FAS SPRING/SUMMER 2011
table of contents MAKEUP TALK WITH EMAN canadian-based makeup artist eman shares her makeup secrets - 4 INCERTO beautiful. foliage. fashion. - 8 BEAUTY: TRY THIS! fun and easy makeup looks for you to try - 16 RED BEAUTY the classic red lip and rouge cheek in all its splendor - 18 YEAH, YEAH, YEAH. who says you can’t wear white after labor day and fur when it’s hot? - 20 AQUAMARINE swimwear that’s to live for - 20 COUNTRY GIRL fashion served up southern style - 24
MUSIC: THE H.E.L.L.O GIRLS an exclusive interview with the next big thing in electro pop - 34 MUSIC: SAIL OUT r&b singer jhené aiko explains the journey of sailing (not selling) your soul - 40 DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: BEIJO designer susan handley of beijo handbags shares her story - 44 FALL ‘11 PREVIEW: BLONDE RENDITION high fashion and platinum plus - 48 FALL ‘11 PREVIEW: GOOSE where quirky and exquisite meet - 50 HEAD-TO-TOE this season’s stand-out looks--and how to get them - 50 WHERE TO SHOP #selfexplanitory - 53 FAS SPRING/SUMMER 2011 - 2
FOUNDER & EDITORIAL DIRECTOR nicole lah A S S I S TA N T E D I T O R sharon l. dennis C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R nicole lah
ART art director + nicole lah FASHION executive fashion editor + nicole lah BEAUTY executive beauty editor + nicole lah IMAGING digital image specialist + nicole lah CONTRIBUTORS shawn arrington, boakhanh hoang, ren lara PHOTO photo directior + nicole lah WEB web producer + nicole lah for fasmedia/sharppe purple ARTICLES managing editor + nicole lah FOUNDER nicole lah STYLE style editor + nicole lah SUBSCRIPTIONS one year for $25.00 (4 issues quarterly) in the united states and possessions; $35.00 for canada and $70 for all other countries. ADDRESS FOR SUBSCRIPTION ORDERS, LETTERS & ALL OTHER INQUIRIES: p.o. box 4392, culver city, ca 90231-4392 EMAIL US YOUR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS AT: info@fasmag.com FAS Magazine/FASlife Magazine is published and distributed by FASmedia, LLC. reproduction without permission is prohibited.
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MAKEUP talk w/
eman makeup artist
On this page: Photographer: Kelly Jill Stylist: Vincent Lee Makeup and Hair: Eman On following page: Photographer: Zenaida Kwong Stylist: Joanna Kulpa Makeup and Hair: Eman
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akeup artist Eman is a self-taught makeup artist based in Canada. She got her start a few years ago freelancing and testing with various fashion photographers. Specializing in editorial and beauty, she is known for creating modern yet cutting edge looks with each shoot. Eman gives tips on choosing the right foundation, reveals what every woman should have in her makeup bag and gives tips on how to get representation in the fashion industry.
A common makeup “Oops!” is: “Choosing the wrong foundation. Make sure it’s the right color for you by going to a makeup counter to have an artist match you to find your perfect shade,” Eman says. Drugstore brand vs. Department store brands: “Drugstore brands may not go on as smooth,” Eman reveals. “With a department store brand, the foundation rests naturally on the skin giving a more flawless finish.”
What should be in your makeup bag: 1. Lip moisturizer - Keep your lips moisturized and coated for a smooth lip. Try M.A.C’s tinted lip conditioner with SPF 15 or Softlips lip protectant. 2. Mascara - Enhance your lashes with a great mascara. Try Lancôme’s lash-extending, maximizing mascara, Hypnose Drama in “Excessive Black,” or Maybelline’s XXL 24HR Bold Mascara. 3. Powder - For normal to only skin, finish your foundation with a pressed powder. Try Lancôme’s powder foundation, Dual Finish available in a range of shades from fair to very deep, or IMAN’s pressed powder also available in a variety of tones. 4. Blush - Add warmth to you complexion by adding some color to your cheeks. Try Maybelline’s Fit Me! Blush in “Deep Rose” or Lancôme’s Powder Blush in “Shimmer Coral Sunset.”
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Common beauty myths: 1. If you’re doing an intense eye (i.e. smoky eye), you can’t do an intense lip. 2. Night time looks are only meant to be worn at night. Daytime looks are only meant to be worn in the day. 3. If you do a colorful eye or an intense eye, it will shrink your eyes.
Tips for seeking representation: Networking. Build up your portfolio by networking with fashion photographers, other makeup artists, agency models and doing test shoots. Create a website. If you don’t know how to create your own website, there are alternative options to establishing your online presence. The following websites have both free and paid account subscriptions available to host your portfolio. - Viewbook.com - ModelMayhem.com - Wix.com - Webs.com Do a lot of research on creative agencies. Utilize internet search engines to find an agency in your city as well as abroad. Don’t limit yourself to only working in your town, state or country. Invest in a passport. You never know when an opportunity may knock-and it just might be overseas. Always be prepared. Design your business card or hire a professional graphic designer to do it for you. Below are some great printing companies that offer custom services as well as templates to get you started: - NextDayFlyers.com - GothamPress.com
For more on Eman, visit her offcial website at http://emanmakeup.com. For behind the scenes footage on this interview, visit http://fasmag.com
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FASm edia
- PHOTOGRAPHY - DESIGN - PRINT - WEB
WWW.FASMEDIA.NET
incerto photography by nicole lah styling by gabby lewis makeup/hair by jeff jones
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beauty
try this: Photography by Nicole Lah Makeup/Hair by Jeff Jones
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eyes: Get this blue hue for your lids with MAC’s eyeshadow in “Tilt” or try “Freshwater09”
lips: Get this red-orange lip with MAC’s lipstick in “Chilli”
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red beauty Photos - Shawn Arrington Makeup/Hair - Debra Johnson Photographer’s Assistants - Jeff Gutierrez / Juan Mapue
cheeks: Be the belle of your town and try Lancome’s amazing powder blush in “Rouge Glow”
lips: Get this show-stopping redrose lip with Dior’s lipstick in “Rouge Blossom”
yeah, yeah, yeah. photos: shawn arrington model: marissa fraering styling: kristin michelle brady assistant photographers: jeff gutierrez / juan mapue
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country girl Photos: Shawn Arrington Makeup/Hair: Debra Johnson Styling: Shawn Arrington / Chanel Rene Assistant Photographers: Jeff Gutierrez / Juan Mapue
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BOW peep Photographer - Baokhanh Hoang Model - Maya Donovan at Pinkerton Makeup & Hair - Dominique Lerma Wardrobe Stylist - Isaac Tjaja
music
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the
H.E.L.L.O girls photos - ren lara makeup/hair - nicole lah makeup assistant - kelli zehnder wardrobe - nicole lah wardrobe assistant - nicole ayala interview by nicole lah
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he H.E.L.L.O Girls may be new to you but they have been in the music business collectively for over a decade. The most recognizable of the group is actress Meagan “Cheeba” Good (Eve’s Bayou, BET’s “The Game,” Tyler Perry’s Jumping the Broom). Amy “Kitty” Bell and Sterling “Goldie” Victorian are songwriters. Cheeba’s sister, La’Myia “Bullet” Good was in the popular R&B group Isyss (“Day & Night” featuring rapper Jadakiss). With their to-the-point lyrics and electro pop sound, they are bound to break music barriers with envious ease. Cheeba, Kitty, Goldie & Bullet are Highly--Electric-Lethal--Lavish--Oh, I adore her. Say, “H.E.L.L.O!”
On previous page from left to right: Cheeba, Kitty, Goldie & Bullet.
FAS: How did the group start? Who’s idea was it? Dish! Bullet: Alright, we’re gonna put this together really quick! Cheeba and Kitty (Meagan Good and Amy Correa Bell): best friends--14 years!
Kitty: It was kinda right in our face for a long time and we didn’t see it. And actually, we were [in the car] listening to a BellBivDevoe song called “Hello” about a H.E.L.L.O girl which stands for HighlyElectric-Lethal-Lavish-Oh, I adore her.
FAS: Woooow!
Goldie: (In British accent) Oh, I adore her!
Bullet: Cheeba and La Myia: sisters--all our lives! (Laughs) Goldie and Kitty: in a band for... (to Kitty) How long?
Kitty: So, we were bumpin’ in the car and that’s where we got the name from.
Kitty and Goldie: Three years!
Cheeba: Ricky Bell [of BellBivDevoe] named us.
Bullet: (Pointing at self, speaking in the third person) Bullet and Kitty are writing partners. Long story short, we were having a writing session and we were thinking about... We met this producer named Rob Quote. He does a lot of stuff for Fergie; he did a lot of stuff for Paula Abdul’s last CD. So, we were talking and we were just saying how we love spending time with the girls.... We wish we could do things together with everybody because we spend so much time dividing it up between--
FAS: Take us on the journey of your first single. Introduce it to people:
Kitty: Yeah, we were supporting all of [Bullet’s] solo stuff, she was coming to all our band shows, we were all hanging out together supporting what each other does anyway. Cheeba’s always loved music-Cheeba: And then I love [Kitty and Goldie’s] band Craze.com. I’m just kinda mesmerized by them. I’m mesmerized by my sister (Bullet). She’s an amazing solo artist. Bullet: Thanks!
Cheeba: Well, we don’t have a single yet. Goldie: We haven’t made a commitment. FAS: Well, the song that’s on your website right now is... Cheeba: We have “Beep, Beep” and we have “On & On.” “Beep, Beep” is actually the first song we did together. Often times when guys try to hit on you they either do the, “Psst!” Or they do the “Honk, honk!” as you’re walking by. We were just like, “‘Beep, beep’ ain’t my name muthasucka!” Goldie: Beep, beep ain’t my name! (Laughs) Bullet: And so we write and produce with Rob.
Cheeba: And then I was like, “Hey! Collabo!” Bullet: Yeah, it just only made sense. We spend like, literally 80% of our time together, or working on something with one another.
Cheeba, Bullet & Kitty: We all write our own music. Kitty: Yeah, we write all our own music.
Kitty: We’re always trying to help each other blow up anyway. We’re like, “Oh! We’ll do a with all of us! First Craze.com, and then Bullet, then Cheeba!”
Bullet: We don’t have songs being submitted. There’s no artificial--
The H.E.L.L.O Girls: And it was like, “HELLO!”
Kitty: We didn’t audition for this group together. We didn’t just get thrown together. We didn’t just decide we wanted to be in the music business. We’ve always been in the music business...for over 10 years. “On & On” is not our first single. I think people just got the song of our website and jumped to conclusions. And just came up with their own fairy tale stories. But we just wanted to say, “Hey, this is what we’re working on,” and this is only the beginning of a lot that we’ve got to say.
FAS: Oh, there we go! I get it! Kitty: It was kinda right in our face for a long time and we didn’t see it. And actually, we were listening to a BellBivDevoe song called “Hello” about a H.E.L.L.O girl which stands for Highly Electric Lethal Lavish--Oh, I adore her. FAS SPRING/SUMMER 2011 - 36
“we want to relate to the regular girl.”
Cheeba: There’s no other writers.
FAS: Ok! Nice! So, who is inspiring you guys?
Cheeba: We’d like to say that we’re sort of a mix between Vanity 6 and the Beastie Boys. But we like what you said today [prior to the interview] about us being a quartet of a Kelis. Kitty: Obviously, we really like M.I.A. Cheeba: Some Gwen Stefani mixed up in there, some Axel Rose. Goldie: Old school rock. N*E*R*D. Bullet: We’re just a pot luck! Goldie: Our taste runs the total gamut. People probably wouldn’t even think that we listen to the type of music we listen to. We listen to everything. It’s all in there! Cheeba: I think that’s kind of been some of the resistance [with our music]. One of the things is that I come from the acting world so they didn’t know how serious it was, which is very serious. Number two: they assumed that because we’re “urban” that our music is going to be hip-hop or R&B, or something like that. Bullet: Yeah, that’s one of the stigmas that really drives us crazy. Although we don’t play instruments, our vocals are our instruments and that’s why we’re a band. We’re not a girl group! I think a lot of people get a misconception when they see a mixed [race] or urban black-Cheeba: They’re like, “Oh, Destiny’s Child!” Kitty: Or they think that we’re just trying to come up with an idea to blow up and get famous really quick. But no, this is what we love to do. We’ve always been doing it, we just finally decided to join forces ‘cause we already were joined forces as family, as best friends... We might as well give the world what we’re doing anyway. We were like, “Why are we holding back?” Cheeba: All of us are Christians and our desire is to use our tool and our gift to inspire people, encourage people. We have spiritual undertones in our music that doesn’t stuff it down your throat but to make sure that you get something [out of it]. Kitty: It’s not like forceful, or cheesy or annoying. Bullet: It’s message music. Kitty: About real life situations. Cheeba: We want to use our platform to talk to young girls, to talk to young boys, to go into orphanages and juvenile detention centers and stuff like that. Our goal is definitely not being famous but it’s a lot greater than just making good albums. It’s about trying to make a difference in the way that we can--united. Kitty: We just want to relate to the regular girl that’s not the glamorous, typical Hollywood girl that most girls look up to. There’s also the regular chick that just likes to throw on her Vans and Converse, go to the club in a wifebeater, still loves God, still loves to make music and rock out, and still likes the ghetto hip-hop! You know that’s just who we are. Goldie: And you’re still just as fly! You can be fly without doing a lot. You can be fly just because of who you are not because of what you do or what you wear. We truly believe in that! So, yeah we wear t-shirts and cut-off shorts to the club. Bullet: And we repeat our outfits!
Cheeba: And we don’t care! Sometimes I go to Walmart and get a t-shirt! Kitty: And Forever 21! Bullet: We’ve got to think beyond today. Our mind sets are so focused on what people are wearing. People want to go gossip and be negative about people and things... We have to live not just for today but for tomorrow and for our children and for the goals that we have. We’re on a grind right now. This is a straight hustle. We’re not making any money for what we do, we’re doing it because of what we love and the greater purpose and the greater goal in the long run. We want to open people’s minds up to not just live for today and being satisfied with today but to live a legacy and make a story for their lives and their children’s lives, and on and on. Cheeba: That’s why we operate and live the way we do. We’re not concerned with conforming to anything. Our intention is to be what quote-on-quote should be considered rude but really isn’t, you know? Out loud, outspoken. No appropriate women has ever changed history. Goldie: That’s what “On & On” is about. You say you wanna know but you don’t really wanna know. Kitty: You just wanna see what we’re wearing and judge what blog we’re on. But if you really wanna know, you’ll find out. Bullet: We’re not perfect. We’re just like everybody else. We’re not holier than thou. Kitty: We’ve still got problems. We still mess up everyday too. Cheeba: It’s not even about that. It’s about your heart, you know? And what you’re trying to do and who you’re trying to be. Not just saying that you’re trying, but really trying to make a difference. To live up to your full potential of who God’s created you to be. Goldie: And love. Cheeba: Amen. FAS: As far as the album: What’s up with the album? Are you trying to put out a mixtape first? Everyone’s doing the mixtape thing right now. Bullet: We’re dropping bombs! Cheeba: We’re recording. We’re a good amount into the album. It’s not done yet. With what we do have--we’re shopping for a deal. Cheeba: Everyone’s offered us music, like, Ceel-lo to anyone you can think of... Bullet: And we’re humbled by that. Our bond as friends grows when we work together. By using our energy and forces together, it enables us to grow as family and friends as well. That’s really another reason why we started the group: to have even more time together. Cheeba: It’s a blessing but we feel like [with] our sound I feel like it’s something that hasn’t been heard before. So, in Bullet’s words we want to stay true to what the sound is that we’re having and stay consistent so that we can have something different so that we can have something that doesn’t sound like what people have heard before. FAS For more on the H.E.L.L.O Girls and for exclusive outtakes from this photo shoot and behind the scenes video, visit http://www.fasmag.com
“everyone’s offered us music, like, Cee-lo.”
music
ja
henĂŠ iko Photos - Ren Lara Makeup/Hair - Nicole Lah Makeup Assistant - Kelli Zehnder Wardrobe - Nicole Lah Wardrobe Assistant - Nicole Ayala
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hené Aiko (juh-nay, ahh-ee-ko) got her start in the early 2000s on T.U.G./Epic’s record label. She made her debut with the single “No L.O.V.E.” in 2002. Since, she’s collaborated with other artists such as Miguel (singer of “All I Want Is You” featuring J. Cole), Kendrick Lamar (rapper/songwriter), among others. Now, she’s a free agent and cranking out radio-worthy tracks from her new, #FREE mixtape entitled Sailing Soul(s). The 23 year-old reveals to us what inspires her music, why she’s not looking for a record deal, and explains the difference between “selling” and “sailing” your soul.
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sail out
Interview by Nicole Lah
FAS: How are you? What have you been up to? Jhené Aiko: I’m great! Being a mother. Just singing... Writing... FAS: How did Sailing Soul(s) get started? How did the project come about? JA: I started working on Sailing Soul(s) when my daughter was about one [years-old].And I really had just gotten like, a grip on, like, motherhood. It really was in the works since I left T.U.G [Records] when I was 16. I finished school, and I was working with different producers, got pregnant, blah, blah, blah... When my daughter was one, I really got into it (more into my music). I did this song with Kendrick Lamar and that really jump kicked everything. I really fell in love with that whole sound [that Kendrick and I created]. Shortly after that, I started working on more and more songs. And actually, the title of Sailing Soul(s) came from my friend, [music producer] Chase of Chase ‘N Cashe. We were on Twitter and I said something about “Selling your soul...” and I spelled it wrong. He said, “No, it’s not ‘sailing’ it’s ‘selling.’ That sounds like an album name.’” Ever since he said that I was like, “Yeah, that’s what I’m gonna do.” FAS: So, what inspires you? Are you ever in your car and just feel compelled to write? What’s your process? JA: You know what inspires me the most? When I’m angry or depressed. FAS: Negativity. JA: (In agreement) Negativity! ‘Cause when I’m really happy, it’s really hard for me to write or be creative. Writing is like therapy. It’s like the escape. FAS: So, take me through Sailing Soul(s). Like for the track “Hoe,” how did that song come about? JA: Fisticuffs (music producers). They produced the majority of Sailing Soul(s) and they also are responsible for Miguel (singer of “All I Want Is U” featuring J. Cole; “Sure Thing”). Miguel was in the same studio and we became friends and we’d see each other... Of course, we had to do a song together. So, he had the concept of “Hoe” and he had the hook already. And I was like, “Why can’t this be the song that we do together? I would love to say what you’re saying but the girl version of it.” Then, Miguel said, “But how would you sing it though?” So, I sang my version and he liked it. Then, I wrote my verse. I’m not going to take credit for “Hoe” because he pretty much came up with the concept for it. But I thought it was a dope concept because girls don’t usually talk about that. (Pauses) Well, we talk about it but we don’t sing about it usually, you know? FAS: Take me, take your fans through the journey of Sailing Soul(s). Like, the intro to the mixtape is called “The Beginning.” JA: Well, I named it “The Beginning” because for me it was the beginning of the journey of sailing your soul. “The Beginning” intro is actually all of the songs playing at once--in reverse. And then, we go into “Stranger.” When I did the song “Stranger”, I was going through a lot of...questioning and like, doubt. I had just tried another relationship that I thought was gonna work out. You know I have a child and a baby’s father that I have to deal with, on top of trying to date. I’m a girl--I’m a hopeless romantic so I’m thinking, “This could be the one.” But the relationship fell through again. I’m thinking, “It’s the same thing. You’re the same stranger. You want the same thing. You did the same exact thing the last person did.” And so, I didn’t even write that song. I just went in and recorded it. It was almost like a freestyle--the song wrote itself.
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FAS: Wow. JA: “Sailing,” the title track for Sailing Soul(s)--I did the same thing with that one. I didn’t write anything down, I just freestyled. I went in the booth and said what I had to say. FAS: So, what do you mean by “sailing”? Don’t sell your soul? JA: Just don’t sell out in any type of way. When I say, “sailing”, it’s just freeing yourself from all labels and all judgement and just being free and honest with yourself. Loving yourself. A lot of people sell out for money and fame and it’s just not worth it. FAS: Tell me about the time when your single “No L.O.V.E” was out. What was that like for you? JA: I didn’t really have to work for it [the record deal]. I was a packaged deal with B2K. Honestly, I really wasn’t into being an artist at the time. I didn’t really have to showcase for Sony/Epic. I was fresh out of the 7th grade. FAS: And how old were you when you were signed? JA: Like, 13 or 14 years-old. FAS: Wow! JA: Yeah... FAS: What are you looking to get out of Sailing Soul(s)? Another record deal? JA: I’m not looking for any deals right now. But if the perfect deal comes along I won’t turn it down. But I’ve been working independently. If I were to get another deal I would have to have creative control. I would have to be involved in every aspect. Right now, I can say, “I want the cover to look like ‘this.’” With a label, you can’t do that. FAS: What do you want to tell your fans? A lot of your fans might not know you’re out there and know about your mixtape. JA: The mixtape Sailing Soul(s) is on www.jheneaiko.com--for free. I’m going to be releasing some new music by the end of May. I’m just going with the flow right now. Whatever happens, happens. I just want to let all the fans know that I’m just working. I’m working on visuals right now. I don’t want any of the visuals to look like a music video. We might do a video for each song off of the mixtape. FAS: Whoa! That would be crazy! Cool... What do you have in mind for the videos? JA: A lot of [music] video directors have hit me up saying, “Oh, I like this song. Can I do something for it?” I don’t want any of the videos to be your typical music video. I want it to feel like you’re on something. FAS: Like a musical high? Like you’re on “Jhené.” JA: Yeah. I want everything to be very creative and artistic. Nothing like you’d typically see in a music video. FAS You can keep up with Jhené Aiko by following her official Twitter page: @JheneAiko. For behind the scenes video from this interview, visit http://www.fasmag.com
Photographer: Graham Dunn Styling: Nicole Lah Makeup: Leisha McCord Hair: Nicole Lah / From the Fall/Winter 2010 editorial, ‘The Garden of C’
DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT
beijo
susan handley, handbag designer
interview by nicole lah
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hat is faith? What is drive? What is passion? What is a “beijo” (bay-joo) and who is Susan Handley? Susan Handley is the designer and founder of beijo handbags. In less than a decade the designer has managed to make beijo a booming success making her company worth millions. With a mustard seed of faith, Susan Handley is a testimony to the pay off of drive, relentless passion and how to manage success. FAS: So, what inspired you to start your handbag line? Did something click for you? Did you have an epiphany? Susan Handley: Oh my gosh! What inspired me? The fact that I was so uninspired with my life is probably the biggest factor. Truth is that I was in a job that was a “job” and I wasn’t passionate about what I was doing at all. I was really, really concerned about the influence that I was gonna be on my son. As a parent you always want to be everything you can be for your child. You want them to see you at your best. It’s not gonna be every moment that’s gonna be great but certainly that they’re gonna pick up from you that you have goals and things that you’re going to aspire to, and I was just lacking all of that. I felt flat emotionally and even spiritually. I just knew that it was time for a change. So, it was my son and my desire to truly live a life that was filled with passion and purpose. FAS: What was your first taste of success with the brand? SH: Well, that probably took a little bit longer for me [to realize] than it did for anybody else!(Laughs) It was... it was just hard to believe....that.... that this was actually taking on a life of its own. I didn’t make the conscious decision to turn it into the brand until probably about a year and a half into it. Where I actually hired the branding and marketing companies and really put forth the effort in creating it as (Above) Handbag designer Susan Handley in her California office. a brand, a lifestyle. I will say that it was when I was walking in an airport in another state (in Denver, CO) and someone stopped me and asked me, ‘Is that a beijo?’ FAS: Wow! SH: Yeah! That was huge. So, that was really my moment. It was fantastic! FAS: Did you ever have any weak moments where you just wanted to give up? SH: (Laughs) Yes! I have had moments where I have been challenged. I call them “challenges”. I think for me the biggest thing, as the success of this company has happened simultaneously with my own personal growth, there is no doubt about it. And sometimes, personal growth comes at a time when you’ve been challenged or you’ve had a number of things happen consecutively that make you kind of have to really step up and find out who and what you are and what you pull from. There’s been a lot of people lessons and learning that not everyone has your best interest at heart.
Unfortunately, learning that people can have alterior motives can be devastating and hurtful and an awful experience but at the same time when you have as much growth as I did, it’s easy to just look up and realize that your life is happening to you. It’s a very scary place and it takes a little while to back pedal and kind of get your footing again. I don’t think I’ve ever said, ‘Okay, I’m going to lock the doors behind me when I leave tonight,’ but I have certainly had to take a lot of steps back and reevaluate myself and the direction of this company and really had to learn a lot about what it was going to take inside me and also from a company perspective to get where I wanted to go. FAS: How did you come up with the name for the brand? You could have named it after yourself. What inspired the name beijo? SH: That’s actually such a great question! And yes, I could have named it after myself (laughs). When I first started this I just had this desire to create and design bags that were unique--that had a designer look but they were actually affordable to a wider range of people like myself who was a single Mom making very little money. My goal was to create that look and that feel and have it look like you spent $500 or $1,000 on your bag but still be able to make all you bills at the end of the month. So, that was really what my goal was. One night, I went to dinner with friends and I had already received a couple of samples. I had just came back from my first trip to China. There just happened to be a some people there who were into marketing. So, my friend is telling them the story and they’re turning the bags around and saying, ‘Oh, these are beautifu but where’s the name?’ I was just going to sell them without a name ‘cause I wasn’t anybody. They said, ‘Oh, no! What’s a word that carries meaning to you?’ I didn’t even skip a beat and said, ‘Beijo.’ I told them the story about how that was my son’s first word in Portuguese. He is half Brazilian. When he was a toddler, he would come into my room and tap on me and I’d pretend I was asleep and he would ask for his morning kiss and say, ‘Beijo, mama! Beijo!’ That was our routine. That was how we started every day together. So, they went on the computer and developed the logo right then and there. I got on the phone to call the makers in China and said, ‘Wait! Don’t finish making the bags. I’m emailing over the logo to you!’ They were like, ‘Well, we’ve made the bags.’ So, in the early days that was the only way they could do it in time is to impress the logo on the bags. Now, we do the metal plate and empress the name on it. FAS: Wow! That is an awesome story! SH: It’s pretty incredible! FAS: Have there been any celebrities that you’ve found out that wear beijo handbags and said to yourself, ‘Wow! I can’t believe so-and-so is wearing one!’ SH: You know it’s funny because I know that that’s a really big deal for most designers but don’t put that much emphasis on that. There’s women that I know that have been so painfully shy their entire lives and through the process of being approached by people complementing them on their bag they have kind of broken through their shyness. So, I get so much pleasure out of that! But yes, we have a lot of photos of a lot of different celebrities carrying their favorite. FAS: So, where do you see the brand five years from now? Would you ever branch to accessories? SH: There’s so much natural extension to this brand. The possibilities are absolutely endless! Shoes, clothing, jewelry, skincare. Do I see that coming into fruition in the next couple of years? Absolutely! FAS For more information on Susan Handley, beijo handbags and where to buy, visit http://www.beijobags.com
FROM HEAD-TO-TOE
plenty
by tracy reese
get these amazing looks in a flash
blouse: stamen jersey twisted cowel in sunflower skirt: black w/butter 50’s border shoes: printed wedges (bracelet not available) available at nordstrom’s, bloomingdale’s department stores nationwide. also available at anthroplogie boutiques and online at http://www.tracyreese.com
FAS SPRING/SUMMER 2011 - 46
dress: grey/ivory button strapless shoes: printed wedges available at nordstrom’s, bloomingdale’s department stores nationwide. also available at anthroplogie boutiques and online at http://www.tracyreese.com
FAS SPRING/SUMMER 2011 - 47
FALL ‘11 PREVIEW
BLONDE rendition
PHOTOS: NICOLE LAH MAKEUP/HAIR: SYDNEY MILAN STYLING: NICOLE LAH
ON THIS PAGE: BODYSUIT BY AMERICAN APPAREL / OPPOSITE PAGE: BODYSUIT BY AMERICAN APPAREL
FAS SPRING/SUMMER 2011 - 49
FALL ‘11 PREVIEW
goose Photographer: Jon Santana Blonde model: Yuliya with L.A. Models Brunette model: Mia Weir with L.A. Models Hair: Steve David with Artists by Next Makeup: Heather Pepe Style: Angela Aaron with The Rex Agency Shot at Smashbox Los Angeles
FAS SPRING/SUMMER 2011 - 51
letter from the editor ‘Break the fashion barriers’ is the consensus of the FAS Magazine spring/summer 2011 issue. With June 2011 marking the one year anniversary of this publication, it brings me immeasurable joy to bring you an exciting and unique collection of editorials and special features. With the help of an amazing team of makeup artists, models, wardrobe stylists, hair stylists and of course, photographers, we aim to set a standard in magazine publishing and specifically in the genre of fashion that hasn’t been seen before. In the pages to come, I hope that you find the escape and experience a renewed taste of appreciation for the on-going celebration that is fashion. Nicole Lah, Editor-in-Chief Photo by Nicole Lah Makeup/Hair by Jeff Jones
where to shop get the info on the fashions you fell in love with, right here.
INCERTO multi-colored swimsuit: stylist’s own. purchased at Out of the Closet. scarf by H&M. red dress and satin bra by H&M. pink blouse, blue denim shorts & saddle belt by H&M. H&M clothing can be purchased at H&M stores nationwide. silver heels by BAKERS available at BAKERS shoe stores and online nationwide. YEAH, YEAH, YEAH. fur jacket by BCX available at Macy’s. dress: vintage. swimsuit: Hurley, available at Macy’s and PACSUN.
COUNTRY GIRL all clothing: vintage. available at Out of the Closet and Jet Rag.
BOW PEEP dress by. tights by. shoes by. hair bow by. white blazer by dolce & gabbana. scarf by. blouse by
THE H.E.L.L.O GIRLS clothing supplied by aLine media, Charles ‘L U C I M A’ Yeh studios and Sean Panella. Wardrobe including shoes by Velvet Angels, Hendrick Brun, H&M and Forever 21. Velvet Angels shoes are available at fine boutiques, department stores and online at http://www.velvetangels.com - Hendrick Brun shoes are available at fine boutiques, department stores and online at http://hendrickbrun.com - H&M clothing is available at H&M stores nationwide. Forever 21 clothing are available and Forever 21 and XXI stores nationwide.
SAIL OUT bikini top by available at. blouse and denim shorts: Jhené’s own. Boots (not pictured by Velvet Angels.)
BLONDE RENDITION bodysuit by American Apparel available at American Apparel stores nationwide and online at http://www.americanapparel.net
VENDORS to report an error with any of the information outlined in the above descriptions, please send an email to info@fasmag.com with the correct information.
SPECIAL THANKS aLine Media, Chanel Rene Studios, LaForce + Stevens, and Smashbox Studios
NICOLE LAH PHOTOGRAPHY nicolelah.com