Rome Flynn | Style Issue 2019

EDITOR’S NOTE
PHOTO CREDIT: GILBERTSON CUFFY
The last few years have been nothing short
of what some may call a modern cultural
revolution. Ideas about race, gender, and
sexuality have been discussed, challenged and
reconsidered in ways not seen since the social
justice movements of the mid-20th century. As
with anything, fashion reflects the mood of the
times and we are seeing a shift in how different
ideas around identity inform how men interact
with clothing.
It is no secret that black and brown men have
an influence on everything considered cool in
American culture, and fashion and style are no exception.
In fact, men of color, despite being few
in number with regard to roles such as designer
or editor in the fashion industry, are arguably
some of the main players in today’s fashion revolution.
Take for example the shift of NBA and
NFL players such as Serge Ibaka, Odell Beckham
Jr., Russell Westbrook, and James Harden,
who went from sports stars to style stars. Both
Serge and Odell have embraced kilts, and Russell
and James have inspired an entire generation to
adopt innovative and creative takes on color, cuts
and patterns. This is not a coincidence.
Despite societal adversities and industry exclusion,
men of color have continuously proven to
be at the forefront of men’s fashion. It is with
this understanding that we acknowledge the
significant role we play in the current fashion
movement and how black and brown men are
intricately woven into the fashion quilt of generations
past.
This year’s style issue celebrates the current wave
of male style stars and trend setters such as the
dynamic new designer Kerby Jean-Raymond of
Pyer Moss. It also highlights other fresh talent,
including actor Rome Flynn, who covers the issue
and stars on the hit show How to Get Away
With Murder. It is our hope that the 2019 style
issue vigorously reflects the impact men of color
have on fashion and exhibits how we lead the way
in defining “style” in the 21st century.
Aaron Campbell
AARON CAMPBELL
FASHION EDITOR
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