ROBERT MARS "PAST IS PRESENT" ART EXHIBIT
the true definition of the word
QUEENING
ART BASEL A GLIMPSE IN THE FUTURE OF ART
a i r a s i k a M z t e t i V EXPRESSIVE
A WINTER FAIRY LAND FOR
FASHION
POETRY
A LOOK THROUGH SICKLE CELL ANEMIA BY KIMBERLY CHARLES
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Editor's Letter
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The WINTER FASHION AND ART issue
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OMG We’ve made it to #30!!! Can you believe that I’m lost for words? As we begin our fourth year of existence I can honestly say that these trials and tribulations were well worth it. I can still remember the time where it was a challenge just to reach new contributors, but now we are blessed to have a team of contributors who lovingly donate their work to the magazine from all over the world. This time around we are blessed to feature Robert Mars, an abstract artist highlighted by our writer Laura. Through his art we are brought back to the days of playing outside when phones weren’t even a factor. ART Basel was a blast , we’ve discovered that art is what you make it and how simple every day objects when recreated with the right material can be come works of art. New York showed up and showed out this time around, first and foremost our cover was graced by Miss New York USA contender Maria Vitetzakis, where she shares her passion with all of us and redefines what Queening really means. The fashion world brought out the best of creatives in New York. Emerging designers showcased true talent through their colorful designs. Thank you for making it to #30 with us. As always we would not be where we are without our contributors, so Just to make sure that you know who they are visit our contributors page to know their names. Enjoy our latest work!
CORHINN BRUNOT Founder and Editor in Chief Follow us on IG @creativmag
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CONTRIBUTORS Toni Douglas
Known by most as "Toni". For eleven years, Toni served her community as a high school English teacher and an Instructional Reading Coach for Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Currently, Toni is in pursuit of publishing her first book, Controlling Your Crazy While Dating Your Non-Existent Boyfriend. In her spare time, Toni enjoys shopping, traveling and writing. In addition to writing for CREATIV magazine, she serves as the blogger for The Millionheiress Club and Keva J Swimwear. One day, Toni aspires to be an esteemed author and public speaker. For the mini bio on the article: Toni is in pursuit of publishing her first book, Controlling Your Crazy While Dating Your Non-Existent Boyfriend.
Victoria Mccoy
Yvonne NOBLES
Yvonne Nobles is the founder of Climb42. Along with her husband Louis Nobles, with whom she shared her first kiss nearly 35 years ago, this dynamic duo shine as life coaches, lyricists and motivational speakers. To discover the key to unlocking your greatness, follow them on Instagram and visit them online at climb42.com.
Victoria McCoy writer of the SistaMIA Blog and Host of the Social Sista Podcast is the multimedia journalist who strives to creative positive media platforms within her community. The ultimate goal is to connect black creatives to support, aid, and promote the advancement of the urban black community. www.sistamia305.com
Laura shirk Laura is a Toronto-based lifestyle writer known for profiling international artists and retail marketing campaigns. When she's not pretending to know lyrics or dancing in public, she likes to hit the gym, (over)eat and spend time with family and friends. Connect with her on Instagram: @elleeshirk
Would you like to be a contributor?
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COVER STORY: Model and Pageant contender Maria Vitetzakis
JAN-FEB 2019
COVER CREDITS: Subject: Maria Vitetzakis Photography by : Mike Walker Assisting Photography : Mark Key Hair Stylist : Louie Takakhashi Makeup Artist: Sol Malken Behind the scenes videography: Mark Taylor Location: Universe City NYC 10 | CREATIV | Jan - Feb 2019 | www.creativmag.com
IN THIS ISSUE
POP UP ARTs Up Photography 16 Pop Photo by Karl M. Lee Up Art 20 Pop Visual Artist WHUT
FEATURED STORIES Spotlight 24 Artist Robert Mart "Past is Present"
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by Laura Shirk Visual Art ART BASEL "A glimpse into the future of art" Artist Spotlight Tony Visions The artistic expression of David Woods
COVER STORY
24
VITETZAKIS 46 MARIA "Queening" giving a whole
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new definition to the word.
special FEATURE is an art 64 Pageantry Tina Humphrey becomes Miss
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Florida Special Events Fashion showcase by Papillon Dezign; L'Antonio Resort Wear; Eva Prokai; Tristan F. Licud
Feature 86 Special A look at Sickle Cell Anemia through poetry by Kimberly Charles
WRITER S CORNER
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Love 88 Self “On Your Marks, Get Set, Go!” by
90 92 94
Yvonne Nobles Love and Relationships Stop Waiting for Your Prince Charming to Knock on Your Front Door…He’s Driving By! by Toni Douglas Hot Topic The Time is Always Now by Victoria McCoy Traveling in style Visiting Tossa de Mar with Eduardo Agudelo
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THERE ISAWORLD WHEREALL LOCTICIANS UNITE.
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Editorial Director
Corhinn Brunot
ARTICLES CONTRIBUTORS Toni Douglas Yvonne Nobles Victoria McCoy Laura Shirk
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PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTION Dennis Madigan Karl M. Lee Mike Walker
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Finally, weight loss advice that really works! Louis shares the insights that made his health journey a success, with 70 lbs gone and still counting.
Learn why the industry norms don't always work. If you're tired of having limited results with all you've tried, this book will change EVERYTHING in as little as 7 days. Whether you're looking to safely drop pounds for that special event or make a permanent lifestyle improvement, hurry and get your copy at Amazon (link: http://amzn.to/2CWX4vz). Are you tired of busting your tail in the gym and starving yourself only to end up with little to no results? Have you been wondering if this is just the way it's always going to be? Is there any hope for you? Why can't you just lose the weight? If this describes you, then this book will change EVERYTHING. This information is the key to your getting fast results, to you losing that stubborn belly fat and those eternal love handles and getting in shape without starving yourself and spending ridiculous amounts of time in the gym. In this book you'll learn why the industry norm does not work; you'll be educated on how you should eat and the reasons why you haven't been able to lose the weight yet. You'll learn not only how to lose the weight, but to keep it off because knowledge is power. And this book will get you motivated to burn fat at a rapid pace and kiss it goodbye forever. Louis W. Nobles, Jr. is the co-founder of Climb42. Along with his wife Yvonne Nobles, with whom he first shared true love's kiss nearly 35 years ago, this dynamic duo shine as life coaches, lyricists and motivational speakers. To discover the key to unlocking your greatness, follow them on Instagram and visit them online at climb42.com. With a focus on helping others shatter glass ceilings - both societal and self-imposed - they work tirelessly to propel the masses to reach new heights. Call 561.914.1233 or 803.979.5865 to schedule your next transformative speaking or coaching event.
Pop-up Photography | Karl M. Lee
IS IN THE EYE OF THE BE HOLDER
BEAUTY
Photographer: Karl M . Lee Model: Brietta Wilson Makeup Artist: Corrine Morgan
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Pop-Up Art | WHUT
A collaboration art piece with local shaper Carlos Reyes . This 5’3� Fast & Loose model fish with glass-on fins, stickered up from nose to tail, then we covered in shiny epoxy resin to preserve the stickers. With over 1000+ hard to find stickers that had been collected over the last 10 years from some of the best street artists in the world. You can wax it up and surf this if you wanted to, but this is a true wall hanger surfboard with a huge back story to every sticker used.
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WHUT (BM) Born 1977 and raised in Miami Fl, Grabbing Inspiration from Miami & NYC graffiti, books like Subway Art, Spray Can Art and the 80's era. His body of work includes a mixed media style that uses , stickers, collages ,tags and stencils that appeal to a large audience and are displayed both locally and globally in the streets‌ A very original unique style in its own!
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Featured Stories | Robert Mars
Robert Mars Popping with Imperfection, Robert Mars Sends the Message:
Past is Present
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Growing up in the mid-1980s, with street light rules and roller rink parties, Robert Mars spent most of his time skateboarding. Three decades later, the subculture is now a sport. Set to make its debut appearance at the Summer Olympics in 2020, skateboarding has evolved into a more respected scene. While the standard apparel has transitioned from graphic tees to street wear, with continued adding of art to boards and associating of punk bands to flips and tricks, the contemporary pop artist believes that a parallel exists between skateboarding and creating art. Inspired by the subculture early on, he began designing t-shirt graphics, which led to a career in the apparel industry. In 2009, as creative director of Zoo York, Mars participated in trend-based research and studied the types of creative and retail marketing that positively translated for the brand. Taking away these lessons, he went on to achieve worldwide success and global brand partnerships as an artist.
Photography by Molly Quan
Gravitating to the Golden Age of American pop culture and iconography: the fashion, the architecture, the car design, the faces and figures, the advertising of the time, Mars has curated an extensive collection of original source material that he believes reflects upon the era, but is still relevant today. “In my studio, I am immersed in bits and pieces of history, which subliminally informs my work as I am creating it and helps me draw influence to create my work in a unique and organic way,” says Mars. Expressing the overarching message: The Past is Present, the artist comments that no matter how far we want to get from the past it’s always present in our daily life. Pairing a central concept and a complementary subtext, more than evoking a sense of nostalgia, he presents a contemporary view of the past. “My work speaks through a highly curated looking glass into a period of history that has profound impact on culture today. This is where I get the phrase: the past is present,” he adds.
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Shine on Crazy Diamond
Blending the flawed and the flawless: fragments of aged and discolored magazine and newspaper clippings and the famed untouchables of the time: Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and others, no piece is perfect. Colorful, vibrant and loud, his collage art inserts a sense of realism into a time period that favored pretty, polished and perfection. The slight imperfections in his work are intentional and serve as a reminder that we need to be human. When it comes to the (luxury) brands that appear in his work, it’s not about the product, it’s about the lifestyle surrounding the product. Whether returning to the smell of spraying Chanel No. 5 or the sound of opening a Coca-Cola bottle, Mars provides his viewers with a multi-sensory experience across a range of mediums. The artist wants his audience to look at his body of work and think: these people, these moments – they’re not old, but rather alive.
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Featured Stories | Robert Mars Replacing road trips and thrift store visits with eBay searches and online purchases, Mars is constantly adding to his well-categorized collection. With multiple pieces on the go, he’s typically immersed in multiple processes at the same time. Using original source material to create a base layer, the foundation serves as a time capsule from the ‘50s, ’60s and ‘70s. Flipping through old copies of The Wall Street Journal, Look Magazine, Life Magazine and Time Magazine, he takes time to read the articles and learn something new. Following the base layer, the artist applies a second layer to create the pattern (made from vintage papers and wallpapers; raw or painted) and a third layer to showcase the main icon. Primarily influenced by Pop Art masters such as Andy Warhol and Robert Rauschenberg, Mars has developed a signature style that is recognizable among art lovers. Examining the culture of celebrity and the power of iconic branding, his multiple process artworks bring to life pieces of history to spark conversation about history.
Mesmerized As the subject of his work flipped from being a symbol of hope to a symbol of despair, he wiped the canvas clean, purchased new paint and expanded his color palette to include Tiffany blue and hot pink. Finally, five years ago, Mars decided to focus on artistic reflection and his desire to approach traditionalism from another angle. Influenced by his wife’s involvement with a modern quilt guild, he began utilizing patterns and compositions from folk art and contemporary American quilt makers. Delving deeper into American culture, he expanded his creative journey and differentiated himself from other artists in the field. “Mars is credited as being the first to incorporate quilt patterns and a folk art sensibility into a pop art aesthetic creating his own genre of folk laced pop,” reads his website.
New West Motel Throughout his prolonged career, Mars has experienced several defining moments that led to him exploring the mid-century modern movement. Re-appearing today as cyclical themes and trends, we continue to want to feel it, live it and emulate it. In 1990, the artist visited an exhibition at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), “High & Low: Modern Art and Popular Culture,” which featured art by Robert Rauschenberg. He realized that anything can be transformed into art. “What are you accepting into your field of view? Take it, flip it and re-enter it into the world as art,” shares Mars. Fast forward nearly two decades later, with the collapse of the U.S. housing market, he was reminded of this notion. At that time, the mixed media artist had been traveling around small towns in the Southwest taking pictures and creating nontraditional American landscapes. With Lightning in Your Hands 26 | CREATIV | Jan - Feb 2019 | www.creativmag.com
Mountains Still Asleep Planning to transition from the fashion world to the literary world, Mars is looking to incorporate first edition books into his collection. Currently living in Redding, CT, the death place of Mark Twain, he’s interested in portraying the intellectualization of the hometown hero and other literary icons. Likely to come: additions to his long list of brand partnerships including Coca-Cola, Neiman Marcus and the New York Mets. In many cases, having the opportunity to connect and collaborate is about finding a fit, finding the balance between an individual brand identity and a shared vision. This is something that Mars continues to find, over and over again. .
No Quitter Tomorrow's Dream
written by
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Controlling Your Crazy While Dating Your Non-Existent Boyfriend, discusses these everyday truths that women face. Although I’m here to be as authentic as possible in my writing, my book and blog aren’t about my life.
WWW.CONTROLLINGYOURCRAZY.COM
Featured Stories | ART BASEL
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ART BASEL A glimpse IN THE FUTURE OF ART
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Featured Stories | ART BASEL
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Featured Stories | ART BASEL
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E E R F EX O I S S
EXPRE N O W E L O V E A R T I S T I C F R E E D O M
Featured Stories | Ashleigh Hue
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Featured Stories | Tony Visions
TONY VISIONS The name says it all, an artistic visionary who happens to be multitalented
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From time to time there is always an artist that we feature that tend to wow us. David Woods is definitely one of them. We’ve dubbed him a visionary for his art contains versatility, uniqueness and edge. His brand Tony Visions has graced many runways in South Florida but also has gotten accolade nationally.
Over 90% of garments are handmade and altered for one specific owner. We strive to keep fashion exclusive, undefined and ever-changing. Through fashion we bridge gaps and break barriers. New trends for new days and quality threads that never fade. The goal is to keep fashion exclusive, undefined and ever-changing. "
In his own words : “Tony Visions is a brand with its sights on empowerment. From runways to trenches the Tony Visions state of mind builds paths for individuals to embrace and excel in their arts.
We couldn’t describe it better. David having to be a RAW artist, has exhibited locally. The following is a conversation with David as we get to know his thoughts behind his art.
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Models | Arlette Jerez and Stephany Passos Photography | Joe Santos www.creativmag.com www.creativmag.com| Nov | Jan-- Dec Feb 2018 2019 | | CREATIV CREATIV | | 29 45
Featured Stories | Tony Visions What sparked the design talent in you? When did you first know that you wanted to be a fashion designer? Ive always had nitch for fashion. About 5 years ago the corporate company I was working for laid off a few departments. A close friend was beginning a clothing brand and the moment I got laid off I made a call and dove in 50/50. That's when I saw the manufacturing side of a clothing brand and saw that I could make a piece with my own hands. I began to drift towards creating exclusive handmade pieces as a form of art as opposed to mass producing trending styles. After two years of teaching myself to sew everyday I decided to start having all these designs hit the runways and present them as an independent fashion designer. Most of your pieces are geared towards the youth of today with a hint of futuristic ideals, is that how you envision the future to be? I try to push for a constant balance in everything. The youth are the future. I present the future in a modern day way. Even older traditional or royal looks that have created paths for our future. That’s the beauty in having detailed pieces. There is plenty of styles to choose and they can fit whatever look your going for. You say that your garments are tailored exclusively for the client? Therefore, would you say that no 2 pieces are alike? If so how do you plan to cater to our ever growing future generations My handmade garments hold about 80% of my inventory and are all one of ones in which no two garments are exact. I do constantly release tee shirts and jerseys for everyday wear that keeps an army of visionaries building and moving. My handmade garments will always be available and creating new trends into fashion and statement pieces that are influenced by our everyday worlds. Are you worried that your garments will not withstand the hands of time,that they will just be trends for the moment instead of remaining classics? -I’ve never felt worried about the garments i make be out of style. I do my best to tay away from trends, I give each garment its own style and story. Anything that has its own style, story and vision behind it is an instant classic to the right receiver. 46 | CREATIV | Jan - Feb 2019 | www.creativmag.com
Model | Jeana Turner Photography | Michael Hursey
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Featured Stories | Tony Visions Photography | Mr.IvLife
You do more than just design garments, in an article written about you and I quote “ Tony’s most recent body of work where he single handedly designed, conceptualized, scouted, styled, shot and edited everything himself.” How do you juggle all of your talent or do you combine them all to create a masterpiece? I'm a firm believer in putting all of your talents into any masterpiece. I am fortunate enough to have a strong circle of creators that I've learned a lot of skills from and are ready to take on different projects when needed. It’s always great to exercise different talents individually but when it's time to make a masterpiece it's hit from every angle. What do you have in mind for the year 2019? Any new collection in mind? 48 | CREATIV | Jan - Feb 2019 | www.creativmag.com
This years first collection “Vitality” will open the doors for a new approach we are taking. Last year the foundation was built and I’ve been fortunate enough to get supporters to believe in my visions join my network. “The state of being strong and active; Energy.” Vitality is essential as we build and grow together. We always like to leave our audience with words of inspiration, would you mind offering some to our aspiring artists? I generally offer the same words hoping to inspire. Stick with your vision. View the world from different angles. When you find what you love never think twice about not taking steps towards that everyday. Push, keep moving forward, stick to the plan until your missions accomplished. Then plan the next one.
Model | Steffy Boom Photography | Joe Santos www.creativmag.com www.creativmag.com| Nov | Jan -- Dec Feb 2018 2019 | | CREATIV CREATIV | | 25 49
Special Events | Funkshion Fashion Week
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Cover Story | Maria Vitetzakis
Queening
discovering the true meaning of the word
Model: Maria Vitetzakis Photography by : Mike Walker Assisting Photography : Mark Key Hair Stylist : Louie Takakhashi Makeup Artist: Sol Malken Behind the scenes videography: Mark Taylor Graphics: Protheus - Prostreamz, LLC Location: Universe City NYC
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Cover Story | Maria Vitetzakis
Model: Maria Vitetzakis Photography by : Mike Walker Assisting Photography : Mark Key Hair Stylist : Louie Takakhashi Makeup Artist: Sol Malken Behind the scenes videography: Mark Taylor Graphics: Protheus - Prostreamz, LLC Location: Universe City NYC
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There is no better satisfaction then fighting the good fight, but looking great while doing it is icing on the cake. Bullying has always been a factor in USA, however slowly but surely we are becoming aware of the impact it may have on people. That’s why activists such as Maria are utilizing their platform to fight for what they believe in. Maria Vitetzakis is one of the finalists for the Miss New York USA 2018 and we are honored to be able to tell her story as she uses her trade and skills to become a pillar in her community. She recently had a photoshoot with one of our favorite designers Richard Petit of Papillon Dezign and though we are always in awe with his work working with Maria certainly became a work of art.
"If I were to win I would have set fourth what I support, which is the issue of body shaming in men and women"
Photo provided by Maria Vitetzakis
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Cover Story | Maria Vitetzakis A nutritionist by trade and passionate about pageantry, why did you take the leap to participate in the Miss New York Pageant? I have been competing in pageants since I was 16 years old, so about 11 years, I grew up in a pretty hectic home pageants were a way for me to learn discipline, build my communication skills, and really learn about myself. What is your ultimate goal once you win? I will always remain a queen no matter what however but if I were to win I would have set fourth what I support, which is the issue of body shaming in men and women, and promote body positivity, as well as sharing my struggle with body image. I have a passion to teach nutrition as well, there is so much false information out there about nutrition, I would have used my title to educate people about the importance of nutrition. You’ve also modeled, would you say it’s one of your passions as well? I wouldn’t say it is a passion, I would say I love being in front of camera because of the dynamic that I share with the photographer and the rest of the team. It is so powerful when the photographer, designer, artists, and model communicate effectively because the photos come out 1000 times better at least that’s what I think. I am a typically shy person but being in front of a camera brings out a thrill and I don’t have an ounce of shyness in me. Do you plan to pursue modeling as a career or was that just a stepping stone for pageantry? In the years I was modeling, I would visit agencies but I was simply not what they were looking for, so at that point you have to create your own path. I wouldn’t say I entered the world of pageantry for modeling, I had a love for pageantry, you can just tell from watching pageant queens across the screen that they have a subtle confidence, their presence is known without being said, you look at her and say “I want to be just like that” , it was more about the presence and impact they have on others that is why pageants are important to me. Usually queens serve their people. What humanitarian work are you attached to? I have been a nutrition educator at the Bubble Foundation which is a foundation that partners with schools to foster healthier lifestyles for children through nutrition. I also volunteer in a long term healthcare center in Brooklyn, where I help with meal preparation, distribution, and conduct lectures on healthy aging. 58 | CREATIV | Jan - Feb 2019 | www.creativmag.com
Photo provided by Maria Vitetzakis
Do you plan on pursuing Miss Universe if so why? I will unfortunately age out this year for Miss Universe, but I plan to stay with the organization and approach different States to offer my services in nutrition to help them prepare for Miss USA or Miss Universe. The Miss Universe Organization helped me grow as an individual, helped me understand what hard work is and taught me lessons that some may never learn in life and I am forever grateful, I just want to give back to them. Is there any challenge that you have overcome in this industry? Tell us about it. In the pageant industry I was always told I am too curvy to be a “Miss�. There was constant negative talk that I should lose more weight, or change the way I look, or my hips are too big I have to downsize. I couldn’t be Naomi Campbell so I chose to be Beyonce (her hips give me life! haha). I realized you can have the best body, the best dress, the best interview and not get chosen, it is how you make the judges feel. I overcame all the negativity and finally chose to stop doubting myself, accept my body, love my body, and embrace my inner beauty. I wish I had realized that a little earlier on in my pageant career.
Photo provided by Maria Vitetzakis
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Cover Story | Maria Vitetzakis
Model: Maria Vitetzakis Photography by : Mike Walker Assisting Photography : Mark Key Hair Stylist : Louie Takakhashi Makeup Artist: Sol Malken Behind the scenes videography: Mark Taylor Graphics: Protheus - Prostreamz, LLC Location: Universe City NYC 60 | CREATIV | Jan - Feb 2019 | www.creativmag.com
"I overcame all the negativity and finally chose to stop doubting myself, accept my body, love my body, and embrace my inner beauty How was your latest photoshoot with Papillon Dezigns? Oh my Gosh, it was absolutely EPIC. I absolutely love Papillion Dezigns. For one his dresses are exactly my style, Simple with a loud touch of glam. You can tell by his designs how passionate he is about his work. The shoot had such a smooth flow, we laughed so much and the environment was just so pleasant and we just all had great communication. Because of that the shoot came out great. They had to drag me out of those dresses I really didn’t want to take them off! What encouraging words would you have for little girls who see you as a role model? When you begin to write your dreams on a piece of paper, remember you are the one holding your pen, never let anyone tell you what to write. Be honest, be yourself, and most importantly love yourself.
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CRYSTALS FOR DAYS
Allow yourself to be transported as you enter Crystal Vision and see a 7ft pyramid that invites you to sit beneath it and experience the energy as you de-stress, release and re-energize yourself. As one of the largest Crystal Stores in South Florida we strive to provide the right vibration and energy in the store which makes it an irresistibly inviting oasis to either add to your collection of stones, spiritual growth or from the daily bombardment of life’s stresses. The revitalizing aroma of essential oils and incense waft through the air as many geodes and crystals catch and reflect the sunlight that floods the octagonal shop, it is here that you will be greeted by a friendly smile and welcomed to come in. www.crystalvisionltc.com
Special Feature | Tina Humphrey
TINA HUMPHREY When dreams become reality
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Pageantry is always a great way to find a passion toward the community We are happy to highlight Miss Tina Humphrey for USA National Miss has recently won the Florida title and we couldn’t be prouder. She shares a bit of her story and how she managed to make her dream a reality:
My Story I’ve been told the word that describes my life is adversity. From my mother passing away hours after I was born, to never meeting my father, to being bullied because of my physical features and previous speech issues, I supposedly didn’t get a fair chance in life. But as my older sister and grandmother have taught me from day one, it’s not adversity it’s just life. They taught me as long as I still have breath in my lungs and a rhythm in my heart that I can change my future and not let my past weigh me down. I personally prefer a different word to describe my life: winner.
How I Got into Pageantry I was always fascinated with the Miss America pageant on television, but I never thought I would be a part of and enjoy pageant life as much as I do now! My sister encouraged me to enter my first pageant: The Cities of America Pageant in 2006. In my first go-around I placed 2nd runner up in the Miss Fort Lauderdale Preteen division. I competed well and made a lot of friends and connections in the process; needless to say, I was hooked.
How I Heard about USA National Miss One of my connections from a previous pageant introduced me to the USA National Miss system in 2018. At that point, I hadn’t competed in some time due to completing my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at the University of Miami (THE U!) and beginning the pursuit for my master’s degree. What enticed me to look deeper into this organization was its strong roots in community service through the Crown C.A.R.E.S. and Positive Pageantry programs. After researching and then eventually speaking with the national director, I knew this was an organization I wanted to be involved with going forward. I’ve never been a part of an organization I’ve felt more aligned with professionally and philosophically.
My Platform As a USA National Miss Delegate, my mission is to promote the Crown C.A.R.E.S. Crown by speaking to children in schools to discourage bullying and prevent it from reoccurring. C.A.R.E.S. initially stood out to me
because of my experience of being bullied in elementary and middle school. It’s amazing to me that I have come back full circle to share my experiences and show children the negative words spoken against them will not define them. My personal crusade involves bringing light to the darkness that is human trafficking. With the overwhelming financial and emotional support of my sponsors, friends, and family. I hope to make an impact in bringing this injustice to an end. To help, you can become a sponsor of my platform at PayPal using my email, humphreyt12@yahoo.com Working in unison with the Broward County Human Trafficking Coalition and A21, I strive to bring widespread awareness to this inhumanity. My fundraising efforts will go towards bringing much help for victims and their immediate families on local and global level.
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Special Events | Fashion Forward
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PAPILLON DEZIGNS
Photography by Dennis Madigan Model: Natalia Gala
Special Events | Fashion Forward
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Special Events | Fashion Forward
L'Antonio Resort
Photographed by Dennis Madigan
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Special Events | Fashion Forward
Photographed by Dennis Madigan
AMNESIA BY EVA PROKAI During Art Basel in Miami Malena Belafonte produced a stunning fashion show for Hungarian designer Amnesia by Eva Prokai in the beautiful Versace Mansion, Villa Casa Casuarina. The event which was the highlight of an exclusive Art Basel series sponsored by RBC and hosted by Richard Fitzburgh, was a smorgasbord of fashion, music, performances giving the packed audience a taste of what Belafonte is known for, which is creatively intertwining fashion with other art forms to create story lined experiences that entices all of the senses. From cocktails in the courtyard to the fabulous fashion show around the pool, to a 5 star dinner, and a “Flashion Show� plus photo shoots outside of the Villa with models and fashions draped 76 | CREATIV | Jan - Feb 2019 | www.creativmag.com
around the installations on Ocean Drive, made for a fantastic production that had guests feeling part of an adventure, wanting more. Amnesia by Eva Prokai is a brand for women by women. Known in Hungary for years, Amnesia is breaking into the US market represented by Pink Pirate Agency, known for its outside of the box thinking advancement. Steeped in the newest trends, with a focus on sensuality, the collection was beautifully curated on par with the surroundings. What better place to have a fashion experience during Art Basel than in the palatial home built by fashion Icon Gianni Versace.
Special Events | Ruth Louissaint
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Special Fashion FeaturedEvents Events| Funkshion | NY Fashion WeekWeek
Special Events | Fashion Forward
Tristan F. Licud
Photographed by Dennis Madigan
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do i look like an intellectual cat? ... well i must be... because i read...me..ow
Special Feature | Kimberly Charles
KIMBERLY
Photo Credit: Valentine Joseph
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SICKLE CELL CRISIS If I told you how I feel You wouldn’t understand You’d simply nod your head and say “Yea I understand” But you don’t know the type of pain That runs inside of me It’s that Sickle Cell crisis Check your anatomy We start out fine the first minute But crippled in the next Rushing to the hospital To see what meds to get inject Needle after needle But they can’t find a vein So they keep digging in Just worsening the pain Nurse after nurse I feel like a test dummy 'Cause after they try and fail There’s nothing left of me Now I’m on the IV.... All this medication Knocking me out Causing hallucinations From the Morphine The Benadryl And Demerol The Torodol, The Pepcid... Yeah I know it all Might happen once a year Maybe 5 or 6 But that’s a healthy SC kid Imagine one that’s sick We fear blood tests So we punch and kick Doctors don’t understand They say “We can’t control that kid” But why'd you have to do it So early in the morning Cause I know when you came in You could’ve heard me snoring So I stare at this pump Which I see everyday Shooting liquids into me to fade the pain away Thought I was supposed to feel better That’s not the case The results are in My hemoglobin’s out of place Now it's transfusion time The doctors in a hurry He’s a hero if this goes well So like rats they scurry Gathering up stuff But they don’t know the half
It’s what a parent fears
Kimberly Charles has Sickle Cell Disease and through her music reveals the pain she endures during her crisis and frequent hospitalizations. She will be the Keynote Speaker at JAYJ Foundation for Women and Children fundraising event for Sickle Cell Disease on February 16 in West Palm Beach. Kimberly is a poet and songwriter. She has won numerous awards for this piece and we are privileged to be able to publish it. Take a listen!
PRESS PLAY
But they're just "doing their task" Phone calls are made To other doctors Friends of the family, you know Anything to stop the... Thought of your child... Receiving blood 'Cause now you're paranoid Did they clean it good? Hours pass The doctor changed his mind “We'll wait another day” he says Then goes on with his life Blessings drop from the sky Now I feel better Everything looks good Including the weather Held back another day Just to make sure I’m ok But once I’m discharged It’s like “hip hip hooray!” Then I think to myself This journey isn’t over I’ll be perfectly fine And just like that it starts over
Writer's Corner | Self Love
“On Your Marks, Get Set, Go!”
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Have you ever noticed how a runner in a race takes a readied stance long before the starter pistol is fired? What thoughts – if any at all – would you guess are running through her mind?
and keep it ever at the forefront of your mind. Never overlook the importance of mental conditioning. The start of any race is not the ideal time to begin elevating your thoughts; such work must have already been completed far in For some, the answer is complete silence. They advance. experience a moment of suspension, where time Endurance: A common response when the going seems to stand still. All this during a series of gets tough is to give into panic. During an deep ‘inhales-exhales’ where a seasoned athlete especially difficult race, runners can fall prey to attempts to fill her lungs with as much oxygen as many culprits: severe muscle cramps, possible, willing each muscle to perform at peak. overwhelming exhaustion and self-doubt. We And as perspiration slowly trickles down her must never give up. Instead, we remain forehead even before she’s taken the first step, undeterred and face the future unafraid. she can see only one thing: herself crossing the Even if others fall by the wayside, a winner finish line. makes each stride count. The beauty of muscle In order to be successful with any new memory is countless hours of training means undertaking in life, we must be equally honed in your body doesn't have to be told what to do. to accomplishing our goal. Let your fears and Sheer determination propels you forward. An doubts F.A.D.E. away by using the runner’s experienced marathoner runs each mile as if it winning recipe. were her last and refuses to be stopped by any Focus: It is vital to maintain laser-like focus and force. keep your blinders on. This quality is essential to The key to truly winning lies not in being the first overcoming any obstacles that may appear on to cross the finish line, but more importantly in your path. While some barriers must be finishing the race. approached with caution, many can be easily So take pause from time to time to ask yourself: dismissed by refusing to give them undue how far along am I in my journey? No matter the attention, much the way a relay runner distance involved, it is crucial to keep going. And gracefully jumps hurdles as if they were never remember to celebrate the many successes, both there to begin with. No distractions allowed! small and large, you’ll experience along the way. Adrenaline: Always strive to maintain high See you at the finish line! energy levels. When you feel your strength beginning to wane and lethargy creeps in, quickly change gears and tap into what drives you. Be careful not to run out of motivational ‘fuel.’ Your race can only be won if you get pumped up, then stay pumped up. Determination: One definition for this term is "firmness of purpose." You must know your why,
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Yvonne Nobles is the founder of Climb42. Along with her husband Louis Nobles, with whom she shared her first kiss nearly 35 years ago, this dynamic duo shine as life coaches, lyricists and motivational speakers. To discover the key to unlocking your greatness, follow them on Instagram and visit them online at climb42.com.
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Stop Waiting for Your Prince Charming to Knock on Your Front Door…He’s Driving By! You’ve probably heard, time-and-time again, that the man of your dreams will not knock on your front door, (unless you plan on proposing to the next FedEx guy who shows up). In order to meet someone great, you have to put yourself out there by letting eligible men know that you are single and oh-soready to mingle. “Putting yourself out there” means different things to so many women. Rest assured, I’ll let you know what this means and how you can prepare to meet the man of your dreams soon!
GO OUT TO LOCAL BARS/ ADULT PARTIES If partying is your thing, then by all means go to one! Attending local bars, dancing to enjoyable music and embracing the night life is one way to put yourself out there to men. Don’t get carried away and become the life of every party by getting sloppily drunk or by going out every single night and getting burned out. Instead, choose selective weekends to get dressed, call a friend or two to join you, and dance the night away in hopes that your future man will offer to buy you a cocktail or ask for a dance.
JOIN CO-ED ORGANIZATIONS Downloading apps like Eventbrite or Meetup is the fastest and easiest way to join circles with men who have the same interests as you. Believe it or not, men join groups in hopes that they’ll meet single women. Sure, they enjoy being a part of the poetry club that meets every other Thursday for coffee, but chances are they’re hoping to run into YOU! Join co-ed groups that are suitable to your hobbies and interests and you’re bound to meet Mr. Right in no time. The best part? You two will have already answered the question, What do you like to do for fun?
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Writer's Corner |
Love and Relationships
DATE ONLINE WITH SITES THAT REQUIRE MONETARY MEMBERSHIP Dating online is not a bad thing! I repeat, dating online is not a bad thing! There are so many eligible men on dating sites waiting for you to sign up! Put yourself out there by creating a well-put together profile that includes photos and tons of honesty. Most importantly, go on dating sites that require you to enter your credit card information. The logic behind the money is, your Prince Charming is more likely to be serious about dating when he has to pay to meet women. Think about it: No man wants to feel as if he’s paying for sex or paying on a site, just to take you out and pay again. Put yourself on the market by joining an online dating community and pay to meet the man of your dreams. He’s waiting on you, and yes, he’s just as scared and skeptical. If you’re a tech guru and you don’t mind the online route, go for it; you have nothing to lose!
SIGN-UP FOR THE GYM
Not only will you be super-healthy and super-sexy, but you’ll run into a lot of men at the gym who are open to meeting their future wife in yoga class. I’ll let you in on a secret, men go to the gym knowing they’ll possibly meet someone hot. They dress for the occasion by showing muscles and they scope the room the whole time they’re on the treadmill. Going to workout at the gym is like walking into a man’s play pen. You may not see a cutie on Tuesday, but please believe, he’ll show up Thursday. And oh yea, if you meet Prince Charming at the gym with no make-up on or no fancy hair do, imagine how he’ll flip his lid once he sees you dolled up for a date… (WINNING!) *** You see, in order to meet the guy of your dreams, you have to be available. He won’t know you’re on the couch watching tv in sexy night wear, and he also won’t know that you got the best mani/pedi ever because he’s not there to judge it! Go out, meet new men and make yourself OPEN. By all means, always play it safe, but don’t be afraid to get in your car or go behind a computer screen to find true happiness. I’ve said all of this to say, open your front door and let yourself be seen. If not, you’ll be attending another wedding diving for the fake bouquet on the dance floor—only to miss it to your mom’s friend looking for love again in her 60s.
TONI DOUGLAS Toni is in pursuit of obtaining her Doctorate degree in the field of Education while also pursuing her goals of publishing her first book, "What NOT to Do While Dating Your Non-Existent Boyfriend."
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THE TIME IS ALWAYS
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Writer's Corner |
Hot Topic
2018 was the year of people having their voices be heard. We saw so many profound individuals from different industries being taken down from people speaking out against them. Racial discrimination, sexual harassment, and abuse have been a few examples of what’s been brought to the forefront. Many individuals who were suffering for years from the effects of their past experiences finally had the courage to speak out. Hearing the different experiences from people of different demographics shook any person emotionally who paid attention. In these moments, collectively everyone realized we were in the era of “Having Your Voices Heard”. There have been so many allegations from women and men who have been victims of sexual abuse. At one point it became overwhelming to see the truth of our own society right in our faces. A truth that no person will want to admit or acknowledge. The truth that we tend to silence over those that are vulnerable and suffering. It’s a truth that’s hard to swallow but we must recognize it, so we can evolve to be better. In my opinion, we are doing a disservice to each other if we are not taking a few moments to listen to each other. Not taking the time to understand or even be empathetic to another’s an experience. Our actions as humans need to change and be altered so that we can have real change come to our won society. We need to be aware of our behaviors to protect our present and future. Listening to and researching the stories from women like Cyntonia Brown, the women of #MeToo and the survivors of R. Kelly. I grew an understanding that we are not listening. We are not paying attention. These stories have been right in front of faces, but we turn a blind eye due to the reputation of their abusers. People failed Cyntonia Brown due to her reputation as a “prostitute” but not recognizing she was a victim of child sex trafficking. All the evidence of these cases was right in our faces, but we lower our heads. Our actions or words offer no support to any person who is screaming for help because they feel their pleads are going unheard. Let me state, to any person who is suffering mentally, emotionally, and/or physically, the time is always now. The Time is Always Now! Let your voices be heard ladies and gentlemen; however, if you feel your voices will start a fire. Have no worries just sit back and watch it burn.
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TOSSA DE MAR
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Tossa de Mar is a municipality in Catalonia, Spain, located on the Costa Brava, about 103 kilometres north of Barcelona and 100 kilometres south of the French border. It is accessible through Girona Airport, some distance north. There is ample evidence of settlements dating back to the Neolithic period, and it is believed that the area has been continuously populated since that time. Between the 4th-1st century BC the first Iberian settlements appeared, followed shortly after by the Romans in the 1st century. In 966 Tossa was ceded by Count Miró of Barcelona to the Abbey of Ripoll. Some two centuries later, in 1187 Tossa was granted its charter by the Abbot of Ripoll, coinciding with the building of a church atop Mount Guardí, the remnants of which can still be seen today.
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Sometime in the 12th century the medieval town was walled off and a castle was built on the highest point of Mt. Guardí, this castle was to be subsequently replaced by a wind mill, and this in turn by a lighthouse which is still operational. By the year 1500 the first houses were built extra-murs to accommodate population growth. This process was greatly accelerated during the 17th and 18th centuries, shaping an urban configuration which was to remain practically unchanged until the arrival of mass tourism in the 1950s. In 1989 Tossa de Mar was the first place in the world to declare itself an Anti-Bullfighting City.
Writer's Corner |
Traveling In Style
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