OBVIOUS VIDEO

Model and New Face, Toogii, makes his American debut in this amazing editorial shot EXCLUSIVELY for Obvious Magazine by Jerry Stolwijk in his homage to the Samurai Warrior but modernized.

Striped Fur Skirt  Yusuf Kayi
Hooded Black Pullover  American Vintage
Coat  Jil Sander
Feathery Accessory Yusuf Kayi

Navy Tricot  American Vintage
Denim Dress  Yusuf Kayi
White Shawl Belt  Umit Unal
Copper Coloured Swimsuit  Yusuf Kayi

LEFT
Red Dress  Yusuf Kayi
Black Jewelry  Yusuf Kayi

RIGHT
White Leggings  Umit Unal
Red Vest  Etro
Brown Sweater  Jil Sander
Denim Coat  Yusuf Kayi

LEFT
Denim Rompers  Umit Unal
Brown Epaulet  Yusuf Kayi

RIGHT
Navy Coat  Ann Demeulemeester
Brown Romper  Yusuf Kayi
Green Boots  Fiorentini + Baker
Red Bracelet  Yusuf Kayi

LEFT
Black Boots  Replay
Fur Skirt  Yusuf Kayi
Mesh Tricot  Umit Unal

RIGHT
Brown Fur Coat  Yusuf Kayi
Brown T-shirt  American Vintage
Belt  Etro
Leopard Swimsuit  Alpha 60

Shhh! Self-Explanatory.

Photographer  Laretta Houston
Fashion Editor  Hayden
Make-Up Artist (Female Model)  Yeikov using Make Up Forever & Lip Tars For occ.com
Grooming (Male Model)  Dana Delaney using Make Up Forever
Hair Stylist  Swaphia Doms
Models  Megan Parkhurst & Connor Moxam for Click Models NY

Her
Dress  Jose Duran
Shoes  YSL
Tights  DKNY
Him
Underwear  Emporio Armani

LEFT
Underwear  Emporio Armani
RIGHT
Dress  D&G
Cape  Comme des Garcons
Tights  DKNY

Her
Body Suit  American Apparel
Coat  Michael Kors
Necklace  Laruicci
Ring  Rachel Roy
Boots  Report
Him
Underwear  Emporio Armani

LEFT
Top  H&M
Pants  Thakoon
RIGHT
Pants  Thakoon
Shoes  Top Shop

Adina Porter plays Tara Thornton’s mother on HBO’s mega hit show, True Blood, takes time to show off her ‘Sexy’ side for Obvious Magazine. She is definitely a ‘True Beauty’.

Photography  James Anthony
Fashion Editor   Bria Bass
Makeup Artist  Miss Brie Did It
Hair  Que “Stylistic Que” Farr

Dress  Alice + Olivia
Necklace, Earrings, Ring, Bracelets: Stylist’s Own

Dress All Saints

LEFT
Dress  Jessica McClintock
Ring  Stylist’s Own

RIGHT
Dress  Neiman Marcus
Necklace  Stylist’s Own

LEFT
Dress  Valentino RED
Necklace  Stylist’s Own
Ring  Stylist’s Own

RIGHT
Dress  Macy’s

Individuality always outshines any crowd.

Photography  Jordan Duvall
Fashion Editor  Eddington Howard
Photo Assistant  Jeff Gottlieb
Hair and Grooming  Hilla Peer
Prop Stylist  Coree Van Bebber
Model  Andy for LA Models
Jacket  Damir Do

LEFT
Jacket  Damir Doma
Pants G-Star Raw
Hat  Vintage

RIGHT
Sweater  US Rags
Pants  US Rags
Shoes  Florsheim
Bracelet  ICE
Glasses  Stylist’s Own

LEFT
Sweater  B. Scott
Cape  Fremont
Pants Cheap Monday

RIGHT
Pants  G-Star Raw
Jacket  Fremont
Shirt  Fremont
Bow Tie  Frecuencia Modula
Shoes  Florsheim

LEFT
Beanie  New Era
Jacket  Vintage
Pants  Factotum
Shoes  Stylist’s Own

RIGHT
Shorts  Cheap Monday
Shirt  James Perse
Headband  Stylist’s Own

Model RL Bond is no stranger to what New York City has to offer in regards to fashion and scenery. Taking time from his busy modeling career to give you a view. RL Bond is in it for the long haul. Enjoy.

Photographer  Jerris Madison
Wardrobe Stylist  Douglas Hickman
Grooming  Meagan Sheá
Photo Asst.  Nathaniel Thompson
Wardrobe Asst.  Samuel DeSalu

Scarf  Zara
Sweater Rochambeau
Pant  Zara
Gloves  LaCrasia

Hat Victor Osborne
Pant Zara

LEFT
Suit  Edwing D’Angelo
Shirt  Vintage Gucci
Tie  Polo by Ralph Lauren
Sweater  G-Star Raw
Shoes Allen Edmond

RIGHT
Jumpsuit  G-Star Raw
Glasses  Tom Ford
Belts  Zara/Vintage
Boots  Metropolitan View
Gloves  LaCrasia

Shirt  Zara
Coat  Rochambeau
Vest  Edwing D’Angelo
Pant  V_Moda
Tie  Vintage
Hat  Victor Osborne
Shoes  Stylist’s Own

“I work hard to keep anything and everything within my orbit strictly aspirational, thought-provoking, progressive and positive.” -Brian White.

Brian White has to be one of the most inspiring and hardest working men I know. Doing this interview and his photographs allowed me to share with the world what I have access to every time we have the time to speak (both of us are super busy).

Brian is no stranger to film and television. He is currently playing the outspoken and egotistical Marcus on the hit show ‘Men of a Certain Age’, has a starring role in the romantic dramedy ‘Politics of Love’ with Loretta Devine, Ruby Dee, Gerry Bednob and Mallika Sherawat and has a slew of feature films in the coming year. I would like to introduce you to ‘The Focused Man’, my friend, Mr. Brian White and get a taste of the man that inspires the world.

Words by Jerris Madison
Photo excerpts from Project: Brian White 2012 Calendar
Photography by Jerris Madison
Wedding Photo by Emily Perez
Wardrobe Stylist Eddington Howard
Photo Assistants Brooks Proctor and Steven Blank

Sweater  B. Scott
Shorts Damir Doma

Jacket  B. Scott

Tank  B. Scott
Gloves  Stylist’s Own

LEFT
Jacket  King Baby
Shirt Stylist’s Own
Hat The Ampal Creative

RIGHT
Photo by Emily Perez
Dress Lasposa
Formal Suit  G. Pierce Bespoke

INTERVIEW

Brian White is no stranger to film and television. He is currently playing the outspoken and egotistical Marcus on the hit show ‘Men of a Certain Age’, has a starring role in the romantic dramedy ‘Politics of Love’ with Loretta Devine, Ruby Dee, Gerry Bednob and Mallika Sherawat and has a slew of feature films in the coming year. I want to introduce you to ‘The Focused Man’, my friend, Mr. Brian White and get a taste of the man that inspires the world.

Wow, tomorrow’s your big wedding day! Are you excited and nervous at the same time?
Just excited. And I guess a bit relieved, because the party planning aspect of it all is taxing. But I am truly blessed to be marrying my absolute favorite person on earth, my soul mate and best friend tomorrow. Let’s GO!

How does it feel to be marrying your best friend and how long did you wait to pop the question?I finally feel complete and like a new chapter of my life is beginning now.  I am aware of maturity setting in and am excited to explore the ramifications, specifically as they pertain to the depth of my work and artistic endeavors. My wife is a great motivator of excellence so I feel inspired to push myself even harder because I represent us both now.  She’s my personal angel here on earth.  My best friend.  My partner for life.  My buddy. My soul mate. The only person I have ever wanted to have a family with. My wife. I am blessed.

As far as how long… We dated for 6 years and waited until the moment when we knew it was right for us to say forever and mean it. Until neither of us had doubts, questions, worries.

Do you plan to have children?
Yes. At least 2.

Via your Twitter page, you often communicate back to your fans. Why is that important to you?
In the simplest terms, I want to be a positive alternative to the negativity, via all mediums, I see broadcast and feeding our countries young impressionable minds and being called “entertainment”. I was raised by my mother, Estelle White to: Be the change I wish to see in this world. One way I try to do this is using my social networking platforms (FB, Twitter, Myspace) to promote strictly positive items OR to challenge and/or “call to task” the negative or wrongful items I see.

I believe open honest communication is the only real option when it comes to progress. I recognize that my profession affords me an audience; and I desire to use whatever attention I have to usher some kind of positive progressive discussion about whatever the topic may be – with the intended result always being positive growth and change.

Now that marriage will be apart of your life, how will you balance it with your exploding career?
We’ve been together for 6 years… That part is already a well oiled machine!  She is truly my best friend and has been with me since before I had a career or money or interviews to discuss it all in. She truly elevates me and I think I am now about to enter my prime professionally.  I have never been this grounded or focused.  It’s awakening a whole new level – which is very exciting artistically.

You play the outspoken and egotistical ‘Marcus’ on the hit show Men of a Certain Age, how did you land that role?
I had a meeting with Ray Romano and Mike Royce and one topic we discussed was the progressive nature of the way the Thoreaus (Andre Braugher’s TV family) would be portrayed: happily married, successful, in love, aspirational, Cosby style! From that moment I let them know I was in if they’d have me.

Since The Cosby Show left the air you can count on one hand how many images of aspirational black families have been seen on scripted broadcast network series.  I feel blessed to be a part of MOACA because it provides a gloves off, current, adult, refreshing, raw look at a multi-generational black family and the result inspires, feels good and elevates the standard based on any measure.

Is there a method to your role selections on both film and television roles?
Keeping it real, I choose roles based on three things:

1. Is this something new for me artistically OR is there a powerful message/statement I can make with the role that is important to me?

2. Is this an opportunity to work with talent or a director I respect and admire?

3. $$$

If your ‘dream’ script came to your front door, what would it be and who would be the director(s)?
I am working on producing that project right now. Stay tuned to my website and Twitter for details!

You’ve managed to keep yourself out of public scrutiny and drama. Is this on purpose?
I was raised under public scrutiny as the son of an NBA Legend and All Star, so the “fame” aspect of my chosen career path is the least attractive to me and not anything I covet or feed energy to; and I work hard to keep anything and everything within my orbit strictly aspirational, thought-provoking, progressive and positive.

I’ve seen the relationship your have with your mother. Are you very close?
My mother is my hero, my mentor, my idol, my business partner and she lives 10 minutes away from me to this day.  I owe all that I am today to the tools instilled in me by my mother and do all that I can to live a life worthy of her efforts.

You have a new 2012 calendar coming out 10.10.10 (that date will not come for another 100 years). Why did you want to do a calendar?
I have always said that I will give the shirt off my back for charity.  So, this is a fun and artistic way that I can connect with fans and involve everyone in supporting a good cause.

What movie roles do you have in the works?
Coming in 2011 I play the lead in the romantic dramedy ‘Politics of Love’ with Loretta Devine, Ruby Dee, Gerry Bednob and Mallika Sherawat; and co-star in the Joss Whedon & Drew Goddard horror, thriller, sci-fi, dramedy ‘The Cabin In the Woods”.  I also am Executive Producing a feature drama, called ’7 Sons’ lensing this February in Detroit, MI.

People can get more details on all on my official site: www.BrianWhiteOnline.com
Twitter: @actorbrianwhite

What is your favorite vacation spots?
St. Thomas, USVI; Paris; Rome; Buenos Aires; Miami.

What is your favorite food and dessert?
Sushi & Peach Cobbler

Name 5 things you are grateful for?
My family, my friends, my health, my education, my fans.

The abandonment of the world didn’t separate the connection between the man and the woman. Story was photographed exclusively for Obvious Magazine by Jerry Stolwijk. Main components: leather, fur and plastic bags.

Photographer Jerry Stolwijk at Bybusto Agency
Stylist Yusuf Kayi
Hair & Makeup Osman Nuri Buruk at Bybusto Agency
Digital Artist Levent Sülün at Bybusto Agency
Models Emre Ese and Laura at Fasion Agency

Emre
Black satin cape Yusuf Kayı
Leather knight skirt  Retro
Rings on the chest  Retro
Shoes/gloves Yusuf Kayı

Laura
Hand-painted silver dress Yusuf Kayı
Shoes Yusuf Kayı

LEFT
Green on black painted dress Yusuf Kayı
Shoes  Model’s own

RIGHT
Plaid stitched black overall with fur Yusuf .Kayı
Trousers  Dolce & Gabbana

LEFT
Plaid stitched black dress with fringes Yusuf Kayı
Plastic shoulder accessory Yusuf Kayı
Shoes Gucci

RIGHT
Metal Top Vintage

LEFT
Laser cut leather dress Yusuf Kayı
Swimwear Jean Paul Gaultier
Smoking jacket Yusuf Kayı

RIGHT
Black plastic bag skirt Yusuf Kayı
Hat  Jean Paul Gaultier

Latino cover model Jon L shows off his versatility, sexy side and talks about what’s important to him and his career as a model.

Cover Photography by Jerris Madison for www.jerrismadison.com
Styling by Laurence Laurent
Grooming by Donaldo Taylor for www.donaldo.me
Leather Vest/Pants IN AISCE www.inaisce.com
Bracelets Maria Rudman www.mariarudman.com

LEFT
Leather Hoody IN AISCE www.inaisce.com

RIGHT
Red Pant Aloha Rags Boutique www.aloharag.com
Silver Backpack Aloha Rags Boutique www.aloharag.com
Silver Trench Aloha Rags Boutique www.aloharag.com

Leather Vest/Pants IN AISCE www.inaisce.com
Bracelets Maria Rudman www.mariarudman.com
Boots  BESS www.bess-nyc.com

INTERVIEW

1.  Who is your favorite male model? John Kortajarena because of his humbleness and success. His dedication has made him one of the top male supermodels of the world and helped him book some of the biggest campaigns of the world.

2.  What is your favorite must have fashion item? My black combat boots. They go with almost everything I wear and make me feel in style. Women love them ;^).

3.  What do you wear on go-sees? I like to keep it simple. First impressions always counts. I wear a plain well fitted shirt, with a nice pair black fitted jeans and my combat boots.

4.  What’s your favorite gadget? My iPhone. It allows me to get emails from my agents and keeps me in touch with my friends and family.

5.  What’s your favorite restaurant? Sushi is one of my favorite dishes. TAO on 53rd St. and Madison Ave in NYC is the place for me. They have the best sushi and service in the city. They play the best chill mood house music in NYC and it’s a very fun and cool place to meet friends. Its like partying while you eating. Best place for me.

6.  Favorite Grooming product? Soft Wax for hair. Its allows me to style my hair in many ways that gel will never do plus is soft wax doesn’t have a greasy feel at all and smells pretty good. I carry it in my bag at all times.

7.  Favorite music that gets you hype before a runway show? House music definitely! Its like caffeine to my ears. It keeps me in a positive mood at all times and it gives me confidence and boost my adrenaline to hit the runway and get the job done right. It never fails me. I feel I can conquer the world.

8.  Do you follow daily fitness program? I used to but not any more. Now I believe in listening to the body. I’ve been doing this for the pass 6 months and the results I see are amazing. From time to time I incorporate a spinning class for a week to get my cardio going. I workout daily religiously for about 1 hour a day.  FITNESS IS FOR LIFE!

9.  What are your plans for the future after modeling? My plans for my future after modeling is to become a chef. I’m currently going to culinary school. I’m on my second cycle and have 3 more to go. I love to cook and its my second passion after modeling.

Stats

Height 6.0
Waist 30
Inseam 32
Neck 14
Arms 15 1/2
Suit 38 R
Shoe 10
Signed or Unsigned? Signed to Models International, NYC
Race Latino

Mixing the logging industry with the fashion industry can blend beautifully if done correctly. Cover model and newcomer, Yahya Demir, shows you how it’s done.

Photographer  Jerry Stolwijk for Bybusto
Styling  Hakan Urfalıoğlu
Hair & Makeup  Osman Nuri Buruk for Bybusto
Model  Yahya Demir for Bybusto
Retouch  Levent Sülün

Red Plaid Shirt  Burberry
Black and Grey Pants  Tween
Suspenders and Leather Gloves  Topman

Left
Plaid Shirt  Que
Smoke Grey Pants Tween
Plaid Vest  Diesel
Leather Gloves Network
Plaid Pants Sarar

Right
Jean Shirt  Topman
Scarf  Burberry
Suspenders  Topman

Left
Grey and Blue Plaid Shirt Diesel
Dress Pants  Sarar
Dark Blue Tricot  Tween
Suspenders  Topman

Right
Red Plaid Shirt  Topman
Dark Blue Tricot  Que
Pants  Sarar
Navy Blue Hat  Topman

Red & White Polo Shirt  Tween
Off White & Blue Cardigan Diesel
Dress Pants  Avva

INTERVIEW:

1. Who is your favorite male model? My favourite model is Jon Kortajaren.
2. What is your favorite must have fashion item? Distressed jeans. I can wear them   with anything day or night.
3. What do you wear on go sees? Mostly casual comfortable stuff like jeans, t-shirt,   and sneakers. Sometimes this depends on mood and/or client.
4. What’s your favorite gadget? I can’t live without my iPhone. It helps me stay focused, organized  and  entertained.
5. What’s your Favorite restaurant? Epope in Istanbul where I live. Great atmosphere, fantastic food!
6. Favorite Grooming product(s)? Vichy Body Lotion. Fragrances: Abercrombie eau de Toilette, Dolce & Gabbana Gold.
7. Favorite music that gets you hype before a runway show? Jazz and Mino Latin;
J- Lo, Diego Torres, Gypsy Kings, Enrique Iglesias. Opera; Emma Shaplin.
8. Favorite global destination to relax? Buyuk Ada (Big Island) because there are no cars.  Just horses and wagons as means of transportation.
9. Do you follow daily fitness program? 9am in morning I do a 45min run then 20   min cycling, followed with a combination of pilates and light weight training.
10. What are your plans for the future after modeling? Open my own café/restaurant with worldly cuisine.

Stats:
Height 1.89cm
Hair Dark Brown
Eyes Green
Waist 70cm
Neck 40cm
Arms 40cm
Suit 48 Regular
Shoe 44.5
Ethnicity Half Turkish and  Half Russian

Back By Popular Demand…Usman Ojibara

Usman Ojibara makes his historic second cover appearance in Obvious Magazine!

Photography  Jerris Madison for www.jerrismadison.com
Grooming  Donaldo Taylor for www.donaldo.me
Wardrobe Styling  J-Mad Styling

Shirt  IN AISCE www.inaisce.com

LEFT
Red Scarf  H&M

RIGHT
Shirt/Leather Pant IN AISCE www.inaisce.com

Red Suit/Brooch  H&M

INTERVIEW:
1. Who is your favorite male model? Tyson Ballou. He is the epitome of forever young! He looks amazing in the D&G ads.

2. What is your favorite must have fashion item(s)? Converse Chuck Taylor’s
(they’re so comfortable they feel like slippers.) and Abercrombie & Fitch blue denim jeans.

3. What do you wear on go sees? I wear fitted jeans, fitted t-shirt and some nice dark shoes. Simplicity is always best in modeling.

4. What’s your favorite gadget? My Palm Treo Pro is my favorite gadget because I do a lot of business through it also it keeps me available to everyone.  It’s my life support.

5. What’s your favorite restaurant? T.G.I. Friday’s because of there amazing mashed potatoes.

6. Favorite grooming product(s)? St. Ive’s Apricot Scrub and Lab Series Invigorating Scrub.

7. Favorite music that gets you hype before a runway show? Kanye West ‘s Stronger because it prepares me for any challenge ahead with the mindset that if it doesn’t kill me then it can only make me stronger.

8. Favorite global destination to relax? Nigeria ( Lagos or Ilorin) because when its all said and done there’s no place like home.

9. Do you follow daily fitness program? Yes. I go to the gym four or five days a week and I workout for about an hour each day. I eat plenty of fruits and vegetables plus I try and stay away from unhealthy foods.

10. What are your plans for the future after modeling? I’m actually pursuing a career in acting as well as modeling. Acting will be my full time career after modeling. I also plan on starting a scholarship foundation to help students who are less fortunate make there dreams and goals possible.

Stats:

Height 6’0
Waist 30”
Inseam 32
Neck 16
Arms 34
Suit 40R
Shoe 11
Signed or Unsigned? Models International (Signed as of May 2010)
Race Nigerian  American