf high for the fellas. Scott also showed lingerie stitched separates, PVC seperates, and pocket covered puffer jackets. Scott made use of neon hues and a colorful animal print and turned them into metallics, making this lineup shimmer and shine.

styled & proďŹ led The "Stay Dangerous" rapper has found his look and he's sticking to it!

A Facebook meme introduced me to rapper YG's (@YG) style. "Thug turned fashion model" was the caption and the post, which had a little over 1,000 likes, 1,500 comments and 9,000 shares featured three pictures of the "Big Bank Take Little Bank" artist in what seemed to me at the time to be his signature look. The caption was funny enough for me to want to share with crying laughing emoji's but I appreciated his style point of view even if I wouldn't personally copy his outfits. A friend (shout out to Keith) followed up with a comment, "YG really fly though, low key" and his opinion was enough for me to investigate. Keith was right, YG is a fly guy, and his style has point of view that I find interesting. The look: plaid button downs that Craig Jones would envy. Shorts that cut off 14

well before the knee, tailored trousers, great jackets --the Starter NBA patchwork jacket is a personal favorite-- and a lot of red. The trimmings: bling-bling as my generation once called it, thin-framed sunglasses and socks with dress shoes. And not just any shoe and sock pairing, tube socks and patent leather shoes. The results? This fashion risk-taker has found a unique balance between a West Coast vibe and a clean European tailored look with a dash of today's streetwear in the mix. The meme caption may have gotten a chuckle out of me, but YG's style is far from laughable. He has an eye and a clear vision on how he prefers to dress, and I am interested in seeing how his style evolves.

ON THE MARKET

ICE ON THE BEZEL

TAG HEUER Chronograph Watch $3,000, bloomingdales.com

MOVADO Bracelet Watch $2,195, nordstroms.com

#WEAR BLACK 16

Patricia Clarkson added a pop of color to her lo (@malonesouliers) heels; Tiffany Haddish chopped it Beyonce was looking Godly in Cushnie (@cushnie); A Cromatie (@bishme_r_cromatie) dress; Rodney McLeo House Army (@woodhouse_army); Justin Com (@duckie_confetti); Tobias Harris is all smiles with Ros in a Studio 189 (@studiooneeightynine) shirt; MĂŠlodie New York (@mateonewy

ook with a pair of Malone Souliers up in a Pyer Moss (@pyermoss) jacket; Ashanti kept things regal in a Bishme R. od and Tye Smith hit the streets in Wood mbs was dapper in Duckie Confetti sario Dawson, co-founder of Studio 189 Monrose takes London carrying a Mateo york) bag;

ON THE MARKET

#BUYBLACK

TELFAR Flared Jeans $639, farfetch.com

WALES BONNER Unisex Shirt,$630, lanecrawford.com

MARTINE ROSE Football Shirt $290, matchesfashion.com

STELLA JEAN Tweed Skirt $332, theoutnet.com 17

HC101:

INTRO TO HAUTE COUTURE If (New York) Fashion Week is when the women of New York leave their past behind and look forward to the future, Haute Couture week in Paris is when wealthy women leave reality behind and enter a world of fantasy. It must be a dream world when you're seated at a runway show with the sole purpose of purchasing made to order day and evening wear with price points starting at $10,000. Similar to the fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan and Paris during the big fashion months in February and September, twice a year in January and June members and some approved non members of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture present high-quality collections that are constructed by hand from start to finish. The differences? The time and attention it takes to craft these garments; the rules designers abide by to consider themselves a couture house; the audience these collections cater too and the value they add to a fashion houses in comparison to their readyto-wear collections and licensing products. Forget everything you know about Prêt-à-Porter fashion; you're inside the haute house now! A look from Stéphane Rolland Haute Couture FW18 Collection 18

THE RULES

Stamping couture on a garment's tag doesn't make a fashion house a member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. The term is protected by law and there are rules to be apart of this couture crowd. An atelier must design made-toorder clothes for private clients, with a minimum of one fitting; have an atelier in Paris that employs at least fifteen full-time staff workers and twenty full-time technical workers and present a collection of at least fifty original day and evening designs in January and July of each year during Paris Fashion Week A look from Julien Fournie Ě Haute Couture FW18 Collection

THE LADIES BUY COUTUR

THE FOUNDER Charles Fredrick Worth is the man

who started it all. After moving to Paris at 20 years old and setting up what is known as the first designer atelier in 1858, Worth began designing for royal families including Lady Curzon and Napoleon III's wife, Empress EugĂŠnie. Worth's use of the best fabrics and trims to create his designs along with his clientele helped him established his brand. He is known as the Father of Haute Couture.

Hundreds of hours and numerous expertly trained skilled hands goes into designing just one haute couture piece in hopes of appealing to a small group of couture buyers.These women are multi-millionaires who desire the best for their closets. Meet some of the black and brown women who are apart of this illustrious club. Socialite Marjorie Harvey is a regular fixture at the couture shows, often wearing Christian Dior's and Valentino's high fashion lines. BET's former Chief Executive Debra L. Lee is a fan of Dolce & Gabbana's Alta Moda collection, donning one of their couture dresses for the 2015 BET Honors Award Show. Fashion legend Eunice Johnson created Ebony Fashion Fair, a traveling fashion extravaganza that showcased haute couture on black and brown models to black and brown audiences along side black designers. And here's a fun fact, Johnson. who gave Ebony Magazine its name, bought instead of borrowed couture looks from Parisian designers for her Ebony Fashion Fair shows. 21

COUTURE ON T.V. On Netflix: Prior to Raf Simons taking his talents to Calvin Klein, the Belgian designer was appointed as the Artistic Director for Christian Dior. In Dior and I, the 2014 documentary follows Simons as he creates his first couture collection for the iconic fashion house. On Youtube: Interested in couture buyers? The Secret World of Haute Couture, a BBC Documentary gives you an inside look at the elite group of women who head to Paris during fashion week for one reason, to buy haute couture. ON THE MARKET

HIGH FASHION

CHRISTIAN DIOR Vintage Haute Couture Dress $3,473, farfetch.com 22

CHANEL Vintage Haute Couture Pendant $4,321, farfetch.com

GIANFRANCO FERRE Vintage Haute Couture Gown $8,268, farfetch.com

KOLOR

ON TREND

Logos and branded clothing continues to reign supreme on the street style and runway fronts. Classic prints and bold chromatic hues paint garments from seam to seam and rodeo influences are sending style in a wild direction. Photographs by Ammar Thomas; Fashion Editor: Nigel Isaiah; Words by Nigel Isaiah and Bryant DeBerry; Models: Roshni Copriz (Q Management), Amy Lefevre (Q Management), Dilon Eyre (Next Management); Hair & Make Up: Merli Estime; Hair & Make Up Assiant: Bamike Ogunrinu 23

SAY IT WITH YOUR CHEST

We're dressing in the era where everyone knows who you're wearing without you ever having to say a word. Logo and brand stamped clothes, the trend lead by the hype immediately exposes what fashion wave you're on just by spotting a Nike Swoosh, interlocking Chanel C's or a red and white Supreme stamp. The trend first exploded in the 80's and 90's due primarily to Dapper Dan. The Harlem born designer who was ahead of his time, reworked Louis Vuitton and Gucci monogrammed prints into rapper friendly two-piece baggy suits and coats with garbage bag sized sleeves for Olympic runners. However, monogram designer goods can be dated back to Louis Vuitton luggage from the early twentieth century. In today's culture, streetwear brands, like Supreme --who's creative director James Jebbia just snagged a CFDA Award for Menswear Designer of the Year-- are at the forefront of this trend, but luxury brands are cashing in on the branding craze too. Gucci brought on Dapper Dan to design a capsule collection. Fendi's inverted Zucca has become a new favorite for celebs like Nicki Minaj and classic American brands like Tommy Hilfiger and DKNY have amped up their logo selection to rival their success from the 90s. On Roshni: LACOSTE Sweater; DKNY Pants On Amy: DKNY Sweater & Pants; MODEL'S OWN Jewelry 25

1. EMILIO PUCCI Ribbed Logo Sweater $633, harrods.com; 2. JACQUEMUS Le Minho Bag $732, forwardbyelysewalker.com ; 3. PRADA Sock Logo Boots $730, italist.com; 4. MSGM Logo Patch Faux Fur Hat $185, luisaviaroma.com; Alicia Keys (@aliciakeys) struck a pose for the gram in a Balenciaga Logo Panel Jacket $1,790, nordstroms.com

2. 3. 4.

HEAT BY THE WAIST

Plastered across the chest isn't the only place you'll find brand names. Designer fanny packs are the accessory of the moment, and many of them are covered in logos. Celebs including Winnie Harlow (@winnieharlow), Tammy Rivera (@charliesangelll), Monica (@monicabrown) and Remy Ma (@remyma) have jumped on the hand's free trend, wearing a bum bag on the waistline or as a crossbody pouch. PRADA Bum Bag, $842, italist.com

ON A FASHION EDITOR Out of all the monogram prints currently trending Fendi's Zucca print is by far the most popular. Refinery 29's Fashion Writer, Channing Hargrove (@chan_inthecity) however put her own spin on the "Fendi prints on" craze opting for a logo shirt from the Italian luxury fashion house. Pairing the top with frayed hem denim, a full-length fur coat, white boots and a micro-sized top handle bag.

Wild Wild West

While it has been thought that the Western trend has come and gone, the truth is that it never left. Pulling this off is just as effortless as any go to look in your closet. Keeping the Western details to a button down shirt or jacket is the best way not to go overboard all while giving a proper nod to this staple. Make this do double duty by paying attention to added prints and finer details like contrast piping or added touches of hardware. You can find some inspiration from the likes of Calvin Klein or DSquared2. -Bryant DeBerry On Dilon: COACH 1941 Shirt

1. DSQUARED2 Hippie Cowboy Arizona Boots $995, farfetch.com; 2. CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC Leather Cowboy Scarf $341, farfetch.com; 3. LEVI'S Regular Jeans $128, farfetch.com; Chris Paul (@CP3) at a Rockets game dressed in cowboy attire.

4. 1.

4. DSQUARED2 Checked Shirt $890, farfetch.com; 5. B-LOW THE BELT Studded Western Belt $255, farfetch.com; 6. COMME DES GARĂ&#x2021;ONS Fringed Wallet $302, farfetch.com; Body Builder Mike Crosby (@mr_chasingainz) stepped out in a cowboy inspired get up.

ON T.V. 30

You can find Black cowboys on the big screens in your home. Yellowstone, a new television drama that premiered over the summer starring Denim Richards (@denimrichards) who played Colby and James Pickens Jr. (@therealjamespickens) who had a guest role on the series. Yellowstone airs on Paramount Networks and the second season returns in 2019.

ON THE RUNWAY Top Row Left to Right: Coach 1941; Pyer Moss; DSquared. Bottom Row Left to Right: CALVIN KLEIN 205W39NYC; Astrid Andersen; Dries Van Noten.

IN LIVING COLOR

Nothing says fall more than earth tones. Consciously or unconsciously, we store those warm pumpkin spice, apple pie, peach cobbler hues away when spring rolls around with plans to revisit them in 6 months time but this season you may keep them tucked away. This fall is calling for color, and we're not talking about a little pop. Yellows, pinks, reds, blues, if the color looks like it belongs in a rainbow, you're on trend. Brands like Milly, Tibi and Cushnie kept the colors on their catwalks vibrant with both monochromatic and color-blocked looks. We still want you to enjoy all the wool, chunky knits and layers that fall has to offer, but this time around, do it in color! On Roshni: LACOSTE Sweater: CHROMAT Pants; LINDSEY NICOLE Bag; BODEN Shoes On Amy: TIBI Sweater & Skirt; LINDSEY NICOLE Bag; MODEL'S OWN Jewelry

4. 1. TIBI Pullover $495, tibi.com; 2. JIL SANDER Pointed Toe Loafers $505, barneys.com; 3. CASHMERE IN LOVE Cashmere Jumper $599, farfetch.com; 4. GENNY Fitted Button Skirt $371, farfetch.com; 5. SOLACE LONDON Asymmetric Shirt Dress $554, farfetch.com; 6. MATEO NEW YORK Satchel $595, saksfifthavenue.com 34

ON THE LADIES

Tracee Ellis Ross (@traceeellisross) went bold in a House of Holland blue suit.; Marjorie Harvey (@marjorie_harvey) took on Paris in a bright red sweater and thigh high boots; Yara Shahidi (@yarashahidi)brighten up the place in yellow pieces from Chanel, Elizabeth & James and Melody Ehsani.; Whoopi Goldberg (@whoopigoldberg) popped at the 2018 CFDA awards in a pink Christian Siriano suit.; Issa Rae (@issarae) was green with envy hosting the 2018 CFDA Awards in Sergio Hudson.; Angela Rye (@angelarye) looked stunning in an orange 35 Solace London dress.

ANIMAL INSTINCTS

We're asking DJ D-Wrek to cut the beat for this wild style battle and it's not to have a Wild N' Out freestyle. Going head to head in this contest on the spots squad, leopards and cheetahs verse tigers and zebras on the stripes squad. Animal prints are having a moment in fashion, and the guys love the trends just as much as the ladies. Often viewed as a neutral when it comes to dressing, animal prints are ideal for building outfits around, and it's the cruelty-free way add wildlife to your wardrobe. Designer Tom Ford show them on slim fit trousers and bomber jackets for his Fall 2018 collection. On the savanna, these beautiful prints are used to blend in, but in spots and stripes you'll be standing out.

On Dilon: OSKLEN Jacket; STUSSY Shirt

1. THE V-NECK SWEATER

3. THE BUTTON DOWN

1. ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Animal Print Jumper $1,125, farfetch.com; 2. MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION Fall 2018 Runway Look; 3. ARIES Camp-Collar Shirt $355, mrporter.com; 4. AMIRI Skinny-Fit Denim Jeans $690, mrporter.com; 5. TOPMAN Animal Print Overshirt $120, topman.com; 6. KENZO Animal-Print Trousers $325, farfetch.com

6. THE CASUAL JOGGERS

5. THE OVERSHIRT

4. THE SLIM FIT DENIM

ON THE MARKET

THE ILLEST SNAKES

CONVERSE Chuck Taylor Sneakers $85, endclothing.com 38

REEBOK Phase 1 Pro $135, endclothing.com

FILLING PIECES LowTop Sneakers $410, bergdorfgoodman.com

ON THE FELLAS

Your favorite athletes don't shy away from a few spots. New York Giants Wide receiver Odell Beckham (@obj), Cleveland Browns linebacker Christian Kirksey (@christiankirksey) and newly retired Victor Cruz (@teamvic) have all embraced animal prints. 39

THE KOLOR PALETTE Kolor on beauty & grooming

THE NEW, NEW NUDES

Edwina Kulego has partnered up with Celfie Cosmetics for the second time on a new line of nude lipsticks for black women. We spoke with Edwina on her ventures with Celfie Cosmetics, the inspiration behind the collection and whats next for this entrepreneur

The Legacy Collection is your second lipstick line with Celfie Cosmetics. What lead you to do nude lipsticks for your second collection? I've always felt that black women, in general, have a hard time with nudes. It can be with apparel, it could be with shoes, for example, the Christian Louboutin shoe that all of us have and all of us wear is not a nude for us. It's for a Caucasian woman, and that has become the norm of a nude. For me, it was about filling that void and need in the beauty industry. For personal reasons, I love these rich brown colors. I think they look beautiful on us and I have so many girlfriends who have a hard time finding their color. That was the inspiration behind the collection. Which shade in The Legacy Collection is your perfect nude? My shade is Ghana which is interesting because I am from Ghana. The color is Nogah from the initial Essential by Edwina collection. It was the best seller from that line, so we decided to keep 42

it and turned it into Ghana. It's currently the second best selling color; Congo is the best seller right now. What inspired you to name the collection after African Countries? Well you know I am from Africa, and there's this misconception that Africans look one way and they're typically a darker complexion, but you have the Fulani tribe in Africa who are super light. You have all kinds of shades and colors coming from the continent. I wanted to embrace that diversity and represent it in the collection. How has it been working with Celfie Cosmetics again on a new line of lipsticks?

Pictured Above: Essentials by Edwina It has been so good working with Celfie Cosmetics founder Edwina Kulego (@edwinakulego) again. Nicole Harding is a strong, intelligent black woman who has many different jobs, Celfie Cosmetics is one of them. She’s passionate about what she does, and I am too. I’m passionate and sensitive about the work that I do. I feel like we mesh very well because we’re focused, ambitious and very particular about achieving a specific goal and keeping this collection at a certain quality level. We weren't willing to compromise the products being vegan. We didn't want to compromise the packaging; we didn't want to compromise the influencers that were apart of the campaign. We were able to step our game up for this collection and the experience has just been great.

Pictured Below: CELFIE COSMETICS The Legacy Collection $85.99, celfiecosmetics.com

Are you interested go into other beauty ventures in the future? Yes, I feel like this is just the beginning. This collection and this partnership have opened up