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Fashion Meets Film

The SF&MFPresents: Capitol INDIE Collective’s Fashion Challenge 2014

INDIE Music: BRAY INSIDE: DISNEY IMAGINEERING in SACRAMENTO

QUROSCURO A P h o t o O dy s s e y

Cover Story: QUROSCURO:

Renegade Photographers Craig Fouts and Darren Pacquette share their portfolio.

Cover MUA: Nicole Chilelli, Model: Shea Marie, Photo: Quroscuro

PAGE 28

FEATURE: A Living Work of Art: Kombucha Couture & Sacha Laurin

By Christina Marie PAGE 64

Guest Article: FASHION MEETS FILM By: Adrielyn Christi

86

Profile: 12

An afternoon with Catherine Moulton, Disney Imagineer and Partner at Mosaic Development.

Features 70

From Guest Writers: Oscar Benjamin: Bray and the Plight of the Independent Musician

In every issue: Fashion: Travel:

An Interview with Haley White By: Rilma Fontenot-Marvel

78

Regional Wine Maps

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“Once Upon a Time, There Lived a Disney Imagineer in Sacramento...”

It’s a late Saturday morning as I cruise through midtown Sacramento looking for the my destination. I pull up to the Freemont School- a 90 year old, unused building that will house the hopes and dreams of many artists in the near future. It has been greenlit to become the next Center for the Performing Arts, and will house the Sacramento Ballet as well as many other Art-based businesses. The theme song from “FAME” rips through my head. “…I’m gonna live forever….I’m gonna learn how to fly..” I can’t help it…but I digress. I park and find the home I am looking for.

Today I get the pleasure of meeting Catherine Moulton, Disney Imagineer and what I am going to call an experiential architect.

I smile as I remind myself we are in Sacramento, CA. Not L.A. I muse to myself: it isn’t a coincidence that she lives near the pending Performing Arts Center.

After a brief introduction, we head to the kitchen. I am in heaven- the architecture of the home is amazing. I am trying to put my finger on the shade of pink used on the walls when Richard, her husband, walks in. “Do you like bongos?” The couple communicates with each other in body language as married folks often do. After a brief chat, we pour the tea and settle down in the dining room.

I notice the book on her table about Steve Jobs. She presents another one to me, “I think you’re really going to like this one better”, she says. The title: Creativity Inc. by Ed Catmull, “It’s the story of PIXAR”.

OMG…she gets it. I try not to geek out as the interview begins: CM: So how did you get your start?

Catherine: “My original degree was in Architecture and Construction, so it had nothing to do with Entertainment…but I started my career building Entertainment Projects”.

CM: What made an Architecture student interested in Entertainment?

Catherine: “It was an early internship I took when I was in Architecture…but I loved the part of the job that was less about the “thing” and more about creating an environment where everybody was doing their thing.

I just liked seeing talented people at their best.” Catherine ended up working for Disney right out of school for about 10 years. She then left for a while working on varied projects and her path crossed again with Disney recently when they needed help with a project in the design phase in Glendale, CA. CM: So now you’re an Imagineer? What does that mean?

Catherine: “We do all of the Creative Development for Theme Parks and Disney Resorts. Currently I am working on an expansion project for a Florida park right now. They do all of their design for their projects all over the world in the Glendale office”. When the project is ready, Catherine will hand off the project to a Project Manager in Florida to take over.

CM: Do you build Roller coasters or tell stories?

Catherine: ““All of the pieces are part of story telling... the ride, the architecture, they all have a role to play.”

CM: So sometimes it is contextual and other times literal?

Catherine: “A pre-show video on an E-ticket might be

literal but always put in the context of the story.”

Catherine went on to explain that everything is planned in the theme parks to function and detail.

For example: how many trashcans are set how far apart based on observations that Walt Disney himself made while studying how long a person would hold onto a piece of trash before they discarded it.

haven’t been involved in Disney film production at all, but I wonder how much guidance there is in the production of those movies to get it pointed in [the theme parks direction]. Especially in the next 20-30 years”.

We discuss it further. The subtleties, the details.

A shiver runs down my spine. It’s like speaking to Morpheus from The Matrix n attraction at Disney is at the movies. I wonder to myself at “ what point she would reveal top of the heap in the richness of the blue and red pills and the details of the experience and which I might take.

A

She is speaking of a frontier so new it is hardly recognized aloud: TRANSMEDIA. CM: I assume you are speaking of Transmedia and the integration of theme parks into the storyline.

Catherine: “An attraction at Disney is at the top of the heap in the richness of the details of the experience and story telling. Some of these props or pieces of the attraction are so subtle that you probably wouldn’t get it or realize that you had even seen it- even 20 times!”

story telling. Some of these props or pieces of the attraction are so subtle that you probably wouldn’t get it or realize that you had even seen it- She then goes on to describe the changes over the years even 20 times!”

She looks back at me blankly. A little surprised.

Catherine: “No. What is Transmedia? I don’t know this term.”

I rush to define it for her-surely she knows of the concept she has been Imagineering it for years. I say, “Transmedia is any piece of media or thing that furthers the story of a main property without actually being the main property.” I consider George Lucas to be the father of Transmedia. I use his Clone Wars series as an example for the first three released films, Episodes 4, 5, and 6. I tell her how modern day Transmedia might include Princess Leia’s Diary released page-by-page in a blog-style format; keeping the fan intrigued to return to the site-perhaps incentivizing the fan to revisit the original film. I then mentioned to her that a joint USC-UCLA conference on Transmedia included theme parks as media citing Harry Potter.

Catherine: “That’s so funny because I started working in this business 24 years ago and it didn’t take long [before movies were almost ruined for me] because I started immediately seeing where all of the ride points and attractions were going to be.” She pondered, “I

depending on who is in charge because all of these details take money to produce and someone has the responsibility to decide which detail will net what profit without compromising experience overall. It really is hard to quantify. “If they sent someone to survey all of the attractions and list what you see…then they cut everything else, how horrible would that be?”

CM: What’s the process then? Does someone just say I want 6 skeletons scattered with gold coins on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride?

Catherine: “Well, just like a movie, they develop a treatment. Then they start working on the script and story board to it, and out of that comes the scope list. Then you begin making decisions. It’s funny to think of it as existing in a physical place instead of on film.”

CM: I agree.

Catherine: “You have to think of how long someone is standing in line and experiencing it.”

CM: Maybe it’s more like theater?

Catherine: “Yes- it’s probably more like that because

of the sets….and bump that up because there are so many people. You are talking about durability. So then you are going from something quick you see on film to something that will be picked up or pulled off of something. It’s like film on steroids or something.”

CM: But in 4D.

and longer. I take another conference call on the way to the airport for scheduling and design review. Then I jump off the call to get on the plane and 50 minutes later I am in Burbank. I get into the office, then lunch, and the afternoon is full of meetings. My day is 7a7p.”

CM: Don’t tell me you fly back every day.

Catherine: “It’s all great but then it’s all centered around people doing something. In the book, (CreCatherine: “No! I stay Monday ativity Inc.) he says what’s more through Thursday down there “ ll of the Imagineers are very and Friday I get back, brush-up important the people or the ideas? Well the people come up careful about the brand. It’s not on emails I may have missed with the ideas!” She explains and a few executive level calls. how in the sub-industries of the something that you can just pull I just spent some time in FlorEntertainment industry help ida- so I am on Florida time someone in off of the street. It mold the story and how you apright now. takes many years... ” proach an attraction, “You have the ability to create the theatrical Third shift work is tough too. experiences and illusion, but then the person who When you work in Malls and theme parks you have to operates something [like a ride] understands that side get it done when the people aren’t there. You wouldn’t of it. If you had a theatrical Director come in and try believe how busy a theme park is at 5 a.m.” to create an attraction….that would last all of…?”

CM: It must be surreal to be at the park when it’s CM: Ten seconds. nearly empty.

A

We both have a good laugh.

Catherine: “It takes everybody.”

I ponder how Disney rides might differ day-to-day simply with the rotation of staff operating the rides.

CM: Disney has such a far reaching brand with tentacles around the world. It must take a really strong leader to keep all the products consistent.

Catherine: “All of the Imagineers are very careful about the brand. It’s not something that you can just pull someone in off of the street. It takes many years.

It takes a life of experience to look back and say- O.K. all of those twists and turns were necessary to get me here.”

CM: Tell me what it is like to spend a day as you.

Catherine: “Mondays are crazy! I start at 7am [on the phone in Sacramento]. Because we have so much design going on here and construction in Florida. We are spanning those time zones and the days get longer

Catherine: “Rich and I worked on Animal Kingdom when it was first done in Florida. It’s one of the parks within the Walt Disney Resort. I remember I had worked there for 9 years and I had never really felt this before. It was near opening and everything was done and we were just doing test and adjust. You know, it’s visually ready for guests and I am walking around [inspecting elements] and I had been doing this already so many times, but something was really different. It just felt like a whole new place. Then I realized that all of the background music had been turned on.”

CM: And the experience began!

Catherine: “I’ve always felt so strong about music and emotion in the parks and movies. I am very closely tied to music. As soon as the music starts in movies I am picking it apart. It’s one of the things I really love.

And when it’s not right I feel like they could have just done so much better. It’s such a main character to me.

I never felt it like I did in the park that day. It’s everything! Parks are like movies.”

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CM: I must introduce you to Richard Altenbach.

Catherine: “I know that name…”

CM: You surely know his music. I have the privilege of working with him now on THE DARK, but when I first met him he echoed your sentiments about music being a central character.

Catherine: “It really can be. And even people who say they don’t appreciate [music], it is for them. There is no disconnecting music from the soul.”

CM: We tend to see with our ears as well-especially in horror movies.

Catherine: “We have a sound FX guy who does all the sound FX in the park [it’s not just music]. You know, I do the quirkiest thing. I am a WIMP about suspenseful, violent movies. I cannot deal with them! The thing I do to protect myself is not close my eyes. I plug my ears. I can watch anything.”

CM: The single violin string gets you then.

Catherine: “The violin! I will watch any horrible thing as long as I don’t have to hear it.”

CM: O.K. I am going to hold you to that and bring one of my movies over someday.

We giggle like school girls. I can’t imagine this woman afraid of anything, much less a violin. Richard Altenbach will be tickled.

CM: Disney has a long track record. Over the years they have trained the audiences with a consistent formula, creating a standard of “best practices” that we Indies study. You can see the “Disney Formula” in both their movies and theme parks. What do you think about the psychology of crowds and the “training” of those people to go through a theme park?

Catherine: “This is so foreign to me, I know that sounds odd, but I am somebody who has avoided crowds my whole life. It is so ironic that I should be in this business because it’s something I can’t relate to.”

The Filmmaker in me is instantly intrigued as my business IS irony.

Catherine: “I know I’ve missed out on things in my life because I have this. I don’t want to say I’m afraid of [crowds], it just makes me think of following a lot of people doing something. And it’s gone so far that there are things in our everyday lives that I resist because there are too many people doing them. I have a hard time [identifying] with a crowd experience. It’s just something that I don’t deal with.” As far as the job goes, “I have to deal more with the function of it than the [group] emotion of it.”

CM: So, logistically speaking then: does Disney have a Doctrine or Psychology of moving the populace through the park?

Catherine: “I’d have to say the closest thing to this would be “Mickey’s Ten Commandments” developed by Marty Sklar. They are the 10 simple rules for the development of a theme park. The very first one is Know Your Audience.”

CM: Indies don’t have Disney’s capacity for data gathering, but when I see a movie in the theater, I tend to spend more time watching the crowd reactions more than the movie. I am fascinated with the psychology behind experiencing a movie with others vs. watching an MP4 at home by myself. That collective consciousness and

resonating off of each other changes it.

Catherine: “Something I became really fascinated with is I would start to turn whenever the “big thing” was happening. I became fascinated by turning the other way and you would not believe what you would see! Just noticing where people are NOT looking.”

She continues by giving the very real life example of the Ground Zero site from 9/11. “When we went back to Ground Zero, I was watching all those people watch that. I was looking behind them and the story that was happening. Not where they were looking, but on the streets behind them was fascinating to me. I know I am missing out! I know I’m not getting something.”

CM: Maybe not. It’s the reverse angle in storytelling. I think that’s extremely valuable. There is something to be said for seeing an event from another angle- a unique perspective. I share with her that I was more fascinated with the human story being told by the sheer disbelief on the faces of those on the street during 9/11.

Catherine: “That expression is so much more telling than the event! Because you’re going to see that event a lot, but that expression is irreplaceable.”

CM: It’s the difference between a Las Vegas Casino Demo and a Terrorist Attack. The building comes down in both cases, but the reverse angle reveals one crowd applauding and another one in sheer disbelief and horror.

Catherine: “That’s very interesting to me. It would obviously be very hard to produce something that put those two things against each other- but you could expose so much by telling that story-and that the story is really behind the camera.”

CM: I have to know. You are who you are…why do you live in Sacramento?

Catherine: “I have always had a home base. I’ve travelled a lot through the years. Three nights a week, it’s just a 50 minute flight away. People that commute to San Francisco have a longer commute.”

CM: How did SacTown become “Home Base”?

Catherine: “[We were at a point in life where we had decided between LA and Florida.] We were packing up the house and Richard’s assignment he had was closing. He had gotten an assignment in Orlando. The house was on the market and all of a sudden he got the opportunity to work on the Rail Yards Development. I had every reason in the world to not like this idea, but [I said] I’m not going to shut this off. I will go look at this town. So I went up for the day and I…immediately felt like…I can live there. I love the scale of it, I love the people, I love how accessible humanity is here. I just love it. I have aspirations for it, I get discouraged with it, I get mad at it sometimes, but I just don’t see myself anywhere else. Did Richard ever tell you about when we first moved here?”

CM: No, do tell.

Catherine: “We had moved to this small place in the Mid-town and thought, this is really intense. So we started looking for our [permanent] place to live… out in the Foothills. We looked for at least a full year-observing the seasons-this is how intensely we were needing to be ‘away’. And 2 years later we moved 3 blocks east. I don’t know what we were doing! We spent all that time looking there and we found this place 3 blocks away. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

CM: Is there anything that you think you had to give up to live here?

Catherine: “The Ocean. It’s in my soul. That’s something Richard and I really have to work on.

The water of an ocean is different that the water of a lake or a river.”

CM: Well, luckily enough it’s only an hour away.

Catherine: “Yes. That’s the beauty of Sacramento.

The location can’t be beat. The weather is fantastic. It has no memory. You always forget the heat of the dog-days of summer two week into the Fall.

It’s like there is something in the air that erases your memory.”

CM: It’s the Pesticides.

Another hearty laugh at the ongoing joke of Sacramento Valley air-quality.

Catherine: “Hey have you seen my garden? We have this lot of 40 feet by 40 feet so we grew fruit trees and grow our own vegetables. There’s nothing like picking your own lettuce for a salad right now.”

CM: So you are down with Farm-to-Fork, then?

Fantastic.”

Catherine: “Oh my God yes- it’s just so simple.

CM: Being the Farm-to-Fork capitol, we should be doing what they are doing in Portland-or is it Seattle? The walkable public gardens that are all edible. Instead of the Capitol Rose garden, we should have the Capitol Citrus garden.

Catherine: “This town needs to…you know what? We need to get over this thing about being something we are not and make the thing we are the biggest thing ever. These restaurants are unbelievably good! Just go all the way.”

CM: I think Angelique Ashby gets it. And maybe Kevin Johnson too, but his passion is what it is. When you see the artists of the midtown and the music, culture, etc. why aren’t we screaming this from the highest mountain?

What is that THING??

Catherine: “There’s a psychology here, I think, is it about the past? Is it about the Politics? There’s nobody I know that doesn’t feel that same sort of struggle here. And there’s that whole wanna be something else-look like something else. It’s so pointless because “IT” is here.”

CM: Yeah, I’m not sure Economic Development appreciated my concept for Cow Town Film Productions having a Rodeo Drive connect Indiewood to the Railyards. It would be everything Rodeo Drive is in Beverly Hills, but pronounced as it should be (roh-dee-oh noun: a round up of cattle) I liked the irony of Cow Town Couture.

They laughed and said, “What are you trying to do to us?”

Catherine: “That’s right! There’s that struggle and somehow they get so diluted, you could end up with beige.

Austin said, ‘you know what this is what we are!’ and look at them!”

CM: You know I’ve had politicians tell me, “Maybe you should change the name of your brand.” Meaning well, trying to guide me. Then we turn around and there is a freakin cattle drive happening across the Tower Bridge up Capitol Mall (the only time I have ever seen cows in Sacramento).

Catherine: “Like that’s O.K?!”

CM: Yeah that’s not perpetuating a stereotypical image at all!

Catherine: “Yes. It’s a battle and we are in a battle with ourselves. And now I am part of it. I was for a lot of years kinda watching it. I felt like I was home, but I wasn’t a part of it- well now, I’m starting to be a part of it.

Something happens to people who come here and they never want to go. We have the argument now about “us” as in “us the city””.

CM: The artists, here, do it too. They are great at creating, very talented, but you squeeze them a little to be more “business-oriented”- and they explode.

Photo Courtesy of Ventura County Star. See www.VCSTAR.com for Ventura County News.

Catherine: “You know- that’s getting back the beginning of this discussion. Getting back to what I really like to do. You know…own my own, I’m not going to make anything-I’m not creating on my own. I learned very early that there is a really talented team of people there.

That’s where the name of our company [Mosaic Partners] came from. All those pieces on their own: maybe not so special but put them all together and they are beautiful. I really love that idea and that’s what I love –being around talented people…providing. We used to call it ‘street sweeping’- it’s basically what it is- they’re all doing it- I’m not.”

CM: Well, You ARE doing it because you are enabling them to do it.

Catherine: “I’m an enabler. That’s it.”

CM: I find myself to be a reluctant enabler- I’d rather create, but there is this business streak in me.

Catherine: “Then you have the obligation to do it. If you have the ability you know you need to step in and do it because you have a passion for the Arts.”

CM: It’s a challenge. I just try to facilitate, convene, connect…

Catherine: “The way I talk to my colleagues about Sacramento is …that it is so livable.”

CM: Do you enjoy wine?

Catherine: “Um, YEAH! Can you believe where we live?? I just can’t get over it! Fantastic products, beautiful places….here.”

CM: O.K. What are your top 3?

Catherine: “Oh…I can’t separate my feeling for the place…Bogle. Phantom. I found it to be wonderful. I love the place and how close it is. I find the Delta to be fascinating. C.G. Di Arie in Shenandoah, I like that.

Cooper [Vineyards] –I took my family on a Barbera trip and…sorry, I think my taste gets influenced by the place-especially when you’re tasting- I know I’m not a connoisseur, but I do enjoy the place of where I am tasting.”

CM: I recently learned that wineries’ number one

prerogative is to get people into the tasting room on location to have that “tasting experience” because you attach an emotional sensory experience to the wine.

Catherine: “That’s it- that is what I do. And I am sure I just have no ability to disconnect from that.”

CM: Why would you want to? In this digital age I find that our memories are more stored in sensory experiences than pictures-not digital images scrolled through on your cell phone but REAL photographs. So when you pop that bottle of Phantom, for me, I can hear Clemon Charles playing and see the evening sun low in the sky.

Catherine: “Yeah. I [feel that too.] I can’t get away from this.” She picks up the book. “There is something measurable in THIS”. She flips the pages, “And I know it’s not always going to be this way, but I don’t know how to get out of it. I don’t know how I feel about [reading] on an iphone or [digital interface]. These things” she indicate the cell phone recording the conversation, “… you have to “go do”. You have to go pick up your iphone or go to your computer to then look at a picture. Our REAL world is a collection of chance. I want to sit in a room, sip a cup of coffee and glancing at something-just by chance” The Matrix comes back to mind; the zeros and ones saturating everything. What is real? Why can’t digital media feel as real as printed media? She goes on, “And I feel I am getting away from the people I value so much.”

CM: I try to subscribe to, “Keep It Simple Stupid”.

That’s where INDIEbus came from. I was contemplating getting a day job, and I thought where am I going to work where I get to do awesome stuff every day? I know! Let’s review all that cool stuff that happens in Sacramento while caravanning in a 1960’s Vintage VW Microbus. I’ll take the audience to the events and create a maelstrom of Social Media. We’ll actually get to have EXPERIENCES-not just look at them online.

Catherine: “I am just another person here who thinks so positively of things here, but I just can’t seem to make that connection on the internet. It just doesn’t feel like anything has captured that thing you are talking about from experience to communication here. So everybody is responding in real time as they experience things?”

Catherine catches a quick nap at the airport on her commute.

CM: Last season we had a growing entourage of bloggers, reviewers, and Social Media Stars on a 12 week tour of Happy Hours at all of the restaurants on the Cap City Sips promotion. We ate, we drank, we discussed current events and people of interest while we reviewed the restaurants and posted on Social Media. We wanted our online videos to break through the chatter online, so we created incentives for our “entourage” to come play. We found out that we had a core of people who wanted to experience things live and see folks face-to-face, and a group that wanted to follow along online commenting or digitally interacting-but not show up physically. I found that the evil genius of Facebook was that it captured our narcissism and allowed our voyeurism. We realized that people taking “selfies” also captured brands in the background. So now the brands are getting an advertisement that personally identifies with all of our Facebook Friends because they know the person in the “selfie”. It’s like a personal referral to 4,000 of your closest friends.

Catherine: “I love the idea of the iphone movies being produced.”

CM: It’s a fun novelty. So tell me- do you see rollercoaster parks in Sacramento’s future?

Catherine: “I don’t know. I think that if we look at Sacramento’s menu of things to do and they all make sense, not just some collection of things, it would help create a sense of identification with the place.

It’s not just putting a theme park in, but what is it that would make sense here…and then [creating it].

I don’t think we should just build one to have one.

You can have a great idea, but if it doesn’t fit [with the region’s attractions], it doesn’t work.”

CM: So not only would you have to build the attraction, but you

would have to build all of the infrastructure for it- not to mention the fan base.

Catherine: “You have to think about the whole. It feels like you almost want to write a script for the region. You want to write a 20 year [story] and say-OK here’s where we want to go, and this thing leads to this growth in visitation. In Sacramento it feels like this year it’s one thing and next year it’s something else.”

CM : And we can get Michael Bay to direct it and he’ll blow up Folsom Dam in some Epic fashion.

After the laughter subsides: Catherine: “I don’t know how these things get done, but that seems like it would be the way to do it.”

CM: We almost need someone from the outside looking in to say, “This is the ‘IT’”. How do you brand Sacramento when it hasn’t really ever been branded to begin with?

Catherine: “Maybe we have the wrong mission! Now we are talking about branding and cows come to mind.”

Bursts of laughter, then: CM: OMG- We can’t get away from the cows!

Catherine: “Brand the cow!”

CM: I am just a humble filmmaker…I’ll leave that to the Advertisers.

Catherine: “Sometimes that simplest idea and the champion of that simple idea is all you need.”

CM: …and a pitbull…

Image courtesy of CBS13 All Rights Reserved

Catherine: “Yes!

Well, you can make people easily worn out by ‘too many things’ and if we’d all just figure out how the plan is going to work out: what goes first, second, third…and everybody gets it, and everybody knows what their piece is, then we sell that….everybody can share in it. When we are constantly competing all the time- it just feels like we are [stuck]. We need someone to be the leader and plan the next 20 years.”

CM: I’ve spoken to the Economic Developer here. I am not sure they can do that with all of the moving parts.

We have had some great initiatives here both publicly and privately, but…

Catherine: “…they need to fit together….It is a big job and Richard is in the struggle every day.”

She is referring, of course, to the Performing Arts Center that Richard is championing at the Freemont School nearby, but that is another story for another INDIEblush issue.

We both realize that we are way over time in the interview. I can’t believe how easy it was talking to Catherine.

We conclude the conversation for now and I begin wondering if it will take someone like Disney to craft a regional script for Sacramento or if we can all band together and create a city-sized theme park complete with Arts attractions, Farm-to-fork concession stands, and parades of politicians with the right political will.

As I find my car, I glace up. The theme song for FAME comes thundering back. It could happen.

-CM

The Freemont School, Downtown Sacramento where the E. Claire Raley Studios for the Performing Arts will reside. Photo Courtesy of Richard Rich.

For more questions withCatherine, please see www.INDIEblush.com and visit INDIEblog.

KOMBUCHA COUTURE Fashioning Live Culture www.kombuchacouture.com Distinct Jewelry and Fashions

July 2014

Friday, July 4 7:30pm Sunday, July 6 6:30pm Saturday, July 12 4:00pm Monday, July 14 4:00pm Thursday, July 17 7:30pm Saturday, July 19 7:30pm Monday, July 21 7:30pm Friday, July 25 7:30pm Sunday, July 27 5:30pm

Orange County Blues FC Atlas FC** @ Richmond Kickers @ Charlotte Eagles Orlando City SC Rangers Football Club** West Bromwich Albion** West Bromwich Albion** Pittsburgh Riverhounds

Bonney Field Tickets Bonney Field Tickets City Stadium Queens University Stadium Bonney Field Tickets Bonney Field Tickets Bonney Field July 1 On-Sale Bonney Field July 1 On-Sale Bonney Field Tickets

Saturday, August 2 7:00pm Saturday, August 9 7:30pm Sunday, August 17 4:00pm Wednesday, August 20 7:30pm Wednesday, August 27 7:30pm Saturday, August 30 4:30pm

@ Arizona United SC OKC Energy FC @ Orange County Blues FC Wilmington Hammerheads FC Charleston Battery @ Wilmington Hammerheads FC

Peoria Sports Complex Bonney Field Tickets Anteater Stadium at UCI Bonney Field Tickets Bonney Field Tickets Legion Stadium

Thursday, September 4 7:30pm Saturday, September 6 7:30pm

OKC Energy FC LA Galaxy II

Bonney Field Tickets Bonney Field Tickets

August 2014

September 2014

QUROS

From left to right: Craig Fouts, Jessie Rand, Allyn Durden

In the next severa Take a v

SCURO:

A P h o t o O d y s s e y

al pages, We will let the photos speak for themselves. isual journey through the recent years of Quroscuro.

INDIEblush goes one-on-one with Craig Fouts

Model: Makena Hyde Designer: Lolita (Pretty Elegance)

Model: Allyn Durden

Model: Allyn Durden Designer: Faatui Toele Hair -Paige Metcalf make up - Leticia Deleon

Model: Quinn Williams Make up: Jessi Jewel Hair: Amanda Bowen

Model: Shea Marie MUA: Nicole Chilelli

Model: Allyn Durden Make up and Hair -Jessi Jewel

Model: Melissa Brown Make-up: Jessi Jewel Hair :- Amanda Bowen

QUROSCURO & Questions: 20

1. How many people make up Quroscuro and what are their roles?

We currently have 3 total people that make up Quroscuro, Darren Paquette (Photographer, Co-Owner) Craig Fouts (photographer, editor and Co-Owner) and Jessie Rand who started as an intern and became a permanent part of our company about 6 months ago (Photographer and editor) we also have 2 new interns that we are training to learn all the photography and editing skills that we have to offer.

2. Who is your inspiration when shooting?

Inspiration is a hard thing, for me there is so much that is inspiring. Not just one, but if I was to have to narrow it down a bit I would say Dave Hill was a huge inspiration to me but there is also David LaChapelle and Annie Leibovitz.

3. What is your favorite format to work in?

We currently work mainly in the 35mm digital format for photography. We really love to work with Hasselblad and the medium format setups when it is cost justified.

4. Favorite photo editing software and why?

Well that is an easy one, Photoshop CC is definitely the main software I use for editing photos and doing composites, but I also throw in some After Effects here and there when I am trying to create some more elaborate things that is easier with the movie side of things. The reason for using this software is that I have been using it over 15 years and I can do everything I need to with little changes over the years of using the software.

Model: Lindsey Hutchison Make-up/ Hair: Lea Buehler Dress Designer- Amore Grace

Model: Craig Fouts

5. Favorite camera gear for stills/motion pictures and why?

We just got our new Nikon d4s in and I will have to say I am truly in love with that camera. The camera is made for speed, with its 11fps and super fast focus system, she is an absolute joy to work with. She also has great dynamic range and amazing low light response. All things that are amazing.

The list can go on for quite awhile but these are the main points of it.

6. Who is Craig Fouts without Darren Paquette- has anyone ever tried to separate the dynamic duo?

I am nothing with out Darren. Quroscuro would be non-existent. We both have major things to offer for the company and the artistic side of things. We feed off each other’s creativity and excel at coming up with new and interesting concepts for our clients.

7. So much talent....why Sacramento?

We both live here is why, plan is to relocate soon to a more media rich environment, but you never know.

8. What do you love best about Sacramento?

Sacramento is a small city where you know most people in an industry, there are tons of talents here and it seems new talent is always popping up out here. I do love how Sacramento really tries to help the expansion of the Arts.

9. When editing photos what do you focus on-creating a work of art or keeping it natural?

This really depends on the project that we are working on. We do focus on clean editing and making sure the images clean, sharp and sell exactly what we are looking for. We spend hours working on a single image to make sure it looks the way we want it to in the end.

10. What does Quroscuro mean to you and why do you spell it that way?

The real spelling is chiaroscuro, we went based off the pronunciation of the word. We then sounded it out and it seemed to fit, qur-o-scur-o. Defined, it means: the treatment of light and shadow. Everything we do in photography and video is based off of it.

11. Now let’s get personal: is photography the love of your life?

In everyway, I eat, drink, sleep and dream of it at all times in my life.

12. Do you have any regrets with your career?

Don’t we all? However the path that I chose is exactly what I wanted and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Model: Craig Fouts

From Right to Left: Irish Cash, Holly Doll, Maddy Smith, Diamond Dez, Roxie Ann Corsets: Isabella Corsetry Make-up: Denia Marie Hair: Evonne Mariscal

Model: Diamond Dez Make-up/ Hair: Jessica Kittredge

Model: Holly Doll

13. What is a typical “shoot day� for you?

Ohhh.... wow loaded question. A typical shoot day includes organization of the entire day, making sure makeup and wardrobe. Then I am focusing on the set, the lighting and constantly thinking of all that ne we are getting what we need from the shots and then its wrap up and break down of all gear and maybe

Model: Jessica Will

models are where they need to be and on time also that they have everything they need including hair, eeds to be done for the concepts we came up with for the shoot. Then of course shooting, making sure finally sleep if I don’t decide to do some editing afterwards.

Model: Holly Doll Paint: Craig Fouts

14. What is a typical “rest day” for you?

Rest days really don’t happen for me, I usually edit on my rest days.

15. Do you have a favorite model to shoot?

Another one of those loaded questions lol! I like to shoot models that are well versed in their jobs. Being able to explain what is needed for the shoot and they go right to work with some direction here and there. On more controlled shoots, I like them to be able to follow directions so we can make sure that we are getting exactly what we need for the shoot.

Model: Jessica Will (All images these pages) Make up: Amber Moore Hair: Natalie Mulligan

Model: Jessica Will Make-up/Hair: Amber Moore

16. What are you working on now that you can divulge?

We have a decent amount of stuff on the platter right now. We have some book projects and a couple of gallery projects going on. I can’t give too much information but, to put it this way: the stuff that we have shot so far is looking amazing and I don’t think anyone will be disappointed when we do finally release the information on these projects.

17. Why did you do a nude self-portrait?

I have shot many people over the years. I don’t focus on nudity or any one given thing. However, I figured that if I ever asked a model to do something, then I should be willing to do the same thing I am asking them to do. So I took the step and put myself out there just like some of my past models have done.

18. How does it make you feel when people say you are too thin?

Over the years it has made me feel different, now it’s not as bad as it used to be. I am much more comfortable with myself. But when I was younger, it was something that bothered me and even angered me. That was because of the limitation of some peoples’ way of thinking. It really had nothing to do with me.

We are a society that lives on a line of conformity instead of understanding that people are allowed to be different.

19. Have you ever experienced a limitation in your art?

There are always limitations, so yes, but not when it comes to the creativity that I have when it comes to creating the art.

20. What kind of photographer do you want to become?

I want to be an ever expanding artist, always learning and always progressing forward.

Model: Holly Howson Make-up/ Hair: Kristina Piccardo Photos Courtesy of Quroscuro unless noted otherwise

A Living Work of Art: Kombucha Couture &

Sacha Laurin

By Christina Marie

Sacha Laurin has to be one of the most unique feminine powerhouses I know.

I had the pleasure of interviewing her at Tower Cafe on Broadway in Downtown Sacramento, CA. But before we begin, let’s start at the very beginning: We met by chance Last August during the Capitol Indie Collective Fashion Challenge: Poe Couture! The challenge is hosted by the Sacramento Film and Music Festival each year and is now going on 4 years old. At the time I had no idea that I was meeting a super-star on the rise.

Sacha won the Fashion Challenge last year for her dress made from Kombucha; inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s Poem, “On the River”. As part of her prize package, she had a photo shoot with Quroscuro (see photo left) and was able to show at Sac Fashion Week in February of this year.

The Davis Enterprise followed her success from the Fashion Challenge to Sac Fashion Week, and that’s when it started to really get exciting.

“Winning that show, catapulted me into SAC fashion Week and that got me picked up in the Davis Enterprise, Front page!” Then a yoga class member brought to Sacha’s attention that their Yogi, Rebecca,

is world famous in the Wearable Art world. She has costumes in galleries all around the world. In Wellington, New Zealand you have to submit your designs and once selected through a laborious process, 20,000 people come over 10 nights to see Fashion and Design innovation.

“She gets in every year,” Sacha tells me, “She is doing a Koi design this year. (Rebecca) uses this special felt that hardens when you steam it.” Rebecca has inspired Sacha to get some and play with it. “I don’t know when, but I think I am meant to use it.

I’m just going to get some to have it on hand.” Rebecca tends to sell her line each year when she shows in NZ. Sacha is focusing on Sewing and her business this year. Something the Capitol Indie Collective hopes to help with.

Sacha has asked Rebecca for sewing lessons and they began immediately. “She has already shown me just amazing things!” So Sacha’s goal now is shows and exhibitions of her Kombucha Couture. “It’s coming naturally now. Lulu saw my stuff on a SAC fashion Week blog”. She is referring of course, to LuLu Lemon Sportswear. “Now, I’m in Lulu Lemon. They have been very supportive. They just want to empower you. I believe in their product, too.”

But there’s more: Gastronomic from Vogue published something from Fashion week. “Kombucha Couture is food. You can actually eat the clothes.” Sacha says she would like to do an interview with Vogue as a follow up but is still learning how to approach that from a business aspect. “I’ve never had to be a business woman before...I’m still just figuring it out.”

I tell her that is where the Capitol Indie Collective comes in. Our focus is turning Artists into Entrepreneurs.

Today we meet at Tower, and the weather is perfect.

“I love that it’s 12 minutes from Davis! It’s a little haven- a paradise”. Sacha orders the gumbo, I have the creamed corn soup.

The conversation shifts to fashion and movies. We talk about UNBROKEN and the lead character, Rebecca’s dress. “In the script, the train is 20 feet long made from this billowy material and the butterfly wings are 10 feet high,” I say. She surprises me with, “ I’d be happy to donate a dress or something...Don’t get me with a challenge! I’ll be dreaming of those 10 foot wings!” Of course, that would be a lot of Kombucha growing. She asks for the specs and says, “I would just make it- a prototype and if you use it or not- it’s fine.”

Creative button pushed. Time to reconsider the shooting dates for UNBROKEN. Back to Kombucha and now, cheese. “I like getting into the Science of it -the Matrix of it. Tying to get it soft and pliable but not breaking. It’s really kind of gross work because you are working with this jelly-slime.” Sacha explains. If you are unfamiliar with Kombucha, it is a beverage made from a “start-

er”-much like sourdough bread. It ferments and becomes carbonated. It’s basically sparkling tea.

Sacha then puts it in containers to “grow”. The result is a “goo” that can be stretched, dyed, and tanned to a, “Vegan Leather”. Sacha also makes cheese, but so far I have not seen any “wearable” cheese. She discovered her passion for cheese from a book and now has a family of “cheese babies”. “You literally are creating babies on top of mothers”. She speaks as though they are living beings, because they are.

Then “Jeff the Waffle Guy” comes up. “We know him!” I blurt out. Sacha met Jeff and the other owners of the Waffle Experience at a private tasting as a guest of Bethany Crouch.

“They want my cheese for the restaurant!” She exclaims.

The Waffle Experience, a new restaurant to Natomas, wants to shop small lots and acquire as much as they can locally. They have been doing private tastings as a method to find their audience and suppliers.

We are both big fans of Chef Donoho. “I’m known as the Vegan Leather and Cheese girl!” Sacha says. Will also be doing cheese classes at the restaurant. “So we can do like a ‘mozzarella making with Chef Donoho’”. She also teaches at Sac Co-op and The Learning Exchange.

We decide we are doing a Wine and Cheese night at my house. I say we must invite the areas emerging artists. But how did someone like Sacha get here...to Davis and Sacramento??

Sacha is from Australia- she grew up in new Zealand, lived in France for 15 years, then came to San Francisco on a regular route with her job at the time, United Airlines. She obtained her Masters in French in Australia, taught English in France, and earned her Ph.D. from San Diego in Center of Energy Medicine- “...it’s psycho-therapy mixed with physical energy work...

it took me 5 years.” Working for United Airlines, introduced her to the culture of San Francisco and she fell in love with the region.

“When you are here in Davis/Sacramento does it feel like home- are you where you are supposed to be?” I ask with a twinkle in my eye. I already know she’s a Hippie at heart.

“Absolutely. Looking at the river I get this physical sense of joy... just looking at the water. If you could bottle this feeling and pop it whenever you wanted....? I know I’m supposed to be here.” And I am so glad she is here. Sacha exudes a sense of peace and pure light. When around Sacha, you can’t help but smile.

I ask her, “What is the next big Fashion step now that you have all of this under your belt?”

“I got my first dress commission last night (in San Diego). I’m on such a high- just so excited!”

“Do you ever sleep?” Her jet-setting schedule boggles my mind.

“I’m still not as grounded as maybe a lot of people, but I am more grounded now,” She admits.

“I’m ready to be big. I kinda feel like I am going to be annihilated....but I feel like something big is going to happen. I want to work on what that fear is.” Sacha recently did some soul searching in San Diego.

“My Dream is to make something for Lady Gaga.”

“That’s my dream for you too! So you need a portfolio.”

“I don’t even know how to make a portfolio!”

“That’s what Capitol Indie Collective is for!” We laugh.

I am a hypocrite, however. As a frustrated designer myself, I shamefully do not have a design portfolio.

“But that’s how I found you!” Sacha says, “I was part of a fashion show in Davis, and Lari Miyamoto was wearing your T-shirt Dress!”

The Wardrobe in Davis hosted a Summer Trunk show and invited Sacha to do a mini-collection. “I met Lari, and she said, ‘You have to do the CIC Fashion Challenge!’” I now begin to realize the beginning happened before the beginning.

Sacha will join the Capitol Indie Collective at the Crest again this year as a judge for the Fashion Challenge. I learn that public events are a little daunting for her. We observe together that SAC Fashion Week revolves around production value and the Fashion Challenge revolves around opportunity and education. “We are about the logistics,” I say, “and Duane is about glamour. We have to marry the two somehow!” Sacha agrees. It was our first time promoting each other last year, and we hope to do it again this year.

“It was such a big deal!” Sacha recalls the prize package of: Quroscuro’s photoshoot, the gift cards from Blackbird, the Salon treatments from Allure, and of course, the Entry to SAC Fashion Week.

Photo provided by Lari Miyamoto

“Yeah, people don’t understand the total value of that!” It comes out to around $2,500 in prizes each year.

When asked what’s next, she says, “I just let it flow. I just let the universe tell me. I keep my heart centered, keep the love of it, which means don’t go crazy, take your time.” She is going to take this time to develop her strengths with her business and sewing.

You can see more of what Sacha does with Kombucha and her cheese making on INDIEblush.com and at her site,. http://www.kombuchacouture.com/.

Above designs by Christina Marie

“On The River” By: Sacha Laurin First Place Winner and Audience Choice Award Capitol Indie Collective Fashion Challenge 2013: Poe Couture Presented by Sacramento Film & Music Festival

Bray and the Plight of the Independent Musician By: Oscar Benjamin

If there is one thing that is consistent in the music business it is that there is no real consistency. The individual who decides to listen to his or her own inner muse and pursue a career in music will soon discover that perhaps walking on a tightrope on a windy day might have been a more rational decision than the often treacherous and dream shattering road that one needs to traverse without a proper map to realize their ambitious goals. The independent musician faces an even more perilous journey as multiple barriers are seemingly placed on their path without any logic or pattern that one can discern. It is that rare and courageous individual that makes the decision to plunge headlong into this sea that is the subject of this interview.

The road that the talented songwriter, musician and singer, Bray Gurnari has been maneuvering like the finest of the finest taxi cab drivers from New York City has been filled with both triumph and heartbreak. Bray Gurnari simply goes by the name of Bray when he performs with his band, Bray and the Dens or with Radar Love and Neon Velvet which are the two cover bands he is a member of. Bray calls one of the world’s most visited cities his home

and his base of operations. San Francisco is considered one of the United States’ most cosmopolitan and sophisticated cities whose diversity is truly a reflection of the world itself. Bray encompasses those very same traits.

He is urbane, intelligent and charismatic combined with a quick self-effacing wit and impossibly handsome cinematic looks. Bray could effortlessly be the template for GQ magazine models. He has experienced many confounding contradictions in his career which includes performing for crowds that have been in excess of 50,000 in various countries over the globe and yet he has experienced absurd and seemingly inexplicable battles with Google over supposed copyright infringement! This INDIEblush columnist caught up with the energetic artist on a placid and inviting day on the manmade island known as Treasure Island to discuss a wide ranging amount of subjects and indeed there were no ground rules as we discussed the business and his struggles against a sometimes indifferent internet entity known as YouTube.

Oscar: For the precious few and for the record can you let everyone know who exactly is Bray?

Bray: Bray is a strange cat! He is a singer/songwriter who is having fun writing and performing his own music. A big influence on me was what was popular on M.T.V. Prince, Michael Jackson and David Bowie were just some of my favorites. I grew up in a home where my dad liked a lot of soul and funk stuff. He liked Little Richard and James Brown. My mom liked The BeeGees and a lot of dance music. When I entered college I started listening to Jazz and other forms of music. As I continued through college I started to focus on the electronic side of music. If you want to stay alive in music you have to constantly evolve as an artist and a performer.

that they give is copyright infringement. That tells me a number of things. The first is that they are not testing for copyright infringement in order to allow you to post it in the first place. Secondly-why did it take them so long to notice that and the big problem is the reason they cite and the issue. They give you a message which is a warning stating that your video matches third party content. It is interesting on a number of levels and one of which is why they don’t take it down at that moment. My music is original music, so I don’t know what I am infringing on! The link they give is a third party content of which you match. The link was to my own album on sale! It wasn’t always the same one that was matching which was curious! The one that they have been citing recently was CDBaby which is a great company which gives the artist the greatest percentage that I have found. I did contact CDBaby to find out what kind of code we can adjust to prevent this from happening. They sent me back to YouTube. Unfortunately YouTube never responded.

Oscar: So it appears that you are on a vicious merrygo-round!

Bray: I have reached out to YouTube a lot. It is not my agenda to say that YouTube or Google is evil-that is not my style. I have read an article that was in a major newspaper stating that some major artists have had the same problem like Beyonce’ and Pink. They had videos with millions and millions of views taken down. These days, videos have been as important as radio has been over the last number of decades for fans to discover music by artists.

Oscar: What is this issue that has been affecting you and your music? Is it an issue involving YouTube and by extension-Google? Can you elaborate please?

Oscar: So basically YouTube is assuming that because your music has the same title as that of the same song on your own website that you are stealing!? Incredible! You are stealing from yourself?

They believe that your videos are entirely different from the music on your website?

Bray: For five years or so we have been making music videos and releasing them on YouTube because it is the main place to have them seen. The last four or so videos have been taken down and not immediately!

The harshest example would be a video we have called, “Natasha” that reached a million views in three months and then was taken down. It is interesting to note how long it takes them to take it down because the reason

Bray: All I can think of is that it is not monitored by a human presence and there are no checks and balances. I have asked attorneys to help me and I have asked people who know someone at Google to investigate it further, but we keep hitting brick walls.

I am just trying to solve it so these pockets of misinformation can be avoided. (continued)

Bray at Treasure Island Oscar: Do you have some kind of theory? Do you think YouTube is trying to get a piece of the action here because they realize the power they may have in the way music is heard and presented?

Bray: I would generally say no, but there is the Adsense incident. I will share this when a couple of our videos had a fast rise especially for an independent artist we received an email from Adsense asking us if we wanted to place ads in our videos and get paid for it. We responded with a yes and we did do that. I made some money because the ads were up for two months and then they stopped in the same way with no explanation whatsoever!

It is very fishy because why would they put ads on videos that they felt were infringing on other material?

Oscar: You are incredibly savvy when it comes to business, much more than what many believe artists are usually known for. This must be incredibly frustrating for you as an artist who wants to concentrate on his music and reaching audiences. How do you juggle these demands?

Bray: I don’t know if I am any sharper than any other artist out there, but I do care about it because I am a solo artist. I do have a team that I am grateful for that helps me out with things and I do try to find new ways to make money constantly.

Oscar: How do you deal with the challenges as an Indie artist in the music scene today? What are the challenges and where are your outlets that you are facing in terms of getting your work out there?

Bray: There are a number of methods that sometimes work like distributing flyers and playing in the street, but there are only a number of hours in the day and you need to make a living also. I have been doing original music for the majority of my life and touring here and in Europe. As the economy here and everywhere else came to a breakdown a number of years ago booking was just not happening for me as clubs were closing. I had to find new ways to make money, so I was asked to be part of a tribute band which changed my life. Another method that has worked well for me has been to play solo acoustic shows. You can play at a winery or a restaurant and slip in original songs and have your merchandise on hand for people to purchase.

Oscar: Wow! That is very clever. You can interest people in your solo career when you are playing with your cover bands-right?

Bray: I do try to push it sometimes! I am in the middle of singing, “Jessie’s Girl” and then I basically say-oh by the way. . . ! Licensing is another avenue because we have had twenty signings with T.V. shows which helps get the word out.

Oscar: As an independent artist what value would you place on networking? How and whom are you networking with?

Bray: I have ways of networking through the shows. I constantly say my name in between songs and always invite people up to say hi! I have created a cover band that we can play original and cover songs called Neon Velvet. Always have business cards on you! I have three different cards for my three different music ventures.

Be involved in a community and one example is West Coast Songwriters. That is a great group and they have songwriting sessions or meetings where people get together. Have a drink together, talk, exchange business cards and play a couple of songs. Any grassroots things like that to meet and talk with people to show what you are working are awesome and I am open to other ideas!

Oscar: Tell me something about what you are influenced by outside of music itself.

Bray: My personal relationships are where I write my music from because I am interested in intimacy! I do try to frame things in a way that the listener can apply to their own lives. I do want to add a note that anything

we are talking about and the way we are to each other on a one on one basis are the things that make the world we live in. That is how I approach it and for me I can’t enjoy any of this if I don’t have someone to share this with. A lady that means everything to me is the only reason that I am going to keep doing it because of the joy of sharing. That is not to say that you cannot be strong and build things as an individual, but it means that you have that much more to offer to the special people in your life.

Oscar: I have noticed in your music videos and your music that there seems to be a heavy Science Fiction and Horror influence. “Clone Me” and “Dracula” are two songs and videos in particular. Do you personally enjoy these genres?

Bray: I do! I especially like Sci-Fi and I have always enjoyed characters like Batman. The Horror thing is accidental and maybe it’s because the way I lookthank you very much. Seriously I do like Horror, but I am not a fanatic. The dark side that has been in the videos is maybe where I have been and who I have been at the time. There have been different points earlier in my music life that have been playful and I think we are moving into that again. I think the character; Dracula is the Batman of Horror. I am very attracted to the romantic side and if you see a romantic bit in a Sci-Fi, Horror or Fantasy story that is probably something to respond to.

Oscar: What is your opinion of the state of the music industry at this moment? The way I see it is that the industry is in a state of fragmentation at this time. Do you see that as an opportune or detrimental to the artist?

Bray: I don’t really spend much time on whether things are fragmented or difficult or whatever. I meet each challenge and think how can I get around it or do my best. I think great talent can never be stopped no matter what! Drive and determination, belief, tenacity, positive attitudes cannot be stopped.

The law of attraction is also something I firmly believe in! That is why you have to get up each day, have a glass of water, jog and try again! (continued)

Oscar: Where do you see yourself as you continue to evolve as an artist in this industry in the future? What is your sweet spot that you are aiming for?

Bray: I do want to be rich and famous and I think a lot of us do not admit it. That is what I had dreamed of as a kid and I still work on getting closer and closer to that. The inside part of all that is that I do want to have enough to provide for myself and my family.

There is also that dream of wanting to be like the people I admired as I was growing up. I want to be a distinguished older gentleman like Sting who is still writing and performing music. I want to get better with writing my music and learning new instruments as I travel the world and spending time with my family.

This INDIEBlush columnist has had the opportunity to see Bray perform with all of his various groups.

Bray is a striking presence on stage and continues to gain new fans with each and every performance in clubs, wineries or at the latest record release party that he has thrown in anticipation of a new release.

If you wish to know more, please follow the link below and I highly recommend seeing one of his shows to discover and enjoy his vibrant and wonderfully original music.

www.braymusic.com

“All Hails!”

Vasilisa Photography Design: Anastasia Kryukova

By: Rilma Fontenot-Marvel

Many young girls dream of becoming a fashion model, whether it is the allure of the flashing lights or simply ripping the runway draped in designer duds. For aspiring model Haley White, also known as ‘Hails’ to the modeling world, that dream has become more of a reality.

Haley was discovered at Winco, a grocery store chain, at the age of seventeen by an agent from Marvel On Broadway Model and Talent Agency. The agent gave her a card and she gave it to her mom to check out.

Almost a year had passed by before her mom checked the agency out and gave them a call. They met with the agent and the past ten months have been a blur. Since meeting and signing with Marvel On Broadway Model and Talent Agency, Haley had been extremely busy. “ I can actually say that my life and my mom’s life has never been the same,” she smiles widely.

Given her growing success in the modeling industry, we sat down with model Haley White to ask her what advice she has for aspiring models. We also wanted to know what fuels this brown-skinned beauty that can double for celebrity Stacey Dash into being the fashion powerhouse she is.

Q: Where are you from? What school did you go to and what are some of your main interests and hobbies?

A: I was born and raised in Sacramento, California. I am the youngest of three children and I am the baby of the bunch. I was Baby Haley until I think I was 15 or 16. I am very blessed to have a close family, but most of all I love spending time with my grandparents and cousins. I also have a very close relationship with my sister and brother whose kids Isaiah and Mackenzie I am the proud auntie to.

I just graduated from Consumes Oaks High School Class of 2014. WOOHOO! And I plan on attending school to become a Pharmacy Technician. My hobbies are shopping and hanging out with friends, because I enjoy trying on clothes and modeling them.

Q: What’s your background in modeling? When did you get started and why? Was it for the glamour, the money or just the fun of it?

A: When I was 6 years old, Tyra Banks inspired me.

I loved America’s Next Top Model, and that is when I knew I was going to be just like her. I told anyone who would listen that I AM American’s Next Top Model. Not sure if they heard me but I meant that.

While shopping with my mom we had a chance encounter with a cool woman, lol, which made me keep bugging my mom to let me see if I could in fact have the opportunity to become a model – not just a model but America’s Next Top Model. Funny thing is my mom sat on the information for about a year before acting on it. I think I kept bugging her so much that she finally looked up the agency and called them. The rest is history, LOL! Q: Who are some of your favorite models and designers and why?

A: Tyra Banks, Cynthia Bailey, Naima Mora and Tyson Beckford. Vera Wang, Christian Louibitan, Giuseppe, Steve Madden, Christian Dior and Alexander McQueen. They are my favorite designers because I love the way their clothes and shoes both look and fit on me. I think the clothes they make are designed well. With the shoes…they are not only gorgeous but they last because they are made from quality material.

Kondrya Photography Design: Anastasia Kryukova

I can’t describe how they speak to me…I see them and its like YAAAASSSS! I must have it! I also love the way Steve Maddens look on my feet.

Q: What modeling jobs have you done?

A: I’ve done the Hair & Fashion Battle in August 2013 in Sacramento, CA, Expressions Fashion Show January 2014 in Sacramento, CA, Luxury Wedding Fashion Show January 2014 in San Francisco, CA, My Bridal Stuff Fashion Show, February 2014 in Sacramento, CA, Sac Fashion Week February 2014 in Sacramento, CA, Luxury Wedding Fashion Show February 2014 in Napa, CA, Hair & Fashion Battle Mixer March 2014 in Sacramento, CA, Wizard World Sacramento Comic Con March 2014 in Sacramento, CA, Vasily Vein’s Fashion Show March 2014 in San

Kimberly Lucero at Penumbra Photography

Vasilisa Photography Design: Anastasia Kryukova

Francisco, CA, Chic Metropolitan Magazine Show March 2014 in San Francisco, CA, Sports Illustrated and Petite Magazine Photo Shoot June 2014, and Advertising Photos for U BE U Fashions and Denim Spot Fashion Boutique June 2014 in Sacramento, CA. I’ve done more but these are some of my favorite.

Q: Who are some of your favorite photographers?

A: Igor Kondrya, Michael Lockett, Kimberly Lucero and Nigel Barker.

Q: Out of all the photos photographers have taken of you, which of them have been your favorite and why?

A: That’s a tough one because I love them all. Each photographer captures something different and unique about me.

Q: What do you dislike about modeling?

Q: What advice do you have for aspiring models?

A: My feet hurting all the time lol!

Sometimes your feet just kill you so you have to be sure to break your heels in before a show ESPECIALLY if they are new. I learned how to stretch my shoes by putting them in the freezer with water bottles. You fill it up enough to wear when the water level is right where you need it to be and leave it in there for 24 hours.

It should stretch it out. Key word... should, lol!

A: Be reliable, be yourself, listen and watch. You can learn a lot by just observing. I also recommend practicing your walk daily in the mirror to help find your best angles. Take selfies so that you know how you look on camera and what looks best on camera.

Q: How do you prepare for a modeling shoot?

A: I like to listen to music to get myself hyped and ready to go.

Kondrya Photography this page and next Design: Anastasia Kryukova

Q: In your opinion, what distinguishes a good model from a bad one?

A: That’s a very good question. I would have to say reliability and attitude. Attitudes are contagious. If you would want to have a good working relationship with other models, make up artists, hair crew, designers and photographers a good attitude is a must. I also believe that by having a good attitude people will want to work with you and will remember you and will recommend you to others.

Q: What are some things you dislike about the fashion industry?

A: The cattiness. We should all be proud of one another. At some point or another we all end up working together.

Sacramento is a very small city if you think about it, and it is so much harder for African American models to even get noticed let along credit for any work.

Q: What are some of the main differences between runway and photographic modeling?

A: The difference is with runway you have an audience. With print modeling it is much harder you don’t really get any feedback. Just have confidence.

Q: How has modeling changed other aspects of your life?

A: It really hasn’t. I mean the only thing different is that I am always going somewhere new and exciting. I’m never home on the weekends…I guess that is a plus. And mom and I are together a lot more…LOL!

As we wrap up a smiling Haley White describes the atmosphere when she is on a shoot. A natural beauty, she explains how she likes to have fun during a shoot by dancing (does an adorable rendition of the Beyonce) and talking to the photographers to get an idea of what shots they want.

This gorgeous humble young lady is definitely on her way to the top and with her take no prisoners’ attitude I suspect she will be there in no time.

By: Rilma Fontenot-Marvel

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alendar of Events!

What do you get when you put emerging designers together Capital Indie Collective? You get a diverse group of talented Sacramento-Sierra Region designers mentored by a Non-profit Organization with a mission to elevate artistic expression. Capital Indie Collective Fashion Challenge is a program aimed at providing education and a portfolio piece for independent designers and students of the community.

Every year for the past 3 years, Capital Indie Collective hosts the Fashion Challenge with the Sacramento Film and Music Festival at the Crest Theater for any designer who is wanting to expand their careers. They are invited to participate in a theme-driven event to where they can create a unique and original design. An amazing group of talented designers come to share their eagerness and creativity through fashion. Over the years, they have been asked to create Couture from: Newspapers, menu items from local restaurants, and poetry. What will it be this year? It’s top secret until the launch of the challenge.

Capital Indie Collective helps the designers along their journey into becoming the next biggest fashion designer. The Collective assists in so many other ways as well, such as helping the designer succeed by giving them access to hair, makeup and other building block tools. So far, Capital Indie Collective has helped jumpstart the careers of several designers from the program by giving them the necessary exposure.

It’s fascinating to watch the competition and see what has been created out of fabric and other items. Last year Capital Indie Collective gave a theme and mission for its designers, to design an outfit based on Edgar Allen Poe poems. They had 13 days and a $50 budget. It’s almost like a fun scavenger hunt to see who can complete the task with the amount of funds and time they are restricted to. The themes are unique, fun and tasks like these really show what skills the advantageous designer has.

Sasha Laurin was the winner of last year’s competition. By her designs and ideas, she created ‘On The River’ which was expressed with a whimsical, mermaid-feeling of a dress made out of Kombucha. A living bacteria that comes from the fermentation of green tea. How amazing is that? This is what you see with such a talented group of people who want to make it in the fashion industry. Events and programs like these can spread not only in the Sacramento Community, but throughout California. By bringing, visitors from afar to film makers, investors, media outlets and more it helps our city by increasing revenue. The more visitors and tourists there are, the more exposure our local merchants get as well, plus it can put Sacramento on the map as a destination city. Hard at work, Capital Indie Collective and the region’s designers are preparing 2014 Fashion Challenge and this year should be nothing but greatness and excitement.

To get involved, visit www.capitolindiecollective.org. The launch meeting will be at IADT, starting the competition, Sacramento on August 12th and the designs walk on August 22nd at the Crest.

-Adrielyn Christi

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