Editor’s letter
FKA stands for “Formerly Known As”.. a play on one of my founding missions for this publication, to transform individuals via the vector of editorial fashion and dynamic imagery. In creating FKA, my goal was to birth a fashion and cultural zeitgeist championing impactful people and creatives, as well as powerful interviews and journalistic pieces about relevant and empowering topics-all delivered via dynamic fashion and iconic imagery!
Through FKA, I want to enthusiastically introduce to readers incredibly talented creatives and everyday people who all exude an innate starpower that I want to share with our cultivated community. Each subject of our publication’s pages has been hand-selected by myself to be what I consider a shining star in today’s saturated world. With our inaugural theme being “Fame”, I feel as though the four individuals I’ve chosen not only represent the essence of the theme effortlessly, but embody the definition of starpower... all of whom I am incredibly honored to know and call myself a fan of.
Throughout the pages of this first issue you’ll be introduced to: my own interpretation of traditional archetypes surrounding fame through our interview transformations. Within this issue, I hope the reader can find themselves in the topic of fame, as I believe it to be something not exclusive to the typical celebrity. As cliche as it may sound, each one of us has an innate starpower that we are born with, and I believe fashion and the way you transform yourself is one of the most incredible ways to express that power unapologetically.
A look into the mission of FKA, the background of our issue one theme,
and what to expect in our first issue..
-Kweku Andoh
FOUNDER & EIC
Photos by Kenzie Roberts | Styling and Creative Direction by Kweku Andoh | Editing & Retouching by Kweku Andoh and Kenzie Roberts
Katrina lee
the movie star
starring
HOW TO BE THE STAR OF YOUR OWN STORY
As a fashion creative attuned to nuances and trends, it's second nature to spot an "It-Girl" when it comes to fashion. However, Katrina transcends the mere label of an It-Girl effortlessly. She’s not just an It-Girl; she's a radiating star …. in ANY room she’s in. Her innate ability to radiate charisma, style, and elegance while commanding any room elevates her beyond being merely fashionable. She embodies an enigmatic aura that transcends trends, setting her apart. Katrina's presence is unparalleled. She's not just present; she's the focal point, radiating her star energy wherever she goes.
And who better to educate the masses on being a star than a star herself? So, without further ado, here are ten tips on How to be The Star of Your Own Story from the enigmatic, stardust-radiating superstar herself, Katrina Lee.
Tip 3: DO IT FOR THE PLOT!
“You are the main character. Say ‘YES’ to everything (within reason), do not close yourself off to opportunities that could’ve been or memories that will last you a lifetime.”
Tip 9: Never be Defined by the World
“Recognize that you are the only true authority on who you are. Don't let others dictate your identity, values, or priorities.”
Read the entirety of this piece, and view exclusive photos and more in the full issue of fka available february 2024.
Photos by Kweku andoh | talent : katrina lee | words and interview by kweku andoh and katrina lee | Styling and Creative Direction by Kweku Andoh
the ROCKstar
Jack Colton Clark
starring
JACK COLTON CLARK’S TOP FOUR LIVE PERFORMANCES OF ALL TIME
Jack Colton Clark is one of five dynamic members of the NY band "Mother Cabrini." With a fearless approach to fashion and an undeniable rockstar aura, Jack embodies that of a true rockstar; eagerly embracing every outlandish creative idea we threw at him during this shoot. Beyond his striking appearance, resembling the style of many notable rock superstars before stardom, Jack possesses an impressive musical intellect, able to reference iconic music spanning decades as well as the likes of local up-and-coming bands, a testament to his deep-rooted passion for music…It also doesn’t hurt that he’s incredibly friendly and down-to-earth.
I believe there’s a theatrical essence to performing just as there is to fashion, in which inspiration is the foundation for much of the creative moments that endure and bring forth the ideas creatives birth. Jack’s approach to music reminds me much of my own with fashion, drawing on a wealth of inspiration to fuel the creative brilliance that characterizes his work and himself as an artist. So, as a male musician, creative, and performer of the 21st century, I asked Jack what his top four favorite live musical performances of all time are, and he didn’t disappoint!
Prince, Super Bowl XLI 2007
“Prince during the Super Bowl is the best like stadium live footage I’ve ever seen, he’s so badass. Plus he plays purple rain when there’s torrential downpour , gives me chills just thinking about. Don’t even know what teams played because it doesn’t matter.”
Read the entirety of this piece, and view exclusive photos and more in the full issue of fka available february 2024.
Photos by Kweku andoh | talent : JACK COLTON CLARK | words and interview by kweku andoh and JACK COLTON CLARK | Styling and Creative Direction by Kweku Andoh
Ibi Han
the popstar
starring
iBI hAN’S FASHION TOP five
Ibi Han is a multifaceted talent whose presence I first encountered on a film set, of which she was the subject. At our first encounter, I immediately recognized Ibi as a kindred spirit due to our aligned fashion sensibilities and her impeccable command over her appearance and look.Furthermore, Ibi's fashion choices also resonate with my own, favoring subversive basics, quality trousers, good tailoring, and chic silhouettes, making it a joy to see what she shows up to a shoot in each time we work together.
Beyond her impeccable style, Ibi also shines as an extraordinary musical recording artist. Her work transcends the typical popstar label, offering soulful and thought-provoking records while embodying the glamour and charm reminiscent of beloved Pop and R&B icons. Ibi's music career is unmistakably on a path to greatness, evidenced by her recent collaboration with NPR’s Tiny Desk on a powerful performance of her song "Confessions of a Drama Queen". With such a promising future, it's inevitable that iconic fashion moments will soon be on her horizon. In a quest to uncover the fashion influences of an emerging star like Ibi Han, I asked Ibi to delve into her current style inspirations, offering a glimpse into the fashion-forward mindset of this rising talent.
1. Zendaya and Law Roach
“No explanation needed! They eat every time! The plate is licked with no crumb left.”
2. A Stranger I Went on a Hinge Date With
“I don’t know if this counts much but I went on a hinge date and then I insta stalked him and hidden throughout his instagram was a style that I kinda enjoyed, it was baggy and artsy but didn’t come across as something done just for the aesthetic it seemed authentic. Although I never spoke to that hinge date again, after the date and my insta stalking, I find myself wondering if they’d think my outfit was cool or cute or something personable. So again I don't know if this counts but that certain hinge date has been living rent free in my fashion head space for a while now and I can't seem to shake it off.”
Read the entirety of this piece, and view exclusive photos and more in the full issue of fka available MARCH 2024.
Photos by Kweku andoh | talent : ibi han | words and interview by kweku andoh and ibi han | Styling and Creative Direction by Kweku Andoh | makeup by rochelle roget |
the supermodel
Coco Marceline
starring
a kiki with coco
Coco is an emerging model here in New York City whose demeanor and attitude stand out amongst a background of girls working in this industry simply for fame and a connection. Coco effortlessly embodies the grace and fierceness of a true supermodel with the talent and capacity to serve like the supers we know and love, like Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, and Christy Turlington. Her presence is electrifying, capturing what it means to be genuinely "fierce" in such a saturated industry. Having had the pleasure of working with her on multiple occasions, I can attest to Coco's exceptional talent and ability to make any photographer's job seamless with her innate knack for “Werking the camera,” as I’d put it, delivering dynamic variety to any photo shoot she’s on. Coco's talents also extend beyond photo shoots, walking the runways of New York Fashion Week in previous seasons, solidifying her growing presence in the fashion world.
besides being lethally fierce, Coco and I are also always down to talk tea, so I sat down for a quick kiki with her to get some insider info and insight into the industry, fashion, and life in NYC from the perspective of a model who is not just part of the city's fashion scene but is undeniably shaping it.
What are your thoughts on nepo babies?
“Lowkey I live for some of the nepo babies… just like make sure you’ve pumped between the wings of your house a few times before show day.”
What, in your opinion, makes a supermodel?
“Being a diva without being a diva.”
Who is a super you’d love to get techniques from?
“I feel like the textbook answer is Naomi, but I’'d love to get advice from Connie Fleming or Mariacarla Boscono if they’re down.”
Read the entirety of this piece, and view exclusive photos and more in the full issue of fka available february 2024.
Photos by Kweku andoh | talent : coco marceline | words and interview by kweku andoh and coco marceline | Styling and Creative Direction by Kweku Andoh