Reverie in Design: Innovation Through Craftsmanship
Icons of Influence: Fashion as Power, Art, and Identity
Exclusive
Bespoke Brilliance: The Art of Tailoring Luxury
The Evolution of Elegance: Redefining Modern Aesthetics
Cultural Crossroads: Fashion Meets Heritage
Artistic Design
Layers of Legacy: The Weave of Time and Trend
Silhouettes in Motion: Architectural Fashion Statements
Abstract Glamour: Creativity Beyond the Canvas Brand Visual Group
Cultivating Style: A Visual Symphony
Inspiring Aesthetic Narratives: Behind the Lens
Heritage Meets Modernity: A Timeless Perspective
Copy and Assets
Crafting Narratives: Precision in Words and Visuals
The Future of Expression: Redefining Cultural Identity
Beyond Borders: The Global Language of Fashion
MAGAZINES BRAND ADVERTISING
Industry Leadership
With bold innovation and unwavering principles, Cult’oùr leads the charge in redefining the creative industry. Gravitas anchors every endeavor, challenging norms to elevate artistic integrity and cultural honor.
Proven and determined, the team relentlessly pursues excellence, uniting creative visionaries under a shared purpose. From recognizing untold stories to uplifting the voices of tomorrow, each initiative reflects commitment, resilience, and ambition.
MAGAZINE
Cult’oùr exists as more than a publication—it is a gateway to a world where craftsmanship meets ingenuity. With every issue, we present a harmonious blend of legacy and innovation, resonating deeply with global audiences.
PLANNING AND OPERATIONS
Each step in our process is a testament to excellence, from crafting narratives to meticulous curation. Our operations team embraces clarity and collaboration, ensuring that creativity flourishes with purpose and precision.
MAGAZINES BRAND
The Cult’oùr brand embodies a commitment to timeless elegance and innovative expression. It stands as a symbol of sophistication, marrying visionary ideas with an unwavering dedication to aesthetic excellence.
PUBLISHED BY ESCAPE DEFINITION MEDIA, PUBLISHING & PROPAGANDA
As part of Escape Definition, Cult’oùr operates with an ethos of bold transformation. Together, we challenge conventions, reimagine possibilities, and illuminate the pathways for culture and creativity to thrive.
VISIONARY LEADERSHIP
"Dedicated to Those Who Shape the Narrative"
At Cult’oùr, we honor the visionaries who transform creativity into culture, recog- nizing their power to redefine the future of fashion, art, and storytelling.
THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE
"Crafted Without Compromise"
Every page of Cult’oùr is a testament to our unwavering dedication to quality. We leave no detail overlooked, embracing the complexities of culture and couture to deliver an unparalleled experience.
TRUST THROUGH INNOVATION
"Inspiring Confidence Amid Critical Eyes"
With trust as our foundation, Cult’oùr delivers thought-provoking content that pushes boundaries and reimagines conventions, inviting our readers to engage with bold new perspectives.
STRENGTH IN STORYTELLING
"Empowering Leadership, Defining Moments"
Through fearless leadership and a commitment to innovation, we navigate the evolving creative landscape, ensuring our stories are as impactful as they are timeless.
LEGACY IN MAKING
"Balancing Aspiration and Resilience"
Cult’oùr thrives at the intersection of ambition and endurance, transforming challenges into opportunities that inspire progress and leave an enduring mark on culture.
PUBLISHED BY ESCAPE DEFINITION | MEDIA, PUBLISHING & PROPAGANDA, INC.
cult'our's tagline: Where Culture Meets Couture
"Redefining Narratives, Escaping Limits"
ceo.reuelazriel@gmail.com
For information regarding content and public engagement: 468 North Camden Drive. Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Celebrating timeless elegance, The Classic Taste explores enduring style, refined craftsmanship, and iconic cultural heritage.
18 / WHATS ON YOUR MIND
22/ THE FLAWLESS BEAUTY
In the realm of artistry, where beauty transcends the ordinary, every detail speaks volumes. The Flawless Beauty captures this essence with a masterful balance of grace and innovation. Em alibus modit et volor as perra—where the exquisite meets the extraordinary.
UPDATES
08 / LETTER FROM EDITOR
A personal reflection on creativity, culture, and vision, setting the tone for this transformative issue.
THE
TOPIC
10 / BACK TO BLACK AND WHITE FILM
Exploring the artistry and nostalgia of blackand-white film, where timeless storytelling meets visual simplicity.
WHAT'S ON
12 / REAL STORIES IN MONOCHROME
Unveiling raw emotion and timeless narratives, Real Stories in Monochrome captures life’s essence through striking simplicity.
HEADER
14/ A PRAYER FOR GREATNESS
A reflective journey into resilience and aspiration, A Prayer for Greatness inspires hope and triumph.
"THE ARC OF CHALLENGE"
OBSTACLES ARISE WHERE PROGRESS IS MOST DESIRED, TESTING THE STRUCTURES OF SOCIETY AND THE RESOLVE OF INDIVIDUALS. SHADOWS LINGER, CASTING DOUBT, YET GREATNESS ENDURES, NEVER FADING FROM THE HEARTS OF THOSE WHO STRIVE.
Greatness is eternal, transcending fleeting moments and challenges. It is not driven by fleeting desires but achieved through strategic alliances and shared experiences that bind us together. Let fear dissipate, for greatness often rises from the heart of adversity, proving that resilience is the ultimate strength.
Photo: @Ramen Strukao
Men in Venezia
She emerges from the shadows, draped in the raw elegance of night. Every wave whispers a tale of resilience, every motion reflects strength reborn. In the contrast between light and dark, chaos and calm, we find the essence of transformation. Here, we proceed boldly— undaunted, unapologetic, unstoppable. She emerges from the shadows, draped in the raw elegance of night. Every wave whispers a tale of resilience, every motion reflects strength reborn. In the contrast between light and dark, chaos and calm, we find the essence of transformation. Here, we proceed boldly— undaunted, unapologetic, unstoppable.
Wrapped in elegance, she holds more than just a bottle—it’s a symbol of timeless style. The richness of velvet meets the nostalgia of a classic, telling a story of contrast: modern allure with a vintage twist. Tailored for those who dare to stand out.
Bold
sips on nostalgia while wrapped in modern allure. Velvet textures meet timeless classics, reminding us that every story, much like style, is a blend of old and new. This is the essence of tailored elegance, where reinvention begins with a single sip.
Photographed by Katya Troshina Makeup by Tatiana Chumachenko
Letter From the Editor
"Ruevolution: Where One Story Ends, Another Begins"
As the clock struck midnight and the shimmering ball dropped in Times Square that unforgettable New Year’s Eve at The Pink Elephant, life stood still for a moment—a single breath of anticipation before the unknown began. I remember clutching a glass of some fanciful elixir, one that seemed laced with more than mere alcohol. Perhaps it was the pheromones they sprayed through the air ducts, or maybe it was the strange alchemy of nostalgia and newness. Whatever it was, that night felt transformative. A night where the duality of human nature played tricks on my mind—a fleeting dance between Jekyll and Hyde.
It’s this very concept of duality that inspired the creation of cult’oùr, a magazine born from the tension between who we are and who we aspire to become. This inaugural issue, titled “The Tailored Stories Issue,” ushers in a new year and, with it, a new era—a ruevolution, if you will. It’s about change: that sudden shift, like the blink of an eye or the countdown to something unfamiliar, where one part of life ends and another begins. In that fleeting moment, we are all Jekylls, carefully composed and outwardly polished, while beneath the surface lurks Hyde—the restless, unpredictable force within us.
This issue begins with Stevenson Opoku, a creative visionary who, like many of us, has battled his own dualities. Through the lens of his camera, he has captured the essence of Hollywood’s most profound stories—the glamour, the grit, the light, and the shadows. As I invited Opoku to grace the cover, I knew his journey, both personal and professional, mir-
rored the very theme of this magazine: the never-ending struggle between the parts of ourselves we show to the world and the parts we keep hidden.
The image of Opoku in this issue—poised in a tailored tuxedo, eyes gleaming with determination and mystery—speaks to that delicate balance. He stands at the intersection of artistry and introspection, a perfect emblem for this edition’s exploration of identity, reinvention, and storytelling.
cult’oùr is more than a collection of stories. It’s a mirror reflecting our shared humanity—a space where music, fashion, and lifestyle collide to create something bold, something lasting. With every turn of the page, you’ll find echoes of dreams deferred and dreams reborn, of endings that give rise to beginnings. It’s a testament to the belief that we are all, at our core, creative beings, continuously experimenting with who we are and who we might become.
This magazine is not simply an object; it’s a movement. It’s a gothic novella unfolding, a series of stories meant to inspire, challenge, and provoke thought. It’s a bridge between the old and the new, the polished and the raw, the light and the dark. It’s Jekyll and Hyde.
As we begin this new adventure, I invite you to step into your own ruevolution. Whether you’re standing at the edge of something new or reflecting on a chapter that has closed, remember that every end is also a beginning. Who will you be this year? Jekyll, with his composed charm, or Hyde, with his untamed fire?
Welcome to cult’oùr. Let’s explore, create, and shape the stories that define us.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Here's to a new year, a new era, and a new you.
Reuel-Azriel Editor-in-chief
“With each step forward, the echoes of the past remain. Reinvention requires a delicate balance—letting go while carrying lessons forward. It’s a perpetual dance of reflection and renewal, standing poised between what was and what could be.”
The Balancing Act
Back to Black-and-White 'Film'
Where shadows speak and light carves stories. Returning to the essence of film, stripped of distraction, revealing raw emotion in every frame. It’s not just a style—it’s a timeless narrative reimagined in monochrome.
Reel Stories in Monochrome: Where Shadows Speak
Modern directors are increasingly drawn to black-and-white film for its artistic depth and timeless appeal. Without the distraction of color, these films allow raw emotions to take center stage, creating an experience that feels both nostalgic and profoundly modern.
The grainy texture of old film stock adds a layer of authenticity, grounding stories in a visual language that feels more intimate. Filmmakers often choose monochrome to symbolize duality and conflict, exploring the contrast between light and dark as a metaphor for human struggles. This stark interplay heightens the drama, making each scene more powerful and evocative.
Returning to black-and-white cinema is a nod to classic storytelling, where the focus is on texture, composition, and form rather than elaborate visual effects. With every frame stripped of color, viewers are invited to engage more deeply, interpreting each scene with greater emotional resonance.
Monochrome frames allow filmmakers to emphasize shadow and light, creating a visual poetry that draws the audience into the heart of the narrative. Whether it’s through moments of silence or intense action, black-and-white films evoke a sense of timelessness, making them uniquely impactful in an era dominated by vivid, hyper-saturated visuals.
As more creators embrace this classic style, the resurgence of black-and-white films continues to redefine modern cinema, offering viewers a minimalist yet profound aesthetic experience. It’s not just a return to the past; it’s a reinvention of storytelling, where each frame becomes a masterpiece in its own right.
"I really like black and white photography. In my opinion, its more expensive. No distractions from color, just emotions".
It has been a remarkable journey into the monochrome world of cinema, where storytelling transcends color to become something more profound. Black-and-white films have always carried a sense of nostalgia, yet today, they are being reborn with a contemporary twist. Directors and filmmakers are finding ways to use the medium to evoke a spectrum of emotions while keeping the focus on character, plot, and raw human connection.
The return of monochrome is not merely a stylistic choice; it’s a deliberate method to strip down storytelling to its essential elements. Without the distraction of vivid hues, filmmakers can heighten tension, create mood, and direct the viewer’s attention to subtle yet powerful expressions. Shadows become more than mere contrasts—they transform into characters in their own right, shaping the narrative as much as any actor on the screen.
This movement back to black-and-white cinema represents a bold step forward, blending past techniques with modern technology to create visually striking works. Monochrome films invite audiences to engage more deeply, asking them to reflect on themes of duality, conflict, and transformation in ways that resonate long after the credits roll.
As filmmakers continue to experiment with this medium, the possibilities seem endless. Whether exploring gritty realism or poetic abstraction, the black-and-white format remains timeless—a canvas for reinvention that inspires both creators and viewers alike. It is a testament to the power of simplicity, proving that sometimes, less truly is more.
"With every frame, we rediscover the art of storytelling," says renowned director Marcus Hale, whose latest monochrome film garnered critical acclaim. "Black-and-white cinema is a reminder that emotions, when stripped of color, are laid bare—pure and unfiltered."
Basil Haliward, The Writer
In this age of sensory overload, where bright visuals dominate screens and devices, monochrome offers a refreshing pause. It is a visual language of clarity and focus, cutting through the noise of modern media to deliver something authentic. Through this artistic lens, we are reminded that innovation does not always mean more complexity; sometimes, it means going back to basics and finding new meaning in what was once familiar.
Much like life itself, black-andwhite cinema stands between past and future—bridging nostalgia with progress, emotion with precision. And as audiences continue to embrace these films, it becomes clear that this return to simplicity is not just a trend, but a timeless art form that will endure.
A Prayer for Greatness
Bespoke Bond: A Moment of Poised Reflection
Q: How does your “Bespoke Bond” approach influence the way you craft your work, ensuring it’s visually elegant and meticulously styled?
A: My approach is rooted in aiming for both perfection and beauty. But what is perfection? It’s being free from all flaws or defects. And what is beauty? According to St. Thomas Aquinas, beauty is defined by brightness, clarity, and due proportion. I find these principles timeless, and I apply them in my work to create something truly refined. It’s this pursuit of ideal balance that shapes my approach to every project.
Q: Can you share how your personal sense of sophistication translates into your content creation process and shapes the final product?
A: Sophistication, for me, is more than a concept—it’s a feeling. It’s the scent of fresh cologne, the confidence of a well-tailored outfit, and the humility that comes from hard work. Sophistication means world-class excellence. When it comes to content creation, I start by researching the best in the world. I absorb their aesthetics, blend them with my personal style—my je ne sais quoi—and create something uniquely mine. As Picasso said, “Good artists copy, great artists steal.” My final product always pivots toward excellence because it’s a culmination of inspiration and originality.
Q: What does it mean to bring a “bespoke” touch to content creation, and how do you balance this refined aesthetic with the raw emotion of storytelling?
A: Bringing a bespoke touch means tailoring every project to perfection. It’s about pushing my imagination to its highest form and ensuring that the final product is free from defects. However, while aesthetics are important, storytelling is about evoking emotion. Everything creative boils down to the feelings it generates. Whether it’s joy, sorrow, or calm, I aim for my audience to experience those emotions in their purest form. This balance between polished aesthetics and raw emotion ensures my content resonates deeply with viewers.
Bespoke Bond Tailord Looks
What's On Your Mind
Photographed by Michael Pollitt
by Stevenson Opoku
My journey into content creation began with a desire to express myself and share my imagination with the world. Growing up in Accra, Ghana, my cultural heritage profoundly shaped my perspective. Ghanaians are rich in virtue and spirit, and this translates into my work. I’ve always been passionate about hip hop because it represents the journey from struggle to success—from mud to diamonds. Hip hop’s confidence, flair, and resilience resonate deeply with me. Similarly, soccer has played a significant role in shaping my values—teamwork, discipline, and the relentless drive for victory.
Moving to Los Angeles marked a pivotal moment in my career. Influenced by MTV, VH1, and E! Entertainment during my formative years in DC and New York, I always dreamed of being part of that world. When I arrived in LA, it felt as though I had stepped into the world I had admired from afar. The city’s energy and creativity inspired me at every turn, fueling my desire to create content that reflects both sophistication and raw emotion.
Styled
Content in the Creation
"Sophistication, for me, is more than a concept—it’s a feeling".
—STEVENSON OPOKU
Q: What inspired you to begin your journey as a content creator?
A: What inspired me to begin my journey as a content creator was my desire to express myself and share my imagination with the world.
Q: How has your cultural background influenced your approach to content creation?
- I’m originally from Accra, Ghana and I have a passion for hip hop and soccer. Ghanaians we’re very rich in virtue and spirit and that translates through my work. With Hip Hop I relate to the struggle to success sensation hip hop gives. From mud to diamonds. I also love the confidence and flash that comes with hip-hop. Soccer culture dictates my day to day. I cherish greatly the lessons I learned from playing; being a team player, style, flare, discipline, being a gentleman, and drive for victory.
Q: Can you tell us about a pivotal moment in your career that changed your perspective on content creation?
A: Moving to Los Angeles was a pivotal moment in my career that changed my perspective on content creation. My creative influences growing up were MTV, VH1, E! entertainment, as well
as my surroundings in DC my former home, and NY, where I attended my freshman year of college. Moving to LA however, I felt like I was living the influences I grew up with, phenomenal! Everywhere I look in Los Angeles, I’m inspired creatively and it’s constantly exhilarating.
Q: How do you stay motivated and inspired in such a competitive industry?
A: I stay motivated by remembering my purpose: to know God, love God, serve God, and save my soul. Content creation is a gift I’ve been given, and sharing it with the world is my way of expressing gratitude. This mindset keeps me focused and driven, even in the face of challenges.
Q: Can you share some challenges you’ve faced in the content creation industry and how you overcame them?
Q: How do you navigate collaboration with other creatives?
A: Collaboration is all about humility and reading the room. I do set photography from time to time, and when working with stars, there’s a balance to strike. Sometimes they want the camera on them; other times, they need space. It’s about knowing when to snap and when to step back. For example, during a Rema music video shoot, I was taking paparazzi-style shots with a flash, and at some point, Rema asked me to stop because the flashes were becoming too much. Respecting those boundaries is crucial for successful collaboration.
Q: What advice would you give aspiring content creators looking to create authentic content?
A: Get in tune with yourself and listen to your spirit. Ask yourself: What drives you? Where do your desires lie? What makes you, YOU? Authenticity comes from understanding yourself and sharing what’s true to your heart.
A: One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is the oversaturation of content creators. Nowadays, anyone can become a creator, which makes it harder to stand out. To break through, I focus on being the best—staying on top of trends, learning new technologies, and continuously improving my skills. Consistency and discipline are key. I constantly showcase my talent, reach out for opportunities, and remain intentional about my growth. *continue on page 24
Q: What do you believe makes content truly memorable for audiences?
A: The feeling. If your content makes people feel something deeply—whether it’s joy, sadness, excitement, or calm—it becomes memorable and eternal. Emotion is what connects people to content.
The Flawless Beauty
Stitching fashion narratives: Weaving elegance in every thread.
By Sonia Dodge
SShe exudes an aura of sophistication and allure, draped in a masterpiece of indigo artistry. Her ensemble, an intricate interplay of textures and details, beckons the viewer into a world of timeless elegance. The hat, crowned with a cascade of feathers and adorned with floral motifs, commands attention—a testament to the art of haute couture. The pleated collar frames her face like a royal portrait, echoing the refined extravagance of bygone eras.
Her gaze, both piercing and enigmatic, tells a story of resilience and grace. This is no mere fashion statement; it is a declaration. The crinkled fabric of her coat catches the light, revealing layers of craftsmanship that honor the traditions of luxury while embracing a modern flair. Each fold and pleat whispers of journeys untold, where style becomes a language spoken fluently.
Much like her ensemble, the backdrop is minimal, allowing her to stand as the focal point. The vibrant blue hues create a symphony of depth and intrigue, embodying the essence of high fashion with every glance. It is not
just clothing; it is an experience, an exploration of identity woven into every stitch. Here lies the true power of fashion: the ability to transform, elevate, and inspire. Elegance and storytelling converge in this striking ensemble, a true reflection of what it means to wear your narrative. In The Tailored Stories Issue,
A Whisper of Light and Blue Feathered Charm
this look transcends mere fashion, becoming a statement of identity and self-expression. The deep indigo tones, rich with depth and intrigue, echo a story of boldness and individuality.
Every detail is deliberate, each texture a chapter in a tale of craftsmanship and artistry. The feathered hat adorned with intricate floral designs crowns the wearer, symbolizing a timeless beauty steeped in tradition. The pleated collar, structured and architectural, frames the face like the opening lines of an unforgettable story.
This ensemble is not just clothing; it’s a journey. It tells of daring innovation balanced with classic refinement, where each fold and curve whispers a secret to those who care to listen. It invites the wearer to step into their power, to embody confidence and mystery, and to leave an indelible mark on those who witness this striking vision. In this issue, where fashion and storytelling intertwine, the message is clear: clothing is a canvas, and every stitch is a word in the narrative of who we are. The Tailored Stories Issue celebrates this dialogue between style and identity, proving that fashion, when done right, is the most eloquent form of storytelling.
Mike Fotowerks (Photographer)
Myles Laphen (Wardrobe Stylist),
Pegah Farahani (Model)
Basil
Can you share some challenges you’ve faced in the content creation industry and how you overcame them?
Some challenges I’ve faced in the content creation industry is the over saturation of content creators and finding big projects to work on. Nowadays, content creation is easily accessible to the masses. As a result, there’s an over saturation of creators making it difficult at times to stand out and position yourself as a front runner. To break through this challenge, it’s pivotal to be the best, stay on top of trends, learn new technologies, skills, and adapt. As a content creator there’ll always be projects, but how do you position yourself with big projects with big brands, elite artists and influencers, and corporate positions? The answer is consistency and discipline, it requires 100% focus and intention. No dilly dallying nor distractions. You have to constantly be active in reaching out to attain big projects and constantly applying yourself. It’s also necessary to be consistent with showcasing your talent. You have to consistently prove to the world why you’re the best and are a force to be reckoned with.
Who are your biggest influences or mentors, and what have you learned from
My biggest influences are Jesus Christ, Nike, Apple, GQ, Vogue, Vanity Fair, Getty Entertainment, Justin Bieber, MTV, VH1, E! Entertainment, BET, Netflix, Lemuel Plummer, Warner Bros, Showtime/Paramount+, and Universal Pictures. I’ve learned excellence from these influences.
TQmy approach to content creation in a positive way. I work more so on the social media end of advertising and creation, so with the rise of streaming platforms, it’s given me even more inspiration to be able to pull from!
Q: What does representation mean to you, and how do you incorporate it into your work?
Representation is pivotal to me. Without proper representation, the content won’t make the consumer feel alive when they digest the content. Representation is also critical when it comes to authenticity and referencing source energy. The best pasta will always be from an Italian, there may be iterations with a twist, but the source will always remain the most authentic. As a result by the law of justice, attribution needs to be paid to the source. I incorporate representation into my work by giving credit where credit is due.
Q: How do you approach collaboration with actors and other creatives on set?
A: I approach collaboration with actors and other creatives on set by reading the room and being humble. I do set photography from time to time, and when it comes to shooting stars, there’s a time to snap and there’s a time to chill. Stars don’t always want a camera in their face, and sometimes they always do, it’s all about reading the room, the star, and striking when the iron is hot. I was on set for a Rema music video earlier this year, and I was snapping a bunch of photos of Rema paparazzi style with my flash, and at some point Rema told me to chill because the flashes were triggering him. This is where humility comes into play, collaboration with stars requires one to listen and apply.
Q: What advice would you give aspiring content creators looking to create authentic content?
what’s true to your heart’s desire.
Q: Are there any particular themes or messages you try to convey through your content?
A: I try to convey themes and messages of perfection and excellence through my content.
Q: How do you stay motivated and inspired to keep creating in a
Get in tune with yourself and listen to your spirit What drives you, YOU! thats the formula,finding yourself and sharing..
competitive industry?
A: I stay motivated and inspired to keep creating in a competitive industry by remembering my purpose. Know God, love God, serve God, and save my soul. My current desires and skills lie in content creation and entertainment, and remembering that I was given a gift from my creator and that sharing it with the world is my notion of gratitude to that gift and my service to the world.
Q: Can you share a behind-thescenes moment from a recent project that stands out?
:How has the rise of streaming platforms changed your approach to content creation?
he rise of streaming platforms has changed my approach to content creation has changed
A: Advice I would give aspiring content creators looking to create authentic content is to get in tune with yourself and listen to your spirit. What drives you? Where do your desires lie? What makes you, YOU? That’s the formula, finding yourself and sharing
A: I recently shot a red carpet for Reverend Al Sharpton’s 70th birthday under Human Nature Magazine. I love shooting red carpets. I was standing on the carpet waiting for Al Sharpton to walk in, then boom, he walked right into me! There was a small group that walked in with him and amidst the chaos we bumped into each other. I then took his photo right after with him and Magic Johnson. Moments like these are pretty surreal because I’m literally bumping elbows with stars.
