no. 4
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LOTUS 1247 EAST BLVD. CHARLOTTE, NC 28205 704.332.2047
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who is blü founder/publisher/photographer nico amortegui nico@blu-magazine.com fashion editor/creative director camila amortegui camila@blu-magazine.com fashion editors carleen shankle mckinna hahn sofia bukin copy editor laine dedmon contributing writers benjamin gelnett meagan long street team/art assistants ?myk meagan long kacey bradford ivy mak contributing photographers carlos nunez _ carlosnunez.carbonmade.com morand + zwirner photography contributing artists benjamin gelnett cover credits photography: carlos nunez
contents
10 art_ryan o'malley 14 art_sarajo frieden 18 fashion_local street wear 20 fashion_hello lover 24 showcase_make me over 26 fashion_dark night 31 interview with margaret scott from poole shop 32 street life 34 interview with bo white from kinnikkinnik 37 fashion_best in show 40 fashion_play by play
Blü Magazine is published quarterly in Charlotte, NC. There are only limited quantities printed of this magazine. We are an independently run magazine, so please show your support by giving us feedback and advertising so we can stay alive. If you would like to be part of our team or submit work, please visit blu-magazine.com for more information. Blü Magazine’s content may not be reproduced without written permission.
46 cool kids_blü issue no.3 release party at the forum
Issue no.4 _ October - December 2008 3644 card st. charlotte, nc 28205 www.blu-magazine.com www.myspace.com/bluimage
please recycle me
10/16/08 Mstrkrft
10/23/08 The Crystal Method
10/30/08 Sasha
11/13/08 Bl端 4 Launch
11/27/08 Icey
Tickets @ www.groovetickets.com 18+ // Be Yourself: Dress However You Wish The Forum // 300 N College Street / Charlotte NC www.thecharlotteforum.com // www.myspace.com/sugarsociety
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.01 name: gaelle morand and christopher zwirner what did you contribute? a fashion story. play x play where are you originally from? g: switzerland. c: san francisco where do you live? los angeles what do you do for money? photography what's the best part about your job? creative freedom what do you wish you were doing? traveling got any favorite clothing brands? stores? yves saint laurent got a long term plan? build a fantastic body of work how would you describe your personal style? g: unique c: cinematic what's your prized possession? g: my lincoln continental 63 c: collection of paintings & original artwork what music have you been listening to lately? g: the residents, jacques brel, serge gainsbourg, sound of the blue heart, tom waits c: trojan reggae collections (various artists),the damned, killing joke, the cult, early zz top favorite place to get away? g: paris c: back home to san francisco best thing about being you? a heartbeat and the capacity to breathe favorite thing about fall? g: the way the smog in los angeles turns
the leaves an odd shad of grey. c: the way the light changes through out the course of the day. it is subtle, but always signals the change of the season .02 name: ivy mak what did you contribute? street team where are you originally from? hong kong, moved to south africa when i was 8 then moved to the nc at 10. what do you do for money? make coffee at starbucks what's the best part about your job? free coffee beans! what do you wish you were doing? laying on the couch eating birthday cake ice cream got a long term plan? get my mfa in new york and be rich. how would you describe your personal style? black and boots what's your prized possession? all my cameras what music have you been listening to lately? lykke li, m83, the teenagers best thing about being you? easting as much as i want and still be tiny. favorite drink/food? water and lasagna favorite thing about fall? my birthday and the weather
.03 name: meagan long what did you contribute? street style, blogging and local street wear where are you originally from? charlotte what do you do for money? too many things, my favorite is photography what's the best part about your job? creative work what do you wish you were doing? i wish i didn't have anything to do got a long term plan? nope how would you describe your personal style? cheap what's your prized possession? film what music have you been listening to lately? electric light orchestra best thing about being you? crazy favorite thing about fall? more things to wear at one time what neighborhood in charlotte do you live in? next to plaza-midwood do you think bl端 magazine throws good parties. what would you do differently? i enjoy blu parties where in charlotte do you go out to? wherever there is art, music, or friends best and worst place to meet people in charlotte? anywhere with people is a good place .04 name: sarah clark what did you contribute? myself! where are you originally from? saint simons island, ga
contributors what do you do for money? i wait tables, bow chicka wow wow what do you wish you were doing? watching my label walk down a runway, or traveling the world. either of those would be nice. got any favorite clothing brands? stores? i am in love with intermix after that shoot. i do a lot of thrift shopping as well, value village, etc. got a long term plan? i'm currently going to back to uncc, and i have this feeling i'm going to win the lottery. how would you describe your personal style? inconsistent, i dress according to my moods. what's your prized possession? my 24" imac. i'm a nerd. what music have you been listening to lately? no age, drug rug, animal collective, indian jewelry, squeeze favorite place to get away? hmm, ben & jerry's? best thing about being you? i have the best girlfriends in the world. favorite drink/food? cheerwine, all day long. favorite thing about fall? halloween, best holiday without a doubt. .05 name: ben gelnett what did you contribute? interviewed bo white for no airbags and belts and designed play x play what do you do for money? work my ass off what's the best part about your job? getting paid to do what comes naturally what do you wish you were doing? making records got a long term plan? for the most part how would you describe your personal style? vans, jeans and tees since 85 what's your prized possession? my guitar what music have you been listening to lately? caribou, amuse me mr., abe vigoda, coma league, girl talk favorite place to get away? the trees. best thing about being you? universal appeal favorite drink/food? anything at lang van; iced coffee is so good favorite thing about fall? more darkness. what neighborhood in charlotte do you live in? uptown (inside the beltway) what are your favorite memories of charlotte since living here? meeting and wedding my shorty wop
best and worst place to meet people in charlotte? best is gas stations, worst would have to be aa meetings .06 name: kc what did you contribute? streetstyle/ street team/intern where are you originally from? germany; moved to fayetteville, nc when i was ten. where do you live? how long have you lived here? been in the queen city for 2 years what do you do for money? retail what's the best part about your job? watching old ladies trying to steal what do you wish you were doing? sippin on coffee and eating croutons with carine roitfeld got any favorite clothing brands? stores? i love miu miu and alexander wang; topshop, h&m, and ebay are great places got a long term plan? to get paid doing what i love, while wearing balenciaga how would you describe your personal style? lots of black what music have you been listening to lately? the kills, lykke li, santogold best thing about being you? my unabashed awkwardness favorite drink/food? coffee/sushi favorite thing about fall? layering what neighborhood in charlotte do you live in? university area/harris teeter's backyard best and worst place to meet people in charlotte? best- blu magazine functions; worst- any sober "college night" scenario .07 name: kym mclean what did you contribute? makeup application for editorial layout where are you originally from? charlotte what do you do for money? makeup artist & stylist what's the best part about your job? house calls for charlotte's wealthiest elite got any favorite clothing brands? stores? brands: max studio, betsy johnson, jessica louise, alexander mcqueen. stores: bettie page in las vegas, mac cosmetics pro store in ny, ragtime cowboy in la got a long term plan? until next week how would you describe your personal style? cheap & chic what's your prized possession? my functioning organs
what music have you been listening to lately? my ipod has over 10,000 songs, i just hit "play" favorite place to get away? deep into the recesses of my own mind best thing about being you? the unique personality qualities of artistic creativity, obsessive compulsive disorder and a number of unmedicated mental illnesses all running rampant favorite drink/food? "devil's water" ~ watermelon flavored vodka with light cranberry/raspberry juice ~ it's to sin for! what neighborhood in charlotte do you live in? chantilly where in charlotte do you go out to? wherever i can convince my friends to go. i keep promising it will be fun best and worst place to meet people in charlotte? worst places are anywhere uptown due to the overwhelming amount of sports enthusiasts and bankers wearing flip flops and khaki bermuda shorts .08 name: carlos nunez what did you contribute? modern lovers story where are you originally from? tegucigalpa, honduras grew up in orange county california where do you live? los angeles what do you do for money? full time photographer what's the best part about your job? not knowing what tomorrow is going to bring. what do you wish you were doing? sitting on a porch in mississippi drinking sweet tea got any favorite clothing brands? stores? i haven't bought clothes in over 5 years. clients give me all my clothes. i can't shop; its a grueling experience got a long term plan? no, i never know what i'm doing tomorrow. keeps life exciting how would you describe your personal style? hipster/goth. haha, amazing what's your prized possession? can my puppy be a prized possession? if so she's an amazing little dog; "world say hi to peggy" what music have you been listening to lately? brian wilson, beach boys, pleasure forever, nick cave, celebration favorite place to get away? i just got back from new zealand best thing about being you? charming, unique and a total jerk in a nice way favorite drink/food? cuban!
David Ramsey Photography
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David Ramsey Photography
personal showcase
Ryan
O'Malley How long have you been working as an artist/printmaker? I’ve been making prints for about 11 years and am now into my second year of teaching at Davidson College. What made you become interested in the medium? I was encouraged by Lloyd Menard, my mentor at the University of South Dakota. Printmaking was satisfying to my compulsive artistic tendencies and I found the indirectness of the process exciting – like waiting to unwrap a present. I also see it as a way of understanding life. It demands focused patience and observation. One has to “give in” to the media and accept the unforeseen or accidental as part of the process then learn to apply that understanding to something positive. I enjoy this philosophy and infuse it in my teaching. What other mediums or media do you like to work with? I explore whatever outlets suit the idea. There are so many forms of expression, why be limited to just one? Printmaking is incredibly diverse in of itself, but working in other media allows me to continue growing creatively. Prior to moving here, I carved stone in Denver, Colorado, and before that I was framing houses in Wyoming. Those experiences strongly influenced my approach and abilities as a printmaker. I see it all as one relative learning process.
What artist(s) do you respond to the most and why? My interests span between the Northern European High Renaissance to California Pop-Surrealism. But I respond to the artists I know first and foremost. Printmakers have a very social network and I’m fortunate to share ideas with a great number of friends across the country. I’m also very attracted to ephemeral street art. In my opinion it’s the most exciting and innovative current art movement. It encompasses every medium and can reach people that may never set foot in a gallery or museum. It’s changing the rules of how art is presented and perceived; plus, it’s a welcome alternative to the billboards and advertisements that pollute our public spaces. This I could speak about extensively, but it’s a global movement and there are tons of blogs and websites dedicated to it. What inspires your work? Each body of work is drawn from different tributaries of the same river. Life is inspiring. People and places and things. What themes do you explore? How is your subject matter unique? Right now I’m exploring good old-fashioned themes of life,
interview by meagan long
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personal showcase
death, love, and human relationships. I’ve cut over 100 stencil portraits as a starting point for a larger body of work utilizing many other areas of printmaking. It’s called The Process of Getting to Know You, and my recent show at Davidson College was a preliminary interpretation of this theme – stencils used to create an installation of mostly relief prints. I want the idea to grow as I move into other processes, with the hopes of having a major exhibition in a few years. I don’t really think I’m working with any unique concepts. Post-Modernism tells us it’s all been done already anyway, so for now I’ll stick with what I know the best. What techniques do you use to seperate yourself from other printmakers? Printmaking is the most democratic of art mediums; so, when someone discovers a new technique, the inclination is to show others. That’s particularly exciting today as artists are experimenting with new technologies as well as reinterpreting old ones. Embracing the power of the multiple is becoming more important than the traditional editioned image. Prints are different from other art media in that they can exist in many places at one time. This gives artists the greatest potential for disseminating ideas. I think understanding this notion is important to the advancement of the field. I guess I can seperate myself from others by trying to work harder than the rest. You recently had an exhibit at Davidson College where you are a professor. Do you feel it’s important that your students see your work and view you as an active artist? Absolutely, and it’s less important that they see my work than see me work-ing. It’s important that I teach by example. Choosing to be an artist is not a half-hearted commitment. College isn’t necessary; so if you’re going to put in the money, you better put in the time. Art is a full time job. Does anything local inspire you? Right now being at Davidson is probably my biggest inspiration. My job is to help students make art; and it doesn’t get much better than that. Teaching generates excitement that I apply toward my work, and I learn as the students learn. Plus, I get to bounce ideas back and forth between a lot of creative minds. Aside from that, I find inspiration in food, so I’m always on the hunt for great local restaurants. I travel a
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lot, see live music when its available, art shows whenever I can, and I take a lot of naps at the lake. Is there anything encouraging about the Charlotte art scene? Charlotte is growing rapidly; so, hopefully that will attract more artists to the area. It’s nice that spots like NoDa have shows regularly, but there’s a token “art street” with gallery crawls in every major city. It becomes trivial when people only attend to drink free wine. It would be better if the people that go to drink also buy art. If nobody supports the market, there won’t be one. But I see a number of creative young people starting to make things happen and that’s encouraging. Those that are willing to stick it out create the buzz and eventually the rest follow suit. Charlotte has potential; but a good city should be like a pair of pants from the early 90’s – full of funky pockets. How can Charlotte improve? My perspective is defined by personal tastes, but I think Charlotte needs way less Birkdale Villages and South Park Malls. It’s not up to developers to make a place cool; isn’t gentrification supposed to work the other way around? I’d like to see more investment in local entrepreneurs, as well as establishing venues for contemporary art and music that pulls from the national and international spotlight. I’m amazed at Charlotte’s lack of a music scene. All of those great bands pass right through on their way from D.C. to Atlanta – the same with contemporary art and cinema. Charlotte should be a must-stop location for cultural events, but they won’t come if the interest isn’t here. What can we do to help? Blü Magazine represents the very thing I talked about earlier – people taking initiative and getting something started. Keep doing what you’re doing. It’s important that Charlotte has more resources like this, an alternative voice spanning the forefront to the fringes of culture. People should recognize your contribution and help it continue to grow. Where can we find your next exhibit? I will have work in a small show of North Carolina printmakers at UNC Pembroke’s A.D. Gallery, opening on October 22. I will also have an installation of works at UNC Greensboro’s EUC Gallery, opening November 14.
art
Sarajo Frieden Where are you from? Oakland, California. Does your name mean anything you would like to tell us about? My parents named me after my father's mother, Sarah, who died before I was born. This is a Jewish custom, but my parents didn't stop there. I don't know where the "jo" came from, but thankfully they added it, as I don't think Sarah would have cut it for me. I guess my name is unique enough that it has been mispronounced and misspelled my entire life. Additionally, I get mail addressed to "Mr. Sarajo Frieden" (even though I'm a female). Growing up in California, teachers always pronounced the "j" like the silent "h" in Spanish. I was teased about this constantly. Fortunately, I love my name and however I ended up with it; I think it suits me perfectly. My last name, "Frieden", means "peace" in German, which is kind of fabulous. When did you start painting (drawing, creating, etc)? How did your talent come about (evolve or develop) for you? I've always drawn. When I was little, I drew about things that happened around me; about my family and the stories I was telling myself. On your website, it says your work was exhibited in North Carolina â&#x20AC;&#x201C; what exhibition was this? I was part of the book, "Dialogue: The Fine Art of Conversation," put together by Mark
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Murphy that features found written notes and their relationship to painted, visual narrative. An exhibition of the artwork from the book traveled to a number of places, of which North Carolina was one. You speak of your diverse and multi-cultural surroundings in Los Angeles, tell us how this has benefited your artwork. What is your favorite part of this aspect? The United Nations reported recently that by the end of 2008, half of the world's 6.7 billion people would live in urban areas. In Los Angeles, there are some 53 different languages spoken in the public schools! In my neighborhood, signs appear in Korean, Thai, Armenian and Spanish as well as English. It isn't possible to grasp Los Angeles easily, if at all. That's strangely comforting to me. It's a place that is tangibly in flux. Living here reinforces the sense of possibility that comes about when traveling. Perhaps it's about keeping a sense of space, openness and tolerance. I recently heard this from Eve Ensler: "We're all displaced people. We're all refugees. We all come from somewhere and we are all hopefully moving all the time to a new place". Explain the medium of your work. I work primarily with paper--painting, cutting, collaging, and sewing. Lately I've been doing these little shaped paper things. Sometimes I collaborate with Marci Boudreau, combining my drawings and Marci's amazing embroidery. For my illustration "away we go" gouache, collage on paper 24"w x 22 1/8"h 2007
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"they will bring the ice with them" gouache, collage on paper 22.25"w x 24.5"h 2007
work, it's a combination of digital and analog, scanning drawings, or sometimes working solely within the digital world. I often brainstorm ideas for paintings by digitally cutting and pasting from scans. I find this to be helpful when trying to visualize entirely different ways of doing something. The colors in your work are amazing and evoke a sense of peace; what brings you to your color choices? Thank you! Color speaks when words fail. I think I made that up -- I hope I did. At its most basic, color is energy. I think it's the part of what I do that is the most closely related to music. I doubt that I've answered your question! The color and characters of your illustrations appear at animate play in a child's mind – are children an intended part of your audience? I think children are a great audience, though I don't think too much about whom or even if I have an audience! Someone once said the grown-up world is divided between adults who are still in touch with their child-like selves and those who aren't. I hope that isn't true. I'd like to think that some of the grown-ups need to join a laughing club, like the ones they have in India. I need this club too. The titles of your pieces are just as creative and often as thought provoking as the pieces themselves. Do you name them before or after you start the piece? Thanks! It works both ways. Usually I'm working on a number of pieces at once and I will scribble down ideas or thoughts as I'm working – ideas that percolate from music, books, random thoughts, or conversations, that later turn up as a title, or the name of a show. Natural elements including progression and growth seem to be running themes, along with the representation of jewels / gems. What does all of this represent? That's a very good question-- I'm not sure I have an answer. I am more interested in what happens at a subconscious level than in what I think I know or see. By the very process of working, I try to illuminate what is residing just below the surface of things. Minerals and gems and the whole physical world that we are seeing is not a stagnant thing, it isn't even what we think it is. And everything can be broken down further and further into impossibly small bits, so I guess it's that underlying structure which is very alive that I'm thinking about. Things grow then decay, and decay makes it possible for something else to grow.
Who are some of your favorite artists whose work you admire? I admire and pull from different kinds of art and artists, from the world of dance, or film, and even puppets. A short list: Paul Klee, Beatriz Milhazes, Jacques Tati, William Kentridge, Pina Bausch, John Cage, Federico Fellini, William Traylor, Hungarian folk art (my grandparents were from Hungary), Persian miniatures, Japanese Ukiyo-e, Shaker Trance Drawing, and Dr. Seuss. What artists are playing on your iPod when you're creating pieces? Music inspires me with its ability to convey abstraction and emotion at the same time. I listen to a lot of things: Tinariwen from Mali, Jazz, ragas, Lisandro Aristimuño, Tropicalia, Afro pop, pod casts of various kcrw DJ's, and David Byrne internet radio. Lately, I've been drawn to Chris Watson's sound recordings: bird calls, ancient glaciers, and running rivers. Listening late at night in the urban setting of my studio heightens not only the stark beauty of these sounds, but also the awareness of their increasing vulnerability in the face of human activities. What do you find to be extraordinary from your daily surroundings’? I think if you pay attention to what's around you, it's hard not to see something interesting. It might be a strange flower growing in the garden or an outfit on a dog. Sometimes when walking in the park at dusk, I'll see an owl high up in a tree, silhouetted against the sky. Of course, I've seen owls before, but who does not love to watch an owl, and wait until it gives off its owlish call? Whether in your personal pieces or those that have been commissioned, your style is very distinctive. What can you tell us about this? That's interesting. Sometimes I think it's very difficult to see one's own work. It takes a long time, often a few years after I've done something, to decide whether I like it or not. But regardless of judging it, I try to see it as part of a whole. As for style, it comes into play in my illustration work because often someone is asking me to do something similar to another job and they send jpegs of things they like. For my personal work, I try to work away from sameness. I think that's what taking a risk is all about, not being comfortable, working on the edge of discomfort. Maybe you're hitting something or maybe you're vastly not, but what really matters is the leap. I see the practice as working on the ability to take the leap. For more information go to www.sarajofrieden.com
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1 & 4. Dress: See by CholĂŠ. Shoes: Malene Birger both from Poole Shop. 2. Faux fur coat: Fiijah. Skirt: Maria Bonita Extra both from Poole Shop. Tee: Akomplice from Black Sheep Skate Shop. 3 & 5. Vest: Laurence Heller. Tank: Torn both from Intermix. Jeans: Miss Me from Lotus. Clutch: Linea Pelle from Our Place. 6 & 7. Long goat hair vest: Cassin. Leggings: Les Chiffoniers both from Intermix. Sneakers : Supra from Black Sheep Skate Shop. Gold bangles: Ben-Amun from Our Place. Poole Shop. 704.553.8868 Black Sheep Skate Shop. blacksheepnc.com Intermix. intermixonline.com Our Place. our-place.us Lotus. lotuslook.com Photography: Meagan Long. Model: Sarah. Styling: Sofia. 18 blĂź magazine
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hello lover Photography: Carlos Nunez _ www.carlosnunezphotography.com Make up: Sara Beth Wilson www.makeupbysarawilson.com Hair: Ashley Jean Nelson Styling: Lisa Knatic Tees: Modern Lovers _ www.modernlovers.us
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fashion
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make me over! get to know your local makeup artists
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name: jami svay where do you live? charlotte how long have you been in charlotte? a long time... how did you get your start in the makeup industry? one photographer taking a chance on me did you have any formal training? yes, workshops, intense courses and life favorite cosmetic line? tastee cosmetics do you think there is a high demand for makeup artists in charlotte? yes, i do... there's just so many aspects to doing makeup besides fashion magazines. we have real women out there that want to look good too. how do you keep up with all the new trends and styles? travel, magazines, and my mom! where in charlotte do you usually hang out? where ever there's good food... what magazines/websites do you read regularly? v magazine, zink, and nylon are my favorites. favorite thing about charlotte? my house! there is nothing like sleeping in your own bed! why did you decide to get into the makeup business? my love for art and freedom. i mean who are we kidding, me working in an office... ha! is there a lot of competition in charlotte as far as makeup artists? there are so many needs for all different kinds of makeup. i believe there's enough for everyone to go around.
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name: normandie perreault where do you live? very old home in oakhurst (circa 1910). how long have you been in charlotte? 2 years and 3 months. how did you get your start in the makeup industry? i grew up in the industry. my mother was a ford model for 22 years. did you have any formal training? now, yes. i even have special effects makeup training. favorite cosmetic line? lot's of fav's, ysl,lauder,bobbi brown,mac (both of which are owned by lauder), nars and smashbox. do you think there is a high demand for makeup artists in charlotte? thank god the demand is not too high at present, but times are changing very rapidly here in charlotte. awesome "big-little" city. how do you keep up with all the new trends and styles? i attend fashion week and i work twice a year in europe. read every european fashion mag. where in charlotte do you usually hang out? restaurants! some lounges and clubs occasionally. what magazines/websites do you read regularly? all fashion mags, both european and american. i really mean all mags!! favorite thing about charlotte? cahrlotte is growing so fast and has such a large international scene, it is truly awesome to experience how much style and creative energy that is starting to flourish here in charlotte. why did you decide to get into the makeup business? i am a painter and have a degree in art. this has led to a fascination with the anatomy of the face. faces are now my canvas. is there a lot of competition in charlotte as far as makeup artists? yes for people starting out. if you are a bit more established the competition is not as intense.
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name: elizabeth tolley where do you live?the queen city, charlotte how long have you been in charlotte? i'm a native:) how did you get your start in the makeup industry? through friends in the industry and part time jobs freelancing for cosmetic companies did you have any formal training? yes, through a good friend and mentor. favorite cosmetic line? not one. mac cosmetics, ben nye, smashbox cosmetics, urban decay cosmetics. do you think there is a high demand for makeup artists in charlotte? yes, and the more we continue to grow, i think the demand for us will grow as well. how do you keep up with all the new trends and styles? underground designers, eurpean fashion magazines, japan is always so far ahead in fashion as well. where in charlotte do you usually hang out? plaza midwood neighborhood: the penguin, snug harbor, etc. uptown charlotte: the garden & gun club, the alley cat, the milestone. what magazines/websites do you read regularly? pop magazine, italian vogue, vanity fair, v magazine, juxtapose, high-fuctose, and zink. favorite thing about charlotte? how much we are growing, and the fact that we are expanding our art and music scenes as well. why did you decide to get into the makeup business? i have an obsession with anything girly: makeup, fashion, shoes, etc. this career path is more fun than work for me. is there a lot of competition in charlotte as far as makeup artists? do i think there are a growing number of makeup artists in the city. i also think as the queen city continues to grow, we all bring something unique to the table and after all a little competion can be healthy:)
name: crystal clark how long have you been in charlotte? was in charlotte for 6 years....whoa, it flew by fast! how did you get your start in the makeup industry? lots of testing (free work), i did just about every local fashion show in town (again free), i really hustled. did you have any formal training? nope. only lots of practice. but, do your research many of the best are self taught. favorite cosmetic line? don't have one...department store to drugstore...i like every line for something different. how do you keep up with all the new trends and styles? i stay plugged in. i read tons of newspapers, magazines..... listen to a lot of npr (90.7 in charlotte) world events actually affect a lot of the trend decisions. example: a disaster in the world happens and all of a sudden we see mood-lifting brighter colors in the stores next season. also i watch and read a lot about history because everything is cyclical. a trend only really dies for about 10 years. what magazines/websites do you read regularly? mags: zink, v, w, trace, gappress, fashion mini, wallpaper, surface, the source, missbehavin sites:crystalclarkmakeup. com(shameless plug), firstview.com, pantone.com favorite thing about charlotte? it was my apartment complex....cavalier apt rip my fave shangri-la. my second favorite why did you decide to get into the makeup business? natural progression i guess. i wanted to be a nail tech and then i decided to go to the art institute of charlotte. midway through i started doing makeup for my friend's photo shoots and a light bulb came on. the rest has been a process of personal growth. is there a lot of competition in charlotte as far as makeup artists? depends on one's outlook. there are plenty of mua's here but every artist here has a distinct look. no two are the same. i don't have any competition because i don't have a clone) i'm me. 25 bl端 magazine
beauty
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Photography by Nico Styling: Carleen Shankle Model: Lauren Gulley and Natalie Burke from Wilhelmina/Evolution Makeup: Elizabeth Tolley and Kym Mclean Hair: Sparkles Hill
Cape: Naeem Khan. Dress: Opening Ceremony. Leggings: Fogol. Shoes: Rupert Saderson all from Capitol. Earrings: Moneis.
fashion
Blouse: Tuleh at Capitol. Vest: Rag and Bone. Pants: Camilla & Marc all from Pooleshop. Belt and shoes: Stella Mccartney at Capitol. Earrings:Tom Benz. 26 bl端 magazine
fashion
Dresses: Miu Miu at Capitol. Tights: American Apparel. Shoes: Balenciaga at Capitol.
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fashion
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L to R: Blouse: Valentino at Capitol. Jacket: Guess. Gloves: vintage. Pants: Camilla & Marc at Poole Shop. Jacket: 3.1 Phillip Lim at Poole Shop. Bracelet: Tom Benz at Capitol. Blouse: Sari Gueron. Pants: Bruno Grizzo all from Capital.
meet me
interviewed by Carleen Shankle
In a city where NASCAR, football, and Bud Light dominate the streets of Charlotte, (let’s just say) fashion is often not on the top of the list. But don’t let that deter you from the fact that hidden pockets of style, innovation, and risk-takers do exist. Margaret Scott, the buyer for Poole Shop, recognizes a new wave passing through and she’s here to stay with her ever so stylish presence and determination to offer new lines to a clientele that is fashionably curious. Sometimes we need that extra tug, especially when it comes to fashion. Margaret, once a temporary New Yorker, knows all about pushing the envelope as she offers her modish skills to a boutique once perceived as reserved and safe to now an edgy, hip place to shop. As a true fan of new and upcoming designers, it was exciting to know that there is a growing progression in Charlotte that can offer lines that you didn’t even think existed. So, tune in to an interview that will have you eager to know what Poole Shop has to contribute to your closet.
Post graduation I freelanced with Diesel before accepting a permanent position at Elle magazine working under the American and European Fashion Directors. I was with Elle for a year before moving to Yves Saint Laurent where I worked in the Global Communications Department as the Communications Coordinator. Sounds like your hands were full and now that you are at a different location, what kind of style can we expect from Poole shop? You can find diverse and fundamental basics of the season while having key pieces that evoke individuality. We definitely pulled away from the safe side and found new lines to cater to a wide range of clients that fits their personal image. Speaking of new lines, what kind of brands will we find in Poole Shop at the current moment? Opening Ceremony- shoes and apparel, Acne, Rag and Bone, Alice McCall, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Alexander Wang, and See by Chole, etc….
So how did you get involved with Poole Shop and was the transition from working in NYC to CLT an easy one? I originally accepted a job with Capitol to work on Marketing and PR. But about three months in the company, I became aware of the Buyer position at Poole Shop and applied for the job. I enjoyed my transition from NY to Charlotte. At YSL I was working 15-hour days and hardly had any time to enjoy the city and see my friends. Here I am able to balance my work and social life in a much healthier way.
I’m sure there is a lot of work that goes into selecting pieces that best fit a broad clientele. On that note, what kind of responsibilities are involved in your position? I am in constant contact with our reps/vendors whether they’re in New York, L.A., Australia, and Europe, etc. I go on buying trips to NY to purchase the collections the store will carry and I run weekly reports to see what is selling and who is buying. But I really like to be on the floor to see and hear people’s opinions and comments on the merchandise.
Give us insights into your past work history? I interned at W magazine. Following my junior year of college, I interned for Lizzie Grubman PR.
What advice could you give to local buyers? Move to evolve. In other words, you don’t have to necessarily change people’s style, but bring
people out of their comfort zone. Promote individuality, because one trend may not work for everyone. That brings me to my next question. In a city like Charlotte where style and individuality is a steady yet hopeful progression, how do you think Charlotte is expanding within the fashion scene? I have noticed there is this subculture in Charlotte and that more emphasis on the arts is being shown. I can also see people are wanting to move forward. Where do you see Charlotte as far as fashion in ten years? Trends will come around full circle and people will be more comfortable in their own skin. As long as more culture, music, and art progress, fashion in Charlotte will go hand in hand. So, allow Blü to get a grasp of what Margaret is like. How would you describe your own individual style? The foundation of my style has not changed since high school. I wear a lot of black and love to make a statement with accessories. Sometimes I have an unexpected twist in the sense that I like girly things on items that may not necessarily be so girly. Who are your favorite designers? The Row, Catherine Holstein, Alexander Wang, Andrea Lieberman, Kimberly Ovitz, etc. What have you added on you’re iPod lately? The Kills, Hot Chip, Runaway Mix-Samantha Ronsen, etc.
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street life
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33 bl端 magazine
Bo White Q&A by Ben Gelnett I first heard Bo White perform with Calabi Yau years ago at one of those notorious throwdowns over on Jackson Avenue, the place that burned down. Amidst the keg beer and debauchery there’s something unique about the noise coming from the red glow of that cavernous front room. I instead of spastic discord and displaced energy there’s intense focus and a certain sense of underlying purpose. Each member is intent on being taken serious without coming across too calculated. This sort of approach lends itself well to the laundry list of other projects and endeavors White contributes his time to. The latest of which being the new found Kinnikinnik Records. A mismatch of cohorts who specialize in booking live local shows comprised of its own roster of burgeoning bands and national touring acts often on the brink of notoriety. It’s a business model with little or no interest in the pitfalls of conventional business that’s redefining any forgone conclusion about your average house party.
Q: So Mr. White, how long have you been playing live shows and how did it start? A: I started playing out with my band in high school around ’96. We would play friends’ living rooms, coffee shops, hair salons, tennis courts, homecoming, any little get-together. It was more than enough to get me hooked and I wound up playing in a few bands all the way through college while going to school for music. I started Calabi Yau in ‘04 and actually moved to Charlotte in ’05 having been loosely in the scene for a couple of years. Q: What is the main attraction to playing live music? A: In the beginning it just gave me something to do in a small town. Preparation and practice were self-encouraging; work toward a goal then you get a pay off. Now that still plays a role, but as my songs have gotten better the attraction comes mostly from sharing what I’ve created. Playing live with a band may be the easiest way to get a chance at a real captive audience, contrary to trying to exhibit paintings, et cetera. Q: Ever had a crazy psycho stalker chick fans? Like the one on Flight of the Conchords only hotter? A: Not crazy psychos, no. They’ve all been very polite to this point, and not quite stalkers. Er…I guess the answer is ‘no’ unless they happen to be incredibly discreet, in which case I wouldn’t know. Q: Yeah, bad question. Ok, How long have you been hosting live shows at your home dubbed the Yauhaus? A: We started April 16th, 2005 with one or two shows per month. That increased to around three shows a month until May 24th 2008. All the neighbors seemed fine with our volume levels until the very end; then the cops came and zapped me with some fines. It was one of the most taxing and rewarding things I’ve ever done. Anybody that spotted me at the shows may not think I was really enjoying myself; I was usually stressing to make sure things ran smoothly. I’d come home from work, clear the living room, set up the PA, make sure the bands had what they needed, and stay sober incase something important needed to be dealt with throughout the evening. We managed to bring in acts that people really wanted to see and took chances with some they didn’t. Some newer Charlotte bands played their first shows here, including Yardwork, Bob Fields, Ultimate Optimist. I did all the booking via the contacts that we had established with Calabi Yau over the years. In the midst of those sometimes chaotic hoedowns, only one thing was ever 34 blü magazine
stolen from the house and not returned. That was the tiny poster board sign that said ‘Yauhaus’. I think people respected the house because of what we did. Q: Sounds like it. What is Chalet 2000? A: That is Eric’s house in Plaza Midwood where we still host shows. Eric Deines is the other fellow that books with Kinnikinnik. Shows there tend to be more low-key than some of the epics we hosted at the Yauhaus, but the quality of music has not diminished. We still bring burgeoning national acts that are creating music we enjoy. These days we’ll put them at the Chalet or any number of good local venues. Q: How do you judge the success of a show? A: First, I look at attendance. Deep down all a touring band wants is an audience. Second, I consider the amount of money we’ve made for the touring bands. Every show we book at a house is donations based because we’re not running a business. So it can be a gamble, especially when we’re booking bigger bands with a guarantee. If you’re local you get no money, only the satisfaction of playing with a band you probably enjoy. Those are our unofficial rules. We’ve kept no money from the shows and have often gone in the hole printing posters, buying kegs, breakfast for the bands, et cetera. Third, I measure the success of a show by what we’ve brought to Charlotte. There have been some truly unique performers who would have skipped right over this town if they didn’t have someone excited about bringing them here and willing to promote. That sort of constancy has built our reputation and made it easier to get really cool bands to come through. Q: What are some of the touring bands that you’ve helped bring to Charlotte? A: White Williams, Japanther, Melt Banana, Phosphorescent, Ecstatic Sunshine, Extra Golden, Video Hippos, Nat Baldwin (from Dirty Projectors), Ruby Suns, Pattern Is Movement. Q: So what’s your goal with Kinnikinnik Records? A: I want to continue to release records by bands I know personally and promote interesting shows at venues and houses. The shows are heavily attended; the releases have been modest yet well received. The first vinyl releases are slated before the end of the year. I’m incredibly pleased with what it has become. The label was just a way to share what I do and make things happen around me that I like. Numerous other people have really vibed on the aesthetic, ethos or whatever; made their own contributions of time and ideas; and now Kinnikinnik is its own entity. Most of my investment has been pure effort which I would not have spent any better way. I see it as nothing but gain as long as I’m enjoying it. Q: Any interests other than music? Art, stamps, cheese? A: Sure, plenty. Film. Grab bag subjects. I’ll get on Wikipedia for hours and click all the related links. I love going to a good museum for a day. I like driving for extended periods, got that from my grandfather. Q: Cool. I appreciate your time, do you have a website or blog where people can check out some upcoming shows? A: http://www.myspace.com/kinnikinnik photos: enid valu, layout: ben gelnett
Styling: Mckinna Hahn Models: Colin, Dt from Dt Productions, Tom from Wilhelmina/Evolution
Jacket: Modern Amusement. Sweater and shirt: French Connection, Deer pin all available at Boris and Natashas
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Trench and cardigan: Unruly Heir at Niche. Tee: Urban Outfitters.
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Jacket: Obey at Niche. Tee: American Apparel. Scarf: stylist's own.
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NICHE TURNS
. THANKS CHARLOTTE!
379.1811 . 1504 Camden Road . Historic South End
OM C . ET K AR M HE C NI E TH
THE WORK OF 6 ARTISTS FROM NORTH CAROLINA WILL BE SCREEN PRINTED LIVE ON T-SHIRTS & HIGH-QUALITY PAPER, & AVAILABLE ONE NIGHT ONLY TO GUESTS AT THIS EVENT. LOCATION: INK FLOYD WAREHOUSE, 1030 LOUISE AVENUE, FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO RSVP VISIT THE WEBSITE AT:
332.5855 . 3120 N. Davidson St . NODA Arts District
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Tank top and neck piece: Hazel Meets Heffington. Gloves: Downtown LA. Shoes: SWEAR. Purse: stylist's own.
Photography: Morand + Zwirner Photography www.morandzwirner.com Layout: Ben Gelnett Styling: Hazel & Diana for the Rex Agency Makeup: Samuel Paul using Mac Cosmetics Hair: Kristen Ess for Warren Tricomi LA using Redken Photo Assistant: Nelson Auge Model: Holly for Elite
Fisher pants and top: Hazel Meets Heffington. Belt: Ritchard. Boots: stylist's own
Mask: Hazel Meets Heffington. Leather vest by Michel Berandi
Top: Hazel Meets Heffington. Top hat: Barracuda Vestimeta. Tights: Downtown LA. Shoes: Balenciaga
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bl端 magazine party at the forum. 07.24.08
photos no. 1-4, 6-7,9,11,13-16,19 by gretchen ellenberg photos no. 5,8,10,12,17,18,20 by andy photography select photos on website by megan pixels
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