#3 Spring/Summer2015
TH E DA NCE COL L E CT I V E PERTH’S PREMIER DANCE TRAINING CENTRE & PERFORMANCE COMPANY 39 Winnacott St. Willagee 6156 info@thedancecollective.com.au
weare.colosoul.com.u ADVERT DESIGN BY LEEANNE NGUYEN
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Vashti Magazine Published by the Colosoul Group Inc. weare.colosoul.com.au Chief Executive Officer: Tricia Ray Co-editors: Laurie Power and Saby Loh Copy editors: Sarah Mozley and Bernadette Sanfilippo Graphic designer: Stanka Budosova Social Media: Website: vashti.colosoul.com.au Facebook: facebook.com/vashtimagazinee?fref=ts Tumblr: vashtimagazine.tumblr.com Instagram: instagram.com/vashtimagazine If you would like a hard A5 hardcopy of Vashti Magazine then email vashti@colosoul.com.au $5 plus postage and handling. $1 per issue purchased goes towards protection of animals. The Colosoul Group is a NFP media and arts organisation run entirely by volunteers. Colosoul Group design and marketing POP Creative www.popcreativedesign.com Contact us: Contact CEO: tricia@colosoul.com.au Contact Vashti Editor: vashti@colosoul.com.au Contact Marketing: marketing@colosoul.com.au
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED IN WHOLE OR PART WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE PUBLISHER. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN VASHTI MAGAZINE ARE THOSE OF RESPECTIVE CONTRIBUTORS AND ARE NOT NECESSARILY SHARED BY VASHTI AND ALL OF ITS STAFF. THE MAGAZINE WELCOMES NEW CONTRIBUTIONS BUT CAN ASSUME NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS, PHOTOGRAPHS OR ILLUSTRATIONS.
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO It’s always fantastic to collaborate with so many talented people and again Vashti has managed to do just that. Vashti is a voice for the voiceless and this issue we are speaking to you about the use of fur. Vashti has had the opportunity to speak with an ethical model who owns her own sustainable clothing line and meet London model Michael George. Catch up with Perth fashion blogger Andrea Goh and our pick of the month NSW fashion illustrator who also owns her own holistic therapy clinic. Also, see how fitness model Tennille Waller has changed her lifestyle through bodybuilding. With Spring here and Summer well on its way, I can say I am very happy about that as winter is never my friend. However the designs for fashion coming up are worth keeping your savvy eye on as it’s definitely a season you won’t want to miss. A big thank you to our last Editor Laurie Power who worked around the clock to help this issue of Vashti get its head above water and meet our new Editor Saby Loh who’s such a darling and has pulled all the final pieces together so you can have an awesome read! Welcome Saby and we love you on the team!! A special thank you goes out to graphic designer Stanka who is a very faithful and loyal volunteer of the Colosoul Group and always gives that special touch to Vashti.
Enjoy Trish Ray X
CEO, Vashti Magazine
Laurie Power editor
Saby Loh editor
Sarah Mozley copy editor
Bernadette Sanfilippo copy editor
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Stanka Budosova graphic designer
Heart Strings & Pretty Things Hire & Style boutique deliver individually designed wedding days and memories to last a lifetime. Consisting of an ever growing collection of unique props & furniture to hire, Heart Strings & Pretty Things offer bespoke styling services to help create your unique, special day that will reflect your personality and style together as a couple.
HEAD QUARTERS ARE LOCATED IN WANGARA
OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY heartstringsandprettythings.com.au
weare.colosoul.com.au Advert design by Leeanne Nguyen
THE ESSENCE OF FORGOTTEN by Ryan Ammon
Photographer: Ryan Ammon HMUA: Jess Halstead (JH Society) Designs: BLUSHED by Teagan Jacobs with Little Dove (Accessotoes) Models: Briana Shepherd and Kylie Board Location: Project BLAK
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SMITTEN by Ryan Ammon
Photographer: Ryan Ammon Creative Director/Stylist: Angie Parker Makeup: Ashlee Hilton using Smitten Cosmetics (A Perth based vegan friendly cosmetics) Hair: Kathryn Hough Models: Clare Pickersgill and Jade Sky Designers: BLUSHED by Teagan Jacobs, Arlene Pieterson, Qamar by Azka Anum, Accessories by Little Dove Design
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INDUSTRIAL CHIC 22 - VASHTI M AGAZ I NE - SP R I N G / SUM M E R 2 0 1 5
Photographer: Megan King HMUA: Jane Guildea Model: Victoria Hakansson Designs by Mariam Seddiq and Concrete Ambitions Creative Director: Laurie Power
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EMPOWERING WOMEN THROUGH BODY BUILDING Photographer: Dean Goodwin Model: Tennille Waller H&MUA - Leigh McCarthy of Alba Artistry of Makeup Shoot Organiser: Laurie Power Words: Joanna Delalande Interview: Laurie Power 28 - VASHTI M AGAZ I NE - SP R I N G / SUM M E R 2 0 1 5
“Society needs to stop putting pressure on women to look a certain way.” In a culture where bodybuilding is stereotypically associated with males while girls are told thinner is better, women like Tenille Waller challenge those ideals. The Australian bodybuilder’s transformation began with the Michelle Bridges challenge and has since seen her place first in the IFBB O’Mara state championship short division. Passionate about health and fitness, Tenille follows a strict diet and exercise routine to keep her body in shape - which doesn’t mean she won’t indulge in a weekly cheat meal of pizza and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. What inspired you to begin bodybuilding? My inspiration came from completing the Michelle Bridges 12 week body transformation challenge, where I finished in the top 8% and lost over 12kgs. My thought process was if I can do this challenge, then I wanted to see how much further I could push my mind and my body. I heard about the body building industry and I thought this is my next logical step into transforming my life. When was your first competition? My first competition was in October 2013, where I competed in the IFBB O’Mara state championships as a bikini novice competitor and I placed 1st in the short division. Did you have a fitness-focused childhood and were you competitive as a child? From the age of five I was a competitive swimmer with the local YMCA club. I lived for athletic carnivals at school where I focused on my short and long distance running. I was always an active child and when swimming season was over I would be enrolled in jazz ballet classes. I think if I was competitive as a child it was always to better myself. Do you have any rituals that you complete before/after competitions? Before a competition I like to relax in an Epsom salt bath to relax all my muscles. My ritual after a competition is to find all the food I craved during prep for a competition and to eat it and enjoy every mouthful. How do you keep yourself motivated? My motivation comes from within myself. I am always striving to better myself and see the changes that my body has made with hard work. Its 100% mind over matter when it comes to training, as some days you just feel exhausted.
Female bodybuilding is less publicised than male bodybuilding. Why do you think this is? How can we and the sport promote it more effectively? I think male body building is more publicized as it started out being a male dominated sport. The classic body builders like Arnold Schwarzenegger for example were the ones who made the industry what it is today. They laid the foundation in this industry. Different categories have evolved which now include more females taking part in the sport. I think a lot of women are unsure of the industry as they feel that lifting weights may make them manly. Social constructs have shown us that skinny and fad diets where women starve themselves is more acceptable. I think women empowering other women is what this sport needs in order for it grow and for society to stop putting pressure on women to look a certain way. I think educating people on health and fitness and what this industry entails will be most beneficial for the sport. How many days a week do you workout? For how long do you workout? I workout usually around 6 days a week and I like to train twice a day. I try to stay within the 1-1.5 hour bracket of training but I always find myself staying at the gym for 3 hours or so. It’s my happy place. What is your favourite cardio workout? I love the stairmaster. If any cardio machine is going to get you to work up a sweat and challenge you it is that. What is your favourite muscle-building workout? I would have to say squats and deadlifts. Do you ever receive comments about your physique? The comments are mostly positive about my physique but you do get the odd person saying that you look manly or too muscly for a girl. How important is diet in the your sport? Diet is probably the most important element in this sport. Your eating plan is what can literally make or break you in this industry. Do you have any dietary changes during your preparation for competition? 16 weeks out from a competition is when the majority of people really crack down on their diets. The closer the competition comes the less calories you have and the type of food you eat is different. I find I change my diet according to how my body responds. What is your favourite snack food? I love to eat quest bars particularly an apple pie quest bar. High in protein and very tasty. What is your favourite go-to meal? Steak with my green veggies.
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MODEL WITH A CAUSE:
EMILY KATE SYMES Words: Sarah Mozley Interview: Saby Loh Photography: Hazel Suarez Clothing: Vintage or from EKOLUV As a generation raised on the knowledge and awareness of international issues like global warming, it should come as no surprise that many young people are dedicating their lives to making the world a better place. This is especially true for Emily Kate Symes, a young, passionate woman whose love for nature lead to an exciting career in fashion. She began her working life as a model, a job that allowed her to travel the globe and learn about both herself and the world around her. It didn’t take her long, however, to enter the world of eco-friendly fashion, where she realised her true passion lay. As a self-confessed thrift shopper, Emily has taken the concept of recycling and reusing, and applied it to her work. She currently operates an online eco fashion boutique called EKOLUV, and an accompanying blog. We were fortunate enough to chat with Emily about her inspirations, professional endeavours, and her advice to others just like her. How would you describe yourself? I like to think I am quite an optimistic person, a bit of a dreamer, a big foodie and animal lover. When did you start modeling and why? I started modeling years ago and I started because I wanted to travel and see the world. I was curious to learn about other cultures and wanted to challenge myself. Travel made me grow a lot as a person and to get out of my comfort zone. It has helped shape the person I am today and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to do that. It made me realise the importance of always learning and growing by opening my mind up to new experiences which I wouldn’t have been able to do If I had just stayed in my hometown.
What is a typical day in the life of Emily Kate Symes? I like to wake up and start my day with a green smoothie or coconut water. I will either head to the gym, do yoga or go for a walk along the beach before I start work. I will start working on EKOLUV my online store and my blog EKOANDLUX. This involves anything from doing a photoshoot to creating a sustainable DIY project for my blog, buying and connecting with brands for my online store or coming up with EKOLUV designs for production. In the afternoon I am generally working on film projects, I may be doing research for a documentary which I am filming about plasticity in our oceans and its damaging effects on our environment. I then might have a meeting or do a few hours of filming for this or another project I am filming. After I’d take my puppy Sooty for a walk in our local park. I will then go home and catch up on emails and start planning for my up -coming projects. To wind down and relax, I like to meditate especially when my days are hectic and I am too switched on to sleep.
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Tell us a little about what you do? I am a passionate social, environmental and animal rights activist and a member of the Fellowship 500 an initiative of the Ethical Fashion Forum, uniting 500 pioneering innovators in Fashion and Sustainability, Globally. I am currently a Nature Champion for the Places You Love Alliance for The Australian Conservation Foundation. I run an online eco fashion boutique called EKOLUV and I also run a blog called EKO&LUX where I write and post about my passion for sustainability, beauty, travel and wellness. I am a model and presenter and currently filming a few projects which are aligned towards my passion to protecting the environment and my love for animals. How and why did you get involved with eco-fashion? I have always been amazed by thrift-shops for as long as I can remember. When I was a child I remember being dazzled by all the boundless treasures I could find in there. I was always fascinated by the term ‘one’s trash another’s treasure’ and this concept has stayed with me my whole life. I love the idea of re-cycling, re-using and re-purposing existing items and to this day thrift shopping is still one of my favourite and most sustainable ways to shop. As my love for vintage and thrift shopping grew I found I became quite good at picking up quality items at a fraction of the price and therefore sparked my love affair with sustainable fashion. My journey into sustainable fashion finally took off about 5 years ago when I was modelling overseas and working in the fashion industry. Being surrounded by fashion everyday I saw a lot of waste whilst working in the industry, seeing styles go on sale quickly to be replaced by this season’s latest it dress. I realised the fashion industry is built upon planned obsolescence, I was then curious to know more so I started asking questions about where the clothes I was modelling were made and what they were made from. What inspires you to keep doing it? My love of nature and it’s beauty, seeing the destruction we as humans can have on our environment and how devastating the effects will be for us and future generations to come if we don’t act now and effect change. Seeing the growing demand for a sustainable future, it’s only inevitable that we take that direction in order to preserve and protect the places we love. My belief that “Each purchase we make or not make, in turn makes a statement and shapes the way our world operates and what we want our future to look like”. My determination for ethical and sustainable fashion as a movement to eventually become the norm. Allowing people to work a normal work week and earn a living wage which can sustain their needs. Where people making our clothes have their basic human rights met. A place where there is no child labour, no forced labour and where health and safety regulations are followed. Our relationship with fashion has changed dramatically and has a significant impact on people and the environment and we need to act now.
Tell us about the things you do with Opportunity International and the National Nature Conversation. Since EKOLUV is driven by an authentic commitment to social justice and environmental responsibility, “We strive to encourage the use of organisations that aid in the development of people all over the world to create opportunity for themselves, thus creating better lives for themselves and their families”. We donate 5% of every ONLINE sale to our chosen charity organisation Opportunity International Australia. Opportunity International Australia provides people living in poverty with the opportunity to transform their lives. Offering a hand up rather than a hand-out, we use a sustainable approach to solve poverty – empowering families through community development programs and loans as small as $100 to help them grow their own small business. These services mean that families no longer have to struggle to afford food, water, healthcare and an education for their children. Our desire is to see families break free from poverty – for good. For more information you can visit their website at www.opportunity.org.au/ The National Nature Conversation was created by The Places You Love Alliance under the Australian Conservation Foundation. Australia’s biggest ever allianceof environment groups, protecting the laws that protect the placesyoulove. Being one of their chosen ‘Nature Champions’ I am able to help spread awareness of the importance of protecting our environment and the places we love. What are your other interests? I love traveling, going to the beach, running, walking my dog in Centennial Park in Sydney, yoga, meditation and reading. What advice would you impart to the young people out there? My advice would be to fight for what you value and believe in. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn as much as you can about the impact that your choices and actions may have on the environment. Knowledge is key and the more awareness you have of your own contribution you make on the world the more understanding you will have about the world around you and how deeply and fundamentally connected you are. I encourage young people out there to “Be the change you wish to see in the world” This quote is important to me as it reminds me that change lies within that If I want to change or transform the world around me I have to start with myself first. The genesis for change is awareness. We cannot change what we don’t acknowledge. Most of the time, we aren’t aware of what’s wrong or what’s not working. We don’t see what could be. By becoming more aware, we begin the process of change.
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THE PLIGHT OF THE ANGORA RABBIT by Tamara Carr
A large ball of fluff, typically white in colour, hops along the domestic grasses of Europe and America. Comparable to an overgrown sheep, the Angora rabbit is coveted for its thick fleece, a material resource woven into clothes and stocked onto the shelves of famous fashion retailers. In an age that decries cruelty to animals, an investigation into the harvesting of Angora fur was inevitable, with findings irrefutably horrific, but sadly not at all surprising. China, a country not known for its glowing record of humane animal treatment, monopolises the Angora fur industry with a whopping 90% share in the global market. This economic powerhouse is not largely concerned with animal welfare and criminal penalties for abuse are virtually non-existent. As such, Chinese fur farms are free to use both painful and primitive methods to extract hair from the animals. The Angora rabbit screams as an unknown factory worker grips a chunk of its fur and viciously rips the hair from its skin. The mammal struggles against the torture but its legs are bound. The fur is repeatedly ripped from the rabbit until the pink skin burns red. Another factory worker suspends a rabbit from the ceiling while he attempts to shear off its fur. The frightened rabbit is cut by the persistent worker as it attempts to get away. This footage was captured by animal rights activist group PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) who are leading one of the many online campaigns to ban the sale of Angora products. Spanish fashion giant Inditex, the parent company of Zara, pulled the wool from the shelves of over six thousand stores after threats of boycott from activists. This move has been matched by a long list of internationally famous brands that are reciprocating the concerns of the consumer. PETA has reported that Adidas, Calvin Klein, Forever 21, H&M, The Just Group, Quiksilver, Target and
Topshop Topman are among the retailers which have ended sale of the product. In Australia, women’s fashion store Sportsgirl has also pledged to stop selling Angora clothing after receiving a barrage of consumer complaints on Facebook. Chinese fur farms will not modify their practices on a whim. Animal welfare standards for imports of by-products remain weak and the Chinese industry revolves around the quickest, easiest and cheapest means of production. This approach often pays little mind to animal treatment. Many governments have also been reluctant to offer cultural criticisms on the way certain other countries treat animals. In 2011 the Australian government, acting under a pile of public pressure, suspended live exports of cattle to Indonesia. This response came after disturbing footage of cattle being sledge hammered to death surfaced through a Four Corners investigation. Animals Australia have also produced footage which demonstrates cruelty to exported sheep and cattle in locations including Israel, Malaysia, Jordan and Lebanon. The Angora rabbit is one of the oldest domestic breeds in the world, originating in the Turkish capital. It was the pet of choice for the French aristocracy mid-eighteen century, loved for its body of fur which is even finer than cashmere. Today, such rabbits are kept in small, dirty cages where they are held for three months at a time until they are released, only to be tied up and shredded. When the factory workers see no use for the rabbit anymore, its throat is slit. Activists seek to expand the list of stores that have removed products made as a result of the cruel torture of Angora rabbits, with a hope that a decline in demand will ultimately lead to a decline in inhumane fur farms.
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TOXIC FASHION by Sophia Joyce
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Have you ever wondered what goes into making your favourite clothes? There is actually a lengthy list of environmental problems associated with clothing production, and there are no environmental health and safety laws that apply to stop this. The fashion industry is well known and loved for its style and creativity that can reflect cultural and personal values. However, according to Greenpeace, fashion manufacturing is one of the largest pollutants in the world leading to serious damage to humans, animals and the environment. Environmental damage occurs throughout the clothing production process, even after it’s hanging in your closet. Greenpeace says the toxic process starts with the large amounts of water used in cotton growing, factories, the chemicals that create synthetic fibers and dyes, greenhouse gases, poor disposal of textile waste and consumer use. The majority of water consumption used to make your favourite clothing goes to the cotton farming process. WWF says this thirsty plant takes around 20,000 litres of water to create 1kg of cotton, so one cotton shirt will use approximately 2,700 litres of water. The process of dying clothes is also a high water waster, with around 600 litres of water required to dye 1kg of fabric. The water used in the production of clothes is usually mixed with chemicals to give colours, antibacterial properties, or biocides to fight mould and insects. These chemicals are toxic and stick to the clothes long after washing and they have been found to cause allergies, skin irritations and cancer. Our earth only has around 0.01% of readily accessible fresh water for human consumption, and according to the Water Footprint Network Organisation 14.4% of that goes to growing and manufacturing in the fashion industry. An estimated 17-20% of industrial water pollution comes from the textile industry alone. The World Health Organisation says one in nine people do not have access to clean fresh water, so should we be using this much water just to clothe ourselves? Today’s textile industry is also one of the biggest sources of greenhouse gasses due to the huge scope of the industry. Everyone needs to wear clothes right? Based on the Energy Information Administration the estimated electricity use per year is 1,074 billion KWh per 60 billion kilograms of fabric. This means fashion needs around 18KWh of power to 1kg of fabric.
And if our environment couldn’t take much more negative human impact, poor waste disposal results in the dumping of wastewater that contains toxic chemicals into our waterways, rivers and lakes. Releasing these hazardous chemicals into the environment causes harmful hormone disruptions, cancer causing effects, mutations and poses risks to the environment. Factories should dispose of waste through proper channels designed to eliminate bad chemicals. Unknowing consumers like yourself also continue this cycle of pollution by washing your brand new clothing and releasing the waste into domestic waterways. Have you ever wondered why some clothes recommend that you wash before wearing? This is to limit personal touch with potential cancer and allergy causing chemicals. You may be thinking ‘why don’t water treatment plants deal with the chemicals after being washed?’ Greenpeace says these plants are actually not designed to break down these chemicals; they essentially speed up the process of becoming more harmful to the environment. The only way to avoid washing the chemicals into our water supply is for textile industries to adopt waterless dying or use natural dyes such as indigo, cut, weld, madder or cochineal. But despite all of these environmental problems, you can help by going alongside fashion designers, models and bloggers and joining Greenpeace’s ‘Detox Challenge’. This campaign started in 2011 and its aim is to help expose the direct links between global clothing brands and toxic pollution. Brands such as Nike, Zara, Victoria’s Secret, Levi’s, Valentino and Burberry have made public commitments to create plans to eliminate toxic chemicals used in their clothing manufacturing and providing transparency around releasing harmful chemicals into our waterways. If you want to do more, you can choose to buy second-hand clothes, find eco-friendly certified clothing, brands that use recycled fabrics or natural dyes, or you can organise clothing swaps. Have you ever coveted your friend’s dress? Why not trade the clothes you don’t want anymore to someone who does.
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SHEER TOP AND SKIRT BY SHOPGOH NECKLACE BY TOM BINNS BAG BY MM6 BY MAISON MARGIELA
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WHAT’S THE GOH WITH ANDREA GOH? Words: Kate Oatley Interview: Laurie Power Photographer: Heidy Saeran
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UNYA WATANABE FAUX LEATHER JACKET ISSEY MIYAKE PLEATS PLEASE DRESS VIVIENNE WESTWOOD X MELISSA SHOES
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HAT BY COMME DES GARCONS TOP BY ISSEY MIYAKE PLEATS PLEASE JUMPSUIT BY ZAMBESI
JACKET BY COMME DES GARCONS TRICOT T-SHIRT BY AMERICAN APPAREL
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After begging her parents for colourful, shiny hair accessories at the age of five, twenty-eight year old blogger and online storeowner Andrea Goh, showcases a unique brand of fashion. Goh’s individual style is showcased on her fashion blog What’s The Goh and online fashion store ShopGoh, which features a diverse, eclectic, and affordable selection of internationally sourced clothing, with vintage designer pieces soon to come. Goh made her blogging debut in April 2013 when she launched What’s The Goh, a fashion blog that explores and champions individualist designers. It features everything from the feminine, classic designs of Phuong My, to the eccentric, layered and vivid work of Akira. Although Goh’s own blog is unique in the blogosphere, primarily due to the commitment it lacks to any one style, she believes that every fashion blog is important. “Every blog has a different voice, so it gives the community various sources of inspiration to draw upon”. Goh looks to her own favourites to maintain inspiration, which include Style Bubble and Stop It Right Now. The road to success has not always been smooth. Maintaining the constant standard of inspiration is difficult because, “often I am more inspired some weeks than I am others”. In response to the criticism that fashion blogs promote narcissism, Goh comments, “I’ve only ever wanted my blog to be about fashion and clothes, but I was worried about being viewed as a narcissist. I’m over that anxiety now, because, unfortunately, there will always be people who have a negative viewpoint … Who’s to say that someone’s Tumblr blog… isn’t a fashion blog? That’s just their interpretation.” We could not agree more.
Inspired by her blog’s success, Goh recently embarked on an “exciting and nerve racking experience”, opening her online store ShopGoh. “I love styling and I also love finding cool pieces for my friends and family, so starting ShopGoh was an excellent way to pair the two.” The store takes a similar tack to What’s The Goh, showcasing pieces that scream individualism, in a range that includes casual shorts, evening dresses, and everything in-between. The simple yet unique designs are perfect for adapting and suit changing styles. “I don’t believe in trends, so I’ve tried to find a diverse range of affordable, high quality pieces that you can wear for more than one season.” Whether your style fits the high street, the catwalk, or the backyard, ShopGoh has something to suit everybody. The passion and value Goh holds for fashion is both undeniable and infectious. It has inspired thousands of people across a multitude of online platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. “Fashion is a form of self-expression – it gives insight into one’s personality. Everyone has a particular outfit or piece that make them feel amazing – there’s something very special about fashion’s ability to change your mood!” As her store demonstrates, feeling amazing in fashion that “best expresses you” does not require high-end, overpriced fashion; a few decent staples go a long way. Goh’s key pieces include a black pleated high waist skirt, a crisp white shirt, black lace-up shoes and a classic black bag. So what’s next? Aside from her hobby of “world domination”, Goh hopes to “keep celebrating the abundance of creativity in the world by producing interesting, inspiring content for [her] readers.” Keep it coming, Goh!
Goh’s recent nomination for the ENEX100 Best Blogger Award proves that fashion blogging is no small deal. For Goh, “it’s a really wonderful feeling when people tell you they love what you do, because they’re essentially saying they love your aesthetic and your thoughts.”
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MALEFICENT by Alice Chapman
Photographer: Alice Chapman HMUA: Bronwyn Gillespie Stylist: Zoe Fraussen Creative Director: Laurie Power Model: Jasmine Ng
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THE HEALTHY
ALTERNATIVE
Words: Alfred Ashby Nettle Raw Photography: Nicole White 50 - VASHTI M AGAZ I NE - SP R I N G / SUM M E R 2 0 1 5
Something Raw Photography: Kerry Perz Frustration at finding good vegan food, and endless irritation at being offered the single, less-than-mediocre vegan option in mainstream cafes, lead to the opening of Nettle Raw, a raw café in West Croyden, Adelaide. “I’ve been interested in health and nutrition for 20 plus years now, and I’ve been a long-term vegan and vegetarian,” the owner of Nettle Raw told us. The distinct lack of variety for vegans, in supposedly modern cities, is astounding. Nettle Raw started as a market stall and grew exponentially from there. The owner began running three to five day detoxes and raw degustation dinners once a month. As these grew in popularity, working in a small domestic kitchen was no longer feasible, and they were forced to hire a venue for their dinner service. Nettle Raw is still the only all-vegan café located in Adelaide. The recent popularisation of veganism in media, on blogs, and on other social media, has lead to an influx of born-again dieters. People of all ages have realised the health benefits of this lifestyle and this, in turn, has lead to an enormous growth in public nutritional knowledge, previously reserved for nutritionists and experts. When we asked Kerry Perz, the owner of Mandurah’s newest raw café Something Raw, what she thought the appeal of raw and vegan food was, she proposed that it’s the natural properties of the food that appeals to such a wide range of people. “Foods prepared under 45 degrees retain their nutritional properties and are not destroyed by the high heat that food is typically cooked at. The food can be tastier and is much healthier.” It’s this verifiable nutritional value that has ensured that veganism’s growing popularity amongst the general masses has stuck as a profitable lifestyle choice, instead of a kooky quirk. When we asked the same question to the owner of Nettle Raw, they said that, “… people are slowly becoming more aware of what they want to put into their bodies and are thinking more about their overall health. Also some people may be allergic
or sensitive to certain foods, and are trying to conquer that by eliminating particular mainstream options.” It’s certainly true that people who’ve maintained raw diets can physically see the positive changes in their body. Two more benefits of this wonderful lifestyle are sustainability and community. When eating raw, it’s both easy and financially advisable to buy from local producers. This ensures the money goes to the people who deserve it most: those who grow the produce. Kerry Perz sources her fruits and veggies from local, organic farmers and organic wholesalers who source their products both locally and interstate. She explains that she only sources international super foods which are not readily grown or produced in Australia. The owner of Nettle Raw uses a similar process for fruits, vegetables and dry foods, but, additionally, for tea. Their tea is sourced from local Adelaide business The Tea Catcher. This lifestyle breeds a great feel of community, particularly for business owners, whose numbers will surely grow in the coming years. Not only do local farmers and producers get what they need, local businesses are able to thrive off pride and a lack of import costs, and locals eat the food grown in their own backyard! So, with this ever increasing rate of popularity for vegan, raw and green eating, who knows where these businesses will end up next. Will more and more people realise the outstanding health benefits of natural eating? Will die-hard meat lovers put down their steak knives and pick up a BLT served with coconut bacon on raw sunflower bread? (Check out Nettle Raw for that tasty treat!) We certainly think highly of these spectacular businesses, unafraid to follow their dreams and help their local areas eat raw and eat right!
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VASHTI MEETS LONDON Model: Michael C George Clothing: Percival Stylist: Cat Bramley Photographer: Tuva of Serosa Photography H&MUA: Kelly Grimes Editor of Photos: Benjamin Colman
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WHO IS
JESS HAYLEY? Words: Alfred Ashby Interview: Saby Loh Instagram: @jessie_haley_illustrated
“The power of creativity can be consuming and therapeutic.”
Jessie Haley, a fashion illustrator from Bathurst, NSW, recalls her life, career and inspirations. She found her passion at age eight while pausing an old VHS copy of Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom, to draw the “effortlessly represented” characters on screen. 22 years later, after moving back to her hometown, opening a holistic therapy clinic and having her first child, Jess has finally found the time to reignite her passion.
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After a fast-paced career working on the set of Neighbours, and on other Victorian television productions, Jessie has used her extensive artistic knowledge and creative vision to allow her avidity in fashion illustration to take off. Additionally, Jessie also works with clients in both product illustration and food photography. This entrepreneurial spirit and determination sets her apart from others in her field. Jessie was kind enough to sit down and chat with us about her process and what inspires her creatively. Where do you draw your inspiration? If I see an image that captures my heart and soul I have to paint it. The colours, textures and fabrics usually consume me day and night, until I sit down and paint it. I owe a lot of my recent inspiration to Byron Bay designers, Spell & The Gypsy Collective, and their colourful Instagram portfolio! What is your favourite part of being an illustrator? Being an illustrator lends itself to working from my favourite cafe or on the road. For me it is a life of freedom that coexists in collaboration with some very talented stylists, designers and photographers. The solitude can be very nourishing. I could go for days, forgetting to eat, drink and sleep. The power of creativity can be all consuming and therapeutic. What makes you unique from other artists? My illustrative technique is quite diverse. From working in oil paint to watercolour to even painting with makeup! The possibilities are endless. I also try and stay away from the polished look; keeping my work not only colourful, but raw, gritty and imperfect…I feel this technique injects a playful and honest element, connecting my audience to what is human and real. What is your process? How does your art come about? With a visual in front of me, either from my client brief or of a personal project, I take my ideas from Instagram or a good magazine. I start with a quick sketch. I often hurry the drawing process before the ‘creative moment’ escapes me. The rest takes an unguided path. The beauty of working in watercolours means that the illustration paints itself. The water can take on its own path, which is unexpected and yet magical. I add my final touches in white gouache, which gives the piece a pop of light and texture.
living the jet set life! I kept my interpretation minimal and gave stage to the detail in the shorties. I loved how charcoal pencil work and a few specs of white gouache effortlessly picked up the illusion of intricate lace work. What advice do you have for aspiring artists? Don’t mistake your passion for what you think should feel like ongoing excitement. There will be good days and bad days. Keep going. You know in your heart it’s what you want to do. What techniques did you experiment with? I have worked as a botanical illustrator, so merging floral prints into my subject matter in fashion is a rewarding process for me. I love following the seasonal trends and how colour and texture play an important role in that interpretation. Have you faced any struggles as an artist? I still struggle to remember the mantra that less is more. There is such elegance in simplicity and it can be hard to put the paintbrush down! Have you always been interested in art and why do you specialise in fashion illustration? I have always been a visual person. As a teenager I started painting in oils, experimenting with portraits and realism. A few years ago, when I began to explore watercolour I noticed that the trend in fashion illustration was re-emerging once again from its roots. Illustration was a popular art form before Vogue introduced photography in the 1930s. I chose to jump on the ride as it made its vigorous come back! Unlike working in oil paint, watercolour (being fashion friendly) dries in a few minutes. I felt I could work quickly and efficiently in an industry that has tight deadlines. Why do you think art plays an important role in society? In what is the fast pace of the fashion Industry, illustration can keep both its audience and the illustrators incredibly grounded and focused on that one moment! A snapshot in time, before the next trend recycles. Art has the ability to capture the senses and embody global trends on a subjective level.
Which is your favourite piece of work and what is the story behind it? My favourite piece is an image inspired from Spell & the Gypsy Collective. The world went crazy over their Fleetwood Shorties in Vintage Lace; the perfect accessory for anyone
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RAW BY BRONWYN Words: Jess Antonia Lydia O’Brien Interview: Laurie Power HMUA: Bronwyn Gillespie Model: Olivia Patmore, Imogen Whitton & Mercedes Roberts Photographers: Dan Grant & Alice Chapman
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Not knowing where you’re heading in life isn’t always a bad thing. This uncertainty ended up positively for Bronwyn Gillespie, who changed paths to become a make-up artist and hair-stylist. Once she discovered her desire to be part of the beauty industry, she went on to train at the Perth College of Beauty Therapy and the USA Empire Academy in California. Following her educational pursuits, she went on to work at Perth Fashion Week and for Feroze Magazine. We recently had the chance to speak to Bronwyn, and discover how difficult it was breaking into this dynamic industry. Following her fascination with make-up at the age of 16, Bronwyn Gillespie broke her way into the beauty industry as a make-up artist, using strong determination, passion and perseverance. “It was eyeliner and the achievement of making a perfectly straight line that fascinated me most. I wore it everywhere,” she told us during our interview. Makeup tends to provoke a lot of different reactions within our society - nearly everybody holds an opinion. Bronwyn’s inspiring story however, depicts make-up as an art form. It takes patience, hard work, a creative eye and a steady hand. Like many young people, Bronwyn’s certainty about where she was heading was shaken at university, while undertaking a degree in psychology. Realising that it wasn’t her heart’s desire, she made the bold decision to leave and follow her passion. It was then she made the courageous call to her parents, and informed them of her desire to journey into make-up artistry. Bronwyn’s family voiced initial concern over whether she could make a profitable living in the business. Bronwyn reassured us, “They love me and their concerns were fair, but I showed them that there is so much that a make-up artist can achieve. As for my friends, well, they all lined up to be “models”.” Becoming a make-up artist is not nearly as easy as it sounds. Yes, a lot of women wear make-up daily, so the practice is easy to come by. However, polishing up different techniques can be just as tricky as any other artistry. Knowing how to correctly apply foundation, blend out concealer, and bronze, are just a few things needed to create a flawless face! When she began, Bronwyn took a big dive into the deep end. With no initial training, she decided to call well-known Perth artists, in the hopes they would take her on as an assistant. It was a bold move, as many attend training academies before trying for jobs. Due to passion and strong determination, Bronwyn succeeded. She then went on to do a short course in make-up basics and secured a job for a cosmetic brand at Myer soon after.
2015 saw the beginning of Bronwyn’s make-up and hairstyling agency, BG Creatives, which now holds over 1000 likes on Facebook. When asked about future business growth she said, “I’d like the agency to build enough to support a handful of extremely talented artists, here in Perth and then nationally. It won’t be an overnight success but I’m looking forward to the journey.” The business has already had a steady start and is progressing consistently with a number of artists already subcontracted. Bronwyn’s achievements prove that dreams can become reality through hard work and enthusiasm. She also explains that part of the initial journey involves making mistakes. “I spent the best part of my starter years learning from trial and error. I read, followed and learnt from other artists, many of whom I still follow to this day.” Even without a mentor at the start of her career, Bronwyn and her business remain reputable. All the girly readers are probably begging the question - “What’s her secret?” or “What brands does she use?” Bronwyn notes that she uses products that work and suit the desired outcome. Some brands will work well for one feature, whereas different products might work well for others. Bronwyn says she ultimately prefers making someone look natural and demonstrating “clean beauty”. “To me, it is the ultimate test of art: to create the perfect look whilst enhancing features, or reducing blemishes without a single trace of visible make-up on the skin. It’s perfection at its best.” Although, when given the option, Bronwyn says she loves creating daring works of art as well! Like most people, Bronwyn feels she has not quite reached her final destination just yet. In the future, she’d love to work the runways of Paris Fashion Week, colouring and contouring the faces of top models. To see more of Bronwyn’s work, check out her Facebook page BG Creatives. Who knows, it might inspire you to break into the beauty industry yourself!
Bronwyn Gillespie
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