DeVelo Winter 2011 / 2012

COVER

AllAboutDenver.com | At The Beach | CafĂŠ Vivid | DeVelo Magazine | Westword

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Winter Edition 2011/2012 “The Art Of Fashion”

VISION DeVelo Magazine began in September 2009. Our core vision has always remained the same: to promote the developing and aspiring talent in Denver with an emphasis on fashion. During the past two years we have seen many artists- actors/actresses, models, dancers, singers, musicians, designers and more, take their lives in a positive direction utilizing their talents. Some have left Denver to great journeys of success while others have remained in our Mile High City to find

success locally.

We have been honored to be a part of these people’s lives and given the opportunity to showcase them in a way that is recognized in the industry. As we move forward we will continue to maintain the integrity and positive approach in fashion and entertainment that has a proven path to success. Denver is continuing to grow at a very fast pace and our city is becoming recognized nationally for its growing cultural and artistic diversity. It is time we are recognized and seen for the great talents that we have, have had and will have in the future.

DeVelo Magazine has been a voice for many individuals, some whom you’ve heard of and others who

have debuted in our magazine. In either situation we are proud to know that we have made a difference. It is because of that difference that we are inspired to be a voice, the one voice for Denver talent with a vision that can be heard and seen both on local and national levels.

Our approach may be different, and our new size larger, but it’s the visual inspiration and detail in art that makes DeVelo stand alone. Ever changing and evolving, DeVelo focuses on what’s new, who’s new and who has been around and not yet seen. We hope you enjoy our magazine and embrace the beauty in every talent.

FEATURES

TEAM

Publisher: Tim Stark Editor: Lorraine Dorrance Copy Editor: John Cameron Graphic Designer: David Rossa Contributors: Nicole Marcelli, Jim Wills, Stacy Raymond, Lisa Wear

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ART CT Nelson: Up-and-coming artist Nicole Marcelli: New artist and photographer Larry Jordan: Local photographer on his appreciation of the female body

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FASHION The Life of the Idle Rich: Fashion Spread Fashion Week Cold Front Random Pieces: Clothing by Jose Duran Errol Perkins: Local makeup artist Aspen Westfall: Denver’s Next Top Model?

Fashion Group International 2011 Rising Star Event Lindsey Bloom: Jewelry artist entrepreneur Forever Darling and Fallene Wells

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MUSIC Louis Colaiannia: Local pianist extraordinaire Blackout Beat DJ MLE Finding Molly: Update on previously featured singer Molly Cottrell

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ENTERTAINMENT Ivan Pavletic: Actor, director and visionary Josh Dwyre: Ballet Dancer More Then Just A Cow Town: A historical look at past Denver talent

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SPORTS Brett Lisle-Baseball’s next great?

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COMMUNITY Phoenix Jackson: Enterpreneur John Cameron: Writer, editor, model Evolve|Evlove

COVER CREDITS On Her: Mongolian fur vest ($675), at A. Tsagas Custom Furs & Leather; gray brocade skinny pants ($140), black fringe belt ($33) and black fingerless gloves ($38), all at Mariel; earrings and shoes, stylist’s own. On Him: Men’s lavender and gray raccoon fur coat ($1,300), at A. Tsagas Custom Furs & Leather; gray broken herringbone tuxedo pants ($42), at Boss Vintage; and suspenders, stylist’s own.

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ART

“I GOT TIRED OF SEEING THE SAME OLD SHIT.....”

CT NELSON Denver artist CT Nelson creates paintings of discordance and beauty that expand and enlighten the mind.

Combining expressionism, realism, and symbolism, he calls upon past and present experiences to inspire works that project both harmony and catastrophe. His images are jarring and vibrant with a style that utilizes exaggerated fragmentation, agitated shapes and disjointed space. When combined, these elements provide a striking vision of intensity.

“Art, for me, is a way to exorcise the demons and have some fun, along with solving a need to do something different in painting. I got tired of seeing the same old shit painted the same old way. I would rather put something out there that will make people stop and really look. That’s hard to accomplish today. My goal is to hold people captive… even if only for a couple of minutes.” – CT Nelson Currently, CT has been steadfastly producing some of his finest work, including ‘Wien/Roma’, an emotionally-provocative and ethereal piece inspired by a recent trip to Vienna. ‘Escaping a Hole Because Gravity Is Dying’ captures both introspection and personal emergence through layers of multi-hued conflict.

CT has shown both nationally and internationally and currently has collectors in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. - Holly Herman MacGregor For further viewing of his work, visit: www.ctnelson.com

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ART

“ART FOR ME, IS A WAY TO EXORCISE THE DEMONS AND HAVE SOME FUN....”

“........MY GOAL IS TO HOLD PEOPLE CAPTIVE… EVEN IF ONLY FOR A COUPLE OF MINUTES.”

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ART

AN UNKNOWING ABILITY Photography by Nicole Marcelli The first time I met Nicole Marcelli was at the DeVelo meet and greet. She was beautiful and pleasant natured, but I shook her hand as I shook everyone’s hand that evening. Little did I know that one week later, she would be sitting in the DeVelo office volunteering her services in any way possible to help the company achieve its goals.

I was in need of some personal assistance. I was hesitant to bring anyone into our inner circle as I had learned quickly that the magazine business can have some very pointy edges. Eventually we connected and I am so grateful we did.

Even with all the hustle and bustle of the past month, there is always a sense of calm when she enters the room. Marcelli is a pleasant, softspoken, intelligent woman who is strong, focused and talented. We began our introductions. She showed me her skills as I laid out some of mine.

I was floored to see the images she had on her iPad; she shared some of the most beautiful photographs I had seen in a long time, executed with skillful precision and artistic style. I asked her how long she’d been doing photography and she replied, “I’ve been playing around with my camera for about nine months.” I couldn’t believe it- she was a true natural. Marcelli possesses a creative eye, an ability to capture clear beauty. I was immediately inspired by her work.

One week later, we were doing a photo shoot in our office. In a matter of an hour, she effortlessly captured aspiring model Aspen Westfall in a 360-degree shoot. Perfectly and without hesitation, beautiful images prevailed. Our office will forever be infused with an energy that makes all things possible.

Friends speak highly and kindly of her. They share a fondness for her that is truly touching. People are glad to know her, hope to get to know her better and are very much looking forward to watching her talent bloom as she gains confidence in her work.

Marcelli, being a compassionate person with an open heart and a sensitive presence, is a welcomed personality and emerging artist in the Denver arena. I am happy to have her share a part of herself with DeVelo. I welcome her inspiring abilities and know that we will all benefit from her talent. I can’t wait to see how much she grows in the next year. She is certainly a talent to follow closely- and deserving as our New Featured Artist.

- Lorraine Dorrance www.nicolemarcelli.com

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"I'VE BEEN PLAYING AROUND WITH MY CAMERA FOR ABOUT 9 MONTHS"

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NAME

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Cold Front Photographer: David Rossa ~ Senior Fashion Stylist: Tina Higgins ~ Hair: Jesse Arana Junior Fashion Stylist: Gillian DeGrappa ~ Fashion Designer: Gabriel Conroy ~ Model: Christy Kruzick (Donna Baldwin Talent)

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STYLE CLIMBERS Winter, the thought conjures up warm sweaters, cozy fireplaces, hot cocoa, and all that fabulous fashion. Here are a few trends to consider for this season.

1. Color is holding strong: Rich vibrant hues are still in the picture adding life to a season that can be a white out.

2. Polka Dots do it for the trend: They are fresh and add a bit of whimsy to any ensemble.

3. Furrocious Fur is taking the lead: Whether colored in rich hues pictured here or classic elegance they make a statement.

4. Sheer is here: While cold weather is upon us this look has its stride with soft see through flirty fabrics that add a bit of mystery.

5. Talking Texture: this has a style all its own as mixing it up now matches. Fabrics that you may have thought twice about putting together, can now be a fashion masterpiece.

- Tina Higgins Credits: Coat, lace pants: Gabriel Conroy; fur scarf, muff, vintage necklace, bracelet, fur pedestal: Dan Sharp; ankle boots: Scarpaletto.

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FIVE HAIRSTYLE TRENDS 1. Pixie: Pixie cut can be cropped and cute with short sides, long fridge (strong and edgy) or shorter over the the eyebrow(soft and wispy). Classic and cute, yet gorgeous.

Pixie cut is all about you and your features... Tip: Blow-dry with a flat comb to achieve a more sophisticated look.

2. Fringe and Bangs: Bangs can enhance a look and can be an edgy move towards the new year, but can satisfy your urge for change. Rounded bangs or lash length tresses can be achieved with a little practice. Style with a round brush or a flatiron... Tip: Try to style from wet to dry 3. Center Parts (with or without bangs): Parts can be our friend or an accomplice to a bad hair day. One thing to keep in mind is the center part can be a friend. Whether its a sleek or wavy look, it’s really easy to achieve by yourself with an everyday round brush, curling iron, or flat iron. Try going a day or week with a center part if your a everyday side part person.

4. Ponytails: Ponytail 101, lets not over think it when it comes to ponytails. They can be high and tight or low and messy.

Both oh so pretty in there own ways... Tip: Step up your ponytail by using a piece of your hair to hide the band that’s holding your ponytail.

5. Messy Buns (with or without braids): Lots of trendy buns on the red carpet or the everyday look. A trendy bun can be accompanied with a braid in the fringe or in the actual bun, depending on the look you’re trying to achieve... Tip: Change the bun by adding a center part and loosening pieces around your face.

Color Trends: From rich blondes to fierce reds. - Jesus Arana (Antoine Du Chez) Credits: Coat & dress: Gabriel Conroy; necklaces, bracelet & purple pashmina: Dan Sharp; boots: Scarpaletto.

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FASHION RANDOM PIECES Clothing Designer: Jose Duran Photography: Matthew Novak Model: Andi Todaro Art Direction: Andi Todaro, Matthew Novak & Jose Duran Stylist: Andi Todaro Post-Production: Andi Todaro

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DENVER’S NEXT TOP MODEL Photography by Nicole Marcelli & Jim Wills/1World Studios Aspen Westfall is a young woman to watch out for. With a healthy balance of confidence, open-mindedness and hunger for the business, she has taken on the Denver fashion scene by storm. The past year for Westfall has proven to be a big one as she recently walked in the Denver Fashion Week runway show for Gino Velardi. "I love his designs and when I wear [them], it's not something I'm just wearing- it feels comfortable, uplifting and elegant," she says. I caught up with the fresh-faced 17 year old during a unique, 360-degree interactive photo shoot where she transformed into a striking evening wear beauty rocking Velardi's designs.

Although she's modeled since she was 14, it was only within the past year that Westfall's career came into its own. "I didn't think it was something possible for me to do," she reflects. "[Lorraine Dorrance of Prime Talent] came along and swooped me up." With the help of Dorrance and the Prime Talent team, she has taken on a variety of modeling work, from photo shoots to couture runway shows. Walking in runway shows appears to have been the key to Westfall's heart as she perks up in her makeup chair, saying, "I love runway a lot. I love the excitement and adrenaline it gives me. It's not really work, it's a lot of fun."

"I'M DEFINITELY IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME RIGHT NOW,"

Click here to see Gino Velardi’s gown in 360 degrees

Gino Velardi Designs

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Westfall has a list of aspirations as tall as her long, lean stature. The prospect of working in Los Angeles, New York and Milan within the next five years is a driving force for the young model. The ability to travel and work with new designers is exciting, but she knows that the road there will be tough. She plans to continue to work in Denver, pursuing bigger events, walking in more shows and putting forth the sweat and equity to accomplish her dreams. "I've learned about fashion," she explains. "What's in, what's out, how to be responsible and on time- and how to work with different types of people. Every time I do something, I always learn something new."

"Nobody really influences me; I just influence myself," she says with such poise and confidence that you know she truly means it. Through her own self-discoveries, she's able to inject her own style and personality into her work. "I still look at the magazines. I look at their face poses and what they are trying to portray", she says, acknowledging the importance of keeping herself educated in her craft. With such personal style and sass, it's no wonder Westfall chooses Betsy Johnson as a designer she would like to work with. "I love her out-there style; it's so much fun," she says. After a moment, she adds, "Guess models. I love the way that they look in all of their pictures." While practicing runway walking, she enjoys artists such as Ladytron, Portishead and other electronic music, separating herself from the Katy Perry and Lady Gaga girls of her generation.

With the perfect balance of spontaneity and grace, Aspen Westfall is laying the groundwork for a long, successful career. Despite past reflections or hopes for the future, she understands the importance of taking it all in day by day. "I'm definitely in the right place at the right time right now," she says. And with the last swipe of lipstick, she's ready to take on the day- and the world. Danielle Mondragon Makeup by Renluka Maharaj, Hair by Gino Velardi

"I LOVE RUNWAY A LOT. I LOVE THE EXCITEMENT AND ADRENALINE IT GIVES ME. IT'S NOT REALLY WORK, IT'S A LOT OF FUN." Gino Velardi Designs

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ENTERTAINMENT

THE FINAL DAYS OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE As a young boy, Ivan Pavletic loved to draw and paint pictures- not only of the world around him, but also from ideas that sprung from his fertile imagination. Around the age of ten, Pavletic was given a video camera. Whether given to the young boy to occupy his time or to truly awaken his creative spirit we cannot be sure, but awaken that creativity it did. Once the tape started to roll, young Pavletic was addicted to creating films. He knew early on that he was destined for a career in film and during those early teen years Pavletic would write and direct short films where he would get his friends together and have them act in his stories. When he was seventeen, his country was torn apart by the Croatian Independence War. Pavletic not only saw the devastation that war could bring, but also used this time to plant some seeds that he would draw upon some fifteen years later to create his first feature film, 476 A.D. Pavletic says, �The idea for a film about the fall of the Roman Empire came while shoveling sand into sandbags to build bomb shelters while ducking shells and mortars. It was in this chaos of war and death where I started thinking about changes in human consciousness throughout history.�

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After finishing school of Applied Fine Arts, Pavletic came to the United States where he was able to get a green card and join the U.S. Navy. After spending time in service to our country, he moved back to Croatia and began making films in earnest. He made his first short film, entitled Age of Pisces. Looking back, he feels that in many ways that film was a sort of prequel to 476 A.D. Through a music video and documentary style, he attempted to represent the last 2000 years of human history.

Pavletic came back to the States and found work as a stuntman. It was working as a stuntman in the film Titus where he met one of his acting idols: Sir Anthony Hopkins. One day, there was an extended break on the set and Pavletic found himself sitting next to and having coffee with Hopkins.

Continuing to be inspired by film, Ivan Pavletic writes, directs and even acts in many of his films. In the last several years he created three shorts: Tough Luck, Big Bigger Biggest and The Cosmopolitan. Then, the seed that was planted so long ago finally blossomed and last year production began on the historic epic, 476 A.D. The story is that of the last days of the Roman Empire. It was on the eve of September

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3rd in 476 A.D. that the Germanic Barbarian Ostergoths ransacked the last stronghold north of Rome, the city of Ravenna.

This was to mark the decline of 12 centuries of Roman ruleonce the greatest empire on Earth. Nothing was to stand in the way of the barbarians from reaching Rome. It was on September 4th that the Barbarian leader Odoacer deposed Romulus Augustus who would be the last Emperor of the Western Roman Empire. The bulk of 476 A.D.'s production was done in Colorado while some footage was taken in both Croatia and Rome- Colorado’s diverse landscape became the setting for the epic battle scenes. The movie was not without its challenges however. At the last minute- just days before principle photography was to begin- some potential investors pulled out. Pavletic needed to make the tough decision as to whether to continue to green-light the film or pull the plug. The production suddenly went from a low-budget film to, in his words, “a micro-budget film.” Drawing on the famous Latin phrase from ancient Rome, "audentes fortuna Iuvat" or “fortune favors the bold,” Pavletic decided to go ahead with the production.

”THE IDEA FOR A FILM ABOUT THE FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE CAME WHILE SHOVELING SAND INTO SANDBAGS TO BUILD BOMB SHELTERS WHILE DUCKING SHELLS AND MORTARS. IT WAS IN THIS CHAOS OF WAR AND DEATH WHERE I STARTED THINKING ABOUT CHANGES IN HUMAN CONSCIOUSNESS THROUGHOUT HISTORY.”

Click here to see 476 A.D. trailer

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Due to such heavy budget constraints, the crew had to become very creative to make a believable setting for the story. Unable to rent a 9500-square-foot studio, they transformed Pavletic’s own 950 sqare-foot condo into a set. They repainted and put up green screens and used HD video and DSLR cameras. Good fortune was also to find the production, as they were able to shoot for two days in Elbert, Colorado with 50 actors to portray Roman Legionnaires and Barbarian Ostrogoths, using real authentic armor, swords and axes, as well as horses. Luck would also find them in the way of a seamstress. Just weeks before the battle sequences were to be shot, they found seamstress and costumer Adrianna Veal from London, whom, along with her mother, sewed dozens of authentic Ostrogoth Barbarian costumes made of cotton, wool and leather; and organized the entire Roman and Barbarian wardrobe.

Croatia’s war for independence created a real-life drama from which Ivan Pavletic has been able to draw upon 15 years laterand then translate the experience into a historical epic and his first feature film 476 A.D. The film is now in its final days of post-production and Pavletic and crew would like to find a distributor- though he promises screenings in Colorado. He will also be screening the film in his hometown of Karlovac, Croatia and is looking for a distributor to show the film in the Far East. One of the actors, Croatian-born Igor Galo, “happens to be very popular in the Far East,” says Pavletic. As a writer, director, actor and

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producer, Pavletic is very excited to get this film in front of an audience. It is the culmination of a lifetime of hard work. “If you have a dream, and that dream has enough fire to achieve something you really want, it can be done," he states. "Your abilities are only [as] limited as your vision is.” - Jim Wills

“IF YOU HAVE A DREAM, AND THAT DREAM HAS ENOUGH FIRE TO ACHIEVE SOMETHING YOU REALLY WANT, IT CAN BE DONE. YOUR ABILITIES ARE ONLY [AS] LIMITED AS YOUR VISION IS.”

SPORTS

BASEBALL: THE GREAT AMERICAN PASTIME Photography by Duke Shoman How thrilling would it be to know that you have the potential to become a baseball great? To know that each practice pitch, every college credit earned, all of the physical workouts and hundreds of hours of planning might just get you there? Brett Lisle is determined to run the bases and catch a break while working towards becoming just that: A baseball great.

Colorado is his home turf, where he's learned the rules and kept up his stats, throwing and being thrown all the curve balls necessary to get where he is today. Lisle is studying business- the business of baseball. Each inning of his education will include mounds of homework as he works out the tight spots to slide into major league play. Graduating high school this year, he ended with five wins and two losses, 46 innings, 64 strikeouts, 13 walks and an earned run average of 2.58.

And since he keeps getting taller and stronger each year (standing at a whopping 6'8"), Lisle's velocity and consistency will only increase as he gains more and more control as a player. In a recent Highlands Ranch game, a catcher described a funny sight from his position looking up from a pitcher's mound through a brand new sighter: "You could not see all of Brett!"

Where does Lisle expect to be in five years? "Playing in the Minor League, hopefully in the Major League during or after college- and definitely Major League Baseball within ten years," he says. He expects to win, never accepts

defeat, leads by example and expects himself and others to be the best they can be. He considers himself fortunate and blessed which allows him to reach his full potential, is a good communicator as he directs others in a task towards a specific end and is "driven to succeed!"

His coaches agree. They expect Lisle to be "playing in the Minor League, and later in college in the Major League." Watching the warm-ups from the dugout he calls his dorm room, Lisle is learning quickly and is adapting to college life well. He chose The University of Virginia for their exceptional mix of academics and baseball. As it has one of the best business programs in the country and an outstanding top 5 baseball program status, how could he have gone wrong? Winding up for Homecoming, midterms and Fall Break, Lisle will grab his hat and jersey to spend some time with his family and crowd of friends from back home.

At the same time, Lisle is learning that life is not all peanuts and Cracker Jacks- school is a big priority and consumes most of his time. His diligence is earning him points in school as well as baseball; if you work hard you are rewarded and you can get as many runs as you set your sights on. His father is a businessman and has made Lisle realize that his education comes first, his pitching a close second. Standing nearly seven foot and being a southpaw has great benefits, but his coaching staff keep him grounded and continue to walk him around the bases of becoming a baseball great. - Lisa Wear

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“REMEMBER LADIES, YOUR EYEBROWS ARE SISTERS, NOT TWINS.”

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ERROLL PERKINS: MAKEUP ARTIST Photography (right images) by Eli Rodriguez Erroll Perkins is Denver’s own maestro of makeup and, while he’s done his fair share of famous faces, he’s not one to kiss and tell. Nine years ago, Perkins was approached by a customer at the bank he was working for- she wondered if he might be able to help her with her makeup. Finding out that he really enjoyed doing makeup, Perkins found his way, briefly, to Estee Lauder before NARS Cosmetics snatched him up. Together, Perkins and NARS have been making faces beautiful ever since.

Perkins was born in Colorado Springs and began playing classical piano when he was just five years old. “I would go to church with my parents and pretend like the top of the pew was a piano," he says. "I’d listen to what was being played and pretend to play along. Then, when we got home from church, I’d run to the piano and play it exactly as I’d heard it.” Music has always been an important theme in Perkins’ life; in fact, his grandmother was a professional opera singer and his mother, Jacqueline Weaver, started her singing career when she was just 16.

His mother also taught Perkins the importance of a good skin care regimen when he was growing up. “To this day, the number one bit of advice I must share with men and women is the importance of going to sleep with a clean face," he says.

"When we sleep at night, our cells regenerate- if our pores are full of dirt and makeup, the cells can’t regenerate properly so the skin is left looking dull and lifeless. Your skin can actually age seven years overnight if not cleaned properly at the end of the day.”

For those of us who can’t manage a good cleansing before bed, Perkins recommends the Milky Cleanser. “It’s so easy to use, you can even keep it by your bedside- just apply a little to your face and wipe off with a cotton ball.”

The ever-ebullient Perkins offers one more piece of sagely advice worth passing along: “Remember, ladies: Your eyebrows are sisters, not twins.”

You can follow Perkins’ blog, UniquelyErroll.Blogspot.com, find him on Facebook at Erroll - Makeup Artist/Fashion and Style Consultant, or visit him in person at the NARS Cosmetics counter at Neiman Marcus in Cherry Creek. - Shannon Piserchio

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ARCHIVE DENVER, COLORADO ARTISTS- MUCH MORE THAN JUST A COW TOWN

From its beginning in 1858, the Mile High City has always attracted those seeking something different from the hustle and bustle of the Eastern cities. The City of Denver started humbly enough with the Gold Rush, when precious metals were found in the South Platte River. As settlers began to establish residence, fortune seekers moved on to nearby Central City and later Leadville to stake their claims. But as was often the case, the harsh mountain Winters forced people back to the Front Range and milder weather. Denver grew and became a strategic trading city. Even though the Denver area has grown to a population of over three million, many outsiders consider Denver to still be a cow town where we live six months out of the year in snow. Nothing could be further from the truth; Denver is a thriving metropolis with a rich history of art and culture. More than just a few of its residents have made it onto the world stage. DeVelo Magazine would like to take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate the artists, musicians, actors and other creatives who are helping to show the world that Denver is more than just a city of cowboys and ski bums.

Many people know the name Douglas Fairbanks. He was an early Hollywood actor, screenwriter, director and producer. He was a founding member of United Artists as well as The Motion Picture Academy.

Fairbanks also hosted the first Oscars Ceremony in 1929- and he was from Denver. He was born in 1883 and performed on stage in Denverbecoming a sensation in his teens while performing at the Elitch Gardens Theatre. Fairbanks attended East High School- but left during his senior year. After high school Fairbanks moved to New York and then later to Hollywood where he became a silent film sensation and one of the first motion picture superstars. Lon Cheney was a contemporary of Fairbanks and while not specifically from Denver, he is worth noting as a Colorado native. Cheney was born in Colorado Springs in 1883 and went on to make more than 350 silent films. He is probably most remembered for his role as the Phantom in the 1925 film The Phantom of the Opera.

In the past 40 years, Denver has been responsible for several successful actors. Actress Pam Grier was born in North Carolina, but her family moved to Denver when she was still young. Grier attended East High School where she appeared in a number of stage productions and participated in beauty pageants to raise money to attend Metro State.

She garnered fame in the 1970’s with a string of “blacksploitation” films, one of which being Foxy Brown. Her career has been rich in both movies and television roles ever since. She still maintains a residence outside of Denver. A fellow East High School Alumni is Don Cheadle. His family moved here from Kansas City and Cheadle graduated from East in 1982.

He’s been nominated for many awards in both movies and television and has been awarded a Golden Globe and multiple Screen Actors Guild Awards. He was most recently seen in Iron Man 2 and The Guard. Annasophia Robb is a more recent actress to come out of Denver. She was born in the Mile High City in 1993 and attended Arapahoe High School.

She made her acting debut in 2004 starring in a McDonalds commercial.

Her big-screen debut came in 2005 with the film Because of Winn-Dixie where she played opposite Dave Matthews. Her most recent film was Soul Surfer, which told the real life story of professional surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her left arm in a shark attack.

Denver has also seen the start of several big-name musical acts. Glen Miller got his start in Denver. He was born in Iowa in 1904 and moved with his family to Fort Morgan in 1918 where he attended high school.

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Miller attended the University of Colorado in Boulder before dropping out to pursue music. He got his start auditioning and playing gigs around Denver.

Diane Reeves is a jazz singer who came to Denver from Detroit when she was young. She graduated from the George Washington High School and began studying music at the University of Colorado before moving to L.A. to pursue her singing career. To date, Reeves has released 19 solo albums and won the “Best Jazz Vocal Performance” Grammy Award 4 times. Reeves still maintains a residence in Denver.

The band Big Head Todd and the Monsters (BHTM) was formed in 1986 by three Columbine High School classmates- Todd Mohr, Brian Nevin and Robb Squires. Mohr transferred from Colorado State University to the University of Colorado in Boulder to keep the band going. They added Jeremy Lawton on keyboard and began touring clubs along the Front Range. BHTM has developed a large live following in the mountain states. It should also be noted that they host an annual charity fund raising concert every summer at Red Rocks Amphitheater.

Another recent band to come out of Denver is The Fray. They were formed in 2002 by three of the members who regularly played together during worship services and at their school, Faith Christian Academy.

With a revolving door of various members, The Fray released their first record Movement EP in 2002. In 2004 they were voted “Best New Band”

by Westword Magazine. The Fray released their debut album, How To Save A Life, in 2005. It went on to become the best-selling digital album of all time.

There are many other celebrity personalities and artists to have come out of the greater Denver area: Jan-Michael Vincent, best known for his role in the TV show Airwolf, Philip Bailey of the band Earth Wind and Fire, and Kip Winger of the 80’s rock band Winger.

South Park creator Trey Parker is also from Denver. He met his creative partner Matt Stone (who grew up in Littleton) while attending The University of Colorado. Actress Amy Adams graduated from Douglas County High School. Tim Allen of Home Improvement and Toy Story was born in Denver and lived here until the age of 13.

There is also a thriving arts industry in Denver. The city is home to almost two dozen stage theatres and more than twice as many art galleries spread over six distinct art districts. Independent film is alive and well in Denver. The city is also host to the annual Starz Film Festival (now in its 34th year). There is a growing fashion industry in Denver showcased with events like the Red Ball, Riverfront Park Fashion Show, Forever Darling, Colorado Fashion Week and Fashion Group International’s bi-annual Rising Stars Show. For a Midwest cow town filled with ski bums, Denver has more than proven it can hold its own in the world of entertainment and the arts. - Jim Wills

DENVER IS A THRIVING METROPOLIS WITH A RICH HISTORY OF ART AND CULTURE.

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ART

LARRY JORDAN PHOTOGRAPHER OF WOMEN

Photography by Larry Jordan

Jade Phillips

Welcome to the world that is Larry Jordan Photography. While he is not new to showing his appreciation of the female body, he is new to the art of photographing women’s fashion.

Jordan’s photos reek of a sensual glamour that is captured time and time again. Each time his shutter flies open, he is intent on the same outcome. To show that the feminine presence of all women is there to be honored, held up to the light to conjure up images that warm you, cause one to take notice of the sexual undertones each and every women quietly express or boldly expose.

Enjoy his work, enjoy the composition of each photo and take advantage of the beautiful subject matter that Jordan brings to us.

Traveling from; Colorado Springs to Denver, Los Angeles and Palm Springs, each location offering a new frame, landscape or nightlife backdrop.

Carefully choosing settings that add to the center piece of the photograph; never diverting the viewer’s eyes from the intended focal point. Attention to curves, subtle shadows and areas of the female body that have made women the most popular object of nearly every art medium.

Posing for Jordan, the model feels individual, unique and is compared to no other. Each photo shoot more fun than the last, an ease sets in between the artist and his subject. His respectful glance away, as when he feels an awkward pose and suggests a solution. Entertaining and engaging, the mood is enjoyable, pleasant.

Don’t wait to be invited to do a photo shoot with Larry Jordan Photography, chances are he will be tied up doing another project, working his way through the fashion jungle, seeking out the most sensual, sexiest of the sexy, capturing that that is his passion. Focus his camera on the beauty that all women have to offer. Busy fixing his view toward the attributes of each girl as a new and exciting challenge. Include yourself in Jordan’s journey…….. - Lisa Wear For all your fashion, designer, glamour, and event photography needs contact sharky9@ gmail.com and model mayhem http://www. modelmayhem.com/1961404

Ashlee Dovenbarger

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FINDING MOLLY COTTRELL Photography by Shannon Piserchio I was busy taking in the scene at Casselman’s when I was introduced to a young, attractive woman named Molly Cottrell. A couple of people had told me that I should interview her, but I sort of took it with a grain of salt. After all, I’m told I should interview a lot of people, but sometimes it’s hard for me to get excited about it. Besides, I was trying to be cool.

Molly and I chit chatted for a bit and then she excused herself to get ready to perform that night. As I took my seat in the front row and looked around the room, the crowd talked amongst themselves and there was a buzz in the air- the kind that goes along with any show. The night's entertainment entailed live singers and a fashion show. Ms. Cottrell took the stage- just herself, an electronic piano and a microphone.

The crowd kept talking. Hell, even I was talking to an "aspiring model" who had sat down next to me.

As Molly introduced herself, the crowd noise didn’t diminish. As rude as it may sound, that's the way it is at shows- especially when the first

performer takes the stage. Molly started playing the piano and then began singing. Everyone promptly got quiet and stared at the stage. I, too, was staring at this 22 year old whose voice exuded a soulfulness far beyond her years. Everyone was captivated. Suddenly, I wanted to interview her sooner rather than later.

Since then, Molly has migrated out West to the promised land of Southern California to take her shot and live her dream. Life is good for the young singer; She secured a job, an apartment and a roommate. With the fundamentals of Maslow’s proverbial hierarchy of needs met, she then set out to share her voice.

In her short time in the Golden State, she has performed at three venues: Hotel Café, The Foundry and Pi. Hotel Café is located in downtown Hollywood, a trendy location that seats about 165 people. Singer/songwriters perform there with the very real possibility of being discovered.

The Foundry is on Melrose and provides an upper-crust dining experience to LA’s elite. Pi is right on the Sunset Strip amidst the hustle and bustle of West Hollywood.

Stay true to yourself, Molly, for you are already making all of us back home proud. - Todd Dunbar

"I, TOO, WAS STARING AT THIS 22 YEAR OLD WHOSE VOICE EXUDED A SOULFULNESS FAR BEYOND HER YEARS" SAID DUNBAR 40 / DeVelo / Winter 2011

NAME

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Winter 2011 / DeVelo / 41

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FASHION GROUP INTERNATIONAL OF DENVER

TAKING DENVER FASHION TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL

Photography by Nicole Marcelli In the early decades of the 1900’s, while Denver was still just a Colorado Front Range trading town, New York City was becoming a recognizable face on the world fashion stage as its fashion district was producing clothing to rival that of its fellow European trendsetters. In 1928 the then editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine, Edna Woolman-Chase, sat down at a luncheon with 17 other women influential in the world of fashion. Each one was respected in their specific career within the fashion industry and all of them held to the belief that fashion needed a stage on which to enhance the American awareness of fashion as well as the role of women within that industry. From that meeting, The Fashion Group was formed. The women at that first lunch meeting included powerful figures such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Elizabeth Arden and Helena Rubinstein. The Fashion Group became an official organization in 1930 and today has more than 30 chapters and over 5000 members all over the world.

Fashion Group International (FGI) is comprised of six separate districts that make up the greater FGI organization, with five districts in the United States and one overseas/international district. The Southwest District (or District 4) is where the Denver region lies and includes the Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Arizona regions. Gretchen We-

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ber founded the Denver region in March 1958 along with 5 other charter members. Today FGI Denver holds a membership of about 150 people and is continuing to grow each year. The overall mission of FGI is to be the preeminent authority on the business of fashion and design and to help its members become more effective in their careers.

The Denver region has embraced that mission statement and has become one of the largest and most awarded regions outside of New York, LA and Miami. Regional Director Scottie Iverson attributes Denver’s success to the members. In fact the Denver region won the Membership Award at this year’s FGI International Conference.

“We have very strong monthly programs where we open the doors to anyone interested in fashion.” says Iverson.

Indeed, the monthly programs hosted by FGI Denver welcome both members and non-members alike.

These monthly programs cover the entire gambit of the fashion and apparel industry. One recent program was entitled “Beautiful Inside and Out” and focused on achieving not just outer beauty but inner beauty as well. Another popular program is FGI Denver’s biennial Fashion and Creative Enterprises (FACE) Business Symposium at which guests hear from business professionals within the fashion community whom discuss the ups and downs and latest business trends within the industry.

Just recently, FGI Denver hosted a program entitled A Feast of Fashion and Business. It was held November 16th at the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce and featured guest speakers Marcia McGilley and Neil McKenzie.

Ms. McGilley is the current executive director of the South Metro Denver SBDC and spoke on the assistance and offerings of the SBDC, the SBA and the Chamber of Commerce to fashion industry professionals. McKenzie is a photographer and visiting professor at the Center For Innovation at Metropolitan State where he developed and teaches a course called "Artrepreneurship" at which he spoke on the creative industry and becoming successful in the world of business.

FGI is a nonprofit organization; each region or chapter is comprised of an elected regional director and a governing body of a board of directors. FGI Denver’s current director Scottie Iverson has been a long-standing member of the organization and a follower of fashion since she was a teenager.

“My mother was a seamstress, and taught me how to use a needle and thread.” says Iverson. “I always had nice clothes in school- not because my family was affluent, but because my mom and I created our own clothes to reflect the latest trends in fashion.”

Before holding her two year post as Regional Director Iverson has served in many other positions within the region- from Philanthropy Chair, Public Relations Chair and Publications Chair to Publicity Chair, Regional Director Elect and Rising Star Chair. This December 11th there will be a turning over of the Regional Director’s position during

the group’s annual meeting and year-end celebration.

FGI Denver is also respected within the organization for not only its membership size but also for the quality of work that comes from Denver. At the international meetings the Denver region consistently wins more awards than almost any other region. In addition to winning this year’s Membership Award, FGI Denver received the coveted Special Event Award at the 2010 FGI International Conference for their production of the 2009 Rising Star runway award show Fashion By Design- which was chaired by Iverson, who is the current Regional Director.

FGI Denver supports many philanthropic causes as well, including the American Heart Association, the Pacific/ Mountain Affiliate and Women’s Development Association, Volunteers of America’s Brandon Center and The Gathering Place.

As FGI Denver maintains its mission to help its members achieve success in their professional lives it will also continue to have a growing impact on the Denver fashion scene. The organization is well positioned to spread the word of Denver fashion to cities far and wide outside of our little Colorado cow town. - Jim Wills For more information, visit their website at: Denver.fgi.org For membership info contact: Linda Bowen Scott- fgi.membership@comcast.net or call 303.596.1690.

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RISING STAR 2011 PROJECT RUNWAY MEETS THE ACADEMY AWARDS

Photography by Travis Zelinski Rising Star is Fashion Group International (FGI) of Denver’s preeminent fashion event. The 2011 Rising Star event showcased “design entrepreneurs in apparel, active wear, accessories, and jewelry who are making their mark on the fashion and style industries right here in Colorado,” according to the event's press release. This year’s show marked their sixth biennial event and was held on October 8th at District 475 in Englewood.

This year’s Rising Star was co-chaired by FGI Denver members Nathalia Faribault, Tommy Collier & Carol EngelEnright and showcased fashion apparel and accessories from 13 of Denver’s hottest new designers. FGI Denver’s Rising Star is seen as a launch pad for designers and has been patterned after FGI New York’s Rising Star show. In fact, the 2005 winner of FGI New York’s Rising Star was the now world-renowned designer Tory Burch who went on to start her own successful clothing line and boutique stores.

The Rising Star event also helps to raise money for FGI Denver’s fashion scholarship and outreach program. Additionally, the gala event raises money to benefit the Vol-

unteers of America’s Brandon Center and The Gathering Place, both of which assist battered and/or homeless mothers and children in the Denver area. The previous winners of FGI Denver’s Rising Star were Gabriel Conroy in 2001, Toby Orr and Sarah Siegel Magness in 2003, Lauren Chlebowski and Cyndy Everett in 2005, Gino Velardi in 2007 and Holli Gibson in 2009.

This year there were thirteen category winners that competed in the runway show. They were chosen by a panel of judges for not only their design aesthetic but also their entrepreneurship. The designers must have a young business- no more than five years old- and had to present and discuss their business plan and other related aspects of their individual companies to the judges before the final runway competition.

During the night’s runway show, the thirteen category winners were narrowed down to three finalists, and from them an overall winner was chosen. This year’s finalists were Samantha Louise Larkins of Samantha Louise Jewelry, Kaitlyn Thomas of KaiT Designs and Lindsay Bloom of Bloom Jewelry.

Samantha Louise Jewelry Samantha Louise Larkins has always been fascinated by

jewelry design. She studied at the Gemological Institute of America in 2006 and followed that with an apprenticeship under designer and goldsmith Travis Kukovich. She opened Samantha Louise Jewelry in 2007 after moving to Denver and Her award-winning collection is available locally at Oster Jewelers in Cherry Creek.

KaiT Designs Kaitlyn Thomas founded KaiT Design LLC in 2009 with a focus on unique garments featuring quality workmanship and special details. Her line is an exceptional mix of seasonal collections, one-of-a-kind pieces and custom tailoring for local and national clients. KaiT Designs is sold out of Thomas’ studio in Fort Collins as well as in boutiques and specialty stores nationwide.

After a night of glitz, glamour and beautiful models showcasing the latest trends and fashions, one winner was crowned FGI Denver’s Rising Star 2011. The story of winner Lindsey Bloom and Bloom Jewelry can be read on the following pages. - Jim Wills Models provided by Donna Baldwin Talent

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LINDSAY BLOOM’S STAR IS ON THE RISE Photography by Jim Wills/1World Studios Fashion Group International Denver’s Rising Star 2011 saw thirteen of the most talented up-and-coming designers in Colorado. By the end of the evening, though, one designer was crowned the winner; Lindsay Bloom of Bloom Jewelry got to take the final stride down the runway as her jewelry designs culminated what was months of preparation and hard work. She was crowned the FGI Denver Rising Star 2011 winner.

The birth of Bloom Jewelry occurred about seven years ago, but the story of Bloom’s passion for creating jewelry as art began when she was just a teenager- when she had met a designer through her mother and learned the basics of design and jewelry creation. Bloom continued to create pieces for herself, her friends and her family until a business class in college encouraged her to take her passionate hobby and turn it into a career. In that class, she was assigned to create a business plan- and Lindsay decided to build a business plan based on a jewelry business. Bloom was living in and going to school in California, and after creating the plan it was a natural next step to apply it to something real. She recruited her mom and sister, created a jewelry line and entered it into a juried art show. While in the show, a buyer interested in their work approached them about carrying the jewelry and Bloom knew it was to be a career- Bloom Jewelry was born.

She then approached several stores and went to several industry trade shows to display her work. In 2005 her husband was offered a career move and they came to Denver.

Her mom and sister decided that it was definitely Lindsay’s calling and sent her to the Rocky Mountain Front Range with all their support and blessing.

After landing in Denver, Bloom took her work to the now closed LFT Boutique in Larimer Square. They loved her work and in 2006 began carrying her jewelry exclusively.

Next, she took her collection to boutiques in and around the Rocky Mountains. Whenever she visited family in LA or the Boston area, she’d spend some time showing her work and has been fortunate enough to have stores in each location carry her line. Then, in 2010, she attended the Project Global Trade Show in Las Vegas. It was a smashing success as vendors from across the country took to her work.

Before she entered Rising Star, Bloom Jewelry has been seen on TV and in a number of magazines- most recently in InStyle Magazine. Additionally, many Hollywood celebrities and TV personalities have been seen sporting Bloom Jewelry on the red carpet at both the Golden Globes and the Academy awards. As mentioned earlier, Lindsay Bloom has had her collection in several trade shows- all of which were juried, invitation-only events.

In 2007, Bloom Bridal was introduced. The idea for the line grew from an experience at her own wedding; she was looking for special pieces to give as gifts to her bridesmaids and just couldn’t find the right thing- so she decided to design her own gifts. They were a huge success and she knew she was onto something.

New to the Bloom Jewelry collection this year is the Bloom Black Tie line. Black Ties are hair bands crafted

with decorative metallic links connecting traditional hair band elastic. The Bloom Black Ties were also inspired from Bloom’s wedding- when she almost walked down the isle with a black hair tie around her wrist. The seed for the idea of a decorative hair tie was planted, and today the Bloom Black Tie line has become one of the most popular new lines of the Bloom Jewelry collection.

When asked what she attributes to her success, she states “Passion” without a second thought. “If you are truly passionate about what you do, I say go for it," she says.

"As an entrepreneur, I had to become an expert in so many areas outside of just the jewelry design. But keep going and the right things will fall into place for you if you are really passionate about it."

She also mentions that a strong support system has also been key. The support of her family was most vital. First, her mom and sister provided help to launch the business and make the concept a reality- and then there’s the support of her loving husband. “He is constantly helping to keep me going and encouraging my successes,” she says.

The Bloom Jewelry line is kept fresh as the collection is updated twice a year to reflect seasonal trends. In addition to the traditional Bloom Jewelry line there is also Bloom Bridal with the new Bloom Black Ties rounding out the line.

So what’s in store for the future of Lindsay Bloom? With the addition of a newborn baby, new manufacturing partners and winning the 2011 FGI Denver Rising Star Award, this designer’s star is most definitely on the rise.- Jim Wills

“IF YOU ARE TRULY PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO, I SAY GO FOR IT. AS AN ENTREPRENEUR I HAD TO BECOME AN EXPERT IN SO MANY AREAS OUTSIDE OF JUST THE JEWELRY DESIGN. BUT, KEEP GOING AND THE RIGHT THINGS WILL FALL INTO PLACE FOR YOU IF YOU ARE REALLY PASSIONATE ABOUT IT.”

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FASHION Alyssa Vercler & Katie McConnell

FALLENE WELLS Alyssa Vercler

Photography by Valerie Williams Fallene Wells is a name that, in time, could easily be on par with Coco Chanel or Ralph Lauren. Fallene's talent runs deeply through her veins. Her style is fiery and fierce.

With accomplishment upon accomplishment, she loves having Denver as practice ground for her many future successes.

In 2007, Wells visualized a bigger fashion scene for Denver. Producing and promoting her first show, she began the tradition of Forever Darling, which continues to be a staple for area talent to show off. Wells takes pride in knowing that she is making a difference here and afar by promoting a show that causes cohesiveness and partnership within the fashion community.

Wells has shown Denver a new level of fashion design, conveying her approach and technique draw gain attention and gain respect for her ability. Recently competing in Project Runway, she stepped up her game once again to meet the harsh criteria of the reality series competition. She succeeded through several rounds of elimination and considers doing so a huge achievement. Wells is bringing her energy and enthusiasm back to Denver- and on to bigger and better things than ever before.

Her goals for the next few years include creating ten new designs twice a year, based on the biannual Forever Darling show themes, ultimately taking these pieces to production, allowing her unique style to be in the online marketplace. Wells hopes to be included on a fashion commissioner board being developed in Denver. She is encouraging the fashion community of Denver to keep their noses to the grindstone, work hard for Denver and make the city's fashion scene happen. - Lisa Wear

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FOREVER DARLING IV Photography by David Wood Photography What a casting director picks for a fashion show theme may not always be to everyone's liking. Depending on who you ask, the clothing may appear dated, funky, plain, overdone- or just blah. That was not the story, however, for this year's Forever Darling IV. Fallene Wells, the artist in and behind the scenes, chose the Roaring 20s as a theme for her designers to emulate. And that they did! Commenting on the 20s era, late novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald was quoted as saying, "The 1920s was the decade the world lost its innocence and became 'modern.'

The restlessness approached hysteria.

The pace was faster, the shows were broader, the buildings were higher, the morals were looser and the liquor was cheaper."

The room was filled with fun and excitement, jazz music and dancing, hair in bobs and headbands, hats and dresses adorned with fringe and fancy feet. The

Models provided by Wilhelmina Denver

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FASHION Photography by Erin Sturga

Michael Brown Photography Fallene Wells, Mondo Guerra, Julie Tierney

Michael Brown Photography

audience had a chance to mingle in the festive atmosphere of the Sherman Event Center before the reveal on the catwalk. Everyone enjoyed the music and other guests while items were available for nonprofit silent action. Food and drink were plentiful, just as you would expect in an auditorium set up for entertaining in the unique style that was the roaring 20s.

The eleven designers thrilled the audience; each designer brought their own twist to the most exciting fashion era of the previous century. Looks featured an animal print flapper dress, a blouse and skirt adorned with trendy embellishments, a fur wrap, cunning choices of millinery work, flowing fabric and fitted frocks- each piece exhibiting content relevant to Fallene's theme.

The audience intensely anticipated this fashion show. Denver anxiously awaited and was pleasantly surprised by the delivery and execution of the event. We learned that the designers of our time- and our local talent- were up to the task of keeping to their own style while meeting the elegance and panache of a great and historic time in the world's fashion history.

In 2012, Forever Darling V will include some of Wells' fellow designers from

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the Project Runway television series and will also be held in Denver. We will be delighted to host a group of such talent; in anticipation of the Spring event Wells has decided to include about ten designers, each artist bringing five to ten pieces.

The March extravaganza will have a sheik bohemian theme. Something expressive, original and creative- beatnik, even. It will be held in an artsy environment that will foster the creativity of everyone holding true to their own standards; Wells will require that the featured artists produce designs that, while true to their own style, meet the standards and flavor of the show's theme.

The Fall show will continue the Forever Darling tradition and will include some of Denver's best clothing designers, millinery and jewelry designers. A new theme, a new challenge and a whole new adventure awaits Fallene Wells and Denver alike! - Lisa Wear

To follow Fallene Wells, Forever Darling and Voila Salon, go to: http://www. facebook.com/pages/Fallene-at-Voila-Salon/180599765299602

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“THE 1920S WAS THE DECADE THE WORLD LOST ITS INNOCENCE AND BECAME ‘MODERN.’ THE RESTLESSNESS APPROACHED HYSTERIA. THE PACE WAS FASTER, THE SHOWS WERE BROADER, THE BUILDINGS WERE HIGHER, THE MORALS WERE LOOSER AND THE LIQUOR WAS CHEAPER.” F. SCOTT FITZGERALD

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THE BALANCING ACT

AS IT PERTAINS TO DJ MLE Photography by incision photography

"WE TOOK THE GOALIE AWAY, AND BOOM, GOAL!"

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Having been involved in the Denver dance music scene for roughly ten years, DJ MLE (A.K.A. Emily Amanda) remains a fresh-faced fixture of the local nightlife community. A nurse by day and electronica DJ by night (which sounds more likely to be the description of a character written into the script of House in a contrived attempt to boost the show's sex appeal), MLE has unleashed her unique breed of electro house break beats at nearly every nightclub in Denver as well as countless around the world. Following her next gig on November 21st, though, MLE plans to go on an indefinite and very necessary hiatus from performing. After all, before the end of the year, she’ll be a mother.

MLE’s step away from her livelihood certainly comes with its sacrifices- as much for the scene as for her. She’s not only blessed Denver with booty-shaking beats, but also spunky personality and a unique sense of humor. “I am a happy, energetic, driven, compassionate, obsessive-compulsive workaholic who has the mouth of a sailor and the dirty mind of a porn star,” she says. “And I dream big.”

Big indeed; her most popular original track, “Do the Deal,” made it onto the Beatport breaks charts with a remix by Keith Mackenzie and DJ Fixx- and a music video was also made in conjunction with the release of the track. As the dance music community has been an important part of her life through good times and bad, it’s effectively woven itself into her identity. “Getting to work and play with the other DJs and producers in this city over the last decade has made me appreciate the diversity of talent and quality of people we have here,” she explains.

But as dear to her as it is, MLE places a higher priority on the life she’s getting ready to bring into the world. “I have always wanted to be a mother,” she explains. “I love children and have lived an amazing life.” At a point where she had achieved a distinct measure of success with her foray into the music business, MLE spent the past year longing for uncharted territory. “I finally met someone that I truly feel I can do this parenting thing with and we did not hesitate,” she says.

“We took the goalie away, and boom, goal!”

It quickly becomes clear that MLE has put even more thought into her decision than she puts into clever sexual euphemisms- and plans to structure her new life around it. “I am taking time off of everything for a while after that gig; even my full-time job as a nurse will come to a stop for about three months once the baby is born,” she explains. “I’m doing it not only to take care of this little baby that will be here soon but also to give myself time to adjust to the new journey.”

As disappointed as MLE’s fans may be at her maternity leave from the scene, they have to respect her responsible foresight. The notion of parenting presents a complicated conundrum not only to DJs, but all other types of talent as well. Historically, social commentators have not lauded the entertainment business as a healthy environment for children- and for good reason. The industry is tragically rife with questionable influences, from the mixed messages of the mainstream media to the party culture that grows behind the scenes.

Those with a more conservative attitude would scoff at the idea of a child being exposed to the electronic music scene in particular. While its constituents purportedly place important values such as peace, love, unity and respect above all else, a pervasive drug culture taints its public image- especially when youths die of drug overdoses at music festivals year after year. Filtering such a variety of influences can be quite the tightrope walk for a new parent, and if they’re ill-

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equipped to help their child process such colorful surroundings, they must be prepared to face dire consequences down the road.

None of this means that the Denver dance music community is without its proud parents. Local gogo dancer and promoter Jenny DiLuzio is raising an eight-year-old daughter and local DJ Seth Abrumz had a child in May, for example.

In fact, it could be argued that because success in the entertainment world requires talent to keep up appearances, they tend to be skilled at compartmentalizing ordinarily conflicting areas of their lives. MLE, for instance, engages in a multitude of activities aside from DJing- from various sports, to cooking, to “a Martha Stewart gene that won’t quit.” If she can keep those separate from her identity as a DJ, surely she can balance her newfound obligations.

Besides, exposure to the darker side of the business can help a parent identify better with a child’s frustration during coming-of-age years. In MLE’s case, it also helped her identify her own priorities. “I found this scene, poured myself into it, began climbing to the top and came close to losing everything, including my own life,” she says. “I took a step back, focused on what was truly important and was lead directly back here when I was able to handle it- to do what I love; to organize, create and play music for people; to make them dance and create energy.”

And even though DJing won’t be part of her life for a while, she exhibits a wise outlook on how big of a place in her formula it’ll take in the long run. “I am keeping a completely open mind about all of this,” she explains. “If I have this baby and all I can think about is taking care of him, then that’s what I’ll do. If the beats come back into my head and I get that craving to melt faces again, I’ll be all over it.” Either way, Denver being the tightly-knit community that it is, it’s safe to say that friends will be nearby to support her- whether it’s as MLE or Emily. - John Cameron

"I AM A HAPPY, ENERGETIC, DRIVEN, COMPASSIONATE, OBSESSIVECOMPULSIVE WORKAHOLIC WHO HAS THE MOUTH OF A SAILOR AND THE DIRTY MIND OF A PORN STAR," SHE SAYS. Winter 2011 / DeVelo / 51

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CIRCUS MUSIC

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HOW DENVER PRODUCTION & SONG WRITING DUO, THE BLACKOUT BEAT IS CHANGING POP MUSIC. ONE BEAT AT AT TIME.

Armando sits on a charcoal leather couch, feet propped up on the coffee table, mini Zen garden next to one foot and a half finished cup of Starbucks next to the other. On the other side of the room, Marcos sits with one foot curled behind the leg of his chair and the other tapping to a beat as they both work on their Macbook Pros (with custom woodgrain covers) in a comfortable, albeit unorthodox, setting full of personality. Welcome to The Blackout Beat Recording Studio, hidden gem of Denver’s expanding and cutting edge TAXI Development. It’s 12:07 A.M and we are joining Marcos and Armando at the tail end of a mix session for their new single, “Keep on Dancing,” as they disagree on how loud the bass should be. After a few minutes of experimenting with different compression

settings the brothers soon reach a compromise. The ability for the Garibay brothers to work like this, combining the best each has to offer, is the result of nearly a decade long partnership. And we suspect that this Yin and Yang alliance coupled with their growing talent has a lot to do with why they are largely being considered the most original and refreshing production camp to come out of Denver and the state.

Almost a year after the release of the acclaimed TBA album, The Blackout Beat Production Company prepares for its return to iPods and clubs everywhere with its newest project, The Circus House. Recorded over the span of 2 1/2 years, The Circus House is a concept album that combines poetic lyrics with bright and colorful sounds that takes pop music into a futuristic and theatrical realm. Laced with Blackout Beat producer Armando Garibay’s trademark sound, The Circus House is a cohesive, energetic, and sophisticated pop collection which includes local singer-songwriters Marie Robertson and Abigail Framptious.

Influenced from 80’s pop icons like Michael Jackson, Prince, Madonna, and The Culture Club, the album displays melodic dance floor-ready grooves that will entice music lovers of all genres. The Lead single, “Keep on Dancing,” contains a New-Disco beat with a lush chorus that blends the euphoric pop of the 80’s with a pioneering thump. “HeartGroove” provides an eerie sparse synth with a melodic and seductive chorus. “Messy Heart” is a bright 80’s Madonna-like tune that blends tropical, electronic, and dance.

“I’ve always been a huge fan of pop music....sometimes people think of ‘pop’ as a dirty word...I fully embrace it. As long as you have the key elements, pop is whatever you make it.”

Said Circus House producer Armando Garibay who has post-TBA, widened his musical tastes to cultivate a sound that blends genres into a synth-laden pop landscape. “I listen to whatever I can get my hands on....it has really helped refine the sound.”

Circus House is unique in that it is unapologetically pop with a sophisticated groove. The curtains will rise when the first act of The Circus debuts October 11th with the release of the single “Keep on Dancing” which will be a free download. The entire album will be free and available via The Blackout Beat’s website and Bandcamp come November 29th. The Circus House will debut live December 10th at The Taxi Building in the Rhino Arts District.

As The Circus begins to roll into town, Marcos Garibay (the other half of The Blackout Beat) will continue work on his highly anticipated solo debut album.

Whereas Circus House has vivid synths and introspective lyrics, Marcos’ project will take inspiration from the tropics and what he calls “his favorite age of R&B.” This translates to 90’s Timbaland and Neptunes that marry Bachata, Merengue, and other exotic sounds. Additionally, Marcos is hard at work in the studio wrapping up projects for hip hop heavyweight Reflecshaun and R&B new comer Emmett Collins. “I’ve been doing a lot of hourly projects and other things to help grow Blackout while Armando recorded the bulk of Circus House. As he started to wrap up the project I could’t take it anymore, I

missed having projects that I could really be involved in as a producer, so I made time in my schedule to fit in the Reflecshaun and Emmett projects. I think as those two get finished I’ll be able to focus more on my own.” Marcos Garibay also noted his desire to get Armando involved on all three upcoming projects. “He already did one track on the Reflecshaun record but I think it’s important that we get that sound on my project and Emmett’s. It’d be cool to bring a bit of that Circus House sound to hip hop and R&B given hip hop is a genre that needs saving.” -DeVelo Muerteselo For more information on what The Blackout Beat is cooking up please check out the following: Website: www.theblackoutbeat.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/theblackoutbeat Blog: theblackoutbeat.wordpress.com Email: contact@theblackoutbeat.com The Blackout Beat: Armando (upper right) and Marcos (upper right). The Circus is in town...Marie Robertson from Story & Clark (Left), Armando Garibay (center) and Abby Framptious (right). Photography by Ric Urrutia from Behind the Lens. behindthelens. net

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FASHION

FASHION WEEK As an experienced blogger who doubles as a social media marketer for "First Class Fashionista", a top celebrity lifestyle and entertainment news blog, I was given the opportunity to help break ground and contribute to the success of a Colorado Fashion Week.

Suzanne S. Brown, from the Denver Post, wrote "When the first models hits the runway in the Beull Theatre lobby at tonight's opening show of Colorado Fashion Week, Justice Kwesi Kwarteng will have his fingers crossed."

For the first-ever Colorado Fashion Week, which took place September 27th to October 2nd at the Beull Theatre, Founder and Creative Director Justice Kwesi Kwarteng, the CFW creative team, partners and proud sponsors of the event all had their fingers crossed. In a unified effort to create and support a sustainable fashion industry in Colorado; local designers, hairstylists, makeup artists, models and many other industry professionals came together and worked around the clock for one goal--to create future opportunities and prove Colorado can be a fashion capital of the west.

It was a Colorado fashion love affair...

With a special performance by Denver's own Pop Star, Madison Guthrie, opening night of Colorado Fashion Week paid tribute to Alexander McQueen with a Master's of Hair Show followed by a makeup presentation by NARS Cosmetics. The energy was high and hopeful. Guests sat on the edge of their seats as Colorado's top male and female models walked the catwalk with avant-garde hair, makeup and attention-grabbing theatrical headdresses.

On day 2 of Colorado Fashion Week, Rae Marie's sexy, edgy and chic designs opened the show. Then, D'Lola Couture by Deedee Vicory graced the runway. The custom bridal dress line is named after DeeDee Vicory and her mother, who was stalked and killed, and every gown in the collection is named after someone who helped design the designer's life.

Creatively choreographed to a Black Swan theme, the D'Lola Couture bridal dress show was breathtakingly beautiful. Deedee Vicory explained the Black Swan theme in an interview with "First Class Fashionista": "Tonight what went down the runway was the creation of the pain and the beauty behind each woman that makes her who she is," said Deedee

Gino Velardi Designs

Gino Velardi & Andrea Li Designs

Masters of Hair

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FASHION

Fashions by Rae Marie

Gino Velardi & Andrea Li Designs

D’Lola Couture

Vicory.

Day 3 featured Johanna Christine by Johanna Alwin and DANNEMANPure, a German company with a store in Aspen, Colorado.

"I showed Spring/Summer 2012. My Collection had a lot of lace, flirty details, sexy sequins, tight fitting garments accentuating the hips and really emphasizing that female silhouette, Johanna Alwin told "First Class Fashionista".

Johanna Alwin, originally from Minnesota, says her love for fashion design grew when she started to make clothes for her friends. Hollywood silver and gold, coral, turquoise and jewel colors was the Spring/Summer 2012 fashion forecast from this designer.

DANNENMANN-Pure designs were sophisticated and refreshing.

DANNENMANN-Pure is for the fashion conscientious consumer who shops not only for style, but eco-friendly clothing lines made from all natural materials. The collection brightened up the runway with 1940s inspired pieces in neon colors and matching accessories.

Day 4 of Colorado Fashion Week hosted an exclusive runway presentation by Gino Velardi of Gino Velardi Designs. The self-taught designer whose "vision is to make every woman feel sexy, confident and beautiful," turned the Colorado Fashion Week runway into confectionery; sweetening up the runway with chocolate colored mink and necklaces that reminded me of rock candy. Elegant, sexy and wearable, Gino Velardi's Designs was one of Colorado Fashion Week's most successful shows.

Finally, the end of Colorado Fashion Week was as grand as the start.

The finale featured Blue Fish, Element 5, Barrera by Fashion Merchandising and Retail Marketing Student Juan Jimenez, and Common Era. From sexy to sporty, as well as functional fashion like winter scarves and hats; this show presented something for everyone.

Showcasing the work of 9 designers, 5 salons, and 20 makeup artists, Colorado Fashion Week was a game changing event for Colorado that will continue to evolve and grow. - Lonza Dennis

Barrera International

Official Colorado Fashion Week Partner/Blogger, website: http://www.

FirstClassFashionista.com

Winter 2011 / DeVelo / 55

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ART

BORN TO DANCE Photography by Rachel Becker Looking up from an impossible angle, as he stretches in ways that would be difficult to imagine Gumby bending, Josh Dwyre calmly discloses his passion: Dance. “I can’t remember a time when I didn’t know I wanted to be a dancer”, he confesses.

Weighing a mere 155 lbs and standing 6’1”, it is hard to fathom the strength that this young man possesses. A big part of being a male dancer is having the ability to make lifts and dips look effortless. With an extensive background in ballet, Dwyre has learned the importance of creating seamless, fluid lines with his body- and when dancing with a partner, the fluidity of these lines becomes even more important. As the Cheshire Cat in his dance studio’s presentation of Alice in Wonderland, Dwyre displayed his skills as both a partnered and solo performer during the 2011 season.

In addition to attending Michelle Latimer Dance Academy in Denver, Colorado, Dwyre has served as a teaching assistant at the studio for lyrical dance since 2008. Studio

owner Michelle Latimer (one of the creators of JigTV.com) has cast Dwyre as the lead male dancer in numerous productions with her company. He travels with other Academy members across the country to compete at the highest levels. As the youngest member in his age group, Dwyre performed as a VIP dancer in the West Coast Dance Explosion Nationals, earning a place as one of the top ten performers.

Competing at a national level is nothing new to this young man. Dwyre has been awarded scholarships to attend and compete at numerous competitions during the past several years. Recently, he and his dance partner, Danielle Beeman, were awarded the Overall Regional Senior Performance at the International Dance Competition (IDC).

Dwyre was also named the Senior Male Solo Champion and selected to represent the competition as a dance model for the 2011/2012 season.

Dwyre’s youth has not stopped him from having worked with some of the most exciting, current names in the world of dance. He has auditioned for and been chosen to perform in pieces choreographed by artists such as Travis Wall of So You Think You Can Dance, Erica Soble (founder and artistic director of collidEdance), Primetime Emmy Award nominee for outstanding choreography Stacey Tookey, Bobby Newberry, and Kristin McQuaid.

Dwyre is completing his senior year at a prestigious preparatory high school (whose name he preferred not to mention) and is planning for college. One school has already offered him a $48,000 scholarship, but Dwyre is keeping his options open for now.

While he is taking several demanding courses, applying to colleges, and completing his admissions tests, Josh is busy auditioning and practicing on a daily basis. “I don’t think I’ve had a day without dance in over three months”, Josh says as practices his floor work.

“It’s intense, but that’s what you do when you know that dance is what you want your life to be.” His love of performance is obvious as he begins to run through various routines.

Watching this young man, you cannot help being overcome by his infectious smile. As he moves, you can see that he has found his true love: Dance. - Rachel Becker

“I CAN’T REMEMBER A TIME WHEN I DIDN’T KNOW I WANTED TO BE A DANCER”, HE CONFESSES. Winter 2011 / DeVelo / 57

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THE FLIGHT OF PHOENIX Photography by Kristen Morrow/Blaze Photography Denver has a sun that never stops shining even as dusk nears whose glare is blinding as a smile is greeting. Old soul many claim of her, though she's a mere 25 years of age. If a map of her internal world was drawn, one would see sands of business and artistic expression with an ocean of depth in spirituality and compassion.

She’s learning to live her name: Phoenix.

Phoenix Kelley Jackson is the founder and executive officer of a small marketing firm in Denver called Nation Marketing Group (formerly Qenu World LLC). She's a graduate of Denver University with a BSBA in Management and won the Entrepreneur of the Year Award from Daniels College of Business, the Community & Profiles in Excellence Award and is a Daniels Scholar. She's also a Member of the Board of Directors of the Carson J. Spencer Foundation.

As an African dancer & choreographer, she's performed in numerous places including the Newman Center for Performing Arts with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, in the Spirituals Project and HADD Ensemble and is now teaching a class in central Denver. In the Fall of 2011, she is creating the Dance to Live Health Initiative in conjunction with her African dance and fitness class (outlined on DancetoLiveSeries.com). Phoenix is also producing a fitness DVD entitled Dance to Live: African Dance and Fitness for Beginners that will be available for purchase on her website in December of 2011.

In a DeVelo Magazine interview, when asked why she does all that she does and what she feels is her main gift to society, amongst many she replied, “Many of us are multi-talented and what gives me true joy along with my other endeavors is being someone that many come to for spiritual, emotional and mental guidance. I am still learning many lessons on this journey of mine but somehow I am overly compassionate and understanding to the pains of humanity and that is the gift I want to cultivate- that is what I want to offer to the world in abundance. I feel so much intrinsic value when I think about the book I am currently writing: Compassion to Clarity and back again.

Due to the multitude of diverse things I have been involved in and will continue to be involved in, I have accepted the fact that we do not have to be known for one thing; how about being comfortable and embracing all that we are?”

Mother, entrepreneur, student, dancer, teacher, writer and spiritual advisor are among the roles that Phoenix has embodied. By far, her most valued is being a mother; she has an utterly charming five-yearold son named Ausar. With prowess, Phoenix proclaims that she is “eternally grateful for his presence and that he is whom [she betters herself] for daily." "I have never met anyone more compassionate,” she says. - D. Elizabeth Sharpe To learn more about Phoenix K. Jackson or to contact her, please visit her website at www.PhoenixJackson.com.

“...SOMEHOW I AM OVERLY COMPASSIONATE AND UNDERSTANDING TO THE PAINS OF HUMANITY AND THAT IS THE GIFT I WANT TO CULTIVATE- THAT IS WHAT I WANT TO OFFER TO THE WORLD IN ABUNDANCE...”

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COMMUNITY

Winter 2011 / DeVelo / 61

MUSIC

PIANO MAN - NOT

2011 - LOUIS COLAIANNIA TOPS THE CHARTS AGAIN, THIS TIME AT #5 Photography by Dave Higgins Mesmerizing, beyond complex, Louis Colaiannia’s music shows the wisdom of many fulfilling lifetimes.

Each composition is like an intricate piece of fine jewelry, every facet having been studied and perfected, totally without flaw. Watching Louis play feels almost like an intrusion as he melds into the role of piano player extraordinaire, the intimacy held back by only his fingers….if you listen with your eyes closed he is mighty and yet venerable. The rhythm causes the listener to take special care so as to not miss a single detailed note, anxious with anticipation, waiting for each time the melody changes.

Louis’ music comes from a place he cannot describe, a special place that has allowed him to write and compose many different types of music throughout the years. It seems as though his own life history is shown to us in fleeting glimpses of classical, jazz, pop, new age and contemporary music. We asked Louis if his style could be categorized and he thought not. We asked him if he could sum up his genre in one word, would it be “Louis?"

He smiled, gazed away for a moment and said, “Yes, I like that”. He described further that each era of his music presented itself from that special place as a direct representation of his life’s choices, circumstance and mindset.

Colaiannia’s life has taken him down many paths; College was a special treat for Louis, attending The University of Colorado on a basketball scholarship earned during high school in Denver. His CU studies brought him to the dentistry profession, allowing him to work with pearly whites, taking him almost completely away from his music. He tells us with great pride that he raised his only son as a single father. Father and son work together to this day. Louis happily added a daughter in law, and loves watching his family grow, anxiously awaiting the addition of a grandchild (a grand Daughter). Colaiannia is a successful businessman, operating in-home medical care practices throughout the Denver area. These accomplishments resulted from difficult choices, choices he would make again. Life so far has been a great journey; his smile, kind demeanor and a twinkle in his eye show us that he is a special man, with happiness in his heart.

Recently posted on his facebook page, Colaiannia gave us Spring Dawn with an incredible music video montage of the Sedona area and Oak Creek Canyon, Arizona.

Spring Dawn shows us a side of this talented man we listeners have not seen. The ar62 / DeVelo / Winter 2011

rangement seems to start as a playful conversation, continuing along a journey, possibly a romantic walk through the forest ending in an encounter of great meaning.

This summer and fall brought his life to a new order. Playing often, composing frequently, and touring to new venues- he has enjoyed the release that his playing allows him.

The week of April 20th 2011 Colaiannia hit the Charts again. The Top 100 Airplay Chart placed his CD A Moment Between Eternities as #5 in the New Age/Ambient Category.

Other exciting things are close at hand. He was recently honored with the Primo Award for Entertainer of the Year granted by Colorado’s Italian America Community group. With his career continuing to gain momentum, Colaiannia is touring the southwest and the eastern seaboard where he will visit Vermont to produce his next CD with the renowned Will Ackerman. As the founder of Windham Hill Records Ackerman has produced many great talents and Colaiannia is thrilled to be fortunate enough to work with him.

His passion for youth leadership and education in music is clear. DeVelo had the pleasure of attending a show produced and conducted by Louis and his son, Louis III, who lead the non-profit group, Global Youth Music Project. During this event he boasted a favorite composition, Grandpa’s Toy Box. Each member of the Company was showcased between an up tempo, snappy melody. Louis undeniably had the most fun playing in ‘The Toy Box’, sharing the talents of the band with the audience.

Music and orchestra students will continue to be mentored and directed by the Global Music Program. The future music courses will include instruction, instruments, and most importantly, will help close the gap that music program budget cuts have created.

Plans for 2012 are big, releasing a CD, more tours, more teaching, and more community support. April 7th Colaiannia is sharing his extraordinary ability with us at the KIND (Kids In Need of Dentistry) Benefit Concert as this non-profit group celebrates its 150th year assisting children with their dental health.

We, as listeners, can enjoy a recent single, City Scapes, on iTunes, or you can also listen and view the City Scapes video on youtube. We promise a unique and fulfilling experience as Louis, shows his view of Denver. - Lisa Wear For a sampling of this extraordinary release go to: http://www.amazon.com/A-MomentBetween-Eternities, or visit www.LouisMusic.com.

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COMMUNITY

ROGUE

ROGUE (NOUN) 1. A DISHONEST, KNAVISH PERSON; SCOUNDREL. 2. A PLAYFULLY MISCHIEVOUS PERSON; SCAMP: THE YOUNGEST BOYS ARE LITTLE ROGUES. 3. A TRAMP OR VAGABOND. 4. A ROGUE ELEPHANT OR OTHER ANIMAL OF SIMILAR DISPOSITION. 5. BIOLOGY . A USUALLY INFERIOR ORGANISM, ESPECIALLY A PLANT, VARYING MARKEDLY FROM THE NORMAL. Photography by Shannon Piserchio

If you know John Cameron, you know that the second definition best fits his persona.

Certainly not dishonest, probably not a scoundrel, most definitely not a tramp- playful and mischievous, yes.

Playing in every aspect of the nightlife of Denver over the years has taught Cameron a lot. Knowing that our fair city has an unlimited amount of potential in the entertainment industry has helped him along his journeys through a Rocker phase, a stint at University, attempts to launch into the modeling scene and most recently; a career with LoDo Magazine as editor in chief.

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A clear picture of who Cameron is- or who he will become in the future- is hidden behind a sense of humor, an iconic presence and a physique that is unmistakably sensual.

Writing, leading others, sharing his knowledge and allowing a slight glimpse of his complexity causes others to be intrigued by him, wanting of more.

While spending time around Cameron initially raises an eyebrow or two, comfort sets in and an understanding of why he hides a bit of himself becomes apparent. A thirst for knowledge and a genuine interest in his surroundings and those around him cause him to be reserved so that he may allow others to thrive.

Traveling through time with him, listening to stories of where he has been and what he has accomplished explain why his interest in Denver nightlife exists. Some time ago, Cameron realized that many musical talents in Denver were hidden away behind musicians' personal struggles with themselves and with the industry. As time passed, Denver’s scene improved with more people promoting parties, turning Denver into a thriving music landscape. His pride is apparent while sharing this history, knowing that following these trends has changed our views about entertainment in Denver. The talent is out there, significant, available for all, any type of genre and around every corner.

A continued interest in modeling allows our audience to see that at 6’4", Cameron is relevant as a model. He is handsome, intriguing and physically appealing to any onlooker.

As a writer and editor, Cameron will continue to show us all about who he is and who he will become. A writer writes, and John Cameron will keep tracing Denver’s cityscape of entertainment, music and nightlife. - Lisa Wear To include yourself in his most recent endeavor, go to:www.AfterPartyDenver.com

COMMUNITY

Winter 2011 / DeVelo / 65

COMMUNITY

EVOLVE|EVLOVE

Photography by Shannon Piserchio Beneath the skin and past the muscle, tissue and bone is the beat- beat- beating of your heart. A heart wrapped in layers of you; a heart that neither sees nor hears, but rather feels its way blindly through your life- quietly, and not always gently- leading and pulling you this way and that- and then there’s the rest of the world telling you what to think, how to feel and who to love.

When approached to photograph a spread for the Winter Issue of DeVelo, I let some ideas marinate a bit before a clear concept revealed itself. What came to me was not anything necessarily earth shattering or death defying; nothing outrageous or over the top- in fact, nothing crazy at all- just a story about attraction: Between two women.

Depending on our cultural norms and mores and our engrained beliefs as individuals, it seems that we have a difficult time seeing eye to eye on just about anything these days. I happen to be a very proud supporter and champion of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) community and, while there is quite often fear and reluctance to be outspoken about any issue surrounding same-sex relationships, it’s not a subject matter about which I feel any compunction whatsoever to stay silent. My mind is simply unable to wrap itself around the fact that there are citizens of this country- living under the same constitution- who are denied basic civil and human rights because they happen to love another person of the same gender. I fail to understand the violation of human rights which occurs when people are driven by their own

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inner-demons and fear to bully, beat up, or kill another human being because somewhere along the line, someone taught them that it was okay to hate those different from themselves.

Whether or not we’re making any progress is debatable because an entire community is still forced to live in the shadows and in fear. Fear of losing their jobs, their rights, their friends, their families- maybe even in fear of losing their lives. Until politicians and religious leaders stop perpetuating vitriol and until we, as individuals, take responsibility for our own thoughts and actions, the intolerance will certainly continue.

Our world is suspended in a delicate balance and we’re certainly feeling the collective impact of a deeply troubled economy, an increasingly fragile ecosystem, and the ongoing stressors associated with our occupations of other countries. It seems like now would be a good time for us to come together and start valuing and protecting humanity because we probably share much more in common than we realize. When someone gets knocked down, we should be climbing over one another to pick him up. When someone is getting bullied, we must find a way to stop it.

When we see a teenager crying out for help, we should be standing in line to love and support her. And when we see two people in love, we should celebrate the fact that they have somehow managed to find one another.

When I shared the concept for the following spread, everyone was excited and enthusiastic; the team came together, locations were secured, and the scenes were photographed. Everything went as scheduled- no surprises, no

problems. When I delivered the images a few days later, however, I sensed the first twinges of reticence. I understand that the reaction didn’t come from a personal place as the story was no doubt being viewed through the lens of society – through the lens of advertisers and of you, the reader, and that you might somehow take offense.

I bristled a bit and wondered how these particular images garnered trepidation. After all, everyone is fully clothed and there’s very little touching; it all seemed quite tame, really. The intent of the piece from the beginning is that we’re attracted to who we’re attracted to; our hearts, blind to skin color body type and gender, lead us to certain people to whom we feel an undeniable connection.

An open exchange of thoughts was shared and a compromise was reached: The spread would run to a certain point in the storyline and then continue online. Would I have preferred the whole story to unfold in these pages?

Of course. However, I’m incredibly proud of the publisher and editor of this magazine for pushing through both real and perceived barriers and allowing the light to shine on a subject matter which is typically locked in a closet; I’m also exceedingly grateful to have been given the opportunity to share this experience in my own words.

Our hearts are blind when it comes to love – it would be wonderful if our minds were as well. - Shannon Piserchio After receiving this piece as a submission from Piserchio, the DeVelo creative board elected to publish her image series in its entirety in the Winter print edition.

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Natalie Lynn Models - Allison Cloud, Rubina Gaspar Model - Sarah Julian Make-up-Artist - Angel Melissa Hair Stylist - Sarah Victoria Designs by Lisa Wear Clothing Location - Duo Restaurant / Lumber Baron Inn Lighting - Dominique Frederico Photography by Shannon Piserchio

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