magazine
PFH perth fashion hunter
March 2018
ISSUE 1
WELCOME
PFH MAGAZINE is an idea that I’ve had for over a year now. Thankfully, that idea has come to this, the publication of our First Issue. This magazine is for the creative minds to showcase their impeccable talents. A special thank you to the contributors and featured artists. Thank you for helping this work come to reality. To you the reader, we are glad and we hope you will enjoy this magazine’s 1st Issue.
SPECIAL THANKS TO......
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Ben Mapuranga PRODUCTION EDITOR: Charity Mwila Mapuranga PROOF READER: Nilofar Khirzad DESIGNERS/ARTISTS Michelle Pike, Betty Tran, Gianni Corvaia, Camron Ho, Claire Trolio, Isabelle Trolio MODELS: NilofarKhirzad,KikaLateef,ChiaraFragomeni,Michelle VanessaLaarkamp,Chiara-Lauren Margio, Karolina Borkovic, Dana Kassem, Leigh Anderson, Gemnichollss PHOTOGRAPHERS: Ben Mapuranga, Camron Ho,
We are happy to receive contributions and submissions connected to fashion- by Fashion Designers, Photographers, Filmmakers, Stylists, Hair Stylists, Models, Artists and Authors. Furthermore, we are also always on the look out for new and regular contributors. In your submission show us your best ideas, your creativity and your excellence. Email us at info@perthfashionhunter.com
Š PFH Magazine 2018. All rights reserved. All images and text, published in PFH Magazine are the sole property of the featured authors and artists and subject copyright. No image or text can be reproduced, edited, copied or distributedin any form without written permission of its legal owner.
COVER PHOTO
Photographer: Perth Fashion Hunter
Model: Chiara Fragomeni
CONTENTS
08
48
54
62
Street Talk: Perth StreetStyle
Stylist & Owner: Nilofar Khirzad
Music: Gianni Corvaia
Photographer: Camron Ho
72
84
90
Fashion Illustrator: Michelle Pike
Fashion Designer: Betty Tran
Store Profile: Ruck Rover
Perth StreetStyle
@karen_walker
Nilofar Khirzad
MUSIC CORNER
INTERVIEW
MUSICIAN: Gianni Corvaia @giannicorvaia
PFH: Have you always wanted to know you wanted a career in music or was it a bit unexpected? I’ve always wanted a career in music but I didn’t quite know what exactly that career would be. From a young age I learnt piano and violin and loved it, but my passion was in writing songs. As I got older I experimented with producing and I knew that I wanted to be a songwriter and producer. PFH: At the peak of your career who would you aspire to be as successful as? I always try and think big, its what keeps me motivated and driven. So obviously I would love to be an internationally recognised singer and songwriter! Someone like Troye Sivan is a good example of a successful Australian artist who has also worked with international artists and is internationally recognised. Would be awesome to be as successful as him.
PFH: Which famous musician have you learned from? My dad always put his favourite radio station on in the car from a young age, so I fell in love with music from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Love Billy Joel, as a pianist, I’ve always wanted to learn to play and sing like him. I believe I’ve learnt a lot from just listening to artists from different eras.
PFH: Is your family musical? On my dad’s side, yes. My late grandfather was a guitarist in a popular band in Perth in the 60s, and my dad is a drummer who gigs and teaches in Perth.
PFH: Where do you see yourself in three years? Doing what I do now in making music. I would love to improve my producing and singing, and share my music to as many people as possible! PFH: If you could win any award, one of your choice what award would it be? An ARIA. It would be awesome to be recognised on a national level! Looking at the past artists who have won it, I wouldn’t mind winning one! PFH: What would be your dream collaboration and why? I would love to collaborate with someone like John Mayer, who is just your classic modern day singer songwriter. He’s such a talented musician, love all of his stuff, and I would say his music has definitely influenced my music too.
PFH: What are your fondest musical memories? In your house? In your neighbourhood or city? Probably playing in what was an imaginary band with my brothers as kids. We used to jam heaps and make songs together. We thought we were rockstars, it makes me laugh just thinking about it. Nowadays, I actually gig with my dad and my little brother, and its always the best time. PFH: Do you write your own music, and what inspires you? I do write my own music and produce it all from my home studio. I’m definitely inspired by relationships that I’ve had with people. Love and loss is obviously a big one for me. I’m still maturing and growing as a 21 year old, and I guess its that stage of my life where that inspires me the most!
PFH: What’s the craziest thing fans have done for you? At this point, only a letter from a fan! I couldn’t even believe that… Would really like to increase my fanbase, first in Perth, and then all over Australia.
PFH: Have you had a tour yet, and if so, how does it feel? I haven’t been on tour yet… but Im hoping to in the future. Would be awesome fun. Would really want to get a band together and prepare a good live act.
PFH: Whilst we’re on the subject on fans what is the most random thing a fan has said to you? Once I was in the carpark of a bar and a random drunk guy comes up to me and asks if I’m Gianni. I then say yes and he literally just ran away into the night haha. Very random.
PFH: In your opinion do you think it’s important staying humble? I think it is. In my situation I believe that I’m on the opposite spectrum where I’m too humble to the point that I’ll play my music down and talk briefly and subtly about it rather than be super confident.
PFH: So is there any process that you follow, or how do you go about it? Not at all. I always start my projects blank without having a template to follow. I feel like that doesn’t restrict me from going into different genres and experimenting with different sounds and vibes. Same with the writing. When it comes to writing lyrics and melodies its always blank to begin with, and I just vibe my way through! PFH: Something new from you for us to look out for? I’ve got a couple of songs up my sleeve. Would definitely love people to listen to what’s about to come out. Hoping to release an EP very soon!
PFH: I watched your video “I’ll Be Fine”. Beautiful work mate, I love your music! What influenced you? Was that your first release? That was my first release. When I wrote I’’ll Be Fine, I wasn’t really sure where my life was taking me. I guess its really just about embracing that and accepting that sometimes its ok to be unsure and a bit lost… I like to reassure myself that I will be fine no matter what happens. The music video, which is pretty much a travel vid, really captures my journey and me enjoying the present for what it is.
PFH: Who do you think still keeps it the freshest, musically wise of course? I really like Calvin Harris’ music. He’s a talented dude, and he’s been around a while. There aren’t many dj producers who have kept their music as fresh as his. Normally some dj’s have a short stint and then fade away.
PFH: How much does your family and friends mean to you? My family means a whole lot to me. My family is Italian, and family is a huge part of the Italian culture. My friends mean a lot too. My close friends especially, who have supported me and my music career from the start up until now.
PFH: Who is your biggest musical inspiration of all time? Probably my dad. From a young age watching him up on stage rocking out with his band, he definitely inspired me! He still inspires me today and has an amazing amount of faith in my music.
PFH: Biggest celebrity crush? That’s a tough one haha. I would have to say Alessia Cara. It’s a bit of a strange one, but she seems super humble for how talented she is. She has such an original and incredible voice and I guess I like that more than anything.
PFH: What’s your favourite instrument to play? Definitely piano. I teach piano to over 40 students a week and I love it. It’s such a great instrument to wind down on aswell. After a long day, I really look forward to sitting down and spending some time just playing whatever before I go to bed! Also, when I begin to write a song, I’ll always just start with me and piano.
PFH: Favourite song in charts right now? I really dig “Attention” by Charlie Puth. It’s super funky and I always find myself singing along to it in the car.
INTERVIEW
Photographer: CAMRON HO @stills.cam
PFH: When did you first think of becoming a photographer? It was never a set goal or even something I envisioned myself doing. It’s not much more than a hobby and side thing for me at this point but its kept snowballing and growing as I meet more people and the potential and opportunities this job provides is the really exciting bit for me. PFH: Do you create personal work often? Yes! Almost all my work is personal and I’m lucky enough to work with people who are supportive and are happy to let me take the creative lead on projects.
PFH: What kind of assignments do you like the most? I really appreciate shoots where I’m inspired and eager to create something cool. A lot of the time that just means being in an awesome place with awesome people. PFH: Is there any magazine, clients or other creatives you have worked with? That you would like to with? Yeah for sure, I’ve always been adamant that you’ve gotta get out and partner with people who help you to grow. I’ve always found that quality content leads to reputable clients and from then on it starts this cycle where more clients means more work, which leads to more exposure for you and your name. PFH: Do you have a method for gaining new clients and or collaborations? Both in person and online networking can be incredibly valuable. Social media, namingly Instagram, has definitely been my most useful tool in terms of meeting people and it’s been the platform where I’ve met all my photography friends and clients. Think of Instagram as your own, interactive portfolio.
PFH: Who are some of you favourite photographers past or present? There’s way too many to name but Adam Gallagher’s (@iamgalla) style was incredibly influential in my early days. Other than that, Brandon Woelfel (@brandonwoelfel) and Bryan Castillo (@bryanadamc) are two names that stand out. PFH: What cameras and lighting gear did you start with and what are you currently using? I use a fairly simple kit which consists of an Olympus OMD EM-10 Mark II with a 25mm f1.8 lens. I’ve got a few other lenses but the 25mm is what stays on my camera for the most part and I’m happy with what I can achieve with this combination. As for lightning, I only work under natural light and have never used flash or studio lights before. PFH: How do you find your subjects? Almost everyone that I’ve shot with has reached out to me over Instagram which is proof of how powerful social media is. If you’d like to work with someone, there’s no harm is messaging them and asking them to shoot.
PFH: What do you shoot on – digital or analogue? Digital. I’ve played around with film once but it wasn’t for me. PFH: Is there a running theme to the work you create? I have a tendency to create really saturated, yet moody photos regardless of whether its portraits or landscapes. I like having intense images that fill up the screen and have a lot of contrast to them.
PFH: When taking photos, do you have a controlled set-up or are you more spontaneous? It’s always been spontaneous and opted for what works in the moment though I do make a point of only shooting at sunset or in the late afternoon. Normally if I’m taking portraits with someone I’ll chat to them beforehand and ask if they have any shots in mind or what interests them in order to ensure that their personality is best reflected in the final images.
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AN INTERVIEW WITH
MICHELLE PIKE We spoke to Perth-based fashion illustrator, Michelle Pike.
Artwork Michelle Pike @mp_illustration www.michellepikeillustration.com
PFH: Have you studied illustration or are you self-taught? I obtained a Masters Degree in fashion Design and have over 20 years experience lecturing fashion students in creative and technical fields including Illustration at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in South Africa. My art heritage stems from growing up around my fathers art classes while he lectured back in the swinging 60s.
PFH: Why did you choose fashion/ beauty illustrations? What attracted you to it? Art and fashion were amongst my first passions and hobbies. My girlfriends in the neighbourhood would come around after school and I would show them how to draw a female face and we would spend hours sketching out various make up looks and hairstyles for Barbie. As I was born into an art environment I guess it was inevitable that I would find a career in the field. My mum was a very stylishly fashionable lady with impeccable taste, so the two worlds of art and fashion collided and are always related, to me.
PFH: How long have you been doing these illustrations and what tools do you use (both traditional and digital if any)? I had about a 12-year break from any drawing or illustrating after emigrating. Last year my fashion designer daughter JontĂŠ was running behind with a deadline and asked for help with a garment illustration. I loved every minute of this experience. Her designer friends saw my illustration and started giving me commissions. I had to work on gaining confidence and then suddenly, picking up a paintbrush became an addiction as I constantly tried to capture a fashion style. So here I am after one year, looking back how quickly this all evolved as an artist, something that was a dream has become a thrilling reality.
Designer: Betty Tran @bettytranofficial
Photographer: Perth Fashion Hunter Models: Dana Kassem, Gemnichollss, Leigh Anderson Hair: Hair By Hatem MUA: Vickie Nguyen
PFH: What sparked your interest in fashion? Fashion enable me to express who I am and what I can be without speaking a word about it. It is a medium that transcends languages and backgrounds, it builds confidence and allows people to present themselves to the world without the need for words. Fashion is constantly involving and it always changed and that is the excitement.
PFH: Are you self-taught or did you study fashion design? I did three years of studying fashion and textiles at Curtin university. However I have learned so much more from watching my mother, a seamstress growing up and by teaching myself‌. That meant making mistakes and learning from those. There are no rules in fashion, in order to succeed you need to make your own rules.
PFH: When did you launch your label? Betty Tran the label in it’s current form was launched in 2012. PFH: In 2016 you won the Telstra Western Australian Young Business Women’s Award. You were also appointed as an Australian Ambassador by DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade). How has that impacted on your work? It was an absolute honour. It is amazing that my line of work and aim of empowering women has really make an impact in so many other women’s lives. Having the opportunity to represent your Country comes and inspire the next generation of females and entrepreneurs comes with its own set of responsibilities, I can’t rest on yesterday successes and thrive to become better.
Ruck Rover @ruckrovergeneralstore
PFH: Tell Us a bit about yourself: We are sisters - and best friends! We started our business back in 2006 after one of those “wouldn’t it be fun if we opened a shop” conversations. We had worked together before and knew that we would continue to be best friends even after going into business - which is incredibly important and fortunate that it did turn out that way.
PFH: The store is based in Northbridge, in the City of Perth. What are some of the fashion trends you’ve taken note of in Perth? Fashion in Perth is, broadly, characterised by effortless style. On a whole, easy pieces that take you from the office to a night on the town are favoured. For the fellas, t-shirts are key!
PFH: Take us through a day in your life as a fashion entrepreneur… Before the shop opens it is our time to head to the bank, collect parcels, pack customer orders that have come through over night and go to meetings. Sometimes we go to view a clothing range, which is normally done two seasons in advance. If we’re lucky, there’s time to grab a quick coffee from one of our Northbridge neighbours before opening the shop. Once the doors are open for the day it’s chatting to customers and helping them find the perfect outfit or ideal gift, and juggling all the behind the scenes tasks in between. On any given day there will be customer and supplier emails to respond to, social media to manage, orders to place, bills to pay, stock to unpack, our webstore to update and a myriad of other things - it honestly never ends. The best part is seeing customers leave happy - it’s the best feeling. That’s one of the reason why, as owners, we still work at the shopfront most of the week! Any design work or samples we make is done after hours or on the weekends, and we also have to keep an eye on things after we close the doors since the online shop is open 24/7!
PFH: What is the biggest challenge of running your own business? Ahhh easy - not always being able to have a sick day - even when you’re sick! Also, if you own your own business your work is never done, so learning how to prioritise and to switch off is important. Letting yourself have downtime is essential in being productive when you are working. And of course, making sure that we can pay the bills each month and to do that, we have to keep giving customers what they want. There’s never time to be complacent! PFH: What do you love most about Ruck Rover? Definitely the satisfaction that comes with seeing happy customers. When someone comes into our store, enjoys the experience and then walks away with something that makes them feel good inside and out - well our job is done. Working with each other is also extremely rewarding.
Model: @ayormakur
PFH: What are some of the brands in your store? For our womenswear, some of the most wellknown labels we work with are Emily & Fin and Sugarhill Boutique from the UK and Totem that started in Brazil. We represent some smaller, Australian labels as well like Miranda Murphy, Kindling and Fine Cloth. Homewares from labels like Rice, Kip & Co and Danica Studio fill our shelves with colour, while jewellery from Australian designers Martha Jean, Renee Waters, Ayana and Shabana Jacobson are always popular. For the men’s tees we usually work with artists from around the world who design awesome prints, and most of our baby clothes are from French label Coq en Pâte or Swedish label Duns. It doesn’t stop there, though! Ceramics, scarves, socks, stationery, cosmetics, sunglasses and magazines also line the shelves. PFH: What are some of your goals for the future of RuckRover? In 2018 we plan to produce more of our own items, particularly within our own clothing line. Watch this space.
PFH: What sets Australian fashion designers apart from international fashion designers? I find this hard to answer actually, because the designers we work with - whether they are Australian or international - all have an aesthetic that works within our store. We actually find a lot more similarities between say a small label in the US and a small label in Australia that a small and a large label from this country. But we do see a lot of colour coming from the Aussie designers that we work with - and some that we don’t stock but whose work we admire - and we sure love colour! PFH: What would you say to other female entrepreneurs who are contemplating following in your footsteps? Do your research, make a business plan and be conservative with your budgets. While I’ve said that our best decisions are made on a feeling, you also need to be smart with your finances and realistic with your projections otherwise it will be all over almost as soon as it begins.
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