LOOKS CREATED
intro ANGEL LAITH
AUG 2012
Editor In Chief Angel Laith Photo Editor Cesar Cabezas Contributors Nicole Cerro Enrique Ortiz Christian Phillips
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August 2012 VOLUME 2 Issue 8
inside ShesRyan BHawk Angel N. Laith Marcus Braggs Stephany DelaMata On The Street: ! Ariel ! Corn Danzey ! Tonya Rapley Article: Vintage Styling In//Out?? ! By: Rasheedah Najieb ! Model: Laurel Crepeau ! Creative: Nicole Cerro!
from the editor Whats in a name? Everything. It's one ID that sets you apart from everyone else (right before your style). Just like your style, your identity can be changed. Whatever the reason may be for a change make it for the better. The reason for this cover is not to follow in Oprah's footsteps, but instead let the world know who Angel is. Not many people knew my name in Charlotte, but now that I'm taking over a new city I might as well re-introduce myself.
Angel-Noel Laith @wegetDRESSED
contributors
Chakayla Taylor page 29 Charlotte, NC "Ask Billie" Columnist
Cesar Cabezas page 24 Queens, NY. Photographer: Stephany DelaMata
Rasheedah Najieb page 32 Cleveland, OH Writer: "Vintage Styling: In/ Out?
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shesRyan
"Being DRESSED means wearing what you want, when you want to, because it's simply WHO YOU ARE."
So you tell me that singing is your ultimate passion. How long ago can you remember that you have been singing? What now makes you want to pursue song over photography? Yes, singing is my ultimate passion, I love it, and every morning I wake up, I envision myself shutting down Madison Sq Garden. I've been singing/doing music since elementary school. I was always in a chorus group, and talent shows. I also played clarinet for a few years. The reason I want to sing or being a photographer is because I'm simply more passionate about it. Don't get me wrong, my love for digital photography, and imagery overall is strong, there's no doubt about that, but I feel with every bone in my body that I was born to entertain, and inspire IN FRONT of a camera, or on stage, not behind the scenes. Love your stage name as well. How did it come about? Thank you. shesRYAN came about after being a photographer for so long, and being credited as Ryan. The credits would say Ryan, I'd end up being booked by new people, and emailing new clients back and forth for WEEKS, then I'd show up on set, and they all expected me to be a man because of the name. People not knowing I'm a woman was really funny to me. So I changed my twitter/facebook and every social network handle to shesRYAN, mainly to be a little sarcastic, but also to let people know, "Yes, I'm a woman, and yes, my name is Ryan". It stuck with people like glue. I'm now approached in the street and at events as "She's Ryan" and not "Ryan". I thought it sounded catchy, so I ran with it. Now my stage name, my campaign, and my first mixtape is all titles "shesRYAN".
What does being DRESSED mean to you? Being DRESSED to me means expressing yourself. Not wearing garments because you saw them in a magazine, or because your favorite socialite had it on on Tumblr. Being DRESSED means wearing what you want, when you want to, because it's simply WHO YOU ARE. It can be trendy, and cool looking, but as long as you FEEL good and LOOK good while wearing what you love, you are DRESSED. When you get famous are you gonna hire a stylist or would you continue to style yourself? A lot of people ask me this because they know I'm very much into the clothing I wear. Yes, when I make it I am going to hire a stylist. One because there's no possible way to be able to pull, shop, and style myself while handling a full singing/modeling/acting career, and Two, I always say this, TWO HEADS ARE BETTER THAN ONE. I will not hire a stylist to change my image, but I will have a stylist to show me cool things that I know nothing about. Hot looks that he or she may recommend to me that I may fall in love with. Also, for advice and inspiration. I'll still have my own aesthetic, but my stylist can simply enhance that. No one is changing my style. What's one fashion rule you have for yourself? The one fashion rule I have for myself is NEVER TRY. The minute you start trying to out do some one else's look, or look extra avant garde because you saw it in Vogue Italia, you may end up looking foolish, and/or look like you're "trying too hard". Sometimes less is more.
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Are you a shoe or bag person? I am a shoe person %100. I'm still somewhat of a tomboy, so holding bags was never my thing. Can you tell us about look 1 and 2 that we shot today? 1- was very simple. It was something I'd wear any day of the summer or autumn. It was a chiffon top, that was originally a dress, but I like the detailing on the upper part of the dress so much that I tucked it in into some super high waist lace shorts. This look is something I'd wear to go shopping around the city, or just to hang in the park with my friends. 2 Is a bit more exciting. Punk rock striped denim straight out of an old punk store in North Carolina, and A silk black blazer with leather lapels by Anthony Rowley of Raw Syndicate, and the Studded and Spiked choker is by accessory designer Tiffany B Chanel. On my feet are just some old beat up Doc Martens. I'd wear this look on a normal, cooler autumn day as well, but it would be exciting to wear it at a performance, or while hosting a concert. Name 5 inspiring people to ShesRyan in any area doesn't have to necessarily be fashion: Amy Winehouse, Aaliyah, Madonna, Lauryn Hill, Beyonce. What are some of the struggles you are facing while building your own brand? The only struggles I am facing are the financial ones like any artist on the come up. It takes money to make money. So it's a challenge. But I'm doing it, and I won't stop. I look back at myself this time last year, and that's what keeps me going. I've been
published 4 times in one year, and I'm extremely blessed and of course, grateful. But like I always say, "LIVE THE LIFE YOU'VE DREAMED OF TODAY, AND LET THE MATERIAL THINGS COME WHEN THEY COME, BECAUSE WITH UNWAVERING FAITH, WE'RE SIMPLY WAITING FOR IT TO HAPPEN".
BHawk
6' 3"?! Im sure I'm not the only one who gawks at your height when meeting you. I'm also sure you had to be pushed into modeling--how was they for you? I know you said you don't do it anymore. No your not lol..I don't know why people are so shocked that Im tall. I'm not the only tall person in New York..but everyone around me growing up said i should to get into basketball or modeling. I've tried both and I honestly don't have a passion for neither. Modeling is not as easy as it looks but I do enjoy the creative part of it which makes it fun. Does being called androgynous offend you? I actually love it, it helps me explain my style to people who think I'm trying to become a transsexual female. And there is NOTHING wrong with being a transsexual but that's just not me. I love my male parts! Being able to mix masculine and feminine looks together is really fun for me..it makes people stare and think twice about the future of fashion. What's one thing tall boys should avoid like a plague when it's time to get DRESSED? Wow..that's hard! I would say avoid being insecure. Try different looks that work for YOU! Just because your tall doesn't mean you can't have fun with fashion and explore different looks. I first saw you while working at your job at Buffalo Exchange, do you get to meet a lot cool people working at a pretty popular clothing boutique? Yeah! I meet all types of great people. Everyday is different at Buffalo Exchange from the customers to the clothes. We get a lot of really cool fashion bloggers, mothers, designers and random celebrities that come in. I can honestly say I love being a buyer ,
sometimes, and learning about so many different labels, designers and people. Name 5 inspiring people to B Hawk in any area doesn't have to necessarily be fashion: Yikes!! That's a hard one too..damn Oprah. Lol. Five people that inspire me are my Mother, Adam Lambert, Destiny's Child, Alexander McQueen and Martin Luther King Jr. Tell us about look 1 and look 2 we shot: Look number 1 was a mix of a tangerine Zara blazer, a Vintage skirt, a Helmut Lang tank and Alexander McQueen accessories. I honestly just wanted to have fun with different colors and patterns which I don't normally don't do but that's just the way I was feeling that morning. It was inspired by a photo of a old Japanese women I saw on a blog, she was surprisingly really tall and I loved her confidence. Look number 2 was a mix of a gold Vintage neck piece, Virgin Blak shoes and a All Saints dress. I loved the flow and draped fabric of the dress..It was soft but still had a edge about it. then the gold gladiator sandal and neck piece gave the outfit a pop. I love mixing black & gold together. What's the most common comment you get from strangers when your out and about being B Hawk? The most common is obviously "Wow!..your tall!", which is actually very annoying and rude. Second is "Yes Bitch! WORK!" lol. I guess a lot of people don't expect me to be so tall and fashionable at the same time.
What does being DRESSED mean to you? Why do you think we chose you? I think being "DRESSED" means being confident and knowing how to express yourself through fashion. Hmmm. Good question! I think I was chosen because I honestly know exactly who I am and I don't give a shit about what anyone has to say. I just love expressing myself creatively and dressing everyday like its my last. I know you've dabble in other areas of the arts, but what's your true passion? My true passion is just to be a full out entertainer. I want to be able to take over the entertainment industry and change the world with the gifts I was given. A lot of random strangers come up to and tell me I have a "gift" that I should share with the world, even RUPAUL told me that while shopping at Buffalo Exchange! If you could only get DRESSED from one designer/fashion house for the rest of your life, who/what would it be? Why? Ugh! I can only pick one?!! Well I've really been in love with this UK label called Religion. Their a mix between All Saints and Alexander Wang (in my head). I first discovered the label while working at Buffalo Exchange. I love them bc they mix casual everyday edgy pieces with a splash of glam chic. I love mixing their Mens heavy edgy blazers with a long Women's glam tank or dress with a pair of boots. And they also have really good smelling cologne/perfume!
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"I want to be able to take over the entertainment industry and change the world with the gifts I was given."
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Angel Laith
Christian Phillips
So whats with the name change? Isn't your real name Christian? Yes, my birth name is Christian. Do I go by that name anymore? No. If you must know I'm separating myself from my past and starting new. What brought you to NYC in the first place? NYC has always been my home in my head. I'd always dream about moving here and working in fashion. So now that I'm putting my magazine back on the road, why not go ahead and make the big move? How do you define your style? I'm actually in the process of revamping my wardrobe. I'm ridding my closet of "basic" looks that had no personality. This look I'm wearing on the cover is actually "new" for me. No, I don't do drag and wear skirts and heels, but I do appreciate the androgynous male. What is one thing people may not know about you? My first name should actually be "Emotional Jones". It's one of my most annoying traits I have. It gets in the way because people can notice it and hate to be known as someone who can't get off his period. What made you create DRESSED magazine? DRESSED was created to share and inspire other young people around the world on how to get DRESSED. Cliche sounding right? I also created this brand because I've always wanted to work in fashion and to be in charge. What better way to do so than create a brand myself? Fashion pet peeve? White socks with black shoes will go down as my all time most annoying fashion pet peeve. It's not a big deal, but visually it's such a clash when you bend over to tie your shoe and this random pop of white comes out of nowhere.
Marcus Braggs
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So your not a New York native? What brought you to the city? I moved to NYC to dream chase. I'm a professional dancer and I'm also a model so new york was the best place to be. You tell me your mom is a designer, does she influence your sense of style? Yes she does she's always taught me to be different. She always said don't fallow, lead . Say who you are threw what you wear. In the next 6 months what do you see going on in your life? I see me well connected in the fashion world. I see myself as a visual stylist at high-end stores, signed with an agent and closer to all dreams. How important is fashion to you in your life? It is my life and has never not been. Having a mom who designed my whole life taught me that you always need to look presentable. Even if your just running errands.
What do you do for a living? I am a professional dancer and choreographer, and aspired model and stylist and fashion designer. If I work hard enough ill see progress on each and every level. One fashion pet peeve of yours? Never go with the latest trends. Make a statement by doing the opposite . Use vintage clothes to inspire the new looks today .
Christian Phillips
21[dressed] magazine
Stephany DelaMata
OWNER: DIVINE GROTESQUE DESIGNS
Enrique Ortiz
Tell us about Divine Grotesque Designs: Divine Grotesque Designs are affordable eccentric accessories inspired by the dead and the wonderful colors of the world. How would you describe your style? My style is influenced by the gothic subculture,middle east, mostly anything vintage and sometimes I wear pink lol. What are some of the struggles you faced while building your own brand? As every other artist out there, sometimes I had a plethora of doubts about myself, always questioned "will people wear it? or even like it?" but at the end of the day in order to succeed or at least say you tried, you must take risks and go for it. Where are you from? I was born and raised in NYC What does being DRESSED mean to you? It means your FANTABULOUS!
Ask Billie Your fashion questions answered
Q: "Hello Billie, I am a curvy woman who loves to wear the latest styles in fashion, but lately I am starting to feel bland and uninspired. How can I vamp up my wardrobe when I'm on a tight budget?" A: Hello there Felice, Coming from a true fashionista on a budget I completely understand how it feels to shop on a slim dime! Surprisingly, voluptuous, curvy women can find A LOT of great finds at your local Good Will, believe it or not! Yes Felice, I am a size 18, curvy, healthy and happy and about 80% of my wardrobe are all thrifted finds from Good Will. On top of saving hundreds of dollars but visiting your local, funky Good Will, you will instantly have the tools and motivation to revamp your boring closet! The number 1 bit of advice when it comes to thrifting would be to stray away from the ordinary, or items that can be easily found in your local mall, go for the stand out items like bold prints, wild colors, or interesting (vintage) silhouettes that may not be out right now. Vintage, thrifted items are a great way to show your personality without mimicking what you think is fashionable.
What you are doing in turn is creating your own lane that others will want to take a test drive on! Shop away darling! Snap pics of your finds and send them to us! Good luck vintage hunting!Â
Got a fashion question for Billie? Want to see it answered in the next issue of DRESSED? If so, email them to info@wegetDRESSED.com
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on the street Corn Danzey Ariel
Tonya Rapley
What to Wear to the A HISTORICAL BASED LOOK AT WHERE THE "HIPSTER" CAME FROM
By: Lauren Curry
Vintage Styling In // Out? by: Rasheedah Najieb Model Laurel Crepeau
Stacey Kay, 24 year old blogger of goodwillhuntingg.com, collaborator with Good Will Inc. What does vintage fashion mean to you? Vintage fashion means taking the best clothing from yesterday and mixing it with the trends of today to create something totally fresh and unique.” What is the appeal of vintage? Nostalgia? Modesty? Retro sexiness? I love the nostalgia of vintage. When I shop in a vintage store, I like to look at each piece and think about its former life. Being able to take that piece of clothing and transform into an outfit for today is challenging and rewarding. It’s easy to grab something off the rack, in your size and make it look good. Wearing vintage requires a little more imagination.”
We all know fashion is constantly changing, moving and shifting. The question now-adays is in what direction? Trends of the past are either being redone or reborn. From your mom’s 80’s shirts and dresses, thrift stores to H&M’s fall line, vintage fashion can be incorporated into someone’s wardrobe many different ways. The neon colors of the 80’s to the subdue pastels of the 60’s; vintage fashion has inspired many trends over the past 10-12 years. When we left the 90’s, we went back to the 60’s, 80’s, even as far as the 20’s. Some people take outfits straight from the pages of People Style Watch while others take what they can find and make it their own. So with its mainstream platform, I talked to two ladies who are experts in their own right about fashion and asked them if vintage is in or out.
Has vintage become more of a trend now to where it’s not considered unique anymore? While wearing vintage clothing has become somewhat of a trend, it’s so centered on finding individual pieces. I think it’s great more and more people are getting into vintage fashion because it is so ecofriendly and affordable. I also think it encourages self –expression, which builds confidence and sense of self.” What do you think is the future for the movement in fashion? I think we’ve gone so far into the mass production and mass marketing of fashion that consumers have started to move in another direction. I think this is where the vintage fashion and thrifting trend has come into play. In a way, it is an anti-fashion or a rejection phase of the cycle. Designers and retailers are taking this into consideration and beginning to tailor their offerings to suit the current attitude of the consumer. It’s not all about quantity anymore. It’s about quality and individuality.”
Marissa McDowell, Visual Merchandiser for H&M and Graduate of the Fashion Merchandising Program at Kent State University. Although Marissa is engulfed in the trends of today on a regular basis, she still feels a sense of distinctiveness when it comes to her personal style. In your personal wardrobe, do you have vintage pieces? I have a pair of old Levi jeans from 1985. I also made distressed and studded ripped shorts from my mom’s jeans. My favorite piece is this Western leather jacket that I got for $15 in Pittsburgh where anywhere else would be $100.” How do you feel about the new vintage and the homage to the 80’s? “It appeals a lot to the younger generation; it’s the furthest they care to go as far as relating to the past. It’s safe for them. For vintage fashion it’s where many start and stay. I don’t hate it, but isn’t it more adventurous to go further back?” How can people become more creative? Get pieces that speak to you. Look for clothing you can do something to it. Whether it’s too big or out there, nobody will love it like you. Take the time to invest in it.”