Who's That Guy?

Caramel skin, thick lips, and green eyes that can see through to your soul. Ivon is one of the most beautiful people I'm honored to know. This guy has been in the game for a long time. In fact, the first time he walked the runway or did a photo shoot he was just four years old! Ivon is just as smart as he is handsome. He's got a dual Bachelors degree in Operations Management and Financial Services Management. When he's not modeling, he's concocting killer marketing and PR campaigns. I'm convinced there's nothing he can't do. Let's dig a little deeper and get familiar with Ivon.

1. Describe your style?
My style is pretty dichotomous and depends on my mood. But whether I'm suited with a tailored suit or rugged in my denim and boots, I tend to like clean lines, textures, and fitted cuts. One thing I can say for sure is that I'm a purist when it comes to jewelry. Give me a watch and I'm good.

2. What's your spirit animal or an animal you identify with?
This is random but I identify with a Stag. He's the king of the forest. He's regal, humble, and beautiful but he can let the sophistication fall to the side and smack you into line when he has to. I mean, how epic was the fight scene in Bambi... Boss!

3. If you had a super power what would it be?
Again with the random but I'd like to be an Empath. You'd be a human BS detector. That would come in handy in this industry. Lol

4. What challenges have you faced in your career?
I was lucky in that I started out as an agency model. So when it's come to the business side, I've been pretty protected. But I've definitely dealt with the leeches and vultures who try to take advantage of young,eager, and (to keep it real) black models. I've also had some issues with agencies utilizing my versatility; I'm a commercial guy at the end of the day but clients have requested me for all kinds of editorial jobs. On the flip side I've always maintained a corporate career so that balance has been stressful at times.

5. What keeps you motivated everyday?
The fact that I believe God has given me these days and that if I'm still here. I've still got something to do. And, of course, the great people that I call friends and family.

He's so great. The first time I met Ivon, I tried my best to play it cool. We were working together on an editorial and his look is so striking that I could barely concentrate. But there was also something familiar that put me at ease. We finished each other's sentences and laughed at the same silly jokes. It's as if we'd known each other forever. Ivon inspires and encourages me all the time. It's such a blessing to have him in my life. If there's a model you want to get to know, hit me up and we'll pick his or her brain. Ciao.

Thankful

Photo by Stephanie Rausser

Enjoy all that life has given you. The joyous times, the greatness, and even the frustration. Cuz the sweet don't taste so good without the salty. Happy Thanksgiving!
Xoxo,
N

My Style: In His Clothes

I was cold. We were out at an event. He looked really sharp in a nice grey suit. I was wearing a very slinky dress with strappy heels. I borrowed his jacket and I still haven't given it back. It hangs in my closet, and every now and then I put it on and remember the fun we had. The jacket still smells like him... Black Orchid by Tom Ford.


I'm a sucker for nostalgia. Every piece of clothing triggers a memory. These black slacks are the same ones I wore the night we first met. The shiny wings necklace I put on the night his film made its hometown debut. I wore it for good luck. I remember he laughed so hard when I showed him this black and gold bag I got from a flea market. He said it looked like a fancy chessboard. Even this hat. We were in a beautiful middle eastern restaurant and he was snapping pictures of me. I was blushing when he said "I know all your right angles."


The Look
Jacket- Wentworth
Cropped Button-up - BDG from Urban Outfitters
Slacks- J. Lindeberg
Hat- Anthropologie
Shoes- Zara
Bag- thrifted
Necklace- Tatty Devine
Ring - Melody Ehsani
Earrings- ASOS


There's a story to go with everything I'm wearing. Just call me a sentimental fool. As the years have gone by, I'm sure I've romanticized the details a little bit. But it all helps to keep the idea of him forever in my heart.
"I am remembering... love."

Model Bites: Burgers and Brews

One of the most perfect combinations in food history. Like apple pie and vanilla ice cream or chicken wings and buffalo sauce, a really good hamburger and a beer are a great pair. They can both stand alone without a doubt, but together they're banging! Exactly how did this match made in heaven come to be? The details are a bit fuzzy. I like to imagine some really buff, blond German guys named Sven and Rolf came up with the idea during Oktoberfest after running out of bratwurst and sauerkraut. I could be wrong, but a girl's allowed to fantasize. On the real, finding the right beer to go with your burger isn't easy. There's a method to the madness.

Ok the first thing you need to understand is that every burger isn't the same. To help you get this concept I've come up with PBJ- patty, bun, and junk in the trunk. Fast food places normally give you a thin patty where as your dad probably puts extra thick burgers on the grill. Also take into consideration what goes into a tasty patty. Burgeramt in Berlin puts finely chopped onions in the ground beef to give their hamburgers extra oomph. A number of gourmet restaurants use organic, grass-fed beef to make sure you're eating hormone-free meat. Now... what color do you like your cow? As a kid you probably ate everything well done. But you're a grown-up, it's totally ok to go for pink. A number of great burger spots cook their meat medium rare to medium, and I think the flavor is better that way. Next we've got the bun. Sesame seed, onion, kaiser roll, pretzel bun, hawaiian roll, whole wheat... I can keep going. The bun can either enhance the beef or ruin it. What about the junk in the trunk AKA the fixings. Cheese or no cheese? What kind of cheese? The traditional hamburger comes with lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard, and a pickle. I say get fancy with it. I load up my burger with bacon, roasted red peppers, spinach, provolone, and pesto. Talk about delicioso!

Now add beer. Here's where things get tricky. I like to think I can hang with the boys until someone offers me a brewski. If you're not a pro, drinking a beer can be icky like you're drinking urine. Sorry, I'm just keeping it real. To ease yourself in, try a nice cider or go Deutsch and drink a colaweizen or a Diesel, part coke and part beer. Now if you decide to plunge into the world of pale ales and frothy lagers, go for flavors that are familiar. Give me a brown lager that's got a sweet, roasted taste and a clean finish like drinking dark chocolate. Mmm mmm. That might not necessarily go with the burger I want, so it's important to ask an expert. Good burger and beer joints like Stout know their brews and can recommend something that complements the beef and fixings.

My rules of thumb: Lighter colored beers work with almost anything especially fresher ingredients like veggies. It may not add to the flavors of your burger, but it won't destroy it. If you've got a hamburger with some kick, go for a bold brew that's got kick too. Match flavor for flavor to create a symphony of tastiness in your mouth. Don't be afraid to experiment. Your tastebuds may require a challenge, so discover a pairing that no one else has even thought about. Make the beer gods proud. Cheers.

BrandBlack Launch

All photos courtesy of Rony's Photobooth

Gear that will make you fly. A big part of a guy's wardrobe is dedicated to what he's wearing when he's breaking a sweat. Whether he's a runner or he's got hoop dreams, athletic apparel can be just as important as a suit and tie. If you're going to play the game, you've got to dress the part. You can't dunk on dudes if you're wearing khakis and loafers. No way, man. But now there's a new go-to for the ballers who want to look good on the court. It's called BrandBlack.


Last week BrandBlack made its official debut with a very hip launch party with LA Clippers guard Jamal Crawford. He's signed a multi-year deal and is the brand's new global ambassador. Some of Jamal's teammates and friends came out to help him celebrate including Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and actor Pooch Hall. Kendrick Lamar even made a cameo, but how could he not. This was definitely the party to crash.


Taye and I made our way to the shindig after running to a couple of other events. There was no way I was going to miss this. I knew all of my favorite guys were going to be there, so of course I made to make an appearance. We arrived fashionably late, but the crowd was still feeling it. This wasn't your usual launch event. My friends James Outlaw and Sean Patrick worked hard on making this event extra special.


Picture watching a street ball game at New York's famed Rucker Park. Now add a few of the hottest djs, some LA scenesters, and put that all inside a historic sound stage and shake it up with some delicious cocktails. Yeah, that was the party. No seriously. Guys from the Venice Ball League actually had a dunking contest while the rest of us danced and sipped on drinks.

BrandBlack is the creation of David Raysse. He's collaborated with major shoe companies like Adidas and Fila, and finally has something that's all his own. BrandBlack's sneakers and apparel are slick and modern. If you're a guy who likes to ball out of control, this is definitely for you. The brand is already in the lab adding new designs as we speak. Look out for Jamal Crawford's "JCrossover" line coming soon. BrandBlack is so cool and definitely lives up to its motto "A different way to fly."

Simply The Best

Oh yeah! It's the cream of the crop. It's the best of the best. GQ has officially announced their Men of the Year for 2013 and it's so good. My future-husband-in-another-life Justin Timberlake holds the honor of "#Hashtag of the Year" I guess because he's so awesome you can't put him in just one category. Hit songs, a hot tour, and lots of new projects. Keep giving us more, baby. All hail Justin! Lyrical slayer Kendrick Lamar is one of the cover stars earning the title "Rapper of the Year". He totally deserves it. After that diss verse on Big Sean's Control, Kendrick solidified his rightful place on the throne of hip hop. Who else made the cut for GQ's list?

Aaaah Matthew McConaughey. This Texas gent holds the title "Leading Man of the Year". He's charming, handsome, and adds a certain likability to the characters he portrays on screen. You can imagine throwing back beers and playing the bongos naked with each and every one of them.

We lost a great man this year when James Gandolfini passed away. He was not only an actor and producer, but a husband, father and an influential man. His portrayal as Tony Soprano in the HBO series The Sopranos is forever etched in television history. Upon hearing of Gandolfini's death, Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston posted this on Twitter: "I'm saddened by James Gandolfini's passing. He was quite a talent and I owe him. Quite simply, without Tony Soprano there is no Walter White."

As if this is any surprise. Introducing GQ's "Funnyman of the Year" Will Ferrell. This guy doesn't even have to say anything and I bust out laughing. And when he does open his mouth... hilarious jibberish. Will Ferrell nails it every time. Ricky Bobby, Chazz Michael Michaels, Ron Burgundy. I can't freaking wait for Anchorman 2!

This is the 18th annual edition of these honors. I have no idea how GQ decides who's top dog, but I like the magazine's picks. Obviously I would've given Pharrell "Coolest Man of the Year" award, but no one asked my opinion. I would've also added other categories like "Most Likely to Steal Your Girlfriend But You Don't Mind" and "Most Fashionable of the Year" which would both go to Tom Ford because he's just so sexy.

Sound off: Did GQ leave someone off the list? Who's your man of the year for 2013?

Make A Statement: The White Tux

Photography by Jonne Johnson, styling by Pei Lee, and makeup by Sheba Snow

A black suit with your usual dress shirt and bowtie is the standard. It's safe and expected. But white... now that's the business. Walk into a party and all eyes are on you. It's a clean, crisp look that pops without being too loud and works for any ocassion. I know this look is normally reserved for wealthy gentlemen going to formal affairs in the summer. Who says you can't wear a white dinner jacket all year round. Especially with all the holiday parties coming up, I say do it!


The Look
White Jacket - H & M
Bow Tie: Thrifted
Slacks : H & M
Glasses: Urban Outfitters

The white tux works on both guys and dolls. It's so sleek and sexy. Some so-called experts say you should never wear ivory or white in cooler weather, but I say who cares. If you're going to sport something like this "out of season" pair it with black pants and darker accessories in general. Having any trouble figuring out if you can wear this? Think James Bond in Goldfinger, Bogart in Casablanca, or Sinatra in anything. Got it? Just avoid drinking red wine or eating something with marinara while you're wearing this. Your dry cleaning bill will be ridiculous.

"I hope my black skin don't dirt this white tuxedo before the Basquiat show." - Frank Ocean