A AR RR R EE SS TT T T H H EE C C O O PP SS T T H HA ATT K K IILLLLEE D D B B R R EE O ON NN NA A T TA AYY LLO OR R
S O O U IZ Z
F A L L 2 0 2 0 - I S S U E 8 - k o l o r m a g a z i n e . c o m - # E N D S A R S N O W
REDEFINING SEXY AS THE NEW FACE OF BIG & TALL
k o lo r m a g a z in e .c o m
K O L O R M A G A Z IN E .C O M
MAN
KOLOR The fashion magazine for black and brown men.
kolormagazine.com
EDITOR'S LETTER
You gotta' love it watching your friends do it big! And during the pandemic, I watched my peeps do some big shit. My friends started consulting with small businesses on their marketing strategies, became business owners, wrote cover stories for Paper Magazine, styled editorials for I-D Magazine, curated an interview series for the CFDA, designed their first capsule collections. It's the steel that sharpens my steel. It's the UNO game that turns into the battle of the draw 2s and 4s; everyone has a stacked hand, and they're playing their best cards. In the spirit of doing it big, sitting here listening to Lil Kim "Doing It Way Big," who better to front issue 8 than one of the new faces of menswear, Soouizz, the 6'4" fashion influencer beloved by Rihanna and Dapper Dan. As I watched his debut in the Savage x Fenty Runway extravaganza, I knew I wanted to shoot him for Kolor. There it was, my big move! Now who's next?
MASTHEAD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Nigel Isaiah nigel@kolormagazine.com PHOTOGRAPHY LEAD: Ammar Thomas CONTRIBUTORS: Wayne Jones, Jordan J. Lloyd, Dorien Love, CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS: Dom Hill, Warren K. Leffler, BP Miller, Jefferson Osagie, Mercedes Mehling, Jean-Philippe, Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona,
ON THE COVER: Soouizz photographed exclusively for Kolor Magazine by Ammar Thomas; Styling by Nigel Isaiah wearing: PERRY ELLIS AMERICA Sweatshirt. Location: The 9 Studio.
With love and respect, Nigel Isaiah
Nigel Isaiah
FASHION UPFRONT
CONTENTS FALL 2020 | ISSUE 8
8. SOOUIZZ Menswear beyond a size medium. Photographs by Ammar Thomas. Styling by Nigel Isaiah.
ON THE GROUND
18. THE ART OF PROTEST Why hitting the streets will never be a lost art form. by Nigel Isaiah. 22. Tech 23. Music 24. Entertainment 25. Gallery
FALL 2020 | ISSUE 8
CONTENTS
KSTYLE 28. The Market 32. The Look 34. The Trends
Photographs by Ammar Thomas. Styling by Nigel Isaiah.
36. The Grail List Performance sneakers the high fashion way! Photographs by Ammar Thomas. Styling by Nigel Isaiah.
FASHION UPFRONT
S O O U IZ Z P h o t o g r a p h s b y A m m a r T h o m a s . S t y l i n g b y N i g e l I s a i a h
Fresh off the Savage x Fenty runway, we headed to Brooklyn to shoot Soouizz. Standing at 6'4", the Nigerian born fashion influencer and stylist is quickly becoming the poster boy for big and tall menswear. A big man with big style, and once he steps in front of the camera, HE'S ALIVE. You size medium cats should take notes there's a new face of fashion on the scene!
T h is P a g e : A L P H A I N D U S T R I E S J a c k e t, A S O S S w e a tp a n ts . O p p o s ite P a g e : P E R R Y E L L I S Tra c k J a c k e t a n d P a n ts , A S O S To p , M O D E L' S O W N J e w e lry.
T I B I C a rd ig a n , S E A N J O H N Te e , A S O S P a n ts , M O D E L' S O W N J e w e lry.
T H IS PA G E : P E R R Y E L L I S S w e a ts h irt, A S O S S w e a tp a n ts , S ty lis t's O w n A I R J O R D A N S n e a k e rs . O p p o s ite P a g e : A L P H A I N D U S T R I E S J a c k e t, A S O S J e a n s , S ty lis t's O w n A I R J O R D A N S n e a k e rs , M O D E L' S O W N J e w e lry.
A S O S S h irt
W h e re to b u y
9. See page 14. 10. Alpha Industries MA-1 Bomber Jacket (Seasonal) $160, alphaindustries.com; ASOS Design Set Oversized Teddy Sweatpants $45.00, for similar styles visit asos.com. 11. Perry Ellis Double Stripe Track Jacket $135 and Double Stripe Track Pants $95, perryellis.com; ASOS Design Over Sized Polar Fleece Sweatshirt with Half Zip in Gray $45.00, asos.com. 12. Tibi Grey Oversized Easy Cardigan $495, ssense.com; Sean John Men's Prove Them Wrong Script Tee in Bright White $40, macys.com; ASOS Design Plus Cigarette Chinos With Pleats in Washed Black $32.00, asos.com. 14. Alpha Industries N-3b Fear The Bones Parka $250.00, alphaindustries.com; ASOS Design Plus Skinny Jeans in Flat Mid Wash Blue $40.00, asos.com; Air Jordan 6 Retro Maroon (2015), for similar styles visit goat.com. 15. Perry Ellis Circle Logo Fleece Crew Sweatshirt in Aruba Blue $105, perryellis.com, ASOS Design Set Over Sized Teddy Sweatpants $45.00, for similar styles visit asos.com; AIR JORDAN 15 Retro Stealth (2017), for similar styles visit goat.com. 16. ASOS Design Oversized Faux Fur Sweatshirt With High Neck & Color Blocking in Heritage Brown Green & Orange $64, asos.com.
ON THE GROUND on the pulse of politics, culture and trends.
The Art of Protest In the same month that Nigerians celebrated the 60th anniversary of their Independence Day on October 1st, 2020, residences of the country, Nigerian expats, and allies arose in protest after a video of an officer from the Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS) beating a young man went viral. Hundreds of Nigerians took to social media to share similar experiences with the civil force. Thousands took to the streets in
solidarity, risking (and some losing) their lives to not only advance the awareness of the police brutality plaguing Nigeria but to voice their support for the dismantling of the anti-robbery squad in its entirety. The scene: protesters pounding the pavement with signs held high and chants sung loud as civilians standoff with law enforcement was no different than what we witness here in the states and around the world, the art of protest. Photograph by Jefferson Osagie/Unsplash
Disaffected people have often turned to protest to express their dissatisfaction with those in authority. The civil rights movement in the 1950s and 60s saw Ezell Blair Jr., David Richmond, Franklin McCain and Joseph McNeil aka the Greensboro Four --at the forefront of the Greensboro sit-ins. And the Freedom Riders, a group of black and white activists who were met with a bomb in Anniston, Alabama while protesting segregated bus terminals. Their actions spark movements that thousands followed. These black and brown leaders should be the face of “standing your ground.” Alexa, play Bone Crusher “Never Scared." The sheer guts of our ancestors to endure cruelty at the hands of racist white Americans including the all-white police forces so we could stand on their shoulders, and use our voices for a united call on behalf of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, #BlackTransLives, ending SARS, women’s rights and counting every vote. The hymns have evolved from “We May Overcome” to “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” but our movement remains firm. “The murder of unarmed black men has been an American way of death across centuries. After seeing the most comprehensive police reform bill ever introduce to congress I've begun to wonder if now is the time, if now is time the protesters finally win,” Lawrence O’Donnell expresses in a promo commercial for his late-night MSNBC show, The Last Word. Hold that poster high, project that mantra from the diaphragm, stand tall as you hit the streets. They’re watching, they’re listening, the tides are turning,
.
Background Image: Photograph by BP Miller/Unsplash
Left: Protesters at the March on Washington. Photograph by Warren K. Leffler/Unsplash. Colorized by Jordan J. Lloyd
Protesters in London, UK standing in solidarity with Nigerians demanding the end of police brutality in the country. Photograph by Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona/Unsplash.
On The Ground: Tech
Pushin Big Whip
"Cadillac grills, Cadillac mills," the debut of the LYRIQ, the new sleek, luxury, allelectric Cadillac SUV comes with no oil spills to check out. Coming soon to the iconic brands line up, the LYRIQ is the fresh face of future Cadillac electric vehicles. Set to give drivers 300 miles of range on a fully charged battery, expect to enjoy cruising on 23" wheels, and plush leather seating. The SUV will come with charging options, an upgraded Super Cruise hands-free driving assistance feature, and a 33-inch- interactive LED Screen.
The New Flip
The 2000s flip phone silhouette has some 2020 upgrades. Reviving the 2004 debut, the new RAZR comes equipped with dual functional screens and a modern design. With the ability to control your music, respond to text messages, navigate directions, and manage apps from the frontfacing display, you can get your updates without ever having to open your phone. And the amenities only look better once you give it a flip and view them on the 6.2� OLED main screen.
On The Ground: Music
BENNY THE BUTCHER Butcher comin' nigga! Back with his second studio
Burdon of Proof
album, Burden of Proof finds Benny The Butcher settling into his newfound fame. "Last year was 'bout brandin,' this one about expandin'" (Burden of Proof) the LP opens up as Benny reminisces on his past life while using braggadocious lyrics to celebrate the present. As he reflects, "I remember doin' stick-ups for less than a hundred dollars," he follows up with a flex, "now we don't get dressed for less than a hundred thousand," (Famous)." Flowing with the best of best on the Hit-Boy produce project from Lil Wayne and Rick Ross to fellow Buffalo natives Westside Gunn and Conway the Machine, the lyrical, storytelling, and production bar is set for his next LP. Expand brotha, expand.
HIP HOP x ONLY FANS It's the platform known for porn, Onlyfans! The UK-based, the content subscription service offers creatives a platform to provide their audiences picture, video, and live stream content for free or at a monthly subscription fee. Now that could be anything from cooking to workout videos. The platform NSFW adult content-friendly policy, however, has gained Onlyfans a porn site reputation and rappers are signing up as content creators to capitalize on their lustful lifestyles. Joining the adult entertainers on the platform are Tyga and Casanova, and fans are paying up to $25 to get an x-rated look at their lives. Is this a hustle you can get behind? Photograph by Dom Hill/Unsplash.
On The Ground: Entertainment
Launching alongside the Playstation 5 Console, and a pair of superstar Adidas is Spider-Man: Miles Morales. The adventure kicks off with a young Miles Morales navigating store runs for his mom while following in his mentor Peter Parker's footsteps as SpiderMan. Swinging around the Big Apple backward and fighting crime with a trusty sidekick, a Bodega cat named Spider-Man, Spider-Man: Miles Morales is a continuation from the last installment Marvel's Spider-Man developed by Insomniac Games, Inc. Photograph by Jean-Philippe/Unsplash
PlayStationÂŽ5 Console $499, playstation.com
FROM MY HEARTMIND... OUT MY HAND... IN YOUR EYES... INTO YOUR HEARTMIND
On The Ground: Gallery
poem by black{poet}alien blackpoetalien.com @blackpoetalien i’m trying to write lines that transforms niggas and bitches to gods and goddesses and then finally into newbeings i’m trying to transform illiterates and degenerates to degreed individuals that ascend expectations of the naysayer populous i want to colorize white canvases with oceans of colors and sew textures of heaven to cover the hellish mind take away your guns and internet and give you back your spears and goatskin drums remove your louboutins and run free with naked feet unplug your social networks and give you back the villages you see technology pillages the mind until you’re left with no feelings give back your text messages i want to write poetry that cross the gender presages eliminates man-made sexual preferences oppressing them i’m going to write lines that form keys that unlock brain cells that imprison thee i write to expel your taste to flee feeding you courage to battle status quo in air or undersea i plan to write poems to the beat of your heart written with your tears because i love the you in you you fear to reveal to me i write for the wounded part of you that even you deprive of love i write for the just i write for the brilliant light of right. be free to begin your new beginning from the middle of you i am who you are but afraid to be
Photograph by Mercedes Mehling/Unsplash
BELLA DONNA by Daniel E. Forrester @artofdef1111
Follow us on Instagram @kolormagazine if you want a chance to have your art, poetry, and creative expression featured on our gallery page.
Kstyle
O P P O S IT E PA G E : M A R C E LO B U R LO N C O U N T Y O F M I L A N J a c k e t, N A N A M IC A J e a n s
- T h e M a rk e t
The North Face Down Jacket $260, matchesfashion.com
CLARKS Wallabee Boot $112. Zappos.com
A-Cold-Wall* Socks $28, cettire.com
Telfar Shopping Bag $257, shop.telfar.net
Goodthreads Flannel Shirt $17, amazon.com
- T h e M a rk e t
ACNE STUDIOS Wool Scarf $150, mrporter.com
AIMÉ LEON DORE Drawstring Pants $195, mrporter.com
Y-3 Shoulder Bag $91, farfetch.com
WALES BONNER Cotton-Corduroy Shirt $570, matchesfashion.com
BRANDBLACK Sneakers $135, yoox.com
@iketourage
Musician | Youtuber | Photographer
Photograph by Isaiah Davis
-T h e Lo o k
ISAIAH DAVIS
Always stylin' in his signature flat hats, Isaiah Davis polished style is the envy of those looking to find "their look." The selfproclaimed "Disco Hippy" and Youtuber (boasting over 3 million views on his channel) modern 70s take with a European flair is menswear muse worthy. On his Instagram, @iketourage, you can find this southern gentleman flaunting florals for fall and sleek in solids separates.
LOCK & CO. HATTERS Tremelo wool-tweed flat cap $135, matchesfashion.com
HARDY CROBB'S Polo shirt $30, yoox.com
BURBERRY ChunkySole Trainers $760, matchesfashion.com
HUNTER BOOTS Compact Umbrella $65, eastdane.com
- T h e Tre n d s
SHEAR ZO N E Photographs by Ammar Thomas. Styling by Nigel Isaiah. Model: V
Location: The 9 Studios
T H IS PA G E : O VERLAN D C o a t, G O L D E N G O O S E J a c k e t, D K N Y S h irt, N A N A M IC A Je ans. O P P O S IT E PA G E : O VERLAN D C o a t, N A N A M IC A J e a n s .
THE
GRAIL LIST Photographs by Ammar Thomas. Styling by Nigel Isaiah. Models: Joseph & V Location: The 9 Studios
K -W A Y C o a t, N A N A M I C A J a c k e t, S T Y L I S T O w n P a n ts A P L S n e a k e rs
T H IS PA G E : K W A Y S h irt, C H R IS T IA N W IJ N A N T S P a n ts , S ty lis t's O w n A IR JO R DA N S n e a k e rs . O P P O S IT E PA G E : N A N A M I C A S h irt a n d P a n ts , I C E B E R G C o a t, S ty lis t's O w n A I R JO R DA N S n e a k e rs .
M A R C E L O B U R T O N C O U N T Y O F M I L A N J a c k e t a n d S w e a te r, D K N Y P a n ts , M o d e l 's O w n S o c k s , A P L S n e a k e rs
I C E B E R G C o a t a n d S w e a te r, C H R I S T I A N W I J N A N T S P a n ts , S ty lis t's O w n A I R J O R D A N S n e a k e rs .
W h e re to b u y
26. Marcelo Burlon County of Milan Printed Jacket for similar styles visit marceloburlon.eu; Nanamica 5 Pocket Jeans $275, us.nanamica.com. 34. Overland Jason Sheepskin B-3 Bomber Jacket $895, overland.com; Nanamica 5 Pocket Jeans $275, us.nanamica.com. 35. Overland Maverick Shearling Sheepskin Rancher Coat $995, overland.com; Golden Goose Double-breasted Joshua jacket in checked madras $440, goldengoose.com; DKNY Striped Button Down Shirt, for similar styles visit dkny.com; Nanamica 5 Pocket Jeans $275, us.nanamica.com.
W h e re to b u y
36-37. See page 47. 38-39. K-Way Puffer Coat, for similar styles visit k-way.us; Nanamica Fleece Jacket $450, us.nanamica.com; APL Men's TechLoom Pro $140, athleticpropulsionlabs.com. 40. K-Way Polo Shirt, for similar styles visit k-way.us; Christian Wijnants Pakka Pants $605, christianwijnants.com; Air Jordan 15 Retro 'Doernbecher' (2018), for similar styles visit goat.com. 41. Iceberg Faux Fur Coat, for similar styles visit iceberg.com; Nanamica Dock Jacket $675, us.nanamica.com; Nanamica Dock Pants $380, us.nanamica.com; Air Jordan 17+ Retro 'Copper' 2016, for similar styles visit goat.com. 42-43. Marcelo Burlon County of Milan Cross Bomber $1,870, marceloburlon.eu; Marcelo Burlon County of Milan Knit Sweater, for similar styles visit marceloburlon.eu; DKNY Striped Drawstring Pant, for similar styles visit dkny.com; APL Men's TechLoom Tracer $230, athleticpropulsionlabs.com. 44. Iceberg Faux Fur Coat, for similar styles visit iceberg.com; Iceberg Fluro-Green and Blue Ribbed Sweater $580.00, iceberg.com; Christian Wijnants Pakka Pants $605, christianwijnants.com; Air Jordan 15 Retro 'Doernbecher' (2018), for similar styles visit goat.com. 47. Iceberg Metallic Green Padded Jacket With Hood $970, iceberg.com; Christian Wijnants Togo Shirt $375, christianwijnants.com; Iceberg Metallic Green Padded Jacket, for similar styles visit iceberg.com.
IC E B E R G C o a t a n d P a n ts , C H R IS T IA N W IJ N A N T S S h irt