Not All Superheroes Fly

For some families, style is genetic. They just look great in whatever they put on. Be it clashing big bright bold colours or patterns and prints that run the gamut, everything looks right on them even when the fashion rulebook says otherwise. By the way, who sets those rules anyway? I say wear what you love even if it looks ridiculous to the world.

Not for these brothers, high schooler DJ Bazemore and his elementary schooler brother Hendricks Johnson. Nothing on them looks ridiculous especially when their mom, Naimah Bazemore, once graced this Style page before. So, is great style hereditary? I suppose if you grow up watching your mom exemplifying care and attention to her dressing, it naturally conditions you.

For this photoshoot the brothers hung out at a playground near their home. A favourite activity for Hendricks after school while DJ watches over him as big brother, who is older by eight years. After four years in Shanghai, they will be returning to Atlanta, Georgia for good to reunite with friends and family. I chatted with the brothers about leaving Shanghai, superheroes, and style.

How are you feeling about leaving Shanghai?

DJ: I am looking forward to new experiences. Good thing is I can connect with my friends on social media unlike in the past when we had to write letters.

Hendricks: Both good and bad. Good because I get to see my friends and family. Bad because I will miss my friends in Shanghai.

Do you have a favourite superhero?

Hendricks: Yes! Spiderman because he can swing around!

DJ: I love Spiderman too. Even though the story never changes, it never gets old. Standing up to fight for justice and keeping world peace will never get old. I just watched the latest Marvel movie “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” and it reminded me again how good of a superhero Spiderman is.

Who does your dreadlocks?

Hendricks: My dad.

DJ: I go to this guy called Bosco in Shanghai who takes an hour to braid my hair. (Bosco’s WeChat: mpungi)

Who’s your favourite style icons?

DJ: I love hip hop artists like Drake, Kanye West, and the late MF Doom.

Hendricks: My parents dress me.

Any favourite brands?

Hendricks: Nike

DJ: Nike and H&M

What are you looking forward to?

DJ: I’m looking forward to seeing what the world has in store for me.

Hendricks: Halloween and Christmas for the presents.

What kind of superhero stuff do you want to do when you grow up?

Hendricks: I don’t know.

DJ: Using computer technology to help make the world a better place.

What’s the coolest thing about your brother?

DJ: Hendrick’s eyes, as they are a beautiful brown.

Hendricks: Everything is cool about DJ. He sometimes plays with me and that’s really cool.

Kid's Nike Dunk Low, 599 RMB

Kid's Spiderman tee, 99.90 RMB by H&M

Silver Chain, 152 RMB by LUXTA

Summer T-shirt, 149 RMB by H&M

Spiderman Web Shooter Toy from Taobao