Anthony Prince (34), a movie director and photographer, and Ashley Cimone Leslie (36), founding father of bag model Ashya, didn’t have some over-the-top, rom-com-worthy meet-cute. Their connection was extra natural—an on the spot, magnetic pull. They locked eyes throughout the group throughout Trend’s Evening Out, and identical to that, their story started. “The creatives are normally the best-dressed couple within the room,” Anthony joked. And he’s not mendacity. With their effortlessly cool and distinct style senses, the 2 stay in Brooklyn, N.Y., and lightweight up any house they stroll into, proving that love and magnificence could be a energy duo.
A decade later, they nonetheless present up for one another—loving, rising, and shifting by way of life collectively, loud, proud, and in full shade.
EBONY: The place did you first meet?
Ashley: We first met at Trend’s Evening Out at a William Obo style presentation hosted by Opening Ceremony throughout New York Trend Week.
What’s your definition of Black love, and what does Black love imply to you?Ashley: I feel my definition of Black love is common. Love is a verb, and it means supporting another person’s religious development and journey.
Anthony: I agree with Ashley’s definition. It’s about help—supporting one another in our journeys. And we’ve been doing that for 10 years now.
How do you specific love to one another?Anthony: I take note of the little issues—when Ashley is scrolling and taking a look at one thing she actually needs, I make a psychological notice and shock her later. Whether or not it’s for her birthday, Valentine’s Day, or simply as a result of, I really like ensuring she will get one thing that brings her pleasure.
Ashley: I specific love by way of help. I need to be a constant help system for him, not simply professionally, however emotionally. I would like him to have a spot the place he feels totally accepted and free to be himself.
What do you’re keen on most about your companion?Anthony: Ashley challenges me in the proper methods. She doesn’t let me keep complacent—she pushes me to dream larger.
Ashley: I really like Anthony’s optimism. Irrespective of how onerous life will get, he all the time finds pleasure and positivity. He’s a guiding gentle that jogs my memory we are able to all the time get again to pleasure.
When you will have difficult occasions, how do you take care of and keep thoughtful of one another’s wants?Ashley: We actually pay attention to one another. It’s about creating house for the opposite particular person to be heard and never speeding to sort things however simply being there.
Anthony: I feel persistence and displaying up in small methods assist rather a lot. Even when we’re having a tricky time, I attempt to do the little issues—making her tea, dealing with errands—simply so she feels supported.
What does “Love in Coloration” imply in a world that has typically sought to decrease or stereotype Black love?Ashley: Love in Coloration is about discovering love in its many types—whether or not it’s romantic love, deep friendships or moments of pleasure in on a regular basis life. It’s about embracing the sweetness in all of the methods we love.
Anthony: Love in Coloration is within the little issues, too. Like when Ashley helps me take out my ingrown hairs. It’s in our shared experiences, our laughter, and our dedication to one another.
What are the primary three phrases that come to thoughts about your companion?Anthony: Resilient, Considerate, Brave
Ashley: Shiny, Magnificence, Huge
End this sentence: Black love is…Anthony: Black love is cinematic.
Ashley: Black love is heat.
For extra Love In Coloration tales, go to EBONY on YouTube.
