

Army Vet Kevin Clark Says A Man Will Make Time For Who & What He Wants
For all my ladies looking to indulge in a little more than chocolate and wine this month, xoNecole is here to help. We've rounded up more than a fair share of eye candy and we found out exactly what they're looking for in love and how they personally care for their women. From musicians and models to poets and actors, these amazing men are sure to make your heart skip a beat. Check out these gorgeous MCMs and don't ever say we never did anything nice for you. We always got you, sis.
Meet Kevin Clark.
If his face looks familiar, it's because Kevin was one of the gorgeous men featured in the viral Shea Moisture beard ad. He's also walked runways for New York Fashion week and modeled for brands such as Cantu, Nike, and GQ. But don't get it twisted, this 6'6'', North Carolina native head-turner is more than just good looks. He's also a distinguished Army veteran and contractor.
Indulge responsibly, ladies…
Courtesy of Kevin Clark
On the Top Qualities He Looks For in a Woman…
"Confidence, good morals and upbringing. And religious views. A sense of humor, intelligence, and chemistry. We have to share similar values in life."
On His Ideal Date...
"Anything where we can interact as much as possible [with] someone I'm just starting to date. A setting like a bar for a happy hour, a wine tasting, or brunch."
"Anything that allows for talking and getting to know each other more would be ideal for me, instead of planning to attend an event or activity where it wouldn't be as much personal interaction between the two of us."
On What He’s Learned from His Last Serious Relationship…
"I [think] that communication is always key, especially with a long-distance relationship. And to be in the present and live in the now. And that's for in life in general, not only relationships. What's meant to be, will be and you can't change that no matter what you do. Being in the present will allow your relationship to naturally grow."
On His Major Deal-Breakers…
"Insecurities that come from a previous relationship. Any type of manipulative behavior. Not being attentive or showing that you care or not showing that you actually mean something to them. And not having the same religious beliefs, although it would have never got to the point of a relationship if not."
Courtesy of Kevin Clark
On the Toughest Part About Dating Nowadays…
"Because social media is big today, it can make dating tough when it starts affecting your relationship in negative ways. A lot of jealousy and comparisons can come from it, which leads nowhere positive. And I think [the] majority of people in today's society now are dating moreso for sex instead of dating for a relationship."
On How He Makes His Special Woman Feel Loved…
"I believe that actions speak louder than words from both sides. You make time for anything you want in life and for a special woman I make time for her, consistently! Time that's dedicated only to her, not with her and the boys, or family, just us. Whether it be for a day or two, or week or whatever. Just try to show that she's important in my life and means that much to me. Listening to her, and not just listening but being an active listener. Understanding, responding and remembering."
"And although actions speak louder than words, words are also important. Telling her how you feel about her, complimenting her on the regular. I had to learn more over the years, but now this is something that I do for sure."
On the First Thing He Notices About a Woman When She Walks into a Room…
"Probably what clown she's coming to meet up with."
His Relationship Status…
"Today, I'm single but taken."
For more of Kevin, follow him on Instagram.
Writer. Empath. Escapist. Young, gifted, and Black. Shanelle Genai is a proud Southern girl in a serious relationship with celebrity interviews, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and long walks down Sephora aisles. Keep up with her on IG @shanellegenai.
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Harlem Fashion Row's Fashion Show And Style Awards Was A Love Letter To The Culture
For over a decade, Harlem’s Fashion Row has served as a safe space for creatives of color to shine bright without fear of being dimmed. This week, HFR celebrated its 16th year of providing business solutions to retailers committed to equity for Black and Latin-X design talent. This beacon has served as a bridge between retailers and designers of color through collaborations, experiential marketing, pipeline programs, and brand strategy.
Set against the backdrop of the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem, the night was nothing short of amazing as a Black hip-hop orchestra serenaded the crowd with legendary tunes from “Big Poppa” to “Moment 4 Life.” It was pure magic as the scene was set to begin the Style Awards.
Tim Weatherspoon surprised his wife, Kelly Rowland, with a heartfelt speech as he presented her with the Fashion Icon of the Year Award. “I couldn’t pass up this moment to tell you that you’ve always been my icon,” the talent manager said. He went on to share that he scoured social media to pull some compliments from the toughest of critics. Weatherspoon said, “My assumption is that these are good ‘Kelly eats the girls every time. Fire emoji, fire emoji, fire emoji.’’’
As the Destiny’s Child alum accepted her award, she proclaimed her love for “that Black man.” Rowland was full of joy and adoration as she accepted the award, reminiscing on the days when she was a little girl from Texas in a group of country girls where stylists were not jumping at the opportunity to dress them. “Tina took matters into her own hands, and she dressed us. We learned what it felt like to start a trend. I remember what it felt like — the pride in it. I also know that ‘we’ start the trends and ‘we’ make what’s cool, cool. Fashion should be grateful for us.”
L-R: Tamron Hall, Stella Jean, and Brandice Daniel
Shutterstock
Then, the incomparable styling duo, Wayman and Micah, took to the stage to receive the Stylist of The Year Award. These two best friends were honored for their creative styling on the likes of Regina King, Tessa Thompson, Taraji P. Henson, Jodie Turner, and so many more. The partners in style applauded HFR’s founder, Brandice Daniel, for creating a table for us. “The table is marble and custom,” Micah exclaimed.
The fashion heavy hitters were absolutely in the building. Gabriela Karefa-Johnson, a New York-based stylist and VOGUE Global Contributing Fashion Editor-at-Large renowned for her eye for emerging designers and her narrative-driven approach to diversifying representation in fashion, accepted the Editor of the Year Award.
Tamron Hall sang the praises of the Designer of the Year recipient, Stella Jean, for being a visionary who not only creates whimsical pieces but takes a stand for what she believes in. “During this pivotal moment, one designer made a courageous and impactful decision. Stella Jean, an Italian-Haitian fashion visionary, took a stand in a bold and powerful move. Stella Jean pledged to return to the runway only when she would no longer be the sole Black designer on the Milan schedule.”
Johnny Nunez, the culture’s #1 photographer, reminded us of the importance of perseverance in the face of rejection while accepting the Photographer of the Year award. Just before his speech, Valeisha Butterfield, Google's Vice President of Partnerships & Engagement, gave Nunez his flowers for always making her feel seen and appreciated, which gave her the determination to be herself and take up space.
A$AP Rocky
Shutterstock
A$AP Rocky lit up the historic Apollo stage with his undeniable charm and intrinsic style. Dressed in a cardigan, Louis Vuitton tie, and a voluminous kilt while his head was adorned with embellished hair clips, he was walking proof that he’s a fashion, music, and culture innovator just like the name of the award he was receiving, the Virgil Abloh Award. For this Harlem native, it was a full circle moment as Abloh helped the rapper with his start in the industry years ago when he helped design his first album cover.
Designers Megan Renee, Nicole Benefiled Portfolio, and A. Potts showcased their transformational designs, which varied in style, texture, and color. Megan Renee's designs were inspired by unapologetic femininity. Nicole Benefiled Portfolio's designs were more geometric and modern, with a focus on clean lines and bright colors. A. Potts' designs were eclectic and playful, with a focus on mixed patterns and bold colors. All three designers created unique and eye-catching pieces that turned heads.
The show concluded with a beautiful tribute to hip-hop by the legendary Doug E. Fresh. The entire show was a celebration of all that is good about fashion, and it was a reminder of why the culture continues to inspire and influence people all over the world. HFR’s New York Fashion Week kickoff was a love letter to the culture, and it was delivered with nothing but style, care, and love.
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Feature image by Shutterstock