04/04/2022
FLY LIKE AN EAGLE 3 of 3: What does the BKc Thinkers Cap mean to you and why did you want to feature Eagle Academy in this series?
The Thinkers cap to me is rooted in research and an appreciation of the past and bringing it to the future-it’s not trend based. Over the years I’ve realized that I enjoy working with day to day folks as opposed to models. There’s a story, depth, a level of truth and vulnerability that is unmatched. So I went back to my scholastic roots.
When you are back on the grounds, how do you reflect on your experience at Eagle and your responsibility to the young men there now?
Honestly being back at eagle at times feels euphoric. The foundation and constant support has kept me driven. My ability to see beyond what’s in front of me is because Eagle believed in me before I was fully aware of myself.
What’s the background work and logistics in working on a project like that?
A lot of preparation, communication and research internally and with the school. The images were in my head for quite some time. Heavily inspired by Gordon parks, military discipline and uniformity. Ouigi is a firm advocate of discipline and uniformity. We wanted to do something that was organized but not staged, which is tough. Getting young men to sit during their free period isn’t the easiest. They could’ve been spending that time to decompress, but decided to get this done. I commend them for it. We had a lot of fun on this project. Most importantly, I know what impact it’ll have for these guys to see themselves featured in this project. And to witness a brand owned and operated by people who look like them. It was also shot, directed and produced by us.
Their reaction and involvement has been my biggest motivation. It’ll spark something if not in all, for sure a few of them. This is documented as another page of the 100year Plan.
Creative concept:
Photography:
Stylist:
Design: for BKc
Location: Eagle Academy Brooklyn
Illustration: