Who: Fashion Designer, Nigel Xavier
What: Winner of Netflix’s, ‘Next in Fashion’
When: Season 2
Why: More on The Show U’re Fun Side Campaign

Atlanta’s own Nigel Xavier beat out fashion designers Bao Tranchi and Deontré Hancock to be crowned winner of Netflix’s ‘Next In Fashion’ Season 2. Just 10 years ago, Nigel was a featured model for USL Magazine’s INSPIRE Young Men of Color Campaign, an initiative where we spotlight young men of color who express interest in music, entertainment, fashion, and the arts. In the series of photos displayed below, you can see Nigel in shots from our photoshoot at Tree Sound Studios, Atlanta, GA.

We were initially introduced to Nigel, who called himself Strokagenius at the time, by Papa (Producer Papa) who was also an up-and-coming music producer in the Atlanta Metro Area and was featured in the photo shoot with Nigel. My first impression of Nigel was that he was determined and unique. His sense of style was very different from other boys his age at the time and he was unapologetic about it. I think seeing this trait in him solidified my wanting to feature him in our INSPIRE Young Men of Color Campaign and photoshoot.

During the shoot, Nigel styled himself in his clothes, and I remembered having a conversation with him about his modeling and his wanting to become a notable fashion designer. As he expressed to me what he was doing in creating his clothes; it was quite interesting. This was a kid who could throw on anything, mitch-matched and all and it turned out cool as hell.

Seeing Nigel win Netflix’s ‘Next In Fashion’ only reinforced our efforts and further emphasize why we reach out to our young men of color and want to give them that push – that nudge.

With a new branding as INSPIRE Young Men of Color Campaign, we are looking to team up with more local and national figure to help support, mentor and spark inspiration and aspiration in our young men of color. If you are interested in shooting with one of our young men, please reach out to the editors at in**@us****.com .

INSPIRE Young Men of Color Campaign

INSPIRE Young Men of Color Campaign

Content provided by: USL Magazine
Photo By: Karlos Matthews & Patrick Kelly
Location: Tree Sound Studios, Atlanta, GA

Remembering Atlanta Fashion Designer Mychael Knight

We have just learned that Atlanta fashion designer Mychael Knight has passed at the early age of 39. We had the pleasure of meeting Mychael here in Atlanta during the grand opening of the W Hotel on 14th Street, and then a few other times throughout the years. Mychael was always a very humble and easy-going guy. He was also very talented and loved what he did – designing clothes for women who knew who they were. We have always through that Mychael had a great career ahead of him in fashion, supported him through his best designs and ones that was not his best. However, he inspires us with his love for the creatives, his passion and ability to go and get what he wanted. God bless you Mychael and may you rest in peace! -Patrick A. Kelly, Editor-In-Chief

See photos of Mychael Knight’s collection on IG @uslmag

All photographs are copyright protected by its respective owner.

Ruby Rose for Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren. Photo: Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren Ruby Rose, an Australian model, musical artist, former television host and current actress, had an exciting 2015. Her breakout role as Stella Carlin in the third season of “Orange is the New Black” garnered so much attention, she was the most searched… (more…)

Hari Nef at the Ferragamo Signature event. Photo: BFA/Salvatore Ferragamo Since graduating from Columbia University this past May, transgender model, actress and writer Hari Nef has been rapidly adding bullet points to her ever-growing resumé. A week after commencement, she made history by becoming the first American trans woman to sign with IMG — the same… (more…)