THE GO GETTER WITH JADE PURPLE BROWN

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

IG @JadePurpleBrown

PHOTOS COURTESY | Jade Purple Brown

Read the May Issue #65 of Athleisure Mag and see The Go Getter With Jade Purple Brown in mag.

9LOOKS | SKIMS

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MOMENTUM IS KEY WITH MARK WAHLBERG

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.

IG @MarkWahlberg

PHOTOS COURTESY | Mark Wahlberg

Read the Apr Issue #64 of Athleisure Mag and see Momentum is Key with Mark Wahlberg in mag.

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LOUIS VUITTON X NBA

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.

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INITIATIVES IN ART AND CULTURE | ETHICS & SUSTAINABILITY IN GOLD AND DIAMOND ENTERPRISE

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:

PROGRAM

• 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, PACTFeriel Zerouki, Senior Vice President of International Relations and Ethical Initiatives, De Beers GroupVirginie Bahon, Head of Corporate Affairs, ValcambiUte Decker, Founder, Ute Decker-sculptural jewelryMonica 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.

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ROCK THIS LOOK WHILE YOU'RE WORKING FROM HOME IN STYLE

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5 WAYS TO COMPLETE YOUR LOOKS WITH STYLISH SUNGLASSES

If you are thinking about getting a pair of sunglasses for the first time or you just want to replace, refresh or change your looks, here are some tips on how to complete your looks with stylish glasses.

But first what is style? What do you regard as stylish?

Well, everyone has their own description of what they view as stylish but generally speaking; style means getting the right glasses that fits your personality and blend well with your facial features. After all, putting on something that makes you feel comfortable and great and confident all at the same time is really what stylish is all about. To test for these qualities, you can try eyeglasses with virtual mirror and see how it looks on you.

So, if you are planning to buy sunglasses from an online shop, it is best that you go for a shop that not only offers stylish, designer and affordable glasses, but you should also consider one with a ‘glasses fast’ delivery option.

Now without further ado, here are five things to consider if you want to look stylish in sunglasses.

1. Face shape

Choose sunglasses based on the shape of your face. Generally, there are several types of face shapes i.e. oval, round, oblong, base-down triangle, base-up triangle, diamond and square. If you have a long face, oval or oblong, most frame-styles are going to match well with you; though you will probably need to shun teardrop lenses and anything that will make your face appear longer.

If your chin is conspicuously narrower than your forehead, you will have to avoid glasses with straight lines which basically means that round lenses are your portion. On the other hand, if you have a round or oval face, then you’ll probably need to avoid round lenses.  As for those guys with faces that are square shaped, you will need to consider glasses that are curvy or round.

2. Frames

Select frames that fit. The perfect way to achieve this is to visit an optician and get your face measured, but if you want to get your glasses asap and visiting an optician is not an option, then you’ll simply have to use your judgment. The three most important measurements on a pair of glasses (be it prescription or non-prescribed glasses) are the length of the arms, the width of the lens and the width of the bridge. The frames can either be half frames, frameless or full frames.

Both cheap and expensive designer glasses in most cases have frames made from the same plastic material, and for a touch of style, it is advisable that you choose acetate. This is because acetate has stronger and vibrant colors.  Moreover, they are hypoallergenic and since they are made from natural fibers, they are also more sustainable.

3. Lens

Another thing that you need to know when choosing a pair of sunglasses is the level of UV protection it provides. If you are looking for one that offers maximum protection then look out for a lense which combines both lightweight strength and optical superiority.

You will also need to consider the color of the lens. Some colors are better suited for certain occasions/activities but the most important thing is how it looks on you. Generally, Grey lenses are usually the standard option but amber and brown also blends well with a range of outfits. If you’re going for blue, green, red or yellow then you are putting yourself on the spotlight, so make sure you are comfortable with it or you’ll look like you have just walked out of a kids TV program.

4. Opt for your own style

The fact that they look gorgeous on display does not necessarily mean it will look good on you. You’ve got to have confidence in your own style. The glasses you select should reflect your own personality and you should enjoy wearing them. It should give you total confidence and give you that feel good vibe.  You should also have a variety of sunglasses; some for business and some that calls for a party. Also look out for companies that will ensure your glass fast shipment needs are catered for. You don’t want to order sunglasses and receive them 3 or 4 month down the line.

5. Adopt consistent outlook

Match your checkered shirt with checkered glasses. By matching the patterns, you develop a consistent look. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to have clothes that match your sunglasses but rather the shade you wear should complement your outfit. You can also match it with other accessories e.g. wristwatch, necklace or earrings.

So in a nutshell an ideal sunglasses is one that; matches your facial feature, offers  maximum UV rays protection, has fitting frames, matches well with your outfit and last but not least, it should be stylish.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.