The Brooklyn Academy of Music Celebrates Solange and Mikki Shepard

May 06, 2024

Established in 1861, the Brooklyn Academy of Music has evolved into a revered emblem of New York City's cultural scene, passionately dedicated to celebrating the transformative power of performance.

Each year, the academy's programming steals the spotlight at its Spring Benefit gala, showcasing its enduring impact. This year's gala honored the groundbreaking musician and artist Solange, arts producer and arts activist Mikki Shepard, recognizing them as bold visionaries who epitomize BAM's core ethos. Amidst captivating performances by the Alva Rogers Puppet Theater, the mesmerizing melodies of harpist and composer Nailah Hunter, and the soulful tunes of singer-songwriter Beverly Glenn-Copeland, attendees reveled in an evening of artistic brilliance, fueled by the electrifying sets of DJ Bembona and DJ Lovie.

Photography by Jesper D. Lund

Shepard's unwavering commitment as a BAM consultant and board member was rightfully acknowledged, while Solange's curated Eldorado Ballroom musical series, which drew sold-out crowds last spring featuring luminaries like Kelela and the Clark Sisters, further underscored the duo's profound impact on BAM's cultural landscape. Before accepting her well-deserved accolade, Solange was introduced by her friend and fellow artist Toyin Ojih Odutola, who highlighted Solange's insatiable thirst for knowledge and her role not just as a performer and creator, but also as a visionary shaping spaces where Black women can thrive. Draped in a stunning ensemble from Acne Studios, the singer delivered a poignant acceptance speech, offering heartfelt reflections on her personal journey towards joy. Check out the captivating snapshots of the evening, from the artist's preparations at WSA to their gathering with friends at The Fisher.

Culture

The Ugly Pretty Party by Perfectly Imperfect x Back Market

May 17, 2026

What does it mean to self-identify as “ugly”?

New York is full of beautiful people. And none of them are perfect. The city’s creative culture has grown increasingly affectionate toward a more subversive style: that of distressed denim, smudged eyeliner, worn leather, and personal accessories like bags, water bottles, and even laptops customized by pins or stickers for a unique flair. And with stylistic customization comes the inevitable consequence of imperfection: creases, scratches, and residual stickiness. The poetics here lie in the fact that the imperfections are evidence of a life well-lived. “Ugliness,” if it can be called ugliness, has become something aspirational, as society shifts its attitude toward the rejection of what once was sterile perfection.

This notion is at the core of The Ugly Pretty Party, New York’s latest gathering for the culturally conscious and creatively dressed. In collaboration with Perfectly Imperfect, the event celebrated the launch of Back Market’s latest rollout, The Ugly Computer. In an age that has normalized consumerism and “throwaway culture,” The Ugly Computer dares to go against the grain by embracing flaws on refurbished products and pushing for sustainability over contributing to eco waste. And Perfectly Imperfect, a media platform dedicated to amplifying unique perspectives, turns up the volume of such a morally driven cultural disruptor.

Words by Selena Aiyla
Photography by Lauren Davis

In an era of airbrushed perfection, The Ugly Pretty Party is a move toward radical transparency and sustainability.

“It’s what’s on the inside that counts.” Back Market centralizes this conviction as they fill the walls of Silence Please, a multi-hyphenate speakeasy where you can, on a normal day, browse records, drink handcrafted teas, and sit among a sea of silver laptops when coworking is of personal importance. On this particular night, the lounge is filled with a selection of young people who have worlds of creativity existing inside them. Surrounded by fiction writers, fashion designers, and visual artists, the notion is abundantly true. That which is on the inside seems to instantly beautify that which is on the outside.

The night is full of sounds by Nation, DJ Thank You, velvette blue, and rockie rode. The thematic choice of Silence Please alongside such exceptional soundmakers is to cut through the noise, putting a pause on the cycle of routinely tossing old items for new ones. The party drew a narrative space for The Ugly Computer, riddled in residual sticker marks and abundant in cosmetic issues. Imperfections that add character without compromising the functionality and integrity of the technology. In this way, Back Market leads us in a reclamation of the word “ugly,” and teaches us to repurpose this language into a term of endearment, a term of empowerment.

Culture

HEARTCORE Dance Party

Culture

District Vision: Integrating Community Into a Retail Environment

May 08, 2026

District Vision has opened its first permanent flagship in the Los Angeles Arts District, a hybrid space that serves as a retail store by day and a hub for meditation, movement, and learning after hours. Developed with SR Studio, the modular interior reflects a zen-like sensibility through custom hinoki wood, aluminum and vintage Japanese ceramics, honoring the brand’s deep connection to Japanese engineering. The location functions as a cultural and operational center - housing the brand’s office, warehouse, and full product line - while offering technical eyewear services, a hydration bar, and space for collaborations with partners like New Balance and POST ARCHIVE FACTION (PAF). Founded in 2015 by Tom Daly and Max Vallot, the independent brand continues to prioritize its research into "human technologies" by integrating community programming, such as running and breathwork, into a retail environment informed by mindfulness and craftsmanship.