314. 371 . 4031 www.RusticGoat.com

Lunch HoursMonday–Friday 11am-2pm

2617 Washington AvenueSaint Louis, Missouri 63103

Dinner ServiceWednesday 5pm-10pmThursday 5pm-12amFriday 5pm -1:30am Saturday 5pm-1:30am

Live MusicWed-Friday 7pm-9pm Find us on facebook Follow us on twitter @theRusticGoat

4 SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2014 www.DeluxMag.com

5DELUX MAGAZINE

[Stuff]

OUR FAVORITE APPS

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN’S NEW NAILLACQUERBy: Leneia Weston-O’Hara

Louboutin is making a huge splash for his entree into the fierce beauty world. The Rouge Louboutin classic red nail lacquer will be the first product to roll out under the Christian Louboutin Beauté brand. It’s a revolutionary moment for Louboutin, who first painted the sole of a shoe with red nail polish back in 1992. Now, “I am giving back to nails what the shoe took from the nails many years ago,” he says to Women’s Wear Daily.

The nail polish collection will be categorized into three color families; Pop, Nude, and Noir. All will don the signature spikey tops resembling the CL stiletto heels. There will be 30 shades in the initial collection, and according to Louboutin, two new shades will be added annually. Truly, the packaging is a work of art. The bottle is 8 inches tall and designed with the Ballerina ULTIMA as its muse; the tallest heel Louboutin ever created.

The line, priced at $50 per bottle, makes the brand more expensive than both Chanel and Tom Ford, at $27 and $32, respectively. Luxury products, by design, are not intended to appeal to the masses. Obvs. For those who routinely drop $1,000+ on a single pair of Louboutin’s, a $50 nail polish to coordinate the look only makes branding sense.

The ever-popular Louboutin manicure has become a mainstay in manicure choice over the past few years. Hailing from London, the signature polish style involves painting the underside of the nail red to mimic the iconic look of the shoe. Adele rocked the look at the Grammy’s, and the world went bananas. “If I do beauty, I have to do it my way,” the designer told WWD. “The idea is definitely not to put my name on a new product.”

Christian Louboutin Beauté Rouge Louboutin, $50, available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Christian Louboutin.

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CONTENTS

DELUXMAGAZINE NO. 32

DELUX MAGAZINE No. 32 · September/October · Year 5 · PUBLISHER Keith Griffin II GRAPHIC DESIGN G5IVE MEDIA GROUP SUBSCRIPTIONS $19.99/YR. Mail Subsciption Cards and Payment to PO BOX St. Louis Mo 63118 DISTRIBUTOR Cowley Distributing Jefferson City MO IPAD APP Available in itunes store WEBSITE www.delux-mag.com

ADVERTISING Email Sales@delux-mag.com SUBMISSIONS Email submissions@delux-mag.com PRESS RELEASES Email PR@delux-mag.com

Keith N Griffin IIPUBLISHER/CO-FOUNDER@DeluxMagazine

Lawrence BryantCo-Founder@lbfoto1

Michael WinfieldCo-Founder@brklynstl

Kyle A GriffinCo-Founder

Brian ShieldsCo-Founder

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFLeneia Weston-O’Hara

FASHION EDITORLetitia McPherson-Young

Art DirectorMcArthur Smith

Social MediaKendra PeteRaechel Rivers

WritersSeven L MAxwellPhilip BlanksDeWarren SmithKendra PeteTiffany NashvilleOmar O’Hara

Graphic DesignStudio 76Arthur Smith

PhotographersLawrence BryantMcArthur SmithAllen B. ThompsonKeith N Griffin IIArlis DavisJam-XDavid HallTouche Harvey

Sales | sales@delux-mag.comCam Cobb (Stl)Leamond Sloan (KC)Brandon Kendrick (KC)Janice Harper (ATL)

InternsChristopher GibbonsOliver Sparton

Publicist/PR RepTashia DevouexHeidi Pearson

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featured22 FEATURE: BRITTISH WILLIAMS38 FEATURE: ZUES JUPITER40 COVER: BAND OF BROTHERS 48 FASHION: MUEHLEDER’S STORY56 HANDS UP DONT SHOOT60 NAKED BIKE RIDE

regular Stuff 05 Art+Culture 13 Take Action 19 Accessorize 21 Spotlight 23 Health 27 Where 53 Delux Seen 61

Keith N Griffin IIPUBLISHER/CO-FOUNDER@DeluxMagazine

Lawrence BryantCo-Founder@lbfoto1

Michael WinfieldCo-Founder@brklynstl

Kyle A GriffinCo-Founder

Brian ShieldsCo-Founder

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFLeneia Weston-O’Hara

FASHION EDITORLetitia McPherson-Young

Art DirectorMcArthur Smith

Social MediaKendra PeteRaechel Rivers

WritersSeven L MAxwellPhilip BlanksDeWarren SmithKendra PeteTiffany NashvilleOmar O’Hara

Graphic DesignStudio 76Arthur Smith

PhotographersLawrence BryantMcArthur SmithAllen B. ThompsonKeith N Griffin IIArlis DavisJam-XDavid HallTouche Harvey

Sales | sales@delux-mag.comCam Cobb (Stl)Leamond Sloan (KC)Brandon Kendrick (KC)Janice Harper (ATL)

InternsChristopher GibbonsOliver Sparton

Publicist/PR RepTashia DevouexHeidi Pearson

BLACK IN ST. LOUIS: YET ANOTHER EXPERIENCEDelux has experienced some recent growth, and we decided to move into a new office in downtown St. Louis. I was more than excited to begin making calls to some of the ads I perused online. I know downtown. I was one of the originals on Washington in an Art Loft. The Homeless used to “borrow” my dinner after I worked 12 hour shifts at the Mayfair Hotel front desk. Bravely walking home alone after midnight, sometimes the walks were awesome, and other times, I didn’t get to eat dinner. It’s cool, though. I guess they were hungrier than I was. I’m all caught up on the caloric intake now.

To me, the choice to be downtown was simple. Keith wanted something downtown as well. I suggested a couple of other amazing St. Louis neighborhoods. Cherokee Street. Morganford. Old North St. Louis by Crown Candy. There were some great spaces. But for some reason, downtown resonated with us.

One place in particular caught my attention because I used to live across the street. So I called the number Keith gave me, and in my usual bright and effervescently annoying tone, I say, “HI! I’m calling about the office space. We love it! I saw the pictures online!” I went on to tell the building owner the name of my business: Delux Magazine.

He says: “Yeah, I know who you all are. I saw your request for information online, and I didn’t call you back. I don’t want to do business with you people. I’ve seen you promoting night life events, and most of those club owners are thugs and felons. I’m against all the 3am liquor licenses, and I don’t want to have anything to do with you people. But call XXXX. He’s across the street. He’ll rent to anyone.”

To say it felt like ‘a slap in the face’ would be a vast understatement.

In the city we love, support, rep all over the country with a positive brand… in our own city… we’re shut down. I felt like a social pariah. “THOSE PEOPLE” were the ones who built up Washington Ave. “THOSE PEOPLE” made Washington the place to go. They brought the cool. His attitude and behavior is nothing new, though. The entire country was built on the backs of slaves. Who am I to think this antiquated Civil-War-loving town would have actually progressed into 2014? Where is my brain? I can only tell you where my chin was: on the floor. Took all of an hour to pick it up.

I called Keith.

He was the usual calm, cool Keith. I was the usual raving lunatic. (Passionate? Yes. We’ll go with passionate.) None the less… We’re moving to Washington Avenue, and our “PEOPLE” are welcome to come do business with us. I’m looking for another block party circa Delux of 2009 on Washington Ave. I’m calling out our friends who are thugs and businessmen, entrepreneurs and felons... all of us here for a HUMAN experience, ready to love thy neighbor and not judge people based on the color of their skin, but on their ability to have a GOOD TIME! XOXO, B!

WE’LL SEE YOU ON THE AVE!

EDITOR’S NOTES:

heavy heart

COLLECT ALL 3!!!

This issue began with an experience, which is posted to the left. When it occurred, we had no idea the coming weeks would spiral out of control in St. Louis.

Lesley McSpadden, as a mother, I am broken with you. My heart aches for you. I pray for you constantly, and wish you rest and peace. And hope.

St. Louis community: We lost a brother. An artist. A soul. A human. Life. Although there is currently peace in the streets, there is no peace in my heart. Every feasible word has been spoken, and nothing will make me feel “better.” I’ve been forever changed.

I sit in the epicenter of this storm. I’m a multi-ethnic person, and though a majority of my life and experiences are viewed with a black woman’s filter, I would never ignore who I fully am, and I am equally hurt by racism in all it’s forms. Unfortunately, for sensitive people, “delicate flowers,” we actually feel little bee-stings when certain words are used. I had a heavy heart when Mike Brown lost his life, and those who were grieving were prodded and called monkey’s. I had a heavy heart when my friend was driving through Riverview and was accosted by rioters who called her a “white b!*@#,” and broke the rear view mirror off her car. I had a heavy heart the first time I heard my three year old daughter tell me that I look “wipe.” And she pointed at my arm, and compared it to her caramely sweet fat stub. I hate she noticed. Because I don’t. Where did she get it?

We are all humans, having a singular, yet collective human experience. Our minds posess a universe, and yet we are not the universe. We are but a speck of stardust. I love, and I will keep loving, until all the pain goes away. This is my hope. WE LOVE. Love. Love. Love each other. And if someone doesn’t love you, love them ANYWAY. It’s the only way we will change the world. Be the change.

Much Love to all.

Warmly,Leneia Weston - O’Hara

8 SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2014 www.DeluxMag.com

[Stuff]

Avión Reserva 44 is crafted in the highlands town of Jesus Maria, Mexico. The process to create this exceptional tequila begins with the founder’s unwavering commitment to quality. Avión Agave is hand selected and estate grown at 7,000 feet above sea level. Slow roasted in brick ovens for 72 hours, the Avión Agave is carefully distilled and filtered through Avión’s proprietary ultra-slow filtration method, where it is then aged for 43 months in oak barrels to create an incredibly smooth and finely balanced finish. The final step for Avión Reserva 44 is aging the liquid for an additional month in specially selected petite barrels, which are rotated daily. It is during this intensive process that Reserva 44 takes on its rich, complex character. The liquid is then hand-filled into a fire polished crystal bottle, hand numbered and individually signed by Founder, Ken Austin. Reserva 44 is then enclosed in a uniquely crafted luxury gift box and shipped in a wooden crate.

“I’ve waited and waited to release Avión Reserva 44. Years ago, I reserved specific batches of our tequila to be placed into the Reserva 44 barrels and have closely watched their progression,” said Ken Austin, Founder and Chairman. “This release is the culmination of our bespoke tequila process. Reserva 44 is a spirit that the most demanding of tequila connoisseurs and single malt scotch drinkers will fully appreciate.”

Avión Reserva 44 has the distinctive character of Avión Agave with hints of warm vanilla, ripe luscious fruits and a touch of spice—the hallmark of Avión fine tequila. It is 80 proof and is available in 750ml fire polished crystal bottles (SRP – $150.00). It is best enjoyed neat at room temperature or with a single cube of ice.

Men and women alike will love smelling great with Bond No. 9 Brooklyn, a fragrance by Bond No. 9. This scent was released in 2009 and has notes of juniper, cardamom, grapefruit, and more, making it neutral enough for either sex. The moderate scent is best for daytime, and it won’t overwhelm work colleagues or friends. The fragrance lasts for hours, making it ideal for the workday or afternoons with friends.

New York’s legendary city within a city, home to a century or more of strivers, dreamers, and Nobel laureates, its reinventing itself, neighborhood by neighborhood, as an edgy metropolis…

Notes: Grapefruit, Cardamom, Cypress-wood, Geranium Leaves, Juniper Berrie, Cedarwood, Leather and Guaiacwood

100ml - Complimentary Scent of Peace for Him pocket spray — $260.00

50ml — $190.00

Gold Pocket Spray 7ml — $95.00

http://www.bondno9.com

WHERE BROOKLYN AT!?

CAMERA BAGS + MACBOOK PROTECTIONAcme Made was created in 2002 with the sole purpose of designing, manufacturing and selling well-designed products to protect your Apple computer and peripherals. Their goal has always been to build the best products possible using the highest quality materials available; high-impact plastic inserts and forged metal hardware help make this vision a reality.

With over 30 years experience in the design, advertising and technology worlds, the Acme Made team continues to create durable Apple design products that are sure to last a lifetime.

ACME MADE

INTRODUCING:AVION RESERVA 44

9DELUX MAGAZINE

St. Louis’ own custom shoe artist, Molly M. Collier, has been commissioned to design two pairs of one-of-a kind shoes for Pam Swynford De Beaufort’s character on the final season of HBO’s True Blood. The exact episode has yet to be revealed, but True Blood’s character Pam will be strutting in the custom painted platforms.

“Give a Girl the Right Shoes, and She Can Conquer the World,” is the mantra for the talented Ms. Collier of Studio M. Ms.Collier is a St. Louis-based artist with a passion for fashion who is making a name for herself one stiletto at a time. The concept is simple, but the result is stunning: Studio M takes a woman’s own pumps or wedges to the next level by hand-painting and detailing them, thus creating a custom look and feel unique to each person.

“There are few things in life that can make a woman feel as sexy and empowered as the right shoe… those are the types of shoes I create,” says Collier. She has designed for hot celebs such as British Pop Star Neon Hitch, Melissa Gorga from Real Housewives Of New Jersey, Cynthia Bailey from Real Housewives Of Atlanta, Lizzy Hale from Halestorm, Robbie Merrill from Godsmack, and recording artist Justina. The demand for these custom beauties will only grow. Ms. Collier has also designed for such well-known and reputable footwear companies as Bakers, Luichiny Fashion Footwear, Vogue Footwear, & Bronx-Diba.

When asked how far she wants to take her work, Ms. Collier simply replies, “To the moon!”

Artsy Soho loft. Although its façade is a muted glass and cement structure, the hotel’s minimal-chic common areas are a prelude to the modern guestrooms. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the second-floor lobby with natural light, and fashionable lounge chairs, iron chandeliers with globe-encased Edison bulbs, and a curated playlist make for a stylish midday seating area. Peppered throughout are wooden garden boxes — from the entryway to the outdoor The Garden by David Burke — and artwork highlighting Soho’s creative history, including Sarah Frost’s wall mural of repurposed computer keys.

Near Chinatown and Tribeca, The James is a great jumping off point at the southwest corner of Soho for exploring the best of lower Manhattan. Start the night with an Afternoon Delight (St. Germain elderflower liquor, Bison Grass vodka, rosé wine, a splash of soda) at the Treehouse Bar or take it up to JIMMY’s happening rooftop bar for a mixed elixir and 360-degree views. Broadway is one of the city’s main catwalks and also Soho’s chief retail artery; snag such designer tags as Lacoste, Armani Exchange and Topshop, or venture along the cobblestone side streets for Versace on Mercer, Liebeskind Berlin on Lafayette and Alexander Wang on Grand. Afterward, mull over some ceviche at La Esquina’s hidden brasserie, a sushi box at Blue Ribbon or the steak frites at French brasserie Balthazar (if the price tag is too hot for your wallet, snag a complimentary morning Balthazar pastry in the hotel’s lobby).

HBO’s TRUE BLOOD SEASON 7 COMMISSIONS CUSTOM SHOES FROM ST. LOUIS BASED ARTIST

Based out of Boise, Idaho, this husband and wife team combines their creativity to bring natural materials to your pocket with Slim Timber wallets. All wood is hand selected and the grain is as unique as each piece’s ultimate owner.

You know WE love wooden men’s fashion accessories and these amazing wooden wallets from Slim Timber are no exception. In fact I went ahead and ordered one for myself. Available at Touch of Modern for $39 this Zebrawood bifold men’s wallet is perfect for guys that like slim wallets and unique design. The wallet features slots for 2 cards, an ID and cash. It’s beautiful too!

SLIM TIMBER:WOODEN WALLETS

JIMMY AT THE JAMES NYC

DESIGNER NINI ROBINSON TALKS FALL COLLECTION, ST. LOUIS FASHION CLIMATE AND HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE FASHION INDUSTRYInterviewed and Written by: Letitia A. McPherson-Young

Nini Robinson of Daichi Antonio is quickly becoming one of the most highly sought after fashion designers in Saint Louis. With several successfully sold out fashion shows, over 21,000 Social Media fans and a vastly growing international clientele, Ms. Robinson is definitely reveling in her success. In only five short years, Ms. Robinson has gone from designing and sewing as a hobby to working her business full time around the clock. Nini and I grabbed some coffee and crumpets at the local bistro Blondie’s on Washington Ave, to chit chat about her budding success and what she has in store for the future.

DELUX: TELL ME A LITTLE BIT ABOUT DAICHI ANTONIO, WHAT IS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND IT, WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO START DESIGNING?DA: Well, it actually started with my playing around with fabric. I used to hand sew. So I never felt like it would go anywhere besides just sewing for myself. But once I got a machine, everything was different. I made a dress and wore it and everyone went crazy! After a week, I quit my job. The inspiration behind the look

is that I like sexy clothing that is still classy and tasteful. It is not showing too much, but shows just enough. I also like architecture and sculpted things. I can be outside and see something random and I can turn it into an outfit. And of course, inspiration behind the name was my son. His name is Daichi Antonio.

DELUX: SO WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR TRAINING? WHERE DID YOU LEARN TO DESIGN AND SEW?DA: I am 100% self-taught. I took a class when I was a sophomore in High School one semester, I made a pillow – but other than that, I taught myself everything. There was an older lady that used to make me shirts. She showed me how to use my machine. I couldn’t get the bobbin for nothing. I kept calling her because it was jamming up. She taught me how to do my tension. It was cool from there.

DELUX: WHAT’S ONE OF YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS AS A DESIGNER?DA: My best experience was a prom dress that I made for a very busty client. She had been to the prom three years in a row and all she wanted was a strapless dress. Everyone that had made her dress ended up having to put clear straps on it. She worked with some really good designers too! But she asked me to do it and I did it. It fit her perfectly! She even text me later that night to tell me she had won best dressed at prom! I felt good. She went to some very skilled people, it was an awesome feeling.

DELUX: WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM DAICHI ANTONIO IN THE NEAR FUTURE? WHAT DO YOU HAVE IN STORE FOR YOUR NEW FALL COLLECTION?DA: For this fall and winter I am in love with mohair and cow skin, for men, women and children. I am looking forward to creating some new stuff to see what it’s going to look like. When I look back on some of my past collections, I am really motivated about the future. I don’t want to be in the same place next year. My motivation is my growth. I look back and say ‘I made that? I’m getting better!” The older I get the better I get. I want to get into more details. I look at designers like Balmain and I love all the details. Custom is also very big right now, so more custom pieces and lots more detail.Delux: How do you view the fashion scene in St. Louis?DA: The fashion scene in St. Louis is a lot of what it sees. There’s not a lot of trendsetters in St. Louis. So as long as something is popping, we can make it work here in St. Louis. But the fashion scene is very up-to-date in comparison to other places I’ve travelled. I really appreciate my city, we just don’t get a lot of exposure.

DELUX: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE TO NEW DESIGNERS ENTERING THE INDUSTRY?DA: I feel like designing should not be a competitive field. The biggest thing is don’t make it competitive. This is not a competitive field, there’s room for all of us. We are all creative. Keep it original. There’s a lot of designers that are just doing it for the money, not because they want to design. If you’re just going to copy someone’s designs, just call yourself a seamstress, don’t consider yourself a designer. A lot of people are making it competitive and it’s not. Just be original.

11DELUX MAGAZINE

12 JULY | AUGUST 2014 delux-mag.com

[Art+Culture]

Bonds. Marlin Bonds. There is no other. A St. Louis native, Marlin is a solid triple threat of production, songwriting, and performance. We originally wanted to interview Marlin about his successful career in the music industry working with heavy hitters like Swizz Beats on

“Money in the Bank,” and developing artists. We chose to share his thoughts on the tragedy in our hometown, and the loss of Mike Brown. Marlin brings to light some great ideology, and we couldn’t miss an opportunity to let his voice be heard at this moment in our collective history. In Marlin’s words:

#FERGUSON: It has definitely affected me. I’m a native of the area, St. Louis, but that area LITERALLY. I guess I’m deeply saddened at the way we lost a teenager. I’m saddened by the ways in which people view it; it’s showing the disparity between one race, and another race. Black people will instinctively lean towards the cop being guilty, and other races and other people who have a better experience with cops will lean toward the perspective that it’s almost impossible for the police to just do this. It shows the differences in the experiences, and in my experiences of being harassed by cops. I don’t think it’s far-fetched that the cop made a mistake, and that he killed the young man, but that’s because THIS is MY experience. I don’t know what happened. What I’m hoping is that this case is tried honestly. I do think there was an error made by the cop, and I think there should be an honest trial. My experience leans me toward the fact there was excessive force used in the situation. Just sitting in my seat; my perspective, my opinion… I hope justice is served - especially for the family. I know they want to resolve this as quickly as possible.

This situation brings us to where we can all agree: when you don’t want to kill someone there are other options present in your mind. When you’re looking

for a reason, there becomes a reason. To me, the value of the kid’s life isn’t there. In their minds, they are looking for a reason. In their minds, the first option is to shoot and kill someone. I try to put myself in their shoes looking at a young man making a mistake, and consider their perspective. But I think to myself, “They’re fully armed. They are in control. They have the upper hand.” And they chose to shoot to kill.

To me, it’s the value of this kid’s life.

Here is where the outrage comes from, and what makes it so scary: The people that have all the power and the evidence are the ones who control what we know and when we know it. The way the information has been released from the police chief, it creates suspicion. I’m happy they’re conducting a Federal investigation. I’m hoping that makes it difficult to hide things. All reasonable people want is a fair trial.

I’m not justifying black on black crime. However, if we just look at America in general, when someone does something to an AMERICAN citizen, or another country does something to AMERICA, we respond in violence. We retaliate. Retaliation is a national concept we have all come to understand as a country. I’m not justifying it, but in a reasonable person’s mind, I do believe I understand that if you do something to me or my family, in general, someone is going to retaliate. It’s based on a national concept that we go back and forth. There are potentially 5, 6, 7 deaths in a weekend. Sometimes it’s senseless and for the wrong reasons or for reasons not everyone will understand... but they happen. Most people want to call black people animals, and diss, and point the finger on those crimes, when other races - consider Sandy Hook Elementary, for example - that commit more senseless crimes.

I’m making this point for those who want to judge black people and do the name calling... I am saying every race has flaws. Every race has people who do bad things. I don’t like people casting judgment on any GROUP. It really bothers me when people don’t have the depth or the wisdom to view a situation fully. I don’t like the casting of judgment without empathy.

We’re only about 50 years out from nationwide desegregation, where there was no equal opportunity for blacks. One generation is not enough time. But we’re making progress; we’re doing better, and moving forward. There are more black graduates from college, and think it’s only 50 years! My parents were born into an unfair system. If people think about that, people wouldn’t be so hasty to judge given the circumstances, we’re getting it together. We all know someone mentoring a young black child. We are building it. We’re getting it together, and in a very short time.

Empathy is at the front of our minds. Judgment is a lack of wisdom. Anyone who has felt injustice from cops - no one wants to justify - but at least have the depth to say, “They’re fighting back in the best way they feel that they know how.” And again, it’s not a justification. If you judge that, you’re so far removed from that environment, and you’ve lost your depth and wisdom to empathize.

Consider lastly: the fact that Mike Brown does not look like an average criminal to us. When you live in a community where you don’t see many black people, any black person is going to look dangerous. It doesn’t mean they’re dangerous, it means you are so far removed from the community that you cast a judgment. The only way anyone can look at this, and literally have no way to empathize, speaks to how far they are from the situation.

THERENAISSANCEMANM A R L I N B O N D S