Hennessy launched In The Paint back in 2021 to foster community development through a blend of art and sports. So far, seven courts have been unveiled and are in use all over the world from Nigeria to Ghana, Tanzania to South Africa, Barbados, Mexico and Hong Kong. By bringing Joakim Noah on board, Hennessy hopes to move from just building physical structures that local communities can enjoy, but establishing programmes that would also elevate and empower its members.

Noah is no stranger to sports and arts. The former basketball star who is renowned for his grit and tenacity on the court, as well as his contribution towards his teams’ successes has been busy since his retirement in 2021. His personal project, the Noah’s Arc Foundation (which he co-founded with his mother, artist Cécilia Rodhe) combines arts and sports to help people living in underserved areas discover who they really are outside of the physical realities they live and deal with. He is also heavily involved in other initiatives like the One City Basketball League in Chicago, the Basketball Africa League, and, the NBA.

This October, Joakim Noah came to Lagos, Nigeria to launch the latest Hennessy In The Paint basketball court located in VGC Lagos. We sat down with him to talk about his life and pursuits and find out more about this new initiative.

In conversation with Joakim Noah begins now …

ALM: You come from a strong professional athletic family. Did this in any way pressure you into sports?

JN: I don’t think it pressured me into sports. I think sports is what I’ve always wanted; basketball is what I’ve wanted. And I was blessed to see … at a young age, I was able to see my father train. And you know, just being in that kind of environment, it definitely shaped me. So I knew what it takes, the sacrifices it takes to become a professional athlete. And it’s not easy.

So I’m happy that, even though that part of my life is over now, it’s [now] about mentoring and partnering with the right people and building infrastructure.

ALM: What has been the downside of coming from such a strong, athletic background?

JN: Downside? No! I am living out my dream. Ever since I was a kid, my goal was to become a professional basketball player and I was able to do that. Now, it’s about transforming my experience into inspiring the youth, and, being able to partner with initiatives like In The Paint and Hennessy and big platforms like this only make the work easier because they are building the right infrastructure for these kids.

ALM: With the type of work you’ve been doing with different brands (the NBA and BAL (Basketball Africa League) to develop basketball as a sport, what has been the greatest achievement(s) for you so far?

JN: The biggest achievement has definitely been investing in the NBA African League … because a lot of these initiatives, especially when I was younger, as a player [did not exist and] I was alone. And you know, that’s always tough. So just connecting with the right people [has been great] but I think, so far the one that I am most proud of is the [court] that we built in Cameroon on my great-grandfather’s land.

So, we built a beautiful court and the team – we have a local team – just made it to division 1 last week. Being able to partner with these initiatives like In the Paint is only going to make it better. We’re just trying to grow basketball in the continent as much as possible and all around the world.

ALM: What is it about sports (basketball) that keeps you coming back? How important, in your own perspective, is sports in character and career development?

JN: Well, I think that basketball gave me the opportunity to live out my dream, so I think that these are things that kids can really explore on the continent. I think we’re still in the early stages when it comes to basketball. So the more we can highlight basketball and put the light on basketball, the more the kids will be inspired. And the more we grow the game, the more opportunities will come for people on the continent. I think that’s what it’s all about.

ALM: So apart from the opportunities, how do you think basketball can help with career development and personal improvement on the continent for our people? 

JN: I think that basketball is not only about becoming a professional basketball player. It’s the whole ecosystem around it that you can learn from. The values from the game are so important. The team building — you know, when you’re working for a company, you’re not going to be alone, it’s not just going to be your thoughts. So, it’s about teaching people how to work together, so I think that using sports to build communities makes so much sense because it’s the ultimate unifier. When I think of the top unifiers, I think of music and I think of sports. So, not everybody is going to be a musician, not everybody is going to be an artist, not everybody is going to be a top basketball player, but the values you can get from it can help you in the next endeavour.

ALM: Now that you’ve put it this way, with the basketball team you’re building in Cameroon, what are the things you’ve seen that make you think, ‘this was a good thing to do?’

JN: Well, I just see the growth; I see the talent is growing. I see it’s going to be the year for the NBA Africa league, so I see the top players playing on the continent, on government investment. I see government investment in different countries: Congo is building stadiums; Rwanda just built a beautiful stadium, Senegal – the NBAs just made a big investment with the academies. Our goal is to build an academy in Cameroon.

So I just see basketball really growing on the continent. Not only can we bring the people together through basketball, but I think that we can also add workshops and really localise some of the things to make the communities better. I think a great way to do it is to bring the youths into sports initiatives.

ALM: Sometimes we focus too much on the players, forgetting that there is an entire ecosystem: you have the referees, you have the coaches, you have the physiotherapists and all of that. What are the plans for people like that to come and support the court and actual players?

JN: Well, I’ll give you an example. There is a kid in Cameroon who really had the ambition and dreams to play in the NBA. So he was posting videos of him playing basketball. And he would go viral all the time because of the structures which were very limited. And he was doing whatever it takes. We were able to use him as an influencer in the BAL and utilise his platform to kinda help grow the sport [locally].

So I think what is beautiful is the relationships that you build during these community events, and then you can incentivise the kids as well: OK you guys come in, this is more than just a basketball tournament. We are not here to find an NBA player. This is about building and coming together, having a good time, and seeing what kinds of relationships you can make out of it.

ALM: What was the one principle you applied while playing professionally that you can say contributed greatly to your success?

JN: I think a line I always go with is, “Humble yourself or the game will humble you” because a lot of the time, people come and think they’re the best because they’re the best in their region but you’re always going to find somebody who is better than you. You’re always going to be in a position where somebody might dunk on you and embarrass you on the court. But you have to move back quickly. So it’s important to have a humble soul and just live in the moment.

ALM: So what is one special moment you look back and think, “I’m glad that I did that?”

JN: Well, I was just saying that when I built my court in Cameroon this is something that took a long time, that was not easy, you know, just bringing all the resources from America and bringing it to Cameroon and getting that kind of access was very hard. But, when it got done, to be able to go home – see, the court is near my grandmother’s school that she had built 65 years ago, still going on today – it’s something I’m very proud of. This is my responsibility. I was able to build a court, my father was able to build a tennis court, and my grandmother built a school … this is all part of our roots and our tradition.

ALM: What is it about the In the Paint and all these collaborations that made you think it is a good fit for you?

JN: I think that this initiative with In the Paint and Hennessy makes a lot of sense to me. Art and sports are the main things about my foundation. So I think this initiative makes a lot of sense because I see them using local artists to build the courts, and expression is something that is very important for us. So I just think this partnership came very organically. I’m really excited to go to the court today and feel it out and see the vibes and then we go from there because at the end of the day, I work with the NBA and to have a partnership like this that focuses on sports and arts. It was just a no-brainer.

ALM: Are you an artist in any way? Do you draw, do you paint? Do you sculpt?

JN: My mother is an artist. My initiatives were a lot in the city of Chicago, so my mum does sculptures with the kids; it’s art therapy. And I understand how therapeutic sports and arts can be. I really believe in these core values, and I think that’s why I’m here.

ALM: What is the toughest challenge you faced in your basketball career? How did you overcome it?

JN: Honestly, there were a lot of highs, and there were a lot of lows. It was a career that I wouldn’t trade for anything — you know, I played at the highest level against Lebron James and Giannis and all these great players. I also played with the youngest MVP, Derrick Rose, playing for one of the most prestigious teams in the world, the Chicago Bulls, but it wasn’t easy. There were suspensions and some tough moments: losing is hard sometimes. You know, I was a very emotional player and it’s tough. While I was playing, I didn’t sleep well throughout my whole career. I sleep a lot better now!

ALM: What do you think would be a natural progression on the continent now with what Hennessy is doing?

JN: I think the progression is happening. Infrastructure is very important; they’re building sustainable models where we can follow up and make sure the kids are getting the right coaching. I think that that’s something that is great. But for me, this is my first day working with Hennessy so I’m not over here trying to say what we should and shouldn’t do. For me, I just want to be here and pay attention and see where I can make myself the most helpful as possible.

ALM: Is this your first visit to Nigeria? What has your experience been like so far?

JN: Yes, this is my first visit to Nigeria and I’m really excited to be here. I’ve spent a lot of time in Cameroon and this is the country down below. But when I think of Nigeria, I think of Lagos; I think of Fela Kuti and I really hope we have enough time while I’m here to go check out the shrine.

ALM: What are your 3 favourite cities in Africa and why?

JN: I mean, I’m going to definitely say Yaoundé first because Yaoundé is … that’s my root and my heritage. You know, I kinda have a few spots over there that I know where to go to and see my friends.

I love going to Dakar, I think Dakar is a beautiful, beautiful city. We were also able to bring some kids from Chicago on our last trip over there. We went to Gorée Island and I think that was a really powerful trip for the youths … for them to feel their roots and their heritage even though they’re not sure exactly where. It is definitely empowering so I was very proud of the Dakar trip.

And Kigali. We just came back from Kigali. Kigali is a beautiful, beautiful place, the heart of Africa. We went to see the gorillas as well. You know, a vibrant city, but a little more chill. I think that Nigeria has a lot more action, a much faster tempo but I’m used to it.

And you know, I love Morocco as well. There’s so much to see.

Complete the following sentences

If it wasn’t basketball … I think I would have enjoyed coaching or being a part of working in a community centre with kids. I love working with kids.

I cannot go into a meeting without … talking points!

I cannot leave home without … my debit card.

My favourite thing in the world to do is … to chill on the beach.

‘In Conversation with’ by ASPIRE Luxury Magazine celebrates stars, influencers, celebrities and public figures, shining a spotlight on their lives and the incredible stories they have to share.

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On display will be 33 of Udé’s 64 portraits of Nollywood film stars, directors and producers which he created between 2014 and 2016 using pigment on satin rag paper as his medium. They are all reminiscent of what is considered ‘classical’ portraiture, and while the subjects are glamorous and elegant, the portraits themselves represent an artistic balance of composition, form, and colour.

Says Osahon Akpata, Project Director of Nollywood Portraits: “The radical beauty of these portraits is intended to make a bold statement about the portrayal of our people at the highest art and cultural institutions in the world.”

Akpata has also disclosed that in addition to the exhibition, there will be a global virtual launch event on February 11, 2022. It will feature an interactive session with the artist, Iké Udé, and four Nollywood stars discussing their portrait experience, as well as an exclusive preview of Udé’s documentary short, Nollywood in Focus, and a sneak peek of the exhibition.

“Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the contributions of African people across the globe to art, to history, to culture and to our common humanity,” explains Ngaire Blankenberg, Director of the National Museum of African Art, on the significance of the exhibition.

“Whether he turns his camera on himself, flowers or the talented stars of Nollywood, Iké Udé presents a world of beauty, and most powerfully, a world that centres on African beauty.”

What should visitors expect at the exhibition?

There will be so much more going on besides the portraits. Visitors will be able to explore fashion, film clips and interviews with Nollywood celebrities like Alexx Ekubo and Taiwo Ajai-Lycett. Some of the garments styled by the stars will also be on display and a bespoke set with which they can employ to create their own identities with the help of on-site stylists will be available.

Those coming in on the weekend are encouraged to bring their best selves (and outfits) to the museum to be enhanced by an on-site stylist before taking a photograph in an Udé-style set. They can also explore portrait art using interactive tools in which they can combine set, stage and costume to envision lustrous compositions of their own.

Iké Udé: Nollywood Portraits will be a display of African fashion, art, culture and beauty, and visitors can expect to be transported to a world magical, interesting world where everything is possible.

Source: The Eagle Online

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The Ones Who Keep Walking features more than 20 defiantly optimistic voices from across Africa including one of the biggest African artists of the moment and social media sensation, CKay (Nigeria); rapper and songwriter Sampa the Great (Zambia); dancer and artist Kamo Mphela (South Africa); producer and DJ Nandele (Mozambique); legendary photographer James Barnor (Ghana); fashion designer Loza Maléombho (Ivory Coast); creative collective Urban Pitchaz (Kenya) and, Bose Ogulu AKA Mama Burna (Nigeria) manager-mother to global superstar and Johnnie Walker partner, Burna Boy.

The documentary explores the different cultures, passions and challenges on the continent through never before heard stories, and in-depth conversations that also provide an insight into how fresh creative energy, sheer determination, and a pioneering spirit is bringing authentic African expression to the world.

Director and Forbes 30 under 30 filmmaker, Amarachi Nwosu says, “Making The Ones Who Keep Walking with Johnnie Walker was an opportunity to tell a story that reimagines how we see Africa and the creative renaissance taking place. Telling powerful stories from the Afrofuturist lens is what inspires me, so having the opportunity to shine a light on these amazing people and their incredible journeys, all whilst showcasing the spirit and beauty that embodies Africa, is a dream come true. I can’t wait for everyone to see it”

Produced by Something Originals and a team of 200+ creatives and talent from across Africa, The Ones Who Keep Walking picks up on the closing provocation of The Man Who Walked Around the World – ‘what’s next?’ – to shine a light on those who embody the spirit of Keep Walking and who, on their own terms, are forging a bold new direction for their countries, cultures and the World.

You can stream the documentary here, or you can watch it on the following DSTV channels: Africa Magic Family, Maisha Magic East, Zambezi Magic, Mzansi Magic, Mzansi Wethu, Channel O and Canal+ owned TV5 Monde.

Source: PR Newswire

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This is not Skims’ first attempt to establish itself as a prominent luxury brand. Earlier this year, it announced that it was the official loungewear for the US Olympic and Paralympic teams. Now, it has snagged a collaboration with Fendi, who last month released a stunning collection in partnership with Versace in what has been hailed as the best collaboration between luxury brands this year.

In a typical Kardashian fashion, Kim shut down all rumours about a possible collaboration by modelling some of the pieces from the Fendi X Skims capsule collection on social media the same day a Wall Street Journal article confirmed it. The Instagram caption read: “Introducing Fendi x Skims — a first of its kind collaboration that unites the luxury of @Fendi with the innovation of @SKIMS. This limited edition collection launches on November 9 at 6 am PST at www.fendiskims.com. #FENDIXSKIMS”

The new collection was designed by both Kim Kardashian West and Fendi’s creative director, Kim Jones. For now, we know that it will include tights, bodysuits, sports bras, tight-fitting tracksuits, body-hugging gowns and puff jackets in neutral, black and purple colourways. The logos of both brands will run throughout the clothes.

Skims, which in April was valued at $1.6 billion, has gained popularity with younger shoppers since its launch in 2019 helped by the reality star and businesswoman’s huge social media following. Kim has also been named the WSJ 2021 brand innovator for her efforts in building Skims into a billion-dollar brand.

To make sure you snag your favourite pieces as soon as they drop, keep your eyes glued to the Fendi x Skims website. As with collections such as this, every item is sure to sell out as soon as they become available.

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“If we are going to create a more just and equal world, men and boys must be part of the solution,” Oyelowo explains. “That’s why I stand with Girl Rising – to hopefully serve as an example and role model for other men. We must be vigilant in our support and continue to stand up and speak out until we see change happen.”

Oyelowo will be honored as a newly-named Girl Rising Ambassador at the film’s March 8 premiere. Known for his roles in films such as Selma, Queen of Katwe and Gringo, he is also a staunch advocate for girls’ education. He created the David Oyelowo Leadership Scholarship, in conjunction with the GEANCO Foundation, which specifically supports female victims of terror attacks and gender-based inequality.

Celebrated singer and artist Andra Day will also be celebrated as a Girl Rising Ambassador. Her work was featured in the CNN special We Will Rise: Michelle Obama’s Mission to Educate Girls Around the World.

The event, held at Creative Artists Agency, also highlights Girl Rising’s impact to date. The organization has run campaigns and programming in the United States, India, Nigeria, and Democratic Republic of the Congo and continues to scale.

“Organizations around the globe use Girl Rising’s content to drive massive change,” Christina Lowery, CEO of Girl Rising, shared. “This updated film is a more effective tool for those on the frontlines of the fight for equal opportunity for girls.”

Intel, Vulcan Productions and Citi will also attend. As founding partners of Girl Rising, Intel and Vulcan helped lay the groundwork for the organization’s efforts. Citi, a supporter of Girl Rising’s Educator Program, recently signed on as the first leadership sponsor for an new round of Girl Rising media.

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SA’s top style icon, MC and host to the prestigious event, Bonang Matheba, welcomed over a 1000 party-goers dressed in the traditional “All-white” attire, with a memorable dove ceremony, where dozens of white doves were released to mark true meaning of the event: Peace, Love and Unity.

Other entertainment on the day included South Africa’s duo Mafikizolo and musical artists such as Band Mmino, Swing Collective, DJ Loyd and a spellbinding performance by members of the South African National Circus.

“We are ecstatic about the turn-out, to see so many beautiful friends share the day together and enjoying each other’s company. It all started in Cape Town, and now this year we’re celebrating the fifth anniversary of the event, which has since grew into four other cities,” says Grand White CEO, Stephan Dau.

2018 will also see the additional cities added to the Grand White Dinner events calendar, including Johannesburg, Durban, and Pretoria as well as international cities Lagos, New York and Los Angeles with further plans for other US cities in the year.

In addition, the best dressed lady and gentleman, Mala Bryan and Muziki Mbane, were awarded a generous gift voucher from Core Catering Cape Town to the value of R5000.

Other dates to look forward to:

• Johannesburg, Saturday, 7^th April
• Pretoria, Saturday 14^th April
• Durban, Saturday 21^st April

See link to purchase tickets here: http://bit.ly/2F7ZuZI

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See our top picks!

Source: Vogue UK, Getty Images 

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Released in July, the Legendary Style campaign features  award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o, actress Elle Fanning, maternal health advocate and model Christy Turlington Burns, and model Natalie Westling in the brand’s fall designs.

The newly released documentary offers a glimpse of Coddington’s expert editorial eye, and captures her creative process as she embarks on her first independent role following her tenure at Vogue US where she spent 28 years—21 years as creative director—and 20 years at Vogue UK. Coddington works in tandem with Toni Lakis, vice president, creative director of global marketing, at Tiffany, to shape the fall campaign, which celebrates the brand’s legendary designs.

Shot over several months, the film opens with sweeping views of the New York City skyline leading into Coddington’s home studio, photo shoots and meetings documenting various elements of the creative process as Tiffany takes a brave fresh look at its brand imagery. “Blue is a very extraordinary color,” said Coddington. “I always say ‘why do I love New York?’ It’s because the sky is always blue. It’s an extraordinary city because it is old, and also incredibly new. In a funny kind of way, that’s the way you can describe Tiffany.”

Watch the film:

Source: Tiffany.com

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The post Tiffany & Co. Presents “Some Style is Legendary” A Look Behind the Scenes of the Fall 2016 Legendary Style Campaign appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

“It’s the first time I’ve done a real collection for a celebrity. I used to do in the past one shoe, two shoes. In this case it’s not enough to describe her. She likes to dance, she likes to sing, to walk and go shopping, and she has kids. She’s a beautiful and normal woman. I need to create something not only for red carpet or couture but something for reality. We have probably 18 styles at the moment. It’s a small universe.” commented Zanotti on working with Lopez.

“I’m very proud of the businesses I’ve built,” Lopez told WWD. “They’ve allowed me to bring really great product at an accessible price point. But I hadn’t done a high-end project yet and this seemed like the right time, medium, and designer. I’ve always been passionate about shoes. Sometimes I even choose an outfit around my shoes.”

Lopez and Zanotti, will create a capsule shoe collection together called Giuseppe for Jennifer Lopez (#GiuseppexJennifer). The line will launch in January 2017 at Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Giuseppe Zanotti stores, as well as select retailers worldwide. The range also includes two handbag styles and will retail from $795 to $1,995.

The creative duo reportedly began conceiving ideas in May after Zanotti made a trip to her “museum wardrobe” in Los Angeles.  So what can we expect? The line is slated to include cage booties, high-top sneaker wedges, J.Lo-like gladiator boot sandals, sexy pointed toe pumps, and plenty of Swarovski crystals. We cannot wait!

Source: wwd.com 

Images courtesy of Rainer Hosch & Giuseppe Zanotti 

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The campaign which embodies Audemars Piguet’s brand philosophy,  “To break the rules, you must first master them”, perfectly captures Serena’s quest and her unrelenting drive and passion during her impressive career. The brand now celebrates this spirit and supports her quest for victory as she continues her grass-court campaign in South West London to defend the crown she won last year.

The campaign is entirely built around social media, with a video that features Williams playing tennis in the background while reciting the Rudyard Kipling poem, “If” (with a different last line that changes to read: “And, which is more, you’ll be a woman, Sister”).

Watch the video below:

Williams wears her watch—an Audemars Piguet white Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph in rose gold—even while playing.

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