Read the FEB ISSUE #86 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LOOKS | Burberry in mag.
For years, we've enjoyed seeing the looks created by Celebrity Fashion Stylist, Jason Rembert whether it's for his red carpets with his clients Lizzo, Issa Rae, Mary J Blige, Rita Ora, Odell Beckham Jr; designs from his line Aliette worn by Sheryl Lee Ralph, Quinta Brunson and Regina Hall to name a few, or when he has styling covers for our favorite magazines and been a part of campaigns. Jason's attention to detail and knowing how to dress bodies that want to make an impact is impeccable.
Recently, Jason partnered with Baileys to create a Baileys Marshmallow Puffer that brings his vision and a subtle aesthetic of the brand together. We talked with him about his partnership with the brand, his inspiration to create the jacket and of course how he is navigating the upcoming Awards season as well as the latest collection of his brand.
ATHLEISURE MAG: So tell us about the first ever Baileys Puffer and how this came into being?
JASON REMBERT: Baileys has been part of my entire life. I don’t remember a time like in my adult life where it wasn’t part pf my life. Even as a kid, my mother was such a big fan of Baileys. My mom never drank any hard liquor and Baileys was always her preferred choice. She used to put it in coffee, she drank it by itself and as I became an adult, I started drinking it of my coffee and I always have a bottle of Baileys just sitting in my refrigerator and getting it cold and it has been a part of my life and I like the versatility. I love that I can drink it in my coffee and I remember when Häagen-Dazs had it in their ice cream. I like that I can drink it by myself and it’s something that I can share with my girlfriend, she does the same thing. Now with Baileys, it’s really cool to partner with a company where they don’t limit my creativity. When I came to them with this idea of a couture piece and I had these big ideas, they embraced it. Sometimes, when you work with these big companies, they try to dial it down or dilute your creativity. Baileys was like, we're about it, we're down! Let’s do it! When you have a partner who supports you and is willing to stand behind your creative integrity, that’s the right partner. For me, creating this garment was a push for me as a designer. I have always wanted to create a puffer. I never created a puffer for my collection or even for myself. I’m such a fan of puffers, it’s so pseudonymous with winter and Après ski and just something different. So now, to be able to go somewhere whether it’s the Poconos, Gstaad or wherever I go for ski season, I now have something that is a piece that I created that I have made my own.
AM: Where did you get your inspiration from? It is such a cute jacket, who doesn’t love a puffer as it’s something that we would rock for sure as well as to style it for our shoots.
JR: Thank you! To be honest, I have always been a fan of quilted things and different forms of embroidery. Embroidery has been pseudonymous with me as a designer from my first collection. So, now to be able to bring that into a piece that is pseudonymous with my personal style. I have never made a piece that was so unisex and so fluid. So now to have piece that I can honestly rock, I wanted it to be oversized, I wanted it to have a toughness to it. I wanted it to have details to it. I went to Baileys and I said, honestly, is it possible for me to use your logo to do a subtle but effective quilted embroidery and they were down! I think that my goal for it was to give a marshmallow feel without blatantly being cheesy and putting marshmallows on it. I feel that it still gives that softness of a marshmallow even though it is so tough! That juxtaposition is always so important to me – to have both the fluid approach to design for femininity and masculinity.
AM: Now we’re in the thick of Awards Season and as a fan of those you’ve worked with from Mary J Blige, Sheryl Lee Ralph – how do you approach this time of year? It's a crazy period of time and you’re definitely in the thick of things at the moment!
JR: Thank you! My approach to Awards Season is honestly, trying to be as organized as possible, to maybe schedule fittings as early as possible, making sure that the timeline for alterations are there, making sure that timelines for refitting is there. This Awards Season is a little more unique. The Golden Globes was one of the first really big awards show. I had one client that I had to style and I had another client, Sheryl Lee Ralph which I designed a gown for.
AM: Which was stunning.
JR: Thank you so much. Her daughter, Ivy Coco who’s her stylist, reached out to me to ask if I could design an amazing gown for her mother for Awards Season. Just being honored to do that was great. That balance is hard! I feel good. I have great support, I have a great team. They make my job so much easier to do it, because they are so on point. I think that honestly, that’s how you get through Awards Season, having a great team.
AM: In terms of your label, Aliette, we have loved so many pieces that you have designed! What are some of the new portions of the collection that we should keep an eye out for as we all head into FW23 as well!
JR: Oh wow! Crazy enough, I don’t know why or how but I shot my lookbook earlier this month for my PF23 collection. I shot it in LA because I was stuck here for Awards Season. I’m very very excited and very proud of it. It’s my first time doing a proper pre-Fall collection.
AM: How do you take time for yourself for a bit of self-care because you are incredibly busy and you have so many projects that you’re part of.
JR: Thank you. I do take time for myself. I have a very supportive family. My favorite thing to do in the whole world is play Spades. I do that as often as possible. I try to play Spades once a week with friends and family. I get to enjoy it! Sometimes I just take a Sunday afternoon and just my girl and I and we just watch TV. Right now, we’re binge-watching between White Lotus and BMF. She loves to make new drinks so we get to have some really cool Baileys-infused drinks and she makes Sundays great! So I get to enjoy Sundays!
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Baileys Irish Cream
Read the JAN ISSUE #85 of Athleisure Mag and see APPRECIATION FOR THE CRAFT | Jason Rembert in mag.
We love statement jewelry and the idea that when wearing an arm stack, we're sharing a number of stories that completes our look as well as telling others about ourselves! We took a moment to chat with Sheryl Lowe about her namesake line Sheryl Lowe Jewelry. We wanted to know how she went from working on TV/film sets as a MUA, her passion for jewelry, creating her line as well as creating an additional line - MR. LOWE which has been modeled by her sons and husband, Rob Lowe. We also wanted to know more about her process in terms of creating the pieces and finding the right gemstone that will carry her vision.
ATHLEISURE MAG: You started in the industry as a MUA and have worked on a number of films! What led you to deciding that you wanted to put your creativity into making jewelry?
SHERYL LOWE: I started designing and creating jewelry when I was 14. I visited local bead shops and made designs for close friends and family. That started my passion for gemstones and exotic rare beads. When I was on-set as a make up artist, my passion for jewelry was always there. As I moved from set to set, venturing to new locations for each project, I continued to collect jewels and beads. These have since grown into parts of my collection now, and trained me to have the eye that I do today.
AM: I am an Accessory Expert, Fashion Stylist and Co-Founder/Creative + Style Dir of Athleisure Mag. I have always believed that an accessory tells a story that starts with the designer who created it and continues with those that wear it. When did you realize that your passion for creating these pieces would be best served in creating Sheryl Lowe Jewelry and what story are you conveying with your pieces as a whole?
SL: I didn’t set out to found a company, although I’m wildly grateful for what Sheryl Lowe Jewelry has become. It really began as a way of connecting with other women artistically. At a certain point, demand became significant enough that I had to transition my little passion of the heart into a business, but I’ve always fought to keep the experience as personal as when I was stringing beads and creating necklaces out of my closet as a teenager.
AM: What is the ethos behind your brand?
SL: Classic with an edge.
AM: You handcraft each of your pieces and use a number of stones and precious metals. How do you go about sourcing your stone pieces and what does that process involve?
SL: Each stone is chosen specifically for every new collection. My method is to focus on how something makes me feel when I hold it and am looking at it.
AM: I have always loved stones in my jewelry, what are 3 of your favorite stones that you like to use?
SL: Rainbow Moonstone, Emeralds and Turquoise
AM: Where do you get inspiration from to create your line?
SL: I am inspired by timelessness, effortlessness and sex appeal and how something makes me feel when I wear it. Currently I am in a Brigette Bardot era, South of France phase.
AM: In looking at your site, I love a great wrist stack and love your Spring Sands Bundle, Black Diamond ID Bracelet and Multi-Color Opal + Pearl Bracelet with 8 Diamond Rondelles. What are 3 pieces that are your favorite?
SL: One of my staples I wear everyday is my silver diamond ID bracelet. I love mixing chains with beads so I will always layer one of my favorite color beads to create my own personal arm party.
AM: You have had Oprah, Cameron Diaz, Gwen Stefani, Maria Shriver, Gwyneth Paltrow and more wearing your brand. Who would you say is the Sheryl Lowe customer?
SL: My client is a woman who is classic but likes to have a bit of adventure. She aspires to add a special piece to her collection and she wants something that tells a story and brings meaning to her life.
AM: If a customer has a specific stone that they would like to use can they work with you to create a piece? Can a customer bring a stone that they already have to incorporate into a custom piece?
SL: We love the challenge of creating a piece out of someone’s special heirlooms.
AM: What led to the launch of MR. LOWE?
SL: Starting from the beginning, I have always designed pieces for men and women and my husband has always worn my designs so it was natural to launch MR. LOWE
AM: I think it’s great that you had your husband and children model the line, who is the MR. LOWE customer and where do you get inspiration from when you’re creating this?
SL: The MR. LOWE man is the corporate outdoorsman, an adventure seeker and
sports enthusiast.
AM: I love a number of the bracelets from the men’s line and would wear personally as I’m a fan of Onyx and Malachite! What are 3 of your favorite pieces from MR. LOWE?
SL: I am a girl who appreciates a man who mixes chain with beaded bracelets for a textured look. Some of my favorites are the black onyx, blue lapis and green jasper. I also love our bracelets made from old record vinyls.
AM: Your pieces are sold at luxury retailers including Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman and you are a member of the CFDA as well. Where do you see Sheryl Lowe whether it’s upcoming projects, increasing your assortment etc?
SL: I love when new clients discover Sheryl Lowe designs. That’s what excites me the most.
AM: Philanthropy is a business model that is built into your brand. What organization do proceeds of your line go to and why was it important for you to include this?
SL: Recently I designed a set of Amethyst bracelets with all proceeds benefiting The Women's Alzheimer’s Movement, a cause close to my heart.
AM: When you are not designing or planning your upcoming collections, how do you take time for yourself?
SL: I love to read a good book, listen to music, and spend time with my two sons and of course take a romantic walk on the beach with my husband.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Nancy Neil Photography
Read the AUG ISSUE #80 of Athleisure Mag and see MIXING THE ELEMENTS | Sheryl Lowe in mag.
During MFW SS23 presentations, Plein Sport unveiled their collection of men’s and women’s pieces that take you from studio to street. In addition, they dropped a digital presentation as well.
PHOTO CREDIT | WWD
On Sun May 22nd, Balenciaga took over the NYSE to show their SS23 collection which also included their much anticipated Balenciaga X Adidas collab which is available from now until May 29th. Check out the looks that this iconic financial spot.
We love a good coffee table book and Whiz Limited: The Finest of Tokyo Street looks at the past 20 years of the brand's collaborations with iconic people/brands as well as their designs. This Japanese streetwear brand was launched by Hiroaki Shitano in 2000 with a following from Japan, Hong Kong and the mainland of China. He is know for his influences by Hiroshi Fujiwara.
From its origins of handmade and painted tees, the label includes an array of items that incorporate eccentric Japanese aesthetics. Growing up in the entertainment district of Shinjuku, you can see the influence of this area within the palette and style of his pieces.
In addition to the history of the brand, we are reminded of collaborations with A Bathing Ape, Hello Kitty, Disney, Kappa and the estate of Keith Haring to name a few.
There are also images of the sneaker collaborations that include Puma, Mizuno, Converse and more. This is a new fave for our coffee tables.
In Love the Foods That Love You Back: Clean, Healthy, Vegan Recipes for Everyone, we have a recipe book that although it focuses on vegan cuisine, it aims to please herbivores, carnivores, omnivores and flexitarians.
Recipes reinvent a number of our global favorite foods in a plant-based way. She provides tips on how to stock our pantry, illustrating the building blocks of the recipes and keeping us inspired. In addition to our favorite dishes, there are those that are new to us which allows us find our next must-eat meal. We think this is a necessary book for your collection whether you're plant-based or simply like to include this in your meals throughout the week.
Here in NY, Serafina has always been a great place for a business meal, celebrating with friends over cocktails and more editor dinners than we can count. The Italian comfort food and ambiance is always one that we enjoy when we dine here. Serafina: Modern Italian Cuisine for Everyday Home Cooking allows us to enjoy our favorite dishes from home!
We get the inside scoop from Vittorio and Fabio on secrets of regional Italian food and modern takes on these dishes!
We also learn about the Serafina story where a survival pact birthed the launch of their first location in NYC in 1995 and includes restaurants around the world from Dubai to Japan.
With over 100 recipes, recipes are easy to follow and you get a culinary education from regional to local traditional history as well as learning about quality ingredients. There is also a knowledgebase from farmers, fisherman, orchard planters and more.
If we can't make it to our favorite location in the city, we know that we can make something incredibly comforting at home for friends and family.
Read the APR ISSUE #76 of Athleisure Mag and see Bingely Books in mag.
International Women's Day, International Women's Week and Women's Month are moments to celebrate and empower women who continue to push the envelope by being present and taking charge in the areas that they reside in around the world. It's also a time to reflect and assist those should also lend their voice to this effort. We caught up with the co-founder of gorjana, Gorjana Reidel who is known for her accessible and fine jewelry line that oozes SoCal cool girl style and has been worn by a number of celebrities and those in the know. We wanted to find out about how she created this brand, pieces we should have in our collections and the capsule collection that she has with her sister, Iva Pawling, co-founder of Richer Poorer.
ATHLEISURE MAG: I have been a fan of your brand for a number of years. As a celebrity fashion stylist and accessory expert, I like the aesthetic that you have brought into the jewelry industry. What led you to want to launch this jewelry brand?
GORJANA REIDEL: My childhood home in Serbia was extremely creative and that “DIY” attitude had a lasting impact on me. When I went to college, I knew I wanted to continue to channel that creativity in fashion. Although I studied marketing in college, I landed an internship in cosmetics at Neiman Marcus. After I graduated, I worked as an assistant manager in the jewelry department and that’s where I discovered my passion for jewelry design. I fell in love with jewelry because it’s intimate and timeless. You can wear a piece of jewelry every day and it eventually becomes a part of you.
AM: You and your husband created and are co-founders of this brand, and you are the Chief Creative Officer, what is your day-to-day like?
GR: Every day is different - which keeps it fun and exciting. From design ideation to product meetings….
AM: How do you go about getting inspiration for your jewelry line?
GR: I am really influenced by the Southern California lifestyle and the more relaxed vibe. I get inspired from different things all the time. It could be a cool shape I see, or I will look at something I want to wear and come up with the perfect jewelry piece to complete the look.
AM: Who is the gorjana woman?
GR: There really isn’t one type of woman - we see women from their 20s to late 50s or 60s wearing our jewelry. Our collections are timeless and so versatile - from chains to charms and daintier styles in our fine collection there truly is something for everyone.
AM: What is your process in terms of designing and creating new collections?
GR: This is always a fun process and never really the same. Sometimes we get inspired by a certain gemstone, sometimes it's a fun outfit we want to accessorize or a cool pattern we see and want to incorporate into a design. The process is never the same but that's what keeps us motivated and creative.
AM: How much does Laguna Beach play into your designs?
GR: I am always inspired but the beauty around me and Laguna is certainly one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s so eclectic and so authentic. There’s a sense of community. I obviously love the beach and the whole topography of Laguna. We live up on a hill. I see the water every day. It’s just one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to.
AM: I’ve always loved the fact that your pieces are meant for layering – for those that may not do this, what should they keep in mind when doing this?
GR: Honestly, the more the merrier when it comes to layering…but I do feel like you should wear the jewelry, the jewelry shouldn’t wear you! Start with a couple of simple, classic pieces like our Parker or Venice Necklace and build your layered look to make it your own. We have some beautiful, daintier styles in our Fine Collection - including cool diamonds and 14k solid gold. I love to mix and match all of our styles to create the perfect neck mess!
AM: What are 3 pieces that you’re excited about in the line right now that we should consider including into our personal collections?
GR: We just launched our first fine signet ring with pavé diamonds - I love adding it to my everyday stack, it adds serious shine. I also love layering our Diamond Evil Eye Necklace and Parker Mini Layering Set.
AM: We know that the Tuscon Gem Show just took place a few weeks back, are there gemstones or other materials that you have yet to include in the line that you’re thinking about for future collections?
GR: We only source large gemstones for our stores at the Tucson Gem Show. They have such a wonderful grouping of vendors and some really unique items. In terms of future collections, we are really into exploring precious gemstone options for our fine collection.
AM: We’ve visited your stores here in NY and in DC. With nearly 30 stores, what is the ambiance that you bring into your locations and are there additional locations/cities that you will launch this year?
GR: Each store has a cool, quintessentially Californian vibe and a clean backdrop to highlight the jewelry. Guests are meant to feel as if they’re walking into a welcoming, coastal bungalow in our hometown of Laguna Beach, California. We are excited to open stores in Portland Oregon, and Nashville next month with Carlsbad, Houston, Philadelphia, and Studio City to follow in Q2.
AM: You and your sister created a capsule collaboration for International Women’s Day between gorjana and Richer Poorer. Can you tell me more about what is in the capsule and why you came together to create this?
GR: As female entrepreneurs, we know first-hand that entering the business world can be difficult. In doing this collaboration we are determined to provide support for those who are just starting out. In true collaborative nature, I worked with Iva to create a tank top with the perfect necklace neckline, and Iva pushed me to create a necklace to symbolize our individuality and showcase our bond. The capsule includes the necklace, tank top and then an option to purchase as a bundle with both pieces.
AM: Being a co-founder of Athleisure Mag, we love sharing stories of those that are empowered who make their mark in the world. How important is it for women to be inspired and encouraged to start their own businesses?
GR: I could name a thousand reasons why women should be inspired to start their own businesses. One reason that sticks out is to ensure diversity and balance across businesses. Genders from all different backgrounds bring their own unique perspective to the table and having a healthy mixture is highly effective - we’ve found - at continuing to have a well-rounded outlook on where the business goes next. Jason and I run the company together, and being a male/female team, we truly balance each other out with our differing opinions and viewpoints. All perspectives have value and when you truly listen to incorporate each other into decision making, it can only help to better capture your target customer and grow your business.
AM: 100% of the sales from this capsule collection will be donated to Dress for Success. Why did you want funds to go there?
GR: We always try to inspire others to follow their dreams, and hope that by donating 100% of proceeds, we can help those dreams go a little further. Giving back has always been of major interest to us personally, and both gorjana and Richer Poorer. We are proud and honored to support charitable organizations and communities large and small, nationwide.
AM: Will there be future collaborations of this nature between you and your sister?
GR: I hope so! We had so much fun working together on this.
AM: How do you take time for yourself when you want to make sure that you have the reset that you need?
GR: I love spending time with my family - going on hikes, going to the beach or being out on our boat.
IG @gorjana
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Gorjana Reidel
Read the APR ISSUE #76 of Athleisure Mag and see INSPIRING WOMEN | Gorjana Reidel in mag.
Read the NOV ISSUE #71 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST in mag.
Read AUG ISSUE #68 Athleisure Mag and see 9LOOKS | SETA in mag.
Tim Gunn is known well for his career at Parsons School of Design which started in 1982, he served as Associate Dean from 1989 - 2000 and would go on to becoming the Fashion Design Department Chair in August 2000. He is noted for retooling and invigorating the curriculum for the 21st century. His mentorship went mainstream as we watched him and supermodel Heidi Klum for 16 seasons on BRAVO's Project Runway. Last year, this fashionable duo debuted Amazon Original's Making the Cut and its 2nd season premiers this month. We chatted with Tim about his career, the show and how we "make it work."
ATHLEISURE MAG: We have been such a fan of yours for years. Looking at the depth of your career and how you have helmed the careers of so many people in the fashion industry, did you ever think that you would be doing what you are doing now?
TIM GUNN: Oh, never in a million years, never! This entire television phenomenon didn’t happen to me until after I turned 50. I had had a very satisfying career as an educator. I never dreamed that this would happen, it’s completely and totally surreal. I still pinch myself!
AM: It’s absolutely amazing and it’s also great to see how you have been such a powerhouse in the industry by sharing your insights. How important is it to you to be able to be such a mentor to so many designers that you’ve dealt with directly as well as to those that you may not have known that you have?
TG: I have to say that it’s a great honor and it’s a role that I take very very seriously. As a teacher for many many years, the greatest satisfaction for me was watching my students bearing witness to them having that kind of epiphany for what they can achieve, what they can do and having that “ah ha moment.” To be able to nurture that and to cultivate that and then to be able to actually see that happen, it’s just hugely satisfying and rewarding. I have the same thrill when I’m working with the Making the Cut designers. I don’t take any credit for their successes and I also don’t blame myself for things that go awry, but I do take great pleasure and honor in being a kindred spirit of sorts and kind of an angel on their soldier that’s there to tell them the truth, to be a cheerleader and to be a shoulder to cry on if necessary. It’s extremely satisfying for me and it’s a huge honor.
AM: We enjoyed the inaugural season of Making the Cut last year. What initially drew you to the format of this show and what did you want viewers to take away from it?
TG: Well, the concept of the show, the format is a concept that Heidi and Sara Rea, uber Executive Producer and I have had for a very long time. We had been forming it, we had been developing it – owing to the success of the other show that Heidi, Sara and I had did – Sara was the showrunner the last 10 seasons of Project Runway. We couldn’t do this, we couldn’t execute this vision. So when Heidi, Sara and I decided to leave, we shopped the show and our dream was to be with Amazon because of the creative flexibility that Amazon provides and the potential of the shoppability aspect. So we wanted first of all, to show a broader view of what the fashion industry is like rather than just showing the making of clothes.
We wanted to talk about branding because without that aspect, it’s just a pretty dress, who cares? For the viewers, we wanted them to be able to shop that look immediately as opposed to, “well you’ll get it in 6 months.”
All of that came into fruition and it was rather miraculous! I still pinch myself when I think about it. We’re just savoring this experience. It’s been phenomenal.
AM: It’s really great to hear that as my background was in Visual Merchandising as well as in Wholesale and I have worked corporate at a number of brands including Lacoste. What you shared is exactly what I love about this show - that perfect balance between creating something beautiful, but also understanding the business behind it which is so important!
TG: Yes!
AM: How do you decide the cast that’s on the show? Last season there were those that I was familiar with and others that were new to me. What are you looking for in terms of that dynamic?
TG: Well, we’re looking for people that have that vision, that have something to say visually, spiritually and practically! We’re looking for – in terms of the group of designers, we’re looking for diversity and points of view. We don’t want a sameness as that wouldn’t be very interesting for the viewers. We’re certainly looking for people who are hungry and really know that this is an amazing experience for them whether they win or they don’t - because of the exposure and because of the profound link of being a part of the Amazon family.
At the same time Kimmie, I have to say that you don’t know, you’re throwing the dice. You don’t know how exactly people are going to perform on the show. You don’t know how they are going to respond to the intensity of the environment and the fact that there are no breaks, we just keep go-go-going. You don’t know and when things do go awry, you hope that you’re able to pick people up and help them along so that they can self-correct in some kind of way. It’s never a dull moment I’ll say that!
AM: With the second season, what are you excited about as I’m sure it was challenging in terms of filming during a pandemic. Here at Athleisure Mag, we went to virtual photoshoots and found a different way to continue. So what are you excited about?
TG: I’m just excited to get the show out and up and to get people watching it! I want to learn things from their feedback. As we know, Season 1, we traveled around the world. Season 2, we stayed put and we were on a ranch in Malibu, California, but the venues that that ranch presented were all so incredibly different, it looks as though we had traveled. It’s hard to believe that we didn’t. We knew that we had to be very diligent and responsible in how we conducted ourselves during that very intense COVID period and we were successful I’m thrilled to say! But it took a lot of diligence and very responsible behavior.
AM: We’re definitely looking forward to seeing you and Heidi as we love your dynamic together. What is it like working with her and having that synergy that you guys naturally seem to have together?
TG: You know, working with Heidi, she’s like a safety valve for me. I relax when I see her, I know that everything is going to be ok, I know that we’re going to have a lot of fun and laugh a lot. She’s like my great antidote to everything that’s bad or unhappy in the world. She brings happiness, she brings light, she brings her incredible spirit – she’s a joy! I’m the luckiest guy in the world!
AM: Tim, it’s been such an honor to be able to talk with you and to hear your insights. I know around Athleisure Mag, whenever there are a number of projects going on from a photoshoot, releasing an issue, organizing schedules etc, I do think about you saying, “make it work” and it just kind of begins to organize the priorities as we approach deadlines.
TG: Absolutely, get that issue out and make it work!
IG @TimGunn
PHOTOS COURTESY | Amazon
Read the JUL ISSUE #67 of Athleisure Mag and see Make it Work with Tim Gunn in mag.
We've been a fan of the art created by Jade Purple Brown who is known for her pops of color! You've seen her work with clients that have included Drew Barrymore's Flower, EOS, Murad; a splash page for Adobe Illustrator, images that have included iconic pictures of Diana Ross and Beyoncé, or whether it's been her creativity when it comes to showcasing strong women in a 60's and 70's style! We took some time to talk about her portfolio, process and how she got into the industry.
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you realize that you wanted to be an artist?
JADE PURPLE BROWN: In college, I studied Fashion Marketing & Management because I originally wanted to pursue a career in fashion styling. I knew that gaining a strong business background would be great for me and help further support my career. While I was in the program they taught us the basics of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator & InDesign to create marketing materials and I quickly fell in love. With the help of online tutorials, I started using the programs on my own time to create unique designs. From there, I slowly started to figure out that my true passion was art and design and that I had a natural talent for it.
AM: As an artist, how do you get inspired to create your work?
JPB: Strong go-getting woman, 60s and 70s Interior Design, Bold fashions, and the Black community as a whole, constantly inspires my work. These themes always pop into my brain as I sketch out new pieces or begin planning my next moves. I also find that a clean organized workspace and good music really keep my ideas flowing.
AM: As an entrepreneur, how do you balance between creating pieces that align with your vision, commissioned pieces, and doing the day-to-day business of elevating your brand and goals?
JPB: All of the clients that I choose to work with come to me specifically for my style, which is amazing because it better ensures that my overall vision will stay intact. However, I do challenge myself on an ongoing basis to create personal work so I always feel like I’m growing and experimenting within my work. Most clients reach out because they’re drawn to my self-initiated projects, so taking the time to challenge myself and create freely helps with gaining new client work as well.
AM: You have worked with a number of brands from Sephora, TikTok, Drew Barrymore’s Flower Beauty etc – as an entrepreneur, what’s your process when it comes to onboarding projects. Do you look at synergies that exist between you?
JPB: Before accepting new projects I always make sure that the brief really champions my artistic voice and make sure that it would be a project that I would be proud to include in my portfolio. My agent also makes sure we’re all aligned on deliverables, timeline, and budget to make sure that everything goes smoothly.
AM: Your work centers on positivity, individuality, and what it means to be a female artist/woman of color – how do these themes and messages manifest themselves in your work?
JPB: The overall theme of all my work is joy. I want people to feel good when they see my work. A lot of my work features characters who are Black and people of color — something that I didn’t see a lot of in art and design growing up. I want people to be able to see themselves in my work and feel good about who they are and optimistic about the many possibilities of life.
AM: Are there color palettes that you tend to incorporate into your work and if so, why do you lean towards those?
JPB: Color can evoke so many different emotions. For me, I want to evoke freedom and fun, so I use a lot of punchy colors, and then I’ll also balance them out with more neutrals, browns, blacks, and whites. Juicy, mouthwatering colors like red, orange, pink, and yellow are my go-to's.
AM: Your work has been on prints and recently on throw blankets, although they are currently sold out will you bring these back or have future products like this available?
JPB: It’s been really fun to create bold contemporary art prints + thoughtful art-centered products that aim to add a post of joy to everyday life. A new throw blanket design will be coming out this winter, and I’ll be launching Beach towels this summer.
AM: Currently, you partnered with Murad which launched their Intense Recovery Cream which assists stressed-out skin. You created artwork that we can download to color to continue feeling calm – can you tell me more about this image?
JPB: We all need to stress less these days which is why I’ve partnered with Murad to create an art piece that evokes a sense of calm as you color your way through the sheet’s white spaces. The illustration pulls inspiration from Murad’s newest innovation, Intense Recovery Cream – a dose of calm for your face, and is outlined in Murad's signature black cherry shade. The shapes are filled with soft yellows, blues, and purples, while relaxing nature elements along with the words "Peace" and "Love" are illustrated in hopes of relieving daily stress
PHOTOS COURTESY | Jade Purple Brown
Read the May Issue #65 of Athleisure Mag and see The Go Getter With Jade Purple Brown in mag.
Read the May Issue #65 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LOOKS featuring SKIMS in mag.
We've been a fan of Mark Wahlberg since we first saw his music video for Good Vibrations and as a model for Calvin Klein underwear. We knew then that he would transcend his popstar status as a multi-hyphenated brand that we would continue to see. As he began to make the jump to the big screen in The Basketball Diaries and Boogie Nights, we knew that we would continue to see him taking on additional cool projects.
Since those early days, we have enjoyed Mark's range of characters in our favorite films from Martin Scorsese's The Departed, Patriot Day, Ted/2, 2 Guns, Transformer franchise and All the Money in the World. With the ability to oscillate between dramatic and comedic roles, Mark has proven to be a powerhouse and received A Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in The Departed. He has been equally as dominant behind the screen as an Executive Producer of HBO's Entourage, Ballers, McMillions, Boardwalk Empire, How to Make it in America, A&E's Wahlburgers, USA's Shooter (which he was the main character in the movie version) just to name a few.
We know him to be a man who has a work ethic and commitment to all of his projects whether it's an upcoming role, as an entrepreneur, his passion for his family and his ability to get up early to get his workout in so that he is in shape for whatever life throws at him.
We're excited to have Mark as the cover for this month's issue where he shares his words of wisdom that he has learned as he navigates life and the business. He shares how he continues to optimize his efforts, how he approached his roles, his upcoming film Arthur the King, his apparel brand, MUNICIPAL, and Wahl Street on HBO Max.
ATHLEISURE MAG: When we look at your career as an actor, producer, entrepreneur and investor what has been your mantra as you navigate these areas?
MARK WAHLBERG: Just get going. So many people get stuck over thinking whatever it is. But the key is just to get going. Any momentum is better than no momentum.
AM: You are known as a man with a number of optimized habits. What’s the best way that one can approach that?
MW: Get into a routine that allows you to be the best version of yourself.
AM: What’s the first 3 things that you do in the morning when you wake up?
MW: Pray. Then eat and workout.
AM: Obviously, you’re in great shape and we know that you get up pretty early to get your work in. What is the simplest, but most effective piece of workout equipment that you own?
MW: That’s got to be my PowerPlate Pulse. I feel like I have one in every room in my house. Soreness goes away in just a few mins.
AM: You have been in a number of our favorite movies, from Boogie Nights, The Departed and Transformers franchise. What has been the most physically taxing role that you’ve played on screen?
MW: There are so many because I love the physical aspect of some roles. People pushing themselves to the limit. The Fighter, Lone Survivor were like that. And my new movie I just finished shooting, Arthur the King, does the same.
AM: Which role that you’ve played — Tommy Saunders (Patriots Day), Marcus Luttrell (Lone Survivor), Mike Williams (Deepwater Horizon) — inspired you most personally?
MW: They’re all so different but the one thing that they have in common was they are all real people committed to something bigger than themselves.
That’s as inspiring as it gets.
AM: When you began as an entrepreneur, what was the best piece of advice that you received?
MW: Things never go exactly as you planned. But if you’ve put a great team together, and are persistent, you’ll find creative solutions together.
AM: Since last Oct, we became aware of your fashion brand MUNICIPAL and included it in our cover shoot with EDM DJ/producer duo SOFI TUKKER as well as in our cover shoot with Twilight's Peter Facinelli. We love that the line takes you from day to night. What’s your go-to pieces of MUNICIPAL gear?
MW: SuperBlend tees, Sport Utility Jogger, Everyday Boxer Brief, ICON Trucker Hat – can’t pick just one!
AM: So what’s your favorite new discovery?
MW: MUNICIPAL SuperBlend tees. I live in these things.
AM: When you’re not on set, brokering your deals or thinking of your next project, what is your ideal day?
MW: Spending time with my family.
AM: We love your commitment to your health and fitness, but when it comes to a splurge are you drinking wine, beer or liquor?
MW: Wine
AM: When it comes to athletes, who influenced you the most?
MW: I grew up in the 80’s so it was Larry, Michael, and Magic.
AM: So what music are you listening to right now?
MW: Lately I’ve been watching a bunch of old school hip hop videos with my kids. The stuff holds up!
AM: We’re all streaming a number of shows on various streaming platforms. Any suggestions on what we need to be bingeing?
MW: How about HBO Max? Netflix is Spenser Confidential. And on HBO Max, check out the Wahl Street series airing April 2021.
PHOTOS COURTESY | Mark Wahlberg
Read the Apr Issue #64 of Athleisure Mag and see Momentum is Key with Mark Wahlberg in mag.
Read the Feb Issue #62 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST in mag.
Read the Dec Issue #60 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST STORI3S Chef Brooke Williamson in mag.
When the NBA finals which took place in the NBA Bubble in Orlando, FL with the Lakers winning the Championship, we all saw the trophy sitting in front of an iconic Louis Vuitton Trophy case. Last Fri, Virgil Abloh released their Louis Vuitton X NBA collection which has a number of pieces in their assortment which includes apparel, small leather goods and more. You can see the entire collection here as well as the virtual experience.
Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
PHOTO COURTESY | Tiffany & Co.
Every year, we have enjoyed seeing the Initiatives in Art and Culture (IAC) conference that focuses on a number of industries within the jewelry industry. IAC educates diverse audiences in visual culture, including the fine and decorative arts.
This year marks their 10th anniversary and although attending events in person is something that we can’t do right now, we’re excited to see that on Oct 28th, they are running a conference (entire program below) that will allow industry experts to gather virtually and to talk about Ethics and Sustainability in Gold and Diamond Enterprise. This day will include panels from industry experts that focus on this topic and will explore the evolution of responsible practice over the past 20 years. It will also honor Anisa Kamadoli Costa, Chief Sustainability Office, Tiffany & Co. with its Award for Leadership in Responsibility Practice in Jewelry.
Check out more information about the panels and make sure to get your complimentary tickets here:
11:00–11:10AM | Introduction and Welcoming Remarks. Lisa Koenigsberg, President / Founder, Initiatives in Art and Culture
11:10 am–12:15 PM | No Going Back: Vision and Leadership in Supporting Responsible Mining Artisanal and small-scale gold, diamond and colored stone mining takes place in approximately 80 countries worldwide with approximately 40 million artisanal miners globally, and significant attention to meeting established standards. Large-scale mining also has agreed upon global standards that drive best practices. This conversation brings together representation from mining companies, refineries, and NGOs, as well as thought leaders, and jewelry designer to explore how the production and the demand sides of the supply chain can work together. Panelists will discuss the formalization of ASM, and how opportunities can be captured to facilitate its growth and continue to incentivize and support the development of responsible mining and sourcing practices.
Moderator: Christina T. Miller, Co-founder, Ethical Metalsmiths & consultant,Conny Havel, Head of Supply Chains and Markets, Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM)Cristina Maria Villegas, Director of Mines to Markets Program, PACTFeriel Zerouki, Senior Vice President of International Relations and Ethical Initiatives, De Beers GroupVirginie Bahon, Head of Corporate Affairs, ValcambiUte Decker, Founder, Ute Decker-sculptural jewelryMonica Gichuhi, Founder, African Gem Exhibition and Conference
12:15-12:25 PM | BREAK
12:25-12:30 PM | Introduction Remarks
12:30–1:30 PM | Leadership in Responsible Practice: Celebrating Twenty Years of Sustained Commitment
In honor of Anisa Kamadoli Costa's receiving Initiatives in Art and Culture's Award for Leadership in ResponsiblePractice in Jewelry on behalf of Tiffany & Co., and to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Tiffany & Co. Foundation, she will be joined by other trailblazers in this realm to discuss how the field has progressed over the last two decades, considering issues ranging from certification and standards, to artisanal mining to traceability.
Anisa Kamadoli Costa, Chief Sustainability Officer, Tiffany & Co.Mark Hanna, Chief Marketing Officer, Richline Group, Inc.Michael J. Kowalski, Retired President and Chairman of the Board, Tiffany &Co.Stephen D’Esposito, President and CEO/RESOLVE In conversation with Lisa Koenigsberg, and Christina T. Miller, Co-chairs, Committee for Initiatives in Art and Culture's Award for Leadership in Responsible Practice in Jewelry.
1:30–1:45 PM | Presentation of Initiatives in Art and Culture’s Award for Leadership in Responsible Practice to Anisa Kamadoli Costa
Lisa Koenigsberg and Christina Miller
For complimentary registration to attend “All That Glitters” click here. To learn more about Initiatives in Art and Culture.
Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
Read the Sept Issue #57 of Athleisure Mag and see Rock This To Commute at Home From Room to Room in mag.
