As black voices are being amplified exponentially, we are discovering more talented creatives who have made it their business to leave their mark on the world. The conversation around black lives, dreams, opportunities, jobs and so much more seems different this time. Thanks to Big Rona, the world has had no other option than to sit still and take heed. Now, I would rather not be amid a global pandemic and civil unrest at the same damn time but sometimes divine intervention is what it takes.
Without corona, we wouldn't have a better sense of community, an insane appreciation for essential workers, reduced carbon emissions, along with a slew of other benefits. Relatedly, I have treasured the amount of exposure to dope black folk that the stillness has ushered in.
Social media — a gift and a curse — has forced many black creatives to pivot by producing more relevant messages. In turn, consumers can support the amazing work of black artists, especially when the content is supreme. Many fashion designers have become more innovative in using their platforms to convey their messages. And the fashion industry can be such a vigorous realm to maneuver because it has failed the black culture. From racial disparities to appropriation, the fashion industry doesn't always love us like they love our culture.
We had the opportunity to speak with two handbag designers who are sending real messages through their work. Ahead, find out what it means to be a black designer in this climate, their "why" and what inspired their latest creations.
Brandon Blackwood
Photo Courtesy of Brandon Blackwood
Owner/Founder of Brandon Blackwood New York
Brooklyn, New York
Jamaican-American designer Brandon Blackwood created his namesake brand in the spring of 2015. The four-piece collection of leather handbags was a passion project after completing school at Bard College. His leather handbags have been rocked by the likes of Solange, Zoe Kravitz, Keke Palmer, and Lupita Nyong'o. From Vogue to ELLE to WWD, Brandon Blackwood New York has the propensity to have the next cult-like following.
What inspired your handbag?
"I was inspired by the recent events of 2020 leading up to the current protests around the world. The unjust killings of so many POC really triggered me (and pretty much every black person on this planet). I wanted to find a way to use my abilities and audience to facilitate some type of change. I figured the best thing to do was make a bag that had a strong message, almost like an act of self-defense against all of the hate.
"I also wanted to make an item that would provide long-standing financial aid to a charity fighting the bigger fight. I think that's why I chose The Lawyers Committee For Civil Rights Under Law. Pro-bono legal aid/council to fight civil rights cases and issues aligned perfectly with the climate and immediate needs of the people."
Photo Courtesy of Brandon Blackwood
How does it feel to be a black designer right now?
"It's a blessing and a curse. I think the majority of black-owned businesses have definitely seen a spike in overall sales. We're finally being sought after, after years of being on the back burner and not getting deserved recognition. Though it's been great building a new audience, it does feel a bit strange.
"I don't want attention from people or companies to fulfill some performative fantasy. I want to be respected for the work I put in and for the things I create."
"The spotlight is finally shifting towards us, and we're getting the voice and validation we deserve. But I think it's also important that we protect our gifts, and realize that though the majority are celebrating us, some may just be filling a void."
What do you want to achieve through your work?
"To be 100% honest, I don't have one specific goal. Short-term, I want to raise as much money for The Lawyers Committee as I can. I really want this specific bag to make an impact and help change lives. I want to spread the word. Long-term, I would love to see more designers take on projects like this. To be able to inspire even more change, more missions, and more people speaking up would probably be the ultimate goal."
Blake Van Putten
Photo Courtesy of Blake Van Putten
CEO & Product Developer at CISE
Los Angeles, CA
CISE, a clothing line, located in Los Angeles, seeks to spread an inspirational message to the community through their bold prints and messages. "CISE's team of experts pooled talent and resources together to create unique products that depict the struggle and showcase the hopes of the less-privileged society in and outside the country. CISE store came to life and we launched our very first initiative for the masses: 'Protect Black People'."
What inspired your handbag?
"I'm inspired and driven to create. Leather goods and luxury items have always interested me because they are seen as "timeless". While I was working on Wall Street for over three years, all the executives had their staple pieces that they've kept in their wardrobe for decades and that's the impact I want to have on other people. Whenever I create anything in life, I want to invoke emotion that causes permanent and positive change. I wanted to introduce a timeless item at an affordable rate that people will NEED to keep it in their day-to-day closet."
Photo Courtesy of Blake Van Putten
How does it feel to be a black designer right now?
"Being a black designer right now is like playing a never-ending game of Monopoly — you never will know if you've won or lost. I feel like I've spent so much of my energy just trying to rebalance with everything going on that it gives the mind a huge creativity block.
"Every day I feel as if we are reliving and trying to be okay with the traumas that we've endured and are expected to continue working and creating."
"It's hard, but these pressures are what makes diamonds."
What do you want to achieve through your work?
"I want to be able to strengthen the black dollar by creating a community of creatives and designers that are passionate about their craft. Every time I sell out of my products, I have a new accomplishment, or even just celebrate, I'm happy because that means I'm one step closer to bringing my tribe with me. Currently, I'm helping 12 brands with their product development and merchandising, in hopes that they can grow and avoid the mistakes I've made."
Featured image courtesy of Brandon Blackwood
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Now, I’ll be honest: as an avid TV-lover, I was well-prepared to hop on Zoom and jump into all the chatter around Bel-Air and her characters’ decisions. But after listening to her new EP Identity Crisis, I knew there was a lot more to talk about as well. During this exclusive conversation with xoNecole, Jazlyn Martin delved into the challenging journey she’s faced surrounding her identity, newfound fame, and family influence, and how it all plays a part in her art. Check it out!
xoNecole: So I know that your father is in the entertainment world, but when did you realize you shared the same passion?
Jazlyn Martin: I think it was very early on. I was a child who was full of attitude and fearlessness that would go after anything I wanted. I believe seeing my dad pursue music made me realize it was possible. I just had this hunger and fire, and my parents consciously fed and nurtured that - they are always all super supportive of whatever I do. So very, very early on, I was like, I'm meant to do this. And I just was like, I'm a star, and I know I'm a star.
xoN: Actually, let's talk about your family. What are some of your most important values, and how have your family and heritage played a part in shaping those values?
Jazlyn: I mean, my mom is like an angel; she's so graceful and kind, and I've had to work hard to get there. When I was young, I was very abrasive, headstrong, and stubborn. Whereas my mom gives an immense amount of grace in the way she carries herself. I had to learn that.
I think being strong is something I’ve always had. My parents always joke that they don't know where my personality came from. Because my dad is shy and timid and my mom is kind, and I'm a fireball. But my Dad always asked the important industry questions like, “Why do you want to do this?” And that instilled some purpose into me. It really carried me to keep going because it's so easy to be discouraged in this field, but that drive has helped me push through all of the challenges.
xoN: I bet. I have such a respect for actors and the way you all navigate the industry. Speaking of, let’s dig into “Bel-Air.” Were you a fan of the show? Did you have to go back and watch the episodes?
Jazlyn: So I actually did watch the show which is crazy because sometimes I don’t. I saw it was a reboot and was like, ‘Oh no, not another one.’ But I watched the first three episodes, realized how good it was, and ended up watching the whole season. I became a fan, and then a few months later, I booked the role!
I think the imagination is such a beautiful and powerful tool, and I feel like if you create something in your mind, it happens. It's a crazy thing, but I really just created Jackie's world - the house she grew up in, her parents leaving her, and everything. I created why she fell in love with dance. I really came at it from a human approach. If I see it, then the audience can see it.
xoN: Yeah, background plays into so much of how we deal with things, how we interact with people, and everything. And I feel like Jackie gets a lot of backlash. Like, we’ve all had a “Jackie Moment” to be real.
Jazlyn: She gets so much backlash! I just encourage people to give her grace and see the God in her because I do think she tells a lot of Black and brown girls' stories. People project on her, saying she’s too ratchet or hood, and I’m like does that mean she’s not loveable?
We have to be careful of what’s said and put out because Jackie has gone through things that I've never had to go through. The fact that she's alive and still highly functioning is a blessing. So what if she gets a little messy? I love her. Because she’s helped me extend empathy to people I don't necessarily want to or don't think deserve to have it. But she's 17, she's figuring it out, and she doesn't have parents. Like, that's such a huge factor.
"We have to be careful of what’s said and put out because Jackie has gone through things that I've never had to go through. The fact that she's alive and still highly functioning is a blessing. So what if she gets a little messy? I love her."
xoN: You mentioned how your character is viewed, which digs a bit into identity. So I want to talk a little bit about some of the emotional songs on your EP “Identity Crisis.” What inspired the track “Perfect?”
Jazlyn: When I was creating “Perfect,” I already had the EP title. So I kind of mapped out, like, the different conflicts I had in my head and categorized them into seven songs, and so one of my identity crises was being perfect. Because I feel like a lot of men tend to put women on pedestals. They're expected to be perfect - especially when you’re in the limelight. You know, you can't slip up. You can't say the wrong thing. Cancel culture is such a huge thing. And I just wanted to encourage people to give people grace to be themselves because that's not an easy thing to do.
I just wanted to take down this facade that I’m perfect because I never pretended to be. I never wanted to be. I think that's something people have placed on me, that I have it all figured out, I think I just carry it well, but that doesn't mean it's not heavy. I just wanted to be very vulnerable and honest. I think people think “perfect” is a compliment, but I think it's a cage because it doesn't allow room for error. It doesn't allow for you to be human and mess up and fail and take risks. So I just wanted to encourage grace.
xoN: Do you ever feel like you went through an identity crisis?
Jazlyn: I go through one constantly. Growing up, I didn't really have one. But I think as you get older and more aware and cognitive, you know how the world goes, and the world starts telling you who you are, instead of you deciding who you are. And I feel like being mixed played a big role in that, not feeling Black or Mexican enough. I wanted to belong to both worlds but didn’t so I was just “other.” That was an identity crisis in itself.
Also, being introduced to a level of fame has been interesting, too. I think we all go through identity crises all the time because we’re evolving and changing. It’s beautiful, but it’s also scary; you see yourself this one way, and then something happens, and there’s a shift. So yeah, I think it’s something we all go through but no one talks about.
"I think as you get older and more aware and cognitive, you know how the world goes, and the world starts telling you who you are, instead of you deciding who you are. And I feel like being mixed played a big role in that, not feeling Black or Mexican enough. I wanted to belong to both worlds but didn’t so I was just 'other.'"
xoN: I love that. And I know Hispanic Heritage Month is coming up, and you'll be speaking at the New York Latino Film Festival. Talk to me about what that moment means to you and what you hope to bring to the event. *Editor’s note: The interview was conducted before Hispanic Heritage Month began.
Jazlyn: I’m bringing some Afro-Latino-ness! I always grew up seeing Latinos being represented in a very specific way—very Spanish, not very Indigenous looking. So I'm really excited to bring the Black experience, with the Latino experience, to the stage because that's something a lot of people don't know exists.
People are always like, “Are you Black or Latina?” Well, I'm both! We were just dropped off in different parts. I’m excited to speak on that and highlight how prevalent anti-Blackness is within Latino communities. A lot of Afro-Latinos have faced an identity crisis because of it, including myself. It sometimes feels like you’re supposed to hate the other half of who you are.
For me, I held onto that little Black girl inside. I refused to let her go. And that’s what I want to represent when I speak—resilience and acceptance of our full selves. I’m also looking forward to meeting fellow Latino people, especially Afro-Latinos, and sharing our stories. It’s not a narrative that gets much attention, and I’m excited to represent.
xoN: I’m excited for you! Finally, with all the praise and recognition you’re receiving now, what has it been like to transition from working in music, dance, and acting to now being in the spotlight? How have you embraced this new level of fame?
Jazlyn: Um, it's overwhelming. I think that's the best word. Sometimes, I'm joyful, because I'm giving back to the community. People resonate with Jackie's stories and see themselves in her, which I think is the biggest compliment to me. But then sometimes, you know, I feel sad because I'm like, ‘Damn, I'm not doing enough,’ like I should be doing more. It's crazy, the industry is so fast-paced that you don't really try to celebrate wins. It's just a transition, an identity crisis of the like.
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Hodge, known for his iconic roles in One Night in Miami, Underground, Straight Outta Compton, and a host of other hit projects, will become Alex Cross, the “brilliant detective and forensic psychologist renowned for his uncanny ability to probe the darkest recesses of killers and their victims,” according to a press release shared with xoNecole.
Moderated by Chris Witherspoon, the panel during this year’s CultureCon featured Hodge and his co-star for Cross (and fellow hearth throb) Isaiah Mustafa.
After a special screening for the community builders, creatives, tastemakers, and everyone in between, the trio discussed the theme for the forthcoming show, how it pays homage to the original book series by James Patterson but is its entirely own story, and much more.
Following the conversations, guests could party with Hodge at an exclusive after-party.
“Cross is set to push the boundaries of suspense and storytelling, crafted by the visionary Ben Watkins, who serves as both showrunner and executive producer,” read an official statement for this show.
Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/WireImage
“His creation promises a complex and twisted narrative that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Joining Hodge in this high-octane thriller is a talented ensemble cast including Isaiah Mustafa, Juanita Jennings, Alona Tal, and Samantha Walkes, each adding depth to this multifaceted drama.”
During an interview with Blavity’sShadow & Act this summer, Hodge opened up about playing the iconic character previously serving as the protagonist in the James Patterson novel series dedicated to Alex Cross.
“I’m excited because this is a completely different Cross than anyone has seen before,” said Hodge. “You get to explore every element of what makes cinema entertaining. It’s a sexy show. It’s a dangerous show. I feel like I’m stuck in the coolest psychological thriller ever. We get to explore all the facets of his life, his world, his manhood, family man, brotherhood, trying to explore new relationships, and what that means to him.”
He added, “This show goes there. It dives deep and I just love the fact that people are going to get something they do not expect.”
All eight episodes of Aldis Hodge as Alex Cross will premiere on Nov. 15 only on Prime Video.
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Feature image by Prince Williams/WireImage